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Ruthless Desires #6
Vicious Deception
It wasn’t supposed to end like this. The guys’ enemy wasn’t supposed to gain the upper hand. But now Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver have been captured and separated by Ludo Holloway.
If they make one wrong move, the consequences will be disastrous. The only thing they can do is comply with Holloway’s wishes and do their best to secretly find a way to escape.
Wren barely managed to get away from Ludo’s men, and now she’s desperate to bring the guys back home. The problem is, she’s quickly realizing that she’s massively underprepared to save them. Even with the help of the guys’ allies, there’s no guarantee anything they’ll do will work.
But things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes, allies are found in the most unexpected of places—as long as it’s not yet another trap.
The stakes have never been this high, and the guys and Wren eventually all reach the same conclusion. Either risk everything, or face the inevitable: death.
Vicious Deception is the sixth and final book in the Ruthless Desires Series. It's a dark MMMF polyamorous/why choose romance book that contains high heat and dark themes. Please check the Before You Read section at the beginning of the book for more information.
If they make one wrong move, the consequences will be disastrous. The only thing they can do is comply with Holloway’s wishes and do their best to secretly find a way to escape.
Wren barely managed to get away from Ludo’s men, and now she’s desperate to bring the guys back home. The problem is, she’s quickly realizing that she’s massively underprepared to save them. Even with the help of the guys’ allies, there’s no guarantee anything they’ll do will work.
But things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes, allies are found in the most unexpected of places—as long as it’s not yet another trap.
The stakes have never been this high, and the guys and Wren eventually all reach the same conclusion. Either risk everything, or face the inevitable: death.
Vicious Deception is the sixth and final book in the Ruthless Desires Series. It's a dark MMMF polyamorous/why choose romance book that contains high heat and dark themes. Please check the Before You Read section at the beginning of the book for more information.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2023
188 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read
About the author
Elira Firethorn
16 books924 followersElira Firethorn is an author of dark, steamy, suspenseful romance. Writing has been her passion since she was fourteen years old, and it continues to be her favorite pastime—aside from reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
November 28, 2023
I’m so sad this series is over 😭 Blissful Masquerade was one of the first why choose books I ever read and I have a soft spot in my heart for Wren, Elliot, Oliver & Rhett.
Knowing that book 1 was just supposed to be a spicy little novella, it’s been really fun to see how the series has grown.
I was nervous we weren’t going to get as many good moments between Wren & the guys based on how book 5 left off, but this was a solid balance of getting out of book 5’s mess, wrapping things up, AND still giving us both sweet and spicy moments between all the MCs.
Highlights:
- Romance: MMMF Poly/why choose
- Revenge plot
- D/S dynamics
- Sp!ittiñg
- Deg.rad.ati0n
- 🔪 & 🩸 play
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
I received an advance copy from the author & this is my honest opinion.
Knowing that book 1 was just supposed to be a spicy little novella, it’s been really fun to see how the series has grown.
I was nervous we weren’t going to get as many good moments between Wren & the guys based on how book 5 left off, but this was a solid balance of getting out of book 5’s mess, wrapping things up, AND still giving us both sweet and spicy moments between all the MCs.
Highlights:
- Romance: MMMF Poly/why choose
- Revenge plot
- D/S dynamics
- Sp!ittiñg
- Deg.rad.ati0n
- 🔪 & 🩸 play
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
I received an advance copy from the author & this is my honest opinion.
December 11, 2023
Hmmm...it was kinda anti-climactic and just dragged on
December 3, 2023
this whole series makes me so happy!!!!
give me the prequel, and axel and finn’s books rn🤲please and thankyou
give me the prequel, and axel and finn’s books rn🤲please and thankyou
October 1, 2025
Vicious Deception was the absolute perfect ending to this series. I can’t even express how much I’m going to miss these characters, but at the same time, my heart is so full knowing that their story is finally complete. They can relax, breathe, and just be happy. I know they’re fictional, but I felt so deeply connected to them that seeing their problems resolved was almost like a personal victory 😩🙌
One of the things I loved most about this book is how perfectly the pacing mirrored the characters’ journeys. The boiling point happens around the 50% mark, and then the rest of the book is just… healing. No drama, no chaos, just them working through their trauma, figuring stuff out, and finally getting the life they deserve. Everything went RIGHT, and I was honestly so relieved 🙏
And to top that, I loved how long we got to stay in their happy ending. Most books wrap everything up and give you a tiny one-chapter epilogue, but here we actually got around five or six chapters. It made the whole thing feel so much more satisfying. I felt like I was fully stepping back into their happy bubble, and it gave me all the warm, nostalgic vibes from book one.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how perfectly the pacing mirrored the characters’ journeys. The boiling point happens around the 50% mark, and then the rest of the book is just… healing. No drama, no chaos, just them working through their trauma, figuring stuff out, and finally getting the life they deserve. Everything went RIGHT, and I was honestly so relieved 🙏
And to top that, I loved how long we got to stay in their happy ending. Most books wrap everything up and give you a tiny one-chapter epilogue, but here we actually got around five or six chapters. It made the whole thing feel so much more satisfying. I felt like I was fully stepping back into their happy bubble, and it gave me all the warm, nostalgic vibes from book one.
June 1, 2025
2.5 🌟
July 31, 2025
I’m sad to finish this series, but the happy ending warms my heart. I have loved these characters and their special relationship and, of course, the spice. This series set my bar really high for spice, and I think it will be difficult to find something else that compares. For this last book, there’s more plot and dialogue and repetition than I prefer, but it is maybe necessary to wrap things up. I skimmed most of the plot, including the torture of one of the beloved characters—it’s too disturbing for me to handle. But the s*x in the last half of the book is HOT which I absolutely loved! Love this author!
December 11, 2023
this book was so incredibly long for a book set to wrap up a series and yet there was next to no spice. bestie i want group sex! where's the passion?! stop getting kidnapped so you can have a smutty little time!
December 29, 2023
Honestly I really enjoyed the first 2-3 books in this series, but the following 3-4 felt like they dragged on and on.
This one especially. I struggled so much to keep picking this up to finish the series. In the end I skimmed the last third.
This one especially. I struggled so much to keep picking this up to finish the series. In the end I skimmed the last third.
December 24, 2023
An era has come to an end:( I loved this series just bc of how much the characters have developed in each book. Their stories will always have a place in my heart.
September 18, 2025
What a great end to the series 😭😭😭😭
July 23, 2024
An emotional rollercoaster. I was laughing, crying, screaming and smirking throughout the entire series, not just this book. Rhett, Ell, O and Wren, they all have my heart.
January 26, 2024
I’m glad everything worked out in the end but I was anxious for a decent amount of the book. Some of the things that the guys and Wren had to go through were awful but I’m not entirely surprised given the type of person Ludo was. The title made me think that there was gonna be a major twist and kept trying to guess who was gonna do the betraying. Personally like the smut from some of the other books in the series better but this still had a few good ones.
November 30, 2023
Thank you for the ARC!
This book was amazing. It kept you at the edge of your seat for the first part of it, but there were still some doubts in the back of your mind as you continued reading it. It had a perfect ending for our four main characters and they deserve to finally get some rest from all the trauma they'd endured.
This book was amazing. It kept you at the edge of your seat for the first part of it, but there were still some doubts in the back of your mind as you continued reading it. It had a perfect ending for our four main characters and they deserve to finally get some rest from all the trauma they'd endured.
January 13, 2024
How often can someone roll their eyes without getting them stuck that way? This book will help figure out the answer.
August 1, 2024
i’m really sad this series is over but i do have the say that this final book was very anti-climactic. i felt that the story kinda got dragged on.
November 26, 2023
[beta read]
Release date: December 1, 2023
Reaching the end of this series has been so bittersweet!
From a masquerade ball to a revenge plot 10 years in the making, and everything in between.
Just like the love these characters have for each other, I fell, and I fell hard.
Tender, angsty, and full of every emotion imaginable. There's so much growth, acceptance, support, and unbreakable bonds. Both the readers and characters get all the closure necessary — now all that's left is a season of immense healing, the freedom to live life to its fullest, and to dream big.
See y'all for the prequel <3
BLISSFUL MASQUERADE REVIEW: click here
PERFECT CONVERGENCE REVIEW: click here
UNDYING RESILIENCE REVIEW: click here
WRETCHED CORRUPTION REVIEW: click here
CRUEL BETRAYAL REVIEW: click here
Release date: December 1, 2023
Reaching the end of this series has been so bittersweet!
From a masquerade ball to a revenge plot 10 years in the making, and everything in between.
Just like the love these characters have for each other, I fell, and I fell hard.
Tender, angsty, and full of every emotion imaginable. There's so much growth, acceptance, support, and unbreakable bonds. Both the readers and characters get all the closure necessary — now all that's left is a season of immense healing, the freedom to live life to its fullest, and to dream big.
See y'all for the prequel <3
BLISSFUL MASQUERADE REVIEW: click here
PERFECT CONVERGENCE REVIEW: click here
UNDYING RESILIENCE REVIEW: click here
WRETCHED CORRUPTION REVIEW: click here
CRUEL BETRAYAL REVIEW: click here
March 10, 2024
THIS BOOK IS MINE HAHAH I CLAIM IT JUST LIKE I CLAIM BOOK 5
update lol hi. (finished the book on the 17th but forgot to post this review until the 21st lol)
finishing this series feels like a fever dream. i genuinely don’t think any word in any language will let me describe the love i truly feel inside for this series and its characters (minus the assholes). i want to say so much but i’ll try to keep it as short as i can so my tea doesn’t become cold lol.
first of all im glad those assholes richard and holloway are dead. fucking finally they rid this world of their pathetic existence. they were such a nuisance. LUDO’S POV WAS UNCALLED FOR. but i enjoyed seeing him panic. it was refreshing for my soul.
also i need axel and finn’s books like i need air. although it’s hard to forget his initial assholeness i actually like axel. he’s so good with benny and actually considered him like a son even if that was never actually voiced during the book. i wanna know his story tbh. i love a good redemption arc. and finn deserves to feel love again :( i love that grouchy man so much it actually kinda hurts since i know so little about him. i wanna know who’s the girl and just see him move on like he deserves. i better see cameos of the guys and wren in their books.
now onto more serious matters. i’m so fucking in love with all 4 of them. they’ve come such a long way and i’m so incredibly proud of every single one of them.
goddammit wren i disliked you at first but now you’re what i strive to be and i want what you have. if i never get to become the partner she is to the guys i’ll probably die from aneurysm at my failed life. she did so much for the guys and in so proud of how far she’s come.
elliot is literally so goddamn perfect i might cry. like MY HEART MELTED WHEN HE SNUCK INTO O’S CELL JUST TO HELP EASE HIS ANXIETY. HIS AND OLIVER’S DYNAMIC REMAINS MY FAVORITE TBH. he is o’s comfort person and mine too istg.
speaking of oliver. MY POOR BABY HE DIDNT DESERVE WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM☹️☹️☹️ I never cry when reading books but fuck i cried when my baby got tortured in that wretched basement. i wanna hug him so damn badly and never let him go if it’s what it takes to help him forget and never feel that pain ever again. he’s so goddamn precious to me.
rhett rhett rhett. who tf gave you the permission to steal my heart. SERIOUSLY THO WHEN HE FINALLY CONFESSED TO WREN I PUT MY PHONE DOWN AND SQUELED IN MY ROOM. my boy deserves nothing but happiness and im so happy he finally got it.
OVERALL IM SO GODDAMN SAD THE SERIES ENDED AND IM MOST DEFINITELY GONNA READ IT AGAIN. i can’t let them go☹️
update lol hi. (finished the book on the 17th but forgot to post this review until the 21st lol)
finishing this series feels like a fever dream. i genuinely don’t think any word in any language will let me describe the love i truly feel inside for this series and its characters (minus the assholes). i want to say so much but i’ll try to keep it as short as i can so my tea doesn’t become cold lol.
first of all im glad those assholes richard and holloway are dead. fucking finally they rid this world of their pathetic existence. they were such a nuisance. LUDO’S POV WAS UNCALLED FOR. but i enjoyed seeing him panic. it was refreshing for my soul.
also i need axel and finn’s books like i need air. although it’s hard to forget his initial assholeness i actually like axel. he’s so good with benny and actually considered him like a son even if that was never actually voiced during the book. i wanna know his story tbh. i love a good redemption arc. and finn deserves to feel love again :( i love that grouchy man so much it actually kinda hurts since i know so little about him. i wanna know who’s the girl and just see him move on like he deserves. i better see cameos of the guys and wren in their books.
now onto more serious matters. i’m so fucking in love with all 4 of them. they’ve come such a long way and i’m so incredibly proud of every single one of them.
goddammit wren i disliked you at first but now you’re what i strive to be and i want what you have. if i never get to become the partner she is to the guys i’ll probably die from aneurysm at my failed life. she did so much for the guys and in so proud of how far she’s come.
elliot is literally so goddamn perfect i might cry. like MY HEART MELTED WHEN HE SNUCK INTO O’S CELL JUST TO HELP EASE HIS ANXIETY. HIS AND OLIVER’S DYNAMIC REMAINS MY FAVORITE TBH. he is o’s comfort person and mine too istg.
speaking of oliver. MY POOR BABY HE DIDNT DESERVE WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM☹️☹️☹️ I never cry when reading books but fuck i cried when my baby got tortured in that wretched basement. i wanna hug him so damn badly and never let him go if it’s what it takes to help him forget and never feel that pain ever again. he’s so goddamn precious to me.
rhett rhett rhett. who tf gave you the permission to steal my heart. SERIOUSLY THO WHEN HE FINALLY CONFESSED TO WREN I PUT MY PHONE DOWN AND SQUELED IN MY ROOM. my boy deserves nothing but happiness and im so happy he finally got it.
OVERALL IM SO GODDAMN SAD THE SERIES ENDED AND IM MOST DEFINITELY GONNA READ IT AGAIN. i can’t let them go☹️
January 4, 2025
[ARC REVIEW] - I received this copy of the book in exchanged for a honest review.
✨ SPOILER WARNING HALF WAY THROUGH REVIEW✨
The book is a continuous continuation from the previous book in the series, Wren at Finns, so make sure to read the rest of the books in this incredible collection!
Truly, Elira has a way in character development which makes you really understand and appreciate each characters individuality, not two of the characters are a copy and paste of each other which is really refreshing, especially in a MMMF romance. As well as this, truthfully I wasn’t the biggest fan of Wren in the earlier books, however the character progression, especially in the previous and current book were amazing and I really came back to rooting for each character individually and also as a team.
In some ways this plot was darker than others, so please please read the content warning at the front of this book before making the decision to continue reading.
—- spoiler warning for rest of review —-
I love love love Finn. I think because we see everyone in the book either be in a relationship or having just had one. However, with Finn there is a mystery there and I really hope we get to see a bit more of him in the future.
Axel was a unique character this book. As the reader we go from truly disliking him to crying when he hands Rhett a final package of Gummy sweets, (maybe just me but I genuinely started to sobbed at 1 in the morning).
Although I am currently in a state of shock that this is the end of the road for the series I am very exciting to read the prequel, Finns book as well as axels.
I highly recommend this book and the whole series, personally this is my favourite series written by Elira, and I hope you enjoy it just as much!
✨ SPOILER WARNING HALF WAY THROUGH REVIEW✨
The book is a continuous continuation from the previous book in the series, Wren at Finns, so make sure to read the rest of the books in this incredible collection!
Truly, Elira has a way in character development which makes you really understand and appreciate each characters individuality, not two of the characters are a copy and paste of each other which is really refreshing, especially in a MMMF romance. As well as this, truthfully I wasn’t the biggest fan of Wren in the earlier books, however the character progression, especially in the previous and current book were amazing and I really came back to rooting for each character individually and also as a team.
In some ways this plot was darker than others, so please please read the content warning at the front of this book before making the decision to continue reading.
—- spoiler warning for rest of review —-
I love love love Finn. I think because we see everyone in the book either be in a relationship or having just had one. However, with Finn there is a mystery there and I really hope we get to see a bit more of him in the future.
Axel was a unique character this book. As the reader we go from truly disliking him to crying when he hands Rhett a final package of Gummy sweets, (maybe just me but I genuinely started to sobbed at 1 in the morning).
Although I am currently in a state of shock that this is the end of the road for the series I am very exciting to read the prequel, Finns book as well as axels.
I highly recommend this book and the whole series, personally this is my favourite series written by Elira, and I hope you enjoy it just as much!
August 1, 2024
I thought this was a great ending to the series! The beginning of the book is very suspenseful and has a couple of twists that I wasn't expecting. It's high action and full of drama until like 50% of the book and then it's just Wren and the guys tying up loose ends and how they move on with their lives. The only loose end we don't get is Wren dealing with Adam and getting closure with that whole thing, even though she was done with him a long time ago - since he came back into her life and was being forceful, I would have thought there would have been another scene or something with him in it. And the ending we get with Wren and Elliot's parents seem a little anticlimactic when it comes down to it. Yes, they're deal with, but it just wasn't as substantial as I assumed it would be. The spice does not disappoint in this book, let alone the series. They all let their freak flags fly, and damn, it makes for some good reading. So thanks for that, Elira. Solid 4-5/5 every damn book. You're doing the Lord's work with some of those fantastical sex scenes.
The emotional intelligence of the three of the guys is just unheard of. Like, it makes sense for one of them to be emotionally vulnerable and available, but all three of them are super in touch with themselves. They're all very self aware and mature, and that is one of the more unbelievable aspects of this series overall.
What Ludo is doing with his "prisoners" just doesn't make any sense given what all we know of his character from previous books and accounts from Oliver, Rhett, and Elliot. He has all of them in the house, in pretty nice rooms, is feeding them regularly, lets Elliot out of the house (albeit not the greatest of scenarios), allows Rhett to interact with both of his brothers, and there's no physical torture. I suppose that being nervous about what COULD happen is psychological torture, but it just doesn't add up to literally anything we know about Ludo. He's more of the torture now, kill later type. And the three of them have betrayed his trust and loyalty, which according to the guys, is the biggest betrayal that could have occurred. Sure, he tortures Oliver a little bit, but it's one time after Elliot pushed his luck too damn much. You would think that Ludo would put all efforts into finding Wren, while torturing the guys, and after he located her (if he's as powerful as he claims to be) bring her in and kill her in front of them slowly, and then kill all of them. Honestly, the way he's toying with them in this book just isn't on brand and is kind of unbelievable after five books of hearing how truly awful he was.
So, I established in the last book that Wren doesn't handle her traumatic experience well. But her handling it poorly was to be expected since she hasn't lived this lifestyle and has never had to endure anything like that. Oliver not handling his torture session well seemed a little dramatic though. Like ... you're a trained hitman/assassin, it kind of comes with the territory and I just feel like he would have been better equipped to handle and deal with that. They are all very emotional and attached to one another, and having Elliot witness it added a little bit something to it. But for Oliver to be haunted by it and not be able to face Ludo while he's being tortured doesn't seem like that's something that should really bother him as much as it does.
Wren really pisses me off this book. There's a meet up between Axel, Elliot, and Finn and she INSISTS on coming. Despite promising to listen and be safe, and not lie to the guys. Breaking promises left and right. She comes because she HAS TO see Elliot since it could be the last time. Seems like she just couldn't deal with not being included and had to get her way. She demands to be taken; potentially compromising fucking everything, just to be able to see her boyfriend. She's the fucking weak link. All the rest of the guys have training and can handle this shit. She doesn't and she can't handle it. And Elliot and Wren have 20 minutes together and of COURSE they spend it fucking. Could be utilizing that time to do so many more worthwhile things, but nope ... it's spent doinking.
And Wren going on the mission with Finn (and dragging Oliver's mom into it) has to be the dumbest shit ever. That's Wren once again being selfish and not considering that it will just make Finn's life more difficult. If she were actually an asset, sure, bring her. But she just makes more work for the people who are more involved and I reiterate ... it's her being SELFISH!! She's just fucking lucky that nothing happened while they were unloading Ludo's storage units. Seriously ... pissed me off so much during this damn book.
Legitimately laughed out loud when we get a chapter that's Ludo's POV. It was even funnier because he starts the chapter off so damn cocky, but we know that he's about to get what's coming to him. Shit did not go well for him. Was expecting more on that, since it's been their life goal for 10 years and they had him for weeks. But he was tortured for a long ass time and he did eventually get killed. Was just expecting it to be a larger part of the end of the book.
Bringing Oliver's mom into things is a great part of the book. She's a badass lady and has definitely been involved in some shit. Didn't bat an eye at anything and wanted to jump right in. They even let her start of Ludo's torture, and it sounds like she did a very thorough job. Go Meredith!
The whole damn series was great, and I'm honestly a little bummed that it's over now. If you like a reverse harem dark romance with loads of MM/MMF/MMMF/MF spicy scenes, definitely check this series out. Make sure you read the trigger warnings list though!
The emotional intelligence of the three of the guys is just unheard of. Like, it makes sense for one of them to be emotionally vulnerable and available, but all three of them are super in touch with themselves. They're all very self aware and mature, and that is one of the more unbelievable aspects of this series overall.
What Ludo is doing with his "prisoners" just doesn't make any sense given what all we know of his character from previous books and accounts from Oliver, Rhett, and Elliot. He has all of them in the house, in pretty nice rooms, is feeding them regularly, lets Elliot out of the house (albeit not the greatest of scenarios), allows Rhett to interact with both of his brothers, and there's no physical torture. I suppose that being nervous about what COULD happen is psychological torture, but it just doesn't add up to literally anything we know about Ludo. He's more of the torture now, kill later type. And the three of them have betrayed his trust and loyalty, which according to the guys, is the biggest betrayal that could have occurred. Sure, he tortures Oliver a little bit, but it's one time after Elliot pushed his luck too damn much. You would think that Ludo would put all efforts into finding Wren, while torturing the guys, and after he located her (if he's as powerful as he claims to be) bring her in and kill her in front of them slowly, and then kill all of them. Honestly, the way he's toying with them in this book just isn't on brand and is kind of unbelievable after five books of hearing how truly awful he was.
So, I established in the last book that Wren doesn't handle her traumatic experience well. But her handling it poorly was to be expected since she hasn't lived this lifestyle and has never had to endure anything like that. Oliver not handling his torture session well seemed a little dramatic though. Like ... you're a trained hitman/assassin, it kind of comes with the territory and I just feel like he would have been better equipped to handle and deal with that. They are all very emotional and attached to one another, and having Elliot witness it added a little bit something to it. But for Oliver to be haunted by it and not be able to face Ludo while he's being tortured doesn't seem like that's something that should really bother him as much as it does.
Wren really pisses me off this book. There's a meet up between Axel, Elliot, and Finn and she INSISTS on coming. Despite promising to listen and be safe, and not lie to the guys. Breaking promises left and right. She comes because she HAS TO see Elliot since it could be the last time. Seems like she just couldn't deal with not being included and had to get her way. She demands to be taken; potentially compromising fucking everything, just to be able to see her boyfriend. She's the fucking weak link. All the rest of the guys have training and can handle this shit. She doesn't and she can't handle it. And Elliot and Wren have 20 minutes together and of COURSE they spend it fucking. Could be utilizing that time to do so many more worthwhile things, but nope ... it's spent doinking.
And Wren going on the mission with Finn (and dragging Oliver's mom into it) has to be the dumbest shit ever. That's Wren once again being selfish and not considering that it will just make Finn's life more difficult. If she were actually an asset, sure, bring her. But she just makes more work for the people who are more involved and I reiterate ... it's her being SELFISH!! She's just fucking lucky that nothing happened while they were unloading Ludo's storage units. Seriously ... pissed me off so much during this damn book.
Legitimately laughed out loud when we get a chapter that's Ludo's POV. It was even funnier because he starts the chapter off so damn cocky, but we know that he's about to get what's coming to him. Shit did not go well for him. Was expecting more on that, since it's been their life goal for 10 years and they had him for weeks. But he was tortured for a long ass time and he did eventually get killed. Was just expecting it to be a larger part of the end of the book.
Bringing Oliver's mom into things is a great part of the book. She's a badass lady and has definitely been involved in some shit. Didn't bat an eye at anything and wanted to jump right in. They even let her start of Ludo's torture, and it sounds like she did a very thorough job. Go Meredith!
The whole damn series was great, and I'm honestly a little bummed that it's over now. If you like a reverse harem dark romance with loads of MM/MMF/MMMF/MF spicy scenes, definitely check this series out. Make sure you read the trigger warnings list though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
I loved this series so much but have to say I felt this book dragged on a bit too long.
I’m glad I got to say goodbye to the characters I have grown to love so much but felt it could have been about 20-30% shorter and had a greater impact.
I can’t wait to read Finn and Axel’s stories.
I’m glad I got to say goodbye to the characters I have grown to love so much but felt it could have been about 20-30% shorter and had a greater impact.
I can’t wait to read Finn and Axel’s stories.
Read
September 27, 2024a wonderful ending to a great series. this series has kept me locked in since book 1. i recommend it to literally everyone! i am so sad its over.
December 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
TW - panic attack, dissociation, reliving childhood trauma (emotional abuse and neglect, death of a young sibling, parental abandonment) and dealing with the aftereffects, fear of water, anxiety (crippling and throughout incl medication), skipping meals (due to anxiety/lack of appetite), forced suicide incl self harm on page, PTSD, infidelity (not between the MCs), insomnia, torture, murder, kidnapping, captivity, domestic violence (not between MCs), a threat to a child’s safety, nightmares, death of a parent (mentioned, cancer)
CW - degradation, bondage, spitting, D/s, collaring, leashing, edging, orgasm control, knife play (with cutting), and blood play, sensory deprivation (blind folds), DP
Tropes - dark, crime, reverse harem - MMMF, found family, revenge plot, separation trope
Vicious Deception is the final book in this series and unfortunately, I felt like it was a bit anti-climatic... I've enjoyed this series and really wanted more for this final book but it just kind of fell flat for me.
this review will probably contain spoilers for the previous books in the series x
I did not like Wren (FMC) in this book. She immediately came across as one of those girls with no self preservation who think they can do any and everything when in fact, they logically cannot but they're written in such a way where everything works out. It really irked me how much she didn't listen to Finn (the professional) when it came to her safety and plans to get the guys back from Ludo's captivity; Oliver's (MMC) mum also joining in sent me because what??? She was portrayed as someone who has this secret past and finding out her son and his partners are hitmen did not seem to phase her in the slightest - that felt weird to me.
The first 40% of this book felt like the same thing over and over but I did like how it seemed to pick up after this point. The smut was obviously hot, that has been something consistent throughout the whole series and RHs with MM really do it for me so ✅✅✅.
Rhett (MMC) is still my fav of all the characters and I really loved seeing him get the closure and start to get the peace he needs so he can move on with his life. I also really enjoyed his milestone of being able to say "I love you" despite his trauma. What I didn't like is that he said it to Wren first. Typically RHs revolve around the FMC but I didn't think this one did based on the actual revenge that was being sought throughout the 6 books. I personally felt like this book was more about Rhett, Ol and Ell (MMC) more than it was about Wren so I would have loved to see Rhett have that moment with them first especially based on their history.
We finally get to the point where they have Ludo and he's there's to enact their revenge and... it fell flat for me. For a series that was specifically about this revenge, there was not nearly enough torture and it defo was not graphic enough to the point where I was like... is that it? This may be the dark romance girlie in me talking but my point still stands 💀
Overall, I would recommend this series as it is a fun read and some of the books are novella length and it is defo smutty 🌶️
Blissful Masquerade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 (ALC (re-read))
Perfect Convergence ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Undying Resilience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Wretched Corruption ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 (ARC)
Cruel Betrayal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 (ARC)
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
TW - panic attack, dissociation, reliving childhood trauma (emotional abuse and neglect, death of a young sibling, parental abandonment) and dealing with the aftereffects, fear of water, anxiety (crippling and throughout incl medication), skipping meals (due to anxiety/lack of appetite), forced suicide incl self harm on page, PTSD, infidelity (not between the MCs), insomnia, torture, murder, kidnapping, captivity, domestic violence (not between MCs), a threat to a child’s safety, nightmares, death of a parent (mentioned, cancer)
CW - degradation, bondage, spitting, D/s, collaring, leashing, edging, orgasm control, knife play (with cutting), and blood play, sensory deprivation (blind folds), DP
Tropes - dark, crime, reverse harem - MMMF, found family, revenge plot, separation trope
Vicious Deception is the final book in this series and unfortunately, I felt like it was a bit anti-climatic... I've enjoyed this series and really wanted more for this final book but it just kind of fell flat for me.
this review will probably contain spoilers for the previous books in the series x
I did not like Wren (FMC) in this book. She immediately came across as one of those girls with no self preservation who think they can do any and everything when in fact, they logically cannot but they're written in such a way where everything works out. It really irked me how much she didn't listen to Finn (the professional) when it came to her safety and plans to get the guys back from Ludo's captivity; Oliver's (MMC) mum also joining in sent me because what??? She was portrayed as someone who has this secret past and finding out her son and his partners are hitmen did not seem to phase her in the slightest - that felt weird to me.
The first 40% of this book felt like the same thing over and over but I did like how it seemed to pick up after this point. The smut was obviously hot, that has been something consistent throughout the whole series and RHs with MM really do it for me so ✅✅✅.
Rhett (MMC) is still my fav of all the characters and I really loved seeing him get the closure and start to get the peace he needs so he can move on with his life. I also really enjoyed his milestone of being able to say "I love you" despite his trauma. What I didn't like is that he said it to Wren first. Typically RHs revolve around the FMC but I didn't think this one did based on the actual revenge that was being sought throughout the 6 books. I personally felt like this book was more about Rhett, Ol and Ell (MMC) more than it was about Wren so I would have loved to see Rhett have that moment with them first especially based on their history.
We finally get to the point where they have Ludo and he's there's to enact their revenge and... it fell flat for me. For a series that was specifically about this revenge, there was not nearly enough torture and it defo was not graphic enough to the point where I was like... is that it? This may be the dark romance girlie in me talking but my point still stands 💀
Overall, I would recommend this series as it is a fun read and some of the books are novella length and it is defo smutty 🌶️
Blissful Masquerade ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 (ALC (re-read))
Perfect Convergence ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Undying Resilience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Wretched Corruption ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 (ARC)
Cruel Betrayal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5 (ARC)
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
December 1, 2023
***ARC review***
Words cannot describe the emotions I have felt since finishing this book, thus officially completing this series. Ruthless Desires was the first smut series I have ever read and what got me back into my love for reading, especially introducing me to the world of dark why choose romance.
Book 6 was an emotional rollercoaster. The first half is all about the rescue mission to save Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver from captivity. Along with the rescue mission, we see what the guys have to endure during their time under Ludo's evil hands and my heart broke for all of them. Wren works along with Finn to get them out, and a particular unlikely ally that no one could see coming took the stage and honestly became a new favourite character for me; unexpected and jaw-dropping. Out of all possible scenarios for a rescue mission running through my head, this character's involvement never crossed my mind and I was thoroughly impressed with the way things rolled through. Tears of sadness were shed along with tears of joy when all 3 finally managed to escape captivity under Ludo's wrath and reunited once again with Wren. The second half of the book was more of an emotional healing journey where everyone works on ending Ludo and his empire, as well as healing from everything they have been through. Things progress smoothly towards a happy ending, and then certain events transpire that gets that heartrate of yours go wild again, just to go back to being happy again.
Overall, the series wrapped up perfectly with this book. It gave us the ending that was well deserved and gave us full closure on their entire story. The last few chapters are mini epilogues looking more into what the guys and Wren are all up to after Ludo's demise. It was absolute perfection and warmed my heart for all of them.
Wren, Elliot, Oliver, and Rhett may all be fictional characters on paper, but to me they own a piece of my heart. Completing this series feels surreal and slightly heartbreaking, but knowing Elira will be continuing to write about other beloved side characters from this series makes me feel like i'm a part of their mini universe. Ruthless Desires ended on the perfect note with the right amount of closure for everything we followed throughout the series. There was the perfect amount of spice to satisfy all our desires and kinks, the mental health representation was always on point and inspiring on how they stuck together and pulled through, and the relationship between these 4 characters has set the standards right in this world. This series captivates you in ways you didn't think possible.
I will definitely be re reading all these books several times.
Words cannot describe the emotions I have felt since finishing this book, thus officially completing this series. Ruthless Desires was the first smut series I have ever read and what got me back into my love for reading, especially introducing me to the world of dark why choose romance.
Book 6 was an emotional rollercoaster. The first half is all about the rescue mission to save Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver from captivity. Along with the rescue mission, we see what the guys have to endure during their time under Ludo's evil hands and my heart broke for all of them. Wren works along with Finn to get them out, and a particular unlikely ally that no one could see coming took the stage and honestly became a new favourite character for me; unexpected and jaw-dropping. Out of all possible scenarios for a rescue mission running through my head, this character's involvement never crossed my mind and I was thoroughly impressed with the way things rolled through. Tears of sadness were shed along with tears of joy when all 3 finally managed to escape captivity under Ludo's wrath and reunited once again with Wren. The second half of the book was more of an emotional healing journey where everyone works on ending Ludo and his empire, as well as healing from everything they have been through. Things progress smoothly towards a happy ending, and then certain events transpire that gets that heartrate of yours go wild again, just to go back to being happy again.
Overall, the series wrapped up perfectly with this book. It gave us the ending that was well deserved and gave us full closure on their entire story. The last few chapters are mini epilogues looking more into what the guys and Wren are all up to after Ludo's demise. It was absolute perfection and warmed my heart for all of them.
Wren, Elliot, Oliver, and Rhett may all be fictional characters on paper, but to me they own a piece of my heart. Completing this series feels surreal and slightly heartbreaking, but knowing Elira will be continuing to write about other beloved side characters from this series makes me feel like i'm a part of their mini universe. Ruthless Desires ended on the perfect note with the right amount of closure for everything we followed throughout the series. There was the perfect amount of spice to satisfy all our desires and kinks, the mental health representation was always on point and inspiring on how they stuck together and pulled through, and the relationship between these 4 characters has set the standards right in this world. This series captivates you in ways you didn't think possible.
I will definitely be re reading all these books several times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2023
Hello!
I want to give a huge thank you to Elira Firethorn for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review - allowing me to read the newest book from one of my favorite series before it was officially out! Life has been busy, and don’t even get me started with the holidays but I finally got to complete this book and I’m beyond happy.
Possible spoilers ahead!
I would like to start of with.. Goodness, each book is better than the last. I’m truly so proud of Elira and her hard work and the fact that I got to grow with this series, truly. Rhett, Wren, Elliot and Oliver have a special place in my heart and it’s such a bittersweet feeling that this series has come to an end.
Ahhh, this book was truly everything. The depth and the plot >>>
I love wren so bad but there were moments (like chapter eleven!) where I was on the edge of my seat and so pissed at her because please behave, this is dangerous!!!!! I was so prepared for everything to backfire and a plot twist that would stress me out! And I will also say as much as it stressed me out and pissed me off, you gotta appreciate Wren’s love and stubbornness for the boys :(
At chapter 21 everything felt so good…. But there was literally a whole half of the book left to read and it made me anxious omfg literally was even starting to over think like what if one thing goes wrong.. what if it’s too good to be true? What the hell what if O’s mom is not who she says she is.. I was over analyzing everything at this point!
Update; I love Oli’s mama so bad :( there was actually a moment where I wish we got to hear more about her past omg but moving on
Chapter 31 had me tearing up like.. actually ready to ball my eyes out :( the apology and interaction between Benny and Rhett.. my heart can’t take it. I love that little boy so much.
. . . .
I raise my eyes to meet Rhett’s gaze. “Did you hurt him for me?”
“Of course I did.” He sounds almost insulted that I feel the need to ask.
. . . .
I LOVE THEMMMM😭 Rhett getting offended is so funny I loved that part.
Sammy’s justice was finally served,
Ludo’s end finally came,
And this book was an absolute five star read. I said it above and I’ll say it again, this truly is so bittersweet. I loved this series!
I’m also super excited for more axel and to see who melts his heart. He seems like a tough one to crack so that’ll be interesting.
Finn’s story.. oh, I have a special sort of love for Finn. I love them all but he and Rhett have a special place in my heart. Im so excited for him and his love story.
I want to give a huge thank you to Elira Firethorn for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review - allowing me to read the newest book from one of my favorite series before it was officially out! Life has been busy, and don’t even get me started with the holidays but I finally got to complete this book and I’m beyond happy.
Possible spoilers ahead!
I would like to start of with.. Goodness, each book is better than the last. I’m truly so proud of Elira and her hard work and the fact that I got to grow with this series, truly. Rhett, Wren, Elliot and Oliver have a special place in my heart and it’s such a bittersweet feeling that this series has come to an end.
Ahhh, this book was truly everything. The depth and the plot >>>
I love wren so bad but there were moments (like chapter eleven!) where I was on the edge of my seat and so pissed at her because please behave, this is dangerous!!!!! I was so prepared for everything to backfire and a plot twist that would stress me out! And I will also say as much as it stressed me out and pissed me off, you gotta appreciate Wren’s love and stubbornness for the boys :(
At chapter 21 everything felt so good…. But there was literally a whole half of the book left to read and it made me anxious omfg literally was even starting to over think like what if one thing goes wrong.. what if it’s too good to be true? What the hell what if O’s mom is not who she says she is.. I was over analyzing everything at this point!
Update; I love Oli’s mama so bad :( there was actually a moment where I wish we got to hear more about her past omg but moving on
Chapter 31 had me tearing up like.. actually ready to ball my eyes out :( the apology and interaction between Benny and Rhett.. my heart can’t take it. I love that little boy so much.
. . . .
I raise my eyes to meet Rhett’s gaze. “Did you hurt him for me?”
“Of course I did.” He sounds almost insulted that I feel the need to ask.
. . . .
I LOVE THEMMMM😭 Rhett getting offended is so funny I loved that part.
Sammy’s justice was finally served,
Ludo’s end finally came,
And this book was an absolute five star read. I said it above and I’ll say it again, this truly is so bittersweet. I loved this series!
I’m also super excited for more axel and to see who melts his heart. He seems like a tough one to crack so that’ll be interesting.
Finn’s story.. oh, I have a special sort of love for Finn. I love them all but he and Rhett have a special place in my heart. Im so excited for him and his love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2023
{ARC REVIEW}
Firstly I wanted to thank the author, Elira, for this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
This book is the longest in the series and yet it didn’t seem long enough. I finished it in one day, and I’m still hung up on it. I can’t believe it’s over. Wren, Ell, O & Rhett have my entire heart. The ending was such a beautiful and fitting end for them all, although as someone who didn’t ever want it to end, it felt inconclusive lol. I NEED more 😭!
Let me tell you though, Elira, put us through the wringer with this one 😭, I thought Wrens kidnapping was bad enough, then all three guys get caught & tortured. My heart broke for Oliver so much in this book. One meal a day??? And to top it off, the cattle prod. Fuck Ludo frfr! I’m glad he’s taken care of in the most torturous of ways. Also Axel, was definitely a plot twist I didn’t see coming! Cant say I particularly like him but I’m glad he helped the boys 🥹.
They all had an undying resilience in surviving ludo. The little knocks on the wall between ell and o. Ell sneaking into Oliver’s room. Rhett staring up at them both from outside 🥺. Wren finding evidence to get her boys back.
I fell in love with all of them, each for their personalities, and together as one. The amount of love, support, strength & understanding, they had for each other when one of them was suffering or traumatized was incredibly special and beautiful to see.
I know we shouldn’t have favorites, I promise I do love them all so much, Rhett just had my heart since the beginning, his emotional growth was amazing to see throughout the series, I was very happy and proud when he finally was able to say what he felt to wren, with no restrictions or tension 🩷.
The way he was with Benny, was the cutest, I hope Andrew comes around eventually.
Wren getting the butterfly 🦋 tattoo??? My heart ❤️.
Her and Finn make a good team, even if he pretends to be annoyed by her presence or insistence haha. Also, Ol’s mom, Meredith!? What a BADASS 👏🏼! I love her so much, it’s so cute how she’s the “mom” of them all.
Life after ludo, is beautiful to see. The healing is especially beautiful. They all are working on their dreams, and I couldn’t be happier with how it ended. They got their HEA. Who’s to say I can’t get 3 men obsessed with me by working at a cafe 😏, haha the delusions are kicking in.
I’m excited for Finn’s and Axel’s books & hopefully we see some Ell,O, Wren, & Rhett crumbs 🤭.
5/5⭐️!!! I’d give it ten if possible.
Firstly I wanted to thank the author, Elira, for this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
This book is the longest in the series and yet it didn’t seem long enough. I finished it in one day, and I’m still hung up on it. I can’t believe it’s over. Wren, Ell, O & Rhett have my entire heart. The ending was such a beautiful and fitting end for them all, although as someone who didn’t ever want it to end, it felt inconclusive lol. I NEED more 😭!
Let me tell you though, Elira, put us through the wringer with this one 😭, I thought Wrens kidnapping was bad enough, then all three guys get caught & tortured. My heart broke for Oliver so much in this book. One meal a day??? And to top it off, the cattle prod. Fuck Ludo frfr! I’m glad he’s taken care of in the most torturous of ways. Also Axel, was definitely a plot twist I didn’t see coming! Cant say I particularly like him but I’m glad he helped the boys 🥹.
They all had an undying resilience in surviving ludo. The little knocks on the wall between ell and o. Ell sneaking into Oliver’s room. Rhett staring up at them both from outside 🥺. Wren finding evidence to get her boys back.
I fell in love with all of them, each for their personalities, and together as one. The amount of love, support, strength & understanding, they had for each other when one of them was suffering or traumatized was incredibly special and beautiful to see.
I know we shouldn’t have favorites, I promise I do love them all so much, Rhett just had my heart since the beginning, his emotional growth was amazing to see throughout the series, I was very happy and proud when he finally was able to say what he felt to wren, with no restrictions or tension 🩷.
The way he was with Benny, was the cutest, I hope Andrew comes around eventually.
Wren getting the butterfly 🦋 tattoo??? My heart ❤️.
Her and Finn make a good team, even if he pretends to be annoyed by her presence or insistence haha. Also, Ol’s mom, Meredith!? What a BADASS 👏🏼! I love her so much, it’s so cute how she’s the “mom” of them all.
Life after ludo, is beautiful to see. The healing is especially beautiful. They all are working on their dreams, and I couldn’t be happier with how it ended. They got their HEA. Who’s to say I can’t get 3 men obsessed with me by working at a cafe 😏, haha the delusions are kicking in.
I’m excited for Finn’s and Axel’s books & hopefully we see some Ell,O, Wren, & Rhett crumbs 🤭.
5/5⭐️!!! I’d give it ten if possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
Stars: 10000/5 Spice: 1000/5
I closed this book, a bittersweet ache settling in my chest like a fallen star, its light still burning bright in my mind.
When I received the ARC copy of Vicious Deception, I'll admit I was afraid, definitely a big part of it being how the last book ended. Reading the first few chapters of this book made me choke up with hopelessness, scared of what was about to happen, which I believe is proof of the magic Firethorn has wrought in connecting us to the characters.
As the stakes were raised to the sky, the fear in all of the character’s hearts was almost tangible. The way they navigate the challenges, working against all odds like a well-oiled machine when they can barely even communicate with each other, unfolds beautifully. The tragedy of separation, while reading each of their internal monologues is a heartwrenchingly well done beginning to the end.
Among betrayals and shocking new revelations, the pacing of the book never fails to make you keep turning the pages. The book made me cry, scream, swoon, and smile like riding a languid wave of emotions. The side of Rhett we see with his brothers, Finn with Wren, and Meredith with all of them honestly warmed my heart.
The intimacy, the passion, and the absolute love and adoration the characters have with each other in every simmering moment makes me truly wish and hope to have something as precious as the bond they share.
As it came to an end, though I was sad at the closing chapter in their lives, I couldn’t be more happy at how things folded out. It was the closure and peaceful future that they deserved. Ah, their story will stay with me, in its own special corner of my heart.
It was a beautiful journey over the years seeing these characters grow and experience life through their eyes. Elliot, Oliver, Rhett, and Wren will always be a part of my heart. I honestly cannot wait for the promised prequel and Finn and Axel’s books to glimpse into the mysteries of their stories, because I'm definitely not ready to leave their part of Philadelphia yet.
Here's to one hell of a book hangover.
I closed this book, a bittersweet ache settling in my chest like a fallen star, its light still burning bright in my mind.
When I received the ARC copy of Vicious Deception, I'll admit I was afraid, definitely a big part of it being how the last book ended. Reading the first few chapters of this book made me choke up with hopelessness, scared of what was about to happen, which I believe is proof of the magic Firethorn has wrought in connecting us to the characters.
As the stakes were raised to the sky, the fear in all of the character’s hearts was almost tangible. The way they navigate the challenges, working against all odds like a well-oiled machine when they can barely even communicate with each other, unfolds beautifully. The tragedy of separation, while reading each of their internal monologues is a heartwrenchingly well done beginning to the end.
Among betrayals and shocking new revelations, the pacing of the book never fails to make you keep turning the pages. The book made me cry, scream, swoon, and smile like riding a languid wave of emotions. The side of Rhett we see with his brothers, Finn with Wren, and Meredith with all of them honestly warmed my heart.
The intimacy, the passion, and the absolute love and adoration the characters have with each other in every simmering moment makes me truly wish and hope to have something as precious as the bond they share.
As it came to an end, though I was sad at the closing chapter in their lives, I couldn’t be more happy at how things folded out. It was the closure and peaceful future that they deserved. Ah, their story will stay with me, in its own special corner of my heart.
It was a beautiful journey over the years seeing these characters grow and experience life through their eyes. Elliot, Oliver, Rhett, and Wren will always be a part of my heart. I honestly cannot wait for the promised prequel and Finn and Axel’s books to glimpse into the mysteries of their stories, because I'm definitely not ready to leave their part of Philadelphia yet.
Here's to one hell of a book hangover.
February 4, 2024
This book was given to me as an ARC Reivew however, I give my honest opinion.
I want to start off by saying I LOVED the majority of this series and there is MUCH to love about it. Books 1-4 probably were all 5 stars for me and it drops off from there a bit. The dynamic, love and care the characters have for each other is what keeps me reading. I could literally read about their home life and them navigating getting to know each other. I love the way Elira writes the main characters, no real physical descriptors but they ALL have such distinct personalities. I never wonder who they are talking about or who is speaking, this is a big complaint of mine in reverse harems, where the men simply just run together or are basically the same person.
--SOME MINOR SPOILERS STARTING NOW--
The whole Ludo situation just did not do it for me, I knew he was the main "bad guy" and theme in all the books but it just fell flat for me. He was hyped up to be the biggest bad and he captured them to what? PSYCHOLOGICAL torture by simply separating them?? Make Elliot do odd jobs? It just didn't make sense for me. The guys are bad ass hit men, I wanted them to be bad ass hit men! It was a lot of worried inner thoughts which I get and can totally appreciate but I am honestly confused someone so evil and powerful as Ludo just didn't kill them like he killed so easily before (maybe I am missing something?) There were also too many new characters that were introduced in my opinion just to move the Ludo narrative along like Aubrey and Merdedith's contributions. For them to finally get retribution, I was hoping it would be more, epic? Other than that, I love the full circle healing for Rhett and Elliot with their parents. I wished there was an epilogue or something because I am a junky for their 4 way relationship. (PLEASE ELIRA write some shorts about them)
I will 100% be reading everything Elira writes just because her main characters are top notch as well as their relationships and character development. I truly felt the love Wren, Elliot, Oliver and Rhett had foe each other, thanks for this ARC!
I want to start off by saying I LOVED the majority of this series and there is MUCH to love about it. Books 1-4 probably were all 5 stars for me and it drops off from there a bit. The dynamic, love and care the characters have for each other is what keeps me reading. I could literally read about their home life and them navigating getting to know each other. I love the way Elira writes the main characters, no real physical descriptors but they ALL have such distinct personalities. I never wonder who they are talking about or who is speaking, this is a big complaint of mine in reverse harems, where the men simply just run together or are basically the same person.
--SOME MINOR SPOILERS STARTING NOW--
The whole Ludo situation just did not do it for me, I knew he was the main "bad guy" and theme in all the books but it just fell flat for me. He was hyped up to be the biggest bad and he captured them to what? PSYCHOLOGICAL torture by simply separating them?? Make Elliot do odd jobs? It just didn't make sense for me. The guys are bad ass hit men, I wanted them to be bad ass hit men! It was a lot of worried inner thoughts which I get and can totally appreciate but I am honestly confused someone so evil and powerful as Ludo just didn't kill them like he killed so easily before (maybe I am missing something?) There were also too many new characters that were introduced in my opinion just to move the Ludo narrative along like Aubrey and Merdedith's contributions. For them to finally get retribution, I was hoping it would be more, epic? Other than that, I love the full circle healing for Rhett and Elliot with their parents. I wished there was an epilogue or something because I am a junky for their 4 way relationship. (PLEASE ELIRA write some shorts about them)
I will 100% be reading everything Elira writes just because her main characters are top notch as well as their relationships and character development. I truly felt the love Wren, Elliot, Oliver and Rhett had foe each other, thanks for this ARC!
February 2, 2025
Vicious Deception
HERO /HEROINE:
Wren is a barista working at a coffee shop. Major issues to work out from previous relationship abuse. Her dream is to work in Graphic design and travel the world. Currently in a new relationship with three men.
Oliver, Rhett, and Elliot, guys who have known each other since high school. They work, live, and are in a relationship with each other. As far as I can tell there is no “leader” between them. The guys are hitmen.
Rhett comes across as standoffish but really he's just a nervous puppy with anger issues, and he has major trauma over the death of his sister.
Oliver comes across as the golden retriever type and he has Mental health issues.
Elliot is the charming one.
REPRESENTATION: MMMF, MM
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Last one, thank fuck. The boys are prisoner and they rock the boat. Wren is annoying and sobbing. So glad this series is over.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
I'm kind of annoyed by all of them. This series dragged on and on, but parts still felt rushed. I wish the author didn't spend so much time dragging out the first four books. This series did not have to be so traumatizing and long. The sex scenes were awful in terms of the amount of them and how they dragged on. I'm so tired of reading them. Also, these characters are just so forgiving over stupidity that is actually dangerous, how have they survived this long?
SAFETY
AGE:
The guys were in the same grade together growing up so I think they are all around 28.
SEXUAL HISTORY:
They continue to have deeply emotional and intimate sex with each other.
CONDOMS:
Nah
TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
5/5 but I'm sick of them so it's not even hot.
PUSH/PULL:
No
SEPARATION:
A few weeks, possibly a month.
CHEATING:
No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
No
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS:
Violence
HEA/HFN:
HEA
HERO /HEROINE:
Wren is a barista working at a coffee shop. Major issues to work out from previous relationship abuse. Her dream is to work in Graphic design and travel the world. Currently in a new relationship with three men.
Oliver, Rhett, and Elliot, guys who have known each other since high school. They work, live, and are in a relationship with each other. As far as I can tell there is no “leader” between them. The guys are hitmen.
Rhett comes across as standoffish but really he's just a nervous puppy with anger issues, and he has major trauma over the death of his sister.
Oliver comes across as the golden retriever type and he has Mental health issues.
Elliot is the charming one.
REPRESENTATION: MMMF, MM
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Last one, thank fuck. The boys are prisoner and they rock the boat. Wren is annoying and sobbing. So glad this series is over.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
I'm kind of annoyed by all of them. This series dragged on and on, but parts still felt rushed. I wish the author didn't spend so much time dragging out the first four books. This series did not have to be so traumatizing and long. The sex scenes were awful in terms of the amount of them and how they dragged on. I'm so tired of reading them. Also, these characters are just so forgiving over stupidity that is actually dangerous, how have they survived this long?
SAFETY
AGE:
The guys were in the same grade together growing up so I think they are all around 28.
SEXUAL HISTORY:
They continue to have deeply emotional and intimate sex with each other.
CONDOMS:
Nah
TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
5/5 but I'm sick of them so it's not even hot.
PUSH/PULL:
No
SEPARATION:
A few weeks, possibly a month.
CHEATING:
No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
No
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS:
Violence
HEA/HFN:
HEA
December 3, 2023
December 1-2
It wasn’t supposed to end like this. The guys’ enemy wasn’t supposed to gain the upper hand. But now Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver have been captured and separated by Ludo Holloway.
If they make one wrong move, the consequences will be disastrous. The only thing they can do is comply with Holloway’s wishes and do their best to secretly find a way to escape.
Wren barely managed to get away from Ludo’s men, and now she’s desperate to bring the guys back home. The problem is, she’s quickly realizing that she’s massively underprepared to save them. Even with the help of the guys’ allies, there’s no guarantee anything they’ll do will work.
But things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes, allies are found in the most unexpected of places—as long as it’s not yet another trap.
The stakes have never been this high, and the guys and Wren eventually all reach the same conclusion. Either risk everything, or face the inevitable: death.
Review : I'm so sad this series is over
But I'm glad they took down Ludo and Richard and got their happy ending .
The boys are kidnapped, and Wren is freaking out she's with Finn to figure out what's going on .
Meanwhile, they are all separated, and Elliot is forced to take jobs to keep Benny and Andrew alive
Rhett meets Benny
Axel, one of Ludo men, is gonna help Elliot out
And Wren is helping to look into stuff and get the guys out of there
The trauma Oliver went through is sad
His mom knows what he really does cause Wren had to tell her .
They take Ludo to their home base to kill him .
But before that, Rhett takes out his father
The spice 🌶🌶🌶 so hot as always with these men .
They take out Ludo and are finally at peace
Wren opens a bookstore . Oliver starts teaching people piano .
It wasn’t supposed to end like this. The guys’ enemy wasn’t supposed to gain the upper hand. But now Elliot, Rhett, and Oliver have been captured and separated by Ludo Holloway.
If they make one wrong move, the consequences will be disastrous. The only thing they can do is comply with Holloway’s wishes and do their best to secretly find a way to escape.
Wren barely managed to get away from Ludo’s men, and now she’s desperate to bring the guys back home. The problem is, she’s quickly realizing that she’s massively underprepared to save them. Even with the help of the guys’ allies, there’s no guarantee anything they’ll do will work.
But things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes, allies are found in the most unexpected of places—as long as it’s not yet another trap.
The stakes have never been this high, and the guys and Wren eventually all reach the same conclusion. Either risk everything, or face the inevitable: death.
Review : I'm so sad this series is over
But I'm glad they took down Ludo and Richard and got their happy ending .
The boys are kidnapped, and Wren is freaking out she's with Finn to figure out what's going on .
Meanwhile, they are all separated, and Elliot is forced to take jobs to keep Benny and Andrew alive
Rhett meets Benny
Axel, one of Ludo men, is gonna help Elliot out
And Wren is helping to look into stuff and get the guys out of there
The trauma Oliver went through is sad
His mom knows what he really does cause Wren had to tell her .
They take Ludo to their home base to kill him .
But before that, Rhett takes out his father
The spice 🌶🌶🌶 so hot as always with these men .
They take out Ludo and are finally at peace
Wren opens a bookstore . Oliver starts teaching people piano .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
If I’m being completely honest, I was really nervous about reading this book. You have no idea how much I fell in love with this series and I wasn’t ready for it to end. I’m still processing the fact that it’s over.
Firethorn put me through the ringer with the series in general, but this book in particular takes the win. I quite literally could not put it down. I was obsessed. It was an absolute necessity to know what would happen next. The way that Firethorn builds these characters and storyline is something that doesn’t come around very often. All the things her characters go through and how they develop makes them so unique and amazing. It is quite impossible not to fall in love with all of them. I am a big fan of character development and Firethorn did not disappoint in that. I think it was one of the main things that made me fall in love with her writing. From the very beginning, I had the character development I need to truly enjoy a book.
Now, let’s talk about the emotional roller coaster this book put me through. When I tell you that it took everything in me not to scream out every few chapters and wake up the entire household I mean it. The amount of times I had to bit my pillow cause I could barely hold in my reaction was truly hilarious. I went through such ups and downs that by the time I finished the book all I could do was stare at the wall and just breathe in an attempt to take it all in and calm down.
All in all, I think it is clear that I most definitely love and recommend this book and series. I feel like Wren, Oliver, Elliot, and Rhett’s story is one that should be discovered, read and enjoyed. They truly go through everything imaginable and come out stronger than ever. I feel like it’s a true test of character on all their parts. Plus, the spice is absolutely worth it and man there’s definitely plenty to go around. Soooo… if you were on the fence of reading this, then take this as your sign to pick it up and give it a chance. I doubt you’ll regret it.
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
If I’m being completely honest, I was really nervous about reading this book. You have no idea how much I fell in love with this series and I wasn’t ready for it to end. I’m still processing the fact that it’s over.
Firethorn put me through the ringer with the series in general, but this book in particular takes the win. I quite literally could not put it down. I was obsessed. It was an absolute necessity to know what would happen next. The way that Firethorn builds these characters and storyline is something that doesn’t come around very often. All the things her characters go through and how they develop makes them so unique and amazing. It is quite impossible not to fall in love with all of them. I am a big fan of character development and Firethorn did not disappoint in that. I think it was one of the main things that made me fall in love with her writing. From the very beginning, I had the character development I need to truly enjoy a book.
Now, let’s talk about the emotional roller coaster this book put me through. When I tell you that it took everything in me not to scream out every few chapters and wake up the entire household I mean it. The amount of times I had to bit my pillow cause I could barely hold in my reaction was truly hilarious. I went through such ups and downs that by the time I finished the book all I could do was stare at the wall and just breathe in an attempt to take it all in and calm down.
All in all, I think it is clear that I most definitely love and recommend this book and series. I feel like Wren, Oliver, Elliot, and Rhett’s story is one that should be discovered, read and enjoyed. They truly go through everything imaginable and come out stronger than ever. I feel like it’s a true test of character on all their parts. Plus, the spice is absolutely worth it and man there’s definitely plenty to go around. Soooo… if you were on the fence of reading this, then take this as your sign to pick it up and give it a chance. I doubt you’ll regret it.
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