magnafeana's reviews
277 reviews

 

This book was so out of pocket, what on EARTH 😭🤣 

 

Now, this us a story all about how an upper 30s <b>Cyrus</b> comes home to meet his father Jack, a wealthy man with a breeding fetish and a young lady fetish. He meets 19 year old <b>Daisy</b>, his stepsister constantly under duress of her stepmother's toxic negativity and Jack's toxic positivity. Not only that, but Daisy breastfeeds her baby stepbrother. 

 

And to Cyrus, this is what makes him fall into love instead of the hatred he so desperately wanted. 

 

Now warring with his emotions as he and Daisy become intimate in fucking and breastfeeding, Cyrus at least knows Daisy needs to be unchained. But Daisy wants her new chain to be with him. 

 

Again—it’s so OOP. 

 

The author emphasizes how young and innocent and WHITE and virginal the FMC is. It’s honestly gross. But I’m a sucker for lactation and adult breastfeeding, so I pretended Daisy was 29 and this was just extensive roleplay. 

 

The euphemism and genitalia words were so BAD too 🤣🤣 This was written with one hand, clearly. 

 

But the book doesn’t take itself seriously. I can’t in good faith call it a BDSM book. It’s more about kinks, fetishes, and glorifying white young women. 

 

I pretended Daisy was black though 💃🏾 

 

I give it 3⭐️ for how hilariously bad the writing is, but also in complement to my lactation kink and adult breastfeeding kink 😚

 

This review will be on all three books. 

 

<ul> 

<li><b>Found On</b>: KU(US)</li> 

<li><b>Available On</b>: Amazon</li> 

<li><b>Audio</b>: Y</li> 

<li><b>Genre(s)</b>: dark erotic romance, why choose spoke & wheel (MFMM), bully erotic romance</li> 

<li><b>Demographic</b>: NA</li> 

<li><b>Page Count</b>: 356 (book 1), 422 (book 2), 538 (book 3)</li> 

<li><b>Tropes</b>: bullies/cruel heroes, naïve-ish FMC, stepsiblings (MMC1 + FMC), college setting, grumpy/ice heroes, enemies to lovers, virgin FMC, rich MMCs, silk & steel FMC 

<li><b>POV</b>: Multi, first, present</li> 

<li><b>Reproduction</b>:

Y – book 3

</li> 

<li><b>Third Act Conflict</b>: book 1

Internal

, book 2

Internal & External

, book 3

External

</li> 

<li><b>Intimacy</b>: sexual with penetration (graphic, on-page, plentiful), sensual (graphic, on-page, plentiful), emotional (moderate, on-page)</li> 

<li><b>Standalone</b>: N</li> 

<li><b>Connected to Other Works</b>: Y</li> 

<li><b>Other Notes</b>:

CSA (non-graphic, largely off-page), abuse, assault, nonconsented bruising, nonconsented microchipping, nonconsented blood play, consented blood pray, praise kink, siblings kink, clothing depravation, nonconsented humiliation & degradation, OWD, OMD, loss of parents, vindictive exes, fraternities being more than typical fraternities, death of minor characters, murder, killing, arson, anal, somnophilia (consented and nonconsented), exhibitionism, voyeurism, ableism, revenge, thug antics

</li> 

<li><b>Personal Rating</b>: Book 1

3.75⭐️|4🌶|4♨️|

; Book 2

4 ⭐️|4🌶|4♨️|

; Book 3

4⭐️|5🌶|5♨️|

</li> 

</ul> 

 

<b>CHARACTERS</b> 

 

<ul> 

<li><b>Story</b>. FMC. Early 20s. Survivor. Does what she needs to do. Naïve in some ways but competent in others. BAMF when needed. Insecure but for good reasons. Knows how to plan. 4⭐️ </li> 

<li><b>Killian Payne (Lord of Pain)</b>. MMC1. Early-mid20s. Frat legacy of LDZ through father. Grumpy. Ice king. Ritualistic due to football. Embodied “Bad at Feelings” AO3 tag. Has to learn how to be sweet instead of sour. Hellhound with a wounded heart. “Killer”. 4.75⭐️</li> 

<li><b>Dmitri Rathbone (Lord of Wrath)</b>. MMC2. Tortured artists.

Legally illiterate.

Came from unfortunate circumstances with an unexplained older sibling. Rath is cruel; Dmitri is kind. Smoker. Junkie. Knows the ins and outs of the streets. Tatted and pierced typical bad boy devil-may-care. Music and p*ssy eating is his kink. 4.75⭐️</li> 

<li><b>Tristian Mercer (Lord of Mercy)</b>. MMC3. The rich pretty boy. Obsessive in health and nutrition. Voyeuristic. Control freak. Loves his little sisters to death. Unrepentant when it comes to safety measures. 4.75⭐️</li> 

 

</ul> 

 

<b>OVERVIEW OF PLOT</b> 

 

<b>Book 1</b>. 

 

When Story learns there’s no one to save her, she decides to save herself—by running into the house of the three young men who could destroy her instead. At Forsythe University, fraternities are more than beer bashes—they run the city through their dark connections, and Story’s stepbrother Killian and his friends Tristian and Dmitri are the “Lords” of the LDZ fraternity as well as Story’s best bet to security. How? By becoming the Lady of the Lords; a toy for them to use to win against other frats…and each other. Story’s reentry into the lives of this twisted trio causes them to up the stakes in their friendships with each other with Story’s announcement she’s a virgin. In their games with each other of controlling Story’s life, they’ll see which one scores her v-card and the privilege of breaking her. But games are only games when you know you’re playing them. And these young, twisted men may find themselves players in Story’s own games. 

 

<b>Book 2</b>. 

Secrets out about the game to win Story’s virginity, and it’s time for Story to move. Where her revenge once faltered is now back under full force, but she needs to hide her steel within silk. There may be enemies not-so-lurking in every corner, but Tristian, Killian, and Dmitri will understand what it’s like to have an enemy win. 

 

And for that enemy to offer a new game: <i>no</i> games. 

 

<b>Book 3</b>. (Favorite of the threee) 

Even with ever-changing dynamics, it doesn’t change the fact that, through the menageries of messed-up mayhem these four have been through, there’s still an underlying connection. There may be no more games or punishments or absolute control, but there still are unresolved feelings and unresolved mystery. This trio may be learning how their messed-up minds can coexist in a happily-ever-after, but reaching the end of that story may prove challenging when their enemies reveal themselves, enemies they hadn’t seen coming. 

 

<b>OVERALL</b> 

 

I loved this trilogy. I bought the ebooks. And I reread them a lot. 

 

Positive notes: 

<ul> 

<li>All the MMCs have distinct personalities and the trilogy shows you why they would choose to share Story not just erotically but romantically, how they navigate jealousy, how they navigate communication, etc. Loved that.</li> 

<li>Story’s shown why she would choose all three MMCs as well.</li> 

<li>Great, great erotic scenes!</li> 

<li>The sensuality was amazing too. No notes.</li> 

<li>Story’s revenge wasn’t far-fetched or thwarted easily. She was smart and well-thought-out in so much of her planning and execution. Good for her.</li> 

<li>This was an actual dark bully erotic romance. This was unconventional non-contemporary from the jump. MMCs were legitimate “bullies” to the FMC. But we saw how that darkness shaped their romantic and erotic relationship. I appreciate that.</li> 

<li>So much growth! I loved seeing how all four grew in their goals, priorities, and expressions of affection.</li> 

</ul> 

 

Having said that, I have a few negative-neutral notes: 

<li>Definitely were times I didn’t vibe with Story, mainly because of her not really understanding the assignment. Coming into a den of tigers means wearing stripes, and Story still tried to be “smart” about it. There were times I wished she remembered <i>she</i> signed up for this. Also, there were some moments of BBS, but I think, in the end, they were warranted.</li> 

<li>I don’t know friends who call each other “Brother” unironically often, so hearing that was odd. I did like Killian and Story calling each other “sister” and “brother” respectively though.</li> 

<li>The

pregnancy plot. It just made me go WHY.

</li> 

<li>I respect conflicting feelings on Story’s revenge on wrath. That type of revenge definitely felt more weighted than what she did to the others. I get why it happened, but I respect anyone who disliked it.</li> 

<li>I don’t know why Dmitri’s brother was mentioned. Here I thought he’d actually make some sort of comeback.</li> 

<li>All women characters beyond the FMC were slutshamed.</li> 

<li>I  wish Story had made some friends or had…anyone on her side. She was a bit of blank slate beyond her trauma. I  would’ve loved to see her have passions and interests beyond the MMCs. It’s why I didn’t rank her high enough.</li> 

</ul> 

 

I have dipped my toes into the second trilogy, but I don’t like FMC, so I think I’ll retain my love for the Lords. Good series, and I will rec this on dark bully erotic romance request threads.

 

This review will be on all three books. 

 

<ul> 

<li><b>Found On</b>: KU(US)</li> 

<li><b>Available On</b>: Amazon</li> 

<li><b>Audio</b>: Y</li> 

<li><b>Genre(s)</b>: dark erotic romance, why choose spoke & wheel (MFMM), bully erotic romance</li> 

<li><b>Demographic</b>: NA</li> 

<li><b>Page Count</b>: 356 (book 1), 422 (book 2), 538 (book 3)</li> 

<li><b>Tropes</b>: bullies/cruel heroes, naïve-ish FMC, stepsiblings (MMC1 + FMC), college setting, grumpy/ice heroes, enemies to lovers, virgin FMC, rich MMCs, silk & steel FMC 

<li><b>POV</b>: Multi, first, present</li> 

<li><b>Reproduction</b>:

Y – book 3

</li> 

<li><b>Third Act Conflict</b>: book 1

Internal

, book 2

Internal & External

, book 3

External

</li> 

<li><b>Intimacy</b>: sexual with penetration (graphic, on-page, plentiful), sensual (graphic, on-page, plentiful), emotional (moderate, on-page)</li> 

<li><b>Standalone</b>: N</li> 

<li><b>Connected to Other Works</b>: Y</li> 

<li><b>Other Notes</b>:

CSA (non-graphic, largely off-page), abuse, assault, nonconsented bruising, nonconsented microchipping, nonconsented blood play, consented blood pray, praise kink, siblings kink, clothing depravation, nonconsented humiliation & degradation, OWD, OMD, loss of parents, vindictive exes, fraternities being more than typical fraternities, death of minor characters, murder, killing, arson, anal, somnophilia (consented and nonconsented), exhibitionism, voyeurism, ableism, revenge, thug antics

</li> 

<li><b>Personal Rating</b>: Book 1

3.75⭐️|4🌶|4♨️|

; Book 2

4 ⭐️|4🌶|4♨️|

; Book 3

4⭐️|5🌶|5♨️|

</li> 

</ul> 

 

<b>CHARACTERS</b> 

 

<ul> 

<li><b>Story</b>. FMC. Early 20s. Survivor. Does what she needs to do. Naïve in some ways but competent in others. BAMF when needed. Insecure but for good reasons. Knows how to plan. 4⭐️ </li> 

<li><b>Killian Payne (Lord of Pain)</b>. MMC1. Early-mid20s. Frat legacy of LDZ through father. Grumpy. Ice king. Ritualistic due to football. Embodied “Bad at Feelings” AO3 tag. Has to learn how to be sweet instead of sour. Hellhound with a wounded heart. “Killer”. 4.75⭐️</li> 

<li><b>Dmitri Rathbone (Lord of Wrath)</b>. MMC2. Tortured artists.

Legally illiterate.

Came from unfortunate circumstances with an unexplained older sibling. Rath is cruel; Dmitri is kind. Smoker. Junkie. Knows the ins and outs of the streets. Tatted and pierced typical bad boy devil-may-care. Music and p*ssy eating is his kink. 4.75⭐️</li> 

<li><b>Tristian Mercer (Lord of Mercy)</b>. MMC3. The rich pretty boy. Obsessive in health and nutrition. Voyeuristic. Control freak. Loves his little sisters to death. Unrepentant when it comes to safety measures. 4.75⭐️</li> 

 

</ul> 

 

<b>OVERVIEW OF PLOT</b> 

 

<b>Book 1</b>. 

 

When Story learns there’s no one to save her, she decides to save herself—by running into the house of the three young men who could destroy her instead. At Forsythe University, fraternities are more than beer bashes—they run the city through their dark connections, and Story’s stepbrother Killian and his friends Tristian and Dmitri are the “Lords” of the LDZ fraternity as well as Story’s best bet to security. How? By becoming the Lady of the Lords; a toy for them to use to win against other frats…and each other. Story’s reentry into the lives of this twisted trio causes them to up the stakes in their friendships with each other with Story’s announcement she’s a virgin. In their games with each other of controlling Story’s life, they’ll see which one scores her v-card and the privilege of breaking her. But games are only games when you know you’re playing them. And these young, twisted men may find themselves players in Story’s own games. 

 

<b>Book 2</b>. 

Secrets out about the game to win Story’s virginity, and it’s time for Story to move. Where her revenge once faltered is now back under full force, but she needs to hide her steel within silk. There may be enemies not-so-lurking in every corner, but Tristian, Killian, and Dmitri will understand what it’s like to have an enemy win. 

 

And for that enemy to offer a new game: <i>no</i> games. 

 

<b>Book 3</b>. (Favorite of the threee) 

Even with ever-changing dynamics, it doesn’t change the fact that, through the menageries of messed-up mayhem these four have been through, there’s still an underlying connection. There may be no more games or punishments or absolute control, but there still are unresolved feelings and unresolved mystery. This trio may be learning how their messed-up minds can coexist in a happily-ever-after, but reaching the end of that story may prove challenging when their enemies reveal themselves, enemies they hadn’t seen coming. 

 

<b>OVERALL</b> 

 

I loved this trilogy. I bought the ebooks. And I reread them a lot. 

 

Positive notes: 

<ul> 

<li>All the MMCs have distinct personalities and the trilogy shows you why they would choose to share Story not just erotically but romantically, how they navigate jealousy, how they navigate communication, etc. Loved that.</li> 

<li>Story’s shown why she would choose all three MMCs as well.</li> 

<li>Great, great erotic scenes!</li> 

<li>The sensuality was amazing too. No notes.</li> 

<li>Story’s revenge wasn’t far-fetched or thwarted easily. She was smart and well-thought-out in so much of her planning and execution. Good for her.</li> 

<li>This was an actual dark bully erotic romance. This was unconventional non-contemporary from the jump. MMCs were legitimate “bullies” to the FMC. But we saw how that darkness shaped their romantic and erotic relationship. I appreciate that.</li> 

<li>So much growth! I loved seeing how all four grew in their goals, priorities, and expressions of affection.</li> 

</ul> 

 

Having said that, I have a few negative-neutral notes: 

<li>Definitely were times I didn’t vibe with Story, mainly because of her not really understanding the assignment. Coming into a den of tigers means wearing stripes, and Story still tried to be “smart” about it. There were times I wished she remembered <i>she</i> signed up for this. Also, there were some moments of BBS, but I think, in the end, they were warranted.</li> 

<li>I don’t know friends who call each other “Brother” unironically often, so hearing that was odd. I did like Killian and Story calling each other “sister” and “brother” respectively though.</li> 

<li>The

pregnancy plot. It just made me go WHY.

</li> 

<li>I respect conflicting feelings on Story’s revenge on wrath. That type of revenge definitely felt more weighted than what she did to the others. I get why it happened, but I respect anyone who disliked it.</li> 

<li>I don’t know why Dmitri’s brother was mentioned. Here I thought he’d actually make some sort of comeback.</li> 

<li>All women characters beyond the FMC were slutshamed.</li> 

<li>I  wish Story had made some friends or had…anyone on her side. She was a bit of blank slate beyond her trauma. I  would’ve loved to see her have passions and interests beyond the MMCs. It’s why I didn’t rank her high enough.</li> 

</ul> 

 

I have dipped my toes into the second trilogy, but I don’t like FMC, so I think I’ll retain my love for the Lords. Good series, and I will rec this on dark bully erotic romance request threads.

RTC, jotting down notes:

<b>CHARACTERS</b>

<b>Briella.</b> FMC. JoJo Siwa "adult". Written like she's a rebellious 18 year old. Inconsistent. Brown-skinned with curly hair (and she never wraps her hair either, hm 🤔). Big mad or big horny. Somehow in a bad position, but she still has a routine of which anyone could follow her and take notice, doesn't scrub her devices or social media presences, never uses dummy accounts and emails and VPNs—yeah, she really trying to stay on the DL. 2⭐️

<b>Jason.</b> Uni-student. Golden retriever energy. Casually crazy. Would love to domme him. 4.75⭐️

<b>Trip.</b> Uni-student. Carpenter. Motorcyclist. Papa's boy. Gruff and tough but eventually caring. Still Some Asshole© but one I think I could vibe with. 3.5 ⭐️

<b>Grant.</b> Some Asshole©. Control freak. Footballer. Daddy’s a Big Bad. Revenge plot. OTT J/P but badly executed. 2⭐️.

<b>Pianna.</b> Briella’s Bestie©. Cares more than her friend gets dici than her friend having a safe space and a healthy mindset. 1⭐️.

<b>STORY TIME</b>

The blurb was better than the actual content. This isn’t really a “dark bully” romance. A more accurate subtitle would be “Pseudo-Dark Assholery” romance.

🙃

The actual story is about Briella (brown/black FMC) who is a bad girl, who’s done some bad things JoJo Siwa style. She helps her messed up best friend Pianna get away from an abusive gangster Joey and runs him over with her car. Though neither Briella or Pianna check to ensure he’s dead because of course they done. 

Time passes. 

Rea estate agent Briella catches Jackie (a librarian at Groveton to whim she is mutually acquainted with) statutory raping a 16 year old male student. She uses this as blackmail, taking videos and pictures of the two, and keeping them on her devices—which is possession of CSAM, if I’m not mistaken. By blackmailing Jackie, Briella can finally become a librarian

Only she still enjoys property surfing like an agent.

In <i>Nimona</i>, there’s this quote:

<blockquote>
— <i>You want me to shift? You don’t want me to shift? PICK A LANE!</i>
— So you’re a boy now?!
— <i>I am today~</i>
</blockquote>

That’s how I felt with Briella’s jobs.

Anyways, Briella has been eyefucking Jason, who is the friendly golden retriever who’s casually crazy. His friends, Trip and Grant, help him blackmail Briella with her crimes of blackmail, though, for some reason, they focus more that Briella ruined Jackie’s life rather than her being in possession of CSAM and not reporting that a minor was raped.

Cool 🥴

Briella, as standard, fucks around and finds out that, no, these boys, sorry, these men aren't just saying this; they'll go through with threats. Well, Grant will. Jason is all in. Trip is halfway. Grant is the stereotypical hold out.

Entire book is largely Briella doing dumb things and being Big Mad. She, of course, has a soft spot for the caretaking Jason. She enjoys Trip’s protectiveness. But she and Grant are always at odds as Grant is the head of the group and she doesn’t conform to his will.

Eventually, Grant’s bad decision in handcuffing Briella to a bed and leaving her in his shared flat with the other two comes back to bite him when Joey’s brother Danny assaults her, intends to rape her and murder her. She’s take to hospital, where she’s done with games, and goes to stay with Pianna for her recovery.

Pianna, who should be in a life debt to Briella for saving her from abuse, yet she easily sells out Briella to the same men who she does know has fucked around with Briella, toyed with her, and left her to nearly be raped and murdered.

Friendship is ✨non-existent.

Doesn’t matter. Briella chooses these men in the end because she’s horny.

But here’s the question: why did they <i>choose</i> Briella?

Well, Jason thought she was hot.

But Trip and Grant chose her because they likened her actions to the Big Bad of the story, Grant’s mafia-adjacent power-hungry father Garry. Which, honestly, if they wanted to toy with her because she was in possession of CSAM and then never reported it? Solid 👏🏾 Nope. Nah. None of that. Eventually, Trip and Grant realized she was like them, not Garry, so it all worked out I guess.

🫠


<b>This was not dark or “bully”</b>. This featured an incompetent FMC who was either Big Mad or Big Horny. There was a dubcon to noncon scene in these with forced orgasms via vibrator. And the blackmail did initiate the relationship. But…that doesn’t make this a dark bully romance.

I’d like to repeat that why <b>dark fiction</b> exists is because it gives a space for stories to tell an explicit, concentrated, and consistent deep dive into the depraved and disturbing aspects of the human psyche, how far we are willing to forsake basic ethics and morals. 

Having to kneel on the floor and be hand fed isn’t that at all. Being horny all the time isn’t that all. The blackmail angle could’ve worked—but that only would’ve worked if we approached this about her storing CSAM on devices and her actually being competent and not just horny.

“Bullies” to me mean they’re actively ruining your life and you’re not enjoying it. You’re not getting horny to it. You’re fearful for your life and complying just to make it stop, not mouthing back and being snarky. And the bullies themselves can have an attraction to you, but they weaponize that.

Grant—I’ll give him that. I don’t know if I qualify him as THE bully, but he’s a bully kinda or a bully lite. But Trip is just Some Asshole®. Jason isn’t a bully at all.

So why state this is a dark bully romance. I expected all three MMCs to be bullies, not just one. And I was hopeful the dark part of this would be dark and not being too afraid to be dark.

Le sigh. Ah well. This was a freebie and it had a brown FMC, so 🤷🏾‍♀️

Welp.

Here we go again.

This story is a fastburn and showcases everything when FMC is pregnant, nothing before.

At nowhere did I care about the FMC or the MMC. FMC and MMC hardly cared that the additional stress could have seriously harmed her child.

But then again, so many romances with pregnancy or children tend to shove them aside so we can indulge in weird, no-chemistry sex scenes 🫠

Skimmed to see if the FMC actually cared about her pregnancy. She cared more for the MMC’s schlong than about her pregnancy. 

Honestly, I would love a dark romance pregnancy/abduction story where the pregnant MC is viciously protecting themselves and their wanted pregnancy, and  the LI realizes how they could’ve done some serious damage when a punishment they inflict gives MC a bleeding spell. Love me some darkness. 

Instead, this was just a book that really didn’t need pregnancy, considering how FMC nor MMC had much thought outside of sex. This could have been swapped with MMC abducting FMC to make sure she was compliant in repping his boy. I don’t know. It just doesn’t make sense that the pregnancy was just there. FMC had spinal removal surgery because she just did not really care about her pregnancy. It was her ticket to getting good head.

I regret even skimming this book, whomp whomp 🙃

I’m a you-know-what for barbarian stories, but this…

So I am a slut for tales involving the brute and his bookish bride.

But I had some issues with this.

In this tale, we travel to a fantasy historical land of a prosperous Narnia and the savage lands of Game of Thrones. Jem and Cador are opposites. Jem is a tender-hearted, spoiled, forgotten prince and Cador is a ruffian with no respect for other cultures outside his own.

See how this plays out?

Jem’s naïveté on how the world works is both his parents’ fault and his own for being so idle. His innocence honestly bothered me. It was explained well, yes, but still.

Cador from the start is disrespectful and dishonorable, from throwing away Jem’s books to treating him as barely a person.

I wish Jem had held out longer. He didn’t deserve to be treated in such a manner, so I rooted for him for not forgiving Cador during the ultimate betrayal (even if book 2 makes me eat my words because I become heavily disappointed with Jem and Cador’s relationship).

Cador was an arse, not sorry saying it. He blamed every travesty on Jem and treated him thus-so. The steamy parts of this book redeemed him, but at the same time, he deserved to grovel and beg for forgiveness he doesn’t in the slightest deserve.

The next book makes me feel “eh” about Jem and Cador. There is some OM drama in it which I love for Jem. He deserves to see someone treat him right for the start. 

Overall, this was a nice read and a reread. I did skim a few times since the descriptions become purple and lengthy.

3.75⭐️ rounded up.

💜

I loooved this! Again, thank you taramisu for reccing Amanda Milo!

Theresa. FMC. Mother of three wily girls. Mate of a Gentle-male (Tranq) and a fighter male (Avox), and she loves them, and they love her (no MM). Well-adjusted and well looked after by Keeper. Names Kory “Kory”. Comfortable in her body.

Kory. MMC. Ornamental human. Has sired dozens of children he never met. Crude. Angry. Hurting. Bestial. Asshole. Softy for kids. Realizes he’s wrong and wants to make amends. Rad dad. He’s schweet.

This was a book that is far into the days when humans have been captured as a species and bred by aliens. We’re focused on this current species of aliens that humans called Whistlers, because they whistle their noises, meaning they can’t understand “human humming”.

Theresa and Kory are set to be mated, by Keeper. Theresa has never known life outside two places, and Keeper makes an effort to keep her, Tranq, Avox, and their daughters happy and healthy. He treats them not as pets but extensions of his family, even if Tranq and Avox have leashes and cages. 

Kory is a rude motherfucker, but this tethers to his mistreatment by many people. Being forced away from his mother, being a stud, never meeting his children, constant abuse from previous owners—he’s done with it. And seeing Theresa, in his point of view, is seeing someone who threw away her identity as a human to be a Whistler’s pet.

As Kory stays on Keeper’s property, however, he gradually learns how different it is. Keeper is endlessly patient and very mindful of Theresa, the men, and the daughters. Rather than punishments for them, he does give them stern talking-tos. He’s more than happy when the girls whistle and learn his language, and he communicates to them like they’re people, caring for them when they’re sick, and such.

This doesn’t detract from the fear that the humans sometimes have with Keeper. He is still their owner. He’s still treating them like dogs to breed and tame and give treats to. He’s capable of selling them off. He won’t. But how would we fully comprehend that?

In time, Kory redeems himself when he sees how hurt Theresa is from his actions and words. He redeems himself to Avox and Tranq as well, but the girls love him. And he loves them—and his son.

Who may or may not love JoAynn’s daughter 😏

This was a great sci-fi book! 

<b>WHAT WOULD HAVE MADE ME GIVE IT A 5 STAR</b>

✨ More Kory bonding platonically with Avox and Tranq. I think Kory would’ve liked the fighting rings Avox goes to. But I wanted to see more masc friendship.

✨ While I understand why a non-linear story may work, I wish it had been linear. The flashback stories, to me, didn’t really reveal much how they were placed.

✨ A bit more individual time with Theresa and Avos and Theresa and Tranq. They both had unique dynamics with her. I wish we saw how they came to be.

✨ A bit more why choose. We see Kory and Theresa together at the end. I wish we saw how all four of them act together as an adult unit.

This was still an excellent book 🫶🏾

 

 

Lizzy. Dreamer turned cynical. Independent with age. Rejected Mate Syndrome. 2.75 ⭐️

 

Rhett. Shared a kiss with FMC and then bailed in being honest to his mates. Not much to say. 2 ⭐️

 

Jacob. Tough love parents. Loyal to FMC’s brother. Rejected FMC. Most emotional and forceful Prime alpha. 2.75 ⭐️

 

Mateo. Sofia (bestie of FMC) brother. Sexual. 2 ⭐️

 

 

 

 

 

This was a good read until it wasn’t.

 

Lizzy’s family is more concerned with “what will the neighbors think?” and “family forgives” than advocating for the safety, health, and well-being of their daughter—including vaguing apologies for their behavior in this. Her alleged best friend also thinks using force and stressing her friend out is worth it if her friend gets the D and her brother is happy. And, here we are again. An omega’s first heat with her pack is used to invite a pregnancy that has no reason to be happy right now, and, when there should’ve been more serious moments and grovel, humor and sex jokes replace it ad nauseam.

 

Great.

 

The only plus for me and why this was rated a 2 is that Lizzy wants time, and she gets it. She doesn’t stay in the same room as her pack. Instead, she sleeps alone in the nest. Her breakdown and wanting to talk about everything they put her through? Loved it.

 

Another plus? The OW wasn’t a massive dog. She came and went. Good for her.

 

 

Let’s knock out toxic families for one.

 

I hate this with a burning passion, where the families and friends infantilize the MC and make decisions on their behalf and ignore their emotions and history—and the MC rolls over and lets it happen. So off the bat? If the family is going to be toxic, Lizzy decides to cut them off. Family thinks she won’t, but she does, and she warns Sofia is next if she tries acting a fool. Lizzy then gets a cheap place near her place of work instead. Now her family is uncertain what to do as Lizzy went no-contact, and Landon is being blasé about it. Sofia is the one to bring up to the family about what she believes Landon did. This is where pieces start clicking.

 

Lizzy is sick, and maybe she’s hospitalized and forgot to take her family off her emergency contacts. Her family is apologizing and understands Lizzy now. They want her home, but they’re defending her from Landon and even the pack.

 

There is no forcing her and cornering her to live with the pack.

 

Maybe  Lizzy occasionally decides to spend time at the house, but she emphasizes she needs time. Her heat comes, but she spends it alone or something. Or if she does spend it with the pack, she makes it clear about birth control and not wanting to bring children into the mess.

 

The Landon plot can still happen, sure. But man, just nixing the toxic family and the meddling town and all the “force her to live with them” would’ve bumped my rating.

 

CHARACTERS 

 

Madison. Camgirl. History of parentification  (on herself) and early maturity to survive. Sophisticated brat. Confident. Competent. Sassy without needing to say she’s sassy. Empathetic and sympathetic. A woman with masks. 4.5 ⭐️ 

 

Luca. “Puppy”. Protective. Bodyguard. Outsider now wanting in. Caring. 4 ⭐️ 

 

Nicholas. Can’t remember much about him, honestly. 2 ⭐️ 

 

Avery. Homemaker. Submissive. Nutritionist. Artist. Secretary. 3.5 ⭐️ 

 

Vincent. Child of unsavory circumstances. Honors his mother. Dom. Quiet but kind. 3.5 ⭐️ 

 

Alex. Prime Alpha. Needs to maintain control. Clinical. 4 ⭐️ 

 

SUMMARY 

 

Wow. 

 

What – a book. 

 

And what a book that I’m confused why a second book was needed. 

 

OVERALL POSITIVES ✅ 

 

+ Madison being a confident, feminine “it” girl. Love that for her. Loved her confidence. 

+ Loved the dynamics Madison had with each pack member. 

+ Loved the sex worker rep! 

+ The initial first third of the book was GREAT and rife with ~tension~ 

+ Lack of shyness and embarrassment with Madison being sexualized. LOVE that 

 

OVERALL POSITIVES ❌ 

 

— Didn’t like how she didn’t resist and her “techniques” to be chased out was…getting closer to them. M’kay. 

— Wasn’t a fan of some of the “girlie” and “girlie-pop”. I don’t know. I more expected a black FMC at that point, being a black woman myself. I ended up ignoring all the descriptions and decided Madison was a black FMC with white-blonde passion twists so 

— Too many MMCs. Nic and Luca could’ve merged, relationship or not. It felt like Nic only existed for the relationship he had with Luca and not much else. Avery was just a glorified secretary/butler to the pack. He was more a gay bestie than an actual member of the pack. 

— Poly relationships that were just…there. Avery and Vincent’s relationship was all hyped up to be “what if she accepts us”, but nothing about that really happened. They never made a reveal. They were there. No one said a word. Nobody moved. 

— No relationship struggles. Everything was easy—too easy. Madison just “knew” and, I get it, she maintains a lot of masks, but  I guess I wanted to actually see how different their intimacy needs and wants were and fall in love with them making it work between them. 

— Another day, another “brat”, “BDSM” warning that really does nothing since no one knows what “bratting”  🥴 

— Sadie had a character assassination, but I also never read her book and never want to. She’s just another FMC who seems like she’ll turn the other cheek at violence because “I’ve never personally experienced it, so why should I care?”. Yeah, nah, not a girls’ girl, not a girlie-pop, none of that ish. 

 

 

More tension, more bratting, more sexual tension, less “easiness”, less “sex”. 

 

I enjoy Madison being a more sophisticated brat, but I would’ve abstained from her pranks personally, at least until book two. I would’ve had her be a bit more clinical behind doors and give itty-bitty pieces of herself to each MMC. Maybe she gives in, but then something reminds her not to, and the pack is slowly losing their minds. She’s still confident and playful and disobedient, but she keeps a polite distance for a good portion of the book. I’d love to see more sexual and ssensual tension as well, rather than actual sexual acts. The book’s strong suit to ME was the tension and not the act  itself. 

 

Third Act Breakup 

 

I know. I hate this. But I kinda wanted it so something happened. End of the three months, the bomb drop of Madison being a camgirl, Madison being overwhelmed, Madison reverts back Candy Mode, and the pack knows she needs to go. She gets her money, and she’s clinical about it. Maybe she secures her mother and her in a better flat or something. Maybe something makes her independently team up with Sadie, who might think the Kings Pack hurt her, but Madison disagrees and lays into Sadie for being an omega who turns her back on other omegas. Sadie gets the stick out of her butt and realizes Madison’s right, and she decides she needs to help or she’d be no better than an accomplice to her father’s crimes. The King Pack gets involved, naturally, but Madison isn’t going back to them. LanCorp is defeated. Sadie is the one, however, who gives Madison the courage and even takes some sense into the King  Pack. 

 

The end. 

 

Consolidate the Pack or make them more defined 

 

Again, Nic was just there. Avery was a glorified butler. All Vincent had was the trauma with his mother. Demonstrate more personality and dynamics or consolidate. 

 

Show more, less tell 

 

So Madison is an active member of the community and society now? Show it! Don’t montage it! I’d love to see Madison around a variety of omegas, learning their stories, and, in turn, she learns more about herself too. I wanted to see more intellectual and emotional intimacy between her and the MMCs outside of them being in the house. 

 

OVERALL 

 

A good read and one I’ll probably reread for the tension. I’m disappointed erotica took the lead over romanticism, and Madison’s confident and sophisticated bratting was dialed into a girl in love. I wanted to see more of her being icy and masked rather than just slotting herself in, especially considered her mottos on financial security over romantic security. 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: I received this book by HiddenGems for an honest review. All my thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

 

I wish I had more to say about this book, but this just wasn’t for me. By 20%, I was skimming. The inserts, the use of exclamation marks, the lack of romance between Juliette and Feidhlim, and the weirdness of El and Juliette’s friendship. 

 

 

Revaluating Elmas. 

 

I enjoy “Peacocking”, spoiled boys, but Elmas lost interest with his weird friendship with Juliette and Juliette just accepting him using blackmail and crap. The blackmail was just…contrived. He really was never 2ML material to begin with. Making him a friend of Juliette point-blank would have been a nice addition. 

 

Conlags. 

 

The “[foreign dialogue here]” (translations here) wasn’t necessary. If they’re speaking the foreign language, it would have been less clunky  to simply write what they say in English and use dialogue tags to declare they’re speaking another language. 

 

Juliette and Fiedhlim 

 

I was here for a Black competent FMC and a Draco-esque MMC, but what I was an FMC I didn’t have any feelings for and a pathetic MMC. Granted, I skimmed, but I would have bumped up my rating if they’d been dressed up a bit in their personalities. I didn’t cheer for them as individuals, and I certainly didn’t cheer for them as a couple. Maybe having them as an arranged couple with Juliette disliking him, and the MMC a simp for her would have caught my eye with the tension, especially with the MMC accidentally proving her right  about him in having private meetings with her father. I just…need more. I needed more compelling reasons why I should enjoy them independently  and together. And, in the entirety of the book, Juliette never laid down roots for her to be internally consistent to me, Feidhlim was just…pathetic for no real reason. 

 

OVERALL 

 

This was a 2 ⭐️ star read for me. I read it. I’m bummed that a BW/WM fantasy romance went wayside for me again. I want more BW/WM romances, especially as a BW myself, but this wasn’t for me.