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The Zodiac Queen #1
Aries
Twelve men. A virgin queen. One arranged marriage.
The first time I met the boys of the Zodiac Brotherhood, I was forced to my knees for the introduction. Still grieving the death of my parents, I was a child queen, a pawn in my uncle’s agenda for wealth and gain. As my guardian, he had the authority to arrange a marriage upon my eighteenth birthday.
That meeting took place six years ago.
Now those boys are powerful men.
Twelve virile men that want to own me.
And I must spend a month with each one.
Bending and yielding to their desires and commands.
Shedding pieces of my innocence so long as my virtue remains intact.
Because they want a virgin queen after the last month concludes, and my uncle plans to auction me off to the highest bidder.
Out of the twelve men, only one has my heart.
And only one can claim my hand in marriage.
If only it were up to me to decide.
The first time I met the boys of the Zodiac Brotherhood, I was forced to my knees for the introduction. Still grieving the death of my parents, I was a child queen, a pawn in my uncle’s agenda for wealth and gain. As my guardian, he had the authority to arrange a marriage upon my eighteenth birthday.
That meeting took place six years ago.
Now those boys are powerful men.
Twelve virile men that want to own me.
And I must spend a month with each one.
Bending and yielding to their desires and commands.
Shedding pieces of my innocence so long as my virtue remains intact.
Because they want a virgin queen after the last month concludes, and my uncle plans to auction me off to the highest bidder.
Out of the twelve men, only one has my heart.
And only one can claim my hand in marriage.
If only it were up to me to decide.
ebook
First published October 1, 2019
1464 people are currently reading
10258 people want to read
About the author
Gemma James
60 books2,574 followersGemma James is a USA Today bestselling author of sexy contemporary and dark romance. She loves to explore the darker side of human nature in her fiction, and she’s morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy, from deviant seduction to fascinating villains. Readers have described her stories as being “not for the faint of heart.”
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
November 3, 2019
UGH. I really don't know why people are actually loving and craving for this book. None of the elements--characters, plot twists, plot designs, writing style, BDSM sex scenes, alpha male orientations--satiate my taste in books/contemporary romance. What's worse, I feel extremely nauseous throughout the whole reading skimming process.
NOPE. This book and the future installments is a big no-no for me.
Such an absolute disappointment.
Do not recommend.
NOPE. This book and the future installments is a big no-no for me.
Such an absolute disappointment.
Do not recommend.
April 24, 2020
When Gemma asked if i’d like an arc of this series,i couldn’t reply quick enough,saying YES PLEASE!
Because,come on....it’s Gemma James we’re talking about.
And i LOVE everything that comes out of her pen,keypad,or whatever she uses to create her dark magic!
This series promises to be another one of those dark beauties,and i already love it!
Young queen Novalee Van Buren (Love her surname! Small fact:our own royal family uses it as an alias) is orphaned at the tender age of 12,and her evil uncle decides to auction her off when she turns 18. (I already hate the uncle with a vengeance,and i have my suspicions about her parents’ death...)
There are 12 “houses” in the Zodiac Brotherhood,and she is to spend a month with the man of each house before the auction. They have met,briefly,when her uncle signed the contract after her parents’ death,but now they will get to know eachother intimately....without taking her virginity,that is.
Liam Castle,Chancellor of the 12,is first as the man from the house of Aries.
He commands her to her knees at their first meeting,but is (as far as i know at this point) the more gentle of the 12.
He gives her a little insight into what to expect,and how to best behave if she wants to stay unharmed. And of all the 12,Novalee likes him most. Because of his apparent kindness.
And maybe because she thinks she knows him.
But Sebastian,of the house of Leo,does something to her....he intrigues her,and at the same time frightens her,because he awakens something in her....
I loved this introduction to Novalee’s story,to what’s to become of her in the year to come....ánd after.
I can’t wait to hear how her next month with Heath Bordeaux from the house of Taurus,will be....
It sounds....ominous. And deliciously dark...YUM!
Because,come on....it’s Gemma James we’re talking about.
And i LOVE everything that comes out of her pen,keypad,or whatever she uses to create her dark magic!
This series promises to be another one of those dark beauties,and i already love it!
Young queen Novalee Van Buren (Love her surname! Small fact:our own royal family uses it as an alias) is orphaned at the tender age of 12,and her evil uncle decides to auction her off when she turns 18. (I already hate the uncle with a vengeance,and i have my suspicions about her parents’ death...)
There are 12 “houses” in the Zodiac Brotherhood,and she is to spend a month with the man of each house before the auction. They have met,briefly,when her uncle signed the contract after her parents’ death,but now they will get to know eachother intimately....without taking her virginity,that is.
Liam Castle,Chancellor of the 12,is first as the man from the house of Aries.
He commands her to her knees at their first meeting,but is (as far as i know at this point) the more gentle of the 12.
He gives her a little insight into what to expect,and how to best behave if she wants to stay unharmed. And of all the 12,Novalee likes him most. Because of his apparent kindness.
And maybe because she thinks she knows him.
But Sebastian,of the house of Leo,does something to her....he intrigues her,and at the same time frightens her,because he awakens something in her....
I loved this introduction to Novalee’s story,to what’s to become of her in the year to come....ánd after.
I can’t wait to hear how her next month with Heath Bordeaux from the house of Taurus,will be....
It sounds....ominous. And deliciously dark...YUM!
November 17, 2019
Can not recommend - Purchased because I was interested in how Astrology was applied to male characters. However I had to stop reading because I disliked it so much. Firstly, Heroine is disempowered and degraded, and the first sex scene I consider rape, even if she eventually consents, and eventually falls for this Male Character. Can't believe in the next book the Hero character will treat her worse. Not enough warning how dark this book is. DNF TOASTED
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November 21, 2019Yeah, no. This one is definitely 100% not for me.
But please, the person who enjoys reading about rape and virgins, let me know why!?!?! What, pray tell, is enjoyable in reading about a girl who is stripped of all of her power, forced on her knees, blowjob-raped, punished for touching herself, and then humiliated at every turn?
I've read my fair share of hot, well-written BDSM books, even dark ones, but this one wasn't even dark.. It was so rushed (and short) that clearly its only purpose was to "shock" the reader by making unwitty and boring men sexually assault a helpless virgin doll. Oh but she sort of liked it, so it must mean everything is fine and dandy! Uh no. None of that makes the book 'hot', it just makes everything icky and gross, and mostly lame.
I also wanted to yell: GROW UP! To the book and its characters.
So.. GROW UP! And stop writing about virgin characters like they're something super special.
But please, the person who enjoys reading about rape and virgins, let me know why!?!?! What, pray tell, is enjoyable in reading about a girl who is stripped of all of her power, forced on her knees, blowjob-raped, punished for touching herself, and then humiliated at every turn?
I've read my fair share of hot, well-written BDSM books, even dark ones, but this one wasn't even dark.. It was so rushed (and short) that clearly its only purpose was to "shock" the reader by making unwitty and boring men sexually assault a helpless virgin doll. Oh but she sort of liked it, so it must mean everything is fine and dandy! Uh no. None of that makes the book 'hot', it just makes everything icky and gross, and mostly lame.
I also wanted to yell: GROW UP! To the book and its characters.
So.. GROW UP! And stop writing about virgin characters like they're something super special.
November 9, 2020
3,5 stelle
L’ho scelto perché mi ha ricordato i libri della Barbagallo 😍 con i segni dello zodiaco. È un po’ breve come libro ma il finale sospeso incuriosisce, quindi spero presto nel seguito anche perché la trama ancora non l’ho inquadrata bene.
L’ho scelto perché mi ha ricordato i libri della Barbagallo 😍 con i segni dello zodiaco. È un po’ breve come libro ma il finale sospeso incuriosisce, quindi spero presto nel seguito anche perché la trama ancora non l’ho inquadrata bene.
September 1, 2020
this book had the potential to be everything that i wanted it to be but then the first "sex scene" was rape so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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October 2, 2019
The book was well-written, but so insanely short (20k words) that only a weak connection could be established between the hero and heroine. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the worldbuilding was also extraordinarily poor.
However, I liked the premise - a queen is promised to twelve men on her eighteenth birthday, they each get her for a month, at the end there's an auction and she's married to one. They can't have sex with her during their month. It's called a reverse harem, and I really really hope it lives up to that title as a REAL reverse harem, and not one where she only ends up with 2 or less of the 12 men she's spending the year with.
The sequel doesn't come out until December, which seems a long gap for what's essentially a serialised book, but I'm keen to read about the other heroes!
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
However, I liked the premise - a queen is promised to twelve men on her eighteenth birthday, they each get her for a month, at the end there's an auction and she's married to one. They can't have sex with her during their month. It's called a reverse harem, and I really really hope it lives up to that title as a REAL reverse harem, and not one where she only ends up with 2 or less of the 12 men she's spending the year with.
The sequel doesn't come out until December, which seems a long gap for what's essentially a serialised book, but I'm keen to read about the other heroes!
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
September 30, 2019
Aries is fascinatingly new dark story that’s shrouded in mystery, betrayal and uncertainty. Novalee is a reluctant queen who is being forced to bow before twelve angry kings. This first story is a rigid look into what’s sure to be one heck of a twisted fairytale.
In Aries, we get an in-depth look at Liam and the budding relationship that him and Novalee are slowly building. It’s both interesting and frustrating, the chemistry between the two is explosive but time does them no favors. She only has one month with him before she’s forced to start the rounds with his brothers. He can be cruel and distant, but he also seems to be the more compassionate one of the bunch. I am curious to see if the intrigue surrounding Liam lasts through the others stories, of if she’ll fall a bit for each one of them along the way.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s definitely a fresh premise and I look forward to getting to know each one of the zodiac kings in the very near future.
In Aries, we get an in-depth look at Liam and the budding relationship that him and Novalee are slowly building. It’s both interesting and frustrating, the chemistry between the two is explosive but time does them no favors. She only has one month with him before she’s forced to start the rounds with his brothers. He can be cruel and distant, but he also seems to be the more compassionate one of the bunch. I am curious to see if the intrigue surrounding Liam lasts through the others stories, of if she’ll fall a bit for each one of them along the way.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s definitely a fresh premise and I look forward to getting to know each one of the zodiac kings in the very near future.
December 27, 2021
This isn't a book for everyone. It's full of taboo topics, dubious consent and alpha males... However, I am an avid reader when it comes to these.
Novalee is set to marry one of the twelve leaders of the Brotherhood but before that, she must spend a month with each of them; during so, they can have her in whatever way they please, as long as her 'purity' remains intact.
This book 'Aries', follows Novalee's first month with the head of Aries, Liam Castle. Although firm, Liam shows he has a softer side for Novalee and claims that he is only occasionally cruel in order to prepare her for the hands of his harsher brothers.
This is a very short book (only around 90 pages) so you don't get a lot of world-building, but I'm hoping that will be developed within the rest of the series.
This book isn't particularly 'spicy' and only has a few scenes. Most of which are more as a form of control/dominance rather than for passion.
Definitely check the trigger warnings for this book!
Novalee is set to marry one of the twelve leaders of the Brotherhood but before that, she must spend a month with each of them; during so, they can have her in whatever way they please, as long as her 'purity' remains intact.
This book 'Aries', follows Novalee's first month with the head of Aries, Liam Castle. Although firm, Liam shows he has a softer side for Novalee and claims that he is only occasionally cruel in order to prepare her for the hands of his harsher brothers.
This is a very short book (only around 90 pages) so you don't get a lot of world-building, but I'm hoping that will be developed within the rest of the series.
This book isn't particularly 'spicy' and only has a few scenes. Most of which are more as a form of control/dominance rather than for passion.
Definitely check the trigger warnings for this book!
December 7, 2020
Afferra il mio mento con le dita calde e delicate e mi solleva il viso, perché lo guardi negli occhi.
-Quando compirete diciott’anni, vostra maestà, apparterrete a noi.
Ipnotico. Nessun aggettivo può definire meglio questo libro, queste poche pagine e questa prima puntata (passatemi il termine) della serie La Regina dello Zodiaco.
Valgono sempre le solite raccomandazioni di non affrontare questo tipo di lettura se non piacciono gli erotic romance, se non si è di mente aperta e bendisposti a conoscere e rimanere affascinati da usi e scene assolutamente fuori dall’ordinario. Non sono libri per qualunque tipo di lettore.
Non ci sono i cuori e i fiori che affascinano tanti di noi (me compresa), c’è oscurità, violenza, sottomissione e possesso, spinti sempre fino al limite dell’accettabile ma che tuttavia a mio parere non lo superano mai.
Così innocente, eppure così rapida ad imparare. Voi siete una vera sorpresa, Novalee, un’orchidea brillante in pieno inverno.
Novalee è la Regina dello Zodiaco, ha solo diciotto anni e due sole amiche (le sue dame di compagnia), un regno di cui non si sa nulla e un gruppo di dodici uomini che vogliono possedere lei, il regno, il potere, qualunque cosa. Ognuno di loro ha doti e caratteristiche differenti, nessuno poco personalità. I Dodici la possederanno a turno per un mese ciascuno e la “cambieranno”, rendendola consapevole di sé, del proprio potere, del proprio piacere e delle proprie scelte. Ricordiamo infatti che il vero potere viene esercitato sempre dalla sottomessa e solo in apparenza dal Dominatore, che sia uno o dodici non cambia le cose.
Non posso spoilerarvi nulla, ma se vi ho incuriosito anche solo un po’, lasciatevi ipnotizzare dalla scrittura di Gemma James, perché lo farà. Oh se lo farà!
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Navillus.
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January 24, 2022
This book had the potential to be really great. I think this suffers from being extremely too short. Our heroine is apart of a very important family and the 12 brothers of the 12 houses 🏠 are entitled to her. One house for every month of the year and the zodiac signs that favor the likes of them. This starts with Aries and works it way down. Our heroine must be virtuous, beautiful and she must win the favor of one of these men or she will lose everything.
July 22, 2020
This was a short quick read that I liked by an author that I have read before. In this book we meet Novalee the Zodiac Queen and she’s being forced to marry, but she must only pick from the twelve suitors that are slated for her hand in marriage. She must spend 30 days one month with each one before they actually auction her off to one of them. Liam Castle, the Chancellor on Zodiac Island and Sebastian, both of whom Novalee remembers from her childhood. Liam, Aries, gets her the first month. This book had some hot sexy scenes in it. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Want to read
October 3, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/3/2019)! 🎁
February 19, 2023
I have no words to describe how messed up this book is but I'm kinda intrigued? I am honestly curious about who she will end up with but there are so many lacks in the plot that make me very irritated.
November 8, 2020
Okay, so it is very important that you know this is an Adult Erotica book. I read some other reviews and some people didn’t seem to know what they were getting into. Even though I think after reading the description you can start to get an idea, let me just repeat what this story is. Novalee was just 12 years old when her parents died and her uncle made this deal. At 18 she goes to the island as the brotherhoods virgin queen and must stay with each of the 12 brothers for one month. After 12 months her uncle will AUCTION her off to the brothers. While she must remain a virgin until after the auction, that doesn’t mean the brothers won’t have their way with her until then. Within the first 3 chapters, there is a scene that has dubious consent. While Novalee eventually consents and enjoys the scene, many reviewers would consider this rape (oral). This was the first book and while the book has a lot of dark themes, I don’t think it was too dark.
Now the characters. . . I was a bit shocked at how quickly Novalee was at saying she was falling for one of the characters. . . I’m pretty sure it was still the first day of her being on the island. I feel like this is a bit of Stockholm syndrome and that it will continue as the months go on. The first brother that gets Novalee is Liam Castle and he reminds me a bit like Christian Grey. The way James wrote his lines has a lot of similarities to how Christians were written.
One of my big issues was the length of the “book.” It was only 84 pages long and feels as if it was just a section of a book. Because of how short this book was the character-building and world-building were a bit overlooked or rushed. On Amazon, there is a Season 1 version of the Zodiac Queen series that includes Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. I feel like it wouldn’t be worth it to buy each individual book because of how short each of them is but would possibly be worth it to buy the 3 together in 1.
Now onto the worldbuilding. There was practically none and what there was just made me confused. At first, I thought this was taking place hundreds of years ago because Novalee is the queen of a kingdom but then her parents were killed in a plane accident. After I realized her parents were killed in a plane crash I thought maybe it was a different world but with the same technology but then Amelia Earhart’s name was mentioned and I was just confused. As I stated previously the little worldbuilding could just be due to how short the first book is and perhaps we will get more worldbuilding.
I really like the concept of this book and I’ll at least continue until the next book. I just wish they were a bit longer since I would prefer not to buy each one separately. The next book, Virgo, comes out in December which will make 6 books so perhaps there will be a “Season 2” and books 4-6 will be combined. I debated between rating this book a 2 or 3 but because I’m not a big fan of the main character or the world yet I’m intrigued by the story concept I decided on a 2.5. This book just really reminds me of a story I could read on Wattpad.
Now the characters. . . I was a bit shocked at how quickly Novalee was at saying she was falling for one of the characters. . . I’m pretty sure it was still the first day of her being on the island. I feel like this is a bit of Stockholm syndrome and that it will continue as the months go on. The first brother that gets Novalee is Liam Castle and he reminds me a bit like Christian Grey. The way James wrote his lines has a lot of similarities to how Christians were written.
One of my big issues was the length of the “book.” It was only 84 pages long and feels as if it was just a section of a book. Because of how short this book was the character-building and world-building were a bit overlooked or rushed. On Amazon, there is a Season 1 version of the Zodiac Queen series that includes Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. I feel like it wouldn’t be worth it to buy each individual book because of how short each of them is but would possibly be worth it to buy the 3 together in 1.
Now onto the worldbuilding. There was practically none and what there was just made me confused. At first, I thought this was taking place hundreds of years ago because Novalee is the queen of a kingdom but then her parents were killed in a plane accident. After I realized her parents were killed in a plane crash I thought maybe it was a different world but with the same technology but then Amelia Earhart’s name was mentioned and I was just confused. As I stated previously the little worldbuilding could just be due to how short the first book is and perhaps we will get more worldbuilding.
I really like the concept of this book and I’ll at least continue until the next book. I just wish they were a bit longer since I would prefer not to buy each one separately. The next book, Virgo, comes out in December which will make 6 books so perhaps there will be a “Season 2” and books 4-6 will be combined. I debated between rating this book a 2 or 3 but because I’m not a big fan of the main character or the world yet I’m intrigued by the story concept I decided on a 2.5. This book just really reminds me of a story I could read on Wattpad.
December 13, 2021
God, why are all these books I've been reading lately disappointing?? At least I got them free and I'm just cleaning out my Kindle.
Idk, I just felt something was missing with this one. Also, Liam's personality doesn't really fit "Aries". And why does she only seem to like the fire sign men (minus the Sag guy who was barely in this)? It seems to me the author may be biased in terms of the fire signs.
Also, I should really be studying for my math final and not reading this. But I so badly don't want to study for it anymore. Also, there is no free room in this library it seems.
Idk, I just felt something was missing with this one. Also, Liam's personality doesn't really fit "Aries". And why does she only seem to like the fire sign men (minus the Sag guy who was barely in this)? It seems to me the author may be biased in terms of the fire signs.
Also, I should really be studying for my math final and not reading this. But I so badly don't want to study for it anymore. Also, there is no free room in this library it seems.
November 15, 2019
More smut.
I’m not a fan of how the story is going. The men are cruel, and they debase her quite a bit. They say it’s putting her in her place but I’m not a fan. Unfortunately I’m intrigued by how this is to end especially with how they treat her.
There are sooooooo many moments in this book where I’m just eye rolling. So. Many. So it’s definitely not a serious book and it’s I guess supposed to be more modern because there’s airplanes and such?
I’m not a fan of how the story is going. The men are cruel, and they debase her quite a bit. They say it’s putting her in her place but I’m not a fan. Unfortunately I’m intrigued by how this is to end especially with how they treat her.
There are sooooooo many moments in this book where I’m just eye rolling. So. Many. So it’s definitely not a serious book and it’s I guess supposed to be more modern because there’s airplanes and such?
April 13, 2021
Nope, nope, nope. I have no issue with most "intimate" things in books as long as it is between consenting adults. I dnf'ed as soon as we got to basically the first 18+ scene because what happened was clearly nonconsensual. Nope, not going any further. And before anyone criticizes me for rating a book I did not finish, I have zero problems with rating a book low for trying to make sexual assault seem acceptable and "sexy". Hell no.
October 1, 2020
Non-consensual.
This book has the ability to be great. If only the theme and interactions of this book didn't have non-consent stamped all over it. I'm all for having a dominant male being controlling but only if both parties consent. The girl is forced to do sexual favors. And no, enjoying it just a little bit doesn't count as consent.
This book has the ability to be great. If only the theme and interactions of this book didn't have non-consent stamped all over it. I'm all for having a dominant male being controlling but only if both parties consent. The girl is forced to do sexual favors. And no, enjoying it just a little bit doesn't count as consent.
April 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️
Okay this book did not go anywhere that I thought it would go. It gave 10 times more smut and spicy stuff than I thought. Do not recommend for the young minded. It was a good book for being so short although part of me wishes it was longer, but then again the series is 12 books long 😭. Planning to read the next book.
Okay this book did not go anywhere that I thought it would go. It gave 10 times more smut and spicy stuff than I thought. Do not recommend for the young minded. It was a good book for being so short although part of me wishes it was longer, but then again the series is 12 books long 😭. Planning to read the next book.
June 10, 2020
Interesting idea, not what I was looking for.
To many confusing points in the set up of the story ...
To many confusing points in the set up of the story ...
August 11, 2021
"𝓛𝓲𝓪𝓶 𝓒𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓷 𝓮̀ 𝓾𝓷𝓸 𝓪 𝓬𝓾𝓲 𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓲 𝓫𝓾𝓰𝓲𝓮.
𝓝𝓸𝓷 𝓮̀ 𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓵𝓬𝓾𝓷𝓸 𝓪 𝓬𝓾𝓲 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓫𝓫𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓬𝓲.
𝓔 𝓭𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓷 𝓮̀ 𝓾𝓷𝓸 𝓭𝓲 𝓬𝓾𝓲 𝓽𝓲 𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓲."
Ho approfittato della pausa estiva per potermi, finalmente, buttare a capofitto in questa serie. Sono settimane, se non addirittura mesi che ne sento parlare e che mi viene consigliata e l'unica domanda che riesco a pormi adesso è:" Perché ho aspettato così tanto?!"
Questo primo volume ci addentra in quella che sarà una storia spalmata su dodici romanzi, così come dodici saranno gli uomini e i loro segni zodiacali di appartenenza. Ognuno di loro avrà un mese intero a disposizione da condividere insieme alla Regina Novalee così da poter arrivare, una volta scaduti i mesi, a un matrimonio combinato per poter proseguire con questa tradizione che si tramanda da generazioni.
Questo romanzo, come si vede dal titolo, ci porta da Liam Castle, appartenente alla casata dell'Ariete e Cancelliere del castello dell'isola dello Zodiaco. Ho amato questo personaggio. Fin dall'inizio e dalla sua apparizione ne sono stata ammaliata.
Così come dalla giovane Novalee che, nonostante regole ferree, saprà tenergli testa e conquistare il cuore del nostro Cancelliere. Ma la strada è ancora lunga, il tempo sembra passare in fretta e l'uomo della prossima casata la sta già aspettando... 👑
January 25, 2022
i hate this book so much it’s making me giggle, i wasn’t planning on reading the rest of the series but halfway through this book i knew i made a good choice lmao. im torn between liam and sebastian and idk how im gonna live if she doesn’t end up with one of them
May 23, 2024
YUMMM YUMM LOVED THIS BOOK PART FROM SOME QUESTIONABLE THINGS THAT WERE SAID
October 24, 2022
I just discovered this isn't a finished series. And I never start anything unfinished because my patience is shit and I hate waiting, especially if it's something I love.
And do I love this series already. I'll be continuing on and then torture myself waiting for the final books.
This is such a unique concept and the writing is amazing. I really loved Liam and I can't wait to meet the other Zodiac brothers.
And do I love this series already. I'll be continuing on and then torture myself waiting for the final books.
This is such a unique concept and the writing is amazing. I really loved Liam and I can't wait to meet the other Zodiac brothers.
September 30, 2019
Holy crap, what a beginning to a new series. This blew my mind, but I shouldn't be surprised... It is one of Gemma's books and she sure as shit knows how to bring the WOW factor... and this book did exactly that.
Well, I went into this book open-minded, I have learnt that it's the best way when it comes to Gemma's books. I am glad I did. I wasn't sure what to expect, I mean I know this authors style well but still, she shocked me with this... In a good way of course.
Aries is book one of The Zodiac Queen series and it went off with a bang. Novalee is only a young girl when he parents pass, leaving her uncle as her heir, and making her the Queen, and her uncle who enters a contract when she was younger that she now has to follow through with once she hits 18.. She meets 12 men that she will have the chance to get to know when she is 18, and once she turns 18 she will have to spend a month with each man, and at the end of it, she is to be wed to one of them... Liam Castle is the first man that Novalee spends time with. He is the chancellor of the brotherhood and a compelling character, certainly an amazing man to start off this promising series with. Liam is domineering, appears as though he has a icey cold heart but below is a whole other side of him that just the meer touch of Novalee bringa out in him, and he brings out a side of Novalee,
Ignites something within her, makes her feel more alive, in a sense. And of course I was obsessed with him… and he’s only the first man!
Oh Ms James, what have you got planned?? The heat, the chemistry between these two, .... Damn! I feel this series may ruin me in all the best ways possible, and it’s only just begun.. one thing I can say though is that I know it’s going to be epic if this is just the beginning we are in for one hell of a ride.. full of suspense, darkness, twists and turns that I won’t see coming, and I’m kind of worried about my poor heart!
This book was an amazing start to what promises to be an amazing series. It was shortish, and I would have loved more of the story between these two, but that’s literally my only complaint.
Bring on the next 11 books!
5 stars!
Well, I went into this book open-minded, I have learnt that it's the best way when it comes to Gemma's books. I am glad I did. I wasn't sure what to expect, I mean I know this authors style well but still, she shocked me with this... In a good way of course.
Aries is book one of The Zodiac Queen series and it went off with a bang. Novalee is only a young girl when he parents pass, leaving her uncle as her heir, and making her the Queen, and her uncle who enters a contract when she was younger that she now has to follow through with once she hits 18.. She meets 12 men that she will have the chance to get to know when she is 18, and once she turns 18 she will have to spend a month with each man, and at the end of it, she is to be wed to one of them... Liam Castle is the first man that Novalee spends time with. He is the chancellor of the brotherhood and a compelling character, certainly an amazing man to start off this promising series with. Liam is domineering, appears as though he has a icey cold heart but below is a whole other side of him that just the meer touch of Novalee bringa out in him, and he brings out a side of Novalee,
Ignites something within her, makes her feel more alive, in a sense. And of course I was obsessed with him… and he’s only the first man!
Oh Ms James, what have you got planned?? The heat, the chemistry between these two, .... Damn! I feel this series may ruin me in all the best ways possible, and it’s only just begun.. one thing I can say though is that I know it’s going to be epic if this is just the beginning we are in for one hell of a ride.. full of suspense, darkness, twists and turns that I won’t see coming, and I’m kind of worried about my poor heart!
This book was an amazing start to what promises to be an amazing series. It was shortish, and I would have loved more of the story between these two, but that’s literally my only complaint.
Bring on the next 11 books!
5 stars!
October 3, 2019
"I’m on fire, turning to ash for this man."
The Zodiac Queen series is off to a fantastic start with Aries. This is my first expirence with author Gemma James and I'm SOLD! Once I started this Novella I simply could not stop reading it. I read it staright through in a matter of hours. Everything about this story is alluring and engaging. I am on pins and needles to meet the rest of the 12 men. Although Liam is setting the bar high as my favorite right off the bat. Sebastian has me rather intrigued as well I look forawrd to his story. I have a feeling the wait for these installments are going to be pure torture. I like the uniqueness this series has to offer. It's nothing like your usual dark romance read. I've never read reverse Harem and cant help but feel I've been missing out. I loved the chemistry between Liam and Novalee. Their relationship may be unorthodox in its nature but they still knew how to rock the pages of your kindle.
“So innocent, but so responsive. You’re an anomaly, a vibrant orchid in the dead of winter.”
Novalee is nothing like I first thought her character would be. She constantly surprised me this book. She definitely came out of her shell alot throughout this installment but I can tell still has a long ways to go. I liked Novalee's unique vibe. She's not your usual heroine and I love that. Something about her innocence and fiesty ways calls to you. I am definitely intrigued to see what happens next for her.
"I’ve never been kissed until now. Have never known what it means to burn for a man until Liam lit the match."
Liam stole my heart right from the start. He was the perfect contradiction. His character kept me on my toes constantly. I never knew if we was getting cold detatched Liam, or gentle sweet Liam. But honestly I loved them both. He commanded your attention, while making your heart swoon in the feels. And that dirty mouth of his is utterly delicious. I really hope this isn't the last we see of his character I wasn't quit ready to let him go.
*5 STARS*
Well earned for a fabulous start to what I feel is going to be a epic series. Is it Decemeber yet, because I desperately want MORE!
The Zodiac Queen series is off to a fantastic start with Aries. This is my first expirence with author Gemma James and I'm SOLD! Once I started this Novella I simply could not stop reading it. I read it staright through in a matter of hours. Everything about this story is alluring and engaging. I am on pins and needles to meet the rest of the 12 men. Although Liam is setting the bar high as my favorite right off the bat. Sebastian has me rather intrigued as well I look forawrd to his story. I have a feeling the wait for these installments are going to be pure torture. I like the uniqueness this series has to offer. It's nothing like your usual dark romance read. I've never read reverse Harem and cant help but feel I've been missing out. I loved the chemistry between Liam and Novalee. Their relationship may be unorthodox in its nature but they still knew how to rock the pages of your kindle.
“So innocent, but so responsive. You’re an anomaly, a vibrant orchid in the dead of winter.”
Novalee is nothing like I first thought her character would be. She constantly surprised me this book. She definitely came out of her shell alot throughout this installment but I can tell still has a long ways to go. I liked Novalee's unique vibe. She's not your usual heroine and I love that. Something about her innocence and fiesty ways calls to you. I am definitely intrigued to see what happens next for her.
"I’ve never been kissed until now. Have never known what it means to burn for a man until Liam lit the match."
Liam stole my heart right from the start. He was the perfect contradiction. His character kept me on my toes constantly. I never knew if we was getting cold detatched Liam, or gentle sweet Liam. But honestly I loved them both. He commanded your attention, while making your heart swoon in the feels. And that dirty mouth of his is utterly delicious. I really hope this isn't the last we see of his character I wasn't quit ready to let him go.
*5 STARS*
Well earned for a fabulous start to what I feel is going to be a epic series. Is it Decemeber yet, because I desperately want MORE!
December 30, 2021
What in god's name did I just subject myself to... I thought the premise of this sounded SO COOL and it literally had the world's potential to be great. It completely, totally, and utterly missed the mark, I don't even know where to begin. The plot? Still searching for it. The characters? I'd rather watch rocks interact with each other cause at least those would have more personality. THE CONSENT?!?!?! Literally cannot find a lick of it in this book because IT'S EXPRESSLY NOT GIVEN. (But somehow Novalee [stupid name] still finds it in herself to question if she feels empowered after being forced to oblige to sexual favors of someone else she EXPLICITLY did not give consent to [?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?! I MEAN?!?!?!??!]). This is just terrible and I truly had high hopes for it. Do yourself a favor and skip out on this one.
January 5, 2021
Rape and Stockholm syndrome aren’t hot...
November 8, 2020
Dodici uomini.
Una regina vergine.
Un matrimonio combinato.
Tre elementi che hanno immediatamente infiammato la mia curiosità, e poi dodici segni zodiacali, di cui ogni uomo fa riferimento, a completare un quadro così particolare da indurmi a leggere questa nuova autrice americana Gemma James, approdata in Italia grazie alla Virgibooks.
“Sono uno più bello dell’altro. Dodici modelli che indossano dal completo di Armani dell’ultima stagione ad un paio di Levi’s consunti. Ed in quest’autoritaria tavola rotonda, strabordante di testosterone e di potere, c’è solo una cosa che tiene uniti tutti questi uomini oltre allo zodiaco. Me.”
Le caratteristiche di questa storia possono apparire dei cliché: un contratto e una ragazza vergine… ma l’autrice ha inserito alcuni elementi che sicuramente hanno dato un tocco di originalità alla trama. Primo fra tutti una regina vergine che dovrà passare un mese con ognuno di loro per poi venire offerta all’asta a uno dei contendenti e poi, il motivo che ha scatenato la voglia di addentrami in questa storia, l’elemento più particolare, ovvero che la verginità della regina deve rimanere integra per tutti i dodici mesi fino all’aggiudicazione finale.
“Quando compirete diciott’anni, vostra maestà, apparterrete a noi”.
Il personaggio femminile Novalee Van Buren è la ragazza che a soli sei anni, dopo la morte dei genitori, si è ritrovata nelle grinfie di uno zio arrivista e cinico che la vende alla famiglia dello zodiaco. A Diciotto anni e con nessuna esperienza, si ritrova nel castello della fratellanza dello zodiaco con dodici uomini ad aspettarla per passare un mese insieme a lei e per decidere se partecipare o meno all’asta per aggiudicarsi la sua mano come sposa. Novalee sembra all’inizio una ragazza vissuta nel castello incantato delle favole fra domestici e dame di compagnia con nessuna esperienza verso il mondo esterno, né tanto meno con il genere maschile. Tuttavia, il personaggio che esce dirompente sulla scena è trasportato da un’insana curiosità unita a un’indole ribelle che la rendono sicuramente interessante e poco propensa a sottostare alle regole che vogliono imporle nel castello dello zodiaco. Novalee da inesperta si trasforma, nella sua ingenuità, a perfetta provocatrice nei confronti del primo uomo che l’accoglie nel castello. Liam Castle è il personaggio che impersona l’Ariete, il primo segno dello zodiaco. La caratteristica principale di questo segno è di avere sempre tutto sotto controllo e questo rispecchia anche l’indole di Liam, che vorrebbe tenere sottochiave la sua regina per insegnarle le regole e soprattutto iniziarla a quelli che sono i piaceri dell’intimità. Novalee rimane immediatamente colpita dalla forte personalità del suo pretendente, dapprima rispondendo con provocazioni e poi lasciandosi rapire dalla passione che sente avvolgerla non appena Liam si avvicina a lei.
“Qualcosa di sconcio e di primordiale. Ha destato in me un desiderio che non avevo mai provato. Il bisogno di sapere cosa si prova quando ci si lascia andare del tutto.”
Ma il tempo per loro è il nemico numero uno e a Liam un mese non può bastare per conoscere a fondo la sua regina e contrastare quell’insano bisogno di possederla originato dalla purezza e dall’ingenuità di una ragazza che vorrebbe soverchiare le regole per allentare quella passione che riesce a tenerla avvinta nel buio di notti insonni.
Poche pagine di questo primo volume, che possiamo definirlo un racconto breve, non sono riuscite a soddisfare la mia curiosità. Avrei sicuramente gradito conoscere almeno la seconda parte della storia, che ha introdotto sul finale il personaggio che prenderà la scena successiva con il mese dedicato al segno del Toro e soprattutto, avrei desiderato conoscere l’artista tempestoso che ha scatenato varie gelosie imponendo la sua personalità da “maledetto” all’ingenua Novalee. Ma questa curiosità come tante altre saranno anche la chiave che porterà a incatenare i lettori all’attesa delle uscite dei prossimi volumi della serie.
Un risultato devo dire abbastanza positivo. Sicuramente l’autrice ha voluto giocare con l’elemento sorpresa, per poi mantenerla e foraggiarla fino alla fine. I dubbi che ho avuto sono stati sul periodo in cui è stata ambientata la storia, e sulla minima introduzione del passato dei protagonisti che giocano sulla scena con pochissimi elementi di introspezione, ma sicuramente anche questo fa parte di un plot studiato per avvicinare il lettore e renderlo avido di curiosità.
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Una regina vergine.
Un matrimonio combinato.
Tre elementi che hanno immediatamente infiammato la mia curiosità, e poi dodici segni zodiacali, di cui ogni uomo fa riferimento, a completare un quadro così particolare da indurmi a leggere questa nuova autrice americana Gemma James, approdata in Italia grazie alla Virgibooks.
“Sono uno più bello dell’altro. Dodici modelli che indossano dal completo di Armani dell’ultima stagione ad un paio di Levi’s consunti. Ed in quest’autoritaria tavola rotonda, strabordante di testosterone e di potere, c’è solo una cosa che tiene uniti tutti questi uomini oltre allo zodiaco. Me.”
Le caratteristiche di questa storia possono apparire dei cliché: un contratto e una ragazza vergine… ma l’autrice ha inserito alcuni elementi che sicuramente hanno dato un tocco di originalità alla trama. Primo fra tutti una regina vergine che dovrà passare un mese con ognuno di loro per poi venire offerta all’asta a uno dei contendenti e poi, il motivo che ha scatenato la voglia di addentrami in questa storia, l’elemento più particolare, ovvero che la verginità della regina deve rimanere integra per tutti i dodici mesi fino all’aggiudicazione finale.
“Quando compirete diciott’anni, vostra maestà, apparterrete a noi”.
Il personaggio femminile Novalee Van Buren è la ragazza che a soli sei anni, dopo la morte dei genitori, si è ritrovata nelle grinfie di uno zio arrivista e cinico che la vende alla famiglia dello zodiaco. A Diciotto anni e con nessuna esperienza, si ritrova nel castello della fratellanza dello zodiaco con dodici uomini ad aspettarla per passare un mese insieme a lei e per decidere se partecipare o meno all’asta per aggiudicarsi la sua mano come sposa. Novalee sembra all’inizio una ragazza vissuta nel castello incantato delle favole fra domestici e dame di compagnia con nessuna esperienza verso il mondo esterno, né tanto meno con il genere maschile. Tuttavia, il personaggio che esce dirompente sulla scena è trasportato da un’insana curiosità unita a un’indole ribelle che la rendono sicuramente interessante e poco propensa a sottostare alle regole che vogliono imporle nel castello dello zodiaco. Novalee da inesperta si trasforma, nella sua ingenuità, a perfetta provocatrice nei confronti del primo uomo che l’accoglie nel castello. Liam Castle è il personaggio che impersona l’Ariete, il primo segno dello zodiaco. La caratteristica principale di questo segno è di avere sempre tutto sotto controllo e questo rispecchia anche l’indole di Liam, che vorrebbe tenere sottochiave la sua regina per insegnarle le regole e soprattutto iniziarla a quelli che sono i piaceri dell’intimità. Novalee rimane immediatamente colpita dalla forte personalità del suo pretendente, dapprima rispondendo con provocazioni e poi lasciandosi rapire dalla passione che sente avvolgerla non appena Liam si avvicina a lei.
“Qualcosa di sconcio e di primordiale. Ha destato in me un desiderio che non avevo mai provato. Il bisogno di sapere cosa si prova quando ci si lascia andare del tutto.”
Ma il tempo per loro è il nemico numero uno e a Liam un mese non può bastare per conoscere a fondo la sua regina e contrastare quell’insano bisogno di possederla originato dalla purezza e dall’ingenuità di una ragazza che vorrebbe soverchiare le regole per allentare quella passione che riesce a tenerla avvinta nel buio di notti insonni.
Poche pagine di questo primo volume, che possiamo definirlo un racconto breve, non sono riuscite a soddisfare la mia curiosità. Avrei sicuramente gradito conoscere almeno la seconda parte della storia, che ha introdotto sul finale il personaggio che prenderà la scena successiva con il mese dedicato al segno del Toro e soprattutto, avrei desiderato conoscere l’artista tempestoso che ha scatenato varie gelosie imponendo la sua personalità da “maledetto” all’ingenua Novalee. Ma questa curiosità come tante altre saranno anche la chiave che porterà a incatenare i lettori all’attesa delle uscite dei prossimi volumi della serie.
Un risultato devo dire abbastanza positivo. Sicuramente l’autrice ha voluto giocare con l’elemento sorpresa, per poi mantenerla e foraggiarla fino alla fine. I dubbi che ho avuto sono stati sul periodo in cui è stata ambientata la storia, e sulla minima introduzione del passato dei protagonisti che giocano sulla scena con pochissimi elementi di introspezione, ma sicuramente anche questo fa parte di un plot studiato per avvicinare il lettore e renderlo avido di curiosità.
continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
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