Desperate Measures

Robert (Neon Gods), the bestselling author of the Dark Olympus series, can always be counted on to deliver a sizzling story—and the red hot first in her Wicked Villains series, an updated version of a previously self-published tale now complete with footnotes from Robert discussing her authorial choices, doesn’t disappoint. Jasmine, the virginal, cosseted daughter of a crime boss, has long lusted after her father’s second-in-command, Jafar, but her father has promised her hand in marriage to a different man. When Jasmine’s father suddenly dies, Jafar, who has inherited his empire, is determined to win Jasmine for his own—but despite her attraction, she’s not inclined to give in to him without a fight. The dangerous criminal underworld provides a high-stakes backdrop to their sexy game of cat and mouse. As romance blooms, tough-as-nails Jafar proves to be a big softie when it comes to the woman he loves (who tauntingly but affectionately calls him Daddy). Taut plotting, abundant sexy times (including a number of BDSM scenes at a sex club called the Underworld), and complicated characters will entice readers to binge-read. Gratifyingly, in Robert’s hands the familiar mafia romance is handled with care, with an emphasis on consent and, ultimately, an unexpected feminist twist. Fans of dark romance will devour this intensely erotic tale. (Oct.)