Painted in gold, Jaslyn was born into a life of luxury with the world at her feet.After the death of her father, his empire became hers and the princess became a queen.Her fortune was sought after and deception and deceit had a ring around her finger.But with the ring, came the accessories that money can’t buy.At the hands of the new king, the empire began to crumble as Jaslyn’s world spiraled … Jaslyn’s world spiraled out of control.
Through the bars of her prison, she watched life pass her by.
Hope was fading quickly… until she met him.
Axel was the glimmer that she needed to survive.
From the wrong side of the tracks, Axel’s life was never easy.
He worked his way through the blood and sweat and went from rags to riches
When you’re on top of the world, one mistake is all it takes to lose it all.
And getting back up is always harder than the fall.
Getting his life back came with an offer he couldn’t refuse and he would pay the cost.
Jaslyn wasn’t part of the deal, but she was a temptation that he couldn’t escape.
She was his endgame and he would fight to the death to get to that finish line.
Together, they roll the dice and risk it all for love.
But when you gamble in the game of life or death, you pay a price.
And sometimes, that price could cost you everything.
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This was definitely a different telling of Aladdin one that I would not have seen coming. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and boy did this story suck me in from the start. I couldn’t stop reading the whole time, because I had to know what was happening next.
I’d definitely would recommend one clicking this lil jewel, but be warned it does end on a cliffhanger and talk about an ending
“I’m not some damsel in distress, Axel, and I don’t need your protection.”
Girl, stop lying!
Jaslyn grew up with it all – a loving father, wealth, a lavish home, and all the pretty things life has to offer. When her father dies, she’s wrecked and turns to the one person who offers her some comfort – Jasper. Unfortunately for her, Jasper is not the man she thought he was. All too soon, he has her completely under his thumb with a ring on her finger and a wedding date looming, looking to tie her down in darkness and devastation forever. Then Axel enters her life. He’s an underground street fighter and a knight in shining armor. He quickly sees the abuse that Jaslyn tries to hide and he’s willing to do just about anything to save her.
It’s a mistake getting in bed with the enemy, but maybe it will get Jaslyn out. She’s paralyzed by her fear of him and she deserves to be free.
And I will make a million mistakes to make sure that that happens.
This is the first book I’ve read from the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection that ends in a cliffhanger. While I’ve never tried this author before, she quickly wooed me with her words and her fearlessness in describing even the most horrific of scenes. I still don’t understand Jaslyn’s reasons for staying with Jasper, as her excuses and rationalizations for her actions and rude behavior weren’t justified, and in the end, she suffered the fate that was foretold from the start. I adored Axel and even Rush so you better believe I’m looking forward to how this story ends!
Rating:
Holy Cliffhanger Batman! I have to know what happens next!
Ok, I will admit that it has been a long time since I have seen Aladdin I didn’t see much similarities between this book and that tale. Other than a few tweaks on some of the names, so maybe detailing the similarities in this review will help. Not that this book isn’t really good in it’s own right. I did like the book quite a bit, and I am getting to like cliffhangers a lot more than I used to. Especially if they are spectacular ones like this one was.
The two main characters are Axel Reed who is an illegal fighter who comes from the other side of the tracks and has mostly lived outside the law, and Jaslyn Astor a rich girl with long straight black hair whose father has recently died. Axel is the Aladdin character, which makes sense because Aladdin was poor and a thief (outside the law). Jaslyn, the Jasmine character was also rich (a princess) Jafar wanted to marry her.
In this story Jaslyn’s father was rich because he was a hear surgeon who created a medical device that saved thousands and Jasper Lafar worked for her father’s company and helped Jaslyn out after her father died. He talked her into an engagement before showing his true colors and now abuses her physically and verbally.
Jasper hires Axel to fight for him in a deal that is too good to pass up. Axel has no family other than his best friend Rush who he grew up in foster care with. Rush drives him to all his fights in his convertible so I’m thinking Rush represents the genie and the convertible is the magic carpet. So I guess this book does have a lot of similarities to the Aladdin story.
I won’t give away spoilers but to say it is steamy, but not too steamy. It is romantic, and like in Aladdin, Axel comes in to show the sheltered Jaslyn a whole new world outside of the oppressed setting she has been in. Just when it is getting good, BOOM! Cliffhanger….
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“I’m a huge fan CM writing style. After I saw Mirage was written by her I went crazy! I love Aladdin, it’s one of my favorite movies and I was dying to read a retelling. I prepared myself for the darkness and possible twisted situations. She did it again! She wrote an incredible story out of this world.
Unexpectedly it wasn’t as dark as I thought it was going to be but I didn’t love it less because of that.
Important things, Jasper was so annoying and evil! I wanted so desperately to punch him in the face, he got what he deserved and im glad for it.
Jaslyn, she was a great character. She suffered and managed to stay strong and refused to give up. My heart broke not for her but for the situation she was living and why a possible relationship whit Axel was unacceptable.
I cannot go without mentioning my love Axel, he was truly a one of a kind man, I fall in love with him. A fighter both on the inside and the outside. He was beautiful, caring and protective. He risk his life for Jaslyn without thinking it twice. At some point I didn’t believe they truly belong to each other, Jaslyn was a complicated character but the belong to each other.
That ending !!! OMG … what ending was that ?! I was like … OMG really? I need to read faster but turns out… it was the LAST PAGE!! How was that possible? Such a major cliffhanger I couldn’t believe!
My heart is broken for both Jaslyn and Axel, I cant wait to see how their story will continue, they deserve a happily ever after!
I also cannot go without mentioning Rush! Is is possible to fall in love with two guys at the same time? Because I’m so in love with him too! He was funny, lovely, adorable and unique! The perfect friend for Axel but also so much more. I so excited for his story !!! I’m never gonna forget this: no glove, no love, baby. He was so unique!!!
Don’t waist a second and start reading this story. I highly recommend it to you.”
This is another one that has been on my TBR for a bit now. It was so good! I was sucked right in and had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next one.
I am a huge fan of dark romances and am super surprised that this first book I have read from C.M. Radcliff. But now everyone of her books are a must read after Mirage.
Jaslyn is trapped in a engagement with her torturer only using her for her money. Axel is a fighter from the streets of Miami! I loved also that this story takes place in Florida. Jaslyn is broken but still has strength inside of her. Axel is protective/alpha you can’t help but love even with his flaws. This story was very engaging and fast paced and kept me reading from page one to finish. That cliffhanger got me! I can’t wait until the duet is finished!
Well son of a gun… This is part one of the “Veiled Love Duet” and part two isn’t out yet. I ripped through this book in a couple of hours and am so bummed that I won’t have the instant gratification I so desire. Well played, well played indeed.
This is part of the “Sinister Fairy Tale” collection but I do not know what fairy tale it is. Regardless it is a fast paced story, characters are well developed and I was invested from page 1.
This was a quick 5 star read for me. Pardon me while I stalk the author to find out when part two will be released.
Tags: KU, Blind date read, 5 stars
This book here will have your emotions all over the place. Jaslyn had it all from money to a fancy house you name it she has it. With that being said she lives a sad and sheltered life. The ugly truth is she’s in an abusive relationship with Jasper and see’s no way out. That is until Axel the poor and hustling fighter whose trying to make it. Moves into the pool house. Things become pretty clear to him what goes on behind closed doors. A plan is hatched to get her away from Jasper. Sadly to say there are severe consequences. Right when the book was starting to heat up. We are hit with a crazy twist.
** Although this was part of the Sinister Fairytale. Mirage is book one of the Veiled Love Duet, Clarity book 2 coming soon.
Don’t miss out on the other Sinister Fairytale Collection:
Venom by Dee Garcia https://books2read.com/u/4XZ2P5
Cold Queen by K Webster https://books2read.com/u/bWBxPz
Sacrifice by Author N. Isabelle Blanco http://bit.ly/sacrificeUSA
Insolent by Author Cynthia A. Rodriguez https://amzn.to/37BUdc4
Madness by Kailee Reese Samuels http://bit.ly/SamuelsMADNESS
Siren by Author Hazel Grace https://books2read.com/u/b6k1WM
Legend by Author M.R. Leahy https://books2read.com/u/47rXOA
Mirage by C.M. Radcliff mybook.to/miragesinister
Imprisoned by KL Donn Author https://books2read.com/u/mZK0w5
Lock by Author Kimberly Knight http://bit.ly/2moQVpD
Stealing Cinderella by A. Zavarelli shorturl.at/GHL07
Abducted by K.I. Lynn https://books2read.com/AbductedKILynn
Winter’s Arrow by Lexi C. Foss https://geni.us/fMQU0hq
Zhànshì by Anna Edwards https://books2read.com/u/bzv6NG
Wow, what an intense dark read. Everything happens in fast motion. Jaslyn has found herself in toxic relationship and in a golden cage but stays because of guilt. Axel grew up on the other side of the tracks and makes a living with his fists. The attraction is instant, the risk is high and you can’t help but cheer for this couple but that ending, whoa. I look forward to the rest of the story.
I love retellings so much!!! I especially like them when they keep you guessing and hit you hard where it hurts. Twisting a fairytale into something new is hard to do and C.M. Radcliff pulled it off perfectly. Aspects of the fairytale story exist to remind the reader, but the twisted take and reimagining is what really stands out. This isn’t the fairytale you remember. It’s a dark modern day story that complicates the story that we remember. And holy hell that ending!!! I need more!
I’m going to be honest, this was more of a low end 4 star read for me. Now that being said, just cause it’s not my jam doesn’t mean it isn’t for you. C.M. Radcliff is a new-to-me author, and did the modern, darker retelling of Aladdin.
The bones of the story are there, with a new dark theme running through it all. A fighter from the streets, Axel, doesn’t look out for anyone but him and Rush… that is until Jasper comes along and offers him the opportunity of a lifetime. However this time he isn’t doing it for himself. Jaslyn. Her body screams hot nights, while her eyes tell the story of the horror that is her every waking moment. The fight hasn’t completely left her, so when Axel stokes the flame inside her, can she play the game to make sure they all make it out alive?
The overall story was there, and I loved it, but I did feel as if was rushed in some areas to come to a screeching halt in others. Like someone who rides their brakes while driving. I do also wish there was a little more to show how Axel and Jaslyn built their relationship. I also wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger, but that means I will have to keep my eye out for the conclusion of the retelling.
Definitely an interesting addition to the Sinister Fairy Tale collection, and I look forward to seeing how it will all turn out for Axel and Jaslyn.
The characters in the story are so different, they both have different wants and needs in life. But they both get trapped wanting different things from the evil character in the story.
I liked how the Jasyln is strong in her own way way, the Axel is a fighter and has fought his whole life for everything. The way these two characters life entwined and how they both came out on top. What can I say I want a yummy Axel for me too. And man I wanted more of Rush!!!
So this is a darkish contemporary Aladdin retelling, it’s the first part of a duet but there’s not long to wait for the conclusion, April I think.
It’s also not a very long read about a couple of hours.
We have Jaslyn the pretty princess in her tower and Axel is the fighter street rat who wants to rescue her from her abusive fiancee Jasper Lafar.
Jasper is an evil and abusive man who controls Jaslyn completely, he is also physically and emotionally cruel and this story does have some dark triggers because of this so please do be aware.
So although this was quite short there was still incredible chemistry between Jaclyn and Axel and I did find this an enjoyable read.
I also really liked the finale here and I will definitely be reading the next part after that.
I think the length did let this down slightly as this was quite short which did limit the connection for me somewhat but I am still invested enough to anticipate where this will be going next.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Mirage (Veiled Love Duet #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
http://www.beckiebookworm.com
This book one of two re-telling of Aladdin is definitely far from the original and a hell of a lot more twisted and darker. I enjoyed this story very much as it has some of the elements of the original that I liked but the unique turns the story takes are surprising and enjoyable. Jaslyn is a strong character and even under the grasp of Jasper she doesn’t waiver on who she is. Axel is the dark hero that we all wishes would save Jaslyn and he does not disappoint in the least. What really blew my mind is the cliffhanger and its a big one… bring on the second book.
*First time reading author
I have to admit the Fairytale collection has introduced me to some wonderful new to me authors. And C.M is now one among them!
Mirage is a fairytale unlike any you will read before. Mirage is a hard story to read, to be honest, I had to stop reading at times because C.M. brings you into this world and rips your heart out, drags it through the mud and just when you start to possibly see some light the book ends on a cliff hanger. AWWWW!
C.M. gives us a hero unlike I have read in awhile. Axel is a mean fighting machine that protects anyone that he loves or considers his family.
Jaslyn is still a mystery to me. She has put her life in danger by living with her fiance that treats her horribly for a reason that makes little sense to me. Jaslyn says she has to do it for her father, but I find that hard to believe. I really hope there is a better reason for why she is staying with that monster.
I will be looking out for the next part of this story!
“Perfection is a fabricated expectation in life. All our souls are tainted and eventually our sins slip through the cracks, exposing the truth. We’re all flawed, but some of us can hide it better than the rest.”
“We’re both dancing precariously with the Devil and we’re both bound to get burned. But if the fiery depths of Hell are where I can be with him, then I will gladly burn.”
Mirage is part of the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection and book one to The Veiled Love duet from the author. It’s said that it was an Aladdin re-telling and I loved how the author put her dark spin on it that, as to date, my favorite out of the books that I have read in this collection.
Told in dual POV, we were shown a bit of background to the characters’ pasts although I wouldn’t mind getting to know more of them (hopefully in the second book). I would love it if the author makes a book for Rush too. He’s an interesting character and I feel drawn to him. I bet his story will be a dark, gritty, angsty one. This book ends in a cliffhanger and I’m so anxious what would happen next. Talk about a major cliffy!
5 ‘S
This was such a deep, raw and gut wrenching story. The author had me in agony and emotional turmoil. The connection between Axel and Jaslyn was so intense that I could feel it to my soul.
I felt for Jaslyn so hard. Her strength is everything.
A beautifully crafted, heartbreaking read.
4.4 stars
I am really loving this Sinister Fairytales Series that dishes up those stories that we love with some additional twists and spiciness. This tale gives us a new version of the classic Aladdin. Jaslyn has the world at her feet made more apparent when her father passes away and she is left with this entire empire and became the queen. As any royal, there is always someone seeking to take what belongs to another and in this case, it is Jaspar who readers will love to hate. Losing herself in a quagmire, the bright spot is when Jaslyn comes across Axel, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks who becomes her lifeline. Axel is not immune to Jaslyn and when he sees what she is dealing with, he will do anything to save her. This is one dark and intoxicating drama that will have readers pinned to their chairs. It ends in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
C.M. Radcliff is a mistress of the written word. The woman know how to take a well known, well loved fairy tale, throw it in the blender, toss in some tequila, and change it into something completely, masterfully perfect. As a person who is obsessed with fairy tales, I was addicted to Jaslyn’s tale from the prologue. A strong, yet broken woman with a backstory that just haunts you and draws to your heart. Her anti-hero, Axel is a combination of my favorite book boyfriends: tortured, brooding, with a bruised but still beating heart. C.M. Radcliff comes up with characters that are delightfully devious, particularly her villains. And in this book, she does not disappoint.
Whenever I see that C.M. Radcliff has started a new book, my heart skips a beat. My muscles tense, my mind races and my soul sings. She does not disappoint. Just like a Mirage, she tickled and teased my senses and has me begging for more. I look forward to learning what this Mirage reveals.
A brilliantly dark retelling of Aladdin!! And another great addition to the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection. Wasn’t quite what I was expecting but then again I like being pleasantly surprised. And that ending was just…..wow! I need book 2 now!