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Invictus

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My boyfriend of two years dumped me for a wealthy Manhattan socialite.

Desperate for a distraction, I found it with the incredibly hot and spicy Archer St John, a frequent guest of the hotel I work at in London.

After an unbelievably perfect night with him, I woke up next to a pool of blood that wasn’t mine. Archer was gone, and so were his clothes and every trace of him.

His twin, West St John, turned up at the hotel looking for him with his a-hole crew, Kazz and Killian. I mistook him for Archer and put my foot in it, revealing I spent the night with his brother.

I’m the last person who saw Archer and the main suspect in his disappearance. West and his crew drugged and smuggled me out of England and kept me captive on some exotic island at world’s end.

These dangerous men are part of some larger British crime syndicate, and now they dragged me deep into their deadly ring and will own me until Archer’s found.

I’ve gotten tangled up in all their secrets and lies, and I’m afraid there’s no turning back.

But I have my own secrets that I won’t disclose to them.

Because if I do, it’ll be game over for me.

INVICTUS is the first of the Brotherhood of Saints trilogy and is written from multiple POVs. This story is a deep plot, slow burn, with British and American crime syndicate cross-over.

Trigger Invictus is a new adult dark romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. Due to mature content, this book is recommended to readers aged eighteen and over. This book contains foul language, scenes of violence, and sexual scenes; any sex featured is consensual. All main characters are 22 years old or older. This is a ‘why choose’ novel, meaning the main character has and ends up with more than one love interest.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2023

156 people are currently reading
290 people want to read

About the author

Marian Andrew

19 books127 followers
New Yorker, globetrotter, author, designer — and unapologetic storyteller of steamy emotional journeys.


Marian Andrew was raised in the city that never sleeps, polished by a British education, and now lives her European dream in Germany alongside her incredibly supportive husband, amazing son, and two mischievous feline sidekicks.

After two decades in the fashion world — jet-setting between New York, London, and the Far East, chasing inspiration across the globe — Marian traded couture for characters. Today, she channels her creative fire into writing stories that swerve between dirty and devastating, filthy and heartfelt. She also designs all her own book covers, because frankly, no one else can get the vibe just right.

A specialist in digital design and fluent in three languages, Marian grew up with a multicultural heartbeat that fuels her obsession with messy, beautiful human emotions, sharp banter, dangerous chemistry, and the kind of happily-ever-afters you have to fight for.

When she’s not setting her keyboard on fire, she’s ballroom dancing, binge-reading romance novels, or testing celebrity chef recipes (and occasionally setting off the smoke alarm).

Ready for a wild ride?
Grab your FREE book at www.marianandrew.com!
You can also find her being mildly chaotic on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

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5 stars
142 (51%)
4 stars
81 (29%)
3 stars
41 (14%)
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9 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Ari Loves All The Books.
385 reviews73 followers
October 6, 2023
You have just get so mad at the end of the book because you didn't realize it was the end? Lol.. I kept trying to hit my kindle for the next page .. because this book was absolutely amazing!! I cannot wait to read the second installment of this series!
Profile Image for Alex.
129 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2023
*This was an ARC received in return for an honest review*

Unfortunately I had to DNF this book at 26% 😔

While the premise of the book sounds great and I don't doubt that the story itself could be interesting, i ended up DNFing this book due to various reasons.

The female MC was a mixed bag of everything. Her whole behaviour annoyed me to unbelievable ends. Like the fact that this guy asked her out various times and she constantly says I'm not interested but then suddenly is and says yes?! That's not how things work 😪 Either you're interested, or you're not. This whole thing felt more like a "I need him to beg on his knees 154 times before I'll agree."
Then her big girl attitude with a group of guys who could literally shoot her right there and then? Nah, absolutely not. If a guy is holding a gun to your head, just fucking answer his questions 🙃 you'll get shot either way.
And the fact that she relied on the One Night Stand who disappeared? Absolutely not. Why does she think that this man would jump to her rescue just cause he made her cum 9 times? It's childish really in my eyes and wishful thinking.

All in all, I'd give the book 2 stars so far only cause the premise of the book is intriguing. But not intriguing enough to make me read the whole book.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,322 reviews47 followers
June 25, 2025
4.5 *

Invictus is the first book in the Brotherhood of Saints series and one of the first (maybe even the first?) books written by this author. Since I’ve actually started with this author’s more recent work I know her writing has grown since then, so I decided to treat this as I would a new author’s debut.

First of all, the author managed to keep me intrigued with the storyline from start to finish. There were a lot of questions raised at the start for which I really wanted to get the answers. The overall plot was quite interesting, and I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers vibes between our fmc and her men. However, there are some things that took me out of the flow at times. Raven’s character building isn’t always solid, some parts of her past are revealed a little clumsily and the relationship building evolves a little too quickly for me. But, and this is a big but, I remained invested in the story anyway, so I don’t feel the need to make them into too big of a deal. Without a doubt, I’m excited to find out what book two will bring!
Profile Image for ~Jennifer~.
996 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2024
SPOILERS!

So, I have a few pet peeves, and if I would read this before others similar it wouldn’t have been a big deal. It was repetitive with the internal dialogue with the MC’s. Also I hate how it instantly went from hating every bone in Rev’s body to can’t get enough. I wish the author would had more dialogue between West, Killian, Kazz,and Rev seeing the walls break down. And right at the end why wouldn’t she not tell them who she is? She is suppose to be smart and worldly,and yet other times acts naive. But stupidity just for sake of causing drama, boo. Some things that kept a four stars is the strong start, no stalling at any point, and easy to read even though there was a lot going on. This book could have been a four and a half stars with some adjustments. I’m definitely continuing the series, I’m invested in these characters, plus I have to find out where Archer went. This book has lots of triggers and a lot of dark subjects, that can be graphic.
Profile Image for Donna Whittaker.
74 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2024
Oh my gosh, what a way to end a book and keep us on the hook, need the next book now!!! Amazing, loved it
Profile Image for ₊⋆ Nyxia ☾.
698 reviews52 followers
September 30, 2023
deep plot • slow burn • British and American crime syndicate cross-over • multi-POV • RH trope • dark romance • enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes

I devoured this book it was so good! Top read this year easily. It’s dark so check trigger warnings.

Raven omg such a strong FMC. Rough past and she pushes through everything.

“I just can't wait to claim the throne of h3l!”

The guys are great! The character development is amazing and I really enjoy all of them.

The story is amazing!! The action, suspense, the spicy scenes were great. And omgggg the twists and turns! I didn’t know where this book was going to go. 🤍

I want more so bad!! Ahhh I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

If you want a dark why choose, with lots of spice, suspense, and twists I 100% recommend 🔪☠️🤍
Profile Image for Summer Waters.
273 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2023
*BOOK REVIEW*

BOOK: Invictus
AUTHOR: Marian Andrew
PLOT: Raven is given a scholarship where she can work at a hotel in London as an internship. Soon, she's dumped by her boyfriend and decides to take Archer St. John up on his frequent offers to have a night out together. They start to open up to each other about scars they have and feelings start to emerge. But that's short-lived when Raven wakes up to an empty bed and a large blood stain where Archer was sleeping. That morning, a man that looked just like Archer came up to the counter and Raven starts to tell him off, only to realize it's not Archer. The Archer lookalike and two other men have Raven take them to her freshly cleaned room, and immediately smell bleach, making her their only suspect in the kidnapping and potential murder of Archer. She is made their prisoner and they're not letting her go until Archer is found. These men are dangerous. They used to be a part of a youth program in a crime syndicate, but branched off and made their own gang: The Brotherhood of Saints. They save girls and women from human trafficking and k!ll their captors. As time goes on, love and attraction form between Ava and her three captors (Killian, Kazz, nd West). There are certain secrets that Raven can't tell anyone because it'll put her life in jeopardy, but a ghost from her past could potentially cause her to lose her life and the love that she's found in her men! This was a great start to what is sure to be a great series! Archer is in my book husband harem, and Kazz, Killian, and West will be there with him! I lost a lot of sleep reading this because I thought I'd found a good ending place before bed, and I'd have to continue because it was leading to something important. I'm getting so excited for book two because I NEED to know what happens. That cliffie killed me and had me craving more!

RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,440 reviews22 followers
October 6, 2023
This book has it all!! Marian knows how to create a world with characters that readers want to know. Raven King has been through some stuff in her very short life. She has had to take care of herself and feels like she is finally on the right path. Things are never as good as they seem. Raven has been with her boyfriend for two years and finds out he is engaged to someone else through social media. Raven, unlike most girls, did not wallow in self-pity. No, she went out with the one and only Archer St John. The night was magical. The morning, not so much. Archer was gone without a trace.

Raven had no idea what happened but knew it did not look good so when an Archer lookalike strolls through the door with two other guys, she knows the only thing that she can do is lie her way out of this situation. West, Archer’s twin brother, Kazz, Archer’s half brother, and Killian, Archer’s cousin, step into the hotel and Raven finds out she was the last one to see Archer before he disappeared. The boys decide the only thing they can do is keep her close until they can find out what she knows.

Raven’s abduction leads her to a world she had no clue about. She has to protect her heart and mind from these boys that are off the charts gorgeous. Raven knew she had a connection with Archer but the feelings for the other guys are forming fast. Will Raven stay with this band of brothers?

This series starts of with a bang and ends on a serious cliffhanger. I don’t know how readers are going to sit back and wait for the next book in this series. Readers will be clamoring to see how the revelations effect Raven and the guys. I am still in shock.
Profile Image for Lily Williams.
144 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2023
I received a free eARC copy of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

In Invictus, we follow the life of a young, independent lady called Raven. When her social media ‘star’ boyfriend dumps her, she gives in to temptation and accepts the offer of drinks from a guest at the hotel where she works in. Drinks turn to late-night activities, which in turn become a missing person hunt. Will Raven manage to escape the tangled web of lies and secrets around this strange man?

Several hours after finishing this book, I am still trying to wrap my head around it - in the best way possible. I was hooked from the immediate start. Raven is such a relatable character, full of sass and witty charm. Things heated up almost immediately (which I am incredibly grateful for because Marian- you’re a genius 🥵) and that heat was maintained throughout the whole book, mixed in with a whole lot of mystery and deception. I adored Killian, West and Kazz and thought they were an absolutely amazing trio (even if I did get confused between them A LOT at the start of their story), and I couldn’t have chosen between them either if I was in Raven’s position. This book does end with a HUGE cliffhanger, which had me swearing at Marian a wee bit 😂

At 355 pages long, this took me just under 4 and a half hours to read. I can’t wait for the next instalment in this trilogy and 100% will read more books by Marian! This does have a few TW’s so please make sure you take these into account before reading.

9/10
Profile Image for Tyler Marshall.
928 reviews52 followers
September 19, 2023
I'm basically a Marian Stan at this point, put any of her books in front of me and I will devour it.

The authors take on a mafia esq romance was a hit it my books, I love how we start off the book on a mystery, the fmc has a steamy one night stand only to wake up to basically a crime scene even though she's yet to grasp what she's truly in for. The whole American x British crime syndicate was such a nice touch as I'm a very big mafia/gang book lover and have yet to see something like this done before.

I loved the fmc, she was a strong take no sh1t character, the clashing she had with the men at the start of the book was so fun to read. Since this is the first book in a series we really get to see the author start to flesh out all the main characters, Marian always does an amazing job of not only getting you to connect to her Mcs but the way she builds background into them is always seamless.

You get dark romance, enemies to lovers, mafia and RH tropes in this book, I mean what more can you really ask for. The storyline flowed so well and there were lots of twists and turns that kept me entertained and locked in. I knew this was going to end on a cliff hanger but was still shocked at where we left off and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
Profile Image for Ryleigh Kennedy.
265 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2024
ok. i have a lot of thoughts here and im not sure if all of them are good or not? like truly.

i devoured this don’t get me wrong, it was an intriguing story with an interesting plot. but in some places i found myself skipping ahead and skimming because i felt like i was just getting pages and pages of the same thing just worded differently. and then in other spots i found myself going back because i thought i missed something due to the wording. minor things, but annoying.

some of the dialogue was painful, i know it’s to be true to the british side but i never knew the word “knob” would cause so much unpleasantness 😂 but i was so over it by the end truly.

im not sure on what planet a “slow burn” consists of everyone hooking up, a group scene and already falling for each other and thinking of saying the “i love you” AFTER A WEEK. but i guess????? like we went from enemy to lovers very quickly and with i feel not enough building between characters here. the only one i feel like is a slow burn is West and even then 🥴

did i enjoy it? yes? am i going to read the second book? also yes. but idk its not hitting the way i want it to hit 🤷🏼‍♀️😪
Profile Image for Daisy Nijs.
1,013 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2023
Invictus is the first book in this why-choose romance trilogy. It is a dark, mafia romance, taking place in London and the USA. At first, they (West, Killian and Kazz) have Raven because they think she has something to do with the disappearance, but over time, feelings start to grow and they become very protective of her. One just a bit faster than the other.
Raven has been trying to escape her past, at the end of this first book, there are still many questions left unanswered.
West, Killian and Kazz are together in the brotherhood. West is the grumpy one, he doesn’t trust easily, especially not with all things going on.
The chemistry between all these characters is hot. Between all the mafia and the fights and… the book has a lot of steamy scenes that leave nothing to your imagination. It is quite a discovering adventure for Raven.
But in the end, yes, there is that cliffhanger, and I have no idea how this will turn out. To say I’m excited for the second book, is an understatement!
Profile Image for Lisa.
800 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2023
First book that I have read by this author and WOW 🤩

This is a reverse haram/kidnap book

Raven (Rev) is a poor American woman working in the hospitality sector after getting a full scholarship, curtesy of her high flyer boyfriend Hayden, but when she’s alerted to a social media post that shows Hayden ‘not’ actually being her boyfriend, what is she supposed to do now???

Archer St John is staying at the Aspinalls hotel in which he really wants to get to know the head receptionist Raven, he’s done his research and knows that her ‘boyfriend’ Hayden is no longe in the picture so offers to take her out

When these two get together, it’s one hell of a 🥵🥵🥵 night……..until Raven awakes to find Archer gone and something in her bed as his replacement…….

This book is SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
From disappearing people to a whole lot of 🥵😜🥵😜🥵 sexy times from the rest of the St John’s bros

And talk about EPILOGUE 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Need book 2 now 😜
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
2,316 reviews41 followers
October 3, 2023
Excellent
I was hooked from start to finish! Throughout the book we're given bits of information about Raven's life and yet we're left with so many questions. There were some twists and some edge of your seat moments.
Full of action, suspense, drama and steam. I can't forget get humor. Side note, my new favorite word is malarky.
I loved Raven. She is a survivor and a fighter. Despite her up bringing, she still has a sense of humor. Even when she puts her foot in her mouth.
While we do learn things about each of the guys, there is still mysteries as well.
I think this was an excellent beginning to the series.
That ending though....I totally didn't see that coming!!!

If your looking for enimies to lovers, mafia/gang, and why choose. You won't be disappointed because this will be perfect for you!!
Profile Image for  Jackie.
568 reviews7 followers
September 25, 2023
This book was a fantastic read! It hooked me in from the first page and kept me interested all the way through. It was fast-paced, action-packed and the sexual tension was oozing off the page.

I loved Raven and it was great to see her grow as a character despite the rubbish start she’d had in life. The one time she gives in to Archer St. John’s request little did she know how it would change her life and bring her into contact with 3 men who would come to mean so much to her. Archer, West, Killian & Kazz haven’t had the easiest of lives despite it seeming otherwise to the outside world, but can they open up enough to let Raven in?

This book definitely had it all and you won’t be disappointed if you give it a chance. I can’t wait for the next book after that cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Holly Cliffe.
200 reviews12 followers
October 4, 2023
Invictus
Marian Andrew

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


Imagine having your life turned upside down when your boyfriend dumps you via Instagram, so you decide to give in to the gorgeous man who’s been begging for a chance to take you on a date. For Raven, that one night of fun ended with her being kidnapped and held by a group of equally gorgeous men with matching tattoos.

I loved Raven’s fiery personality. Watching it throw all of the guys for a loop was endlessly entertaining. Even when her life is in danger, she didn’t hesitate to mouth off and put the guys in their place.

The twists in this book kept me on my toes and had me staying up way past my bedtime to find out what happened next. The ending left me gasping; I have so many questions and I need book 2 asap!
Profile Image for Phyllis Farmer .
605 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2023
Driven

Marian Andrews first book in her Brotherhood of Saints series was anything but saintly. This story is like one mystery after another with the biggest question of all, “Where’s Waldo?” The action is non-stop so there’s never a dull moment. Raven, the main female character, has had a rough life to be so young, that my heart felt for her. But her character is strong and her tongue is so sharp it can make you bleed. This book has plenty of exciting adventure, suspense, steamy situations and unexpected twists and turns. This is the first time I’ve ever read anything by this author but it certainly won’t be my last and I can’t wait to see what she has planned for the next installment. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
Profile Image for Deborah.
845 reviews14 followers
October 6, 2023
There were so may threads and lies and subterfuges in this book and I loved it. From reading the prologue, I thought I saw a spelling mistake and was about to message the author, glad I didn't cos it does get cleared up but not before we've heard so many different stories from Raven. She admits that she is a pathological liar, so what is the truth? Archer is missing, there are no end of suspects and the guys are in the dark, they can only trust each other. I was so impressed with this read and I absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens next, what has happened to Archer, how the guys take down their father and who is Raven.
Profile Image for Geeky Fangirl Next Door.
292 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2024
Series Review
4/5 stars

This was a surprising delight!! I liked all of the guys in the harem. The MFC starts off a bit naive but her character growth in the series is great. The final book felt somewhat rushed but that was because there was a lot to wrap up. Fortunately, the author did a great job of not leaving loose ends. Plenty of drama and mystery.

Would have been 5 stars if the editor did another pass for typos, the MFC had more opportunities to be BA because she was but it was underutilized, and the steamy scenes were a little boring imo.

I definitely recommend this series if you enjoy organized crime why choose. I would reread this in a few years.
665 reviews12 followers
February 7, 2024
Where's Archer?

Surprisingly enthralling, this contemporary, gang related RH is very well written and edited. Book one presents a new mystery and several past mysteries. Although I've grown tired of the trope where one member of the harem has to be a broken soul who holds out, it does make sense here. The characters are all adults and the end gets spicy. There are a few torture scenes that I skipped over. Watch for triggers human trafficking, torture, physical and sexual child abuse, and probably more.
145 reviews
May 27, 2024
Good

I'm not sure why, but this book did not grip me right away. I almost dnf several times. I heard so many good reviews from my Facebook group that I decided to keep pushing through. It wasn't until almost 60% of the way through that I started to get more on board. Now that I have finished it, I am looking forward to moving on to book 2. I'm excited to see if Archer is still alive. What Raven's (or Revna's) new role will be now that her secret is out and will Dylan be added to her harem??
All things I can't wait to find out.
37 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2023
We love a FMC character who can pull herself up by the bootstraps especially when she’s sarcastic!
I’m just getting into “why choose” and every time i read one i wonder where’s my other men in real life! Especially with the dark romance! It’s like a cherry on top!
But i loved every part of this book! Once i picked it up i couldn’t put it down! But that cliffhanger! lol i promise you, authors know how to drive people CRAZY! I can’t wait to get book two and see what’s next!
Profile Image for Ally Bess.
128 reviews
January 18, 2024
this book has me on edge in THE BEST way!

Talk about a book full of twists and turns! The plot line is amazing I’ve literally binged this first book all day and I have zero regrets about the lack of sleep I’ve gotten lol. The spicy scenes are en pointe and the overall suspense you get from what will happens makes everything so much better. Plus who doesn’t love a FMC with all the sass lol
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
July 27, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
😈
🥵

Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the plot, plus the characters had so much width to them and a wonderful chemistry together.
My problem was with the editing and wrong words.
Also just because we’re English doesn’t mean our pronunciation of words is wrong or weird.
And so your aware we don’t just drink Tea, I for one hate the stuff and just drink coffee.
I felt the research was lacking.
Profile Image for Tabby .
124 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
Holy Crappola 🔥🥵🤯🔥

The men of Brotherhood of Saints are smoking hott!! The chemistry between Raven and Archer are off the charts. Raven responses to waking to the empty bed snags your attention begging for more. When the rest of the Brotherhood of Saints take over Raven's life you can't help but love every emotional, crazy, psychotic, manipulative step of their search for Archer!!
350 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it was so good!  A great start to what's going to be an amazing series. This is a reverse harem that's filled with action, suspense, drama, humor, and steam. I love Ravens character. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book. It's a must read. I need book two now!!!
Profile Image for Natasha Overfield.
103 reviews
October 4, 2023
Thrilling. Dangerous. Delicious. Our FMC starts off by getting dumped by her long term boyfriend online. She decides to take up an admirer on his offer for a one night stand. Next thing she knows she’s being thrown into a world where the rules are not black and white. If you love mobsters/gangsters this is the book for you.
6,477 reviews22 followers
October 5, 2023
This is a dark and intriguing why choose mafia romance. It is a slow burn romance that pulled me in quickly. Raven is a very strong FMC who is witty, and sarcastic. I enjoyed the development in this book and how plot heavy it is. This is a thrilling read with moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I can't for book 2!
Profile Image for Kenadhe.
232 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2023
Going into this book I thought one thing and got another, and I was not disappointed about. I did enjoy reading this book and I am excited to see what the next book has in store for the storyline. It was a good read and I do recommend reading it. It is apart of a series and the end does leave you wanting the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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