Clara Elroy is an Amazon Top 100 best selling author of romance novels that make your heart clench. Her love for reading began when she was a young girl, and would lose sleep because she wanted to read "just one more page." Clara lives for reading and writing about flawed and relatable characters. She loves making sparks fly between stubborn men and the badass women that make them kneel. When Clara's not typing away at her computer, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or writing biographies in the third person. Yeah, she's cool like that.
DNF 🪄20% for now. So far I don't care about those characters, + too many unnecessary details being chewed over and over. P. S. I'm becoming less and less tolerable to heroes who let their parents blackmail their grown-up asses 💦
"My chest burned as emotions swelled again. Emotions. Emotions. Emotions."
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Saint and Ariadne.
Here I was, hoping that this book would be better than the first one....Let me tell you, I have some emotions too for this book, and it ain´t good ones.
On one positive note, Ariadne was quite a sweet FMC, she seems like a nice girl, but I have to say also pretty naive. Saint is pretty much an arrogant ass, praising himself over course of the whole book that he would be absolutely amazing and sex with him would be heaven. Of course she is the virgin to his manwhore, because how else would it be. The two have a bit of sexual tension but that was about it for me. In my opinion there was not really any chemistry.
The side characters, again, were barely there. Ariadne has one friend that is in exactly two scenes over the whole span of the book. Also why does everybody in this series hate each other so much? There is always hate between at least four characters in each book. Even Saint and Ariadne claim to hate each other.
(This is the part of the review where spoilers come in so please be aware of that!)
Plotwise it also wasn´t anything special. It is a forced marriage trope that is done through a business contract. Like I said he is an absolute manwhore and of course she is a virgin. So they decide to have unprotected sex for their first time. He decides that pulling out is a FANTASTIC way of protection (please don´t ever do that!) and of course he forgets to do that. When she expresses her worry, he just tells her that the sex was special, that that is what counts, and that they will get a Plan B pill for her (which they also forget to do). Like dude you are 31! Please act accordingly! I originally wanted to give the book a 2,5 star but then came the moment that topped it all off for me: After finding out her ex is blackmailing her with a sex tape, he gets mad at HER for it and leaves her, saying she must´ve lied about her sexual activities to him. How toxic do you want to be? Saint: Yes!
Overall I did NOT enjoy this book and I will not continue with the series. Thank you for coming to my rage review.
I’m reading the prologue and the heroine is in the bathroom and she overhears the hero having sex with the ow ( Caroline ) . He even has the audacity to say
“Is that why your pupils are dilated? You know if you wanted to join us, you could’ve just asked. Caroline loves to share, isn’t that right?” Saint threw a hand over the blonde’s bony shoulders, crushing her body to his.
Edit : that was five months before the story starts . It is almost mention he is a man hoe
I've been waiting for this book for months, and I'm glad to report I was not disappointed! Let's start with a breakdown of both of the MCs.
First of, we have our boy and my husband Saint freaking Astor! He was everything I loved in a fictional character, broody, a bit aholish (don't worry though, his girl managed to smooth out his rough edges), and had a major in dirty talk... what was that? Dirty talk is not a major? Well, prepare to be proven otherwise, because damnnn the words that left this mans mouth were downright filthy. Here's one of my favorite parts from the whole book:
"I promised your daddy I'd take care of his little girl, and I'll use my tongue, teeth, and fingers to make sure I keep my word."
He was so freaking swoony, which I didn't expect from what I'd seen of him in Kiss of War. I appreciate it nonetheless, I loved his love for Ariadne, and I especially adored all the "touch her and I'll kill you" moments. My boy popped off in the best way possible.
I vibed so much with Ariadne! She was seriously so relatable, despite her coming from such a rich family. Oh, and did I mention she's half Greek? I felt like Clara Elroy did a great job at representing her culture, and her family was so funny. She's really such a bold leading lady, despite her insecurities and she was very career driven. I mean, I love that both the MCs are CEO's in this one, like get it girl!
The enemies to lovers trope was so well done in this book! The banter and chemistry was off the charts. One of the biggest reasons why I love Elroy's writing is because her characters are always so unique and you can feel their personalities, and they're also dripping with sarcasm lol, which is always a plus in my book.
That being said, I can't foaming at the mouth to get Ares's book, and don't get me started on Irena and Killian, do I smell a forbidden love story there? God, that would be epic!!
- Feels very...fanfic-y?? (I don’t know how to really explain, but all the little inconsequential details are given too much room on the page without having a pay-off (one ex: name dropping brands as a way to show wealth makes me cringe bc there are soooo many better way to do that) - Okok so what if I really enjoyed the sexy times? I am only human and they were pretty 🔥🔥 - I appreciated Ari calling out sexism and double standards. It’s the bare minimum, but it’s not that common in darker romance novels. - I find it extremely hard to believe if you were in possession of sensitive/ blackmail-worthy material you wouldn’t have multiple copies that couldn’t be hacked. That’s just dumb. - I had this idea that they would reach the end of the book and hi-five each other and comment on each other’s cunningness on how they dealt with their individual issues…but nope. Not happening for me. - SPOILER: Wowowow. Saint not believing a victim of sexual exploitation (being recorded without consent and being threatened with the publication of the revenge porn video)…sheesh y’all. This is the third act conflict and there’s not nearly enough time for him to grovel back into her good graces. Also, for someone who’s been sexually promiscuous, he sure has some harsh judgments for Ari being sexual with a man she trusted (before she and Saint were even a thing) like pls spare me. This is the shit that gets me so freaking annoyed bc if it’s the mc who does it, we’re supposed to forgive, but if it’s someone else, we need to hold them accountable. - So…she didn’t tell him the big secret bc she didn’t want him to leave and he’s so freaking offended by het reasoning that he ….leaves??? excuse me, I need volunteers to group-slap some sense into Saint.
Starting the book off with the FMC walking in in her arranged future husband fucking some chick in a bar bathroom. Not attractive. The FMC musing in equal parts what a fuckwad and sexstatic he is. Double unattractive. The MMC not knowing who the FMC is was the only reason I didn’t DNF on the spot.
Chapter one starts five months after that ^^ BS, and we get BS of a different, fluffier substance…
The afternoon sun sliced through the bow windows, giving us a perfect view of my parents’ garden… well, more like my dad’s garden. It was the biggest in Astropolis. He took huge pride in it, planting all kinds of seasonal vegetables and fruits amidst all the sugar maple trees. The grounds were losing their vibrancy by the day as summer made room for fall.
Tell me exactly why the hell I’d care about her daddy’s garden, what’s in it, and what kinda damn ground it’s all planted within? I don’t.
“What do you know, you Greek whore?” “Well, more than you, you uptight Karen.” The names they called each other after a full-blown fight one night when I was seven rang in my ears. I wasn’t supposed to have heard them, but who can stop an eavesdropping child?
You see the problem there, Karen, is that the FMC is an adult of at least drinking age. So, this “Karen” incident is at least 14-15 years old. Pop culture only recently made “Karen” … Karen. So, it sounds particularly SAF for her mother to be calling her grams a Karen over a decade ago.
Attention to details… it’s a problem:
Page 24: You’ll even get to put your fashion degree to use right after you graduate college. Not many young adults have a job lined up for them, especially in your field.
Yet…
Page 25: My boyfriend and I met at my college graduation in May. (five months ago)
Ah, so you’ve graduated or not?
And, it continues to be a problem with every scene, such as the FMC’s boyfriend getting an undercooked steak and throwing a hissy fit, even asking to see the manager and causing a scene about it being a routine occurrence.
YET…. Harry insisted on dining here because a buddy of his owned the place.
^ Now, WTF would Harry cause such a scene at HIS FRIEND’s restaurant?
Aside from the fluffermuffin writing and complete lack of congruency from page to page, the FMC is a fucking powderpuff. She feels bad about interrupting the betrothed in the bathroom. She feels bad about calling Harry the boyfriend out for being a dick. I see the doormat being laid out, and I’m not sticking around for it.
I adored this book!! Wow what a ride this was! This has got to be one of my favorite enemies to lovers and arranged marriage romance ever. The tension was chef's kiss and the back and forth between the MCs was so entertaining.
The character development was amazing, and I love how we got to see the characters growth and how they slowly started letting each other in more and more. Ariadne is such an inspirational character, and I loved how she stood up to Saint. And Saint was literally so dreamy. Damn, this is why I only do fictional men lol.
Five out five for this wonderful book, can't wait for more by Clara Elroy. Ares is the character I'm most looking forward to!
Stfu. I think I found my new favorite. I can’t even describe how much I loved this book. I was enamored from the jump. First of all: Saint. Bad boy, business man, golden boy, former football player and a whole lotta hotness. Second: Aria. Aria was literally fire so much so her nickname is spitfire. And a true enemies to lovers because these two couldn’t stand each other and I freaking loved it.
But the spice? The SPICE. Phew. Baby. Wow. I’m new to this author, to this series and I can’t wait to read more. This was fanfreakingtastic.
Saint was definitely not a Saint. I'll tell you that 😉 🔥 🔥 I certainly loved him much more then I thought I would. Saint and Ari together, had my heart. 💟💟💟
Arranged Marriage 💑 trope ✔️ 🌶🌶🌶✔️ Chemistry 🎆🎆✔️
I really really enjoyed this, I wasn't too happy on how stupid Ariadne was, with all the secrets she was keeping, however they were both keeping things from one another so 🤷🏻♀️
That being said, I loved this moreee then the first book 😫🥺 and I'm glad I kept up with this series.
Vow of Hell is an age gap, enemies to lovers and arranged marriage romance. It's also an interconnected standalone and book #2 in the City of Stars series. Although, you don't need read book #1 I highly recommend that you do, it will enhance your reading experience. Hence, the hero, Saint made an appearance. I loved reading Kiss of War, and I knew that I was going enjoy Vow of Hell. My goodness! This book! I can't possibly decide which one is my favorite, I equally love both books! I'm huge fan of Clara Elroy's writing technique! I was pleasantly surprised when she incorporated a couple of bookish fandoms in this book (the heroine, Ariadne loves reading). Ariadne is such a lovely character! And Clara Elroy did a phenomenal job in portraying Ariadne's culture (she's half Greek). Personally, it made my reading experience more enjoyable to read. I cracked up at the scenes of her family's dialogues with each other! She may come from an affluent family, but she's down to earth, shy, kind and passionate about her work as a fashion designer and icon. Yet at the same time, Ariadne is a fiery character and this side is brought out by Saint.
They are like oil and fire, waiting to be ignited. The heat and chemistry between them is *chef's kiss*. And as we all know, there's a fine line between love and hate, and personally, I think it's safe to say that this quote/saying is quiet fitting for Ariadne and Saint's relationship. One moment they are arguing, and then all of a sudden the s*xual tension escalates so fast that I had to do a double take. Ariadne may be an influencer, however she has insecurities such as a negative view of her body image. And there's Saint, he's your typical alpha male and has a reputation of being a "party and play boy". But, he was dealt with an unfair hand, a sporting injury that ended his career as a NFL player. Wow!! Towards the second half of the book, there were some scenes that were to hot to handle! I immensely enjoyed seeing Ariadne and Saint's relationship evolving throughout the book. Eliana and Leo making an appearance was one of my highlights!
Ariadne and Saint's families are rivals in the fashion industry, (they most certainly have an intriguing history) but that's about to change. Ariadne and Saint suddenly find themselves in an arranged marriage organized by their families. Neither of them wants this union to happen, yet, Saint has a plan and he needs Ariadne to execute his plan. Ariadne and Saint are two people who can be seen as being used as pawns by their families. But unawarely, Saint is coming back with a vengeance and this will make an impact on everyone. Okay, I think I found my new favorite book boyfriend. In the beginning, it might have be a game to Saint, and at times, Ariadne may have got on his nerves. But he made a vow, a promise and he would honor it in his own unique way. I love that Saint wouldn't tolerate anyone disrespecting her! He stood up for her! Even when they got off the wrong foot, Ariadne couldn't deny that she was attracted to him. Overall, if you love an angsty romance read, please do read this book!! And I can't wait for book #3!!!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Clara Elroy is back with another stunning enemies to lovers story with a twist. Vow of Hell is filled with fiery angst, sizzling tension, gripping suspense and on the edge of your seat drama that will keep you hooked from page one!
Ariadne and Saint's love story is truly exceptional. The chemistry between them from the start is out of this world and damn the intense tension is wonderful. The way they started with absolutely hating each other to slowly seeing the real them beneath the exteriors, getting vulnerable and falling so hard is ah *chef's kiss*!
I adore how badass and bold Ari is with Saint and how he just brings a whole other side of her! I love how Saint's sweet side comes to the surface only when he's with her and how he would literally do anything for her. Wow is he also swoony as heck!
I love the slight intensity added to the plot and it mixed with the captivating romance is everything! This went over all my expectations and it truly delivered!! Can't wait for Lick of Fire!
"I love you too, Ariadne, so much it's like a constant flow spilling into my soul. You taught me how to live again, and on a world without you, I would merely be surviving."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
* How did the book make you feel?: I really enjoyed this book overall.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It would’ve been 5 stars except for the many typos— I laughed out loud when it said something about him feeling an emotion in his cervix. Also, I felt the story was a little slow to pick up because there were so many mundane details and meetings about job-related stuff.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I grew up watching The Bold and the Beautiful, so I liked that I kind of felt like we were in that kind of world. I liked Saint even though he was a manwhore through and through. I loved Aria except for her monumentally stupid decision to harbor the secret of being blackmailed by a psycho and inadvertently put everyone in danger. She lost MAJOR points with me for being so stupidly selfish.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I really liked the chemistry between the MC’s. There was some good angst toward the end when the H abandoned the h, but I would’ve liked some grovel.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Arranged marriage, slow burn, enemies to lovers, unrequited love
* What did you think about the ending?: It was really sweet and I’m glad they got their HEA.
* What is your impression of the author?: I’ll definitely check out more of this author’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the first book I'm rating this low and it honestly hurts me. The author is actually a talented writer. She does have a lot of potential.
But this book took me almost a month to finish because it put me in a serious reading slump. That's how bad it was for me to continue to read it. I took a break from it halfway through for 3 weeks and then had to physically force myself to finish it so that I can finally move on to other books.
My biggest turn off is spelling and grammatical errors. I kid you not, there was some sort of error on every page. Sometimes multiple errors on a single page. I tried really hard to overlook it but it was glaring. It was torture for me. Did it go through editing at all? Did anybody take a look at it before it got published?
The story seemed interesting at first but then it started to fall flat. I was underwhelmed. The plot suffered from pacing issues. It was a really slow build up until 60%. Then everything until the end moved too quickly with a lot of telling and not showing. Saint and Aria had no chemistry whatsoever (although the author does write good spicy scenes.) I just didn't care for them at all.
And personally Aria constantly complaining about her pear shaped body was annoying AF. It's unrealistic for her to want a model thin body—especially since the story is set in this day and age where girls are paying money for BBL bodies. She's supposed to be an IG influencer so that's actually works out to her benefit. It would've been more realistic for Aria to have a narrow shaped body and be insecure about that and want to be curvier instead. Since that's the mentality that young women of this generation suffer from. I know the author was trying to be relatable but it just did not work in my opinion.
Vow of Hell, a one of a kind enemies to lovers romance that makes your heart clench. It is the second book in the City of Stars series. I really like the fashion and football elements in the book, they add depth to the characters and enrich the storyline ✨
To say Ariadne and Saint get off the wrong foot is an understatement. The prologue makes me go WTF. Saint is an ex-NFL player who is seen as the golden boy in the eyes of the world. He is rich, arrogant and sexy. Ariadne on the other hand is a fashion expert extraordinaire, who is intelligent, beautiful and shy. Their families bind them together in a loveless marriage for money, power and personal agendas. Not wanting to be manipulated, they strike a deal between themselves and make an arrangement that works for them 🤝
On the front, Saint is a rude, mean, vulgar playboy. He rarely shows his vulnerability but his best mates Leo and Ares know how much he is traumatised by his childhood and accident. After becoming husband and wife, Saint gets more involved in Ari’s life. He learns that there is more than meets the eye. He sees Ari in action running her own business and he is impressed by her passion, capability and independence 💁🏻♀️
All the while, Ari has been attracted to Saint. She falls for him more every day and eventually plucks up the courage to tell him how she feels. I love her boldness in going after what she wants and I think that’s how she opened Saint. He remembers the book she reads, he knows when something’s off and he knows when to reassure her. And of course, his bedroom skills 🥵 Saint is protective, gentle and loving but he can also be hard, rough and kinky 😈 I’ll leave it here… 😏
Can I just say I am completely in love with Aria and Saint's chemistry? This author knows how to write enemies to lovers and holy hell the banter between these two kept me entertained throughout the whole story. This was steamyyy and Saint Astor is one of the most dirty talking heroes I've come across, I'm excited to reread this because he got me feeling some type of way. Men written by women are really something else.
Aria my little fashionista was the ultimate girl boss, and gave as good as she got! I adored the high fashion theme in this book, and loved the way her outfits were described. A lot of research was put into this, and while Aria was very career driven and successful she also had her own insecurities that made her so damn relatable.
Saint my grumpy man, ugh I feel so sad for what was done to him. He comes from a place of hurt in the beginning and he doesn't open up easily, but around Aria he got softer and softer, and the whole slow burn aspect of their story made for bloody amazing character progression.
I seriously cannot wait for Ares, he was so mysterious and Killian and Irena?? I'm assuming they're gonna be together!
Brief summary: This is Saint and Ariandne's story. As mentioned in blurb they are asked to be arranged married by their families. Saint is well not into committed relationships while Aria is a virgin. While this seems like a cliche trust me it's anything but that. I finished the book in a day that's how good this was.
🌼 We see dual pov Saint and Aria.
🌼H rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ sometimes he was a douche in the beginning but omg what a character development
🌼h rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved aria she's perfect
🌼Chemistry - I'm speechless. It was off the charts shall I say I loved Saint's dirty talks a lot and his pov. My man's just perfect.
🌼Do I recommend - Yes a hundred per cent.I can't believe this is just second book of this author. It was so good .I finished in less than a day.
Tropes: Arranged marriage Age Gap Slow burn Forced proximity Rich gf/Rich bf
- Where to start with this review? Okay so let’s go with the characters. Firstly, Ariadne. I think she’s an acquired taste as a heroine. She’s an up and coming fashion designer focusing on creating and promoting her own brand despite being and heiress to one of the largest fashion companies in the world - Fleur. I liked her character alot, especially how she brought to life alot of the insecurities/body issues that everyone possesses in today’s world especially with a heavy social media presence as well as her confidence in spite of it. She’s headstrong, independent and hard working and the kind of character that demands respect. As much as I liked her though she had some traits as well as decision making moments that were frustrating which felt contradictory to her as a character. Secondly, Saint. He’s a former NFL player now COO of Falco - Fleur’s biggest rival. I wanted to read his book from the moment I met him in KOW. He just had that something and he did not disappoint. He was our regular alpha-hole and honestly I’m so fine with that lmao. He had the whole “no one touches cause you’re mine and only mine but I’m gonna keep denying I love you cause i’m emotionally constipated” thing down and this always cracks me up. It might just be one of my fav tropes cause while he wasn’t in denial per say he most definitely could not bring himself to say it for a long time but at the all throughout he KNEW he wasn’t going to let her go. I feel like I need to point out the originality of the characters. I mean where do we get a fashion designer/fashion company tycoon story? The chemistry between both of them was great. I loved how their relationship developed from attraction to physical(honorary mention to chap 20) to more. It was paced well and you actually felt like they really had time to get to know and fall for each other.
- As much as liked it though, the plot felt scattered at points and I got confused as to how it will play out and when it did, everything was resolved so simply it felt like I missed it.
Overall I would most definitely recommend their story! It was fun, engaging and it left you rooting for them. I also feel the need to mention the EliLeocrumbs - which were to be simple; chef’s kiss - that made me love them more and BELLA. Bella is a queen so she gets her whole separate mention. I also CANNOT wait for Ares’ book. I have this feeling he might end up being my fav.
Vow of Hell is part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. *ARC received in exchange for an honest review
I keep going back and forth with my rating, 4.5-5/5 ⭐️ and that’s not because of the plot or writing. Clara Elroy writing is perfection and I loved that I’m instantly intrigued with what she’s written.
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🔥 STEAM: 2.5/5 🌶
I’m just going to say it, I didn’t connect with Ari like i really wanted to and part of it has to do with the originality of the heroine’s character. I was rolling my eyes half the time with Ari’s POV when it came to her feelings with Saint. Like girl KEEP YOUR WORD HONEY. I was obsessed the minute I started reading this though and over looking part of Ari’s personality. THIS WAS DAMN AMAZEBALLS.
Ariadne Fleur is to be “betrothed” to Saint Astor, there family is somewhat rivals and a competitive streak going on with there business they plan to share together once they marry.
“A spitfire with hackles of steel”
Ari and Saint characters have always clashed and the hate they hold turning into something neither of them expected but ATLAS, there little arrangement they have going on. AAHHH, you think you know where this is going but the way I was blind sided with it had me more obsessed with this book and the character development between them with absolutely amazing plus we get more of Leo and Eliana and I was here for it all.
“Saint Astor had managed to color himself outside the linesI’d drawn around him, dripping ink into my soul and hooking himself in deep until I couldn’t think of anything else except how much I loved how he made me feel”
The side character left me wanting more of them and i loved it and just patiently waiting for more of this series. This is part of a interconnected standalone series.
Ariadne is out with her friends. She goes to use the toilet in the bar and hears two people panting away, she then hears the one name she didn’t want to hear “Saint”, surely it couldn’t be Saint Astor, the man in which her grandmother wants her to marry in an arranged marriage! But when they step out after Ariadne tells them to stop, it is the one and only Saint.
Saint Astor was set to be a NFL superstar but when he suffered a terrible accident on the field, he could no longer play for the NFL, which meant he was destined for the family business of Falco fashion house. This wasn’t his dream at all. Ever since the accident he hasn’t been happy.
Saint’s father and Ariadne’s grandmother want Saint and Ariadne to get married, but their reasons aren’t for love, but more selfish reasons.
Ariadne is a curvy, gorgeous, fiery women, who is a fashion influencer thanks to her huge following on social media. She wants to set up her own fashion label and doesn’t want anything to do with the Fleur fashion house that her father runs. Saint is a blonde haired, well built tall man with very little regard for people’s feelings. He has a reputation as a bad boy and maybe Ariadne’s following could help his image?
This book was written in Ariadne and Saint’s POV. I really loved the quick whit of both characters and seeing how their story transpired. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book which will keep you guessing.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC from Clara and I am SOOO PUMPED that I was able to read this before the release date because this book is pure art. I was intrigued from the start and seriously devoured the book in a matter of hours and now I'm just mad at myself for putting it off for a few days because this book deserved better. Saint and Aria are everything I wanted and more if we are being honest. There were so many characters in this story that I disliked in the story, and I think that added to my enjoyment when I was reading because I was always rooting for either Saint, Aria, or both and against the individuals who were so frustrating. I don't make it a secret that I love a good antagonist, it truly reels me more into the story as a whole. Okay, to the important stuff! This book was beautifully written, and I might just like Sainty more than I liked Leo, which is hard because Leo is just..... *chefs kiss*!! The dynamic between Saint and Aria was intense and I was chewing my nails, waiting for the shoe to drop because you just knowwww there has to be a falling out and I found myself not wanting it to happen because I was so invested in their story. I feel like I am rambling because I don't want to give any spoilers away and I am not sure how else to convey the fact that Saint Astor has been added to my list of book boyfriends and I love everything about him. This book releases on September 6th and I highly recommend it!
Another ARC to the list, that I loved. Saint and Ariadne have the most irritating relationship i have read in a while and i LOVED IT. Now they aren't a typical, mob boss and a daughter of an influential family. Cause she is, but she's more than that, and it shows how much Saint appreciates that.
Saint is the next in line to take over his families company, and Ariadne is about to the same. Ariadne studied hard, worked even harder to be one of the most influential woman out there. Their families worked out a deal, in which they had to be married and eventually run the company together as they were going to merge.
Saint is a former NFL player, who had a bad play made on him and left him with a spinal cord injury that hurts him from time to time but he works hard to proof that his injury doesn't stop him. Now their forced proximity and chemistry in evident, and Saint fall for her eventually as her personality literally makes him squirm and make him doubt his strength as he fought his attraction for a long time.
Ari fight it as well, specially because she never wanted to be married in the first place. But after been guilt tripped into accepting the marriage, she didnt have a choice. But eventually she fights his walls and makes him trust her, and she trust him.
Honestly i loved how strong they both are, how they fell inlove and how they fought their parents wishes and actually made their marriage work.
Tropes: Arranged marriage. Angsty hero. Playboy. CEO billionares (they both are lol)
I've been anxiously awaiting a new entry in this series and I am thrilled to say it did not disappoint! I must say that Saint and Aria wasted zero time in grabbing my attention and sneaking right into my heart. While this arranged marriage story get off to a slow burning start but offers more than enough sparks and simmering chemistry to have you fully invested and anxiously awaiting the steamy and spicy burn you know is coming. I really liked both of these characters. Aria was a study in contrasts. Outside she was talented, determined and successful but inside she had her own insecurities and I felt that made her extremely realistic and very easy to connect with. Saint initially was all Intensity, sharp edges and attitude. They are both very complex and I loved getting to know them and witnessing the evolution of them and their relationship. I thought the story was skillfully crafted and it too is a lot more than you might initially expect. Yes, the arranged marriage trope is in play here but there are also strong elements of family drama, suspense, and danger. Add to this plenty of emotions, heart, heat, action, sweetness, humor and some shocking twists that will have your jaw on the floor and you have yourself a lush and irresistible read that hits you with all the feels and swoon you could ask for and the romance that you crave. I'm already super excited for book three and I just finished this one! This is my objective, unsolicited review.
Saint is nothing like the name he was given. Sinfully hot and confident in everything he does. A destined NFL star until a career ending injury changes everything and he is forced to help take over the family business.
“Saint was lethal, and what was worse, he knew it.”
Aria is the innocent to Saint’ sinful. She is a fashion designer that wants to branch off from her family’s name and to make something for herself.
“You asked for the full Astor experience, you’re getting it”
A marriage that neither of them want - that their parents think will help their fashion houses. However, these two are more similar than they think.
“Make no mistake, Spitfire. This isn’t a vow of love.”
I loved this book. It had so many different twists that I didn’t see coming. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. This book was sinfully sexy. I couldn’t get enough. I could have kept reading about them for another 200 pages.
I thought I’d try this book because i enjoyed the first one, however this one I didn’t enjoy that much. I’m not that much of a fan when it comes to the arranged marriage trope but i thought i’d give it a go anyway.
The main characters both seem to share a lot of chemistry as the tension between them was thick in the beginning of the book. However they both couldn’t trust each other enough to tell their biggest secrets, which lead to some miscommunication.
I did like the ending of the book since I’m a sucker for happily ever afters but this isn’t my favourite book in this series.
This book was probably the worst way to start my year and I'm so glad to be done with it finally. This had so much potential wasted away, the enemies to lovers part is practically non existent, there is almost zero character growth, and so much random information. Saint and Aria fucking for 27 or so chapters punctuated with Saint's daddy issues is the long and short of it.