⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. This reimagination of the Grimm Brothers’ Snow White takes us deep into a world of violence, revenge, and barely leashed passions.

ALEXEI – I’ve spent the last seven years in the hell of a maximum-security prison, every moment consumed by the need for revenge—revenge against the bastards who framed me, and revenge against the family who stole everything I owned. Now that I’m finally free, nothing will stand in my way. Not even her—my hot as sin new lawyer. Maybe she’s another weapon sent by my enemies to break me, or maybe she’s the key to my freedom. Either way, once she’s mine, I’m never letting her go.

ROSALIE – When I took this case, I thought I had it under control. But Alexei is no typical convicted killer—he’s a dangerously seductive force of nature. Perhaps it’s the lingering power from his days as heir to a global social media empire. Innocent or not, he’s dangerous in the worst and best ways. I secure Alexei’s release as we prepare for a new trial, but he wastes no time turning against his traitorous relatives and plotting his return to power. Amidst the chaos, our explosive chemistry ignites, putting us—and everyone I care about—in the crosshairs of ruthless enemies. If we can’t stop them, Alexei plans to burn the whole world down. And if anything, he’s a man of his word…

MY THOUGHTS

The romance wasn’t quite my particular cup of tea. There was a bit too much angry sex to make their declaration of love believable. Devotion and obsession, yes, absolutely. It was undeniably hot. Alexei fixated on Rosalie from the moment he met her. Rosalie was a bit naïve about dealing with Alexei on a personal level, but shrewd when it came to defending him as his lawyer.

I really enjoyed the other parts of the story. I was never 100% sure about what the truth was regarding Alexei’s actions. Every duplicitous act was revealed in a clever way that had me riveted. The politics and interpersonal dynamics were complex and fascinating. This book focused less on the fantasy aspects of the series, though we did get a small glimpse. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go read the first book. It sets this world up really well.

If you like a possessive, always-in-control mafia boss kind of MMC, in a dark romance setting with fantasy elements, then this is definitely for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: June 24, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Book 2 of Grimm Bargains