Kept is the first book in the series Pet. I am completely new to Cate Corvin, but already know that I am going to be reading all of her other books now. Gosh, this woman can write!
Jane gets a second chance on her college career and obviously jumps at the opportunity to attend the prestige Bourdillon University on a scholarship. On her first day she runs into Rhett, who used to be her tutor and is now a professor at the school. Additionally, Gabriel, another professor and scholarship committee chairman, and Vincent, the Dean of Students catch her attention. Gabriel, Vincent and Rhett are all confident and know what they want: Jane. They want her to be their pet, to follow their commands and bend to their will. The three professors, or demons as Jane calls them, will stop at nothing to get what they want and don’t shy away from blackmailing themselves into Jane’s lives.
”There was a monster in there, but I ... still wanted him.”
Jane is so so shy and I wish she would walk with her head held higher and a little bit of backbone. I am not a fan that she only refers to herself as a mouse, when she is obviously beautiful, smart and caring. The guys are still a little bit of a mystery, especially Gabriel with whom Jane spends the least amount of time. I have mixed feelings about Rhett, who seems to really care about Jane, but also started the whole blackmail situation. Vincent is caring and I enjoyed their time together.
I know a lot of people aren’t into student- teacher romance, but I for one love those stories. The forbidden romance, plus the reverse harem relationship really works in this book.
”It was dangerous, gut-wrenching, exciting.”
I don’t love that the relationship between Jane and the guys is based on blackmail. Jane sleeps with Rhett out of free will, and is obviously attracted to both Vincent and Gabriel too. There really is just no need for them to blackmail her to be their pet. All of the sexual interactions are consensual, but the fact that it starts with blackmail makes it seem forced.
”I wanted to be their Pet because I wanted it. Even without the pictures that condemned me, I wanted them all. They stoked the fire that burned inside of me, the desire to be more than what I was.”
I am just getting more into the dark romance genre, and was fascinated by the twisted story. I wish this book was longer and the cliffhanger on the end had me screaming. I need the next book right now!