In King Penn's Love is So Mean, the icy, business-focused CEO Yasmeena Al-Ameen makes an unexpected proposition to her CFO: a marriage of convenience, to be the father of her child, until she's gone. Their professional relationship has always been strictly business, yet Yasmeena's request throws everything into chaos. The CFO, already engaged, finds himself entangled in a complex web of emotions as Yasmeena's influence spreads, subtly and powerfully, like poison ivy. This compelling story explores the unexpected consequences of a desperate plea and the intoxicating allure of a forbidden relationship. Prepare for a thrilling ride filled with secrets, passion, and the intoxicating danger of a love that shouldn't exist.
Review Love is So Mean
Oh my goodness, "Love is So Mean" was a whirlwind! King Penn, you two are magic together! Seriously, I'm still reeling from that cliffhanger. Going into this, I knew I was in for a treat because I adore both authors' individual works, but their collaboration? It's next-level. This was the perfect start to my 2025 reading year, pulling me right out of a slump.
The premise alone—the icy, powerful CEO, Yasmeena, asking her charming CFO, Enrique, to be her husband and father to her child—had me hooked from the very first page. Their dynamic is captivating. Yasmeena is not your typical damsel-in-distress; she's fierce, independent, and carries a weight of past trauma that adds so much depth to her character. While her cold exterior initially might seem off-putting, you quickly learn to appreciate her strength and vulnerability. She's a complex, compelling woman, the kind you both admire and want to grab for a girls' night. And, let's be honest, I wanted to give her a huge hug!
Enrique, on the other hand, is the perfect counterpoint. He's this warm, supportive man completely devoted to his fiancée – until Yasmeena throws a wrench in his carefully planned future. Seeing him navigate his feelings, torn between his love for Emily and the undeniable pull towards Yasmeena, was both heartbreaking and exhilarating. The authors expertly portray his internal struggle, making him incredibly relatable even as he falls for this powerful, complicated woman.
The story itself is a masterful blend of lust, honesty, and vulnerability. We get glimpses of a genuine connection forming between Yasmeena and Enrique, but it's so carefully paced, so subtly woven throughout the narrative, that the tension is almost unbearable. It's the kind of slow burn that leaves you breathlessly anticipating their next interaction. The chemistry between them is electric; you can practically feel the sparks flying off the page.
Now, about that cliffhanger… I’m screaming! Seriously, what?! I was absolutely gutted. I immediately went hunting for part two, refreshing the page every five minutes. The anticipation was agonizing! King Penn, you have a serious talent for leaving your readers on the edge of their seats. I need to know what happens next! Is Yasmeena pregnant? What will happen when she goes for surgery? Will Enrique choose her over Emily? Will their love blossom despite all the obstacles? The questions are relentless.
My only real complaint is the lack of warning about the cliffhanger, especially since it's a shorter book. While I appreciated the pacing in Vella, the wait between episodes was torturous. Also, while the sexual tension is palpable, I wish the intimate scenes had been a little more descriptive. Given their previous work with the Hales series, I know they're capable of breathtakingly explicit scenes and I was left wanting a little more in this aspect. But overall? This book is a captivating masterpiece. Yasmeena and Enrique are already my new favorite fictional couple. They're a modern Romeo and Juliet, a Samson and Delilah with a fierce, electric chemistry. I'm already counting down the days until Valentine's Day 2025. Bring on part two!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 0.57 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 252
- Publication date: 2025
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