⚠️Trigger warning. Blood play, abuse, dubious consent. Same as the first one. ⚠️
*sigh* I was disappointed by this read. I was so close to stop reading⚠️Trigger warning. Blood play, abuse, dubious consent. Same as the first one. ⚠️
*sigh* I was disappointed by this read. I was so close to stop reading at 20%. But I continued cause I wanted to see if the author wrote this one better. Did they? Sadly not.
Same rhetoric up until 50% into the book. Ok changed the rhetoric that mirrored a supposed character development moment. Did it work? Kinda? Ugh. No not really.
Erotica portions were boring after the blood play scene. I mean it got boring and had no reason to be put into the book. No purpose what so ever. Also I was tired of the same bull shit Drew said. It was used to the point of no return. It reminds me of a child when they learn a new word and the. They decide to use the word in every way that can until they learn the next word they learn.
The plot was lacking. Nothing really new that we didn’t already know or could figure out. The author forgot so many plot details. The author even mixed up the name of a character at the end of the book. Like bro.
I was bored. I thought it would have been darker. It was so tame compared to what I’ve read before. At this point I don’t even consider this dark. Might be for some but this was all talk and when it was time to follow through the characters stalled or didn’t meet up to the expectations.
I will not continue this series. I don’t even think I’ll read this author in the future. Not a fan. What I praised in the first one just didn’t pull through in this one.
Without spoiling a damn thing, the question is: girl, who’s (blank) are you?!
Alrighty now let’s start with the triggers shall we? ⚠️dubious consent aWithout spoiling a damn thing, the question is: girl, who’s (blank) are you?!
Alrighty now let’s start with the triggers shall we? ⚠️dubious consent and/or consensual non consent but more leaning towards dubious consent, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse.⚠️
I am sooo tempted to rate this a 3, but I’m deciding to give it a 3.5.
I think the basis of the plot is straight forward. Something you’d expect in this scenario. I wasn’t surprised by the little couple at end (didn’t spoil anything!). I WAS surprised by that bit with the person and the person (go back to my initial statement at the beginning).
But I was missing the development. The plot. We got the bare minimum to set us up for the next book. I don’t like books like that, but you know what saved this one?
That male MC that ain’t worth shit IRL, but IBL (in book life) I fucking LIVED for it. I just wish there was more character development for him to get to the point of no return. We just get “you belong to ME” bull shit without the moments of “aw that good of him.” Like he was lacking balance to his character. So I get it when the female MC was giving The Notebook:
“What do YOU WANT!”
Cause I was saying the same thing! Balance just was lacking. So he didn’t have the depth I really wished he had.
Bel was lacking too, but she was lacking in common sense. Like bro. You couldn’t figure some of that out yourself without it being thrown in your face? Smh that’s a shame. Book smarts but common sense? Find out who she is and make sure y’all give Miss. Bel her number. Cause Maybel needs to phone a friend.
Omg the friend dynamic in The Mill, such a missed opportunity! Ugh. I wanted MORE. Give me morrrrre! Aries? Saw him three times and bro said three words. Lee? Omg a bisexual king and we only got bits and pieces. Sebastian! The missed angst and development needed. Oh my soul hurts because I couldn’t get more of him. He’s described to be more vicious than Drew, I wish I saw it. I CRAVED it within my very being. *sigh*
I yearned for violence and I got it, but there were promises of violence and aggression that didn’t pull through. Like Drew wasn’t THAT bad, I mean IRL he is bad. Women do not get into a relationship with an IRL Drew, kay? Red fucking flag, but I wanted more follow through with his threats frfr.
The erotica though? On point. Tbh that’s what saved me from dropping this series. I mean and that ending too haha.
3.5 star rating. Actually let’s bump it just for that reveal I didn’t see coming but maybe did but one of them def not. Let’s say, 3.8 star rating....more
**Trigger Warning ⚠️ sacrilegious moments throughout (I mean cmon it’s about a priest…duh?) but some get wary bout that sooo it’s apart of the trigger**Trigger Warning ⚠️ sacrilegious moments throughout (I mean cmon it’s about a priest…duh?) but some get wary bout that sooo it’s apart of the trigger warning section ⚠️
I enjoyed this. I laughed so many times cause the MC is hilarious to me. But I have to say, the male MC in this one read the same as the male MC in Dark Notes written by the same author. That’s disappointing. There was no individuality for Magnus’ character, and I was sad about that. Even his faith was kinda an afterthought at times.
Tinsley was written well. She was funny, bold. I do feel like the author wanted to portray her as mature and such to go by the fact that she’s an 18yr old high school student and he’s a 40yr old teacher. I mean Im a slut for taboo, this ain’t that taboo, but maybe forbidden for sure. IRL? Jail. In book life? (IBL) hot as fuck. And I stick by it!
Ok let’s take the time to talk about the need for this author to be poetic and failing miserably. I noted one of those moments in my notes, but she mentioned the title of this book multiple times throughout in nonsensical ways. Like nu uh, it didn’t work baby. “My lessons in sin.” …gurl. Read the book and tell me if the context made sense when you see it for the fifth time.
Overall I enjoyed myself immensely. The author knows how to write erotica well. Knows the type of morally grey MC that we adore. But it had its moments that annoyed me. But I can’t lie and say I didn’t goble this shit up in one day.
⚠️Trigger warning. Human trafficking. Kidnapping. ⚠️
This book dragged on and on. We could’ve done without any of tWow I wasn’t expecting that ending.
⚠️Trigger warning. Human trafficking. Kidnapping. ⚠️
This book dragged on and on. We could’ve done without any of the sex scenes. We could’ve had better character development. This book pushed the story but it was stagnant too, hence the low rating. But technically I liked it as a whole, it just could’ve been orchestrated better.
Pros: the humor was humoring. I laughed my way through this thing and I am pleased with it.
The drama was petty, and cmon, let’s be so for real, this is why we read Tijan in the first place. 1) tragic characters 2) petty drama.
Big plot points were coming through. I enjoyed this. It’s like a bit of a mystery. I wasn’t expecting that ending. That alone is great. The author wasn’t afraid to shake things up. Bet you someone said to her, “we need something BOLD. Give us BOLD.” And this is what we got. Tbh? I approve.
Cons: all of the sex scenes. I was just like ugh. It didn’t add anything to anything.
The side stories were great, but it lacked in pushing certain points forward that would’ve given a better foundation for the big plot points.
The overall drag and slowness of the story. Y’all know my pet peeve: dragging in a book.
Overall a good read though. It could’ve been shorter tho. 3.5 star rating....more
TWs ⚠️ describing sexual assault but none happened. Murder (obviously). ⚠️
I have read this author many times before over the years, and I’ve read her TWs ⚠️ describing sexual assault but none happened. Murder (obviously). ⚠️
I have read this author many times before over the years, and I’ve read her mafia reads specifically. This book did not reach the level I know and understand this author could be at.
The plot: predictable. The character development: annoying for Charlie. Pretty straight forward overall for everyone. The writing style: chill. Makes it a quick read.
The book itself wasn’t bad. It was to the point and a quick read too. I’m satisfied with the read. My low rating is not because I didn’t like it, but rather it just didn’t blow me away.
*Trigger warnings ⚠️ think of it as a mild mafia book. Those triggers. Not that serious but still murder and such. ⚠️
Believe it or not, this is my fir*Trigger warnings ⚠️ think of it as a mild mafia book. Those triggers. Not that serious but still murder and such. ⚠️
Believe it or not, this is my first lesbian romance read. My friend told me that I am lacking in lesbian romance books and she wasn’t wrong. This was recommended by her and I’m not mad at it.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes I did. I loved the characters and it was angsty and sexy too. Was it the best I’ve ever read? Unfortunately not.
Allow me to explain.
The biggest thing that brought down my rating was the plot. The plot was typical and I could guess the entire book from the very beginning. I think there was one twist that I didn’t get, but it wasn’t that serious for me to be like “ wow I love this book!”
I feel like for any book that is banking on plot to accelerate the characters, the author has to put more effort in the orchestration of the plot line. This did not happen here. There were certain details that were sprung throughout the book that wasn’t actually explained. Don’t get me wrong. This plot was easily predictable, but it would’ve been nice for more explanation on certain details that the author brought to my attention that was never explained before or after.
One of the things I enjoy about romance novels, such as these, is the art of writing the actual erotica. Don’t get me wrong, I think the author did very well in writing the scenes, but it was very one-sided. For any intimate scenes either it be MF, MM, or others, It is written like a choreographed dance, which involves all parties that are present. The only person that actually had any type of happy ending in this book was Nyx. I never actually read Ax even being touched se happy by Nyx. This was wasted potential on the dynamic of a f/f sex scene. Also, I’m new to the community so don’t shoot me, maybe I’m missing something?
Overall, I think the saving grace of this book the dynamic between Nyx and Ax. These two were so good together and were written really well.
I was teetering on the edge of giving this book four stars, but overall the book was OK. It wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst either so I’m gonna give it 3.6 stars.
P.S. Asher was a little spoiled boy and his character was a waste of actual ink on any paper or mark on any kindle. His character wasn’t even written well. His character was half assed and that’s a shame for one of the main guys in this book. Also brought down my rating.
P.S.S. I wouldn’t consider this a dark romance. Some bdsm but also not that serious. Nah this was very very tame...more
Trigger Warning ⚠️ this is the third book soooo all of the past triggers apply. Is too much sex a trigger? If so add that in too.
*Buddy read with my FTrigger Warning ⚠️ this is the third book soooo all of the past triggers apply. Is too much sex a trigger? If so add that in too.
*Buddy read with my Forsyth bestie, Nenia. And can I just say we literally finished the book at the exact same time. That’s a great buddy read right there!
So this third book in this first part of the series was so good. The second book was in fact the best. The best plot. The best character development. Even the best writing. This third book is obviously great since I have it 4.0 star rating, but the second one was still better.
The plot: eh. It was predictable at times but decent enough to put purpose to the story and characters.
The writing: I saw growth people!
The characters: my favorite character? Story made the top of my list! I’m surprised by this because she was weak to me, but she had the most growth throughout the entire series to me. I absolutely love her now after finishing her story, but when I started this series she was not a great character. She was an annoying and naive little girl, now girl is a QUEEN. The three men had a great arc too. I just think there was growth all around.
EXCEPT
Every side character. All of them. They showed up when they were needed to push things along then kicked out to make way for a sex scene. I love side characters with purpose, so maybe I’ll see some of the purpose throughout the series.
The erotica: guys. This book alone could be an extended version of the smut we read all the time. If you’re reading my review you sometimes read books for the smutty trash sometimes there is. DONT LIE. And this book had a sex scene in every. Single. Chapter. OR For multiple chapters.
That is dedication.
Was it epic? Sometimes. But was it needed? Definitely not. The plot suffered to add alll of those extra scenes.
Overall a great read with Nenia! And I’m excited to continue the series! 4.0 star rating....more
Seraphina’s story was done very well. I knew herTrigger warning ⚠️ dubious consent. Physical, Verbal, emotional abuse. Cheating. Murder. ⚠️
Let’s talk,
Seraphina’s story was done very well. I knew her background. I knew who she was before during and after Shane. I understood her.
But Shane? Who was he? Cause I sure didn’t know. Stalker came out of nowhere. No explanation. No character development. No nothing. I guess he was just born cray cray.
Also im going to be honest, I don’t think Seraphina truly loved this man. Such a toxic book to be honest. I feel like this is the definition for Stockholm syndrome. Also the thing where Shane did the thing to her on multiple points in the story. (Trying not to spoil things) yeah I wasn’t for it. Didn’t really add to the story at all. Just made her a more unreliable character.
Overall I was hooked, but i don’t think I loved it. It could have been written so much better than what we got here. Character development for the female main character was done well but Shane was nonexistent. The SIDE characters had more story line and character development than Shane. That’s a shame.
3.0 star rating. I’m kinda disappointed in this as a whole....more
I enjoyed this one. It was short and to the point. I love smutty short novellas. Nothing else to say here but it was a good rm/m romance let’s goooooo
I enjoyed this one. It was short and to the point. I love smutty short novellas. Nothing else to say here but it was a good read.
Why only 4.5 stars? It wasn’t the best ever read. I don’t know what it was missing, but I feel like it was missing something…. Well then, 4.5 star rating....more
Ok I wanted something trashy and smutty and quick, but it wasn’t what I thought it’d be. This seemed like a basic short story. Not much detail as you’Ok I wanted something trashy and smutty and quick, but it wasn’t what I thought it’d be. This seemed like a basic short story. Not much detail as you’d think with an erotica short story. I wanted more hence the low rating.
That’s the thing with short scenes like these, I feel like it’s a harder rating because there’s not much to rate.
3.0 star rating. I’ll read another in this series and see if it improved. They’re quick too. Maybe I’ll just read all of them in one night....more
Such a good book. When I first started this book I thought to myself, “I hope this isn’t the same old erotica with the same old characters.” And you kSuch a good book. When I first started this book I thought to myself, “I hope this isn’t the same old erotica with the same old characters.” And you know what? I got what I wanted.
This was poetic, each character had depth, and it was a cute to the point enemies to lovers romance.
What I thought was unique was the character development of Byron. When the author went into his POV I just wondered to myself if he would be written as a different character. Some authors are lazy with their character development, but this man was written with depth. This man had such emotion that was portrayed beautifully. Both Olivia and Byron’s inner dialogue was poetic in a way that truly separated them from the new adult romances out there.
I mean this is not a new adult romance, these characters are firmly in their adulthoods, but this provided a stability that wasn’t forced or made for a story. Their stability was truly built out of life experiences.
Why just 4.5 star rating? The erotica parts of this book was eh. Some were hot, other times it wasn’t choreographed very well. It was pretty chill without any true substance at times.
So the strengths of this book was the writing style and also the character development. True strengths for this book and I would be delighted to continue this series. A cute romance I literally finished in about a day.
Let’s be honest, my 5 star ratings have been lacking, so the fact that this book gets a five star rating by me is huge. Half of my review is gone becauLet’s be honest, my 5 star ratings have been lacking, so the fact that this book gets a five star rating by me is huge. Half of my review is gone because of stupid Goodreads app. UGH.
This author had an ongoing implied thought of perception. Our human perception of time, love, companionship truly changes with one’s perception or lens they see this in. Yes this is a M/M erotica, but I feel like this would be a great book to study in a class or something.
I have never read a book with a writing such as this. Where there is multiple POV and each main character is writing to their love like a love letter. So when reading this book, the character is breaking that 4th wall, but they are writing to the other within their inner dialogue. This was a new way of reading for me and it worked so well in this fantasy read.
I love these characters. Side characters and main characters brought such emotion and developmental significance. I am beyond impressed with how this author wrote these characters. Henri and Orlando are souls on fire with love for each other. Their union was portrayed perfectly. Henri from another time and Orlando (technically) from a past but newer time as well.
Can I PLEASE talk about this writing style?! Such poetic prose of writing. Those who are consistent readers will thank me for recommending this book because this writing style is written like actual art. This is art that needs to be digested with genuine appreciation for the story and characters.
Best part of this read? Character development, plot, world building, everything.
When I started this book, I went into it quite blind. I don’t even know how I came across this book, but I wasn’t disappointed. This book can be read by itself, but it is a series. This M/M romance is a delight to be immersed in. I highly recommend. Such a great read.
I asked for darkness and I got the darkness I CRA*Trigger Warning ⚠️ dubious consent, murderous intent, child abuse, trafficking. Trigger warning ⚠️ *
I asked for darkness and I got the darkness I CRAVED.
Such a slow burn at first then all of sudden plot revelations left and right. *Cue dark red lights, creepy music, and then the painful moans and groans*
Such a great addition to this story. Everything is just coming together and I’m so happy that someone on Goodreads recommended it to me. I’m going to be so honest right now, I was losing hope for the series after reading the first book. I wanted more darkness and more grit to the plot to the characters everything. In this book, I was able to see the most character development than the first book.
Elsa started out, cunning and competitive in nature then, as the story continued, you saw all of her breaking and crushing but then also her redeeming qualities as well . Aiden was Aiden. This man gave me everything in this book. He gave me anger. He gave me jealousy. He showed his softer side of things. Aiden gave me the domineering man I’ve wanted since the first book. The first book seemed like Aiden was created out of thin air, but this book allowed him to grow into his domineering character.
The next character, I absolutely love? Cole. I didn’t get much from him in the first book at all, but in this book, you get glimpses of all of these different characters, and I am so excited to read more about their stories. I just hope that the author does not dive into the same stories for all of these characters, and it becomes repetitive like other authors.
The only character I saw that did not really have a character development was Kimmy. For Kim to be the best friend as well as a possible love interest for another character, I didn’t get much new development for her and that was disappointing.
The plot was on point. I really wanted less sex scenes in this book and more plot. The first book gave me the angsty sexy everything, but I really wanted the author to focus in on the writing of the plot and she did, but it was lacking in certain areas because these characters were having sex, every single chapter! There comes a point where it gets annoying and you just want to get to the story.
Don’t give me wrong I love a great sexy scene. Give me the slow burn and the big O’s but there comes a point in every erotica story, where the author has to give more depth into their characters and into their stories. Give me more. Make every sex scene be worth it rather than just an added seen just for the hell of it.
Great addition to this series, y’all should have seen how I reacted after finishing this book. *Clapping Briana and yelling “WOW! That was toooooo good.”* 4.0 star rating. Less sex more plot!...more
Have you ever read a book and thought, “wow, that could’ve been better.” Yeah I was thinking this while read*Trigger warning ⚠️ rape, emotional abuse*
Have you ever read a book and thought, “wow, that could’ve been better.” Yeah I was thinking this while reading.
Don’t get me wrong I love reverse harem books very very much. And this is my first reverse harem that has two women involved in it too! Love that. This author just wanted a little bit of everything and she definitely put in a bit of every type of romance in there (M/M, F/F, polyamory, *wannabe* Dom)
BUT
This book was safe. Since the beginning things were written in a way that was safe in nature. It was like the author wanted to make sure not to trigger anyone reading, but writing in that way allowed details to be missed. It wasn’t an advantageous move for the author at all. You have your trigger warnings so give me your all. The author did everything she needed to do so give me something. Give me all of the painful emotions, details everything.
Also you get the just of the book within the first half of the plot. Everything was said over and over and over again. I get it, Ellie is a great mother, student, worker. Also I understand that Brody got issues. I also understand that these Knights apparently rule the school, apparently.
But did the knights and lady truly rule this university? Heck no. They were wannabe rulers. I thought I was going to get some great over the top bully to romance thing, but it was lacking. It was safe as all out.
Overall this book could’ve been better. It was barely a 3 star rating but I’m curious to see the outcome of how this polyamorous relationship will work with all these people. So I guess I’ll finish this series. PLEASE be better than this one. PLEASE
PS. Who doesn’t find out about a whole kid for an entire year?? Like how does that work. And I already know who’s the daddy. I mean it was so in your face....more
I have always and will alwa*Trigger warning ⚠️ rape fantasy briefly mentioned, dubious consent, bullying, implied childhood abuse. Trigger warning ⚠️
I have always and will always LOVE bully to lover romances. This book was actually so angsty and had so much pent up tension. Love it.
For some reason I wanted it to be darker than it was and maybe I’ll get that in future books in the series? I just got glimpses of darkness in these characters, but I was just longing for more.
You know what I really wanted more of? Childhood trauma! Weird to long for this but come on I just wanted more foundational character building and the author hinted at this but didn’t really give it their all and I craved it for these characters. It would’ve added more depth to this first book. Maybe I’ll get the next book?
The bullying was chill. It wasn’t like in your face horrible bullying because this was more focused on the pent up sexual tension that was built over years of tension. I liked it though. I mean I wanted an actually bully romance and I got it so I enjoyed this read. I do wish that Aiden and Ellie’s relationship were built up more from the beginning but it lacked in foundation but picked up real quick in this senior year aspect. More foundational relationship would’ve made this AMAZING. But this book was just good to me.
Trigger warning ⚠️ it’s the 4th book in the series, same triggers apply. ⚠️
This book wrapped up this series so well. I *almost* cried at times. I defTrigger warning ⚠️ it’s the 4th book in the series, same triggers apply. ⚠️
This book wrapped up this series so well. I *almost* cried at times. I definitely laughed, and I most definitely was enjoying myself.
One of the things I admire about this author was the character development for all of the main characters. They were done with care where I felt like they were real people rather than fictional characters. I love that. Four books and I still got new things out of these people. So good.
Overall I have to reiterate how happy I am to have read a series finale that wrapped up each and every plot point dropped in throughout the books. I would have loved to get more of Niall, he deserves his own book. Just saying. But every plot point touched was wrapped up in a pretty bow. Allowed me to end an era ...more
Trigger Warning ⚠️ human trafficking and everything that goes with it, drugging, murder. If you’ve gone this far in the series just know that the sameTrigger Warning ⚠️ human trafficking and everything that goes with it, drugging, murder. If you’ve gone this far in the series just know that the same triggers apply. ⚠️
This is the type of series that shows me that I love RH books and why.
Omfg. I am completely shattered. I am wholly invested. I am so far in this series and these characters…my heart! Like that beginning, middle and ending. Like whaaaa. The books are blending together so thoroughly that I don’t even know what this book fully entailed because I’m binging this series like I am.
Honestly, I’m very happy these authors can write a story flawlessly from going from one book to the next. I am pleased with this author duo. Very pleased indeed.
The plot: such a great plot. Written beautifully. I mean I knew about the one conclusion but when I tell you the anticipation was fully felt by me. FULLY felt! I had to take emotional breaks to gather myself with the anticipation what what was to come. Details on point. Who knew I’d be getting a couple mysteries along with great erotic scenes! The authors are giving me everything I desire. So good.
The characters: Saint. I understand this man. I love this man. I want this man. Development of this man was so thought out and given in a piecemeal type of way. I love this. Kyan. This man is wild. This man loves deeply. This man is the comic relief. I love this man. Blake. Grief turned this man inside out. But this man has developed into a whole new character from what his “before Tatum” character was. This man has depth but not as much as the others. I still love this charming man. Monroe. This man is a fantasy come to life. It is quite sad I don’t see much depth to his character as the others. He has reached his peak. Now he is at the point of rediscovering himself, more of an inward development. I dig it. Tatum. This woman is a badass. This woman cares and loves hard. This woman has such a wide range to her character, it’s like she has developed differently for each man in this group, while also growing within her own character. I actually have enjoyed how the authors develop these characters. They don’t give everything to the reader all at once, but I’ve changed my thought about each character on multiple occasions and it makes them more human and less like fictional characters. They have such a depth that I find this character development a strength in this series.
The humor: I want to give the authors some props because I forget they are just 18 years old and then they add in these hilarious moments that I die laughing. These are the moments that may seem like they aren’t needed but they really are. Knowingly or unknowingly, these authors have allowed me literally feel like I’m going through this life with them and these funny moments make it real.
The writing style: Dark. Humorous. Sexy. Beautiful.
Yes I have a 5 star rating for this book. I feel like I’m doling them out like candy now for this series. Lol worth it.
P.S. who knew when I picked up this book I’d willingly and wantonly read a foursome…but where’s my mmjokes or implications here! I think that bit of humor has left the building in this one. Eh I’m still invested. And still in LOVE
Damn that was a long review.
P.S.S Tatum wasn’t 18 until this book?!?!?! Ummmmmm...more
Trigger warning ⚠️ think of all the triggers that go with the different tropes represented from book one and said triggers are involved. Read at your Trigger warning ⚠️ think of all the triggers that go with the different tropes represented from book one and said triggers are involved. Read at your own discretion.
So why was this better than the first book? LIKE IM MORE INVESTED THAN EVER.
Miss. Story freaking grew up in one book my friends. She became who I longed for her to be! But when Killian said “She either leaves or fucks shit up.” I agree. But her development?! Guys I’m very happy. Or did the first book give a low expectation and so when I read this book it seemed as though it was this great thing but maybe was average? ….damn.
But I had so many emotions literally in battle with each other for these characters and also these predictable situations.
Plot was basic. But the characters are everything. Hated Killian then all of sudden he has a heart. Still crazy but not that crazy not to finish a job. (Read the book to figure out what I mean). Dimitri my man! Became a side character then the author remembered he had a story line. So good. Tristian is my dude. Tbh I now love each one of these boys evil and caring sides. They still too much in real life but all of them can get it.
The writing was a step up from the last book. *claps* still had the bad porn acting going on with the dialogue but I see the cunning and conniving tendencies of all of them! Like now we are finally getting the depth to these characters.
4stars. Very invested. Very much raging over this book with my book besties. Definitely reading the rest of the series.
PS. I was 80% correct. Also fertile, virginity, ect? What is up with these royals man. So archaic but sooo invested.