I read widely from many genres. Perhaps this blog will feature fewer ratings and reviews, but I certainly intend to write about my reading life - it's the subject I most find myself wanting to talk about.
This book is the first in Stephanie Lauren's post-Bastion Club Black Cobra quartet. It set up what seemed to be a really satisfying arc of mystery and intrigue and introduced an interesting couple. Plus, All of the first seven Cynster couples and several of the Bastion players had appearances in the book from cameo roles to major/minor character status.
Then, less than three chapters before the end, all of the male characters need to "find a way to keep the women out" of their big confrontation with the bad guy. And I think Laurens plans that what they do is supposed to be funny. But I found it totally offensive. It wasn't "look what these naughty boys got away with." For me it was "look, these men will always have physical power over you, and there isn't a lot you can do about it." Wrong attitude for a romance novel. Even worse -- it took me out of the story right before the resolution.
Yes, the women are angry. Yes, they plan to use the guilt of their partners to their advantage. But truly, none of it matters because that all happens off stage, and the damage is done.
Ruined. Right at the end.
-cg