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The Rift Bride #1
Consort
The territory master wants me for his bride, but his closest servant is my fated mate. Dare a woman ask for both a husband and her bonded companion?
When I was born, my father made a deal.
Now, to protect my remaining family, I must make good his bargain.
A rare specimen in a deadly and dissolving world, I am to belong to Malin Farrow: the master of Gudrune, and among the most feared leaders since the beginning of the Rift Events and all the monsters they bring with them.
Yet, despite his wicked reputation, and all the dark proclivities that make him infamous, he comes to love me--and I love him.
So what draws me to Eleison--the adversarial, standoffish, maddeningly beautiful footman with a beast in his heart?
For that matter...why must I be so obsessed when Eleison can't stand to be in the same room with me?
Inspired by Bluebeard, Beauty & The Beast, and Rapunzel, The Rift Bride is a reverse harem gothic romance set in a techno-Victorian universe. This entry features fated mates on the one hand and age gap attraction on the other. It's a slow burn with no male cheating, jealous/possessive love, an HFN ending in an HEA series, and just the right amount of angst to balance out the very steamy scenes! 18+
This series is by and large about VILLAINS who will get their happy ending, so be forewarned! Plot content can be dark and triggers include sadism, bondage, knifeplay, kidnapping, and some shocking twists in future volumes. Reader discretion is encouraged.
When I was born, my father made a deal.
Now, to protect my remaining family, I must make good his bargain.
A rare specimen in a deadly and dissolving world, I am to belong to Malin Farrow: the master of Gudrune, and among the most feared leaders since the beginning of the Rift Events and all the monsters they bring with them.
Yet, despite his wicked reputation, and all the dark proclivities that make him infamous, he comes to love me--and I love him.
So what draws me to Eleison--the adversarial, standoffish, maddeningly beautiful footman with a beast in his heart?
For that matter...why must I be so obsessed when Eleison can't stand to be in the same room with me?
Inspired by Bluebeard, Beauty & The Beast, and Rapunzel, The Rift Bride is a reverse harem gothic romance set in a techno-Victorian universe. This entry features fated mates on the one hand and age gap attraction on the other. It's a slow burn with no male cheating, jealous/possessive love, an HFN ending in an HEA series, and just the right amount of angst to balance out the very steamy scenes! 18+
This series is by and large about VILLAINS who will get their happy ending, so be forewarned! Plot content can be dark and triggers include sadism, bondage, knifeplay, kidnapping, and some shocking twists in future volumes. Reader discretion is encouraged.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2022
116 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Ada Dart
6 books30 followersAda Dart is an author of reverse harems and romances with undercurrents so dark you'll only want to read them at night. Her brooding, intellectual heroes defy boundaries and straddle conventions: whether older or younger, commanding or sensual, the men Dart writes are sure to keep readers' imaginations going long after the final page. In addition to writing other pulp genres under the pen name Regina Watts, Dart enjoys spending time watching opera with her cat and her real life age-gap partner, who has been with her for over half a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 1, 2022
loved it!!!🔥🔥🔥
I succumbed to Malin’s dirty talk and whip.
This story is the perfect dark romance for me. It’s well written, full of adventure, non human creatures, sex, BDSM and a strong female character.
This is the first book of an awesome series. I can’t wait to read more about the villains I love.
I highly recommend Consort by Ada Dart.🖤
Ps: don’t forget to read the bonus.
I succumbed to Malin’s dirty talk and whip.
This story is the perfect dark romance for me. It’s well written, full of adventure, non human creatures, sex, BDSM and a strong female character.
This is the first book of an awesome series. I can’t wait to read more about the villains I love.
I highly recommend Consort by Ada Dart.🖤
Ps: don’t forget to read the bonus.
June 27, 2022
Filled with killer worldbuilding, sizzling romance, and a mystery that will have you begging for the next book as soon as possible, Consort is the beach read to beat this summer. Everything Ada Dart's various pen names have put out have led up to this, from the erotica to the horror. Highly recommended, especially for those who love it when the bad guys get away.
August 15, 2022
"Prophecy may doom the heroes of your books, Thecla; but, if you pay attention, this story will have a happy ending."
With a promise of a steamy story inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Bluebeard, and Rapunzel, where the villains get their happily ever after, there was no doubt that Consort was a book I needed in my life. A charming tale of loyalty and acceptance, this was my first delve into author Ada Dart’s work, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do so. It’s difficult to fit this book into a certain category…gothic romance, techno-Victorian, futuristic dystopian, Gaslamp fantasy with a bit of science fiction – it’s truly a unique story that refuses to toe the line of any genre expectations. And this made me love it even more.
This book has some of the best worldbuilding I’ve come across in a long time. Dart creates an immaculate, intricate world for her readers, detailing an alternate reality of our own, where there exists a thin veil between Earth and the Rift – an alien realm of monsters. The latter regularly bleeds into the former, creating a whole host of unknowns, and humans, as expected, attempt to control the things they fear and cannot understand. Politics, monster hunting, scientific study, Consort is filled to the brim with carefully thought out concepts that create a rich reading experience.
Pages are peppered with finely-crafted morally gray characters who possess a plethora of dark secrets and even darker desires. The narrative follows Thecla, a woman with rarer abilities than initially portrayed, as she finds herself heaved into a life she never thought possible. Toss in an infamous territory master, Malin, and his most trusted footman, Eleison, and Thecla’s world is turned upside down. The chemistry between the three is explosive, and it’s a relationship I cannot wait to see bloom in future installments of the series. With Regency era speech and mannerisms, and a fantastic supporting cast, the characters add such beautiful charm to an already alluring novel.
If I had to give one criticism for this beauty of a book, I’d have to mention the somewhat inconsistent pacing at the hands of introspection. It reads a bit like a rollercoaster ride with a slow build-up, then an eruption, followed by more building, and so on and so forth. It didn’t take away from the story as a whole, and it’s more just personal preference.
A blend of romance and fantasy/sci-fi, this book has a little bit of something for everyone. And for all you romance lovers out there, it has an extensive catalog of kinks for you to enjoy: age gap, fated mates, why choose, deg/praise, possessive alphas, BDSM, and more. This is absolutely a book for mature audiences, and I highly recommend minding the warnings presented by the author before fully diving in. My interest has been piqued, and I’m very much looking forward to spending more time with Thecla, Malin and Eleison in the next novel of The Rift Bride.
––
Note: A huge thank you to the author and Smuthood Tours for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With a promise of a steamy story inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Bluebeard, and Rapunzel, where the villains get their happily ever after, there was no doubt that Consort was a book I needed in my life. A charming tale of loyalty and acceptance, this was my first delve into author Ada Dart’s work, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do so. It’s difficult to fit this book into a certain category…gothic romance, techno-Victorian, futuristic dystopian, Gaslamp fantasy with a bit of science fiction – it’s truly a unique story that refuses to toe the line of any genre expectations. And this made me love it even more.
This book has some of the best worldbuilding I’ve come across in a long time. Dart creates an immaculate, intricate world for her readers, detailing an alternate reality of our own, where there exists a thin veil between Earth and the Rift – an alien realm of monsters. The latter regularly bleeds into the former, creating a whole host of unknowns, and humans, as expected, attempt to control the things they fear and cannot understand. Politics, monster hunting, scientific study, Consort is filled to the brim with carefully thought out concepts that create a rich reading experience.
Pages are peppered with finely-crafted morally gray characters who possess a plethora of dark secrets and even darker desires. The narrative follows Thecla, a woman with rarer abilities than initially portrayed, as she finds herself heaved into a life she never thought possible. Toss in an infamous territory master, Malin, and his most trusted footman, Eleison, and Thecla’s world is turned upside down. The chemistry between the three is explosive, and it’s a relationship I cannot wait to see bloom in future installments of the series. With Regency era speech and mannerisms, and a fantastic supporting cast, the characters add such beautiful charm to an already alluring novel.
If I had to give one criticism for this beauty of a book, I’d have to mention the somewhat inconsistent pacing at the hands of introspection. It reads a bit like a rollercoaster ride with a slow build-up, then an eruption, followed by more building, and so on and so forth. It didn’t take away from the story as a whole, and it’s more just personal preference.
A blend of romance and fantasy/sci-fi, this book has a little bit of something for everyone. And for all you romance lovers out there, it has an extensive catalog of kinks for you to enjoy: age gap, fated mates, why choose, deg/praise, possessive alphas, BDSM, and more. This is absolutely a book for mature audiences, and I highly recommend minding the warnings presented by the author before fully diving in. My interest has been piqued, and I’m very much looking forward to spending more time with Thecla, Malin and Eleison in the next novel of The Rift Bride.
––
Note: A huge thank you to the author and Smuthood Tours for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steaminess 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: general BDSM, bondage, age gap romance, whipping/spanking, knifeplay, kidnapping.
This book has all my favorites: reverse harem with an age gap romance, fated mates, jealous/possessive love, dangerous and powerful men and an equally powerful and kick ass woman. It’s a gothic, techno-Victorian romance, so though it technically takes place in the future and there are futuristic elements it still feels very old and Victorian. It’s dark, sexy, and perfect.
Consort follows our heroine, Thecla, whose father unexpectedly dies leaving her and her family to figure out how to survive in a future where supernatural events called Rift Events happen, which essentially allow creatures from different dimensions to cross into Earth. We learn that Thecla’s father made a deal with the dangerous and notorious territory master, Malin Farrow, giving Thecla to him once he died. Malin whisks Thecla away and that’s when the story really begins. Let’s just say Thecla is no victim and has every intention of getting exactly what and who she wants.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steaminess 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
CW: general BDSM, bondage, age gap romance, whipping/spanking, knifeplay, kidnapping.
This book has all my favorites: reverse harem with an age gap romance, fated mates, jealous/possessive love, dangerous and powerful men and an equally powerful and kick ass woman. It’s a gothic, techno-Victorian romance, so though it technically takes place in the future and there are futuristic elements it still feels very old and Victorian. It’s dark, sexy, and perfect.
Consort follows our heroine, Thecla, whose father unexpectedly dies leaving her and her family to figure out how to survive in a future where supernatural events called Rift Events happen, which essentially allow creatures from different dimensions to cross into Earth. We learn that Thecla’s father made a deal with the dangerous and notorious territory master, Malin Farrow, giving Thecla to him once he died. Malin whisks Thecla away and that’s when the story really begins. Let’s just say Thecla is no victim and has every intention of getting exactly what and who she wants.
June 22, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK! I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2..WHEN THAT RELATIONSHIP WITH ELESION BEGAN I WAS ON PINS AND NEEDLES THE WHOLE TIME WONDERING HOW LONG BEFORE THEY GOT CAUGHT. I SWEAR I WAS SWEATING..CHARLOTTE WAS ALSO A GOOD FRIEND. THE LAST 12 CHAPTERS O MY GOSH!
July 24, 2022
The world building in this was spectacular. The entire concept was unique and refreshing. You have age-gap, fated mates, monsters, possessive men, whipping, bondage, kidnapping, oh my goodness. Thecla is a strong woman who just wants to be herself and do what she wants and have what she wants, which is both her husband and her mate, just like the fortune teller predicted. But monsters of the human and altered variety are determined to make her happiness harder for her to obtain. Oh, the triggers are heavy but a delight if you are in for it.
July 6, 2022
I’m grateful to be part of Ada’s ARC team. Had I not been I would probably not have picked this book up.
It is a slow burn, introducing you to Thecla and her world. Just what do you do when your father has made a deal with the territory master but you are drawn to his loyal servant? The beginning of the book gave me dark beauty and the beast vibes, but you soon realise that all is not a fairytale! Promised to Malin, drawn to Eleison, can you really have both? I wouldn’t mind either 😂! I also feel Charlotte needs a special mention, she puts up with a lot 😂
It is a slow burn, introducing you to Thecla and her world. Just what do you do when your father has made a deal with the territory master but you are drawn to his loyal servant? The beginning of the book gave me dark beauty and the beast vibes, but you soon realise that all is not a fairytale! Promised to Malin, drawn to Eleison, can you really have both? I wouldn’t mind either 😂! I also feel Charlotte needs a special mention, she puts up with a lot 😂
July 1, 2022
Wow, I am not always the biggest fan of "futuristic" books, but how Ada Dart creates this dystopian world is incredible. Future advancements, yet with regressive characteristics of period stories. The ongoing Rift events that happen allow creatures from another world through and also force current world people (born during rift events, of rift parents, or genetic experiments) to uncontrollably "shift". These are not your standard storybook shifters, but very creative creatures. This is a very detailed story of a young woman who has grown up educated about the "monsters" but now learns she has to go live in the world with them and she was born to one. Extremely well-executed narrative of how she learns to adapt to the broader world she knows, the horrors, pleasures, and adventures through her innocence to come to love the Region Lord with his advanced training on pain/pleasure combinations. Her attraction to his top Lieutenant, who is a Rift Creature created in the Lab, and how to navigate feelings for both. There is danger from the Labs who want to study her, their interest in what a 2nd generation RIFT-born child would provide. Loved FMC sassiness, fearless dive, into pleasure while she learns to crawl from peasant born into high-class society. The story is VERY packed with ups/downs, trips and turns at a great pace to keep reading for hours. Great stops for very NAUGHTY BDSM and other kink sessions. As this is the start of a new series the HOT scenes don't start until like 1/3 of the way through as some world and character building is necessary! VERY VERY engaging, can't wait for the next book, how this group will expand, and will boundaries be crossed, I have like "fan fiction" written 10-15 possible stories in my head where I want this to go. DEFINATELY DEFINATELY worth the read.
July 21, 2022
The world building of this techno-Victorian world was amazing! I loved being introduced to the Rift events, creatures, and mechanics that make this world what it is. It simultaneously feels futuristic and olden, exactly what I was expecting when it was described as techno-Victorian.
Thecla is the fmc and she goes on a huge discovery of herself through the book in multiple ways. It is really amazing watching Thecla grow comfortable and confident in herself and her desires.
This book also includes multiple love interests and I love both of them for different reasons. A fated mate? An older stern brunch daddy? Give them both to me 😍 I really did fall for Eleison though and I can’t wait to keep following Thecla in the next installment.
Definitely recommend if you love feeling like you are being transported to a new world full of mystery and romance. Also, the steamy scenes? *chefs kiss*
Thecla is the fmc and she goes on a huge discovery of herself through the book in multiple ways. It is really amazing watching Thecla grow comfortable and confident in herself and her desires.
This book also includes multiple love interests and I love both of them for different reasons. A fated mate? An older stern brunch daddy? Give them both to me 😍 I really did fall for Eleison though and I can’t wait to keep following Thecla in the next installment.
Definitely recommend if you love feeling like you are being transported to a new world full of mystery and romance. Also, the steamy scenes? *chefs kiss*
June 24, 2022
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. After reading this book, all I can say is thank goodness I have the ability to make mental images of what I'm reading! The world building is incredible. The action scenes are fast and well thought out and the steamy scenes are super detailed and spicy 🥵🔥 this is one book you don't want to miss and I am ridiculously excited for book 2!!!!
July 28, 2022
Can I buy a Malin on amazon because 🥵🥵 this was so hot. I loved the world building, I loved the characters, I LOVED the chemistry. Ada blew it out of the water with this one. I'm going to buy physical copies when they come out and force all my friends to read this.
June 29, 2022
Anyone need a new appreciation for Birch trees??!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book I received as an ARC and burned through it pretty darn quickly.
Older hot powerful dude your thing? Check! Sexy rough character your jam? Yup!! FMC figuring out her sordid and newfound kinks???? Oh it’s got that too!!!
Great read and looking forward to the next Tri-Rift tournament 😂
Thoroughly enjoyed this book I received as an ARC and burned through it pretty darn quickly.
Older hot powerful dude your thing? Check! Sexy rough character your jam? Yup!! FMC figuring out her sordid and newfound kinks???? Oh it’s got that too!!!
Great read and looking forward to the next Tri-Rift tournament 😂
June 24, 2022
I received this book as a Arc. It was unique and different. I loved it and it was delightful. The only thinnggg I wish there was a threesome. I loved the story line and the other world “rift” I actually liked that her parents weren’t mean to her I feel like it so common to have like a lot of abuse going on so I’m glad that wasn’t the thing. I would of liked more clarification on how he was able to find her, how she was able to exist, her mother, how to find riftborns etc. I think that’s for the next book! It was delight and quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2023
I loved this book. Spice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and the emotions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This book was absolutely wonderful. A little slow to start but when it gets going it’s full steam ahead. The triangle between the 3 of them before the dharmine got involved was epic. Think old school vows with a dystopian setting. Malins reaction was what every girl ever dreamed of and the “monster” aspect of it is really intriguing. I hope to learn more in the next book and I cannot wait to find out what other powers she has.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2022
Consort has everything you could ever want from a dark romance. A thrill story, deeply involved character development, gripping personalities that are easy to fall in love with, realistic chemistry between lovers, and only the spiciest of content.
The world Ada Dart has created for us is deeply fleshed out with its own fauna and rules of humanity. It feels just familiar enough to be set in our own world years into the future, while still having a general sci-fi feel to it. Taking inspiration from classics like Bluebeard, Beauty and the Beast, and Rapunzel, Dart weaves the beginning of a beautifully degenerate love story, where the villains get happy endings and the goodie two shoes are no where to be seen.
Filled to the brim with different “lifestyle” choices, dark romance readers are sure to find something that will tickle their fancy one way or another. From age gap to kidnapping, readers will find a wide variety of entertainment between chapters of thrilling narrative and hot and heavy plot.
All of this brings me to the conclusion that Consort is an incredible debut for Ada Dart. I personally loved the entire book and found myself craving more the second I finished it. I’m not saying this is THE perfect book, but I’m saying that this is a top contender for that title. Consort has everything you could want from a book of any genre and delivers its story in an elegant but gritty manner, just like the two men in Thecla’s life.
Personally, I haven’t been one to go out of my way to read dark romance, but after my first taste thanks to Consort, I find that I’ve been missing out on an incredible genre. The Rift Bride series is something I’ll be looking forward to with each release.
The world Ada Dart has created for us is deeply fleshed out with its own fauna and rules of humanity. It feels just familiar enough to be set in our own world years into the future, while still having a general sci-fi feel to it. Taking inspiration from classics like Bluebeard, Beauty and the Beast, and Rapunzel, Dart weaves the beginning of a beautifully degenerate love story, where the villains get happy endings and the goodie two shoes are no where to be seen.
Filled to the brim with different “lifestyle” choices, dark romance readers are sure to find something that will tickle their fancy one way or another. From age gap to kidnapping, readers will find a wide variety of entertainment between chapters of thrilling narrative and hot and heavy plot.
All of this brings me to the conclusion that Consort is an incredible debut for Ada Dart. I personally loved the entire book and found myself craving more the second I finished it. I’m not saying this is THE perfect book, but I’m saying that this is a top contender for that title. Consort has everything you could want from a book of any genre and delivers its story in an elegant but gritty manner, just like the two men in Thecla’s life.
Personally, I haven’t been one to go out of my way to read dark romance, but after my first taste thanks to Consort, I find that I’ve been missing out on an incredible genre. The Rift Bride series is something I’ll be looking forward to with each release.
August 20, 2022
4.5⭐️ | 3.5🌶 | 2.5🔥
Victorian era meets dystopian future in this intriguing story. The world building was extremely interesting - I was a little skeptical to see a meshing of Victorian era society with futuristic technology but it oddly worked! Throw in the mysterious Rift Events, altered humans and monstrous creatures for a dystopian future full of survival and this plot had me eager to find out what would happen.
The characters were interesting and although the slow burn killed me it was SO worth the wait! I adored the relationship dynamics but really struggled with the writing style of the dialogue between characters - although well done it just didn’t click for me which made it a bit difficult to connect with the relationships as they developed. Even with the stylistic differences I couldn’t put this story down and easily became invested in the characters, desperate for them to have a HEA!
The steamy scenes were what k¡nky dreams are made of! Again the only part that made it tricky to get fully into the intimate moments was the writing style of the character’s dialogue. But I absolutely have a new interest in and appreciation for riding crops and birch trees…
Please review trigger warnings before reading as there may be content that isn’t for you.
𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳
Fated Mates
Possessive Men
Why Choose Romance (no sharing but some watching)
Bondage & Impact Play
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Slow burn romance
Thank you to Ada Dart & Smuthood Reviews for an eARC of this story.
IG: @athousandbookishlives
Victorian era meets dystopian future in this intriguing story. The world building was extremely interesting - I was a little skeptical to see a meshing of Victorian era society with futuristic technology but it oddly worked! Throw in the mysterious Rift Events, altered humans and monstrous creatures for a dystopian future full of survival and this plot had me eager to find out what would happen.
The characters were interesting and although the slow burn killed me it was SO worth the wait! I adored the relationship dynamics but really struggled with the writing style of the dialogue between characters - although well done it just didn’t click for me which made it a bit difficult to connect with the relationships as they developed. Even with the stylistic differences I couldn’t put this story down and easily became invested in the characters, desperate for them to have a HEA!
The steamy scenes were what k¡nky dreams are made of! Again the only part that made it tricky to get fully into the intimate moments was the writing style of the character’s dialogue. But I absolutely have a new interest in and appreciation for riding crops and birch trees…
Please review trigger warnings before reading as there may be content that isn’t for you.
𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳
Fated Mates
Possessive Men
Why Choose Romance (no sharing but some watching)
Bondage & Impact Play
Age Gap
Forced Proximity
Slow burn romance
Thank you to Ada Dart & Smuthood Reviews for an eARC of this story.
IG: @athousandbookishlives
June 16, 2022
Oh my god! This book was amazing!!!! I love it! Theres a little mystery and I can't wait to see what happens next!! Malin is🥵🔥
August 11, 2022
This book was really unique and I loved it! The writing is almost lyrical and takes you back into an entirely new time and setting. The writing facilitates the reader to delve deeper into the the story. It was a writing style I haven't experienced in a while and it was like a breath of fresh air!
The chemistry between the characters is intense. The main character has two love interests and both of them have their own set of unique characteristics. I loved the relationship building between her and the two guys. I especially loved her mate.
Overall, I would give this 5 stars and 🌶🌶🌶. If you love fantasy verging on dystopian storyline with more than one love interest (and she doesn't have to choose) then I would 100% recommend this book.
I was given this ARC by the author. I was not obligated to provide a review, and these views and opinions are all my own.
The chemistry between the characters is intense. The main character has two love interests and both of them have their own set of unique characteristics. I loved the relationship building between her and the two guys. I especially loved her mate.
Overall, I would give this 5 stars and 🌶🌶🌶. If you love fantasy verging on dystopian storyline with more than one love interest (and she doesn't have to choose) then I would 100% recommend this book.
I was given this ARC by the author. I was not obligated to provide a review, and these views and opinions are all my own.
June 28, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. At first, Malin was my fav but it changed to Eleison pretty quickly. I love the world-building done and can't wait to see what the next book will bring! It definitely has some darkness in it so check the TW CW.
August 14, 2022
This books had everything that I needed when I applied for the ACR. The world building it's amazing Ada's writting gives evertyhing for enjoy the journey, I really connected with Thecla's story and MY GOD THE 🌶️ HERE!! It's all I was looking for. I'm definitely going for book two.
June 18, 2022
This book is so amazing. I have fallen in love with the characters and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. This book captivated me from the first page until the last page. Malin is just everything. 🔥🔥
August 15, 2022
Consort is a gothic romance based in a techno-Victorian universe. I honestly wasn’t too sure what that would be like but, I dig it. At first, it was slow going for me. I was upset it was a slow burn BUT it needed to be. The world building was amazing. I needed to understand what the hell these Rift events were and what was with the monsters. It was brilliant. I haven’t read a book like this before.
I read that this was a reverse harem age gap romance and I needed this! I love RH and I LOVE a good age gap. I live for it. I have never read an RH like this before. I didn’t even think it actually was for a long time. Most of them the men are friends and you know right away they will be sharing the fmc. Consort was nothing like that and it was amazing. The third guy? I’m. Here. For. It. I can’t wait. I’m beyond excited to see where that goes in the next book.
The kinks were on point. Bdsm and bondage. Fated mates. Large age gap. Possessive males. Whipping/spanking. Praise. And a small side of kidnapping.
I don’t recommend this to anyone that is not a fan of the listed triggers. If you aren’t a fan of slow burns, still try this out. It was rough for a bit but it’s worth it. 100% worth it so you get a feel for the world.
I recommend this to anyone that likes world building and the listed triggers.
**I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
I read that this was a reverse harem age gap romance and I needed this! I love RH and I LOVE a good age gap. I live for it. I have never read an RH like this before. I didn’t even think it actually was for a long time. Most of them the men are friends and you know right away they will be sharing the fmc. Consort was nothing like that and it was amazing. The third guy? I’m. Here. For. It. I can’t wait. I’m beyond excited to see where that goes in the next book.
The kinks were on point. Bdsm and bondage. Fated mates. Large age gap. Possessive males. Whipping/spanking. Praise. And a small side of kidnapping.
I don’t recommend this to anyone that is not a fan of the listed triggers. If you aren’t a fan of slow burns, still try this out. It was rough for a bit but it’s worth it. 100% worth it so you get a feel for the world.
I recommend this to anyone that likes world building and the listed triggers.
**I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
August 14, 2022
This series started off great, with amazing spice and amazing world building. It has a regency type of feeling, but set in the future with monsters and other creatures. Thecla is a strong FMC, thrown into an unknown situation after the death of her father and makes the best of it with Malin & Eleison. This book is definitely not short on spice or plot and I’m so excited to see where it goes next!!
August 21, 2022
This alternate universe fairytale retelling is fantastic! It is so much better than a mere niche book. It’s long enough that it has elements of erotica, reverse harem, urban fantasy, fairytale, steampunk, dystopian fiction—but it is not any single one. It’s quite fantastic in scope, not plodding but slowly unfolding as Thecla matures. I’m looking forward to Ada’s future books!
It deserves all the love it is getting in reviews. It is such a torturously, deliciously slowly building burn of a book! Absolutely love it!
It deserves all the love it is getting in reviews. It is such a torturously, deliciously slowly building burn of a book! Absolutely love it!
August 14, 2022
Malin is the best... I was blessed with an ARC of this book. For me the very start was alittle slow with world building but it was very interesting. There are so many twist and turns in the book it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Overall this was a great start to a new series. Can not wait for the next book!
August 18, 2022
Check TW and CW. This book immersed you into an intricate world. I wanted to be Thecla, lol between Malin and Eleison I would never want to leave that world. I do love the way the end was left open to more!
August 20, 2022
I received this eARC to review and quite enjoyed it. This book is set in a Techno-Victorian future. Thecla is a rare specimen of different species. Her father made a deal when she was born and she now is sent off to fulfill such deal. At her new residence is where she meets Malin and Eleison.
Malin is a much older, rich territory owner with a lot of power and a reputation for being ruthless. While Eleison is a brooding, altered man who serves Malin.
I loved the world that this book was set in. It gives old Victorian vibes but then there are elements of a futuristic world threaded into it. I also thought the whole premise of the monsters, the Rift, and the different subset of humans was a unique and captivating concept.
I really liked Eleison and Thecla’s attraction to one another from the beginning. The tension they had was also great to read and I was just waiting for them to be able to give in at some point.
Malin and Thecla’s relationship took a bit for me to be convinced that it was authentic. Eventually, though it was apparent how much they loved each other.
I enjoyed the general writing of the book however, I felt as though some of the spicy scenes could have been better if different words were chosen. I found the dialogue during these scenes to be especially unusual to read.
Other than that, I enjoyed reading this peculiar world and the characters’ relationships unfold. I look forward for the next book!
Thank you to The Smuthood & Ada Dart for the eARC for my honest opinion.
Malin is a much older, rich territory owner with a lot of power and a reputation for being ruthless. While Eleison is a brooding, altered man who serves Malin.
I loved the world that this book was set in. It gives old Victorian vibes but then there are elements of a futuristic world threaded into it. I also thought the whole premise of the monsters, the Rift, and the different subset of humans was a unique and captivating concept.
I really liked Eleison and Thecla’s attraction to one another from the beginning. The tension they had was also great to read and I was just waiting for them to be able to give in at some point.
Malin and Thecla’s relationship took a bit for me to be convinced that it was authentic. Eventually, though it was apparent how much they loved each other.
I enjoyed the general writing of the book however, I felt as though some of the spicy scenes could have been better if different words were chosen. I found the dialogue during these scenes to be especially unusual to read.
Other than that, I enjoyed reading this peculiar world and the characters’ relationships unfold. I look forward for the next book!
Thank you to The Smuthood & Ada Dart for the eARC for my honest opinion.
July 19, 2022
This has major world building! This is the first book in the series and it sets you up for discovery of so much within the world as you move along. I loved how the book started it wasn't an overly fast pace but steady. It got you right in the mood of letting yourself be completely sumerged in this world.
It is written in the point of view of Thecla, the main female character. And you get to see her life a little as a kid / teen before she is swept off in to the world she knows through the majority of the story.
The spiciness of this book is great but doesn't over take the story at hand. Now which man will you prefer in this reverse Harem.... GOOD LUCK! They both bring so much to the table. And some of the need for Eleison is simply from a matter of wanting what you can't have. Yet Malin brings on a whole different level.. When you are with him be prepared for extra stream! (maybe read those moments somewhere private LOL.
Prepare to be teased with curiosity of other characters you just get a snippet of but get enough to know ..... they will be back.
This book does not leave you on a cliffhanger, but stays open ended allowing you to step easily in to the world again with book two.
It is written in the point of view of Thecla, the main female character. And you get to see her life a little as a kid / teen before she is swept off in to the world she knows through the majority of the story.
The spiciness of this book is great but doesn't over take the story at hand. Now which man will you prefer in this reverse Harem.... GOOD LUCK! They both bring so much to the table. And some of the need for Eleison is simply from a matter of wanting what you can't have. Yet Malin brings on a whole different level.. When you are with him be prepared for extra stream! (maybe read those moments somewhere private LOL.
Prepare to be teased with curiosity of other characters you just get a snippet of but get enough to know ..... they will be back.
This book does not leave you on a cliffhanger, but stays open ended allowing you to step easily in to the world again with book two.
August 10, 2022
This story had soooo much to give! Set in an alternate reality thousands of years in the future, I originally wasn’t too sure what to expect. It’s hard to pin this down to just one genre! It has bits of sci-fi and fantasy with a bunch of steamy romance. It was thrilling and the world building was fascinating. It’s set in the future but their language and speech is very Victorian-era, but somehow it WORKS. Not to mention it’s a why choose trope, which I’m here for. A husband AND a mate? So hot. The story and pacing were great, the characters were strong, and I cannot WAIT to read book 2!
Edited to add: this genre is apparently called Gaslamp Fantasy! I had never heard of it before, so for anyone else who is interested, “Gaslamp Fantasy is a subgenre of both fantasy and historical fiction. Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting (i.e. a between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries). The gaslamp fantasy genre is not to be confused with steampunk, which is often set in the same historical era but usually has more of a super-science edge and uchronic tone. Nor is it the same as fantasy of manners, which is typically low-tech, often comedic, and involves social conflicts. Gaslamp fantasy also differs from classical Victorian/Edwardian faerie or pure fantasy in the J. R. R. Tolkien or Lewis Carroll style or from historical crime-novels in the Anne Perry or June Thomson style by the supernatural elements, themes, and subjects it features. Many of its tropes, themes, and stock characters derive from Gothic literature—a long-established genre composed of both romantic and horrific traits and motivated by the desire to rouse fear, apprehension, and other intense emotions within the reader—and could be described as an attempt to modernize literary Gothicism.” Thanks, Wikipedia!
Edited to add: this genre is apparently called Gaslamp Fantasy! I had never heard of it before, so for anyone else who is interested, “Gaslamp Fantasy is a subgenre of both fantasy and historical fiction. Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting (i.e. a between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries). The gaslamp fantasy genre is not to be confused with steampunk, which is often set in the same historical era but usually has more of a super-science edge and uchronic tone. Nor is it the same as fantasy of manners, which is typically low-tech, often comedic, and involves social conflicts. Gaslamp fantasy also differs from classical Victorian/Edwardian faerie or pure fantasy in the J. R. R. Tolkien or Lewis Carroll style or from historical crime-novels in the Anne Perry or June Thomson style by the supernatural elements, themes, and subjects it features. Many of its tropes, themes, and stock characters derive from Gothic literature—a long-established genre composed of both romantic and horrific traits and motivated by the desire to rouse fear, apprehension, and other intense emotions within the reader—and could be described as an attempt to modernize literary Gothicism.” Thanks, Wikipedia!
August 19, 2022
There are just so many amazing things to say about this book! Between the menage romance, the astounding world building and the futuristic dystopia society I was completely enthralled and could not put the book down.
Thecla was raised in a fairly poor family in a small town. The entire society is a victim of "Rift events" that let monsters through a rift. She is particularly sensitive to exposure to these events. When her father dies, she has to fulfill the contract her father agreed to to keep her safe. She goes to meet Malin and live with him, but also meets Eleison, who is a servant of Malin. As they both fall in love with her and she falls in love with them, more of her mysterious history comes forward, but only creates more questions.
The story was original and the characters were amazingly developed. If you love fantasy romance and dystopian worlds, this is a MUST read!
Thecla was raised in a fairly poor family in a small town. The entire society is a victim of "Rift events" that let monsters through a rift. She is particularly sensitive to exposure to these events. When her father dies, she has to fulfill the contract her father agreed to to keep her safe. She goes to meet Malin and live with him, but also meets Eleison, who is a servant of Malin. As they both fall in love with her and she falls in love with them, more of her mysterious history comes forward, but only creates more questions.
The story was original and the characters were amazingly developed. If you love fantasy romance and dystopian worlds, this is a MUST read!
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