Princess Jasmine has always been a strong heroine, but what if Aladdin was the bad guy and Jasmine fell in love with Jafar? Welcome to the first novel in the Wicked Villains series by Katee Robert.
Jafar lead a coup to overthrow the Sultan, Jasmine's father, and take control of his territory. After killing the Sultan Jafar sneaks into Jasmine's room to claim her making sure that she knows that he is now her master. Jasmine, quick on her feet, takes Jafar by surprise by pressing a letter opener to his groin, threatening to make him bleed out. The two have an electric conversation about Jasmine's freedom. She will be granted her freedom, and her inheritance if she can make it to the front door before Jafar catches her. Jasmine is a virgin who quickly learns about bodily pleasure and power dynamics through role play. This is the beginning of the cat and mouse, dom/sub, daddy/baby relationship between them.
Desperate Measures is a quick read. It's hot, heavy, and graphic. I like the idea of taking characters that are familiar and changing the story. Jasmine is still just as innocent but strong as in the Disney movie, but Jafar is much more likeable. He is sexy, strong, and caring. He pushes Jasmine to here limits, but makes sure that she knows that she can use the safe word at any moment and he will instantly stop.
Smut books give you a semi-experience of different acts and relationships, almost as a trial before you experience them in the flesh. I find power dynamics and banter appealing, but all the baby/daddy name calling was a bit much for me. I do not like rape scenes, so it was refreshing to be reminded that Jasmine was in control of the limits.
Katee Robert says that this was her first novel with such graphic content and it showed. I am interested to read her other works to see if she becomes more comfortable and at ease in this new writing style.
Comments