Brutal, Ruthless and Charming. Chase Benedict takes pleasure in inflicting suffering on enemies and observers alike. Cambridge graduate, leader of the largest criminal organization in Britain, calculating lawbreaker, he doesn’t take no for an answer. Until me. I won’t bend to his will. I won’t be manipulated by his menace. He’ll discover what it means when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
DNF @ 30%. Chase is just a villain. He's the bad guy ala Epstein. I'm on board for "dark" romance, antiheros, and/or morally corrupt characters, but they have to have something that makes them human. Something that gives them some gray area and dimension. Chase is a one dimensional villain. He is the epitome of condescending, white, male privilege embodied by an egomaniacal sociopath. He is also an unapologetic HUMAN TRAFFICKER. He even picks out the ones he likes for himself before selling or trading the rest of the women. He owns a strip club and the job interview is having sex with him and the list of other gross qualities goes on... I just can't see a guy like this be redeemed and fall in love. Although these are some of his worst traits and actions, frankly, he has others that are equally appalling. He is such a horrid character he overshadows Allegra completely.
I find nothing in this book that makes me want to spend my time with these people. No thanks.
“Relax.” His arms slipped around my middle. “You’re not here for an interrogation, Allegra.” Chase breathed the words into the side of my neck, the warmth of his breath sending electricity down the length of my spine. “I’m sorry.” I twisted as much as his arms would allow, catching sight of his strong jaw before he eased me back into position. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.” “Yes, you do,” he purred in that mischievous tone. “You do know, and you’re going to tell me why.” Glancing across the immense hallway, I noticed our reflection in the mirror opposite, the image of this desirable man holding me tight as he nuzzled my neck, crystalizing the rhapsody spiraling in my mind. This wasn’t really happening. It couldn’t really be happening. But it was. It was happening, every fantasy I’d never known unfolding like the best dream of my life. “You’re going to spank me, Sir.” His head rose at my admission, those blue eyes spearing me through the looking glass as one large hand rose to cradle my chest. Fingers splaying, he fondled my left breast, the nipple caught in the prison of my lace lingerie, beading immediately. “And?” “And have me.” Conceding the point in front of our reflection was singly the most erotic moment of my life. It was as though I was giving him permission to do whatever debauched acts he wanted. As I struggled to compose my breathing, I realized this was the brink, the precipice of an almighty leap, and I was teetering right on the edge. “That’s right.” His lips twitched, the hand at my middle stroking me gently. “That’s why you’re nervous, isn’t it, Allegra?”
Oh my oh my this is a cool Mafia Criminal story that I found totally absorbing, I loved it so much. It has some non-con in it because the h is held prisoner and bound for long periods and I love it all. If you like a good Dark Romance with a crime boss you will certainly love this book. There is a lot of basic Domination and a little bit of spanking and lots of bondage, so there is a definite BDSM element and I love that part too. Hopefully you will love this book like I do.
I’m such a fan of Felicity Brandon. I’ve been writing reviews for her work for a while now, and I often feel like I’m repeating myself when I do. Why? Because she is consistently good at what she does. I’ve never read one of her books and been disappointed. So I find myself praising her work over and over again. This present book is no exception. It’s a good read.
Chased is part of The Men of Honour series of stand alones. It’s the story of Allegra and Chase. Allegra is a law student with aspirations to help the under privileged, and Chase is one of the leaders of an organized crime association. Their connection is intense and passionate, even as Allegra at times tries to fight it. However, in this world, Allegra is not the one in control, which she comes to find out rather quickly.
I loved every page. If you are a fan of dark mafia romance, this is an author you most definitely want to read.
This is one of the most absurd and unpleasant books I've ever read so I'm going to keep this short:
1) Ms. Brandon's alphas (that I've read) possess all the "darkness" and "bad boy" behavior of a five-year old deprived of his favorite toy;
2) If you're going to write a WOC, please avoid comparing her to food;
3) "Infer" and "imply" are not used correctly.
At least the book is an equal opportunity offender: POC, teachers, students, the working- and middle-class, the police, women -- no one is left out. I'd be tempted to view this as satire, but the narrative is really invested in rich white male dominance (and I don't just mean sexually).
Personally, I think it's too early to make fun of COVID and the resulting protection strategies, but YMMV.
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is a great bad boy romance story that is the first installment of the series. What a great start for sure. This is a well written story that has characters that give the story life on every page. They made the story feel realistic and certainly brought the twists and turns to a new level. This is a story about Chase. He makes his pleasure by making others suffer and no one says no to him. Until now, until her. She won’t bend to his will, what will he do and what will fate have in store for them? I enjoyed the growth in this book and the chemistry between the MCs. I truly enjoyed what they brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Allegra and Chase really lit up my kindle with this wild and crazy read. I must say I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this read up by Felicity Brandon, but I am glad that I went in blind. I really loved the complex characters and storylines that had me guessing from beginning to end and never once bored. I really was transported into this wild world where danger only fueled the passion. Things were not predictable which is hard to do sometimes with these mafia series. I will definitely be interested in seeing what else the rest of the books in this dark mafia series will bring us.
I enjoy Antagonist romances quite a lot. Especially since they are more matured and gratifying version of bad boy being good only to his girl but Chase just made my blood boil.
He introduces kink to Allegra even though it's very obvious that she's reluctant to try it. That doesn't stop him though, and Allegra's conflicting opinions and constant changing of her mind made my head spin.
Allegra had a humble origin and worked hard to get into Cambridge and we're told how she's quite determined to become a Human Rights Lawyer. Then comes Chase who straight-up locks her up, telling her to drop her education, her career, everything and just satisfy his wants.
Ugh, please.
Allegra gets on my nerves a lot too. One second, she's shouting at him telling she won't listen to him, standing up for herself and the very next second, she's obediently listening to whatever he says.
Most anti-heroes have something which is likeable; either they reform themselves for good or they start showing a hint of compassion by the time the epilogue rolls around but Chase was a jerk through and through
Rich, arrogant & forcing his wishes on others.
It's not the kink that I have a problem with, but Chase himself if I haven't made it clear until now.
Him and his friends aren't regretful nor are they sorry for trafficking women into the country. One would think that that was why Allegra was introduced, shown to be a Human Rights Law student.
She would probably make him see the error of his ways, set him straight right?
No.
She doesn't do anything to stop it. She instead nods her head to every word that he spouts from his mouth.
Well what was the use of building-up her character to be someone who's hard working, got into Cambridge on merit and that spitfire attitude at the beginning? All of that was eventually lost in the story. Allegra became compliant and all that introduction to her character was of no use at all.
Even in the epilogue we can see Chase and his group has not changed one bit.
I do want to read others in Cambridge Men Of Honor even though this one was not my cup of tea since I'm intrigued by some of his friends. Maybe we might see the group's redemption in later books *shrugs
Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honor—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon. Felicity is known for her dark stories, and I love a dark bad boy romance story. He is in the dark belly of the underground, and she is an up-and-coming person on the right side of the law. She knows he is bad for her, but she cannot stay away, and he knows what he wants he gets, and he wants her. It is dark and violent and a whole new world, but you can’t help but want what is often considered wrong.
Ah, Ms. Brandon & her mesmerizingly dark, depraved worlds controlled by her delightfully wicked anti-Heroes: I looooove them so!! This one is no exception, unlike Alice, I eagerly threw myself into the world of 'Chased', tumbled & off balance is the most delicious way. Ms. Brandon is marvelously skilled at giving her readers the most wicked of anti-Heroes that ought to engender fear, repulsion & anger, yet we find ourselves (at least I do!) recognizing their ability to turn those negative emotions/feelings, almost against our will, into a grudging then craved lust, longing & love. Her writing is deft, smooth as silk even as she yanks your heart & grips your throat, she seamlessly lures you into her worlds that 'appear' normal from the outside & once you realize exactly 'what' kind of world it is, it's too late & you're hopelessly trapped. Except you RELISH being trapped by her silken words that wrap your mind tight within her literary cocoon. A simply stellar dark mafia romance I loved (& I loved Chase, of course!!). For the reader craving excellent writing, beautifully complex characters with a mesmerizing plot: READ this one!!
I really loved Allegra and Chase they were so intense and I was really surprised how she captured his every thought and drew him in to his very dark and dangerous world as he is so dominating and can be lethal. This was written so well I couldn't put it down, seeing how it was gonna play out. Liked I said I didnt expect some of it and I loved it that way.
Chased is the first book in the Cambridge Men of Honour series by Felicity Brandon. This is a dark and angsty mafia/crime lord romance- but maybe not quite the mafia you may be expecting. I love Felicity Brandon’s books- so I was really excited to get my hands on this book and discover the Cambridge Men of Honour. While I normally love a good anti-hero, and devour dark romantic suspense- this story really frustrated me and I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. Chase was arrogant, rude, controlling, and ruthless- wrapped up in an expensive suit and a sexy English accent. He should have had me swooning from the get go- as bad boys in suits are my weakness. But instead, he just annoyed me and made me angry. I am so sorry to say that- because I genuinely love Ms. Brandon’s writing- but this time this book wasn’t for me. I liked Allegra a little more than Chase- but ultimately not enough to sway my opinion of the book. There were aspects of Allegra and Chase’s relationship that felt forced and not believable. I had a few issues with the story, and I had trouble accepting that Chase would spank an inexperienced (in any kind of BDSM) prospective lover 75 times on the first occasion, out of the blue- and what followed with his ‘aftercare’ and her reaction to the experience just didn’t sit right with me-it felt ‘wrong’ and I can’t tell you why exactly. I really wish I could give this book all the stars, but I always give my honest opinion in any reviews I write. I apologise to the author for not loving it more- because it is something she has created and it’s obvious that she put a lot of thought, energy, and heart into it- so I appreciate her time and effort. Like I said, I normally love her books, and I really wanted to love this one far more than I did. I will revisit this book in a month or two, to see if I still feel the same way, or if I was just having an ‘off’ reading day. I do want to continue with the series- I am curious to see what Book #2 holds for us.
Chased was a great 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning.
Chase is the ultimate arrogant bad boy with his own agenda. He always gets what he wants and when he almost hit Allegra with his car, something about her pulled him in. Allegra is a college student trying to keep it all together in the middle of a pandemic. When she meets Chase there is something about him she can’t stop thinking about. When fate steps in and they see each other again, it gives Chase the opportunity he needed to ask her out.
What will happen when Allegra finds out who Chase really is?
Allegra was great, I loved her sassiness and she knew how to push Chase’s buttons. I think that is what drew Chase to her. I really enjoyed their story and I can’t wait to read more from this series. The author does a great job with her writing and you feel like you're right there with the characters. If you're looking for a great dark read with a hot dominant man, 1-click and get started today.
I’m in love with Felicity Brandon’s new Cambridge Men of Honour series. Book one Chased was such and exciting and enthralling read. I could not stop reading it untill I fell asleep and then woke up and finished the rest. I found myself smiling and happy for the characters. To me the female lead Allegra has such a fun and sassy personality and she has no problem making herself heard, she not afraid to stick up for herself even if it makes Chase mad and frustrated. The male lead Chase is such a dominant and powerful male who likes to get his way no matter what. They are both drawn to each other no matter their differences, it’s like fate has played a role in the overwhelming chemistry that they can not dismiss and don’t want to despite everything. They were such a fascinating couple to read about and I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honour—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon. I LOVED this book and can't wait to read the next one. This is the story of Chase Benedict who is a cut throat leader of Britain's largest organized crime family. Chase does what he needs to do and doesn't care who gets in his way to do it. Allegra is a law student who wants to help people. Chase accidentally almost runs Allegra over with is car and that is how the two meet. Allegra is the first person that doesn't do exactly what Chase tells him to do and he doesn't know how to take that! Allegra feeds into his dark thoughts and he is smitten with her. When Chase asks her to a fundraiser Allegra is hesitant to agree to go because she knows once she accepts she will be his property from then on. This book will have you turning the pages as fast as you can all the while swooning as much as possible!
Chased by Felicity Brandon is a fast paced, dark, raw, intriguing story about Chase and Allegra's relationship that will leave you thoroughly enthralled. Allegra is an ambitious law student who wants to help people in need. Chase is one of the leaders of an organized crime association in Britain who is calculating and astute in business. He is attractive, merciless and cruel in dealing with his enemies. The first time they met is when Chase almost ran Allegra over with his car, the banter between them was fiery and intense, but left an impression on both of them which will set the course of events to come for both of them. Chase was completely drawn into Allegra feeding his darkest naughty thoughts. When they meet again they exchange names and he asks her to the fundraiser his association is hosting. Now everything Allegra thinks she knows will change as she will be Chase's property and he will be in total control of her as she enters his depraved world. The passion between them is intense, dark and all consuming and with all of Allegra's fighting spirit she finds she will lose all control with Chase. Felicity Brandon has woven another dark mafia romance story as only she can tell, leaving you wanting more. What will she give us next?
I was just as conflicted as Allegra when it comes to Chase. He's not a good guy in the least, but I couldn't help falling under his spell. He's a Crime Lord who deals with drugs, money laundering, and human trafficking. She's a law student who is struggling to get by, who is all about human rights. These two couldn't be more opposite, but the chemistry from the very first meeting was palpable and couldn't be denied. One of my favorite things about Allegra was her character strength and her take no crap attitude. When you put that up against Chase who doesn't understand that no is even a word you get some exciting sparks. This one is dark, dirty and delicious and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
Chased is book one in the Cambridge Men of Honour by Felicity Brandon. It is dark, dangerous and high energy. There is nothing I like more than an angsty and edgy read, and this story ticked all the boxes. The characters blended together and provided a plethora of drama and suspense. The unfolding of the story was hard to turn away from and not a lot got done until I finished it. It was very easy to become immersed and blend with the characters and story. The men is this story were hard edged and had zero tolerance for fools, making this story riveting and a delight to read. Easy to follow, easy to relate, easy to fall for the cast of Chased. 4 stars.
Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge men of Honour - Dark Mafia Tomances I) by Felicity Brandon is a dark and gripping tale of opposites colliding in the most unexpected way. For me this whole book was about it the characters and their chemistry. It was absolutely palpable right from the word go. Although Allegra did everything she could to fight it, it was just too strong to deny. This connection is what pulled me in and kept the pages turning. This is a fantastic book and I am already looking forward to the next in the series.
Great advertisement for trafficking women and romanticism the sociopaths running and making money off it… regret buying these on super sale on a whim. Many time I almost dnf but kept on thinking surely SURELY she’s gonna snap out of it. Nope. Nothing redeeming about Chase Benedict or his crones.
A simply spectacular read, totally riveting and enjoyable Without wishing to spoil the plot I will say that you will be totally drawn into the scenario as laid out by the book, you will be left hanging on every word as you try to guess what the eventual outcome will finally be. All I can say is that you will not be disappointed “In My Humble Opinion”!. Chase is well known in the inner circle and as a leader of the largest criminal organisation, he has a quick calculating mind never misses an option to make a profit or to continue expanding his organisation. Likewise, he is equally aware of what is going on around him in a business where trust and business are hard won and can be easily lost or traded for higher payment. You were to be totally blown away by this book and like myself will be left wanting and will enjoy every moment of reading. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Although I was not a fan of some of the scenes within the novel, I have got to admit that Felicity does have a way with words and is a creative storyteller. I was escorted out of my comfort zone and invited to take a ride on the literary wild side. That is the beauty of story writing - although the reader and the author may have opposing views- the author is enticing, alluring, and engaging enough to capture and maintain the readers’ attention and interest; Felicity did just that. A short, spicy, and delectable read.
This story starts innocuously enough. An arrogant, rich man crashes into law student. Sparks fly. Could be an innocent romance, but it’s Ms. Brandon, so it’s dark and twisted (of course). It has the Brandon trademarks- complex storyline and world, as well as all the delicious deviousness you could want. I love this world. If you like powerful, arrogant, alpha men and strong, smart women who get sucked into their world... Get Clicking so you can read this book.
Chased, by Felicity Brandon, is the first book in the Cambridge Men of Honour Series. This is definitely an adult read.
Good vs. Evil has been the fight of a lifetime. When Allegra meets with Chase, it's nothing short of opposites attract. They are both dominant figures, and will fight for what they believe in. However, with the intense romance blossoming, will Allegra be able to stand her ground? Will Chase take over?
Chased was very visceral for me. While I knew what Chase did was so naughty and perverted, I couldn't help but be caught in his web. I could see why Allegra felt so conflicted. I wanted the story to keep going and never end. I am loving this series because each story gets darker and more intense.
What do you get when an up and coming human rights lawyer and a human trafficker, king of the criminal world get together? A scintillating love story that mimics a rollercoaster and leaves your head spinning!
I loved seeing the inner war that Alegra finds herself in when she runs into the sexy criminal lord. How will she manage to keep her moral, ethical way of life while falling for the dangerous Chase?
This book kept me reading to see how this whirlwind romance (can you call it that when one is bound and gagged?) would end.