July 2024 So okay... it isn't bad, the characters are interesting. But for me, it reads like a YA book. It is so full of... repetitive whining and dithering. The main mc who is supposedly 20 acts more like she's 16. I don't know that I can really describe my issues, because I like the idea of the story, but for me it's not there yet.
DNF 45%. I don’t know who wants to read about a Mary Sue FMC in heat, but it’s not me. Their breathing alone makes her weak in the knees. Stand up! They’re just men!!
Yet because of them, her ‘pussy’ is mentioned 72 entire times!!! 72!!! ‘Virgin/virginal’? was mentioned 49 times. *eye twitches* Yeah, I know what I signed up for ~in general~, but they both even felt like a little much after they were only mentioned once.
It also seems like the author thinks we’re dumb? Maybe it’s implied by the fact that we continue to read on, but she frequently recaps things that literally just happened, in detail. Like, we know, we were there. We weren’t all that impressed with it the first time around, either.
If a guy got rid of my clothes to replace them with sluttier versions, I’d be furious. If he got rid of my comfy clothes and exchanged them with too small versions of pajamas? He’d be dead.
She uses this very moment to fuel her anger towards both the situation and the men she’s enrolled herself in, making us eager to finally see her retaliation… which is apparently just silently eating with them while the men take over her living space and then she promptly falls asleep.
Wow, girl, you really showed them.
She also sees the ghosts of her ancestors living amongst them for like two seconds and then we’re back to regularly scheduled thirsting over mediocre men. Like, c’mon! That was almost cool.
Their conclusion of the purpose behind a mysterious package she receives is idiotic, which shouldn’t come as a surprise at this point. Why would it possibly be about anything but the house? The renovations will obviously reveal something! Duh!
Are they really so self involved to think any threats must be about the crime they’ve already done the time for? I want the number for the jail that they were amazingly placed in together despite all pleading guilty as coconspirators in the same offense.
They obviously weren’t humbled enough while inside and might need to do some weekend stays to make up for it. At the very least, it might encourage them to leave that poor dumb girl alone for a time.
“They were planning something,” she deduces after watching them speak at length in a huddle outside. Forget interior design, she should be a detective.
‘Cock’ is mentioned 47 times, ‘dick’ (99), ‘fuck’ (380). I might’ve had a little fun searching up the frequency of overused words, but that was the most entertainment I found here.
Here’s an excerpt that summarizes it well: “It was bad. Like, really bad.” (p. 160)
DNF - I couldn’t get over the heroine being dumb enough to meet alone with the guys she thought killed her brother and then move in with them just to see if they actually did it. Then she’s a 20 year old virgin. Of course.
Otis was the only character with really interesting thoughts but I couldn’t keep reading even for him. The amount of pussy clenching if the hot guys even breathed her way was too much. I skipped to the devirginizing and realized it didn’t get any better so Hard pass, which is sad bc the blurb sounded really good.
This was a slow burn to start. Based off the description, I wasn’t sure how Daisy would end up living with her brothers killers. The setup seemed almost too simplistic and unrealistic (hence 4⭐️). The book took off and I really enjoyed it, so much so I ignored everyone and read all day long. Finished this book and of course it ends on a cliffhanger so immediately had to pick up book 2!
If you’re looking for a why choose with a heavy plot and a murder mystery vibe this one is for you! Really enjoyed this one and it was a good building block for the rest of the trilogy. The book is a little crass so if that’s not your fave style then this might not be for you. 4 stars due to the slow pace in the middle.
Brothers best friends (3 MMCs) Suspense Who did it? Why choose
My reading experience in ‘why choose’ tropes is limited, but I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
Ms Hunt has woven a complicated mystery to keep readers engaged. It’s not all spice, but there is certainly plenty of it. Each of Daisy’s 3 men have distinct, interesting personalities and I can’t wait to dig more into the central mystery. That, and the looming crash when she finally collides with Jace, promises a storm for the ages.
What a start to this series. I was definitely on the edge of my seat reading whenever I could. A fast past why choose romance with heat and secrets! There’s no shortage of either. I haven’t read the other connected series so not only having a cameo of those characters but a POV threw me off a bit. But I’m definitely going to go back to that series for more information about this town. Can’t wait for the next book and hopefully poor Jace won’t put out of room for his piercings!
3.75 stars. I loved the cliffhanger in this book! I also love the why choose and the heat! There were some cringeworthy descriptions in her steamy sections but overall, I enjoyed the writing. I loved the multiple points of view but I wish there were a few from other POVs rather than the amount that Daisy had. I am also over the moon that the morally gray asshole didn’t get to the girl first and the sweet one won out! The murder mystery aspect is what has me hooked though- I NEED to know why Blake was killed and HOW and by which one. This book definitely failed in the editing department but didn’t hurt it enough for me to put it down. Definitely looking forward to the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Un premier tome bien sympa à lire. Une histoire de Harem Inversé dans laquelle l'héroïne va cohabiter avec 3 hommes, ceux qui ont tué son frère. L'intrigue se met doucement en place et même si l'histoire ressemble bien à d'autres du genre, avec le mec sympa, le mec mystérieux et le dernier qui joue les méchants, cette lecture fut un bon moment de détente.
This story had a nice flow. It’s part 1 of 3 and can’t wait to see how this turns out. She gets back in contact with her brother’s 3 best friends who have just been released from serving 5 years for his murder. She wants answers and is trying to figure out who really killed her brother. I am into the characters and into the story. I am into the tension. There’s mystery, lust, and intrigue.
I'll just leave my review on book one. Since that's where you gotta start for this book to make sense. This amazing why choose MFMM book was hot 🥵🔥 Jace of course was my favorite because well I have a thing for grumpy alpha a holes 🥴🤪🤣 I made have squealed like a school girl when the King's and Bastards was mentioned. Especially Rafe cause I love that man the most so far. Book two was omg but I knew she didn't hate us enough to keep that storyline going. That didn't mean I didn't shed tears cause those book two cliffhangers are the worst. Otis and Wolf are equally as steamy as the rest of the men from these books. Absolutely must read books.
This is all over the place. First of all the premise is weak. The Beasts, Jace, Wolf and Otis confess to killing Daisy’s brother and spend 5 years in prison. After they are out ,Daisy, who wants to figure out if they really killed her brother, invites them to live in her house and help her renovate it to gather information on them. Daisy talks about how this is her big plan that she has spent years concocting but it’s terrible. None of these guys need money or a place to stay so you invite them to be slave labor at your home for room and board. They accept, obviously, but on the condition she has to do everything they tell her to do. *eye roll* Once they are there she gets absolutely no information from them besides her just straight up asking “Did you kill my brother?” And they tell her to drop it. This is not a plan!!! It just seems like a poorly concocted plot to make force proximity happen. Tons of body betrayal in here. Every time she is around them she just can’t help herself because they are SO HOT. Her 15 year old little sister Ruth is a helion. Having sex with men who are twice her age and Daisy barely makes a fuss about it. Daisy thinks she can renovate an entire mansion with only the help of 3 ex convicts because she watches HGTV. I’m ranting but this is a mess!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The premise of this book is just so ridiculous. “My brother was murdered and his best friends confessed to the crime, but did they really do it? Let me invite them to live with me in my giant mansion and find out. Oops I fucked them, but they murdered my brother.” 😂😂 One of the boys has synesthesia and one is on the autism spectrum, which made the book worth reading. However, FMC’s inner monologue was torture to read. I thought the smut would save this book, but it really didn’t. There’s better books. The second one is what was recommended to me, and why I powered through reading this shit show.
✅ Why Choose ✅ New Adult ✅ Enemies to Lovers ✅ Brother's best friends ✅ Bully ✅ Autism spectrum hero ✅ Musician ✅ Forced Proximity
This story has a bit of a slow burn at the beginning of the book but quickly picks up its pace as you continue on. I loved Sadie’s king’s trilogy and knew that this book was going to have to have twists and turns, it’s got a dark edge to the book and great pop ups into some other known characters and locations from the Kings. I love the trio and their willingness to go to any length to protect Daisy. The fact that all 3 are so different is what brings on such a love for them, they each provide Daisy with something different and help her in their own ways. I love an underdog in a story and that is what Jace reminds me of, I can’t wait to see their relationship grow as the story progresses. I’m hoping she continues to stand her ground and push his buttons haha I picked this book up yesterday and didn’t put it down until I finished it!!! It kept me enthralled the entire time, the gigantic cliffhanger at the end has me ready to scream and counting down the days until the release of the next book! If a dark Why choose romance is your cup of tea I highly recommend Gather the storm. Sadie’s style of writing is the kind that makes you take a have to take a breath and remember it’s just a story, the way she writes I can see the scenes playing out in front of me like I’m actually in the story. If you’ve made it this far into my review just do yourself a favor and read the book and I highly recommend checking out The kings trilogy and take a wild ride with Willa through their crazy story! 🖤
Chapter 14 ”We’re here to keep an eye on her while we figure out who’s still kidnapping girls. That’s all.” So who’s been looking out for her over the past five years while they’ve been in prison? Also, isn’t five years a pretty short sentence for manslaughter? While I’m on the topic, why did those three boneheads confess to the murder? Daisy’s reason for grabbing the knife by mistake while fumbling for her phone seems perfectly reasonable, especially since at least one of them could act as a witness. I don’t know that she would or could be convicted on circumstantial evidence. I’m sure her father could hire a competent lawyer for her.
My speculation was close but not spot on. The truth was even more diabolical. I do wonder at the five year lapse in kidnappings.
Already into the next book so don’t remember if Daisy finally figured out the partial truth here or in book two. I don’t understand her father’s motive for kidnapping her. Where did he get the security guys from and why so many? What was the point of imprisoning Daisy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I came to read this book from kings of aventine university, I think that maybe if I hadn’t I’d like this more?
For starters jace is literally a shitty version of neo, daisy even describes her hatred for him as something like a thousand burning suns which is exactly what Willa said about Neo - it just felt very copy and pastey. The only slight difference between the other guys is I think Otis may be on the spectrum but again they’re very obsessed with daisy from the get go, just like the other guys in the other book.
The storyline is just stupid, so she thinks these guys really murdered her brother so she invites them (fresh out of prison) to live with her and she has sex with them but she’s also surprised that her little sister is upset about her living with them when they killed her brother?? Like why does the author always make her female characters dumb AF. Also if she genuinely wasn’t sure that they’d killed her brother why did she wait 5 years to investigate who might’ve if not them? Like helllooo?
I also can’t get over how Otis thinks gray/Grayson is a stupid pretentious name when his is Otis? Like that’s any better, maybe I’m just grumpy but this book definitely wasn’t it.
EDIT - one of the guys also has synthesia which is mentioned all of once, in other books I’ve read it’s really overwhelming for the character, it’s almost like the author forgot that about the character, maybe it’ll be mentioned in book 2?
I really enjoyed this start to a new series. The author doesn’t skimp on back story and character development, which to me is so important so that we readers can connect to the characters and really get lost in the story. This is a why choose novel with plenty of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now for the Possible Spoilers:
Daisy is trying to solve the mystery of her older brother’s death that ultimately his three best friends confessed to, to keep Daisy from being blamed (she found the body). The best friends are Jace, who is a bit of a jerk but shows redeeming qualities, Wolf who you love instantly, and Otis… well, I have a soft spot for Otis because he shows signs of possibly being on the spectrum slightly. Otis can’t read facial expressions and struggles to understand the nuances of emotions and social interactions but he’s mechanically inclined and very tech minded. The first book introduces you to the characters and sets up all the framework for the next books in the series. It ends in a cliffhanger, as most books do in trilogies, but I don’t mind at all because I can tell already it will 100% be worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a page turner!!!! I couldn’t put this book down! This series grabs your attention right out of the gate and pulls you right in! I really love the first person narrative. Makes you feel you are right there in the story. This is a MUST read series if you love mystery, intrigue, and hot steamy scenes with not just one but three hot af guys! Thinking everything would be fine in Blackwell Falls after the epic conclusion of the Aventine University series, Kings & Carnage, but you would be wrong! There’s much more happening! We'll have to wait for the next installment to find out and I for one can't wait!
NOTE: Even though this series could be read without having read the Aventine University series, I highly recommend that you read that series first so you understand everything that has happened in this small town. Several of the characters from that series are included in this book. You’ll definitely be happy that you read the Aventine University series first.
Just finished the Blackwell Beasts series. And it was ok….. I feel like it was supposed to be more mystery and then the author decided that sex sells, so she added some sex scenes in there, but at random spots. I feel like there were several missed opportunities to write really good 🌶️ scenes that would’ve actually helped the plot along. They are also not well written scenes. The book overall had good writing tho.
Also, this apparently is a spin off series of another series, and that was not made clear in the beginning, and it leaves you with a few questions at first. I didn’t go read the others, but some things probably would’ve made more sense if I had.
5 years ago Daisy finds her brother stabbed to death on a river bank at a party. Stunned she drops her phone, but when she goes stumbling around for it, she comes up with a knife. Now her prints are on the murder weapon and the police question her. But she’s let go when her brothers 3 best friends confess to killing him.
Now, because of their plea deals, they’re being released, and Daisy will do anything to find out the truth. Could her brothers best friends really kill him in cold blood? If so why?
So in a weird twist of events, she asks them to move in with her to help her restore the old mansion her mother left her in her will. She provides room and board, they provide labor, but their condition is they don’t talk about her brother Blake. Not that that will stop her from snooping to find out what happened.
As other threats come for them all, could her brothers killers be her saviors?
To be honest, I was 50% through the last book and almost DNF. I pushed through and was glad to read all the loose ends got tied up. But it’s wasn’t a series that I’ll highly recommend.
This was my first book by Sadie Hunt and definitely won’t be my last. This reverse harem was an amazing read that sucks you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between the main characters was evident and I was rooting for everyone to end up together.
The author did a great job of balancing romance with the mystery of when the fmc was going to find out who killed Blake.
One of the highlights of the book was seeing how deeply the mmc’s cared for Daisy and seeing her gain more confidence as a time went on. I am definitely looking forward to her growing more of a back bone in the next book.
So far Jace is my favorite with Wolf being a close second. I also like Otis, however he did not get as much story time. I really hope we get to see them develop more in the next book.
The cliff hanger was very well-done! The story definitely got me out of the book funk I was in.
Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop! This was also my first book by Sadie Hunt and I absolutely loved it. I do plan to read her previous series as well.
Why choose and Enimies to lovers are just a few of the tropes in this book. They are also two of my favorites, and I was not disappointed! There was mystery and suspense, drama, spice, and much more! Of course, the sexual tension was off the charts.
I really liked Daisy. She was a great FMC. Jace, Otis, and Wolf, were her beasts. I love how different they were. Each added something to the relationship. I think Sadie is one lucky lady too, but she definitely has her hands full and has a lot more to learn.
I think this was a fantastic start to the series! The storyline and the characters have me wanting more! Be prepared though, we are left on a cliffhanger!!
Sadie Hunt, you are a genius with a pen, the queen of suspense. Gather The storm is a suspenseful spicy, slow burn whodunnit mystery with three gorgeous beasts and a delicate wallflower. Daisy was woefully naive when she invited her brother’s best friends to live with her, under the guise of proving whether they killed Blake or not. She’s constantly stuck between “did they kill Blake” and “I want to do naughty things with all of them, really naughty things”. The suspense keeps building and I’m expecting something explosive to happen, literally and between the sheets. Everything surrounding Daisy and the beast holds a dark secret but it all comes with a generous helping of steam and spice. Sadie I’m hooked and I’m salivating for what comes next. I want more and I can’t wait for what mysteries and secrets will unfold.
Such a good storyline. Definitely a little different in some ways but kind of the same too. It kept me interested and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book. Wolf is my favorite for sure! Jace cares but won’t stop with the anger and throwing barbs at Daisy long enough to show it. I think he doesn’t want to care. And Otis…well, he’s been all in from the get go and has finally decided to ignore Jaces command they stay far away from her. Wolf & Otis are going to claim Daisy and make her theirs, no matter who doesn’t like it! But something has happened to her and Jace is panicking along with Wolf and Otis to find her before the unthinkable happens. And they just know her Father has dark plans to hurt his daughter. Can her three men find her in time?
Now I need to make use of my kindle unlimited once again and check out the sequel. Pronto! 😁💙
Gather the Storm is a slow burn that keeps you on edge, blending murder mystery, suspense, and romance in a way that makes every page feel like it’s leading to something explosive. The twists are well-placed, adding depth to the mystery while keeping the tension simmering.
One of the highlights for me was the dynamic between Daisy and the three Blackwell Beasts. Each guy has his own unique personality, which makes every interaction exciting in its own way. Jace and Daisy’s banter is especially fun—it adds a lightness to the darker undertones of the story. But what really pulls you in is the anticipation, that slow build toward the inevitable boil-over moment.
If you love slow-burn romance with a touch of danger, well-developed characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book delivers. It’s dark, it’s intriguing, and who doesn’t love a bit of spice.
Holy edge of my seat the entire book!!! I couldn’t read this fast enough! And yet I am soooo excited for so much more to come!
This series if off to a great start. Sadie writes intrigue and mystery soooo well! Daisy the female character thinks she can reel the guys in to get what she wants, little does she know they will be everything and so much more!!!
Sadie writes intrigue and mystery soooo well! I was hoping Sadie would write more in the Aventine University world. I love her first series soooo much and was excited to see where she goes next. This was soooo good. Definitely check out Sadie’s books!
This read is jam packed with emotion and it’s based on the premise of the Blackwell Beasts were they wrongly accused of a crime and should seek justice in their own way.
It took me a little bit to get into the storyline but once I did everything just explodes as far as the plot and interaction between Daisy , Otis , Wolf and Jace. I liked Jace’s character the least he is a bully but boy do things turn around.
Gather the Storm actually captures the reader in a storm of emotions - what is right / wrong , intense feelings for these characters !
I recommend this read and author !
I received a copy of Gather The Storm from the author and this is an honest review !
This was my first Sadie Hunt book and definitely will not be my last!
I kind of felt like I was missing something up until 60% of this book. I had to keep checking to make sure I wasn’t accidentally reading book 2 in a series instead of the series opener.
The mystery of did they/did they not do it regarding the Blackwell Beasts was intriguing until it was all explained in like one paragraph. Then you’re thinking the whole time that there’s got to be more going on here! It’s definitely a page turner and I’m excited to jump into #2 to figure out whhhhhyyy Blake???
Wolf and Otis are gems and Jace needs to pull her head out of his damn ass and go after his girl!