Her Secret (Bad Influence, #1) by Ivy Fox

Her Secret is Book 1 in the Bad Influence series by Ivy Fox

Summary:
“Our love is so much more than a mere catastrophic occurrence.”

My name is Freya Wilson.
I am not your typical girl next door.
I’m far from it.

As my mother likes to point out since I graduated high school, I should be planning my life instead of wallowing around the house, in my pajamas all day. Girls my age are either preparing for college or taking advantage of the warm summer days that California provides in spades. She doesn’t understand why I prefer to be stuck in my room, watching the world pass by.

But there is a reason to my melancholy that she will never know.

I’m in mourning. I morn a love I can never have. A love that if anyone were to learn about its existence, I would be judged and ridiculed. Branded with names too ugly to mention. Years ago, I had made the ultimate sacrifice so no one would discover my secret.

However, now my secret is being put to the test. I will need to overcome one last obstacle.

When fate brings me to live under the same roof temptation lies, I fear I might not be strong enough to hide my feelings. The moment I set foot inside it, my life takes an unexpected turn and the vision I once had of eternal solitude, seems out of reach. The chains I have weaved around me are no match for the allurement the house next door provides.

There is no running away from love, and I was a fool to think otherwise.

** This is a Reverse Harem Story. **

Review:
Her secret is basically about a girl who is in love with her childhood best friends, yes that is plural. The issue is that they are brothers.
Relationship Aspect:

Okay, so this story started with a prepackaged background. Everyone already knew everyone, they already loved each other and the only issue was that she loved brothers. The brothers already love her, already in the mindset to sharing her. So there really was no waiting or angst in regards to that. Once they pushed her boundaries in the sexual direction it was like a free season on her. It had felt like the story was written around the sex scenes. With that said, the sex scenes were awesome!

I rate this an Attraction – A promising Story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out.
Rated: 3/5 Stars

Defending their Mate: (Tharan Warrior Menage Book 6) by Kallista Dane

Defending their Mate is book 6 in the Tharan Warrior series by Kallista Dane.

Summary:
ONE Captive Human Female
TWO Battle-scarred Alien Warriors
THREE Ferocious Dragons

The aliens won her heart –
Now they’re fighting for her life 

Aliya’s fellow crew members from Earth are all in love, happily mated to hot warrior twins in their new home on Tharon. But Aartan, the sexy Alpha male who makes her heart race, doesn’t seem interested in romance. What’s more, he’s shrouded in mystery. He doesn’t have a mate and no one will tell her what happened to his twin.

When she challenges him to kiss her and then swear he’s not attracted to her, Aliya unleashes the passionate warrior hidden beneath his cool façade. After one night of pleasure more intense than she’s ever known, he tells her they can never be together and sends her away.

But when Bophe, an old enemy from the past, kidnaps Aliya and threatens to have his Gornian dragons tear her limb from limb in the Arena of Tanis Major, she discovers she has not one, but two fierce Tharan warriors who will fight any foe in the Universe to the death to win her freedom and save her life.

Can Aliya help her wounded warriors fight their own demons and build a new life with them in a world halfway across the galaxy?

** This is an ADULT Menage, Themed Story. **

My Review:
Defending Their Mate is book 6 in the Tharan Warrior series. It is also a bit a short reading and included a lot of sexual content. So much so that I feel as if the plot of the story was sex. This was the first book in this series that I have read because it seemed to be the one with the least amount of submissive and dominance games. I am not really all that into a guy who thinks he can spank a girl because she does something he doesn't like, though a good smack on the bum while in the act is all fine and good.

I rate this Light Reading - A Short story easy to finish in an hour or two.
Rated: 3/5 Stars



Audio Version

Cursed (The Gaia Chronicles #1) by Grace White

Cursed is Book One in the Gaia Chronicles by Grace White.

Summary:
It isn't easy being the girl who feels the world...

Isolation is all nineteen-year-old Terra Materson has known for the last six years. Hiding from the cruel whispers and judgmental stares of society, she suffers the pain of the world around her in silence. The air that moves … the water that flows …the fire that burns … the earth that grounds, Terra feels it all. Despite her grandmother’s insistence, it’s a gift, she knows it is nothing more than a curse in disguise.

When her grandmother dies, leaving her alone and guideless, she is forced to step out of the shadows and into the light. Atchison College is the perfect place for Terra to learn to live again. Until she meets four guys with strange connections to the elements that torment her.

Together they lead her on a journey to the answer she’s always craved: Who is she? But as Terra quickly realizes, the truth is far more than her head, and heart is prepared for...

** This Story is a Reverse Harem Story. **

My Review:
Cursed is a story steeped in magic and lore. You can not help but feel for Terra as she tries to learn about who or what she is and meeting roadblocks that impede her. I tend to enjoy stories that start with a normal girl - or a girl that believes she is normal. Then as the story progresses she learns she is anything but normal. This story provides me with everything I love in a storyline.

Relationship Aspect
As I have stated countless times the foundation of a relationship is extremely important, more so with Harem themed stories. Curse provides us with a slow steady paced building of the relationship between Terra and her Chosen. My favorite as of now is Ross with Cael and Endo a close second, Sol is someone I would have to learn more about before I can have an honest opinion of him.

I give this a rating of Infatuation – You would read this story every chance you could.
Rated: 4/5 Stars



Audio Version

Voodoo Knights (Black Magic Harem #1) by Amanda Rose

Voodoo Knights is Book One in the Black Magic Marem Series by Amanda Rose

Summary:
Four dark and dangerous spirits haunt me.

They're black magic manipulators, voodoo masters—and they say they're here to be my teachers.

But can I really trust a man who turns into a cat? A motorcycle-riding jerk with a bag of souls? How about his top hat wearing friend or the weirdo that lives in the tree in my backyard?

Don't think so.

Then again, I might have little choice but to accept their help.

Somebody murdered my grandma and now that same somebody wants me dead, too.

These four guardians borrow their powers from mine:

Kriminal LaCoste. Samuel Baron. Sebastian GranBois. Zandor Red.

If I reject them, I'll be left alone in a world of monsters, magic, and madness.

** This is a Reverse Harem Story. **

My Review: 
Voodoo Knights is looking to become one of my favorite reverse harem series to date. Right from the start, I enjoyed it! I have read many a story that promises to be about magic and whatnot, but we never actually see anything. A good book about magic will go into the details and this one more than fulfilled its promise.

The relationship aspect:
As I have stated many times having a strong foundation in extremely important. Especially for the reverse harem genre. I don't really agree with who Sera gave her V card to, I personally would have chosen either Bastion or Zandor. Even Krim under the right circumstances because he was the first of them to actually open up to her even though he is supposed to be the asshole of the group. Though I guess if you were going to choose according to 'right place. right time,' then the voodoo god of sex is an excellent choice.

I really enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it with the warning of it being a reverse harem story. I should also add that many stories lately seem to end just as you are getting into it, but this one was a decent length. Great Job Ms. Rose, if this is your first attempt at writing, you killed it! Thanks to this story I will take a chance on reading any other stories you publish in the future.

I give this a rating of Infatuation – You would read this story every chance you could.
Rated:4/5 Stars




Audio Version

H.E.R.S (Tessandra Young #3) by Yalu Taylors

H.E.R.S. is Book 3 in the Tessandra Young Series by Yalu Taylors.

Summary:
A lot has happened to me over the last few months. I found out I was living a complete lie, my parents were fakes, everything I thought I knew about who I am, was nothing more than some sick scientist’s idea of an experiment. I was left hating the world. Then I met these really cool guys with superpowers. Hunter, Braydon, Quinn, Phoenix, Ace, Kalum, Declan, Zack, and Zayne.

I'm a superpowered woman, fighting the good fight, trying to keep my freedom. With the help of my boyfriends, I do everything I can to survive the harsh reality that is my life, enduring betrayals among our own, Government organizations chasing us and mad scientists messing with our minds.

One of my guys left me with a tough decision to make, but can I really walk away from someone I care about? Or can I find a way to live with his betrayal?

** This is a Reverse Harem story! **

My Review:So, H.E.R.S, it took a little bit to get into the series as if had been a while since I read the other two previous installments. Her use of twin nicknames was actually what help me remember which story and characters this series held. I enjoyed this installment as much as had the previous ones.


The relationship aspect:
As with all other reverse harem stories the foundation is extremely important. This series was a bit rushed in that part. I can see her having a strong connection to the Z-twins and Hunter since she knew them longer, but the connection with Ace and the jerk-twins came out of left field for me. With that said, the fact that they jumped into the physical part of the relationship so quickly is probably the most realistic part of the story. Sorry to say, but if we are being honest without selves, having all those good-looking guys hitting on you all the time, a girl can't help but be a bit weak. This is why the one-night stand is every girls' secret.

I rate this an Attraction – A promising Story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out.
Rated 3/5 Stars

Audio Version:

Snow Rises (Angels of Shadows, #1) by Larisa Long

Fearless. Soulless. Good. Evil. Angel. Demon. Warlock. Reaper.

I’ve met them all, but what am I?

My name’s Cassandra (Caz). At least that’s the name I’m going by this month. I’ve just aged out of the foster care system. I have no money. No memories. No future. No past. I was chased by an angel and a reaper who said I belong to them - they have my soul. I thought I was crazy until a demon and a warlock captured me and claimed I’m one of them. They say I don’t need a soul. I thought I was fearless. Didn’t know I was soulless. Now, I’m caught in the middle of an ancient war between good and evil, angels and demons, and both sides believe I was promised to them long ago. Am I even human? I don’t know who to trust. I don’t even know if I can trust myself

** This is a Reverse Harem Story. **

My Review:
Normally I could get behind a story like this one, with angles, demons, reapers, and warlocks. However, this one fell flat for me. I just couldn't get into it. I feel like she started the story in the middle and I am missing something. I understand that this is a mystery suspense, but I just could not get into the characters. I stopped reading it after 43%, maybe I will try again at another time and see if maybe it was my state of mind that kept me from being pulled in.
Rated: 2/5 Stars

The Dark Calling - The Arcana Chronicles, Book 6 By Kresley Cole

The Dark Calling is Book 6 in the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole.

Summary:
New intrigues, adventures, and stunning revelations fill the penultimate installment of #1 New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole’s electrifying Arcana Chronicles.

In a world teetering on the edge . . .
When Evie receives life-changing—and possibly game-changing—news, she has trouble believing it. Why doesn’t she feel any different? Is it possible someone she trusts might be lying?

With enemies at every turn . . .
Tensions seethe inside the castle of lost time as Evie starts to doubt her own sanity. Answers can be found outside their stronghold, but will Death help her find them—or prevent her from learning the truth about her future and Jack’s possible survival?

Darkness beckons. 

A mysterious, sinister power begins to affect the Arcana in its path. Forced out into the wasteland alone, Evie must depend on unexpected allies. But as a battle with Richter looms, can her new alliance defeat the Dark Calling before hell reigns on earth?


Review:
The Dark Calling is the perfect addition to the Arcana Chronicles. I enjoyed every minute of the adventure Ms. Cole brought us on. The only thing that sucked about this story is that by the end, I could not wait for the next book! I am team Death, so I am happy with how things ended, but I do feel back for Jack.

I definitely look forward to the next book and I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone!

I rate this story an Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down
Rated: 5/5 Stars

Audio Version:

Evolution: HEX The Evolution Series, Volume 3 By S. A. Huchton

Evolution: Hex is the third book in the Evolution Series by S.A. Huchton, AKA Starla Huchton.

Summary:

A lie is a prison without bars.

A captive of the enemy, Candace is forced to confront mistakes and regrets from both sides of the battlefield, including her own. Nothing is simple, and lines in the sand that were once clear have become blurred and indistinguishable. Even the unlikely love she found teeters on the edge of uncertainty.

The truth is not always what it seems, and can be a prison of its own.

Alone, she must decide where she stands. Alone, she must decide who to trust.

When the smoke clears, what's left might not be much…
But it might be enough.

Review:
Evolution: Hex starts us off with Candice in the hands of the Hex organization. The story progresses at a quick pace, which fits with this book as it is an action. adventure as well as a romance. This book was just as excellent as the others. Jackass Jackson evolved from the first book as a total jerk to finally he became someone I could actually like. His devotion to Candice was one of the things I loved about him most.

This was an excellent final addition to the story, all the loose ends were wrapped up nicely! Great Job Ms. Huchton!

I rate this story an Infatuation – You would read this story every chance you could.
Rated: 4/5 Stars


Audio Review:

When Evil Comes To Play (The Veil Diaries #5) by B.L. Brunnemer

When Evil Comes to Play is Book 5 in The Veil Diaries by B.L. Brunnemer

Summary:
My name is Alexis, though everyone calls me Lexie. I’m a Necromancer. I see the dead, talk to them, and help them move on. Well, I used to. Now, with the Veil closed, I’m the only way for a soul to cross over. It’s wearing me out, and according to my doctor, it’s going to killing me.

I don’t know how to tell the guys. I’m working on it, but there is so much going on right now; Isaac’s acting strange, Ethan’s worried that his brother isn’t eating or sleeping, Asher’s dad is back, and Tara is still snooping around my bedroom.
My symptoms are getting worse, and we’re running out of time. For everyone.

** This is a Reverse Harem story and may also include some triggering scenes. **

Review:
Okay, first let me start by saying OH MY F***ING GOD! This book was totally worth the wait! I don't think people realize how rare a thing that is. I binged read this whole book in one night, starting at midnight EST. I will try to leave my review as spoiler free as possible...

Okay, so in this installment, it starts out with Lexi at a Doctor's appointment, getting bad news. The story progresses at an even pace and I did not feel as if the author rushed or spent too much time on anything. Some questions were finally answered and some issues were solved. Overall this was an excellent addition to the series, well done Ms. Brunnemer! I can definitely add you to my list of literary goddesses!


The relationship progression:
Okay, so the foundation of the relationship is extremely important in a Reverse Harem. Especially from the boys' side of it. The boys' have to love the girl enough that the idea of not having her at all is unacceptable, that they would rather share her than risk not having her at all. I feel that this series embodies that idea perfectly. Lexi and the boys spent time getting to really know each other over that last five books that it makes it believable that they are all in love, truly in love. I especially love how the last few chapters are all from the boys POV, it lets us know where their mind is at the end of story. It's good to know if one of them did not have a POV in the middle of the story.


I rate this story Obsession - Once you start you can’t stop. I recommend setting an alarm to let you know when to put it down
Rated: 5/5 Stars


Audio Version:

Power & Choice (Iris Boys #2) by Lucy Smoke

Power and Choice is book two in the Iris Boys series by Lucy Smoke. 

Summary:

What does it mean to be an Iris girl?

Does it mean following instructions and respecting the authority of your team? Or does it mean taking risks?

The latter – I’m finding – is something I’m good at. When the guys send me to Ms. Enders’ Etiquette Camp for Refined Young Ladies, I know that I need to master the game and play the part of the respectable socialite. We need to find the answer to this question: What is causing the girls to commit suicide? I knew there would be danger here, and if I don’t watch my back, I could find myself in a whole lot of trouble.

** This is a Reverse Harem Story and may contain some triggering subjects and scene. **

Review:

First, you should know that I review a story for its storyline and plot only. I don't really pay attention to grammar issues unless it is so bad that it interrupts the flow of the story.

Power and Choice picked up right where Now or Never left off. However, it was difficult to get back into the groove of the story as it had been so long between the first and the second. I remember that I enjoyed the first book, but it wasn't life-altering. This one follows along that same vein. I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't life-altering. I think my main gripe is that Harlow is supposed to be a part of Iris now, as a new recruit, but no one tells her anything. We still have no real idea what Iris really is. Granted this is part of the reason I will probably read book three. 

The relationship aspect:

This is a huge part of any reverse harem story. The progression of the relationship is extremely important and I don't feel like she really connected with anyone. Only Texas has really given her the chance to know him and he's the one that was late to the physical part of the game. The others have already moved past the friend zone with her, but she has no idea who they are as a person and why they became who they now are.

I kind of wished the author spent more time building the relationship between Harlow and the boys before she moved past the friend zone with them. It makes it more believable that she truly can not choose between them if she loved them all, and you can not truly love someone if you don't really know them.

I rate this story: Attraction – A promising Story, but nothing life-changing. You would read the sequel as more of a backup story when you run out.

Rated: 3/5 Stars

Audio Version: