Krouse - Alexandra Marks

I was genuinely blown away by this book. The blurb is spot-on and perfectly sets the tone for what you’re walking into, dark, emotional, and beautifully layered.

Ava isn’t weak or incapable in any way. She’s intelligent, grounded, and good at what she does. When her boss brings her to meet a client, her entire world shifts the moment she meets him. Her journey is surprisingly deep, and because the story is told entirely through her perspective, you feel every emotion, every doubt, and every internal struggle right alongside her.

Alexander’s journey begins intentionally isolated from the world, choosing distance over connection. He’s dark, controlling, brooding, and the fact that we never get his POV only makes him more magnetic. There’s an extra layer that makes him even more compelling, the kind of character you can’t help but want to peel back slowly.

One of the best parts of this book is that you’re right there with Ava the entire time, trying to decode his motives, his shifts in behavior, and the secrets he keeps tucked away. I normally love dual POV, but this is one of those rare stories where a single POV actually enhances the tension and emotional pull.

This book is packed with intrigue, desire, pain, joy, passion, and more, the kind of emotional rollercoaster that’s impossible to put down. And knowing it’s part of a trilogy just means there’s more Alex and Ava to come… and I’m absolutely here for it.

I want to feel Ava. I want us to feel it all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.