Twelve men. A virgin queen. One arranged marriage.The first time I met the boys of the Zodiac Brotherhood, I was forced to my knees for the introduction. Still grieving the death of my parents, I was a young queen, a pawn in my uncle’s agenda for wealth and gain. As my guardian, he had the authority to arrange a marriage upon my eighteenth birthday.That meeting took place six years ago.Now those … took place six years ago.
Now those boys are powerful men.
Twelve headstrong men that want to own me.
And I must spend a month with each one.
Bending and yielding to their desires and commands.
Shedding pieces of my innocence so long as my virtue remains intact.
Because they want a virgin queen after the last month concludes, and my uncle plans to auction me off to the highest bidder.
Out of the twelve men, only one has my heart.
And only one can claim my hand in marriage.
If only it were up to me to decide.
Part 1 of The Zodiac Queen.
more
Gemma James’ first book in her new series is out now, and I’m so glad I read it. This book is twisted and dark, and I loved every bit of it and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I must be on a Dark Romance genre kick lately, which is out of my comfort zone, but I’ve found authors that I enjoy reading this genre now. Gemma James is now one of those authors. Her new series intrigued me the moment I read the synopsis of the first book because it was something different compared to other books I’ve read in the past in this genre.
The heroine, Queen Nolalee, at twelve years old is told at age eighteen she will be auctioned off as a prize to twelve men who rule over a house of the Zodiac, for her hand in marriage. Beforehand though, she will spend a month with each man, but she is to remain pure until she is married to one of those men. No sex, but they can do whatever else with her, even torture her in a dungeon. She never signed up for this, but her Uncle signed the contract, which signed her life away to these twelve men after her parents died. She’s Queen to her people, but her Uncle wants her out of the way.
Now she’s 18, and she’s meeting those twelve men again, and the first one she gets to be with is the Chancellor, who is House of Aries. Liam seems to come off protective of Nolalee, but he is preparing her for the other men in the house. He’s warning her of them, but Nolalee is a fighter, and she will mouth off whenever she gets a chance to with Liam. Unfortunately, she gets herself in predicaments with Liam and in front of the other men. The first scene with him, lets her know that she is no longer in charge and what is to be expected from her for the next twelve months. Liam and Nolalee, though, have an immediate connection, and Liam tries to fight it off.
I was surprised when I started reading this book how it grasped me from the beginning. I was scared, though, for the heroine and how her ruthless Uncle was treating her. Although, I knew she was not going to take it lightly, what was going to happen to her. I’ve already mentioned it’s dark and twisted at the beginning of my review, but be prepared for nonconsensual moments between the heroine and hero. Although, Liam seems to be the gentlest of them all and I loved how he is preparing her for the others. He’s trying to hide his feelings of her, even though readers will know he has feelings for her.
There’s a scene where she’s in a room on full display with all twelve of them that I felt uncomfortable for Nolalee. Although, I can see why she’s fascinated with Sebastian, who seems dark and sexy. There was also a peek into who he is in this book. The next man she gets to be with is Heath for House of Taurus, and he’s not one to mouth off at, and Liam warns her that not everyone is like him. Some triggers in this book are spanking, non-consent moments between the heroine and hero(es), and some bondage where she’s tied down briefly. There’s also a mention of a dungeon for pleasure or punishment, and readers may be introduced to it in the next book with Heath.
I loved the parts in the book where every one of the men was named and what house they belonged to in the book. There was also the story behind the Zodiac men and why they have an auction for a virgin female. This was one of those stories that were different to read, and I can’t wait to read more from this series. I’ve found another author that I liked reading the Dark Romance genre. If you enjoy Dark Reverse Harem that involves an Arranged Marriage, then this book is for you. Twelve different men, which means twelve different books to read.<3 it!
Story Rating: 5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 3.5 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of series.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Dark Reverse Harem; Arranged Marriage
Hero: Alpha; Protective; Sexy; Chancellor (House of Aries); Punisher (way less than the 11 others)
Heroine: Teenager (18); Virgin; Innocent; Reserved
Novalee is a young and naïve female who has been basically sold into marriage despite being a queen. Her uncle has taken control of her life and now she is at the mercy of 12 men. One who will eventually be her husband. Liam is one of the potential suitors and although he seems cold, he is compassionate and emphatic. He can’t bring himself to hurt Novalee even though she needs to learn discipline. I do have a soft spot for Liam. Some of the other men however are not so forgiving. Novalee has an attitude and I can’t blame her for that because I would want to rebel against the men who took me too but she is constantly surprised when she is punished for her attitude. She has been warned but clearly she doesn’t take it to heart. In this way, she has a lot to learn because Liam’s protection won’t extend beyond his month. While she develops feelings for Liam, another Zodiac brother has stolen her attention. One that doesn’t really seem to care much about her. Or is it merely a façade? I’m interested to see how Novalee copes with the next Zodiac brother and how her connection to Liam and Sebastian develops. Who knows who will win the auction once the year is over! I look forward to finding out.
A hot, fast paced read, effectively setting up the premise fir the remaining books in the series. As with other books by Gemma James, expect the unexpected, so I am not going to assume that she will follow a straight forward arc of ideas throughout, and am really looking forward to reading each one. This is one heck of an introduction, though I am sure I will be wanting to smack some of these so called suitors
Format: Kindle Edition
This is an amazing start to a series. So original and captivating that words can’t do it justice.
Jovalee has been under the care of her uncle since her parents passing. When she is to turn 18 she is to enter The prearranged contract with 12 men. She is to spend a month in that year with each of the 12
And at the end she is to choose whom she will marry when she becomes queen.
First up and I am not sure how he is going to be surpassed is Liam. He is all alpha and intense but there is a softer side to him that Jovalee brings out in him. He brings out feelings of freedom that she has not been able to experience previously.
Such a talented writer that she weaves a story that puts you in it. I read this in one sitting and am waiting to see what happens next.
Wow, what a way to start a series!
Gemma James always intrigues me and I always look forward to reading her stories, they are so damn good!!
If you haven’t read Gemma James, then you need to start because this author can definitely spice up your reading time. Not only does she know how to write a damn good book, but her genres differ. One day you’ll get a thriller, another time you’ll get erotic and another you’ll get some dark elements with some thriller or something else involved. So you just have to prepare yourself and take your drink and book and sit down and enjoy the ride!
Novalee was the chosen one as the zodiac queen and she will have to court all 12 men before she is auctioned off. We start off with Liam, the Chancellor and he already has developed feelings for Novalee and even though Novalee doesn’t have experience nor has she ever felt any attraction for any boy/man before she’s strongly attracted to Liam, but Liam isn’t the only one she’s attracted to. I guess we’ll have to test the waters and see who we like best for Novalee and hopefully we’ll get our wish in the end!
This book really captured my attention when I read the synopsis because I was like a virgin and 12 men, sounds like a series that will have one hell of a roller coaster with emotions and hearts being broken and not knowing who you want or what you want in the end!!!!
This first book already has me voting for Liam, but we still have 11 more guys to go so we need to test them all out before we can decide to ourselves which one Novalee should stick with, but even if we pick our own hero here, it doesn’t work that way because it’s not up to us as the readers to decide who’s going to win Novalee’s heart, soul and virginity.
Totally looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
The story starts out with Novalee. She is an orphaned Queen who is destined to be the wife of one of the Zodiac Brotherhood. Her uncle is power hungry, and he contracts her to the brotherhood. Each month for twelve months, Novalee will have to move between the men’s homes getting to know each one. The first month is spent with Liam, the Chancellor. Aries follows their time together. A dark read with a steamy backdrop. Good start to the series. The book is easy to read and a quick book.
The concept of “virgin bride” gets a different treatment in this first installment of a new series. Novalee has to spend one month with each of the men of the Zodiac Brotherhood; at the end of the year, they determine who can take her as the Queen. It’s an interesting concept and, judging by this first book (Aries) readers can expect a variety of experiences as they follow Novalee’s journey. I was intrigued by the relationship between Novalee and Liam, but also between Liam (as Chancellor) and the rest of the Brotherhood, and I look forward to seeing how this all plays out. For a more detailed review, please see my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.
Oh man! If this is the way this series starts I am all but addicted already. I cannot express how much this little teaser of a story pulled me in (and it devoured me)!! The story starts out brilliantly (with a plot I have never read before) and impressed with the pulse of the characters, the pacing of the plot and the way my heart stopped and started, I NEED the next book now.
The idea of a strong woman being forced into a life she doesn’t want and having to deal with twelve men?! YES PLEASE! This is what yummy (dirty) dreams are made of. Each character was so unique and different that it felt me connecting to some, despising others and wanting even more. I cannot wait to see where this author takes me next! I received and ARC and am leaving an honest review, but I also purchased a copy!
Aries is not my first Gemma James book. I’m happy to say I’ve read everything she’s put out.
Aries is the beginning of a series of novellas that will take Novalee throughout the Brotherhood of the Zodiac, ensuring that she spends a month with each “brother” while at the end, one of them will get to call her his own.
In Aries we meet Liam Castle, the Chancellor on Zodiac Island and Sebastian, both of whom Novalee remembers from her childhood. Liam, Aries, gets her the first month and ohhhh swoon. His naughty is hiding somewhere, I’m sure of it. His penchant for spanking allows him a bit of kink, but mmmhmmm he’s a sexy ginger, for sure.
Sebastian shows himself as an ass, but is he? He’s that bad boy everyone hates to love.
Gemma has asked, since the release of Aries, #TeamLiam or #TeamSebastian I say #TeamSandwhich please LOL
Gemma’s writing is always top notch. Her words suck you in, take you on a journey, oftentimes kinky-Thank you very much!
Aries does what it’s supposed to. It’s a great beginning to a whole new world. A world with lots of words by Gemma James for me to look forward to. It’s a great start up, with a look into a few of the “brothers” and her ass of an uncle.
I cannot wait to see where she goes.. Tuarus, Mr Bordeaux’s story, is one I’m sure I”m going to love.
He seems to have a very big problem with Novalee’s disposition as well as a penchant for the dungeon.
yummm.
Heart pounding moments that lead up to a ignitable cliffhanger for Taurus…
“Liam is a contradiction of harsh and tender.”
The combustible flames are so pronounced in Aries, the beginning to The Zodiac Queen by the talented Gemma James that this series can not be missed.
Liam and Novalee are passion, angst and fire in one bundle! There’s no way you can put this novella down. Gemma captures you with the Dominant understanding of the Alpha persona but yet your heart feels and caves for the heroines obstacles.
This is a series that I will CRAVE FOR!
The Zodiac Queen: Part One Aries
OMG wow what an incredible start to what’s going to be a phenomenal series.
Novelee Van Buren was a carefree little girl until the sudden death of her parents at the age of twelve with that tragedy her whole world turned up side down.
Now the Queen of her nation in name only because her Uncle Rowan has taken away her life. As her guardian he holds all the power. He arranged to have her auctioned off after she spends a year with the Zodiac Brotherhood when she turns eighteen. Each month during that year she has to spend a month in each brothers house until all twelve have had their(way) time with her. Her first month is with Liam Castle The Chancellor he’s of The House of Aries. There are no rules except she must still remain a virgin after all twelve brothers finish their time with her.
Liam is dominating, strict,forceful yet there’s a kindness to him.
Novelee is forced into a life without knowing what’s about to happen to her and no way to stop it from happening. She is innocent naive virgin who at times shows her feisty rebellious and mouthy side that is bound to get her in trouble.
Liam and Novalee’s story was intense, emotional, captivating, and oh so steamy. From the small hints I’m worried for her when she heads to Heath Bordeaux of The House of Taurus .
Five
This is the perfect way to start a new series!! I have no idea where Gemma James is going with this but I already love it. Novalees parents passed away when she was a child and her uncle becomes her guardian and now that she is 18 per her uncles instructions she’s to spend 1 month with 12 different men at then the highest bidder becomes her husband and she needs to keep her chastity belt in play and her V card needs to remain in tact after the 12 months and Liam is the first. I can’t wait for the 11 other men and how this will progress!!
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
What a beginning to this series!
What I loved:
quick read (think novella length)
deliciously dark
lots of intrigue
sexual tension/chemisty.
This one sets the scene and is about her time with Liam . I am looking forward to get to know each one men leading up to the auction. Can’t wait for more!
Wow I’m going to love this series. We have Novalee, a child queen who lost her parents and must married into the brotherhood. They are men from the houses of Zodiac signs. Each mouth a new house gets their turn with her. But the bad part is, you never know if it will be good or very bad. We will watch and see how it all turns out and at the end of 2 year she will marry one of them. So from we just meet Liam House of Aries. Can’t wait to see what’s next. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader’s Copy
This is a really interesting book. It certainly is a concept I’ve never seen before. I was unsure for much of the book, what era we were in. Considering the nature of and the behavior of the individuals, I was surprised it was modern day. The story has a nice edge to it. I do think it was short however. Perhaps more than one sign per book would be better. It left me wanting. Was that the plan Gemma ? 🙂
An enthralling Beginning
While it didn’t feel like the set up is of a RH, I couldn’t place it down just the same. Generally light touches of bdsm aren’t something I look for, however author Gemma James added a few insinuating scenes that may present themselves on other zodiacs further down the line, and I could not be detrared from continuing this 12 book dash.
With book 1 we are given some backstory and the 1st touches if dubcon attraction between the heroine and her possible romantic partners, as of this story there is a triangle that has entangled me in its reveal, until book 2.
WOWZER!!! This series may kill me. Dead.
Starts with a 12-year old Novalee who lost her parents. Ans was now living with her uncle.
An uncle who entered into a contract with 12-men who plan to each have 1 month with her and at the end of 12/months, They’ll auction her off. And her virginity too…
This is Liam’s month. And he’s fire!
Next up… Heath!
#holyhotnessbatman
Gemma James
Wow. This book was super hot. Now that’s what I call a series starter. This is a 12-part series and if book #1 is any indication of what the other 11 are going to be like, we are all in for a treat.
Interesting. So far I was squimish starting out this book. Once I got into it, it was over. Novalee is young and very innocent. So think that was to take.
The story moves fast, but it kept me intrigue
This was an excellent start to a promising new series! I can’t wait to see where the next books take us! One thing is for sure, Novalee has an interesting year ahead of her!!