Body of The Crime (Blackest Gold #2) by R. Scarlett

“Love is a weapon; it’s a weakness.”

This is book two of a series all about demons and the wicked world they try to hide from humans. This book stars a young 19-year-old girl, Molly, who is the victim of a 300-year-old contract that was set up by her ancestors. The contract promises Molly, who was born with ancient daemon (unlike demon) powers beyond her control, to marry a demon of a very prestigious demon house. She is also promised to give him an heir eventually, but he has to have sex with her, AKA mate her, so no other demon can pursue Molly, since she is a very rare commodity that would make any demon mate even more powerful.

Tensley is the demon who is promised to Molly. And he comes from a very powerful line of demons, yet because of a mistake his brother made years and years ago, his family is desperate to prove their worth and value to the rest of the demons. And obviously Molly is the perfect claim to (more) fame.

In this second book, Tensley and Molly’s relationship has actually developed into something pretty adorable. Even though Tensley has only known this scary, cut-throat world, where demons are never allowed to show anything other than anger and rage, Tensley proves over and over that he is soft and capable of giving and receiving unconditional love. Tensley is such a good male love interested because he is very dominant without ever reading/feeling like toxic male masculinity.

“Demons don´t love-they destroy.”

And I feel like the struggle and growth between both Tensley and Molly are so believable. I love seeing them grow as people, above the discriminations and hate of their people, yet also seeing them grow together to wreak havoc on anyone who stands in their way of being together. I mean, hopefully!

But content warnings for attempted rape, lots of talk/threats of rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and just violence in general. This book never felt that dark to me, but this is a story about a forced marriage, while a demon will gain an immense amount of power if he takes her virginity.

Also, because I know most of you follow me for my fantasy reviews, I always feel it necessary to state that I rate erotic books differently than other books! I know many of the relationships are toxic and problematic and I completely understand that they wouldn’t be the healthiest and/or most ideal of starts for people in real life, but I love steamy reads and I rate them purely off my enjoyment, and I truly did enjoy this second installment, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next! I honestly have the highest of hopes and predict this series will just get better and better.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and it was such a fast and addicting read. And I feel so happy that I was able to start my 2018 off with this engrossing and captivating PNR! I read this in two sittings and it took everything in my power (and me looking at my TBR of ARCs for the month) to not immediately pick up A Bow of Thorns!