All I was supposed to do was break into a house and steal a key. Easy enough considering it's the mansion I'm paid to guard.
Now I find myself on the run from four powerful, deadly, and god-like men. No... seriously... they're the embodiments the four seasons- Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. And they may just be the most beautiful men I have ever seen.
I think I've bested them and am in the clear. That is, until I go through one of the doors in the house and somehow wind up on the other side of the world?!
Perfect for fans of RH/'Why Choose' fantasy romance. Suggested for 18+ due to language and explicit scenes.
I really wanted to like this story but it fell a little flat to me. The premise was good. We have Mari who is former military who shocks those who underestimate her due to her being plus sized. Mari is working herself to death to payoff debts left by her deadbeat father as well as help to provide for her mother and younger brother.
Mari works 2 jobs. One as a bartender/waitress at a hole in the war bar and as a Guard working for a secret classified government subsidy called CSON. Here is where the story provides more questions than answers.
Mari is given a mission to enter the mansion her and her team guards and place a key under the door and she would collect 100k. Thinking that this assignment was too easy landed Mari in a precarious situation. 4 Fae men who are the embodiment of Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer all reside in the house and has taken Mari captive until they decide what to do with her.
There is no information about why the men are together, except that they control weather patterns. Who is CSON? What is CSON connection to the 4 Fae Princes? What is Mari's purpose in all of this? The FMC went from running for her life to jumping in bed without even trying to understand what her new situation even means.
I honestly could not connect with the FMC or find any rhyme or reason about the 4 men, CSON and the point to all of this. This story maybe enjoyable to some but it just wasn't my cup of tea and I love Why Choose Romances.
I don't even know where to begin. This book is just so... wow. It's just wow, on every level; every character, the setting, the magic/power, the sense of tension, the stakes, the spice. I was sucked into to this story immediately, I found myself relating with Mari so completely that it felt like she was a written version of me. Her humor, her insecurities, her feelings towards her family and her responsibilities, the way she always puts their needs and their comfort ahead of her own. She is 100% an "eldest daughter" character but doesn't feel contrived. The way she reacts to the situations she finds herself in is absolutely how a real person would react, she makes mistakes, and she deals with the consequences of them.
Some books fall into the 'Chosen one' trope, or that the main character will be in a new position and is magically perfect and can fight/handle everything with some sort of innate talent. This is fine, and in some stories it is enjoyable, but lately it has been a very common circumstance; this book doesn't do that (despite the fact Mari is in fact a highly trained operative) and it is so refreshing to read a book where the MC isn't perfect and recognizes her own limitations.
The guys (yes, plural) are equally as amazing. Do I wish that the book dove more into the history of the guys? Yes. Do I think that some guys get more attention than others? Yes. Am I dying to learn more about the ones that aren't focused on? Absolutely yes! Am I mad that I've been left with questions? No. This is the first book of a series, and I am so happy that the authors have left us wanting to learn more about the guys. I'm glad that I don't learn everything about their history and motivations, this book doesn't cover a large period of time, and a realistic relationship takes time for partners to learn everything about each other.
Leaving the reader with questions about the guys as well as the non-relationship plot means I am doubly invested in reading the rest of the series. I find that if I am left feeling like the relationship is largely settled and there isn't anything more to learn in it, I'm less interested in finishing the series (I may be entirely alone in this opinion 😅 but lets be honest, no one picks up a book featuring multiple partners without having at least SOME vested interest in the relationship/spice).
That said, outside of the MC romantic relationships, this book 100% delivers on plot. The dynamic between Mari and her mother, Mari and her brother, and between her and her co-workers all feel real. Nothing feels forced or unnatural for her. The secret/shadowy employer has just the right amount of menace at each point along the way. The way that secrets are interwoven throughout and the balance of answers/explanations and mystery are *chefs kiss* 🤌 I love how as the reader you learn along with Mari, and you have to wonder and guess at how things fit together. I usually prefer to have multiple POV when there are this many characters, but this book certainly doesn't need them (though I wouldn't object to a special edition bonus scene of Winter's POV for a certain shower sequence 👀)
Overall, I loved this. I will be recommending this to anyone I know. It is a perfect blend of contemporary meet-cute, urban fantasy, romance, and a dash of military/espionage drama without any of the overdone tropes (looking at you vampires/shifters/fae).
If you've never read a book featuring multiple partners (RH), this is a perfect introduction. The relationship is real between Mari and the guys, and even between the guys themselves is so raw, so honest; they all have their own histories, insecurities, and hopes, and the authors have handled them beautifully. Some RH books can feel very much like a scripted "oh I've never done this before" that immediately dive into an expert snake wrangling, super confident, not-at-all awkward scene you'd likely find showcased on a certain website.... this isn't that. There is awkwardness, there is insecurity (both about personal body confidence and about how best to navigate relationships with multiple partners without hurting anyone's feelings), there is a learning curve and it is all good. The guys are learning how to have a relationship with Mari and she is learning how to trust them and have a relationship with them too.
If you're still reading this, then I apologize for my rambling, you should probably just go read the book instead and see how amazing it is for yourself 😅 That said, excuse me while I go start my re-read and mark my calendar for the second book!!
At first, I was intrigued when I got the question of being part of the ARC team for this series. Now I'm just glad it's over.
This was not my cup of tea. Reverse harem or whatever it's called when the FMC has several love interests and also making it a group sex thing. I did not enjoy those parts. There's too much smut and not enough plot.
However, I did enjoy that the FMC was curvy. That each MC is connected to a season was also great. I just wished we had more of those powers and less about how hot the male characters were.
The language is spot-on as usual. The humour is there and it's urban so it's quite realistic. I really feel for the characters and their inner demons.
The Sutra of Spring is out there in the world now and I'm sure this is gonna be someone's favorite read of the year.
WOW! That was such a creative and unique story. I was instantly swept away into a realm filled with some extraordinary characters, who I instantly fell in love with. The story is a rollercoaster ride of emotional turmoil, drama, angst, and adrenaline packed moments.
Marigold is a fierce, kickass, strong woman, who protects her family at all costs. She works tirelessly at two jobs trying to make sure that her family has everything they need to survive. One day an opportunity falls into her lap, giving her a chance to earn a very large amount of money if she does one simple task. Little does she realize that this task is going to put her directly in the sites of four extraordinary men who will turn her world upside down.
Of course, Marigold cannot turn this down, which will set the stage for one hell of an entertaining, utterly thrilling, and adrenaline packed story.
Haru, Winter, Summer and Otto are four very deliciously sexy men with so many secrets that they are trying to keep hidden. But Marigold is intrigued by these men, their hidden powers, and the unique and mystical home that they live in. These four men take Merigold on a journey filled with action, suspense, magic, secrets, and romance.
Haru especially, has an instant connection with Marigold that he explores more than the others. But there is an intense and underlying sexual tension between all four of these men and Marigold, which had me craving all of them giving into that desire that was just oozing off the pages. It was so damn hot!
This story was utterly fantastic, well written, creative, and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I loved all the characters, the storyline, and the world building was amazing. Then with that cliffhanger of an ending, I was left breathless and aching for more. Now I can’t wait for the next installment of this story.
“What would you do for 100,000 dollars?” This was so, so good that I am struggling to put into words just how good it was without giving too much away. It’s a well written, why choose romance where we are introduced to Marigold. She’s a kick ass, take no nonsense FMC who above all else treasures family especially her brother and her mum. Trying to do good by her family, she works very hard trying to pay off the debt her crappy dad left behind by working two jobs but basically life is super tough so when she is offered $100,000 to put a key under a door where she works, it seems like easy money until it isn’t! Enter the four seasons, hot, sexy and so so beautiful fae princes who represent spring, summer, autumn and winter and that’s when things really start to heat up. It’s an exciting and captivating world that we have entered and the authors have done an incredible job not just with the world building but also with these incredible characters. It’s a mystical, magical world that will totally bewitch you and hold on tight and is full of secrets, lies, suspense, and sexual tension that is waaaaaaaaaaay off the charts. I am so looking forward to the next book!
Move over Horsemen, it's time for the four Seasons to take the spotlight! Put together a fiery, skilled ex-veteran and a sexy, cinnamon roll Spring and you get a winning combination of sweet and spicy. Their banter and barbs gave me life and the world building was memorizing, especially the mansion and doors. The other seasons were just as enticing with their nerdy librarian, passionate leader, and frigid chef personas. The lush details and adventurous travels fed my need for excitement while Mari slowly unraveled the mystery surrounding them. While it took several chapters to really introduce everything and hook me, once it did, I was held hostage. The character dynamics were great and I loved Mari not backing down or catering completely despite her attraction. She's relatable, both in strengths and insecurities, and I loved seeing the guys verbal and active reassurances towards her. If you love RH, beautiful worlds, lots of action and ALL the steaminess, give this a try! Now bring on Summer!!
I did really enjoy this book overall and loved all the characters, each guy was his own person and stood out with a personality that fit him which I really enjoyed. Mari as a tough girl was amazing I loved that she was strong and wanted to defend them and not just have them protect her when faced with danger. I liked the bit of mystery because it means we get to explore more of what's happened in the past with the guys and have something to look forward. My biggest issue with this book and others that feature plus sized women is that the authors always use the "no one would look at me because I'm a big girl" and I hate that, it really takes away my excitement to read a plus size FMC when she spends almost all the book comparing herself to smaller women, having inner monologue about how guys never want her, tell the guys not to pick her up cause she's too heavy for them etc I'm hoping the rest of the series eliminates that from Mari's character.
Almost perfect in every way. Fantastic story, unique setting and world, interesting magic and characters.
My only complaint is.. how do you know Mari is chubby? Don't worry, she'll tell you. At least twice a chapter.
Waking up on a large bed alone, I can't say I've ever considered "my wide hips." That'd be something I'd notice when I'm getting dressed, or squeezing between objects or.. there's lots of ways to show someone is "overweight" .. and even show low self-esteem over it .. the book, however, doesn't use many of them.
Get past that and you'll enjoy every word of the story.
Where do I start with bewitchingly enchanting read? This is a why choose Iike no other. A story to warm your heart and (tongue in cheek) other parts. A story so complex and unique, I was riveted from the onset. This collaboration between Kacey and Becky just works! Like butter on toast, peanut butter and jelly, you get what I mean, smooth and creamy and delicious!
If I were stuck in a house with four incredibly yummy guys, I'm not sure I'd want to run, I'd want to....ummmm...ask questions.... first? Ok, maybe not, anyway, not me we're talking about, it's Mari, Mari was taken against her will after all, so I suppose flight or fight mode is appropriate. Oops, let me backtrack a bit, see, Mari is quietly, not so quietly, working herself to the bone to keep her family from utter impoverishment. I love her loyalty to her family, her spunk, her sassiness, her "I'll take no nonsense" attitude and her curiosity is adorable. What's on her mind comes out of her mouth, which inevitably gets her into trouble more times than is comfortable. Working for a secret government organisation, she's tasked with doing something that goes against her every moral. But hey, orders are orders, right? What should have been a simple task, one that would make her family financially sound, ends up with a mad dash being chased by 4 yummy men and apprehension by said guys. Which brings me to my point at the beginning of this paragraph....
An instant fast pass to anywhere in the world, how cool is that??? They can be my travel agents any time, sigh....Damn if Haru isn't the nicest, sweetest, sexiest hunk! But so could be said about the other 3, although, Summer and Winter might not be "sweet and nice" they definitely have the ability to raise one's heart racing! OMG, the tension in the house is off the charts, not only the lies and secrets, the sexual tension had me fanning myself and the scenes that followed, well, how I didn't self combust from the heat is beyond me!
I almost missed the reference to the MC's name, it only hit me about a third in and my first thought was, my goodness, so clever! The humour is so unexpected, I caught myself snorting out loud more than a few times. One thing I can guarantee, you'll never view the seasons as you have before and I have always loved Spring, the blossoms, the blades of grass pushing through, awakening a world that has slept for too long, but beware, it might awaken something in you too, heck, it did for me.... Did I enjoy this unusal read? No doubt about it, immensely! Although... the ending borders on cruelty to the reader, so guess I'm going to have to drool and stamp my feet like a toddler waiting for book 2....
I really enjoyed this book. It was in the female characters point of view. She works two jobs to take care of her mother who refuses to see a neurologist due to the cost. So she works overtime, pays for her younger her brothers way through private school because he’s super smart. She’s the big sister, was in the military at one point, not sure why she left. Now she works as a bartender at night and a security guard during the day. She meets a guy who saves her bacon when he pays for a bar tab that a bachelorette group skipped out on. Offered an obscene amount of money to steal a key. She’s caught, and ordered to stay put in the house she’s been guarding for years, but had never stepped foot inside. She slowly falls for the guys, and one by one they start to see her as more than a captive. There’s to many secrets though, the angst of reading her thoughts wavering on telling the truth. That’s when poop hits the fan. They come busting in to save her from experiments. She never spilled any of their secrets. She fell for them too, and finally comes clean. It was beautifully written. The characters build ups were done naturally. Each chapter, it all flowed. There was no jumping into to relationships. There was to many secrets though. I’m not a fan of feeling anxiety, I have enough of it in real life. I was mentally screaming at Mari to tell them several times. I hope they don’t hurt her, I know the feeling of not fitting the classic thin beauty standard. She’s been through alot. Can’t wait to read what’s next.
I loved the concepts in this book! The guys each represent a different season and they have a system that is easily laid out in the book and the house they live in sounds amazing. Like living in Monster’s Inc but with a very adult audience. I’d love to live there.
Mari is a kick a$$ FMC and guard for the four male seasons. I like her kick first ask questions later attitude.
The plot moves quickly and I can’t wait to see where it goes next especially with the betrayal and definitely sneaky going on within CSON.
Plus what does Mari mean to the guys, and what’s behind those blocked doors? I have my theories but I’m all in to find out.
A rh urban fantasy romance. Elemental magic, a house of immense secrets literally behind every door and a thicker plot unfolding in the shadows.
One pov told in first person
Characters- Mari - or rather Marigold, female Shield agent Summer - commanding element of summer Winter - silent element of winter Otto - studious element of autumn Haru - carefree element of spring
Let me tell y’all! I popped some popcorn and poured some juice and settled in with this book! Within the first chapter i was obsessed with this book! Mari definitely deserves the world for how she put her wants and needs to the side to help keep the family afloat! But CSON was shady from the jump and i immediately was suspicious of them! I loved Mari and Haru’s relationship and seeing how this one has spring in the title, I’m assuming that’s why it was such a focus on the two of them. I can’t wait to explore more with Summer and Otto, because those are my favorite seasons! But i feel so bad for Winter! He just need some love and attention! He’s clearly a big softie, but what happened 150 years lol we got a glimpse but i need more!
This book really gave me Merry Gentry vibes low key! And i love it! I wasn’t too sure about the “scenes” with all the guys at once, but once i read them i needed more! Definitely impatiently waiting for book 2! I need to know what her punishment will be and What’s going to happen with CSON now! Also why is Haru the only one entering?
Mari is working her hardest to pay off her debts, but it's been difficult. When she's offered a deal, $100,000 to simply put a key under a door, she can't refuse that. Unfortunately, that lands her in some major trouble with four gorgeous Fae men who are the pure embodiment of the four seasons. They hold her captive until they figure out what they want to do with her, and while it's not the best situation at first, Mari isn't complaining too much.
I loved, loved, loved, LOVED this book! This was one of my favorites by Kacey Lee and was so unique. I love the spin of the four seasons/four Fae and their unique personalities Mari is also a bad@$$ FMC! She's ex military, works two jobs to make ends meet and can really hold her own, despite the doubts people have when seeing she's plus sized. The story was fantastic and so well developed that I just become engrossed in it. I started reading, thinking I would stop after a few chapters, and three hours later I'd devoured the entire book!
Mari (Marigold) lives at home with her mother and brother, he’s something of a genius and is enrolled in a private school. Times are tough and Mari is working two jobs to help support her family. Everything is all go all of the time, a deadbeat Dad left them with a lot of debt.
Mari is approached by another agent from the company they both work for CSON, offering her a large chunk of cash to run what appears to be a security protocol at her main job. The task is simple, enter the building she usually guards and slip a specific key under a doorway at exactly 10am.
Isn’t it always the same though? If something looks too good to be true, it usually is. No surprise then when things do not go smoothly. The reality is far stranger than Mari could have imagined.
Get ready to dive into a world that will leave you breathless, ladies! "The Sutra of Spring" by Kacey Lee is an electrifying read that will transport you into a realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the seasons come alive as four irresistibly sexy men. This book is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions, packed with tantalizing romance, thrilling suspense, and a dash of magical intrigue.
Meet Marigold, a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense woman who cherishes her family above all else. With her mother and younger brother Chris by her side, she takes on the weight of the world, working tirelessly to repay the debts left behind by her deadbeat father while ensuring her brother's education at a private school. Life has dealt her a tough hand, but her unwavering determination shines through every page.
Enter an unexpected opportunity that could change Marigold's life forever. She is offered a chance to earn a staggering $100,000 with a seemingly simple task: place a key beneath a mysterious door in a build near where she works. Intrigued by the offer, Marigold dives headfirst into the unknown, setting the stage for a captivating story that will have you hooked from the very beginning.
Kacey Lee's imagination is a force to be reckoned with. It's not every day that we readers stumble upon authors who can take the ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. In "The Sutra of Spring," Lee reimagines the four seasons as four alluring men, each with their unique charm and allure. From the brooding Winter to the seductive Summer, the nerdy Autumn, and the soulful Spring, Mari and her enchanting men navigate a treacherous landscape of haunting pasts and blackmailing agents.
What makes this book truly captivating is the intricate web of magic that surrounds the characters. Lee tantalizes us with hints of their hidden powers and their pasts, leaving us yearning for more. As we journey deeper into this mystical world, we uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface, craving every little detail that brings it to life.
Buckle up, because this book will leave you on the edge of your bed! Be warned, "The Sutra of Spring" ends on a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving us hungry for the next installment. The spice level may start at a six out of ten, but the raw emotion, the teasing, the dirty talk, and the irresistible cockiness of these characters make up for it in spades. And trust me, it's only going to get hotter as the series continues!
Kacey Lee's vibrant storytelling will sweep you off your feet and keep you engaged throughout. Her vivacious writing style perfectly matches the tone of the book, amplifying the fun and excitement of this extraordinary journey.
So, grab a copy of "The Sutra of Spring," unleash your inner goddess, and prepare to be enthralled by Marigold and her captivating men. You won't be able to put it down, and I guarantee you'll be counting down the days until the next installment hits the shelves. Happy reading!
The Sutra of Spring was not what I expected, but I really enjoyed reading it, as well as, the surprise journey it took me on. Don't let the beautiful cover fool you, this is an 18+ mature book that also contains spice. Initially, it took me a minute to figure out who all of the men were, but I caught on quickly and it didn't change my experience with the story. Each of the men have their own personalities and it creates a rather unique dynamic which certainly has me craving more of them and all of their hidden secrets. Marigold (Mari-FMC) is a plus size, muscular fierce heroine that will fight to the very end. I can't talk too much about the plot because it will give away major spoilers, just know that I really loved this book and look forward to continuing this series.
Omg, I had the privilege of being an arc reader for this lovely book!! It was such an amazing journey, filled with a strong FMC and some lovely MMCs. With magic comes responsibility and that is exactly what she learns. But possessive males? That was a treat indeed. If you love fantasy, romance, some 18+ scenes, some angst but also learning to open up to others than this is the book for you. Huge thanks to the author for allowing me this privilege and can't wait to see what comes next for them! I am giving this review willingly and on my own accord
This story was very interesting and different to me. I loved the RH and fantasy feel to it and the uniqueness that it had to it. Mari was the type of character that you could actual relate to on a personal level with how she portrayed herself. You get a plus sized FMC who is very realistic in a sense with an actual personality that isn’t trying to be someone she isn’t. And then you get 4 men who are every powerful and the very embodiment of the four seasons. I’m interested to see where the next book is going to go in the story.
A new author for me & I was pleasantly surprised. Mari was a very likeable character & often underestimated because of her plus size. She works 2 jobs trying to pay off debt & also trying to provide for her mother and younger brother. She is a bartender/waitress and a guard for CSON, a classified government facility. When she gets an offer for herself and her guards to place a key underneath a door and get 100k it sounds easy. All consequences have actions and the 4 fae men she meets turn out to be a snag in her plans. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
I truly enjoyed reading this story. It is very unique and I've never read anything with this plot. Mari finds herself in a strange situation with four gorgeous men. But, she can't seem to figure why they're so different. She soon discovered thier season abilities and wanted to learn more. The more time they spend together, the more they find how how attracted all of them are to Mari. This is a fast paced story with a few steamy parts. Very well written with great characters and top notch world building.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't know what I was expecting but this story surpassed everything I could have hoped for.
This high paced, action filled thrill chasing story has a great plot with just the right amount of sexy steam thrown in at all the right places!
I loved that Mari is perfectly plump with plenty of curves, whilst also being a kick ass security operative. I love the dynamics between her and her 4 charges and can't wait to see how it develops through the seasons. Starting Sumner straight away it's that good!!!
I enjoyed the storyline. It was very intriguing and original. I thought the story moved pretty quickly, so it did keep me interested. There was action, steam, humor, magic and more!! There were a few times that I got confused though. I feel like it was a great start, but we are definitely left with more questions than answers. I look forward to book 2 to find out more of what's in store for Mari.
I really liked the way the story moved!!! I felt drawn in immediately! Although I couldn’t really connect with the main female character, Mari, i enjoyed the character building!!! This whole universe is amazing and I can’t wait for more!!! I’m mad about the cliffhanger lol(who isn’t mad at cliffhangers) but it just makes me want to read the second book even more. I cant wait for the next book(s)!
This one took me a bit to get into. I ended up enjoying it though. It's a reverse harem so if you aren't into that I would leave it alone. I also loved that the main character was plus size and that was relatable for me. The characters are diverse but I loved every single one of them in their own way.
I loved the idea of this book. But in the first few chapters the FMC talks about how she loves to run and can run and run (as she's being chased) then five chapters later she's talking about how she hates to run and it make her sweaty and gross. Uh...what?! I tried to get past it. The character of Spring is perfect and sweet but I just couldn't get around how inconsistent it was.
Wow this was a great first read of the series. It has such a unique plot and characters and I loved it. The concept of the seasons and the intricacies of the house will blow you away! I’m ready for book two!
as Urban Fantasies go, refreshingly unique - a tough ex military female protagonist, with the four seasons embodied as male protagonists... a thriller set in a world full of magic...
if reverse harem smut is your thing, you will enjoy this book even more...
I really loved this book. I enjoyed all the characters, and am intrigued by the mythology and world building. Fair warning, this book is HOT. Explicit. If that is not your cup of tea, you may want to take a pass. Otherwise, get ready for a wild ride. I cannot wait for the next book!