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Falling for the Villain

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From Wall Street Journal & USA Bestselling Author M. Robinson & #1 NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken comes a full length, standalone dark romance novel.

“Play for me, Juliet…”

Those four words whispered in my ear again and again until I craved what I used to fear. Such a simple demand from my captor—the man who stole me and refused to tell me why he wouldn’t let me go.

I was his.

He made me need him, just as much as he needed me. I broke all the rules of the golden prison he put me in.

During the day he ruled his dark, seedy world. His subjects and me.
During the night—he bowed before my feet.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the villains in all the fairy tales you read?

You’ll soon find out.

It all started when he kidnapped me and made me his pet.
And it all ended with me…

Calling him master.


*This story is not for the faint of heart and may be uncomfortable for some readers. But, then again, stepping outside of your comfort zone may be exactly the thing you need… Care to play with us, readers?

203 pages

Published June 22, 2021

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About the author

M. Robinson

64 books6,375 followers
M. Robinson is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author crowned as the “Queen of Angst” by readers around the world. Dive into her visionary world that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you wanting more. She writes everything from contemporary to suspense romance and is best known for her novel, El Diablo.

When M isn’t in the cave writing her next epic love story, you will find her shopping and living on a boat in Florida with her real life pirate, her lobster, her husband Bossman. Sipping on Starbucks and hanging out with their two dogs, a German shepherd mix and a gordito Wheaten Terrier reading a good book. Or spending time with her family, who she is extremely close with.

Above all, M loves her readers more than anything and loves to connect with them! She is on all social media platforms @authormrobinson but you will find her in her happy place the most. Her VIP Reader Group on Facebook or her second favorite happy place, Instagram.

Stay connected!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
June 21, 2021
His captive pet!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻‍♀️🧔🏻👱🏼‍♂️

The heroine: Juliet - a concert pianist and daughter of a mob boss. She grew up around tough mafia men but she herself was kept in a gilded cage.

The Hero(es): Donovan - he trained women to be pets for other men. He is dominant, sadistic and cruel.

The Story: Donovan first saw Juliet at a piano concert and from that time he wanted her for himself.



This is a captive romance where the alpha male is a sadist. Donovan wants Juliet and likes to punish her for every disobedience, from the very beginning he whips her until she bleeds for a minor infraction. I hate these types of books when I am reading them. Because the main male character seems basically beyond redemption. I guess I hate that they treat the female character like she is less than them. Like because he was able to kidnap her she doesn’t deserve to be treated like a human.

I like BDSM, and even captive romance, but when the man is trying to bend the woman to his will, forcing her to submit and punishing her for infractions (not in in the fun sexy way), I just end up really wanting the woman to thwart him in some way, either by not giving him what he wants (even if that means being beaten) or by finding a way to run or turn the tables, and when that doesn’t happen, or doesn’t happen until late in the book, I get totally frustrated.

This story was even more disturbing when we find out about Donovan’s past. Though Donovan does begin redeeming himself midway through the book, by that time Juliet has a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome. Juliet’s brother Romeo (from the book “Mafia Casanova”) has also been looking everywhere for his Kidnapped sister.

I think the thing I hate the most about these types of books is that when the man is so dominant and sadistic that he treats the woman like a pet and doesn’t even let her speak without permission, it is hard to see how he could fall for her. I mean any guy that doesn’t care to even talk with his woman isn’t a hero (or even anti-hero) in my book and isn’t anyone I would want to know.

However, Donovan did initially become obsessed with Juliet when she played the piano, so at least that helps to see that it wasn’t only having her a slave that attracted him. Though even later in the book I still had some issues with the way he treated her, even though she liked it. I guess I just can’t understand the mindset.

Overall though, if you set aside the slave/pet aspect, the main storyline of the book was a good one. I liked that there was a villain and especially liked that this was a stand-alone. Though I must say, the cover, though appropriate is butt ugly for a romance novel.

“What better way to show your devotion than on your knees? What better way for me to show my adoration than bringing you to them?”

I found myself smiling. “Somehow that was the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”


I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

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Profile Image for Matilda.
269 reviews2,528 followers
August 11, 2021
I thought my week couldn't get any worse because Good Girls was cancelled until I read this book

I either didn’t like the characters or didn’t care about them at all. The heroine is an idiot, the hero has no personality, and the side characters are irrelevant. I found the inner monologues and dialogue to be super cringey. This is definitely a dark read, as it was advertised, but it was so dark that I couldn’t like the hero at all.

Donovan (H)

Donovan is a slave trainer. He basically takes kidnapped women and breaks them down using BDSM to make them completely submissive to their “master”. Donovan kidnaps Juliet (h), a mafia princess, and is trying to train her to be his slave.

In the first few chapters he whips her to the point of blood being drawn, he cuts her hair and dyes it because he “prefers blondes”

He allows another slave trainer (and business partner) to take her to use for himself. In the process he whips her and if Donovan didn’t interrupt, she would have been raped. He claims to “love her” yet allows this guy to toy with him???

A speck of dust has more personality than Donovan and I honestly don't need to write anything else on him because what's written speaks for itself.

Juliet (h)

I genuinely keep bad for this girl because she’s insanely naïve and blinded by Donovan’s dick. This guy kidnaps her, whips her, and sexually assaults her yet she refuses to acknowledge how wrong this is. In fact, she likes it.

My therapist said it was Stockholm Syndrome that I was experiencing. I told her to eat shit and stopped going to her the very next day. I didn’t need anyone to tell me what I was going through. They didn’t know one damn thing about Donovan and what he’d been through.


She ignores what her therapist is telling her and then tries to justify Donovan's actions by saying it’s “because of his past”, PUH-LEASE. She also acts like her existence doesn’t matter unless it’s with him

exhibit a)

I wasn’t me.
I was his.
Owned.


exhibit b)

“What if he doesn’t want me, though? What if he turns me away?”
“What if he does?” Mom asked. “Then what?”
“Then…” I sobbed. “My life is over.


Juliet also spews some shit about him “saving her”? From what?!?! She claims that her family keeps her prisoner or something, but I never read any context supporting this and on top of that, isn’t Donovan ACTUALLY keeping her prisoner??? He kidnapped and doesn’t allow her to leave the house and in the beginning, locked her in her room for days without food until she submitted to him.

Hold on this is the best part. Juliet offers to help Donovan with his business by taking care of other slaves. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH HER?! THESE WOMEN ARE BEING KIDNAPPED AND SEX TRAFFICKED, SAME WAY SHE WAS, AND SHE WANTS TO HELP THEM STAY IN THAT SITUATION?! Oh my god this made me so mad especially because these other women won't be as lucky as her dumbass because the fuckers purchasing these women are evil, evil people.



Master/pet

Donovan calling her pet and Juliet calling him Master made me so uncomfy. I mean this is probably a me thing, but here are some example of this...

"You can undress me, Juliet."
"Pet."
"Excuse me?"
"I like it when you call me pet."


"I am your fucking home. I'll kill you before I let you forget it, so what is your punishment, pet?"


Because in my books? Heroes can go screw themselves.
Give me war.
Give me destruction.
Give me sweet death.
Give me Donovan.
My master for eternity.


Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,221 reviews1,669 followers
January 30, 2022



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

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Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Donovan

Heroine : Juliet

Pace of the story : Slow then fast

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 8/10

Triggers Involved : BDSM , Slavery, Dub Con , Kidnapping

Plot Summary :
Juliet has led a simple life. Her own home was a prison since she was never allowed to make her own choices. Everything changed the day the devil kidnapped her. A man with eyes as black as his soul , she knew that he would do anything to make her his completely. And nothing would ever be the same . He was her master and she was his pet and everything else was irrelevant.

Donovan knew that kidnapping the mafia princess was a tricky thing. Especially with the high security around her , but once he saw her he knew he had to have her. He would have her , break her and make her love him. He would be the one thing for which she existed and his pet will be something everyone else will be envious of. However there was one thing that he would never do and that was keep her.

Overall Opinion :
Holy shittttttttt
This literally has to be the darkest book by these authors. The authors had me panting within the first two chapters and shir , the steam in this book is nothing like I have ever read before! It's just sooooo hot.

Trust me when I say that this book has a ton of triggers right from page one to the very end. I loved the characters and I think I have developed this crazy obsession with Donovan who is absolutely irresistible by the way! The man was crazy as hell and I love him so much! Juliet was the perfect girl for him and my heart hurt so much for her and for what she went through his hands. There were moments when I hated Donovan but I knew that I would love him. That is the thing about the heroes of these authors , you can’t love them no matter how much you want to hate them.

However there was one thing that I did not like about this book and that was the ending part. It was very rushed and I am still a bit confused as to why a few things happened. The first half of the book was amazing and then it sort of went downhill. I am not saying that the book was bad or anything , I just wish that the authors gave us a bit more detail about Donivan and Juliet , like how they overcame their differences and hate. I wanted to see more of them with Romeo and other characters too , like I said everything was wrapped up too fast in the end which was a bit bewildering for me.

Overall I would definitely recommend this book for all the dark romance living people. However this one is a bit more twisted and I will list all the triggers above so please keep those in mind!

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Profile Image for M.
649 reviews269 followers
June 20, 2021
4.5 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥.... You will be falling whether you like it or not. You'll say "Yes, Sir" and fall in line. You don't want to make Master angry now, do you??

𝑯𝑶𝑳𝒀 𝑪𝑹𝑨𝑷!!!!! The warning is not to be taken lightly. This is dark. Like make you question your own goodness dark. It will have you feeling things that will make you think you're not sane. Especially if you... dare I say, liked the book or 𝒉𝒊𝒎. It will test your comfort level. I've got quite the book hangover. Such an intense read with characters that were so complex and raw. These authors held nothing back. The writing was superb and enslaved you until the bitter end.

Juliet and Donovon's was different. He was brutal, vile and plain disgusting at times. You loathed him for everything he did to her. Gosh, I hated him!! She fought back and never gave in easily. She had spunk and was not afraid to go to battle with him. That was needed to go head to head with someone like Donovon though. You will often wonder if there are any redeemable qualities left in his blackened soul -- don't count him out just yet.

Sometimes things aren't what the seem. Villains aren't truly the evil ones. Heroes can be found in the unlikely of people. Love can be born from darkness. Terror can still be found in the light of day. Monsters aren't always hiding under the bed...

Sometimes they come out to play... sometimes they want you to play.. and sometimes they play you!

This story was dark, yet eerily beautiful. You can't help but fall... For the Villain?!?

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 14, 2021
“You were in a cage… I just set you free.”
5 -What makes someone TRULY bad?- Stars⭐
A Dark & Gritty story that short-circuited my brain. Totally fried. It's truth, A Villain's not born but made. A Sexy, Suspenseful, Heartaching Journey with Action, Love, Slave, free, & Truths–Took me on one hell of a ride to that Heartwarming HEA!
Oh, Donavon & Juliet. My heart. I feel a little overwhelmed, but satisfied. DEVOURED this within 5hrs!

This book definitely isn't for everyone, It took me 20 days to have the mindset to formulate a review for it! A surprise this was, definitely way darker than Romeo's book "Mafia Casanova". Along with D+J's PoV, I liked seeing 2 scenes by Romeo's POV too! This was the HEA of the Sinacore family (or will we see them again?😉).

Triggers: Non/Dub Con (leading to total consensus!), Domination, Slavery, Master-Pet (well, it's also a BDSM Kink), Graphic Violence (Many times the bastards deserved it), Sadism, Pain Play. Also when he says "Play for me, Juliet." He's talking about Piano. Not where my mind went😅.

Juliet Sinacore; Beautiful-In & Out, Caring, Sassy; is Romeo's sister & Part of the Sinacore crime/Mafia family (These days, they're doing some good too). She's a pianist & Innocent (also a Virgin😅)–the men never let her take part in the "family business" (she'd wanted to). In "Mafia Casanova", we get a cliffhanger–she's kidnapped...Now we see who's behind it!

Donovan; Sociopath, Hard to crack (Our girl did!), Sadistic; 1st saw Juliet when she was 18 & he was 24, 4yrs ago. Now he's finally got her. He's a villain (That I HATED at start), A slave trainer (has a limit), with a weirdo Business partner–Troy (Cue BAD vibes)...But beneath the hardness, is a tortured soul–Whose backstory shattered me 😭. D's emotions & redemption arc made me fall for him!

"I wanted her to see me. Truly see me for someone other than a villain."

From the moment Donovan kidnaps Juliet, a change starts in them. He promised he'll break her–& rebuild. Pain, Isolation, Contact, Care, Pleasure...Weeks passed, Nightmare to Fantasy. He broke her, His Slave. She fell for him BUT he fell for her too–was Inevitable really. She's the light to his darkness.
~Taken, Orgasms, Pet, Won't, Punish, Style, Know, Breaking & Broken, Kinky, Care, Tragic Past, Hers & His, Slave, Auction, Hurt & Change, Let in...

"I was somehow forgiven. No longer a sinner. No I was a saint. Worshipped. Revived. Holy. And for the first time in my life—deserving."

But of course, Guys are kinda dumb. That "Auction" (no selling, btw) event had my hands shaking. I was 1st weirded out & then so scared. But At last, It was J's panic & pain (by Troy 😬), That broke the final restraint within Don. He claimed her–His only one. The later vulnerability really started their love story–As a couple❤. I'm glad that when he took her virginity, it was by Consent *Whew*. They freed eachother from the prison of Past. A Home together.
~Heal & Owned, Sexy times, Deserving, Snacks & Stay, Work, A glimpse of past, Villain's villain, Hot Dom, Ultimatum, Flashbacks, Tender & Love, Bad Kidnap, Torture & Truths...

"You aren’t strong enough to save me, Donovan. I’m a woman. I know my worth. I know my strength. Despite the way I’ve been broken, I’m still free."

D+J are hot & sparky🔥. With days, Their bond & love intensified. More freedom, No Betrayal. He had no weeknesses—Before her. & A psycho took advantage of that, Kidnapped her!! *Oh shit!*
Don can't let her suffer. Cue a him & her Fam *Omg* rescuing her, Such Heart-racing scenes & Truths!!
~Odds Help, Connections, Freed, Family & missing, Heart's want, True home, Love Confessions, New Start & HEA...

But after the rescue, He let her go. She deserves better. She's so angry & sad! The heart wants what it wants (Cue Selena Gomez's song in my mind *Snicker*). If you let it go & it come backs–The Love's True. (I liked her mom, btw) J goes back to D willingly! Cue a HEA *Yay!* & a cute baby surprise 😏! The ending & Epilogue are so sweet❤. I'll be on the lookout for more books by this writing duo!
**ARC Gotten for a Honest Review.**
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Profile Image for Celia.
747 reviews118 followers
January 24, 2024
description

•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,7 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |

Juliet is Romeo's sister Mafia Casanova by M. Robinson , and she was kidnapped.
At first, she thought it was Romeo's enemies.
But the truth is scarier.

descriptiondescription

“Crying won’t help you, and it won’t save you either. I’m untouchable, Juliet. No one will find you, not even your mafia family and their ties.”
Tears streamed down my face, one right after the other. When the back of his hand came toward my cheek, I instinctively jerked back, thinking he was going to hit me. He didn’t. Ever so lightly, he wiped away my tears before slowly and casually licking them off his fingers.
“See, pet … they belong to me now too.”

descriptiondescription

My eyes widened.
This man had no remorse, not one shred of decency. There was no emotion in his eyes, no sympathy, and it was obvious he was getting off on the fact that I was scared.
“I know you may not believe me, but I can assure you that by the end of this, you’ll not only be thanking me, but you’ll also be in love with me. I’ll even go as far as to say you’ll die for me.”


descriptiondescription

This is a heavy BDSM story.
Donovan is a sadist.
The things he does to Juliet...

descriptiondescription

The thing is...
Juliet it's starting to fall for him...
Donovan is incapable of loving someone.
And though he's a monster, Juliet still looks for comfort in him.

descriptiondescription

“I was happy.”
“You weren’t.” He continued caressing the back of my neck with one finger. “I saw you first when you were eighteen. You were playing a concert for a very well-known family in the greater Seattle area. It was Christmas, and you wore a red dress. Every man in that auditorium was pulled under a spell only someone as talented and beautiful as you can create, myself included. You left your heart on that stage, on those piano keys, and I swore to myself I’d never let you be that vulnerable again unless you were by my side. Your father looked right through me that night, and I went home clutching the program with one hand and touching myself with the other, imagining your soft curves, the ruby red lips that matched your dress—you were mine before you even knew it. And now you’re mine for good.”


descriptiondescription

Donovan is the man that breaks women, so they can be sold to other men, but they're trained to obey as their slaves.
Until Juliet...
He can't let her go...

description
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,668 reviews3,277 followers
Want to read
June 19, 2021
May 27, 2021-UPDATE, New Release June 22, 2021!
November 21, 2020
She Was Around Danger All Her Life...
She Was The Jewel Of The Family...

Juliet Grew Into A Wonder...
A Beautiful Woman...
One Who Knew Things...

This Will Be Her Story...
Taken From Those She Loves...
Those Who Will Do Anything...
To Protect Her...

But What Will She Do...
When The Unthinkable Happens...
When She Is Taken...
And She Finds Herself...


Falling For The Villian-May 18, 2021

Mafia Casanova by M. Robinson Mafia Casanova
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling for the Villain by M. RobinsonFalling for the Villain
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,532 reviews625 followers
Read
December 25, 2021
I strongly suggest that you read that NEW blurb before one-clicking this. I was excited for Version 1.0 (hot guy cover/antihero), and nauseated by Version 2.0 (rose cover/slave trainer and his "pet"). Yes, you read that right. If I had preordered this, you can guarantee that I'd be putting in for a refund. Instead, I'm DNFing my ARC.
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,243 reviews195 followers
June 19, 2021
From Captor to Savior

Get taken by his obssession for the beautiful girl and her music. Juliet Sinacore was kidnapped. Held captive by a ruthless slave trainer who had plans to break her. She would not be sold. She was his to keep forever.

A man who only knows darkness. Raised by a father who slaughtered his own wife, he was destined to be the devil. He enjoyed pain with his pleasure and his perfect pet would give him what he wanted or be punished.

This is a dark romance about a master and his pet. There will be bloodshed and torture. Juliet will suffer but she will find her true self in the process. She will discover her need to submit and feel owned and he will give her that security she craves and make her feel loved.

However, a man as powerful as him has enemies. He cannot afford any weakness.

Their path is tumultuous. It’s not easy to let go of who you thought you were, only to embrace an uncoventional love. The authors do not hold back. You will be taken to the dark side. You may be pushed past your limits. However, not all love looks the same. This is the story of a mafia princess that was kidnapped by a slave trainer who sets her free with his love. Their love may look different to some, but it is no less passionate or consuming. It’s the kind of love that you would sacrifice anything to keep. It’s forever and beyond.

4.5 Stars
June 22, 2021
Heed all warnings because this book is unlike anything you have ever read. It’s packed with darkness and wrapped in sexual tension! It’s everything I love about the dark and damned! Rachel and Monica have blown me away with book two weaving a tale I never would’ve saw coming!

The second this book hit my kindle all plans were out the door! This story became my focus and I took it on falling more in love and obsessed with each page read!

The villain, Juliets monster is a man who had a mission and he made it his goal to own Juliet in every way! I love how much the authors played with our emotions. I felt like I was Juliet feeling the thin like between hate and love snap with tension.

I am in awe at how these two authors showed us the dark bit beautiful side of love and how even the dark can find the light and learn to love!
Profile Image for Farah.
646 reviews56 followers
June 18, 2021
Falling for the Villian, what can is at about this read? For one - take the story for what the title says, this isn't a story about a hero, not at all.

I loved Monica and Rachel as solo authors so since they've joined up to bring us more romance reads it's been a power duo I can't get enough of!

Although we meet a few characters from the first book in this series (Mafia Casonova) is crucial you know this story is completely standalone from the series. It's not got a focus on mafia but more on the dark side of romance.

Donovan takes what he wants and lives to do as he pleases. So when his eyes set on Juliet, the daughter to the Sinacore Mafia Family, he doesn't care about the repercussions, only that he can have her - own her - keep her for himself.

This story gave me a lot of 365 vibes, it's gritty and raw with how it's hard to find a reason to love Donovan when he acts so brutal and without explanation. However that's the purpose here, we're not supposed to love him. Just as Juliet doesn't want to, she wants freedom - but what happens when he's the only one that can provide that?

Rachel and Monica dig deep to bring a story full of depth and character. You learn to understand and feel for Donovan and Juliet. Their signature twists and turns make an appearance keeping you excited for more.

I loved how untraditional the novel was. I'd never delved into a Stockholm Syndrome romance, and it was fun and thrilling to dive into. No matter the circumstance Juliet does fight her way to survival but when everything Donovan keeps offering calls to her soul it's hard to not give in.

If you haven't read a dark romance before or a romance that touches on BDSM, Stockholm Syndrome then head warning before diving in!! But from my reading experience, as I've read a lot of dark romance, if you're good with understanding things are ficitional, that it is a captor/captée novel, and the villian has no need to become a hero, then you won't have an issue with the sexy scenes as they're not hard to stomach (in comparison to the darker stuff I've read before) it's still shocking and did get me gasping a few times so grab at your own risk!!

But overall I adored this read and it's especially awesome because it's new for Rachel and Monica to dabble into something of this tropey nature. It's fresh but with the writing we know and love!!

Thank you and ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,549 reviews
June 19, 2021
Holy Moly!! M. Robinson and Rachel Van Dykes team up, and together they take you on a wild and dark journey! Raw and gritty! Over the top angst! Kidnapped, dominated and eventually loved!! The crescendo of the story matched that of the keys to a piano! Falling For The Villain was explosive and intense! Phenomenal story!!
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
1,957 reviews902 followers
June 22, 2021
<3.5 stars>

I love nothing more than seeing authors taking risks with their writing- giving us a story we don’t expect from them. And, this was just that- something unexpected, and in some ways that really paid off, but unfortunately more so in ways that didn’t- at least for me. As you can see from the copious 5-star reaction to this story- there is a lot to appreciate and many readers will enjoy it, so I hope you still give it a try. And, there were certainly parts I admired.

But for me, I felt like the actual story telling was missing. This book reads more like vignette- small windows into a coupling, primarily physical, that certainly tintilates and inspires curiosity, but ultimately felt incomplete. And, felt like a missed opportunity to showcase the many strengths of these two veteran story tellers- their ability to build substantial and complicated emotional chemistry as well as their brilliance when it comes to weaving intricate, suspenseful, and unpredictable plots.

Some of this comes down to the narrative structure. I’ll be the first to admit that the master-slave trope isn’t my favorite, but what I do find fascinating about it is how the characters psychologically evolve and break each other, how the dynamics build over time and how power shifts back and forth when feelings evolve. The trope relies on a lot of cause and effect- the little actions and moments that construct the relationship dynamic and the psychological impact that has on the characters. Only here- we get the effect, without really getting to immerse ourselves in the evolution. The choppy time hops not only make the story feel disjointed in places, but it also means we miss out on what makes the master-pet story the most interesting. It’s like the story wants to reap the rewards of this kind of dark story-telling without exploring the dynamics that got it there- or at the very least, it glosses it over.

From there, again, we have mostly these physical vignettes. I’m never going to say a book is too sexy, but I will say this book relies heavily on the sex scenes to create character connection, and not much else. Which is a fine artistic choice, and a meaningful point of view, just not what I am used to with these authors, and I prefer a bit more emotional chemistry. I felt like we never really got to know these characters outside of their pet-master dynamic, minus some brief glimmers into their past that shape their actions- and not until the end of the story. I just wanted a bit more emotional and character complexity for me to truly feel their connection- it more so read like a novella in terms of character and plot.

Once we got into some more externalized action in the ending, and tied into the prior book, I found myself more invested- and I did appreciate the relational components at the end. Not to mention we get some of the twist, unexpected story telling that makes these two so dynamic. The writing style itself is well done, and like I mentioned, this book is sexy AF- IF you don’t have triggers or are into master-pet steam.

I respect these authors and have no doubt about their skills as creators- and because the writing was strong and I admire authors going outside of their boxes, I’m going with 3.5- even if this was a big miss for me. And, again, I seem to be in the minority on this- so pick it up and decide for yourself.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,223 reviews316 followers
June 16, 2022
2.45 Stars
This picks up where Mafia Casanova dropped off. Juliet has been kidnapped from Romeo and Eden’s honeymoon. The majority of the plot consist of her kidnapping/training to be Donovan’s pet. So, I do not recommend to readers that don’t care for a captivity/Stockholm romance with darker themes. (starving, whipping, etc.)

** I’m going to try to be as vague as possible, but this will have some spoilery bits … please 🤚🛑STOP 🤚🛑 if you want to go in completely blind.**

It has been a while since I’ve read this type of book, but I remember enjoying Anna Zaires’s Twist Me, Capture Me, Tormentor Mine series and plan to re-read them all now that the last book is finished. It’s a dicey genre and not for everyone. I can handle the content, but I require a few things for it to work. I need complex characters. I have to feel like I know/understand them in order to connect and become invested in their unconventional romance. And, their relationship has to grow/change/transform in a believable way so that it feels authentic. The problem with Falling for the Villain was that most of this was missing.

I was surprised when I got to Mafia Casanova’s cliffy and realized we’d be following Juliet’s story. I wondered why the authors gave us so little (younger, spoiled, pretty) if they planned to continue her story. (and wanted us to read it) Juliet was barely on-page and rarely spoke. She was such a non-event that I probably wouldn’t have even read this had I not already owned it. Unfortunately, this didn’t really improve, she was around a lot, but I never felt like I knew her. We know she has dark hair, is coddled by her family, is a virgin, and plays the piano.

The same can be said for Donavan, we know he’s handsome/rich and trains/trafficks sex slaves. We get a smidge of his sad backstory, but his actual personality remained flat-ish. I never felt like I knew him, and I didn’t understand how/why he decided to stay with the family business after his past experiences with his parents.

I needed more and couldn’t connect to either which became a HUGE obstacle because their thoughts/interactions make up the majority of the plot. There’s very little else going on, and there’re only a handful of secondary characters occasionally popping up. Making matters worse, there are several time jumps (days and weeks) during the beginning of their relationship which made it feel more like a Stockholm situation than a believable-fictional romance. I can’t get behind a relationship when you’re basically skipping from training session to training session without aftercare/getting to know each other.

Bottom Line- Not a great fit for me. I don’t need storybook romance, but it has to feel real. I know it’s fiction but both books felt unrealistic. There were so many inconsistencies with both that made it feel like the plots weren’t really planned out. A non-spoilery example would be how Romeo is so unforgiving/vicious that he kills Juliet’s guard for “allowing” her to be kidnapped, but does nothing to Donovan for actually kidnapping and abusing her. The guard’s death added nothing to the story, yet it made their actions illogical.

Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,368 reviews367 followers
June 18, 2021
I was not prepared for this. Not at all. When I started Falling for the Villain by M. Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken, I didn't expect this dark, twisted, erotic, sensual and heart wrecking story to consume me whole. This deeply flawed yet blissfully perfect dark romance will test your limits for sure.

Juliet Sinacore, Seattle's most powerful and deadly Underboss' sister has been kidnapped by a monster. Donovan plans to break her and own her and become her master. He lives in a dark world with darker heart. Juliet is scared. Terrified. But she is also oddly and perversely intrigued by the devil. She shouldn't but heart and body always don't listen to logic. Secrets. Lies. Manipulation. Games and punishments and rewards. Enter this depraved world at your own risk.

First of all, read the blurb. Read the authors' notes. And if it's not your cup of tea, walk away. This is unlike anything I have read from Rachel Van Dyken or M. Robinson. It was pure BDSM with tone of Mafia. Mafia because both of them are tied to the mafia. And Mafia will play an important role. But basically, at the core, the dominant submissive dynamics is the story. Donovan wanted to posses Juliet and corrupt her and twist her till she bends at his will. But after kidnapping her and torturing her and training her with sometimes vicious, sometimes tender and mostly kinky ways..he cannot deny Juliet has claimed his broken heart. He is the classic antihero. With a tragic abusive heartbreaking past that stripped him off softer emotions. He is powerful and rich and his kingdom is built on slaves. You will hate him..oh how thoroughly and deeply will you hate him. And then the dynamic duo's magic will work and you will fall for the monster. It was hard. Difficult. I stopped and restarted. I fought with hatred and anger and shame but slowly, very slowly, the broken man hidden behind the monster will be exposed.


And that was all Juliet. She was strong and fierce. She pushed and resisted with everything. She submitted because she wanted to. Donovan gave her the power to chase her filthy needs without regrets. She soothed his pain and his need to torture himself. And He awakened that hidden part in her that needed to be controlled and used. Donovan punished her and protected her. It's a magnificent contrast where he makes her cry and bleed and also turns into this overprotective and possessive man. And of course you can expect some truth bombs exploding and destroying everything. I was thinking just how cruel and cunning and genius these authors are. It will be a thorny ride to happily ever after. And I loved every kinky, shocking, jaw dropping and breathtaking second.

Some love stories are brutal and raw that makes my heart split open and feels pouring out. Falling for a Villain by M. Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken was unexpected. Decadent. Sinful. It was about darkest desires and tainted love. And I am still under it's spell.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,867 reviews2,066 followers
June 26, 2021
description

“You’re here because I will it, just like you’re alive because I want you to be. From here on out, you live for my pleasure only.”

Hello darkness my old friend, we’ve come to dance with you again….Falling for the Villain is not your conventional romance, even saying that it’s a romance is questionable. Rather it’s an intensely dark, twisted, and at times disturbing story of obsession, torture, and a warped interpretation of an all-consuming devouring love affair. Exposing limits, moving boundaries, and walking a fine line between sadistic violence, degradation, and psychological manipulation, Monica Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken flawlessly wrote a story that will test every reader who picks up Falling for the Villain. If you have triggers or not familiar with dark captive books, this is not a book for you. This book does not go gently into the good night, rather it ravages in the shadows consuming the darkness and destroying the light to rebuild it into its intended glory.

‘Like a prey, I was caught in his spider web of lies and deceit, and the sad part was I wanted to believe I could change him. All the times he touched me and told me I was his. It felt real. Sincere. Consuming.’

We have certainly read extremely dark books of a similar vein, so this story did not shock us as such, but it was certainly unexpected! In amongst the darkness were pure moments of beauty, and they stood out as such when held up against the torturous darkness. Falling for the Villain was compelling reading as we chased that emotional connection that would make the darkness disperse into a willing connection. When desire and controlling power walks hand in hand it’s intended doesn’t stand a chance.

‘I could never tell them. But I could at least know in my soul that I fought, that I tried to become more than the monster in front of me, that while he was making demands, confusing me, dominating me, I could make my own plans – revenge.’

We wish we could’ve had a more in-depth experience of the emotional connection in order to fully connect to Juliet’s reasoning and personal growth through this storyline. To be fair, we felt that Juliet wasn’t really given the chance to shine on her own merit, rather she went from being metaphorically caged by those she loves, to physically caged by the man she wasn’t meant to fall in love with. Perhaps this was due to the storyline not digging deep enough beneath the surface which is so super important in a master/slave relationship. Saying that we loved the fact that Donovan’s personality and obsession didn’t waver. He had a past that scarred him, yet he didn’t seek redemption and we’re not sure we gave it either, but Donovan surely wouldn’t give two shits about that, HA! Going in thinking this is going to be your bog-standard dark romance will definitely be challenged but hey we’re always up for that!

‘I knew my monster. He knew me. This was no fairy tale. This was life. It was hard. And it was mine.’


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gi
June 18, 2021
WOW!!!

Juliett was kidnapped and her captur wouldn't tell her why,  she his pet, him her master.
At first, the man with the cold, dark eyes, i hated him. Everything about him made me angry, he was an asshole of epic proportions.
Slowly as the pages turned he started to show a different side and my opinion changed,  I ended up loving him, crying for him and with him.
I love juliette straight away,  fiesty and demanding.
This book took me on a wild ride with my emotions. At points I was so angry I couldnt see straight, so sad my heart felt like it was breaking and so happy my soul was on fire,  this book... my god it was nothing like I've ever read before and probably never will again. I can't describe how phenomenal it was.

It's deliciously Dark and I loved every single word!
Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].
276 reviews160 followers
June 22, 2021
Saw some not so stellar ARC reviews for this so color me intrigued. It's not everyday that ARC readers aren't declaring a book a masterpiece, so I had to try it.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it's not great either. I'm giving it a 2.5* rounded to 3 purely for the writing, which I enjoyed.
The hero is clearly in the business of breaking pets, so he's done this before. I usually hate these types of heroes, so I skimmed through some parts to see if it would get better.
There is an *almost* sharing scene where the hero wants to prove to himself and everyone else that he doesn't care about the heroine, but it never goes past a lashing from the OM. The H intervenes and beats him.
After that it's just sex between H and h and we're supposed to believe they fall in love.
Now my biggest complaint with this book. It's called falling for the villain. But where is the villain? I mean, sure, he was in human trafficking and he was into that master/pet dynamic. But this man, this villain , signs away all his businesses at the end of the book. Where is the villainy in that? Just because he's pussy whipped? I'm sorry but that just ruined the entire thing.

This book should have been longer for its ambitions to make readers buy into the H's sad back story. Because it was so short, both the 'love' and his 'redemption' felt forced. But if he's the villain, why does he need redemption anyway? I'm confused.

*In all honesty, the rating should be lower, but there was nothing that made me react viscerally to it, so I'll settle for average.

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Profile Image for 25 Readings Or More.
702 reviews154 followers
September 4, 2021
So.....
I had mixed feelings for almost the whole book.

It took time to "accept" their relationship.

Not 'cause I don’t like that kind of dynamic,
but because Donovan was so closed off and I didn’t understand what Juliet see in him!!

Let's be honest: he was an asshole and even knowing his reasons, even knowing why he was that way I just wanted to slap his face 🤷‍♀️

I don't really know what to think about Juliet instead....

But I appreciated the fact that she always believed in her feelings and those of Donovan.

What i really loved was the last 30% of the book because it's the part that really show off the love that bonds Donovan and Juliet.

Despite my doubts i have to say the story is captivating and intense.

So I still recommend it.
Profile Image for Tammy - .
928 reviews126 followers
June 20, 2021
Well, dayummm...I'm not sure what I was expecting with Falling for the Villain, but it sure wasn't the heart racing, Kindle melting, page-turner that this book turned out to be. I practically read this book in one sitting, only taking a break to eat and take a cold shower. It was that good!

Now, I will say that this book will not be for everyone. It is a DARK romance. In the real world, the events taking place here would be disturbing and horrific, but this is FICTION. You need to keep that in mind while reading, and if things like kidnapping, slavery and abuse are triggers for you, then you definitely want to skip this one. If you can get past all of that and enjoy this story for the fantasy that it is, well then...you're in for a treat.

Donovan aka Master kidnaps Juliet and plans to keep her as his own. He is not a nice man. He truly is the villain here. He can be cruel and abusive, but as the story progresses, we see how Donovan became the man that he is. And as Juliet fell for her captor, I fell right along with her.

There were some scenes that were a little difficult to read, there were others that nearly caused my Kindle to combust. There was some angst that caused my heart to race, and a few scenes that broke my heart. And again...I could not put this book down. This was an all-consuming story that left me breathless and wanting more. If you like dark romance, then this is a must read!
June 20, 2021
Whoa!!!!! Total Dark read alert. Like you're gonna hate the hero with all that you are and can place bets that the authors wouldn't be able to redeem him in your eyes & then be ready to lose that bet when you reach towards the end of the book.
These are my feelings exactly. 🙃🙃.
When I started this book and getting to know Donovan, my first thought was there's no way imma gonna like this person, in fact I was so angry and grrrhhhhh😐.. That guy is the definition of rough, dark and unapologetically a hardened man.
You definitely don't expect anything resembling feelings or emotions from a man like Donovan.
Then there's sweet Juliet. Her world is turned upside down when she is kidnapped by a stranger and left to obey him or face worse.
She doesn't just gives away all the fight, No, she's a strong woman who knows when to take it and when to stand up, even when she's aware of the consequences.
As the story builds, the relationship status between Juliet & Donovan becomes messy and kinda muddy. As in where first everything was black and white, Donovan is Master and Juliet the pet ; Now they both are getting entangled in a way that is jumbling everything and complicating both their feelings and thoughts
This was a book that sure tested me, not knowing where I was gonna be taken and how would I come out of it. But that ending....... OH SO WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF THIS DARK & ENTICING JOURNEY. This was a complete OUT OF LEFT FIELD SHOCKER THAT WILL MESS UP YOUR HEAD & LEAVE YOU IN DEEP PERPLEX WHERE AT THE END YOU'LL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO BE SHOCKED AS TO HOW OPPOSED YOUR OWN FEELINGS WILL BE COMPARED TO START & THAT OF THE END.
MY FEELINGS SURE DID A 180 ON ME. WHAT A RIDE THIS ONE. LOVED IT. 👀😳😈😈
Profile Image for Come_read_with_me_.
784 reviews25 followers
June 19, 2021
4 stars

Okay so let me explain, I love the world these authors have created! Their writing to captivating and completely unique.
I want to break up this book into two sections, the first 50% of this book is dark. It is not for the faint-hearted however I loved how unique the characters are. It was sexy and brutal both at the same time. We get a glimpse into Donovan past, that being said I wanted more of a storyline here.
The second part of this book gets a solid 5star!! It was intense, had all the mafia vibes and played with every emotion I had. I didn't think I could like Donovan, however, RVD and M Robinson did an amazing job turning things around.

Overall I am giving this a 4star review just because I wanted a little more storyline at the start. Other than that, it was perfect, it flowed really well and it was captivating.

Thank you to the authors and valentine pr for a copy of this earc in exchange for an honest review.

There are a lot of triggers in this book, however, the authors handled these with a lot of empathy and care.

Trigger: Human Trafficking, referencing rape, suicide and violence.
Profile Image for Megan.
419 reviews10 followers
June 21, 2021
Pros: I loved this storyline of a mafia princess getting kidnapped.
The H deals in sex-trafficking and trains them to be pets. He sees the h several years before he had her taken. She went from one prison to another. Or so she thinks. But the H isn’t the true villain in the story, there’s always someone lurking. Watching. Waiting to take what isn’t his.

Cons: There were some things that were missing in the book for me. I felt certain areas were skipped over while other areas were just briefly talked about. I’m a person who wants all the dark and dirty details about everything. Different strokes for different folks and that’s okay.
I know this book will probably be hit though and I do strongly recommend it.

ARC copy for honest review.
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,431 reviews173 followers
June 26, 2021
I've gone back and forth in my rating, and even though this book is well written, I damn near cringed the entire time. I've read some captive/captor romances in my day, and some truly dark BDSM books, but nothing I have ever read before has left me feeling as gross as this book did. I just couldn't get past the overwhelming abuse covered up as romance. Maybe it was the "my pet" thing (which is a hard limit for me) but the one thing all of the tropes I've mentioned above have in common is CONSENT. There was none of that here. There is nothing sexy about the h crying/screaming for the "H" to stop touching her because she didn't consent/doesn't want it, and then proceeds to ignore her and tells her he'll do whatever the hell he pleases with her. She was whipped/beaten, raped, almost shared with another human trafficker (because that's what they are, let's not mince words here) had her hair cut off and dyed to fit the mold of her captors perfect fantasy.. it was just a lot. The authors tried too hard to make it seem like Juliet did want what all happened and deserved the abuse because she dared to ask for basic human rights (soooo sexy, amirite?) She is every woman/child/person who has ever been in an abusive situation, and I just couldn't disconnect myself from that.

I didn't care about our H's background or why he was the way he is, because -- and this is the hill I will die on -- perpetuating abuse that you once survived is NOT ok. You dont put that same truama, Plus worse, on someone else. Just no. This was just classic Stockholm syndrome.

I'm not in any way trying to judge, especially since we all like different things which makes the romance world so versatile, and I can definitely appreciate an author stepping outside of their comfort zone to right something she normally wouldn't, but I just couldn't get past the overwhelming abuse.

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,531 reviews87 followers
June 19, 2021
Bra-effing-vo Ms. Robinson and Ms. Van Dyken. They penned a dark, unputdownable story that had me enthralled and I couldn’t not read it even if it wrecked me. But, I’m a masochist when it comes to a hero that you want to hate but love. Donovan and Juliet… where do I begin? Their relationship was flawed but perfect for them. It was like a piano piece, a prelude played in minor key. Even though the sound may bring forth emotions of melancholy, despair, loneliness you find that sometimes it’s those pieces that create the most the most beautiful sounds that touch your soul. I was unable to put this book down and was lost in their story. This duo left me in awe with their seamless writing and all their words. This hauntingly beautiful story is definitely not for the faint of heart and Donovan is most definitely a villain but you will find yourself captivated by him.
611 reviews16 followers
June 18, 2021
So deliciously dark .
This story isn't about a hero, no, it's about an anti-hero. He is like a monster from your nightmares . His past and present are unforgivable. His name is Donovan, but to her , he is known as .... Master.

Juliet was a mafia princess, but all of that has been stripped away from her by the man she has to call , Master.
Taken away from her family , humiliated ,& punished by her Master until she breaks .
She is now just ..... Pet.

By the end, this vulnerable, once broken princess, turns into a strong Queen, who's Master will gladly worship for all time .

This is not a fluffy story, it is dark , there is no hero , just a man shaped by his past to do unthinkable things .

This is such a great read
Profile Image for Sharing My.
1,254 reviews17 followers
June 20, 2021
Wow! What a wild ride!
Throughout the book I couldn't decide I wanted to hate or love Donovan. I started out hating him, but loved him by the end. I loved Juliet. I loved how she stood up for herself, but knew when to submit. She turned out to be a perfect match for Donovan. The calm to his storm. I read this in one sitting and could not put it down til I finished.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,134 reviews602 followers
June 26, 2021
3.5 stars

Falling for the villain felt like a flashback for me…you know..the time just a few years ago where BDSM/erotica was all the rage? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that genre, it’s just that I haven’t read a decent one in ages cause it felt like all so familiar and similar to each other.
Suffice to say, I stopped reading BDSM/Erotica for a while but I THIS…THIS I wanted to read. A M.Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken collaboration?! Yes please.
Falling For the Villain is dark, twist and definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s one of those books where the hero isn’t an anti-hero but a true villain.

This is the second collaboration between M and RVD, the first one being Mafia Casanova. I preferred Mafia Casanova more than Falling for the Villain but I still look forward to reading more from them.
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,551 reviews74 followers
June 23, 2021
I'm going to keep this review relatively short. The one thing I will say is to PLEASE read the author's warnings on the content. If you've read the first book in this series of standalones, it's nothing like that one. Mafia Casanova was heavy on some mafia and killing/violence, but this is more sex trafficking/pet-master that will be uncomfortable for many. So please heed all warnings before jumping in.

When I first saw that M. Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken say this book went in a whole direction they didn't see coming, I wasn't sure what we were going to get. What we got was dark and unexpected. The first half was well written, but uncomfortable to read at points. I hated seeing Juliet put in a place that I didn't think she deserved. I hated her having a Master and her becoming a pet. Being a part of the Sinacore family means that you are Mafia royalty and you are strong. I felt like that was being stripped away from her. But with that said, I could feel Donovan/master had more to him than what he was taking and showing Juliet. It was evident, so it was hard to read about the pain he inflicted on Juliet.

"We all have a bad and good side. It's what makes us human."

The second half is where we were slowly getting answers. Or rather Juliet was. And even if I wasn't completely on board with any sort of relationship between the two, it was becoming more acceptable. And the way they wrapped it up and came full circle? All well done. Bravo for creating a dark world where I even questioned myself and what I was feeling.

Overall, this was a quick read yet paced well for the storyline. The story was dark and uncomfortable, but the writing was beautifully poetic within that. The two author's writing styles meshed well and was seamlessly done from beginning to end. I'm not one to always like this trope and I didn't expect it, but again as I've said before, these authors executed it well. Go in with an open mind is all I'll say.

"...I'm still the same man who needs both pleasure and pain. I'm still the same villain who wants you to bleed for him. I'm still the same hero who would die for you. Nothing has changed other than my love and devotion to you...."
July 4, 2021
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with this level of hotness, Donavan isn’t like other book boyfriends that straddle the line of dominant, he lives, breathes, and oozes dominance from the depths of him and it was all sorts of deviously dark deliciousness.

Juliet was fiery and stubborn, but there was also a side of her that seemed settled by being able to let someone else take control.

Donavan was a level of alpha-hole I haven’t come across in a long time. He oozed alphaness like it was air, and had zero phux to give when it came to how he finally had his hands on the woman who had captivated him at first sight.

Donavan and Juliet had sizzling chemistry the moment they met, and with every interaction that sizzle evolves into a forest fire of soul searing chemistry.

I loved diving back into this world that RVD and M. Robinson created, and the extra level of darkness in this was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

I loved seeing Juliet’s stubborn side as much as I adored the other sides of her, a gentle reminder inside the pages that we don’t have to be one thing or another, and nobody can decide that but you.

Juliet and Donavan had this palpable physical awareness for one another, but there was also a feeling that there was much more than that between them. There were little bits sprinkled on the pages that make your head spin trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

An all-consuming, extra steamy, dark mafia romance by 2 of my favorite authors was exactly what I needed today.

An exhilarating blend of soul searing chemistry, an anti-hero that oozes dominance, a sassy heroine, a threatening presence that will give you chills, heart fluttering, feels, and steam that will undoubtedly heat up your kindle.




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