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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I have never loved Aladdin more than I do write now! C.M. Radcliff did an absolutely amazing job with this re-telling! Mirage is the first book in the Sinister Fairytale Collection that has not been PNR. That’s right, it’s not PNR!
Jaslyn grew up in a castle having everything in life she could want. She has the eye of Jasper, her father’s business partner. Unfortunately for Jaslyn Jasper is not who he claims to be. He is not the prince she has been waiting for, but before she even notices it he has complete control over her and a ring on her finger.Axel Reed, the knight in shining armor. The hot, alpha man who will claim what he wants. And lucky for Jaslyn. and unlucky for Jasper it’s Jaslyn.
I loved Radcliff’s retelling. It was dark, and twisted, and addicting. She had me on the edge of my seat with every page, I had to know what happened next. These characters were amazing and perfect. Jaslyn a little broken and Axel a little alpha-hole. Radcliff did an amazing job at bringing this re-telling to life! Radcliff pushes the limits with this book, with the cheating and the abuse. However, both were done perfectly, and just made me need more.
But let’s talk about second thing in this book that the other books in this collection didn’t have, a cliffhanger. That’s right, Radcliff left us with a cliffhanger I didn’t see coming. And man was it a cliffhanger. I’m dying for the second book in this duet now. I NEED Clarity right now! Fall just will not get here soon enough! I loved this retelling of Aladdin! I definitely was not expecting it but loved it all the same. I say this every time but each book in this collection
gets better and better.
5 genie wishes granted stars.
Wow what a book.
This author ALWAYS blows me away with her words but this was definitely something special.
The characters and plot drew you in from the start and refuse to let you go after the last page.
Not a lot can be said about this page turner of a book without ruining the experience for others, but do yourself a favour and one click immediately so you can start your magical carpet ride.
Gah sitting here cursing the author in the very best way.
Literally no more words can be said!!!
Intense and thrilling!
WOW! That was an amazing story. It was intense and thrilling from beginning to end and it kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what was going to happen next. Dark, twisted, suspenseful and oh so sexy!
Jaslyn is a very strong woman but her situation broke my heart. If only she would let her strength and fearlessness out. Along comes Axel to throw her heart into a tailspin. He’s sexy and fierce and doesn’t backdown from anything. Their chemistry was powerful and very intense. I loved these two characters together.
This story is a little dark and twisted. It will take you on a bumpy emotional ride and leave you breathless for more with that amazingly twisted cliffhanger ending.
Jaslyn had everything she could want growing up thanks to her father and his wealth. After her father dies, she turns to Jaspar and her world gets very dark. She is a prisoner and to marry Jaspar so he can keep her father’s fortune. Axel is from the wrong side of town. He meets Jaslyn and she has hope for a change. Will Axel and Jaslyn manage to get free from the evil Jaspar? A slight likeness to the fairytale of Aladdin.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
This is a dark retelling of the story of Aladdin and Jasmine. This was a short novella but enjoyable nonetheless. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. The plot development flowed great. You felt the angst and pain but also the joy. The ending just made it that much better. Totall mind blowing! I recommend reading this book.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
This retelling of Aladdin was written good I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the journey the characters faces was a great retelling of a classic disney story.
Ugghhh! Why oh why did the book had to finish? I really couldn’t put it down. And that cliffy!
I am always in awe of what comes out of Ms Radcliff’s head and Mirage was nothing short of brilliant. The chemistry these two had and the way the story was told, kept me at the edge of my seat throughout. This book was the perfect complement of the others that came before in the series and I am dying to know what happens next.
Jaslyn has a horrible new life when she allows herself to be suckered into an engagement by the evil Jasper. But when Axel enters her life, he gives her hope. They may have to be together in secret, but at least they can be together.
But of course since this is a dark retelling of Aladdin, I knew it wouldn’t be flowers and happily ever after, and it most certainly isn’t. It is dark and grim and there’s a horrible cliffhanger that made me really anxious. I never would have thought to twist Aladdin into something dark, but if it had to be done, this is an entertaining way of doing so. The cliffhanger sucks but I will definitely be reading the next part because I want to know how Jaslyn and Axel will overcome this latest obstacle.
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/ : Mirage: A Dark Retelling by C.M. Radcliff is book number eight in the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection! Unlike the other books in the collection thus far, Mirage is NOT PNR. Mirage is a contemporary, modern-day retelling of an old-time favorite of mine, Aladdin! You know the story, he’s poor and comes from the underground, she comes from a world of privilege, he wants to show her a whole new world… (Haha, corny I know but I had to do it! ) All the elements of the classic tale are there but Radcliff went in and added her “magic” to it, making it all her own! Told in dual POV, Mirage is filled with suspense and enough twists that will keep you right on the edge of your seat… and you’re jaw-dropping with the dramatic cliffhanger!
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Now, although I really enjoyed Mirage, it’s actually one of my favorites from the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection, it’s not really what I would consider “dark”. Besides the treatment of Jaslyn, there wasn’t that DARKNESS that I was looking for or am used to from Radcliff. Either way, it didn’t take away from the story and I still really enjoyed it.
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C.M. Radcliff is most definitely one of my one-click authors I am a HUGE fan of her work. Her plots and her characters never disappoint and Mirage was no different. Beautifully written, and the twists that she’s added to this age-old tale has drawn me in hook, line, and sinker! From the blurb to the prologue, to the very last page I devoured this book! Mirage is most definitely a page-turner that will have you begging for more!
If you enjoy new twists to those old classics, then I recommend checking out Mirage!
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() : Jaslyn Astor grew up in a life of luxury. Her father was a very successful man and after his passing, he left everything to his princess, his daughter. After her father’s death, Jaslyn leaned on the one person she thought she could trust, her father’s business partner, Jasper Lafar. But Jasper is NOT the hero he pretended to be and is much more sinister than Jaslyn could have ever imagined. Now Jaslyn lives in a beautiful “castle” but that castle isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, more like a gilded cage. Jaslyn is a strong but broken woman and even though the longer she is with Jasper the more danger she is in, her father’s legacy and his entire empire are at stake. Jaslyn may seem like a weak character but it’s her little acts of silent defiance that let us know there is a fighter still inside of her just waiting to break out.
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() : Axel Reed, the tortured anti-hero, Axel is an underground illegal street fighter from the wrong side of the tracks. Axel was once on the top and now he’s fighting (literally) his way back to it. When a wealthy man makes Axel an offer he can’t refuse, it sounds too good to be true but after meeting the man’s beautiful but battered fiance, Axel takes the deal. I adore Axel. Who doesn’t drool over a sexy man who can kick some butt and wants to protect you? Axel knew his future was at risk but he still takes the deal in hopes of protecting Jaslyn… and showing her a whole new world.
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: I can’t NOT mention the legendary “Genie” , A.K.A Rush! Rush is Axel’s best friend/brother. The two grew up in the system together and while they aren’t biological brothers, they are extremely close. Rush completely stole the show whenever he was around. He’s loyal and extremely funny but I feel like there’s a lot more going on with Rush… I know this is set to be a duet but I’m actually hoping for a spin-off because I would LOVE to find out a bit more about Rush.
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/ : There isn’t a TON of steam in this one, but there is a whole lot of sexual tension that had me blowing on my Kindle to try and cool that bad boy down and once they finally collide… sparks are FLYING!
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/ : HUGE, MAJOR, JAW-FREAKIN-DROPPING, CLIFFHANGER!!! This was another difference between Mirage and the other books in the collection thus far. Although releasing in the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection, Mirage is actually book one of the Veiled Love Duet and the conclusion of the story will not be released until the Fall of 2020! Trust me, this one is definitely going to leave you wanting more so if you aren’t a fan of cliffhangers or waiting around for the next read, you may wanna wait before jumping into this one.
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: There are difficult subjects that could be considered triggers. E.G.— cheating, mental and physical abuse. If you would like to know more, feel free to DM me!
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Radcliff has left me torn open and bleeding out.
I couldn’t read this story fast enough and I wasn’t prepared for the ending, but what a perfect ending!
This is a retell of Aladdin story, Axel is street fighter and Jaslyn a rich girl whose dad just passed, so there is a few things really related to the original story. I think it was a good read overall but never thought a cliffy was coming as the other reads where mostly stand alones. Now I have to wait for the next one.
What an intensely phenomenal read! I was completely consumed from the prologue to that ending sentence! My whole world is shaken! I feel like my magic carpet dropped me flat on my a33! This book was a wonderfully unexpected surprise! Mirage is a part of the Sinister fairytale collection, it’s a dark and twisted retelling of Jasmine’s tale. I say Jasmine’s Tale because there are not very many similarities to Aladdin. But you get the main pieces, untouchable daughter locked away from the world. We have our evil villain, and this one is extremely Sinister. And we get out guy from the wrong side of the tracks! We also possibly have our Ace (lucky guy/Genie). I won’t be going into detail because I don’t want to take away from the story it’s pretty Fantastic! Mirage has left me speechless! Radcliff did a fantastic job with this story! It’s intriguing and emotional, you will devour it and be begging for more! I’m so happy this is a duet, it’s not a story that you want to finish anytime soon. This book is dark and it keeps you holding your breath and praying for these characters! I loved EVERYTHING about this book! It’s nothing like what your thinking or even imagining! It’s heartbreaking, full of wonderful chemistry and hauntingly raw! I cannot wait for the next book in this duet (Veiled Love). This was a slamdunk for Radcliff! That cliffy is Brutal, I almost cried!!! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
It never gets any easier! I saw the warning signs and still I got my hopes up. Mirage is book one in The Veiled Love Duet meaning my impatient, hates being left waiting, fist shaking at cliffhanger self is stuck in limbo and I’m not alone. (You have to read it to know!)
“Things aren’t always as they seem, and [EDITED TO AVOID SPOILERS] will soon see that his future is simply a mirage.” I did flipping jump jacks as I devoured this line. Its the fist pumping, shouts in your face kind of line everyone can appreciate. C.M. Rdcliff is a new to me author but I am invested in the outcome 110%. With an ending like thay people might start rioting for answers, blood, or revenge…
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
This sinister collection just keeps getting better and better! OMG, this book had me all kind of twisted and tied up. Jaslyn and Axel are so freaking amazing. Jaslyn is in an abusive relationship with Jasper let me tell I want to beat the stuffing out of Jasper. I have never hated a character as much as I hated Jasper. Jaslyn wants to be free but knows no matter what Jasper would never let her go. Axel thinks he can be the Knight Jaslyn needs and what starts as a friendship quickly becomes so much I loved this book so much.
Holy Moly!! Y’all!! I am loving these Sinister Fairytales and Mirage, OMG! Let me just tell you it’s right up there with my favorites of them. This one is a take on Aladdin. But if you’re looking for it to be just like Aladdin it won’t be. I mean there are a few similarities, but it’s just so amazing all on its own! If you had never even heard of the original story you would still love this.
Axel (our Hero) is this sexy, street fighter with a heart of gold. He grew up rough, tough and poor. But in the street fighting world he’s kicking rear and taking names. When he is approached with an offer to be an exclusive fighter for renowned Heart surgeon Jasper Lafar, it seems almost too good to be true. There is most definitely something untrustworthy about Jasper. But the allure of Jasper’s fiancé, the beautiful and sweet Jaslyn, whom Axel is sure Jasper is mistreating, is too much to resist so Axel accepts the job.
Jaslyn feels trapped, stuck in her pretty dark mansion . No one knows the suffering she endures daily at the hands of her fiancé. She’s a tough girl, she puts up with so much more that most could even fathom. When Axel came along she couldn’t help but be drawn to this gorgeous street fighter who vows to protect her. But will their attraction become too much and will they give into temptation? If Jasper were to suspect they were anything to each other it cost them everything, including their lives. Will they take that risk?
This book is good y’all! I really won’t say more because I don’t want to give anything away. It got me so excited, super frustrated, on edge. It was Angsty and full of suspense. It had heat and sweet moments. It had a frustratingly jaw dropping cliffhanger! Another great addition to the Sinister Fairytales collection!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
— Jaslyn and Axel are going to ruin me before this is all over. I just know it!! This book left me breathless y’all!
– Were these the office the charts hottest scenes ever, well no. But they were sweet and had heat and that was great to me! I wasn’t disappointed AT ALL!
Cliffhanger Warning- YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! Cliffhanger Alert!! This book ends on a cliffhanger.
CM Radcliff has killed me. This book was amazing. Axel and Jaslyn had so much chemistry and heat. Radcliff packs a punch with every story she writes and this book is no exception. The plot was fast-paced and sucked me in from the very first page. The writing style was so crisp and clear I could see it all in my head. And that cliffhanger. Gah. I’ll never make it until the next book is released. Do yourself a favor and read this right now.
What the ever loving heck?!!! This story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Jaslyn and Axel are both fighting for their lives but will they come out on top? The author has the ability to take a story and twist it around into something even more amazing. One dark retelling that you do not want to miss out on.
Being part of the Sinister Fairy Tales collection, I knew I was in for a treat with this. I only wish it wasn’t a cliffhanger. I was expecting a resolution in this story and I was left with my mouth wide open now waiting to see what will happen next. This is a little dark but not too much. Jaslyn and Axel are perfect together and the passion and chemistry are undeniable.
“ Wreak havoc on my world and show me how to survive your destruction”
First let me state OMG is this book ever freaking amazing! This is the very first book that I’ve read from CM Radcliff and let me say this book had all the feels…the only disappointment is knowing that we have to wait until fall for the conclusion to the story.
Axel and Jaslyn’s story is one of love conquers all (we hope). She is a very toxic relationship with her deceased father’s partner. Jasper feels like Jaslyn owes him everything she has. He is a sadistic vile man. He beats Jaslyn to keep her line, but he’s a money hunger monster. When he sees Axel fighting in an underground fighting ring, he decides he must have Axel at any price. Axel agrees only because he meets Jaslyn and knows he must save her from Jasper. Their relationship quickly changes from friends to lovers and when Jasper learns of this he becomes furious, no one and I mean no one will interfere with him getting everything he can possibly get out of Jaslyn. Axel becomes enraged when he sees what Jasper did to Jaslyn and attacks him, but is it enough to stop Jasper, or are Jaslyn and Axel going to pay the ultimate price for their attraction to each other?
Mirage (Sinister Fairy Tales series, The Veiled Love Duet series) by C.M. Radcliff is a modern day twist on the Aladdin story. Jaslyn is a young lady who is the heir to her father’s medical practice fortune. She has found herself engaged to her father’s business partner Jasper Lafar. He is a mentally, physically and sexually abusive jerk who is only using Jaslyn for her money. Axel Reed is a street fighter that Jasper has brought into their home. The attraction between Axel and Jaslyn is instantaneous and the sexual tension can be cut with a knife. Axel can not understand why Jaslyn stays with Jasper. He decides to stay to find out her secret and save her at the same time. An interesting tale that had me clamoring for the ending. The sexual tension between Axel and Jaslyn made for a good read. It was hard reading about how badly Jasper treated Jaslyn and I couldn’t wait to see him get his just desserts. The ending was definitely left on a cliffhanger that I didn’t see coming. When I hot to the end I was like oh hell. I am now so excited to read the conclusion of this story. 4 stars for me.