No one knows how new members are selected to the board of Hale Banking and Holding. But there are rumors of a sordid rite of initiation.Whispers how one woman and nine men disappear into a boardroom.This time, that woman will be me.The Hale family owns everything—the eighth largest bank in the world, everyone in our town, even the mortgage on my parents’ mansion. And now Royce Hale wants to own … now Royce Hale wants to own me.
He is charming. Seductive. Ruthless. But above all, he’s the prince of lies. My body may tighten with white-hot desire under his penetrating gaze, but I refuse to enjoy it.
I’ll make a deal with the devil to save my family and sell myself to the Hales. But Royce will never own my heart.
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Nikki Sloane did it yet again with amazing book. There was drama and sexy times and angst and love. There are a few twists and turns in this book that made it even better. There were a few appearances in this book by other characters as well that made the storyline even more enveloping. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Greed, betrayal, secrets and lies make for the foundation of the plotline of this remarkable book. Being rich is nothing compared to being in control of your life and lives of others.
Marist is swept into a twister of emotions as she is called to save her family from certain financial and moral ruin. The agreement to the arranged marriage destined for her sister falls apart and she must step up and honor the agreement in order to save her family. The man controlling all of them as puppets is not only devious and intimidating, but downright scary. Macallister is a man no one can confront. Marist’s attempts to command respect and autonomy only fan the flames of Macallister’s thirst for ownership. One problem. He is the father of the man she is supposed to marry.
As she proceeds with the wedding plans, there is one final hurdle she must pass. The initiation. Surrounded in secrecy, those who have survived it are sworn to secrecy. Will she be strong enough to survive it? And afterwards, what will her life be really like? It is obvious decisions are made by Macallister, not her future husband Royce. Who will stand up for her and protect her?
This book blew me away! I am anxiously waiting for the second book The Obsession to publish. You will never read a book as gripping as this one. It has me by the throat!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
I loved this initiation into debauchery! 5 stars
Holy effing shiznit, what did I just read?! That is a doozy of an ending to a first book in a series! But I will go back to the beginning. I was immediately captivated, and this whole book was enthralling to read. Royce and Marist were sizzling together. I loved that Marist didn’t care what anyone else thought of her and that she was a strong woman willing to do whatever it took to help her family. Royce is still a mystery since we don’t have is POV, but I did like the more vulnerable side he showed Marist and that he genuinely wanted her. I can’t wait to see where the next book in the series will take me! If you love a ride with mystery, debauchery, deceit and manipulation like I do, then read this book!
What did I just read? Drawn in from the get go and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. A twisted storyline that will challenge your comfort zone yet so well written and developed that you’re invested in Marist and Royce journey. One truth that resonates throughout this story is don’t believe whatever they say and when you think you know what to expect…. BOOM!! That ending?!!! I’m begging for book 2, The Obsession. A definite must read!
The Initiation by Nikki Sloane
5
This book was amazing. As always Nikki Sloane is writing her best work in The Initiation. You always hear that Uber rich people have certain clandestine meetings that are tradition. This book brings to life one said secret tradition for the Hale Banking Company.
The Northcutt family have two daughters Emily and Marist. Emily was always supposed to marry Ethan Hale. Marist is an introverted bookworm but also knows how to work the system of being the perfect daughter. Which is pretty important for the Hale matriarch. Ethan Hale is now in her future and Marist is very ok with that. Ethan Hale is helping her play a new game how to survive the Hale family! I loved that author Nikki Sloane gave Marist a backbone to stand up for herself but will it save her in the end? This book was so unexpected! The ending made my mouth drop! I can’t wait till the second book in this series!
Wow! That was one of the most intense books I have ever read. There was absolutely no putting the book down once I started. Royce and Marist are fire! They had such an immediate connection and you could just feel the sexual desire every time they are together. I’m not going to lie though I NEVER would have imagined what Marist was gonna have to do to get the board’s approval and I can’t believe it ended that way. I need book 2 now!!
Can not wait for 2nd book. Did not want it to end.
This book has a cliffhanger. I loved the storyline because it is unpredictable. I can’t wait for the next book.
No! No! You can’t keep me hanging! GAH! I need to know what is going to happen next. This story has my emotions all over the place. I’m angry with Marist’s parents, our heroine. I’m fuming with Royce’s father, Macalister Hale. And Royce, our hero! He better have a good plan.
The Initiation is book one in a love-hate, predestined romance. Two wealthy families plan for their children to marry. When it comes time, one family’s debt changes the game. The Northcott family accrued so much debt, they are on the verge of bankruptcy. Emily had been the Hale family’s first choice to marry their son Royce but when she became unavailable the second daughter Marist steps in and takes her place. Marist takes on the burden of helping her family out of debt. What she hadn’t expected was to be a part of the dark ritualistic initiation in order for her husband-to-be to join the family board of directors.
The story has a quick pace that makes it difficult to put down. I can’t wait for the next book! 5 Stars
The Initiation gives you what exactly what you’re looking for a book that you didn’t see coming. Different, Filthy, Rich, Steamy read that is not your conventional romance but a romance worthy of reading. Five sexy stars for this cliffhanger, book one
out of three.
I feel as if I’ve gone through a primitive initiation of my own after reading this book. My mind is blown!
Decadent, dirty, dazzling.
And so much more that’s beyond my expectations.
Knowing it is written by this author, I was expecting some deliciously wicked twists, but the depth and focus of this plot just gave me goosebumps like champagne bubbles. It’s brilliant.
Great writing style, mysterious characters and spellbinding plot.
The female character may seem a fragile buterfly caught in a web of deceit, ruthless power and corrupting luxury. Yet she rises to every challenge with bold bravery and intelligence. I loved her valiant efforts to face every obstacle, every secret and mask of deception without succumbing to submission or fear. She truly shone because she felt real and was scared when she had to be, but she relentlessly pursued her goals to save her family and still keep true to herself. A quest she shares with an intensely seductive man who could be an ally in a sordid path lined with wolves. One of those wolves is also a villain that plays another interesting role in this dark and sensual suspense romance. The latter is in its first stages, but the potential is very promising.
I was utterly surprised when the depraved climax took a very unexpected and empowering angle that intertwined perfectly with the mythology undertone of Marist’s character. Only to be followed by a rapid succession of danger, betrayal and lust that left me breathless and hungry for more 😀 I can’t wait, but I certainly will, for the next book. Wow. Perfection.
“Win at all costs is the Hale family motto, so there will be times I’m going to say or do things you’re not going to like.” His expression was resigned, like a doctor delivering tough news. “I’ll be mean, Marist. Maybe even awful. I’ll tell lies, and when this is all over? You might think I’m worse than my father.”
Have you already got a book to read thinking that the story would have a direction and as the reading progresses you discover that everything you thought was wrong? That was my experience with this book. Nothing prepared me for the course that the plot took. The Initiation was one of the best, most surprising and controversial books I have ever read.
Cape Hill is home to the elite, the cream of society and the Hale family is royalty among them. A family controlled with iron hands by the patriarch Macalister, a man used to always get what he wants, no matter what it costs. With the imminent promotion of his son Royce in the family business, he will need a wife, following an old family tradition. Thankfully there’s a betrothed, a girl that his late wife expected to see with their son.
But when Emily drastically changes the rules of the game, attention turns to Marist, the invisible sister, whose green hair disregards the perfection demanded by society and who hates Royce with all her might. But an unexpected meeting in a library may end up revealing that the indifference of both parties can be a big hoax.
With Marist’s refusal, Macalister decides to appeal for blackmail and exposes the harsh reality of the girl’s family. Without escape, she decides to accept the request of marriage, and thus undergoes several changes to become the perfect wife.
But the great mystery of the plot is the initiation ritual that gives the book its name. For Royce to be accepted by the board, Marist must also be approved. And believe me when I say that nothing prepared me for this part of the reading.
Erotic, intense, disturbing. And above all suffocating. The meeting with the nine members made me hold my breath as the scene unfolded.
The book ends in a huge cliffhanger. I felt all Marist pain, disillusionment, and despair. Royce shocked me, but I really hope that everything has an explanation. Macalister is consolidated as the great villain, I think I never hated a character so much.
The Initiation surprised me in every way. I expected an erotic romance, but I was mistaken. With a plot full of revelations, where lies and truths get mixed up, the book shows a cruel and ruthless side of powerful God-complex people who think they can play with other lives to fill their sick pleasures. In Macalister’s world everything comes at a price. Really?
Note: For Grandma Hale who started this unhealthy tradition, I have only one thing to say: You have serious mental and moral problems, lady.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
I love romance that features a wealthy and ruthless family dynasty; you can bet it will be filled with a combination of intrigue, mystery, backstabbing, blackmail, scandal, and lots of filthy and/or perverted sex! Lucky us, The Initiation, the first book in the Filthy Rich Americans trilogy, has all this and so much more! This book had some jaw dropping moments, and I was left been questioning who the good guy was, or if there is one, by the end of this first book. The writing is so phenomenal, and the tale so twisted, I was so surprised I’d reached the end and still had my doubts; I’m utterly confused and not wanting to believe who I thought was the good guy can actually be the devil incarnate. He just might be, he did warn us throughout, and we should’ve payed closer attention.
Scott Fitzgerald was quoted as saying, to Ernest Hemmingway, ‘You know, the rich are different from you and me.’ to which he replied, ‘Yes. They’ve got more money.’ Well, the Hales were the rich Mr. Fitzgerald was referring to. Macalister Hale was the king, and his sons, Royce and Vance, the princes, and they ruled the roost that had everyone at their beck and call. Macalister owned majority shares of HBHC, the bank and financial conglomerate that had been in his family for generations.
Royce Hale would do anything to secure the seat that had become available on the board of directors. Even if he has to marry Emily Northcott to do so. His mother and Mrs. Northcott had been best friends years ago and had always wanted their kids to marry, someday. It made no difference Mrs. Hale wouldn’t witness the union, she had died years ago, in a riding accident; it was an understanding between the families. And it made sense; he had to marry someone since all board members must be married. It was just one of the rules the board had. Another was the secret initiation rite all members, and their wives, must go through, if they wanted to be assured a seat.
“They say when someone shows you who they really are, you should believe them. Now I’d have no choice.”
Marist Northcott is Emily’s younger sister. At 21 she’s about to start her final year at Etonsons, one of the most prestigious schools in the country, studying economics with a minor in history. She can’t believe Emily would be willing to marry Royce; they’ve only been on one date and she’d had a miserable time. It came as no surprise, Marist knew first hand he was a miserble human being; he’d ruined her social life five years ago, when Marist had been a sophomore in high school, by making her an outcast when Royce declared her a nobody. It was the equivalent of calling her a social leper; she’d spent the last five years living a lonely existence, dating no one. And now he was going to be her brother-in-law. Until all that changed unexpectedly.
“You have to remember everyone in this house has an agenda. We’re all positioning to get what we want, and no one says what they mean.”
Royce had never been interested in Emily, he liked Marist but he knew if he’d shown any interest in her, Macalister would make sure he couldn’t have her. That was the dynamic between the father and sons, it was a game they played and Royce hated it. But he also played to win. Royce was sure Emily wasn’t interested in him, either. So it came as no surprise that she came up with a plan that guaranteed she wouldn’t become a Hale. Even if it meant Marist was the sacrificial lamb. And Marist had to be on board; especially when she found out Macalister was holding an ace in his hand that would assure she would marry Royce. But the Hales underestimated Marist, she negotiated and made a five million dollar deal she could live with. Royce warned Marist to beware of his father; he was far too dangerous to underestimate.
“Win at all costs is the Hale family motto, so there will be times I’m going to say or do things you’re not going to like. I’ll be mean, Marist. Maybe even awful. I’ll tell lies, and when this is all over? You might think I’m worse than my father. But, you’ll know it’s lies. Anything I say or do when other people are around, don’t believe it. That’s not me. It’s a character I’ve invented to help me win the game. The person I am with you is different than the one outside.”
What Marist doesn’t realize is everyone in that household is ruthless and conniving, and she needs to step up her game, if she wants to survive. As Royce and Marist spend time together she begins to soften towards him. And he warns her once again, things aren’t what they seem. She should’ve paid closer attention.
“Everyone has a price, Marist. Tonight, we found Royce’s.”
Wealth, power, intrigues and keeping up appearance. For us normal people it’s a ‘far-from-our-bed’ show, but for Marist and Royce it’s a part of their lives. The Initiation tells the first part of their story, I’m very curious how everything will enfold.
“There was no escape. An insidious voice whispered inside me, telling me I didn’t want to escape, anyway.”
Marist is a student who comes from a wealthy family. With that comes duty and all, but since she’s only the second daughter, she pretty much can do what she wants. And that totally fine with her. However, everything suddenly changes when saving her family becomes Marist’s responsibility. Since it involves her secret crush Royce, she embraces her new life, even if it means pushing all of her boundaries.
“When I uncrossed my legs, he licked his lips, and the pull in my center was so acute, it verged on pain. God, how I wanted him. When I absolutely shouldn’t.”
Marist is a normal girl. As normal as you can be when you have her background, but she’s just a curious girl going through life. Her family is important to her, so Marist going with her family’s plan is not out of character. That Royce is involved as well, makes the deal even more interesting for her. Marist is swept up in the ‘fairytale’, but she’s also very aware of certain tales that surround Royce’s family. Even though she doesn’t fully know what will happen, Marist is intrigued.
The Initiation is the first part of the ‘Filthy Rich Americans Trilogy’ and introduces us to Marist and her world. This world includes a lot of other characters; family, a crush and some ‘interesting’ other people. The story is told solely through Marist her eyes, leaving Royce a mystery. Us readers learn her thoughts, hopes and questions, but he remains a mystery. Is he a good guy, or a sick and twisted man? Since this is book 1, a lot of questions remain unanswered, and leaving me not-so-patiently waiting for the second book.
“They say when someone shows you who they really are, you should believe them. Now I’d have no choice.”
DREAMY’S REVIEW
The Initiation by Nikki Sloane is my first book by this author and I am completely and utterly blown away!
I’m still reeling after having devoured this hot af, sexy, and sultry read! I was consumed by Royce and Marist from the moment they came alive off the pages!
The Initiation holds a layered plot line that unfolds in the world of Boston Cape Hill. High society, the riches of the rich, and the well-known.
Our heroine and leading lady with green hair is Marist. She’s also known as the daughter who isn’t the favorite and the one who is basically invisible.
“I was worthless. He was the prince of Cape Hill, and he had declared me a nobody…”
That is until our hero and leading man in a suit Royce steps in and shows her just how noticed she is. There are high expectations of Royce that he must follow through. Having known he was to be married to one sister…
“You have no idea what you’re talking about. I see you, Marist.”
Marist and Royce are thrusted into a situation they both cannot walk away from, a family obligation that they must upkeep. How they deal with it is completely different, but the situation is what it is.
“He said I was his. I tried to understand what he meant, but I was fracturing.”
Sloane has written a perfectly woven tale with twists, turns, erotic times, and moments where I went what?!?
I had totally different expectations from when I started reading this book all the way up until the very last page! Nothing could have prepared me for how much this book shook me to the core and left me speechless because of how bloody good it was!
The Initiation rendered me speechless at many points, especially towards that cliffhanging ending! And I’m all for a good cliffhanger, but I’m in desperate need of The Obsession like ASAP!!
In the end, who will truly win?
Five twisted and dreamy stars:
4.5 stars
Reading the synopsis of the book, gave me no choice but to pick it up and I’m so glad that I did!!
Marist lives her life being the outcast of her social circle, the introvert weird sister with the green hair. She’s the exact opposite of her older sister. When she attended a party Royce Hale was throwing for his graduation, she never thought that he’d corner her at the library. After all he’s promised to her sister and never showed any interest in her. After she promised that she’ll wait for him, he left and she won’t see him again for a year.
Now, a year later from the library incident, the Hales come to propose to her sister. However, her sister’s surprise pregnancy, leaves Marist no other choice but to sell herself to Royce in order to save her family from poverty. And that’s how everything change. She’ll have to change her appearance to fit in and the interview with the board to gain their approval.
Royce has been living his whole life wearing a facade. The only person that managed to lower his guard is Marist. His actions from the start are so confusing. While geeting to know more about him, I tried to understand his motives better but I couldn’t excuse what happens at the end.
I was so sad for Marist. Trying to save her family, she’s slowly losing herself. She needs to stay strong and play the game to survive. The initiation will be darker than she’s thinking; the board is more corrupted it seems.
The end left me fuming and so pissed off especially with Royce. I hope that the next book will help me understand him more. The whole plot is like nothing I’ve read before and I really need the next book asap!!!
5 filthy & twisted stars!
This is one of those books where I just could not put it down. It was soooooo good and unexpected and I LOVED it!
Marist is the awkward introverted nerdy girl with the socially popular older sister. Her problems increase when the “it” boy in her town basically makes her a social pariah by dissing her and calling her a nobody…cue her immediate social exile. When said “it” boy, Royce Hale semi corners her at his graduation party she wonders what his game is…and oh boy, does she eventually find out! Nikki pulls out all the stops with this one with dysfunctional lifestyles of the rich and semi famous, dirty family traditions, and an ending that will have you panting for the next book!
I think those who love LJ Shen and Erin Watt will really like this book. I was totally hooked!
OMG…what just happened? That ending….I did not see that coming. The Initiation is without a doubt one of my top read for this year. This story had me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I was hooked and could not put it down. The first book in this new Filthy Rich Americans trilogy was bold, captivating and engrossing and I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds.
This is a novel filled with power, greed and lust. The chemistry between the two main characters is hott and intense. The steamy scenes are explosive. The story-line with its twists and turns will have you turning the pages wanting more. This novel was well-crafted and layered where things are not always what it seems. It was a phenomenal masterpiece worthy of more than 5 stars and I would highly recommend it to everyone. I can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy.
4.25 stars, This was a good start to this trilogy! The Initiation is book one in the Filthy Rich Americans trilogy and is the beginning of Marist’s story. This book is very twisty, turny and full of surprises, so I don’t want to say much about the story without risk of spoiling the book. I will say, Marist is the second daughter of a well-off family and is antisocial and awkward. Royce is the rich, manipulative son of the most powerful family in town. Marist is thrust into his world and she has to decide how much of herself she is willing to give. Drawn into Royce’s web, she finds herself doing things she never believed she would in order to protect her family and becoming a person she never thought she would be.
This book is really good! It felt a little Cruel Intention-esque. The setting is a world where people are willing to do anything for money, power and status. We don’t know as readers, what is the truth and what is lies. The story was twisty, turny, sexy, mysterious and a little dark. There is a doozie of a cliffhanger. I was left not fully understanding what was going on and who Marist should trust. I liked Marist. She is smart, brave and she has backbone . She has to be willing to stand up for herself in this world going forward. I liked what I think I know of Royce so far, but that could all change in the upcoming books.
Overall, this was an easy, intriguing read. I couldn’t put it down, read it in one sitting and then thought about it for days. I can. not. wait. for the rest of the trilogy and I hope it comes fast!
WOW! What an insane start to this insanely hot & twisty series. I need more – I need to know what happens next. The Initiation is already one of my top reads this year. Book 2 and 3 are bound to give my angst loving heart a wild, entertaining experience.
This is my first time reading Nikki Sloane – I am head over heels in love! I have definitely been missing out. I was intrigued when I saw the promos. The cover caught my eye for sure. Then I read the description and thought ooooh sounds deliciously sexy and maybe a bit corrupt. Just what I’ve been craving. The blurb does not do this book justice! This story is so spectacularly complex and so beautifully written. I love an unpredictable story and the build up between these characters and this insane plot just kept amping up!
Although this book centers around Royce and Marist – there is plenty of backstory and ground work for both their families and what is sure to be a magnificent crescendo. There are so many possiblities for where this series will go in the next two installments. I am dying to know and the wait is going to be sheer torture.
There are definitely characters in this series that I hate to love and some that I just have to hate. Some are bound to redeem themselves others are past the point of return. This aspect of the book is so well thought out and executed – sets this authors work apart from others for sure. I live for a great angsty read that makes me feel all the feels. Plus managed to keep me teetering on the edge of insanity wondering what was coming or how a scene would play out. Gah just so, so amazing! Those components make reading an mind, body and soul experience and I what I live for!