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Sainted
Falling for my kidnapper is a terrible idea.
He’s a bad man and I don’t mean trash like your ex. I mean seriously bad. I mean dangerous. You can tell just by looking at him; black eyes, a menacing scowl, and a nose that’s been badly broken in the past.
He is my arch nemesis. My mortal enemy. My singular obsession.
I was afraid of him when we met. He took me against will and kept me chained to a bed. Me, Damon Alexander Beckett of BeckIT fame and fortune. Well, the joke’s on him because I’m going to make it my life’s mission to destroy him. But first, I have to survive being his captive. He’s here all the time. Watching me. His heavy male presence never more than five feet away, dark, glinting eyes tracking down my body.
When he propositions me indecently, I am shocked and outraged. As I should be. Seriously, the audacity of him is unreal.
It’s obvious I should say no. It goes without saying. Any sane person would laugh in his face.
So why am I sinking to my knees?
He’s a bad man and I don’t mean trash like your ex. I mean seriously bad. I mean dangerous. You can tell just by looking at him; black eyes, a menacing scowl, and a nose that’s been badly broken in the past.
He is my arch nemesis. My mortal enemy. My singular obsession.
I was afraid of him when we met. He took me against will and kept me chained to a bed. Me, Damon Alexander Beckett of BeckIT fame and fortune. Well, the joke’s on him because I’m going to make it my life’s mission to destroy him. But first, I have to survive being his captive. He’s here all the time. Watching me. His heavy male presence never more than five feet away, dark, glinting eyes tracking down my body.
When he propositions me indecently, I am shocked and outraged. As I should be. Seriously, the audacity of him is unreal.
It’s obvious I should say no. It goes without saying. Any sane person would laugh in his face.
So why am I sinking to my knees?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
739 people are currently reading
3103 people want to read
About the author
Jesse H. Reign
19 books1,482 followersI'm Jesse, and I write contemporary and paranormal MM romance.
Whether my characters are born magical, or whether magic is something they make between the sheets, I strive to take the reader into the mind of the narrator. My ultimate goal is to leave the reader feeling like they’ve made a new friend or have spent a few hours flirting with a brand-new book boyfriend.
I love coffee, chocolate and daydreaming, in no particular order. I love conflicted characters, lust at first sight and angst – no seriously, ALL the angst. Give it to me!
Whether my characters are born magical, or whether magic is something they make between the sheets, I strive to take the reader into the mind of the narrator. My ultimate goal is to leave the reader feeling like they’ve made a new friend or have spent a few hours flirting with a brand-new book boyfriend.
I love coffee, chocolate and daydreaming, in no particular order. I love conflicted characters, lust at first sight and angst – no seriously, ALL the angst. Give it to me!
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January 20, 2023
I've enjoyed Jesse's stories, so I was super excited for Sainted! Rich boy being kidnapped and falling for their capturer? Right up my alley.
We have the story of Demon (Damon), who is a spoiled heir to a billion-dollar tech company and Saint, who is here to do a job and get his cut. Their hatred turns into lust and more as things do not go as planned.
We get into the action right from the first page. I enjoyed how the story slowly unravels, and we learned bits and pieces about both Saint and Damon as the story progressed. They are both broken, and while they come from widely different worlds fit perfectly. There is hatred and anger (especially on Damon's end), and no love is lost between them for a decent portion of the book.
I enjoyed the back-and-forth snark and banter between Saint and Damon. The way they slowly invaded one another's life and violated each other's privacy - as messed up as it was - was just so them. While they grew attached to one another, I liked how their hate and lust grew to something softer over time. Saint is no saint; he is a straight-up criminal, and Damon is a socialite heir. I was curious to see how they could become more to one another and be part of each other's lives as lovers. It’s pretty emotional and their HEA is hard earned!
The story, while not dark dark is definitely messed up; it does have stalking, morally grey characters, violence, obsession and possessiveness sprinkled with kinks! I learned what a blouse was! I also the enjoyed writing and the little twists in the story. It kept me engaged right till the end!
I liked how the change in their relationship was connected with the names they used for one another as well.
Overall I enjoyed Sainted! I love Jesse's stories and their writing, and this was no different. If you like opposite attract, obsessive/possessive MCs, and Enemies to lovers stories, Femme Boy MCs, you'll enjoy Sainted!
We have the story of Demon (Damon), who is a spoiled heir to a billion-dollar tech company and Saint, who is here to do a job and get his cut. Their hatred turns into lust and more as things do not go as planned.
We get into the action right from the first page. I enjoyed how the story slowly unravels, and we learned bits and pieces about both Saint and Damon as the story progressed. They are both broken, and while they come from widely different worlds fit perfectly. There is hatred and anger (especially on Damon's end), and no love is lost between them for a decent portion of the book.
I enjoyed the back-and-forth snark and banter between Saint and Damon. The way they slowly invaded one another's life and violated each other's privacy - as messed up as it was - was just so them. While they grew attached to one another, I liked how their hate and lust grew to something softer over time. Saint is no saint; he is a straight-up criminal, and Damon is a socialite heir. I was curious to see how they could become more to one another and be part of each other's lives as lovers. It’s pretty emotional and their HEA is hard earned!
The story, while not dark dark is definitely messed up; it does have stalking, morally grey characters, violence, obsession and possessiveness sprinkled with kinks! I learned what a blouse was! I also the enjoyed writing and the little twists in the story. It kept me engaged right till the end!
I liked how the change in their relationship was connected with the names they used for one another as well.
Overall I enjoyed Sainted! I love Jesse's stories and their writing, and this was no different. If you like opposite attract, obsessive/possessive MCs, and Enemies to lovers stories, Femme Boy MCs, you'll enjoy Sainted!
March 20, 2023
~2.5~
Talk about mixed feelings, Bat Man.
On the one hand, Damon and Saint were adorably grumpy, completely exasperating (in an endearing way), and sexy af (heat level: Ghost Pepper).
On the other, I wasn't sure what this book was trying to be: Dark romance? Novel of suspense? Because it was neither. Despite the heavy themes (kidnapping, murder), there was nothing dark about this story.
Saint was never truly the Bad Guy, and Damon was certainly not a willing victim.
There were moments (e.g., when Saint dispatches his associates or goes after the evil uncle) that could have ramped up the action, but they happened completely off page. Instead of capitalizing on the tension, the author chose to let long sections of the story drag into repetitive doom.
When Damon took over as CEO of his family company, the author switched to this weird passive voice: Deals were made. Tears were shed. Wealth was redistributed.
It was all so vague and made the story feel insular and contrived.
There wasn't enough context provided for the world the MCs lived in. Too many things just didn't add up:
- When Saint got rid of his partners, what happened to the bodies? To all the blood? He immediately got Damon out of the bathroom. Did a crime scene just disappear in five minutes?
- Damon is a rich socialite famous for being famous, but when he disappears for ten days (supposedly because he's at home with Covid), no one calls or reaches out, not his mom or his best friend. He stops posting on social media, and no one finds this odd or troubling?
- Damon's twin 6-year-old sisters have cell phones. LOL, what?
- There's no investigation at all into the uncle's "suicide." Rich, powerful guy, with a nephew who had everything to gain, and after one brief conversation with Damon, the police just dropped the entire thing.
So, yeah, like I said, mixed feelings: interesting MCs, twisted enemies-to-lovers-to-true-love angle, romantic in a fucked up kind of way, but too many plot holes (and don't get me started on the editing issues).
Talk about mixed feelings, Bat Man.
On the one hand, Damon and Saint were adorably grumpy, completely exasperating (in an endearing way), and sexy af (heat level: Ghost Pepper).
On the other, I wasn't sure what this book was trying to be: Dark romance? Novel of suspense? Because it was neither. Despite the heavy themes (kidnapping, murder), there was nothing dark about this story.
Saint was never truly the Bad Guy, and Damon was certainly not a willing victim.
There were moments (e.g., when Saint dispatches his associates or goes after the evil uncle) that could have ramped up the action, but they happened completely off page. Instead of capitalizing on the tension, the author chose to let long sections of the story drag into repetitive doom.
When Damon took over as CEO of his family company, the author switched to this weird passive voice: Deals were made. Tears were shed. Wealth was redistributed.
It was all so vague and made the story feel insular and contrived.
There wasn't enough context provided for the world the MCs lived in. Too many things just didn't add up:
- When Saint got rid of his partners, what happened to the bodies? To all the blood? He immediately got Damon out of the bathroom. Did a crime scene just disappear in five minutes?
- Damon is a rich socialite famous for being famous, but when he disappears for ten days (supposedly because he's at home with Covid), no one calls or reaches out, not his mom or his best friend. He stops posting on social media, and no one finds this odd or troubling?
- Damon's twin 6-year-old sisters have cell phones. LOL, what?
- There's no investigation at all into the uncle's "suicide." Rich, powerful guy, with a nephew who had everything to gain, and after one brief conversation with Damon, the police just dropped the entire thing.
So, yeah, like I said, mixed feelings: interesting MCs, twisted enemies-to-lovers-to-true-love angle, romantic in a fucked up kind of way, but too many plot holes (and don't get me started on the editing issues).
August 12, 2024
GOD DAMN HE GIFTED HIM A SEX LIBRARY 😭😭😭😭😭😭 BROOOO !!!!( I loved it )
To admit that i had fun reading this one is putting it mildly. It was TOO FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING.
I want to talk about one thing and one thing only , "THE TENSION " 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 IT WAS HEART_MELTING with shouty letters , there were moments when I utterly forgot how to breath (literally).
💜One of these moments💜:
then he places my hand on his chest and holds it there tightly. I feel his heartbeat against my skin. Certain. Strong. Steady as a drum.
“And this is yours
To admit that i had fun reading this one is putting it mildly. It was TOO FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING.
I want to talk about one thing and one thing only , "THE TENSION " 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 IT WAS HEART_MELTING with shouty letters , there were moments when I utterly forgot how to breath (literally).
💜One of these moments💜:
then he places my hand on his chest and holds it there tightly. I feel his heartbeat against my skin. Certain. Strong. Steady as a drum.
“And this is yours
dnf
January 28, 2023DNF @ 28%
January 26, 2023
I want it hard. I want him to grab me and grope me and pinch me until it hurts. I want that kind of pain. I want it with all I have. That kind of pain is so much easier to take than this kind of pain. This pain is unbearable. The pain of wanting another human being so much, you think it could kill you. It's under my skin. It's in my blood.
bitch, i am gagged!! fellas, meet my first ultimate win for this year: jesse h. reign's sainted. of course a glorified stockholm syndrome of a romance will give me the feels and all the emotions. i wasn't ready for this. i was expecting it to be at least interesting but didn't expect for it to fully capture my fucking heart and attention. the book was more a character-driven than one that is usually plot-heavy. mountains of inner monologues from these character made the story so wordy but i didn't much cared in the end. the moment the banter and this push-and-pull began between the mcs, i was in it. deeply rooted in it. the romance, sex, and sexual tension were immaculate. i was kinda panting when i was reading this lmao. in the end, i was just wanna be sainted it too.
February 22, 2023
3.5*** stars
Pretty weird story 😅
Pretty weird story 😅
January 28, 2023
Me loved it loads 🖤🖤🖤
Imagine Dave Bautista kidnapping Timothée Chalamet ... 🤩 I'm sorry, I don't usually personify book characters with real people, but in this case it imposed itself on me so forcefully and I couldn't visualize anything else throughout the book.
I have marked almost fifty long passages of text and I would love to put them all in the review. 🤔 Well, and for whatever reason, but now of all times the highlights for the book in GR do not work ... oh dear 😩
Well, we've already established that I'm a big fan of this book, I've already put it on all my top shelves before I was even all the way through.
And that's despite the fact that I found the beginning difficult. I couldn't get anything going with the kidnapper at first, and since Damon didn't describe his appearance favorably either, I just thought „ugh“.
I tried to ignore that, and I'm glad I did, because then I couldn't put the book down.
God, I love how they get "closer". 🖤 Basically it's all just sex 🔥, they're both not capable of deeper feelings, but it's so insanely well written how it all happens and how much they become addicted to each other.
He’s so hot inside. So smooth. So tight. His ass clenched so snugly around my cock, it felt like a thick rubber band, milking me, making me crazy. He arched off the bed, digging his heels into the mattress and fucked me unbridled. He grated his gland on my cock. He was crazed. Nothing has ever felt better than his perfect cock in my hand and his perfect ass sliding up and down my erection. 🥵🥵🥵
I don’t want to move. Neither does he. I soak up the feel, and the heat, and the heady, familiar smell of him. I do it until I can’t anymore. Until I feel like I’ll die if I don’t kiss him. He feels it, too. We move at the same time, brushing our lips against each other. Softly. Softly. Then harder. He parts his lips first. My tongue finds his. I whimper when I do it, but for once I don’t hate the sound. The kiss takes a turn then. It changes from light, and sorry, and is this okay? To you’re mine, and I want you. 😍😍😍
The mutual declaration of love ... oh boy I had to giggle so much and watch out that I did not melt away due to the "romance".
Later with the "marriage proposal" I had to laugh so hard that my husband came running out of the study. Oh dear, the entire last 30 pages had me spinning through the grinder in a good way.
I know not everyone will love the book, but I hope most of you will. It is a must read!!!
Imagine Dave Bautista kidnapping Timothée Chalamet ... 🤩 I'm sorry, I don't usually personify book characters with real people, but in this case it imposed itself on me so forcefully and I couldn't visualize anything else throughout the book.
I have marked almost fifty long passages of text and I would love to put them all in the review. 🤔 Well, and for whatever reason, but now of all times the highlights for the book in GR do not work ... oh dear 😩
Well, we've already established that I'm a big fan of this book, I've already put it on all my top shelves before I was even all the way through.
And that's despite the fact that I found the beginning difficult. I couldn't get anything going with the kidnapper at first, and since Damon didn't describe his appearance favorably either, I just thought „ugh“.
I tried to ignore that, and I'm glad I did, because then I couldn't put the book down.
God, I love how they get "closer". 🖤 Basically it's all just sex 🔥, they're both not capable of deeper feelings, but it's so insanely well written how it all happens and how much they become addicted to each other.
He’s so hot inside. So smooth. So tight. His ass clenched so snugly around my cock, it felt like a thick rubber band, milking me, making me crazy. He arched off the bed, digging his heels into the mattress and fucked me unbridled. He grated his gland on my cock. He was crazed. Nothing has ever felt better than his perfect cock in my hand and his perfect ass sliding up and down my erection. 🥵🥵🥵
I don’t want to move. Neither does he. I soak up the feel, and the heat, and the heady, familiar smell of him. I do it until I can’t anymore. Until I feel like I’ll die if I don’t kiss him. He feels it, too. We move at the same time, brushing our lips against each other. Softly. Softly. Then harder. He parts his lips first. My tongue finds his. I whimper when I do it, but for once I don’t hate the sound. The kiss takes a turn then. It changes from light, and sorry, and is this okay? To you’re mine, and I want you. 😍😍😍
The mutual declaration of love ... oh boy I had to giggle so much and watch out that I did not melt away due to the "romance".
Later with the "marriage proposal" I had to laugh so hard that my husband came running out of the study. Oh dear, the entire last 30 pages had me spinning through the grinder in a good way.
I know not everyone will love the book, but I hope most of you will. It is a must read!!!
dnf
January 24, 2023DNF at 49%. I’m not a fan. It felt like it took me forever to read less than 100 pages. I didn’t care much for the writing. It was in first person, and it just didn’t seem to flow well. Idk.
June 5, 2024
This book is so hard to rate... Imagine going to a reading slump so big... Then you read something that you can tolerate and even have fun, but you don't know if you are having fun because you are that desperate or because you really enjoy it. I think this was such a promise, but didn't deliver, the book feels incomplete, the scenes that are suppose to give you tension -doesn't - because everything is so effortlessly solved... In summary : the book felt superficial but was still fun... Kinda... Sometimes when I give two stars (like this time) it's not a bad rate, it's a "this book is okayish" rate.
March 31, 2023
Based on the blurb and the cover, I thought this story was going to be dark and angsty. That wasn’t the case at all. It was just about as sweet as a story that starts off with a kidnapping can be, plus, it was surprisingly funny. I can't tell you how many times I was caught off guard by something one of the MCs did or said. Their banter was sublime, and I just had a lot of fun reading this. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
January 28, 2023
I didn’t feel any emotion reading this. Lack of personalities, no excitement and no connection between MCs. Sounded dark, but nothing was dark. It was supposed to give something but didn’t.
This also focused more on the lusty and porny side than the kidnapping plotline. I am up for all kinky shit. BUT with no chemistry between them, the sex was just boring and the book falls flat and straight up bland.
Repetitive plot. Sex, eat, shower and repeat. There was only some other scenes happen after 50% but not only it took forever for the plot to move, I truly did not care anymore 🥱
I can’t even blame my low from the 5 stars high because it is definitely not the case.
This also focused more on the lusty and porny side than the kidnapping plotline. I am up for all kinky shit. BUT with no chemistry between them, the sex was just boring and the book falls flat and straight up bland.
Repetitive plot. Sex, eat, shower and repeat. There was only some other scenes happen after 50% but not only it took forever for the plot to move, I truly did not care anymore 🥱
I can’t even blame my low from the 5 stars high because it is definitely not the case.
January 14, 2023
Jesse had me on the edge of my chair then swooning with the steamy times then rolling around laughing till I peed 😂 how do you do a dark violent book and still make it funny as hell!
So much hate for each other and the lust between them was something else 🥵
Demon (not his name) was a snobby, snarky, femme rich boy who was about to own the family business. One minute he’s in a club the next he finds himself chained to a bed with a bag on his head! He was less than impressed with his current situation and made it VERY clear that he was not happy!!
As@hole (not his name) was a bad man, he had one job to do, but once he actually got to know his mark he’s regretting the job!! This annoying little sh*t is pushing him to his limits!! If only he could find a way to shut him up!!
This book was so good! The banter and snark had me laughing out loud!! The hate between them didn’t end 5 mins into the book, it lasted the whole time and I loved it!! It was also very dark and violent with some kinks thrown in! Jesse can write a book!! I would like to join the que to be Sainted!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes and content-
Enemies to lovers
Femme blouse
Morally grey
Steamy
Obsessive
Spoiled rich boi
Dark
Kidnapping
Stalker
Violence
Spanking
Kinks
So much hate for each other and the lust between them was something else 🥵
Demon (not his name) was a snobby, snarky, femme rich boy who was about to own the family business. One minute he’s in a club the next he finds himself chained to a bed with a bag on his head! He was less than impressed with his current situation and made it VERY clear that he was not happy!!
As@hole (not his name) was a bad man, he had one job to do, but once he actually got to know his mark he’s regretting the job!! This annoying little sh*t is pushing him to his limits!! If only he could find a way to shut him up!!
This book was so good! The banter and snark had me laughing out loud!! The hate between them didn’t end 5 mins into the book, it lasted the whole time and I loved it!! It was also very dark and violent with some kinks thrown in! Jesse can write a book!! I would like to join the que to be Sainted!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes and content-
Enemies to lovers
Femme blouse
Morally grey
Steamy
Obsessive
Spoiled rich boi
Dark
Kidnapping
Stalker
Violence
Spanking
Kinks
January 8, 2026
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity
Feels: 5/5
Steam: 5/5
Kinks: spicy, but no specific kinks
Angst: medium
Triggers/potential icks: violence, dubious consent due to kidnapping (but enthusiastic and explicit consent really!)
January 8, 2026 - read this for the third time. I love this book.
This book was so good. Just my cup of tea for so many reasons. I love how this author conveys so much internal monologue of the characters, they are so vibrant personalities. The smallest of moments conveys such significance. There's little bits of humor, and lust, and mental anguish, and doubt conveyed so naturally throughout the book. And the end result is such a hot funny and emotional read.
Damon was a brat, he took joy in deliberately annoying the shit out of his kidnapper. He was a spoiled rich boy who likes to have fun, but he's complex, emotionally damaged, a fan of anarchy, actually works and does his job reasonably well, loves his sisters, and he gives away millions of dollars because he doesn't believe billionaires should exist. He is attracted to his kidnapper and seeing them fight it then give in initially and then over and over and over again is smoking hot. Damon hunts him down after he is released and feelings develop. Then Damon stands up for what he wants and asks for it. Emotional complexity and heat? Love it.
Saint aka Joey is a thug, grew up rough, kidnaps people for ransom, stalks. He's smart and does his research so he is prepared. He only kills when he is threatened. He is annoyed by Damon, but subconsciously entranced before they even meet. He has a code, he won't take advantage of Damon, he treats him as well as he can. He thinks that he is trash and doesn't deserve good things in life. When Damon hunts him down after the kidnapping he can't stay away from him. He makes excuses to hang around to be available for Damon and he stalks Damon to keep tabs on him.
I loved the little details, the moments of humor, the solid steam throughout the whole thing, the enemies to lovers, the obsession, the possessiveness, the feels that developed. I know it was a convenient job shift at the end for Joey, but I loved it. I love that they got their happily ever after even with the crime background. The library and it's smutty accessories at the end... LOL!
This is a keeper for me
Re-read it April 28, 2023. This is such a comfort read for me. I've been sick the last month or so and sleeping more than reading. Just wanted to wallow in the positive vibes of this book.
Adding...
Some notable moments: this is me restraining myself, there were so many lovely moments
"Fortunately for me and unfortunately for him, I have almost twenty-five years of experience of being annoying, so not to blow my own horn or anything, but I’m kind of an expert in the art of irritating the shit out of people."
"The second I see him I know the course of my immediate future has already been written. It’s written in stone. There’s no goddamn way I’m going to make it through today without letting him f*** me. There just isn’t."
"There’s a lot less to be said for the laundering process when you don’t land up getting plowed on the machine."
"“The next time I lay eyes on you,” I say, with a level of self-assurance I don’t feel, “it will be in broad daylight. No more hiding in the dark. No more shadows. You’ll be dressed as if you’re on your way to meet someone who’s worth a damn to you. You’ll ask me out like a normal person, and we’ll go on a date. A real date, with flowers and romance and all that crap. Afterwards, we’ll go back to my place and f*** like Gods, and you’ll spend the night. The whole night. When we wake up, I’ll tell you you snored, and you’ll tell me I stole all the blankets. You’ll make me breakfast and we’ll spend most of the day arguing and annoying the shit out of each other, but here’s the thing, Joey; we’ll be happy. You and me. We’ll be happy.”'
"“Been thinking of the way your eyes looked when you left.” His breath catches, but he doesn’t move. “Don’t ever look at me like that again, Demon. I mean it. Don’t do it, okay?”"
Feels: 5/5
Steam: 5/5
Kinks: spicy, but no specific kinks
Angst: medium
Triggers/potential icks: violence, dubious consent due to kidnapping (but enthusiastic and explicit consent really!)
January 8, 2026 - read this for the third time. I love this book.
This book was so good. Just my cup of tea for so many reasons. I love how this author conveys so much internal monologue of the characters, they are so vibrant personalities. The smallest of moments conveys such significance. There's little bits of humor, and lust, and mental anguish, and doubt conveyed so naturally throughout the book. And the end result is such a hot funny and emotional read.
Damon was a brat, he took joy in deliberately annoying the shit out of his kidnapper. He was a spoiled rich boy who likes to have fun, but he's complex, emotionally damaged, a fan of anarchy, actually works and does his job reasonably well, loves his sisters, and he gives away millions of dollars because he doesn't believe billionaires should exist. He is attracted to his kidnapper and seeing them fight it then give in initially and then over and over and over again is smoking hot. Damon hunts him down after he is released and feelings develop. Then Damon stands up for what he wants and asks for it. Emotional complexity and heat? Love it.
Saint aka Joey is a thug, grew up rough, kidnaps people for ransom, stalks. He's smart and does his research so he is prepared. He only kills when he is threatened. He is annoyed by Damon, but subconsciously entranced before they even meet. He has a code, he won't take advantage of Damon, he treats him as well as he can. He thinks that he is trash and doesn't deserve good things in life. When Damon hunts him down after the kidnapping he can't stay away from him. He makes excuses to hang around to be available for Damon and he stalks Damon to keep tabs on him.
I loved the little details, the moments of humor, the solid steam throughout the whole thing, the enemies to lovers, the obsession, the possessiveness, the feels that developed. I know it was a convenient job shift at the end for Joey, but I loved it. I love that they got their happily ever after even with the crime background. The library and it's smutty accessories at the end... LOL!
This is a keeper for me
Re-read it April 28, 2023. This is such a comfort read for me. I've been sick the last month or so and sleeping more than reading. Just wanted to wallow in the positive vibes of this book.
Adding...
Some notable moments: this is me restraining myself, there were so many lovely moments
"Fortunately for me and unfortunately for him, I have almost twenty-five years of experience of being annoying, so not to blow my own horn or anything, but I’m kind of an expert in the art of irritating the shit out of people."
"The second I see him I know the course of my immediate future has already been written. It’s written in stone. There’s no goddamn way I’m going to make it through today without letting him f*** me. There just isn’t."
"There’s a lot less to be said for the laundering process when you don’t land up getting plowed on the machine."
"“The next time I lay eyes on you,” I say, with a level of self-assurance I don’t feel, “it will be in broad daylight. No more hiding in the dark. No more shadows. You’ll be dressed as if you’re on your way to meet someone who’s worth a damn to you. You’ll ask me out like a normal person, and we’ll go on a date. A real date, with flowers and romance and all that crap. Afterwards, we’ll go back to my place and f*** like Gods, and you’ll spend the night. The whole night. When we wake up, I’ll tell you you snored, and you’ll tell me I stole all the blankets. You’ll make me breakfast and we’ll spend most of the day arguing and annoying the shit out of each other, but here’s the thing, Joey; we’ll be happy. You and me. We’ll be happy.”'
"“Been thinking of the way your eyes looked when you left.” His breath catches, but he doesn’t move. “Don’t ever look at me like that again, Demon. I mean it. Don’t do it, okay?”"
April 8, 2023
This was a new-to-me author and I have to say that I very much enjoyed this.
Damon aka Demon is the son of a billionaire, and 100% and a brat. Saint aka Asshole is the guy tasked with staying with Damon when he's kidnapped by Saint and two men he works with, for ransom.
Damon is determined to be the most annoying mark Saint has ever had to work with. But also, at the same time, he's the one guy who is gonna get Saint to let go of his utter professionalism as a kidnapper.
As they spend about a week or so together, just the two of them, as they wait for the ransom to be paid, Damon and Saint connect. First, only sexually. Then, it starts to get deeper as time goes on.
Because there's more to Damon than the front he puts up, and it's the same with Saint as well. They basically become addicted to each other. Especially after they have to run for a few days, because the buyer Saint was set up with wasn't legit and came to try to kill Damon instead.
When it turns out it's Damon's uncle trying to kill him so he can take of the billion dollar social media company Damon is slated to take over in a few months time, Saint says he can "take care of it" and he does. And Damon has no problem with it either, as he hates his uncle.
Well, Damon hates most people except for his two younger sisters and his best friend Lacey. And now Saint as well.
But when it's safe for Damon to go back to his regular life, these two can't get the other out of their mind.
Saint disappears, as he is very good at doing. But Damon hires himself a PI to find him. It takes a long time, but eventually does, and he even eventually learns Saint's actual real name, which Damon likes to keep to himself and only use when he's alone with Saint.
The sex was really well done as well, the chemistry was so good.
So I really enjoyed this overall, it kept me engaged throughout, and I liked the connection between these two a lot.
Could the transition from mainly lust to love been done better? I think so. These two had such personalities that it was hard to tell at times that they were falling in love, like what is it exactly they loved about each other. But then at the same time they were so obsessed with each other that I didn't mind too much at the end of the day.
This was still very good overall and I highly recommend it. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author in the future.
Onto the next! 😘
Damon aka Demon is the son of a billionaire, and 100% and a brat. Saint aka Asshole is the guy tasked with staying with Damon when he's kidnapped by Saint and two men he works with, for ransom.
Damon is determined to be the most annoying mark Saint has ever had to work with. But also, at the same time, he's the one guy who is gonna get Saint to let go of his utter professionalism as a kidnapper.
As they spend about a week or so together, just the two of them, as they wait for the ransom to be paid, Damon and Saint connect. First, only sexually. Then, it starts to get deeper as time goes on.
Because there's more to Damon than the front he puts up, and it's the same with Saint as well. They basically become addicted to each other. Especially after they have to run for a few days, because the buyer Saint was set up with wasn't legit and came to try to kill Damon instead.
When it turns out it's Damon's uncle trying to kill him so he can take of the billion dollar social media company Damon is slated to take over in a few months time, Saint says he can "take care of it" and he does. And Damon has no problem with it either, as he hates his uncle.
Well, Damon hates most people except for his two younger sisters and his best friend Lacey. And now Saint as well.
But when it's safe for Damon to go back to his regular life, these two can't get the other out of their mind.
Saint disappears, as he is very good at doing. But Damon hires himself a PI to find him. It takes a long time, but eventually does, and he even eventually learns Saint's actual real name, which Damon likes to keep to himself and only use when he's alone with Saint.
The sex was really well done as well, the chemistry was so good.
So I really enjoyed this overall, it kept me engaged throughout, and I liked the connection between these two a lot.
Could the transition from mainly lust to love been done better? I think so. These two had such personalities that it was hard to tell at times that they were falling in love, like what is it exactly they loved about each other. But then at the same time they were so obsessed with each other that I didn't mind too much at the end of the day.
This was still very good overall and I highly recommend it. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author in the future.
Onto the next! 😘
June 19, 2024
Audio reread 2024
Loved even more:)
_____________________________
4.5
I loved this one. As simple as that.
The relationship development, the sexy times, the obsession, the way they worked from kidnapping to HEA it was just perfect.
It was incredible funny from the beginning till the end. Sassy Demon and adorable Asshole 🖤
The sex was wow so so hot and sexy… I loved it! And omg the brute who needed to kiss to come 🥹 how adorable is that !
Loved Damon outfits and sense of fashion! Loved that he was so sassy but sweet and attentive.
I wished that it had a little more action, maybe Damon trying to escape, or someone chancing them, that would made this a 5 star enjoyment 🙌 and maybe the end was to easy in a beauty and the beast kind of thing , to perfect for some dubious people like they. And…… the spanking was a surprise, not sure yet if a good or bad one 🤨
Loved even more:)
_____________________________
4.5
I loved this one. As simple as that.
The relationship development, the sexy times, the obsession, the way they worked from kidnapping to HEA it was just perfect.
It was incredible funny from the beginning till the end. Sassy Demon and adorable Asshole 🖤
The sex was wow so so hot and sexy… I loved it! And omg the brute who needed to kiss to come 🥹 how adorable is that !
Loved Damon outfits and sense of fashion! Loved that he was so sassy but sweet and attentive.
I wished that it had a little more action, maybe Damon trying to escape, or someone chancing them, that would made this a 5 star enjoyment 🙌 and maybe the end was to easy in a beauty and the beast kind of thing , to perfect for some dubious people like they. And…… the spanking was a surprise, not sure yet if a good or bad one 🤨
February 24, 2025
Damon + Saint 🖤
(Demon + Asshole)
Kidnapper and captive | Size difference | Brat | Obsession
3.5⭐️
The first half of the book was 5 stars for me but the second half was disappointing and meh.
....
"Fuck off."
"Talk nice when you have my DNA in your belly."
"As much as I hate to admit it, and believe me I truly do hate it, this terrible, terrible boy is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"Thought you couldn't stand me. Why'd you go and kill for me?"
"I can't stand you. That's why I did it. If anyone's going to kill you, it's going to be me."
"Is it just me, or was that the most goddamned romantic thing you've ever heard?"
"Hey, Asshole. How does it feel knowing you're about to get railed by a dude wearing lacy suspenders."
"Do you want to hear something gross? ... I think I like, love you, or something."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Kidnapper + victim
Enemies to lovers
Brat
Size difference
Vers roles
Mine
Obsession
Touch him and die
Kissing kink
Spanking
Top wearing lingerie
TWs:
Kidnapping
Death
Drugging
Stalking
Murder
(Demon + Asshole)
Kidnapper and captive | Size difference | Brat | Obsession
3.5⭐️
The first half of the book was 5 stars for me but the second half was disappointing and meh.
....
"Fuck off."
"Talk nice when you have my DNA in your belly."
"As much as I hate to admit it, and believe me I truly do hate it, this terrible, terrible boy is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"Thought you couldn't stand me. Why'd you go and kill for me?"
"I can't stand you. That's why I did it. If anyone's going to kill you, it's going to be me."
"Is it just me, or was that the most goddamned romantic thing you've ever heard?"
"Hey, Asshole. How does it feel knowing you're about to get railed by a dude wearing lacy suspenders."
"Do you want to hear something gross? ... I think I like, love you, or something."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Kidnapper + victim
Enemies to lovers
Brat
Size difference
Vers roles
Mine
Obsession
Touch him and die
Kissing kink
Spanking
Top wearing lingerie
TWs:
Kidnapping
Death
Drugging
Stalking
Murder
Read
January 11, 2024Audio: 4 stars for the dual narration by Tim Paige and Michael Dean
Book: DNF @23%
um yeah, I need to stop getting lured in by good narrators on mediocre books... yes sometimes they make the book better but sometimes it really highlights the boring. This book had the latter happen.. I was bored, when they started hooking up I didn't care, it was just blah.
I am not listening to 2+ more hours of this nonsense haha, the year just started and I am already slumping pretty hard lol
Also thought I could get through at least January without seeing "cum gutters"... unfortunately this book killed the streak lol
Book: DNF @23%
um yeah, I need to stop getting lured in by good narrators on mediocre books... yes sometimes they make the book better but sometimes it really highlights the boring. This book had the latter happen.. I was bored, when they started hooking up I didn't care, it was just blah.
I am not listening to 2+ more hours of this nonsense haha, the year just started and I am already slumping pretty hard lol
Also thought I could get through at least January without seeing "cum gutters"... unfortunately this book killed the streak lol
November 13, 2023
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if someone goes all Beast like and presents you with a library complete with rolling ladders that is empirical evidence of love!! Joey was so, so cute with his reaction that it made the whole book for me.
January 7, 2023
“I feel his heartbeat against my skin. Certain. Strong. Steady as a drum. “And this is yours. All yours.””
I was so excited to participate in the ARC read for Sainted, by Jesse H Reign, and wooow, it was good! I am loving her books and cannot wait for more!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Highlights:
🖤enemies-to-lovers
🖤kidnap/ransom theme
🖤billionaire/femme MC, who is super bratty
🖤criminal-type MC, who is actually super sensitive and loves to cook 🙌🏻
🖤possessiveness
🖤steamy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Damon and Saint were an unlikely pair that ended up being perfection. These two had chemistry from the start but it was hidden within the bratty banter. I love a good brat, so Damon was my jam. 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Can’t give too much away between these two, just be sure to have a glass of water and a towel near you while you read…🫣🔥🥵
Favorite quote:
“Do you want to hear something gross?” I ask. Damon perks up, propping himself up on one elbow as his eyes start to sparkle with animation. “Always.” “I think I…” The words dry up in the back of my throat and my heart clenches with nerves. I want to say it. I want to hear myself say it, but I can’t find my voice. Fuck, why’s this so hard? I take a breath and try again. “I think I like, love you, or something.” 🤗🤗
I adored how the author incorporated humor in a dark, twisty, steamy book. I was laughing out loud in several parts and couldn’t put the book down. Bravo on this amazing new release!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I was so excited to participate in the ARC read for Sainted, by Jesse H Reign, and wooow, it was good! I am loving her books and cannot wait for more!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Highlights:
🖤enemies-to-lovers
🖤kidnap/ransom theme
🖤billionaire/femme MC, who is super bratty
🖤criminal-type MC, who is actually super sensitive and loves to cook 🙌🏻
🖤possessiveness
🖤steamy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Damon and Saint were an unlikely pair that ended up being perfection. These two had chemistry from the start but it was hidden within the bratty banter. I love a good brat, so Damon was my jam. 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Can’t give too much away between these two, just be sure to have a glass of water and a towel near you while you read…🫣🔥🥵
Favorite quote:
“Do you want to hear something gross?” I ask. Damon perks up, propping himself up on one elbow as his eyes start to sparkle with animation. “Always.” “I think I…” The words dry up in the back of my throat and my heart clenches with nerves. I want to say it. I want to hear myself say it, but I can’t find my voice. Fuck, why’s this so hard? I take a breath and try again. “I think I like, love you, or something.” 🤗🤗
I adored how the author incorporated humor in a dark, twisty, steamy book. I was laughing out loud in several parts and couldn’t put the book down. Bravo on this amazing new release!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 10, 2023
2/5 stars
I have an hours worth of sleep in me and I thought it would be a good time to finish the book. Let’s just say it was not good at all 😵💫 I hated both of the main characters. Damon was alright. He felt very two dimensional to me. I’m not attached to his character. He would have died halfway through and I wouldn’t have even blinked. Saint was also alright. I like him a little bit more than Damon until I didn’t. Also way too much fucking sex. It felt like every other chapter they were having it. It got so boring.
I have an hours worth of sleep in me and I thought it would be a good time to finish the book. Let’s just say it was not good at all 😵💫 I hated both of the main characters. Damon was alright. He felt very two dimensional to me. I’m not attached to his character. He would have died halfway through and I wouldn’t have even blinked. Saint was also alright. I like him a little bit more than Damon until I didn’t. Also way too much fucking sex. It felt like every other chapter they were having it. It got so boring.
January 29, 2024
I kept waiting and expecting something to happen, it was fine just not really what I expect
March 6, 2024
Actual rating ⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded down / 5
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
Audio rating 🎧🎧 / 5 (but a 🎧🎧🎧🎧 for Tim Paige, and 🎧 for Michael Dean)
I have whiplash! And this review will contain some mild spoilers.
The amount of times I yelled at my poor headphones when:
🚫scene faded to black
🚫all the smex happened behind closed doors
🚫neither Demon nor Saint admitted to their feelings
All of the above was very frustrating and happened throughout the entire book.
I understand the reason behind "fade to black" - to place more emphasis on the plot, however, i am not used to it in smutty romance, and don't plan on getting used to it either. That's just not what i read spicy M/M romance for.
Also, the plot was thinnish. And not the main plot, with the kidnapping and the stalking, and the role reversal etc. That was fine. The backstory of the entire cast of side characters was silly and unlikely at best. It felt to me that the best portion of editing time was spent working away the smut, instead of working in a good basis for the plot.
Having said that, past 50% mark i was invested and the story grew on me. Demon grew on me, being all vulnerable, and Saint was also... there. They were fun together, and the way Demon owned up to his outlook on the future first was satisfying to read. I struggled the entire time through the mannerisms of the narrator for Demon. Holy intonation changes, Batman. I had to sit through that chapter after chapter, and the fact that i didn't quit it (when i so often wanted) is solely due to the relief i felt when Tim Paige took over in his chapters, and i enjoyed their relationship a lot, and was eager to see which scene was going to be complete rather than fade to black next.
I personally don't think this book wins over Little Demon in the Details and the similarities in a lot of ways were definitely there.
But if you're looking for another stalker - kidnapper M/M romance with some good spice and good writing, i recommend this (but maybe not the audiobook).
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
Audio rating 🎧🎧 / 5 (but a 🎧🎧🎧🎧 for Tim Paige, and 🎧 for Michael Dean)
I have whiplash! And this review will contain some mild spoilers.
The amount of times I yelled at my poor headphones when:
🚫scene faded to black
🚫all the smex happened behind closed doors
🚫neither Demon nor Saint admitted to their feelings
All of the above was very frustrating and happened throughout the entire book.
I understand the reason behind "fade to black" - to place more emphasis on the plot, however, i am not used to it in smutty romance, and don't plan on getting used to it either. That's just not what i read spicy M/M romance for.
Also, the plot was thinnish. And not the main plot, with the kidnapping and the stalking, and the role reversal etc. That was fine. The backstory of the entire cast of side characters was silly and unlikely at best. It felt to me that the best portion of editing time was spent working away the smut, instead of working in a good basis for the plot.
Having said that, past 50% mark i was invested and the story grew on me. Demon grew on me, being all vulnerable, and Saint was also... there. They were fun together, and the way Demon owned up to his outlook on the future first was satisfying to read. I struggled the entire time through the mannerisms of the narrator for Demon. Holy intonation changes, Batman. I had to sit through that chapter after chapter, and the fact that i didn't quit it (when i so often wanted) is solely due to the relief i felt when Tim Paige took over in his chapters, and i enjoyed their relationship a lot, and was eager to see which scene was going to be complete rather than fade to black next.
I personally don't think this book wins over Little Demon in the Details and the similarities in a lot of ways were definitely there.
But if you're looking for another stalker - kidnapper M/M romance with some good spice and good writing, i recommend this (but maybe not the audiobook).
February 15, 2023
I wasn't sure what this was about and I'm not one for a dark romance, so I was so happy when I found out the romance was anything but dark.
Yes, there is the whole kidnapping thing, but Damon and Saint were very cute together. In a very non-conventional way, but still sweet and cute.
Yes, there is the whole kidnapping thing, but Damon and Saint were very cute together. In a very non-conventional way, but still sweet and cute.
December 15, 2023
Audio - 4 Stars
TP - 5 Stars
MD - 3 Stars
Story 3 STars
TP - 5 Stars
MD - 3 Stars
Story 3 STars
June 19, 2024
Jesse H Reign did it again, it's another 4.5 stars for me. I was definitely curious how Damien, a spoiled and annoying AF fem guy was going to win over my heart and fall in love with his kidnapper without me having to suspend my disbelief too much, but I think she pulled it off beautifully.
Plus there was lots of stalking (in both directions!!) to please my little black dark romance heart. The spice was great and never felt gratuitous, like how it gets with a lot of low to mid angst MM romance books.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the audiobook was 5 ⭐. I never felt like anything was dragged out and there were no points where I was forcing my interest in the plot, everything was well paced and had me fully immersed from beginning to end.
Jesse has quickly become one of my favorite MM romance authors and I can't wait to see what she puts out next!
Plus there was lots of stalking (in both directions!!) to please my little black dark romance heart. The spice was great and never felt gratuitous, like how it gets with a lot of low to mid angst MM romance books.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the audiobook was 5 ⭐. I never felt like anything was dragged out and there were no points where I was forcing my interest in the plot, everything was well paced and had me fully immersed from beginning to end.
Jesse has quickly become one of my favorite MM romance authors and I can't wait to see what she puts out next!
July 10, 2025
2nd listen. I loved it even more! Jesse is a goddess. Narration was chef's kiss!
1st Listen - Loved the shit out of this!
1st Listen - Loved the shit out of this!
May 11, 2023
5 STARS!
These two. I can't remember the last time I read about two characters who were such polar opposites. And I have to say, they were magical together.😍😍
Exhibit A - we have Saint, the cold kidnapper with the well-hidden soft center.
Definitely one of my faves this year!
"You're so wrong, you're right."Dark sarcasm and biting humor alongside heart wrenching, swoony romance? Yes, please!
These two. I can't remember the last time I read about two characters who were such polar opposites. And I have to say, they were magical together.😍😍
Exhibit A - we have Saint, the cold kidnapper with the well-hidden soft center.
Surprising me isn't something many people have the ability to do. Or the balls. It's ill advised. Dangerous, even.Exhibit B - we have Damon, the spoiled kidnappee with the unapologetic, venomous tongue that reflects his true self quite well.
I allow disdain to drip into my voice, but I'd be lying if I said my dick wasn't way, way into this fucked-up conversation.And their conversations weren't the only fucked-up aspect of this book; the situation, the push and pull, the sex, the obsession, the possessiveness, and finally the hard-won HEA. I LOVED it all.
Definitely one of my faves this year!
January 23, 2023
So this is a weird one. Started as a 3*, then went up to 4*, then down to 3* for a bit and ended up as a 5*. The writing is really good, as always with this author, and even though I have read this premise a few times before, there was something about it that just made me think about it non-stop. I finished reading this on Friday afternoon but usually I don't access Goodreads through the weekend much, so kept thinking about it throughout the whole weekend, even whilst reading other books. This does not happen often, hence the 5*. I sort of like, loved it ;)
September 20, 2024
Still haven't read a book by J H Reign I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. The perfect balance between, romance, smut, feelings and events. Demon and Saint's relationship can be defined as brat/brat tamer and it features one of my fav tropes: I hate that I like you, and it's both characters. Loved it!
dnf
May 9, 2023DNF@13% I’m bored and I’m not liking how this is written. The MMC Damon is kinda annoying and it’s embarrassing 😫.
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