The novels in this series just keep getting better and better. I love the concept of this series, where each one explores a different romance trope, and later books focus on kink, but in a way that the characters use these alternative ways of finding passion as part of their search to free themselves from past trauma. It makes transforms the kink from a pleasurable enjoyment to a psychological need, which makes these dark romances so much more interesting and adds far more layers to the characters.
In this volume, it's Maddie's turn to overcome sixteen years of trauma as a sex slave, and most especially how the abuse has twisted her formative years. I really enjoyed how, to overcome her past and reclaim herself and her life, Maddie needs a Dom, and decides Cook is the one for her. This adds a really fantastic and unusual element for a BDSM romance, because I've never before read one where it's the Dom who needs training. That added so much to the story, making it unique and powerful.
While I liked Cook as a side character in the previous books in this series, things take on a whole new level in this volume and getting greater insight into this character's past, and why he is the way he is, really was a shocker. There is so much to unpack with this character, and I honestly think the author did justice to a complex individual, while maintaining that humorous streak and even adding a layer by allowing Cook to use humor as a shield to deflect peoples' attention from what's really going on.
A well-crafted novel, that really takes romance with darker themes to a new level without making it gratuitous or uncomfortable. The topics dealt with are gritty, heartbreaking, and feel so real. Truly excellent book! Highly recommend.
See the reviews of previous books in this series:
Wilde, Book 1 of the Ridge MC
Celt, Book 2 of the Ridge MC
Angel, Book 3 of the Ridge MC
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