Reread/ ARC Rating 4/5 ⭐️ This was such a banger the second time around with this new deluxe edition. These additional annotation notes by Katee with the inserted art throughout, are a great addition.

I love the new book cover with the character art 🧡

This is a dark, spicy, Mafia, Yasmina and Jafar romance 🥵

I really enjoyed this book, and the characters were well written. I love how even though this was so spicy, there was a nice plot, and I love Yasmina and Jafar's growth by the end.

Anyway, have a check of the CWs, and read the first chapter. You'll know if this one's for you or not straight away lol.

Thank you, NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Katee Robert, for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

I’m a big Katee Robert fan but this was my first time reading this series. Desperate Measures is a dark retelling which has Jasmine or Yasmina and Jafar in the mafia world. It’s definitely short and sweet and while the plot is there, I wouldn’t go into this looking for anything too elaborate. In typical Katee fashion it’s very spicy and kinky with a lot of tension and push and pull between the characters. The character development was pretty good for the amount of time and I love the direction Yasmina’s character went in. Overall a fun read and I would definitely continue the series!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I was excited to hear that Desperate Measures would be getting a new special edition with a hot new cover and bonus material, and while I don’t reread books often, I jumped at the chance to get a peek at some of these additions.
The story is by-and-large unchanged, and my opinions are no different from when I first read it late last year. Yasmina’s (Jasmine) is amazing, a perfect balance of “girl boss” and vulnerable young woman trying to find herself in a world run by corrupt men. Jafar is the quintessential KR hero: dastardly and devilish to the outside world, but absolutely melts for his love, Yasmina. They are what you would find if you looked up “power couple” in the dictionary, with a healthy dose of Daddy kink and consensual nonconsent.
Having really liked the cover for this one and the previous hardcover special edition, I was delighted to find out that there were illustrations interspersed throughout, capturing intimate moments from the story. It brings it to life in a new way, and I’m very much on board with more illustrated romances being a thing, having seen it in this format only once or twice before.
Of all the bonuses, I was the most nervous about the annotations, as they’re footnotes. As a returning reader, I ended up liking them, as they provided a lot of insight into Robert’s writing process, from behind-the-scenes anecdotes to Easter eggs providing connections to other books. They are a bit harder to keep track of in the ebook format, and it’s hard to say how they’ll be formatted in the print edition. Either way, I don’t see this edition being particularly friendly to the first-time reader, although I guess it depends on the continued availability of other editions.
I also enjoyed the previously published shorts, as I hadn’t had the chance to read them yet, and while they don’t add a lot story-wise, it’s always great to have a little more of such great characters. And speaking of, there’s also kink questionnaires completed “by” Yasmina and Jafar, and while I admit a lot of it went over my head, I liked seeing the areas where they overlapped and complemented each other, especially as depicted in the text itself.
Overall, this book is and has always been solid, and I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy erotic/dark, kinky romance and sexier takes on Disney/fairytale characters. This edition itself enhances the story, and while some elements might be catered to first-time readers, it’s definitely a must-have for fans of the series.
CWs: Consensual non-consent, explicit sex, abusive parent (father), parental death (father, off-page), murder, assault, blood

A sexy retelling of Jasmine and Jafar. Jafar isn't the villain in this retelling and there's no prince ali. He's more of an anti-hero than anything else. Very sexy and kinky. Lots of love and chemistry too. The start of the wicked villains series....

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

This is a book where the villain is not really the villain. I would consider Jafar to be more morally grey than anything else. Either way, he is H-O-T!

This book is a loose interpretation of Aladdin, but where Jafar gets the girl. As someone who kinda found Jafar attractive in the movie, I had no issue with this retelling.

Yasmina, who is our Jasmine, has been locked away basically her whole life by her controlling and abusive father. Jafar was his advisor/second in command. We start the book with Jafar planning and carrying out a successful Coup in which he kills Yasmina's father and thus claiming ownership of her. While I thought it would be a bit darker and have more dubious consent, it was fairly obvious that the only thing Yasmina was against was having no power over her life. Jafar just wants to protect her from Ali, but in the process can be a bit controlling and stifling. The only time Yasmina is okay with this control is in the bedroom. Eventually they reach an agreement in which the tables totally turn and Yasmina becomes the HBIC.

It was so cool to see Hades and his club. As someone who is a huge fan of the Dark Olympus series, especially Neon Gods, it is so cool to read the footnotes by Robert and learn that this was written way before the idea of Neon Gods came to fruition. Comparing the two characters was very fun.

The spice in this book was off the charts. I really enjoyed the representation as well by making Yasmina queer and having Jafar being secure enough in their connection that he does not mind sharing. This may be one of the spiciest of Robert's books that I have read so far and I am excited to see how the series progresses.

Overall, this was a quick and super spicy read. Perfect for getting out of a slump or if you are seriously craving some smutty scenes. This was a fast paced book so you only have to wait about a chapter for the spice to begin.

Make sure to read the triggers before hand.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a great read! I adored the spice and hot chemistry between the main characters. I never thought I would enjoy a Jafar romance and yet i became obsessed with him and his romance with Jasmine.
Highly recommend

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I read this book in its original format when it came out, and it was the start to my love for Katee Robert years ago. So I was beyond excited to see that we were getting a re-release publication with truly, gorgeous art, and such thoughtful authors notes to go along with it. This was honestly my favorite of Robert's dark princess romance series along with the Beauty and the Beast one, and I will always highly recommend!!

Katee Robert is always a popular author at my library and I was curious to finally sit down and read one of her books. After reading this one, I can see the appeal, but the genre is just not for me.

I think this would be a good starter for someone looking to get into dark romance. Hopefully the rest of the series get the deluxe releases.

Rated 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

I was really curious to see this series is about. I've grown to enjoy her Dark Olympus series, so I really wanted to see what her twist to a Jasmine/Jafar story. Now, I feel like one thing I know when I start a Katee Robert book, it's that there is going to be spice. That is simply a given, and this book was not different. So if you're looking for spice, Desperate Measures has it.
Now, story wise, I have to say I have the same issue with this book as I had with Neon Gods. I wish more time was spend on the plot, and the story didn't feel so rushed. I mean, it isn't a long book, and it felt like most of it was spicy scenes. So that leaves little to be actual plot and story line.
Still, I think that if you're in the mood to read something that will give you spice, this is a good pick. And I'm curious to see what the rest of this series has to give. So, I'll definitely get the next book in her Wicked Villains series. But I'll definitely keep in mind to wait to be in the mood for spice. I''ll have wait for those new re-release, as the extra content was quite fun!

💛❤️ Desperate Measures Review ❤️💛

Thank you so much to Katee Robert and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review this book

Desperately Measures is a contemporary fairytale retelling and book one in the Wicked Villains series. As princess of the criminal underworld, Jasmine is being forced into an arranged marriage she doesn’t want. Jafar, her father’s second in command has always been tempting to her but he’s off limits. But when her life is completely changed, is Jafar the only one she can trust?

This book was such a fun read. Jasmine was a strong character and I enjoyed her growth in this book. Jafar was a compelling character and I enjoyed his relationship with Jasmine. It’s a loose retelling of the story of Aladdin and I enjoyed the world building beyond the fairytale. While the flavor of kink in this book usually isn’t my favorite, I did enjoy the general story overall

Overall this was a four star read. I enjoyed the characters and the world created in this book. There were some darker moments in this book, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book definitely packed spice with a splash of kink throughout, so overall four flames for spice

If you’re a fan of contemporary fairytale retellings with strong characters , unique world building and a smidge of kink, then absolutely pick this one up!

THE QUEEN HAS BLESSED US WITH THIS EDITION.

Wicked Villains is probably my favorite series from Katee and I am thrilled they are getting a little makeover.

Oooh I really enjoyed this story! It was hot hot hot and dark but not too dark. I’m not generally a dark romance girly but this one wasn’t too intense for me.

3.5 stars, rated up

I absolutely luuuuurve a retelling, and if that retelling happens to involve smut? I’m here for it.


Okay, here’s the not great (for me) -
*daddy kink - ugh, ugh, UGH!
*bdsm - I’m just tired of reading about it
However, these were details I was aware of before choosing to read. So, I was prepared.

The not great (for me) during reading -
*if Jamsina is so sheltered (she’s never even been to a grocery store, let alone shopped for food) and kept locked up like a virtual prisoner, how exactly did she learn to get around the firewalls on her father’s computer?
*daddy kink - yeah, yeah, I knew about it beforehand, but it was jarring nonetheless
*the smut wasn’t as hot or passionate as I’d hoped for (it came across as a little stilted, imo)

Despite the not-greats and eye rolling fairly frequently, I still liked this; I found Desperate Measures to be a (mostly) fun and enjoyable read and I appreciated the author’s footnotes. Will check out the entire series.



Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the DRC

*Desperate Measures* by Katee Robert is a steamy, intense retelling that plunges you deep into a dark and twisted world of power, lust, and domination. This isn’t your typical romance—it’s a seductive ride through forbidden desires with a thrilling enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Jasmine and Jafar. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and the power play in their relationship keeps you on the edge of your seat.

What makes *Desperate Measures* stand out is how Katee Robert expertly weaves in tension, making every scene feel electric. Jafar is dark, possessive, and deliciously dangerous, while Jasmine’s transformation into a strong, fearless woman who takes control of her destiny is equally captivating. The twists in the plot add even more depth to the characters and their dangerous romance. If you're looking for an unapologetically spicy and gripping retelling, *Desperate Measures* delivers in every way—definitely a must-read for dark romance fans!

This is the series that really got me into Katee Robert - I'm so glad we're getting deluxe traditionally published versions! This is probably my least favorite of the series overall but that's just because it includes some kinks that aren't *for me*. I loved the bonus content included, especially Katee's footnotes!

Highly recommend this series particularly if you've been reading the Neon Gods/Dark Olympus series but are looking for a finished series to just speed through - these are quick and veryyyy spicy so if that's what you're looking for, look no further!

Katee Robert doing Katee Robert things with this Aladdin retelling, but the one we all truly wanted - you know the one where Jafar and Jasmine end up together. What happens when the "villain" gets the castle and the girl? Well since it is up to Katee, there are a lot of power moves both in and out of the "bedroom" or club. Bored by the every day vanilla hero winning and getting the HEA? No fear, "Desperate Measures" is here to feed all of your dark fantasies!

I love this series and this is my favorite of the bunch! The Deluxe Edition is even better than the original, because while it adds to the story with footnotes from the author that make you LOL and give insight into how this story was drafted. In addition to the footnotes, there are some amazing additional short stories at the end that really pull the story together and give us an even better "ending" to the story. Whether this is your first Katee book or you are a long-time fan you should definitely check out this Deluxe Edition that gives you just a bit more of the genius that is Katee.

Rating: 3,75 stars⭐️
Series: Wicked Villains (1)
Genre: Dark romance 🥀 

If you're interested in reading a SPICY book series based on Disney characters, you should definitely read this! 🌶️

This is a steamy romance about power, control, and forbidden desire.

In "Desperate Measures," you follow Jasmine and Jafar, reimagined as mafia-style characters in a modern setting. Jasmine, daughter of a powerful crime lord, finds herself under the protection of Jafar, her father's ruthless second-in-command. As she seeks freedom from her gilded cage, Jasmine discovers an unexpected attraction to the dangerous and alluring Jafar.

Thank you to Netgalley, Katee Robert and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.

"Run, Yasmina. If you make it to the front door, I'll release you, trust fund intact."

"This woman is mine, by right and by might. Touch her, and I will rip you limb from limb."

Was it twisted? Definitely. Was it also addicting? As per usual in every single one of this author’s books, it was. A Jafar and Jasmin twisted retelling where he takes everything that belonged to her father, including her. A retelling in which they had been sharing something even before. In which her nightmares and dreams had been made of him. Of what he could do to her. The presence of characters’ illustrations made me absolutely feral for these two. And their complicated and more than a little dark dynamic was addicting in a way only a romance like this can be. Fully possessive and obsessive. Completely wrong and yet deeply right. Yasmine here is the good girl who wants to misbehave. And Jafar … he is there for her. He might want her because he knows she is his. But the truth is that he has always been hers first. And the spice … oh wow it was intense !!!! The plot was … almost nonexistent but I was there for a fun time not a long time and the book was also quite short so it felt easy to read it in one standing !!! Only now I need to drink a bit of water and also prepare … cause I desperately need book two in this series !!

“You made your choice, Yasmina. Now you have to live with it."

"Fuck, baby girl, you better be good tonight, because I'm as eager for that reward as you are."

"I truly wish I could believe that."
"You don't have to believe it, baby girl. I'll believe enough for both of us."

I love this book. And the new edition looks amazing. If you like a hot, spicy, and a little dark romance, this one is for you. Yasmina and Jafar have a delicious enemies to lovers romance that’ burns hot from the very first chapter. I love reading the annotations from Kate. It’s fun to get a “look behind the curtain” on scenes she feels are important. And the art in this book is totally stunning!

Oh my gosh I read this back in the day and loved it and I swear Katee Robert has only made me fall more in love with this story. I adore how the consent is continually make explicit so that both characters can play with consensual nonconsent. As someone who doesn't typically love dark romance, this book really worked for me because of how down bad Jafar is for Yasmina and also how carefully he kept checking in with her to make sure he was doing what she wanted. If you love a good "who touched you" moment you gotta read this book because those are basically the vibes all book. There is just enough world building to create the setting and then the characters are given the room to shine. The emotional development was so fun to witness. I loved how Katee Robert never shied from the complexity of what Yasmina is feeling. She can want freedom but also not know quite how to grasp it. She can want Jafar but also want to ensure her own autonomy. This book is deliciously sexy but it never strays far from the emotions driving these characters. In fact I'd go so far to say it's as sexy as it is BECAUSE of the attention given to the characters' emotional journeys. This is a fantastic series and I can't wait to see what else gets updated in the rest of the books!