Havyn

by Piper James

When the family you’re born into is the literal worst, you hold on tight to the one you choose.

Everything changes when I receive an acceptance letter and a full scholarship to a school I’ve never heard of, much less applied to. But that single sheet of paper declaring my admission is the lifeline I desperately need.

A way out. A new life.

A new roommate and self-proclaimed best friend.

But things take a turn for the worse when my new employer fails to mention mandatory intercourse in the official job description, and now he’s hellbent on making me pay for losing him an important client.

On top of that, I’ve managed to earn myself an honest to God stalker. Mysterious texts and veiled threats put me on edge while I ignore the demands of my vile ex-boss, but things start looking up when I meet Gage Ashford.

Gorgeous, smart, a devoted book lover, and the head of the university’s most prestigious fraternity, he’s the whole package. I can’t resist him. I don’t even try.

But he has ulterior motives, and when he reveals his true self, I’m livid.

I’m convinced he and his frat brothers are the ones terrorizing me with threatening messages, so I confront them on their own turf.

But they’re innocent. In this, at least. And for some reason I can’t fathom, they insist on becoming my saviors. My protectors.

My everything.

They are the Dukes, and they make me their duchess…in every sense of the word. I’ve never been happier. Never felt as cherished. Sheltered. Appreciated. Desired.

But when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

And I’m about to learn that the hard the way.

Author's This is a college romance where the main character ends up with multiple love interests. The book contains darker themes and situations to which some readers may be sensitive. Please read the author's note at the beginning of the book for TW's.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2023

About the author

Piper James lives in Idaho with her husband, two teenage sons, two cats, and a dog.

Her favorite things are romance novels, coffee, potato chips, and her Jeep Wrangler…and her family, of course. Seriously. She loves her family more than coffee and her jeep. *exaggerated wink*

When she’s not writing, she watches ghost shows and spends most of her time trying to convince her family their house is haunted. Because it is.

She wrote YA paranormal romance for 6 years under the name Wendi Wilson before giving into her desire to write spicy romcoms, and it was the best career decision she’s ever made…until she decides to write a book about the ghosts. Because they are definitely real.

Reviews

[Yixel Maxfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. A great story with plenty of
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and a bit of mystery had me turning page after page to find out what happened next to Havyn and the Dukes.

[Sarah Speigle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book missed the mark for me. It started out good, and I went into it with high hopes, but the more that I read, the more that I found myself not liking more parts of the book than I liked.

Let's start with the things that I did like about the book. I liked the premise behind the story. Havyn getting a mysterious scholarship to a university that she never applied to, and then we spent the majority of the book wondering who had done it. The mystery in the first part of the book intrigued me. I liked her interactions with the Dukes in the beginning, and her interaction with the professor...he seemed like someone she could turn to for guidance if she needed it.

As I continued to read the book, I found it to be a tiny bit predictable, and also a tiny bit confusing. I would have loved to see more from the POV of the Dukes and the Professor. Though Havyn was the central focus of the story, the guys also played a big part in it as well, and I felt that they were a little overshadowed. The ending fell flat with me as well.

All in all, I just think that this book wasn't for me. I usually enjoy Piper's romantic comedies, but this one...I wasn't a fan of.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone
Dark RH

Trigger/ Content warnings
Suicide of parent
Drug addiction
Toxic father
Cheating (parent)
Kidnapping
SA
Attempted R ape
Spanking
Stalking
Spiked drinks (date r ape drugs)

Hayvn (20, mfc)
Joshua Masterson (mfc's father)
Mallory (roommate of mfc)
Spencer Ashford (boss of Mallory)
Richard "call me Dick" Crawley (1st date)
Professor James Sweet (English lit)
Professor Fiona Aston (creative writing)
Gage Ashford (president of Duke fraternity)
Stefan (Duke brother)
Rico (Duke brother)
Arnie (Duke brother)


Hayvn had a crap life at home when she mysteriously received a full ride to a school she had not applied to. To escape her father, she took the scholarship. Her roommate sets her up an interview for the "escort" service she works for, even though that isn't something Hayvn would normally accept. But her father cut off her funds, so she has no choice. The very first "date," which started off horrid, ends when he kidnaps and assaults her. She managed to get away after fighting back. Things start happening from there, but that first *interaction* with Gage will leave you hating him. But when the truth comes out, it's not him you'll be wanting to stab...



I really have a hard time accepting that barely a couple of weeks after her assault, she's getting naked with Gage. I usually love books by Piper James, but this one was harder to love for me. I read all kinds of darker themed books, but this one was out there. Also, I had a bad feeling about Mallory from the very beginning. I'm glad I stuck it out and finished the book.

[booklover · Rating 2 out of 5]

So because gage apparently isn't good with words he won't apologize for treating her like a whore, he felt no regrets. He didn't grovel anything, just "became" a decent human being. She was almost raped alot , and I mean almost too much. Hate gage honestly, didn't really understand why he fell in love either. Suddenly he was interested in her major...boom in love. I'm not really satisfied at all, feels like a Wattpad story. And the development is very weird, gage said it's okay he likes to watch but never asked her if she's okay with him watching. I have absolutely no idea how they fell in love with her...the professor was kinda the only interesting character of the guys. I feel like it lacks dimensions, Rico is quiet, Stefan is nice, gage is an asshole, Arnie was only there to help with the treasure, and the professor who is a part of them . And it's very weird that she didn't see all the signs with Mallory... She almost got you raped twice, and then refuse to help you. Or that she never asked the guys about her... Or why the guys gave Mallory strange looks sometimes?

[Ashley ADirtyRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Read (Under 300 pages) : RH

Havyn has finally gotten away from her father, accepted into a new college far away - but she isn't sure how because she never applied. When she is cut off from the family money for attending, she moves in with a roomie and she tells her about her job as a companion. The job isn't exactly what she thought it would be and things quickly take a darker turn.

Still determined to make the most out of her first year of freedom, she and her roomie attend parties where nothing seems to go the right way. Between the threatening text messages that she is getting, a mysterious stalker, and a bully turned protector - Havyn is only sure of one thing - she is starting to fall for her protector and his brothers.

[Alexis Apodaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper James coming I'm HOT with a reverse harem suspense.

I'm a huge fan of Pipers romcoms.. so absolutely had to give this a shot.

I loved the premise and the mystery revolving around the main character. There were a couple parts in the middle that made me frustrated, but suspense usually does that to me.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The spicy scenes were HOT and EXTRA SPICY.

Definitely not for everyone but if you have an open mind and like some mystery this is a solid choice.

[Sutton Briar · Rating 3 out of 5]

-forced proximity
-why choose
-college romance
-found family

I WOULD HAVE RATED IT 3.5 STARS, BUT THAT'S NOT ALLOWED.

I randomly selected another book and found myself thoroughly captivated by the plot and characters. The pacing was quite brisk, offering a blend of mystery, action, and romance. This standalone "why choose" novel is particularly compelling.

I felt great empathy for Havyn and the difficult circumstances she faced, particularly the conflicts with those who intended to help but ultimately caused her pain. The story is truly immersive.

[Danielle Manninger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced why choose romance. Featuring a FMC who escapes her abusive father and winds up at a university where she meets a friend who encourages her to make money as an escort. Well turns out it wasn’t as PG as her friend made it seem and now she is dealing with threats from known and unknown individuals. She finds solace and protection with members of a fraternity.

[Amanda Chrissomalis · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/10

I loved the character development with this book!
I was skeptical at first, but I kept reading and the
farther I got the more I began to connect with each
One! This is definitely not a book of mushy romance,
but more near the true ugly beautiful side of it.
take a chance and open your emotional side a little
bit! I promise it’s worth it!

[Myndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect combination of dark and twisted mixed with spicy and hot. The back story of our main character was both sad and angering and it was satisfying to see her get away from that. The guys in the story are flawed but really care about and want to protect her. I was shocked at the end, I didn't see it coming! Highly recommend if you enjoy a dark reverse harem.

[Tamotha clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havyn is loved.

Havyn lost her mother due to her father never loved her thought she trapped him. He married her and always were cheating, her mother committed suicide with pills. Her father never loved anyone. Havyn was sixteen when her mother passed away. Then she meets four men that wants her, Its a very exciting read.

[Rachel Merrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This dark romance is a deviation for Piper James from her usual small town romcoms. This also had a little mystery thrown in as well.
With the why choose aspect as well a was expecting a little more from the spicy scenes. There was a little predictable as well as I had an inkling of the villain just not the why.
Still good just read the trigger warnings especially with SA.

[Terrie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I really liked how Gage was mature enough to know when he was wrong. I loved how Gage,Rico,Stefan and Jameson took her in and protected her. I could feel her struggle. I knew something was up with both of them but not even close to what it was. I mean damnnnn. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Alexandra (alilromanceandthriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect why choose palette cleanser. Over the top but delicious.

3.75/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️

[amina mohamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

So juicy!

Just the set of it all sucks you in! Head spinning at who is good and who is a snake! I loved it and want more!

[Joseph Shanks Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

a feel good!

The story was short and sweet. 10/10 recommend. I loved the sweetness of it. Please read and enjoy! Love ya!

[Bookthief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. James, brings out her darker side in this storyline of a young lady finding her way at a college that she didn’t register to go to. Havyn, grew up rich, but had a monster of a dad. When she was given the chance to leave, she did. She is on her own in a new town and college. Her roommate, Mallory, is fabulous! Her classes are going great; even one with a hot professor. She even meets a hot guy in the class, Gage. Then his other friends, Stefan, Rico, and the hot professor; who have a shared interest in Havyn. One thing about the story is that not everything is as it seems. Someone(s) are out there terrorizing Havyn; who and why. I actually needed a fan while reading this story, it was pretty hot. Don’t say I did it warn you!

[Amy 🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havyn finally gets out from her crazy controlling father’s thumb where she has been stuck since her mom passed. Unsure how this new opportunity appeared but grateful to finally be free she jumps at the chance. She received a scholarship and a dorm ! Her new roomie so super welcoming and even helps her find a job but that job quickly turns horribly and the guy who was shooting her looks starts to become even meaner to her.
Gage the mean guy from class quickly becomes very protective of Havyn as well as his brothers and guards her because she starts to receive threading texts
Who is sending these texts ? Is Gage being genuine? How will all end up for Havyn ?

Must read to find out !!!!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was my first Piper James book and i enjoyed it.

i really liked the premise of the story. the mystery of who submitted and applied to the college for Havyn, the Dukes reaction to her (from almost a hate to in love), the stalking and especially the spice! this is a why choose and man do the Dukes love to give!

if the author has any other books like this, i will definitely be interested in reading more!

story 4.5/5
spice 5/5

[Dila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt so rushed. The intimacy and relationship building went by so fast I swore it had to be book 1 in a series bc there had to be more to come? And the ending… it was as if the book had a set page count and the author was coming up on it and just decided to stuff all the rest into those few pages.

[Cynthia Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a different side to the spicy rom-coms we get from Ms. James! This book is a little on the darker side from the romantic comedies but still as spicy.

This book follows Havyn is a 20 year old trying to escape the clutches of her terrible father. Havyn is accepted to Heathcliff University and jumps on the opportunity to move out of her father’s home. Unfortunately, Havyn encounters many obstacles and traumatic events in her first semester, which leads to her relationship with the Dukes.

This is a quick read and while it is a bit predictable, it does not deter it from being a good book. I highly enjoyed this book and hope to get more of this from Ms. James.

[Kristina Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful reverse harem with all the steam and hotness of a muggy summer night. This college romance has everything a girl needs for a summer read. There is mystery, suspense and 4 Dukes that would do anything to worship their princess Hayvn. I could not put it down! Hoping for more of this from Piper!!

[Shavonne Belford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your a fan of Piper James romcom be warned this book is the complete opposite of her usual cute, funny, and spicy stories we know and love. This story is a dark and suspenseful college bully why choose romance. When Havyn finds herself with the unexpected opportunity to escape her terrible home and start fresh she takes it. Trouble seems to find her, as she begins her new life when she begins receiving harassing and threatening text messages from someone. As she slowly begins to crumble under the pressure from the threats and harassment, she find unlikely saviors in four men Gage, Stefan, and Rico and Jameson each share the same desire to care for, love, and share the body of the same woman and they begin to see that Havyn may just be the woman of their dreams. But only if they can figure out who is stalking her and attempting to harm her and these four Dukes will stop at nothing to protect their girl. A must read story that will have you on the edge of your seat in this suspenseful thrilling and dark romance, as a young woman finds herself and discovers that love takes many forms and family is those we choose and who choose us.

[D.Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so good! I enjoyed seeing a darker side to the normal small town romances that Piper James usually writes. Not only does this story offer a mystery, but also extra spicy why choose love interests.

Hayvn receives an acceptance letter to a school she’s never heard of that’s across the country, away from her turd of a father. She jumps on the opportunity and gives him the middle finger on her way to freedom.

Once she arrives she’s navigating her new surroundings with the help of her roommate. She pisses off her creepy boss, but also becomes the target of a stalker, but she meets 4 men who would do anything to protect her from the world.

The mystery behind the acceptance letter and what drew her to Bridgewater, along with her stalker, crazy boss and the incredible spicy scenes made this one heck of a page turner!

Highly recommend reading the TWs before jumping in, though

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A changes to her normal rom com piper brings us Havyn,

Havyn is stuck at home with her horrible father as she is not wanting to go to the uni he want’s his characters is awful, he bring a lettter saying she can’t go the this uni that’s she been accepted to but she has no clue who signed her up but it’s her escape from her awful father.
this is where the story really begins, this a great read as you are pulled down a couple of route as the story develops, Havyn has to deal with so much it will have you turning the page to find out what nexts for poor Havyn and can she see a end to all her troubles.

this story has 4 MMC who are so different it helps as there are all hunky guys (Dukes ) who all like Havyn with a few scenes with a reverse harem sex scenes it’s get a little 🥵

no spoilers as it with ruin it as you need to read it yourself so buckle up as you are in for a bit a journey 4⭐️

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark romance from Piper James in a bit of a twist from her normal rom-coms. 
What is the same is the genuinely good hearted characters and the relationships between them, as well as the spice. 
Where she veers into darker territory is with the reverse harem aspect and the plot involving both a revenge-seeking ex "boss" trying to take down Havyn for causing him to lose an important client and a mysterious stalker. 
But through these trials, her "Dukes" protect her - and open her up to a whole new world of relationship possibilities. 

Really enjoyed this foray into darker territory from Ms. James and could almost have used more of it. The plot was engaging, but I wanted more of the relationship with the Dukes (and the spicy scenes were great!!) I hope she continues with the dark romances - or at least the RH!

TW attempted rape, drugging, revenge, a small amount of violence

Thanks to the author for an advanced copy! 

[Cokiereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havyn has a rough home life. She's got to live with her father who has her under his thumb. Also, he sucks!

So when she gets a mysterious acceptance letter to go to college she takes it! She has a roommate she likes, and enjoys her classes. She's got some problems tho, she needs to find a job.

And who else goes to that college? 😉 But some guys who rule the school.

This is a RH novel, with some mystery, lots of spice, and a girl who stands on her own. I didn't expect the reveal AT ALL! Slight bully issue but not too much where it can turn you off.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Piper James writes.. this was so different from her typical sweet funny rom-coma. But it was just as good. As a first dive into darker themes, and why choose.. it was done amazingly. I loved all the characters, and the story was interesting, and drew you in. And while the spice was great, I wish that there were more scenes with all the men. But I absolutely loved this story, and definitely recommend it.

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Piper James' first dark romance and she did a brilliant job!!

This book had plenty of tension, mystery, suspense and spice to keep me engrossed in this deliciously dark reverse harem college romance.

Havyn's actions made me want to bang her head sometimes, and I felt the villain reveal was a bit rushed. But overall Piper James has weaved an incredible narrative to satisfy our darker cravings. Fellow dark romance lovers should for sure pick this one up.

[Poppy Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! This book was amazing!

I cannot believe it is Piper's first reverse harem book! I loved that each guy was so different and loving. It was a beautiful romance between all of them. I really want a sequel because I didn't want their stories to end.

Havyn has had and is having such a hard life. Life really tried to knock her down but she kept getting back up stronger than before.

And let's not forget about the spice in this book. Four guys make the spicy scenes absolutely amazing! 🔥🔥

Piper, please write more books like this! You're so amazing and everything you do! ♡♡