Viper Spaulding
Sweet and steamy power struggle Aristophanes is best described as neurodivergent with abandonment issues, and masks his need for love by controlling what he can with his money. Nell is poor as a church mouse, but she knows better than to allow herself to be dictated to by anyone, which puts them both at odds when she ends up pregnant after a one-night-stand. I really loved the delicate approach to unwrapping Aristophanes' insecurities, how Nell seemed to know just what to say to create a safe space for him as he struggled to claim his babies while avoiding emotional intimacy with their mother. It could have been so much more combative, so I appreciate the author taking a gentler approach with them. The HEA was delightful, with a sweet glimpse into the future. If you like powerful men brought to their knees by love, this is the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.