Empire of Desire: An Age Gap Father's Best Friend Romance
byRina Kent
K. Friend (The Romantic Rush)
5.0 out of 5 starsOBSESSED!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2021
I LIVE FOR RINA KENT AGE GAP STORIES! Empire of Desire is everything I love about Rina Kent's writing- it's gritty, it's a forbidden, it's complicated and messy, it's full of twists and unexpected turns, and it's all centered by an intense, powerful, and magnetic character chemistry that evolves into one of my favorite love stories she's written.
From the very first chapter, you know this book is going to be amazing. A story that you won't be able to put down- because our heroine Gwen, and her longing, capture us immediately. Per usual, I don't want to reveal too much about this plot. While this isn't one of Rina's "dark" romances in terms of themes, it is still chock full of all the surprises and plot twists we've come to expect of her work. The premise is one that is, of course, delectably delicious. Young girl, our heroine Gwen, pining after her father's best friend- and now that she's old enough for those emotional feelings to deepen from admiration into love and lust, she's decided she's going to pursue him. Only things don't always go as planned, in more ways than one. Suddenly a forbidden relationship is blossoming that overpowers than both, and as their desire grows, and as their relationship shifts and morphs from child-dad's best friend to man-woman, their need for one another grows more substantial and meaningful. But so much is at risk.
The unfolding drama keeps the pages turning, but the characters are what I loved about this story. I WAS DESPERATE for Nate- and Rina does not disappoint. He's perhaps my favorite Rina hero to day (shh don't tell Rowan), but I just really loved the nuance and character growth Rina crafted in him. He's got some real baggage that has played out into how he views the world, himself, and relationships- but there is so much underneath the surface. I loved watching Gwen's devotion unravel him, and I loved the beating heart we find underneath his stoic surface. AND LORDY IS HE HOT. Stoic Nate turned into a passionate dirty talker and it was ridiculously sexy. And Gwen, WOW, I adore her. An all time fav. I loved how Rina gives her the right dash of youth- so we feel the age gap, we understand the forbidden tension- but she also lets her be emotionally insightful and evolved. She's got some immature petulance, but she's also beyond her years- emotionally, when it comes to connecting with Nate. She has an infinite well of love and affection which is just what Nate needs, and I loved her beautiful heart.
Together these two are FIRE. SO HOT. But I loved their emotional intensity the most. The way they find vulnerability and comfort and self-actualization with each other. And each has really meaningful character growth as the result of them finding themselves in each other- Nate finds a way to open his heart, to confront his issues, and Gwen finds her strength, finds a way to stand on her own. And the secondary characters are also fantastic- we get some previews for potential leads to come, catch up with some unexpected favorites too. I especially really loved Gwen's relationship with her father - the tenderness of their connection brought me to tears in a few places, and the challenges they face (being vague on purpose) connect us so deeply with them both. Really brilliant to have us feel that relationship so intensely, because it helps build the conflict and tension when it comes to Gwen's attraction to Nate.
We have some good juicy drama- and omg some mind blowing revelations, too. But amidst all the amazing drama and steam, and all the emotional tension, we also have some unexpectedly sweet and swoony tender moments that just stole my heart. This Empire world is shaping up to be a new favorite- and Gwen and Nate are for sure an all time favorite couple. One of my favorite Rina books to date!
haleynoel
3.0 out of 5 starsNot My Favorite
Rina is a one click buy for me, but this was a miss. Totally disappointing as I was looking forward to Nates story. I've never been a huge fan of the girl chasing the guy, and it was almost painful at first. Nate felt a little forced, and Gwen was comically immature and hard to connect with. Where are the Elsas? The Claire's? The Astrids? Gwen was not great, it was like Rina was trying to hard to create a cutesy character and she came off as irritating. How much can a person like vanilla? Ok we get it, she bathes with it, she eats it, she even has vanilla colored underwear. 🤨 Fell a bit flat.
3.0 out of 5 stars Not My Favorite
5.0 out of 5 stars OBSESSED!!
Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three
5.0 out of 5 stars Angsty feels all over the place
Age-gap, forced marriage, new adult, angst, and a possessive alpha hero were all enthralling elements in Empire of Desire.
While this is a standalone, if you've read the Thorns Duet, as I have, you've been as intrigued by Nate as I was, and yet his story was so much more than I could have anticipated.
Gwen felt emotions deeply, she made a valiant effort to keep them locked up tight, but that only works for so long before those emotions erupt, triggering every coping mechanism a person has in an effort to find some solace from all of the feelings you don't want to feel. Her emotions hit me hard, a tsunami of feels, as she waded through heartbreak and tragedy. She was also sassy, defiant, and those are the qualities you need when you end up married to the man you've loved from afar for years.
Nate was a stoic, a workaholic, a master of displaying nothing but cold indifference, and all it takes for some of that to melt away is making a decision out of necessity that puts him next to the woman he's done everything he could to avoid for years. His mask is mostly still intact, but when his control is finally shattered, his possessiveness and alpha side emerged, and he upped the bossy book boyfriend game.
Nate and Gwen were like a ticking time bomb; their chemistry was palpable from the start, and the intensity between them flourished with every word. Her defiance, combined with his bossy, controlling demeanor, sparked a fiery passion. They were made for each other, in ways that they hadn't realized, however it 's never that simple..
Angsty feelings were coming from everywhere, inner demons were bubbling to the surface, and some of their worst nightmares were playing out in front of their eyes. My heart shattered right alongside Gwen's, and her ability to not feel is something I've mastered as well, but when that's no longer possible, it's as if the floodgates open, letting them all out at once. My heart was heavy, tears flowed, and she never gave up or let these things darken her tender heart.
Empire of Desire is one of the year's best angst reads. A heady mix of an ardent connection, a possessive alpha hero, and an empathetic sassy heroine, brimming with emotion and burning levels of steam.
By Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three on November 5, 2021
Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth)
5.0 out of 5 stars Just fabulous!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: taboo/fathers best friend
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
If pig-headed alphaholes with young, virginal heroines are your jam, you're going to love Empire of Desire. Gwen has had a crush on her fathers best friend since she was 15. And when she finally acted on it at 20, it didn't go so well, resulting in Nathaniel avoiding her for the next two years. But when When's dad is in an accident and slips into a coma, Nathaniel steps up to protect her the best way he can - by marrying her.
I really enjoyed this book! I haven't read any of Tuna Kent's books before, but decided to try this one because it was a standalone - it definitely won't be my last! I really enjoyed Herbs character. She had a very unique personality that really worked. Super empathetic, but not a pushover. I enjoyed Nathaniel as well, but he was more your standard Alphahole hero. Super controlling, in denial of his feelings... The story was great, the "reveal" solid, and it was all very well written with lots of super interesting side characters. Can't wait for the next book!
ReaderAddict
4.0 out of 5 stars Update Audiobook. Faster Read, Great Palate Cleanser
I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.
Formats Read: Ebook & Audiobook.
Updated: Audiobook Review at Bottom.
HEA(?): Yes!
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Drama: 3-3.5/5, There really isn't that much drama as I was expecting but I'm perfectly okay with that to be honest.
Suspense: 3/5
Pacing: Mid. But reads a bit faster.
Dark(?): No.
This was a very enjoyable read, I personally love Rina Kent's writing style cause it's so addictive.
This book in particular is a Perfect Palate Cleanser
/Book Block Breaker, while the writing does read a tiny bit faster than her normal books it's quite a relaxing read which is actually exactly what I was needing/looking for.
This will most definitely be a continuous reread for me.
I can't wait to read Knox's book and I would love it if Kingsley gets a book as well! ☺️
Audiobook Review:
Overall: 4.5/5, Listing as 5.
Story: 4/5
Performance: 4.5/5, Listing as 5.
Narrators: Aiden Snow, Callie Dalton & Connor Crais
Listening to this book after I read it, you get a different take of the book due to the narration and it's even more enjoyable to me actually. I really recommend the audiobook ☺️
When it comes to Aiden Snow, his voice is just pure Cat Nip. It's absolutely gorgeous and could listen to him forever! He did a wonderful job!
Callie Dalton, her voice did sound a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, a little robotic. But once you get into the flow with her narrating it's apparent she's is getting more comfortable with the character she is playing and in the end voices her character quite well.
Connor Crais, his voice wasn't what I was picturing for King at first, but he does fit King later on. I really curious to listen to more books he's narrated.
2.0 out of 5 stars Underwhelming and boring at best
When I saw that this book was online I was really happy.
I love Rina's books and was excited.
Boy I was wrong.
This book was boring at best.
I didn't like any of the main characters.
Most of the book nothing happens and there's no progress.
We met Nate as Sebs uncle in another book series, and it took me some time to reconcile the great character that he was written there with this version of him that was just not doing anything for me.
I really struggled to finish it without skipping because I really hoped because it's Rina's book some how the pace and plot will pick up.
It didn't.
If you intend to read it you can stop after the first few chapters and pick it back up at about 75% of the book when the plot resumes. All the stuff in the middle is sex scenes and emotional chater of the two main characters.
StarStacy
5.0 out of 5 stars Empire of Desire was enthralling & dynamite!
I was enthralled by this book from the beginning, and it did not stop until I got to the end! Gwen was unique, smart, sassy, determined; I enjoyed her and felt everything she was feeling. I've read Nate in other books by this author but getting to see how powerful, cold, brutal, dominant, possessive he is was marvelous. Nate and Gwen may have been forbidden with an age-gap, but they were electric together! Can their addiction to each other and passion become more? Plus there were turns that were shocking; I should be used to that by now with this author, but I am always surprised! Read this dynamite book, because I highly recommend it!
*I requested and received an advanced copy of this ebook for my honest review that I am voluntarily leaving.*
Angelica Gayo
5.0 out of 5 stars Rina Kent has done it again!
Rina Kent has written so many books already but despite that she still manages to amaze me with every book that she has released. Each couple's story is unique but you always fall in love with her characters. This standalone is an age-gap forbidden romance. However, even with that theme in the story, Rina Kent painted this couple's romance in a wholesome light. Gwyneth, with her unique condition, was very endearing. As for Nate, you can't help but fall in love with him despite his intimidating and cold exterior because it's evident that he does care. Overall, this was a beautiful and compelling book. The superb writing really draws you in, evoking emotions that make you invested in the main characters. Well done Rina! I am looking forward to the stories of Knox Van Doren, Daniel Sterling and Kingsley Shaw. I think the other books in this series will be about them.
cdorsey76
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm SO here for Uncle Nate!
Rina Kent is one of my all time favorite authors. Her style of writing, her characters, her stories and her words are just all so addicting. I've read almost every story she's written and I plan to continue my obsession with her.
When I heard Uncle Nate was getting his own book.. I was SO ready. Getting glimpses of him and his character in the Thorns duet, I knew he'd be a tough cookie to crack. I just KNEW the girl that would tame him would have to be someone special; someone with a backbone.
What I wasn't ready for? Gwen! Oh, this girl. His best friends' daughter. 18 years younger than him. An innocent girl with so much to learn from the world, but who you instantly fell in love with. The naivety, her past, her insecurities and her overall sense of the world as she navigates all her emotions? Oh, this sweet girl. Rina definitely knocked it out of the ballpark when it comes to this girl and all she had to offer our Nathanial.
This book was something so completely different from what we usually expect from Rina's repertoire. It's not dark, but OOOH is it angsty. Full of so much goodness you're instantly drawn into the world of Nate and Gwen. This was such a quick and easy read. I caught myself wishing I could draw it out longer but at the same time I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. Even the side characters! You're almost obsessed with them in a separate fashion - you just hope that when they get their book (I'm looking at you Knox and King!) your assumptions on who their love interest is becomes true. And I can't wait for them!
One thousand million percent - you need this book. It's so good. Full of all the greatness that Rina gives us - just slightly different. But in a good way. Nate and Gwen gave me all the feels. And his possessiveness? OH. MY. GOSH. SOOOOOO here for them. This series will definitely be one that I crave.
What are you waiting for? GO GET THIS BOOK!
4.0 out of 5 stars Nate & Gwen
I love her and I can't and she's brought amazing books into my life this one it was not as good as the thorns duet, but hi he was able to read 85% before I skim through the end.
I just didn't feel as much of a connection as I usually do with her characters. I am not sure why. I really liked Nate but I felt like I needed more. I am ecstatic that this was a standalone I don't think It needed to be a duet but I just needed more I don't even know what she could've done differently but I just didn't feel as connected as I usually do.
Gwyneth was an OK character I didn't love her I didn't hate her, she was fine I did laugh maybe once or twice but I found her to be very childish and her Nate worshiping was a bit much. I just couldn't see the reason why he would be into her where I can see the reason why she would be it to him though. It had nothing to do with her awkwardness which is enduring she just didn't do it for me.
Even their first sexual encounter was very weird to me I just didn't love it but I did appreciate their chemistry.
I think the main reason I continued with the book had nothing to do with the two main characters but all to do with the side characters that I was more interested in.
I would recommend this book especially since it's part of a series. The heat was status quo it wasn't as hot as she usually gets it was just fine I skimmed through some so that says something.
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