| Title | : | Ruled |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 153 |
| Publication | : | First published March 29, 2019 |
Calli’s father was king of this city. Drake has taken it now, and soon the little human princess will kneel at his feet and surrender not only her throne but her beautiful virgin body as well.
Though she does her best to hide her helpless arousal as the huge, battle-hardened beast tears her clothing to shreds and then spanks her soundly for daring to defy him, it isn’t long before Calli’s need has grown so intense that she can only beg for Drake to ravage her hard and thoroughly.
She will reign at his side, yet as Drake fits her with the leash and collar she is to wear as he claims her publicly as his mate, Calli is left in no doubt that she will be well and truly ruled.
Publisher’s Note: Ruled includes spankings and sexual scenes.
Ruled Reviews
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I really liked this a lot it ticked so many of my boxes and was a really imaginative read.
A sort of dystopian setting with a heavy sci-fi vibe this caught my attention almost immediately.
Set in a futuristic world where the populace has been quarantined to protect them the citizens here are two kinds of species through both sharing a similar genetic makeup.
We have humans and mauleons coexisting and the humans at this moment in time seem to be top of the hierarchy here but certainly not for long it seems as there is a rebellion brewing.
So Drake is a Mauleon a criminal overlord that in the past has assisted the former king.
Callie is the new potential Queen after her brother's untimely deaths and after being threatened by the current general she goes to Drake for assistance with her current plight.
He agrees to help with some stipulations, this is actually where our story begins.
So this was a really enjoyable experience.
I liked both Drake and Callie a lot and the interactions between these two were mega explosive and really hot and sizzling in their intensity.
This was kinky and did have elements of a DS relationship but ultimately it was much more conventional and less bdsm than I was initially expecting.
I also really appreciated the relationship dynamic portrayed here and the instalove nature of this relationship did work for me.
I could feel the connection between Drake and Calli and was rooting for them all the way.
At its heart, this was a really fun, imaginative and steamy story a big thumbs up from my camp.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of "Ruled"
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com -
Ruled is the first book I have read from this author and I'm sorry to say I didn't like it. I found the writing messy and difficult to follow at times, which made it hard for me to connect to the characters. Also I don't know why the author thought it was a good idea to add at the end that he donated his sperm and had kids all over the place. That was a total turn off for me. I don't plan to read anymore books from this author.
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This is quite a 'gentle' story for a Cari Silverwood book, though it's still a kinky, edgy, 'liking it dirty even though you're embarrassed to do so', read.
Firstly I feel the need to point out that I equate 4 stars on here with 5 on Amazon. Especially since OK is 2 here and 3 on there. So, lets get on with what I thought about the book.
Calli might be Queen in Waiting but without help she will be lucky to survive the next few days. An innocent in a world of manipulators, liars and monsters, she is caught in a situation where her only chance at survival lays in trusting the darkest man of them all. Drakes demands are twisted and depraved, but instead of lamenting at an impossible situation, Calli finds herself strangely enjoying it instead.
I love how Cari Silverwood's books don't fit into any specific genre (other than bloody good). It's not strictly a BDSM read, it's not a spanking story nor a Domestic Discipline tale. And even though Drake is in charge, it isn't overly typical of a Domination/submission dynamic either. It IS kinky as all heck, I can't understand why one reviewer considers nipple clamps and sex in public to be vanilla but there you go. Unlike so many other books of the genre, Calli is very much on board with it all, happily jumping in with both feet. If you've ever read this author before you know that one thing her heroine's aren't is shy and retiring!
Whilst it perhaps didn't have the very in depth world building of her Machinery of Desire series, I was very drawn into and intrigued by the sphere she set the story in. It's all in there, but in a more subtle way - in thoughts, conversations and brief descriptions here and there. There was definitely enough detail and explanation to allow me to build a picture in my head of both their world and life. Calli and Drake are also finely crafted characters who drew me into the story and made this such a good read.
Clever writing means it takes a while to truly 'know' Drake, I wasn't too sure if I'd like him at first but I soon found myself really warming to him. Drake was dominant and demanding, leading Calli on a depraved journey, but also holding her hand and showering her with care as he did so. Despite the kink, the peril and the dark demands, at heart this is a wonderful love story and a romance based on respect.
If you love anything kinky and erotic, and don't mind a sci-fi setting then I highly recommend this book. I will warn you though, this author writes 'proper' science fiction, which those who have only read the alien capture type book often don't appreciate. I read a lot of David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Julian May, Katherine Kerr, Mercedes Lackey etc in my teens and twenties. Cari's worlds are just as excellently built and just as captivating. I definitely need more Mauleon's in my life. -
Quick kinky sci-fi with hea
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Only Cari knows how to corrupt an innocent princess in the most delicious ways!
She had me squirming with need all throughout this delectable tale of how a Mauleon conquered the heart of the sole survivor of a royal family.
Calli never expected to become queen,but when her brothers,who shared the throne,were killed,she was the only one left.....and general Vass had plans with her,she had no intention of agreeing to. Her only hope is Drake,the Mauleon her father said she could always trust. What he demands in return,though? You really need to find out,trust me! Small warning....Keep a willing man closeby for those moments the heat gets too much,because Drake really is one hot mauleon! One that knows what he’s doing.....YUM!
Thank you,Cari. You know what i dream of....you Rule! -
He had his princess. Now to do things to her.
Calliope has just lost her two brothers and is now expected to rule their kingdom. When she's threatened by her own general and realizing that without the proper training, she'll need allies to keep her people safe, she remembers her late father's advise.
"If you ever need help, and there is no one you can trust in the palace, go to Drake in the lower city."
Only Drake from the lower city is a Mauleon. Of a different species, mauleons are trapped on earth by the Quarantine but have been treated as the lowest of the low.
But desperate times call for desperate measures and soon Calliope is deep the the lower city, making deals with a handsome devil who pushes all her buttons.
✨
Sci-Fi romances are tricky for me. I love the concepts and the world building because it's always so out of this world and you get to really explore new territory, all created by an author's imagination so the world is never the same twice. They also have really strong and independent characters that stand out and hook you into the story. Calliope and Drake definitely pulled me in :)
They are polar opposites but they have the same goal in mind. Making their isolated world a better place for all it's inhabitants. There is talk of prejudice against other species, political intrigue, suspense and a budding romance with some kinky twists.
I read this one in one sitting and it was entertaining. Like most sci-fi romances I've read, the romance did take a back seat to the broader plot of staying one step ahead of the opposing side and those pesky assassination attempts but I still really liked Drake and Calliope together.
For the safety gang, this one is safe with some exceptions (see below info) and may contain pet peeves or triggers for some.
Favorite Moments/Quotes:
Drake is a very hard man, he's had to be to become the ruler he needed to be so we don't always get a lot of his softer side. With Calliope, he does let down his guard and it's not something that has to be coaxed out of him. He is genuinely pulled to her and he isn't shy about putting that out in the open for her. The most telling moment is when they discuss Calliope's infertility...
"You like children?"
"What else could one do except love them?" He smiled.
"So . . . " The big question, she must ask it. Now. They had space and she asked it softly. "You must know I am infertile."
"I do." He took her hand, squeezed it . . .
"Though I would love children, I think loving you is more important."
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO: -
This book from a favored author was highly recommended by a respected GR friend, so my expectations were quite high - and so the book suffers for it. On top of this, I recently read a similar book that was very good.
Our heroine is the youngest in line to the throne, and thus ignored by everyone. Until everyone above her is killed. And then everyone wants to claim her, so they can take her throne, and then ignore her.
But the guy who gives the best spankings wins the challenge, and the story ends with a HFN and a sore bottom. However, this never drifts into the "dark" areas. She is a happy sub.
This had so much potential, and I will give the author a pass, as she has written a variety of outstanding books. -
If all Mauleon are like Drake then I want one! Ok, first things first, I have to talk about the world building. NO ONE does sci-fi world building like Ms. Silverwood. The descriptions are on point. They aren't too vague or to wordy, so it is easy to picture without getting bored in the detail. Next, character development. All of the characters in her stories are complex and their personalities are revealed to the reader as they are revealed to the other characters. This also makes it easy to put yourself into the story. Through in the gritty sexiness, the suspense of the plot, and the many twists and turns and you have a winner. That's what this one is. It's a shorter story but it isn't lacking in any of the things I have come to love about this author's writing. Drake is decadent and dangerous. Calli is a mix of determination and naivety. Their chemistry is off the charts! This is one story I couldn't put down.
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★ Another uniquely addictive read! ★
—>>> Heiress to the Dywin kingdom, Princess Calliope escapes the clutches of a General with evil intentions to seek the one man her father had trusted to aid her in dire times, the mauleon named Drake who had a daunting reputation. Facing exile or imprisonment, Calliope has no choice but to ask for his protection as the realm enters a period of conflict and rebellion.
Calliope navigates her new life with a wholly different set of rules under the protection of Drake and is also deliciously initiated into the mauleon ways, with little unexpected twists and turns to steel her resolve to take her rightful place as a ruler by his side. -
Let me just start out with saying, I want more Calli and Drake. Silverwood should totally make that happen. Cari has hit another home run with Ruled. This book is absolutely amazing and will keep the readers on their toes, not knowing what to expect as the story goes along. And I do have to agree with several others who have left reviews, if there can be a series set in this universe, I am all for that.
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This is the first book I’ve ever read from this Author.
Overall Book Rating: 3/5
Heat Level: 2/5 (For Me! There are a Lot of smexy scenes don’t worry, but For Me, I just found some if them to be too ‘cliched’ vanilla for my taste, so clearly your opinion may differ)
Romance-y?: 3/5
Drama: 2.5/5
Did I Enjoy this Book? Kinda.
Starting this book I won’t deny I had no idea what going on, I couldn’t for the life of me, pick up what was being put down.
Was it like Final Fantasy meets World of Warcraft?
Cause that’s actually what I was mentally picturing, not in a bad way lol
I just didn’t have much to go on.
Learned One Thing: If you have any questions at the beginning or throughout.. They will not be truly answered, if at all.
I wish I had more of an in depth background or at least a decent preface so I know what I’m getting into, cause I was really confused with the ‘mauleon(s)’.
I mean they sound awesome from the few minor details I could gather: Super Tall (yumm!), sickle like nails (awesome!), big nosed (ok..), and protruding upper fangs (great!).
But what are they? Elven-ish? Orc-ish? I Still Have No Idea.
They seem somewhat similar to Alphas from the Omegaverse, only basing that on what she being Calli read in a book.
Question I kept asking myself: Mauleon(s) clearly are not welcomed among the humans, but why? Never Answered.
But beside not knowing what the heck the world looks like and heck all of the characters.
I did like Drake immensely, it literally was as soon as I read “and seen a hulking brute slip from the doorway.”
I was like... I Love him - already, and he was literally a silhouette at that point. XD
I really don’t know much about him, and I wish I had, he’s such an adorable cutie pie!
Princess Calli was an ok but kinda boring character, I did admire that she followed her fathers advice and sought out Drake herself. I know that literally was at the beginning of the plot, but I love it when Strong females look for Stronger or Alpha Males themselves.
Her mentality seemed to switch back & forth between submissive, weirdly confused/conveniently naive, then very petulant.
But in the end I was expecting a ‘Universe’ I would just gobble up and thirst for more stories from it, I ended up with a fast paced one dimensional fairy tale.
This book was a decent read! Don’t get me wrong! But had Way More Potential.
I was anticipating this book as soon as I became aware of it, and even though it checked off some boxes, it was kind of a bummer to get no background/backstory to appreciate the story even more.
No descriptions of Battles, only informed of the aftermath, that was a slight bummer, kinda wanted to see a fight.
The sex in the story was too quick for me, like flip a page and the sex was over, flip back and your left wondering if a page is missing at some points.
The heat wasn’t really up to my level of HOT, there are LOTS of scenes.
But I found this very super vanilla, with minor but common vanilla kinks here and there, and I’m personally not a fan of the ‘next day’ type scenes.
The ending..
I wouldn’t call it.. stamped per se
But it definitely was abrupt with a fairy tale epilogue, which caught me off guard.
Would I read more from this author, I don’t mind check out more. But it’s 50/50. -
I have said it many times but it bears repeating, this author is hands down one, if not the best, out there at creating a whole new world that is complex and riveting. Her world-building skills never cease to amaze me. Even though this book is dealing with two different types of species it never once seems "out of this world" and instead feels almost like it is two different ethnicities merging instead.
This book introduces Calli, a princess soon to be queen, with Drake, who is a Mauleon, who come together to reach a compromise for the kingdom. I often wonder when I read sci-fi books how they can be intimate and in this case, the author did a great job explaining that dynamic in a rather unusual way. This added to the story since SIZE was definitely a concern. Not only was this informative but it was also hotter than hell.
As usual, this author wrote some sexy times filled with kink, some BDSM elements, and typical dominance. However, it also built on the other aspects of BDSM in regards to; trust, compromise, and the connection between the characters as Dom/Sub. I enjoyed also seeing the dissolving of the original stereotypes or biases in regards to thinking that one race is superior to the other not only as people but in regards to royalty vs not royalty.
In many ways, this book was similar but also different from the style that is solely this author alone. I love that she continues to evolve and yet never completely abandons what it is that makes her unique. It is this reason alone that I continually follow this author down the rabbit hole and devour all her words as soon as they are released into the wild. -
Cari Silverwood knocked it out of the park yet again. Ruled represents a lighter facet of her skill, but it is no less steamy and intriguing. The world she builds, with it's scifi aspects, crumbling old tech, and medieval feel sucked me in. From the very beginning as we meet Princess Calliope and see how her world is arrayed against her, I was rooting for her to succeed despite the hand fate dealt her. As she approached her father's ally, Drake, for help, it gets better and better. He wants to possess her, to rule her, and boy does he! What I loved were those threads of romance and caring that wove themselves around the story, around Drake's dominance and Calli's fear and submission. I want to wrap myself up in this world and it's characters and roll around in it. It was just so good! My only complaint was I wanted more. This is a shorter story, but no less good for it's length. It has a novel's depth and I can only hope Cari decides to revisit this world and it's people and give us more in the future.
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Great story
Loved this short story. Just wish it would've been longer. Drake and Callie's connection is instant and they make a good couple. Loved the world building in this book. Cari seems to do it effortlessly -
I'm a big, big fan of this author, and this book is one of my niece favirote s. Although this is definitely considered a dark read by many, on Cari Silverwood's scale, it's really on yhe tame side.
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First of all.... Maoleunverse
Yep! The author need to have her own Maoleunverse. The world where Alpha dominant rule with the girl fully submit to him cause there's no other way.
This is one super intense insta steamy romance you would savour in one sitting. -
Pampered Beauty and her Magnificent Beast!
Cari Silverwood’s versatility as an author is the main reason I love to read her books. She is known mostly for writing dark and twisted romance, but with her latest sci-fi romance Ruled, she exhibits her ability to write a fun, somewhat lighthearted, story with characters you can’t help but love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and now, courtesy of Cari's vivid imagination, I want a Mauleon of my own to play with. Yummy!!
Our beauty, Calliope Dywin is a pampered princess who was sheltered from the palace intrigue that surrounded her and therefore, was never fully prepared by her father to rule the kingdom. In desperate need of saving from the cruel and vile General Voss, she ventures out into the rough part of her kingdom to find a man by the name of Drake Gessfangen. Her father told her that if she ever needed help, Drake could be trusted. What Calliope doesn’t know and soon discovers is that Drake is a Mauleon, a member of a catlike race who instills both fear and lust in the hearts of many humans, but Calliope has no choice.
Drake is a dominant, alpha beast who’s assistance will exact a high price from Calliope that both frightens and intrigues her. Can she really trust Drake? Is he a man of his word or part of the political machinations involved in taking her throne? Are the feelings Calliope is starting to experience for Drake real or brought on by desperation? Will she be woman enough to keep her end of the bargain?
Now, throw in a rebellion, a robot bodyguard (with his own secrets) and more tasty story elements that I won’t reveal, and you end up with a delightful, kinky, romp through another exciting world.
So, if you’ve always wanted to read a Cari Silverwood book but were afraid it might be too dark, violent, or twisted, then I highly recommend you start with Ruled. This book has something for everyone; HOT sex w/claws, robots (Pew! Pew!), suspense, political intrigue, and last but certainly not least, a princess and her oh so sexy beast. -
Submit to a smoking hot male? What's a princess to do?? ;)
Princess Calliope has just come back to her rooms from the funeral of her brothers and now she will have to be queen. She was never taught what she needed to rule, she is commiserating in her head about that. When she looks up and there sits General Vass in her bedroom of all things. What she learns from him is that he has drawn up paperwork for her to sign and give up the kingdom to him. Because she is a woman he then proceeds to tell her what he has in mind for her. He has the audacity to tell her he will come to her room any time he wants and have her as his sex slave. He expects her to sign and have it ready for him in the morning. Never! She wonders what to do to get out of this situation. She remembers her father said to her if there ever is a problem go see Drake he can be trusted.
She must go to him and ask for help but she knows it will not be free. Drake is the lord of the underworld and a Mauleon. She tells Sassi her robot butler and companion where she is going. He wants to go to protect her but she refuses they will know her as a princess if he is with her. Sassi is the perfect name for this bot since his personality is definitely not one of a servant he is sassy to Calli. Calli dresses in armor and is armed with her fathers guns. Though all of them are relics and really not that useful. She goes out a secret passage to meet with Drake. When she meets up with Drake she finds that he is smoking hot and he definitely makes her feel something she never has before just standing in his presence. As she believed he does have concessions for helping her.
He wants to rule but he will be her consort, meaning he will be her lover. The way he wants to have her accept is to kneel before him. She knows that she can not do it on her own so she does. He now will take care of the evil General Vass and protect her too. OMG Drake and Calli have the hottest sex with a little pain mixed in. This book was so intriguing, finished it in two nights! -
What is it about Cari Silverwood’s writing that makes me love her books so much, especially her sci-fi. Well, her world building is phenomenal. I’m not sure what goes on in that mind of hers but she creates other worlds that seem so real you swear you can smell and taste them.
Her female characters, though somewhat submissive, are feisty, strong, capable and intelligent. No whimpering, helpless women here, well unless they’re tied up and being punished.
Her male characters are strong, dominant, sexy, kinky, with motives that are usually a little questionable.
This particular story is really about a princess that needs rescuing. But don’t mistake this for some sweet Disney princess story. This is Cari Silverwood after all and this princess story is definitely R rated.
Calli is a princess who was never meant to rule. But with the death of her brothers and her father years before she finds herself in a position she has never been prepared for. With an evil general who wants to take over the kingdom, Calli must turn to Drake, a trusted friend of her late father and a Mauleon. Oh wait until you meet Drake. Tall, sexy, brooding and he has claws. Did I ever think before I read Ms. Silverwood’s book that I would find claws incredibly sexy. No, but I most definitely do now. Drake will help Calli, but there is a price, submit to him, become his and they will rule the planet together.
Of course there’s a bunch of other stuff happening. There’s a quirky robot, intrigue, a coup, secrets revealed and a lot of hot, steamy, kinky sex.
Even though this is a gentler story than what I’m use to from Ms. Silverwood I loved, loved, loved this story and this world. I hope this won’t be the last we see of this particular planet. I have questions that need to be answered and I most definitely need more Mauleons, especially if they’re anything like Drake.
Definitely recommend. -
I was not sure about this one in the beginning - I just had a hard time connecting to the story then as Calli was headed back to the castle everything seemed to fall into place and I was there and I was captivated - I really really hope that Cari makes this a series!
Let us start with the world building. Here I am a bit biased I have always loved her universes - they are usually dystopian with a backward caste system. And let us not forget her gift for vastly creative cast members. Ruled has a mix of Humans, Mauleon, and Hauleons (you can guess the last).
Calli is pretty much the "princess" when we begin this story. It was never expected she was to become anything more. Her world was a gilded cage that fed her innate sense of curiosity while keeping her safe.
Drake was not my favorite in the first few chapters but he grows on you. He is the power behind so much that happens in their world as the leader of the Mauleon he has reason to hate the humans and Calli looks to be the sacrifice to appease his sense of injustice.
This is a dark dystopian with an innocent but strong and intelligent heroine (yes she is a virgin like you needed to ask 🙄), a dark anti-hero (that you are either going to hate or love ) and lots of deliciously dirty dub con all packed into a suspenseful HFN. -
Princess Calliope, Calli for short, was never meant to rule the kingdom. However, she finds herself in that situation, without the knowledge to rule, or knowing who to trust. Drake, a Mauleon leader in his own right, sees his chance at having the kingdom and the Princess for his own. When their paths crossed, what are they both willing to do to keep themselves afloat in the chaos that they find themselves in? Will it all be a physical bond only or will love blossom in the least likely of places?
Calli, even though a royal, seems very down to earth and friendly to anyone despite the differences in class and species. She has a warm heart and is likeable and relatable. Drake...well, Drake is a dream. LOL. No, he's not your regularly prince charming that's come to rescue you. He's dark and mysterious and freaking demanding. If you like them BIG, you won't be disappointed with Drake.
Cari Silverwood doesn't disappoint with this book. If you are familiar with her books then you won't be surprised with her writing. If you follow her for that reasoning, this is another great book to add to your reading list. -
Intense, dark, and delicious. While not as dark as this author’s other reads, it hits all the right buttons. She weaves her words into an as yet unknown world where you can accept it as a possible reality. It’s exciting, sexy, body melting goodness between the pages that make you hope she returns us to this world for another glimpse. The males are Uber dominant, and our intrepid princely finds her match is more than up to the task of taking her in hand. Sit back and enjoy the trip but be ready to sizzle!
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I like everything Cari Silverwood writes. This was no exception. I can just sit back and know I will enjoy the read.
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#ad (6/15/22) currently on sale for .99
https://amzn.to/3mQh4t3 -
This was my first read by this author and most certainly won’t be my last! I loved that it was PNR and a bit Sci-Fi and futuristic all tied into one great story. Calliope is a Princess who finds herself in a predicament and needs help. That help comes in the form of a mauleon named Drake. He’s all sexy and alpha and domineering, and also fiercely protective of Calliope.
These two have a unique relationship and I loved their interactions. Not to mention their sizzling chemistry! Calliope finds it hard to trust Drake at first but he proves himself time and again that he is there to help and protect her. I really enjoyed this story and do recommend reading it!
