Review: Madison Kate Series
I never in a million years would have thought I’d pick up a book series like Madison Kate, but I gotta say, this was a heck of a ride. Sometimes we just need to read books that are fun and escapist, right? Well this book is certainly that.
I mentioned in my review of A Court of Silver Flames that I’ve been really struggling with the critique of sex in books lately. There are so many people who bash smut and romance novels and claim it can be damaging…but most of those books are written by women. Yet male authors who use sex and rape graphically (I’m look at you, GRRM) are never given the same critique. Like I said, I need a whole thesis or dissertation to discuss this topic. But alas…
So before I get into the review, I will say that this book a is a reverse harem. That means the female main character has multiple love interests and doesn’t have to choose between them. As Tate James herself says, if you’re not okay with that, it’s not the book for you. It is also a dark romance so there is a lot of violence. And the steamy moments are…STEAMY. The grow in frequency as the series continues.
Synopsis: ““Madison Kate Danvers was murdered tonight.”
Those words changed my life, and not for the better.
They were wrong, of course. I wasn’t dead. But I was set up.
After being charged with a string of offences--and made an example of by my political minded father--I’m eventually released back into Shadow Grove with one thing on my mind.
Hate.
Someone is going to pay for derailing my carefully laid out future. Someone is going to catch the full force of my hate. How very convenient that someone just moved into the bedroom down the hall from me.
Archer D’Ath and his boys messed with the wrong chick and they’re about to learn just how cold Madison Kate’s hate can run.
What I Liked:
The Genre—I don’t read thrillers but I dark romance I can get behind. Dark romance is thriller meets romance and even though the books aren’t perfect, they are truly so much fun to read. I had a great time reading them and couldn’t stop thinking about the plot!
The Characters—Since this is a reverse harem, each love interest serves a different purpose. It’s kind of fascinating to get into the nitty gritty of the psychology because they’re so different, yet all very Alpha Male.
What Didn’t Work/Things to Keep in Mind
Like I said above, these books aren’t perfect but going into a dark romance you are accepting that things are going to challenge you or make you a little uncomfy. If you’re not into graphic or “kinky” moments, I’d just suggest sitting this series out. Just be aware of your boundaries and if you think you’ll hate it, leave it alone so that other can enjoy them with the understanding that they’re fictional and escapist.
These books are also indie published, which doesn’t make them any less worthy, but I hold them to a different standard.
TW/CW: Gang/mafia violence, guns, knives, shootings, strained family relationships, stalking, blood and gore
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Steam Rating:10/5 Overall Rating: 4/5