A week ago I thought that the best Sarah Bailey book I’d ever read was Tyrant. And then Zayn’s brother, Gil, came into my life and I have a new favourite SB novel!! And don’t think for a single second that I mean this in a hyperbolic way – this book is getting one of my rare 5-star reviews after I’ve read it twice in four days!!
Before we get too deep into this, I must add a disclaimer. I was once again privileged enough to get an advanced copy of this newest book in Bailey’s Villetti Chronicles series ahead of its release, and I was asked to provide a review. Also, this book does have some scenes that could be problematic for people with certain triggers. I’ve included a list below, you can also check out Sarah Bailey’s website for more information.
For more details about Titan, read on! I didn’t include any major spoilers in this review, so you’re safe to keep reading if you don’t want specifics about what happens.
The Cliff Notes
Title: Titan
Series: The Villetti Chronicles (#2)
Hashtags: #romance #dark #adult, #BDSM, #mafia #2SLGBTQ+
Content warnings: Graphic violence, descriptions of past sexual assault, rape and abuse, sex trafficking, degradation
Main Characters: Gil and Theia
Ratings
My overall rating:
Spicy/Heat Rating
Romance Rating
What’s great about Gil and what sets him apart from past characters is his vulnerability and his openness. He’s a mob boss with a heart of gold, ruthless and cold when dealing with his enemies but warm and caring when he’s with Theia, the FMC. He’s fighting for control of his empire, but he never fights for control of Theia. He never once questions how she’s going to make her living or how she spends her time, he treats her as a partner from day one.
A big reason for this plethora of character development is because of Gil’s sexuality – as a demisexual, Gil needs to have intimate feelings for someone before he can be sexually attracted to them. This forces Gil and Theia to establish a relationship built on friendship, trust, and love BEFORE they can begin to build a relationship that includes lust and sex. Then once the two do cross that line, we are treated to some super spicy, super hot sexy times that fit right in with SB’s other stories.
This book has all the usual things we’ve come to expect from Sarah Bailey’s books – a fast-moving plot, well-developed main and side characters, a compelling villain and/or mystery, and enough steamy sex scenes that you shouldn’t read this book during a heat wave lest you get the heatstroke! This book also has a wonderfully designed main couple who legitimately care about each other’s needs and wants, and who build a relationship based on trust and love. This book basically has everything.
I very rarely give out a five-star review, but this book is getting one and it’s rightfully earned.
Quick Thoughts:
- The fact that Gil fully supports Theia’s career as a sex worker – seriously, how often do we see a male character with enough emotional maturity that he understands that a) it’s not all about him, and b) her job doesn’t mean she loves him any less?
- I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book about a fellow demisexual before, and I have to say that it was kinda thrilling. I never knew that I wasn’t being represented until the day that I was, if that makes any sense.
diary of a readaholic 