Unexpected Master by Layla Stone

3 Stars

This novel was well written and edited, with few if any typos. If there were, it did not at all detract from my ability to enjoy this story. I must confess that this was the first novel I have read by this author in this particular series. The reading experience for me was somewhat disjointed, perhaps because this novel was never intended to be read as a standalone by someone who had not read any of the previous novels in this series. The characterization was unremarkable in this novel, and the world building was quite competent, but the plot and pacing was somewhat odd and disjointed. Also, I need to include a trigger warning for other readers who would also be disturbed by the graphic torture scenes which seemed to make up most of this novel. The development of the romantic relationship between the hero and heroine of this novel was quite subpar, with the reader being told that they love each other at the end of this novel without ever witnessing the process of these two characters falling in love. I have read other novels by this author that I thoroughly enjoyed, but unfortunately, this particular title is not among them for this reader. I recommend this novel only to readers who have read all the previous books in this series. Perhaps for those readers, this novel will be quite enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.