Given

No Nonsense Review:
- I liked this, and I didn't expect to.
- I came for the smut and I stayed for the interesting world and story.
- I read all 3 books, and enjoyed them all.

- The story isn't complicated but it has enough depth and kept me engaged.

- The main female character is OK.
- The first main male character is good.
- The second main male character is not good; I endured him.

three stars for trying to sell us on Given being the protagonist when really she was third wheeling (not by choice) all along

some other review said that Given is a sidecharacter in their own lovestory and that is the truest statement of this book you'll ever find

it felt more like this story was about Laurent and Varick and Given accidentally stumbled into the story. honestly, i feel sorry for the poor woman

the world building and lore was actually interesting but since it focuses so heavily on the relationship aspect i'll also let it reflect more in my rating

I only finished this book because I kept believing that the plot would prevail and something would click into place. Unfortunately, it didn't, and I found the grey-area-consent to be off-putting and underdeveloped. More specific description behind the spoiler, with warnings for style spoiling and potential content: Given was virginal prior to meeting our male love interests, and finds herself forced (“just do as he says”) into sexual situations by both of them with no regards for consent or boundaries. We get her inner dialog telling us that she doesn't want it, and that makes her want it more. We also get inner dialog of her place as a princess of the world and never having a choice anyway, and I just think more time could have been spent attempting to make the sequel encounters leave less on an -ick feeling with me.

I thought the world building was intriguing and done well which leant itself to my ability to continue reading despite how off-putting the ‘spicy' content was. It also felt like many of the supporting and main characters' interactions within the world had no discernable motive other than forcing the plot from point A to B. 

Overall, it wasn't the worst read but I can't say I would recommend it after the first book. Unsure whether I'll attempt at the next one.