Wicked Court

Cimmerian Court Duet #1

by Ketley Allison

Four enigmatic men mark me as their own.

I never asked for this dark initiation.

From the shadows, they emerge—dangerous, alluring, coiled and depraved.

Each one holds a key to my salvation, and damnation.

Though they're gorgeous, popular, and hold everyone's attention on campus, I see what no one else their soulless depths.

But once I'm forced into working with them, running isn't an option—Because they hunt.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Romance, College, Suspense, Enemies To Lovers

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

About the author

Author of Romantic Suspense, New Adult, and mature YA.

Check out my Amazon Author page!
http://amazon.com/author/ketleyallison

Visit me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ketleyallison

Visit my website!
https://www.ketleyallison.com

Follow me on Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/ketleyallison
@ketleyallison

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'𝐖I𝐂K𝐄D C𝐎U𝐑T' Is the first full length book within this series by new to me author Ketley Allison. Spoken in 'multiple pov's.' And ends on a cliffy. The 4 band of brothers are (Cav, Kaspian, Axe, and Wilder) and the one girl who didn’t know what was coming for her.

God where to even start with writing up this review. There's so much to unpack in this book so a day later and my mind's still fixated on it. I don't even recall how I stumbled across this, but as soon as it went live my finger did the rest and I started it straight away.

It’s fair to say that I’m beyond hooked, this reeled me in straight away, the suspense, the storyline, the dark undertones, the dark secret society, then throw in their unorthodox kidnapping and questioning technique pulled me in even more. 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

These feared bad boys on campus have been set a task by the Sovereign and failing to do so will result in punishment or even death, rarely is it tasked of them to target females.

That task consists of finding the 'Ruby Heart' and the one person who holds the key to this mystery is good girl Elara Wraithwood who also attends Titan Falls University alongside the four of them. She's a happy go lucky kind of girl, loved by all on campus, apart from them. Everyone wants a piece of them, the untouchable boys on campus.

This ticked so many boxes and has become my new obsession, I'm hoping the next book delves deeper into each boys backgrounds though as this didn't really touch on that.

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Heart isn't the myth that many would like you to think it is."

The Ruby Heart.
The answer to everything. Every whisper. Every question.
And the one with all the questions?
Elara Wraithwood.
But she's not the only one.
The Sovereign is after the ruby Heart.
And Cav, Kaspian, Axe, and Wilder believe she is the answer.
And they will stop at nothing to get it… or her…

"Elara's image has haunted not only my dreams but also my waking hours."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"I'm the monster under your bed, and you've let me corner you."

I loved this secret society vibes. I am here for it I am stanning it. I am intrigued and I am hooked.
We follow Elara Wraithwood who is being cornered by the "bad boys" on campus (I know that sounds cheesy but hear a girl out). They are morally grey okay. They are borderline pitch black.
We love unhinged men and this book served them up for us on a silver platter and I loved that for us.

"You ever had someone bring you to your knees, Elara Wraithwood? Make you beg?"

It also has this season of the witch vibes to it and I was like yes AHS: Coven we are here for it. Also gave me is "Sick Boys" by Clarissa Wild and "Nocticadia" by Keri Lake had a child with "The Ritual" you see where I'm going with this?
Now because this is the first book, we are just introduced to the characters but I am already loving them.
Erica is literally somehow a shy history bookworm while also being a sassy badass with witchy vibes and I am eating it up and here for it.
It also gave me "The Vampire Diaries" if it was a why choose and honestly I am not mad at that. REBOOT ALERT!!
Anyway I cannot wait for the next books because I need to know what happens next!!

"Can't we play with her a little before getting what we need from her?"

"Not to worry, sweetwitch. You're safe now. When we claim you, you'll know it."

The author made an amazing playlist to go with this book but because as we all know by now I am a narcissist that loves music so these are the songs that I added 😇😇

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0VK... )

🎵 "A Little Wicked" - Valerie Broussard
🎵 "engravings" - Ethan Bortnick
🎵 "Take Me to Church" - MILCK
🎵 "El Dorado" - Stellar
🎵 "Who Will Save You" - Katie Garfield, Obeds
🎵 "play pretend" - margo
🎵 "Beauty" - Layto
🎵 "Popular" - The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, Madonna
🎵 "There Will Be Blood" - Kim Petras
🎵 "Oh No!" - MARINA
🎵 "Girl With One Eye" - Florence + The Machine
🎵 "Which Witch" - Florence + The Machine
🎵 "RUNRUNRUN" - Dutch Melrose
🎵 "Monster" - Lady Gaga
🎵 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "Desire" - MEG MYERS
🎵 "Sweet Little Lies" - bulow
🎵 "W.I.T.C.H" - Rain Paris
🎵 "Seven Devils" - Florence + The Machine
🎵 "Fake Happy" - Paramore
🎵 "Who We Are" - majume, Jupiluxe, Sarah Angel
🎵 "Parasite Eve" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "The Violence" - Asking Alexandria
🎵 "Pain" - Jake Daniels
🎵 "Paranoid" - I Prevail
🎵 "Savages" - Kerli
🎵 "Black Sea" - Natasha Blume
🎵 "Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎵 "vicious" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Unstoppable" - Sia
🎵 "HOUDINI" - AVIVA
🎵 "HOUNDIN PT. II" - Layto, AVIVA
🎵 "stalker" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "Heathens" - Twenty One Pilots
🎵 "Twisted" - MISSIO
🎵 "Control" - Halsey
🎵 "Circus Psycho" - Diggy Graves
🎵 "Nightmare" - Scarlet City, Anxxiety
🎵 "Morally Grey" - April Jai, Nation Haven
🎵 "No Mercy" - Austin Giorgio
🎵 "Hypnotic" - Zella Day
🎵 "Cravin'" - Stileto, Kendyle Paige
🎵 "Saints" - Echos
🎵 "salvation" - Christabelle Marbun
🎵 "Prisoner" - Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa
🎵 "Freaks" - Jordan Clarke
🎵 "Victim" - Halflives
🎵 "Blood In The Cut" - K.Flay
🎵 "As They Bloom" - Unlike Pluto
🎵 "feel something" - Bea Miller
🎵 "Sweet 'n' Savage" - Kxlly
🎵 "Smoke - Remix" - BOBI ANDONOV, Son Lux

And don't worry, even though it is the first book there is spicey times to go around..

"Say it. Say you want my cock inside you."

"If you're not asking for it, then beg for it."

"I see it in your face. Wondering whether you'll cry for mercy or beg for more." 👀👀

📿 Tropes 📿

🔪 Secret Society
🔪 Enemies to Lovers
🔪 Close Proximity
🔪 Polyamorous/Why Choose Romance
🔪 Bully Romance
🔪 College Romance
🔪 Cliffhanger

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4nwlhJoi...

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i wanted to enjoy this a lot more than i did since i loved the characters from the previous series. i honestly couldn’t have cared less for the plot and it felt like a repeat of the other books but with a slight tweak in the fact that Elara actually has a jewel. i really enjoyed the moments spent within the secret society and i’d say Wilder and Axe are probably my favorite out of the men. i didn’t care much for Cav’s attitude and Kaspian blurred too much into the background for me to notice him. i also hated Kaspian’s nickname for Elara (beastie).. like ?? I’m sorry, but never say that again in your life thanks LMFAO. it took me so long to read this too but despite all my issues, i promise i didn’t hate this book .. it just let me down in comparison. i will be back to read book 2 soon for my men Wilder and Axe though! 😍

[BookishRaquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Star Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️

What to Expect:
- Dark Romance
- Why Choose
- Enemies to Lovers
- College Romance
- Bully Romance
- Secret Society
- Forced Proximity
- Good Girl/Bad Boy
- Multiple POVs

**As always, please check the trigger and content warnings.**

Wicked Court is my introduction to author Ketley Allison. I have read several why-choose dark romances and was excited to read this story. Wicked Court is intense and emotional. This is a page-turner, and it was hard to put the book down.

The story is told through the POVs of Elara, Cav, Wilder, Axe, and Kaspian. Elara, our FMC, finds herself in the crosshairs of these four mysterious, untouchable men tasked with finding something of value they think Elara has access to. Each man has a distinct personality, brings something different to the story, and has their own motivations for entangling themselves with Elara.

The chemistry between Elara and the men was palpable. I love the good girl/bad boy trope. Although Elara knows these men are dangerous, she is not afraid of them and can't help but be drawn to their darkness. I love that her relationship with each man was so different. The spicy scenes were good.

The story is well-written. I like that occult elements were included, but it wasn't so much where they overtook the story. Character development was good, but I wanted more. The secret society element is fun and gave me 'The Ritual' vibes. I wanted to know more about the secret society and the men's backgrounds. Reading a story with multiple POVs can sometimes take extra time for me to follow. I stopped to re-read certain scenes to ensure I understood which POV I was reading. I love unhinged, dark MMCs, so I can't choose a favorite, but Cav stood out the most.

Overall, Wicked Court is a good read. It is fast-paced and has twists, turns, and secrets revealed. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I need to know what happens next. I have so many questions!

Thanks to Ketley Allison and Valentine PR for the e-ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Dul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta es la historia de una joven que se ve arrastrada a una misteriosa iniciación por parte de cuatro hombres enigmáticos. A pesar de no haber pedido esta oscura entrada en sus vidas, se encuentra inmersa en un mundo lleno de peligro y atracción irresistible. Aunque estos hombres parecen ser perfectos en la superficie y captar la atención de todos en el campus, ella es capaz de ver más allá, percibiendo la falta de humanidad en sus miradas. Con el tiempo, se ve obligada a colaborar con ellos, descubriendo que huir no es una opción viable, ya que estos hombres están decididos a atraparla cueste lo que cueste.

Realmente no fue un libro memorable, pero sí disfruté leyéndolo.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books in a series with a cliffhanger…. Incoming.

So Wicked Court has the good girl, bad boy vibe but the bad boys are quadrupled and I was absolutely here for it. Set against the backdrop of a college town, involving a secret society, with themes of familial obligation, power and control as well as trauma, loss and grief you’ve got a why choose that is 🌶️🌶️🌶️.

At times I felt I needed more - more history, more of the connections between our FMC and our four bad boys, and more connections between the bad boys themselves. I really wanted to know what made them tick and some more exploration if this dynamic.

Hopefully we get that in the next instalment and we don’t have to wait too long for it.

This one is not for the faint hearted. It’s pretty dark - dark themes, dark characters, and some iffy scenes but there’s preamble and trigger warnings which I’m all about. Being forewarned is forearmed and I can’t wait for what’s next.

[multiple POV’s, good girl, bad boys, dark themes, romance, multiple potential triggers, childhood trauma (off page), grief and loss]

[Ms. Dess · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 2.75 ⭐️⭐️ Rounded up to 3 on Goodreads)
Series Rating: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

We Have:
✅ RH / MMFMM
✅ College Setting
✅ Secret Society
✅ Occult Themes
✅ Mystery
✅ Multi-POV

Let’s be clear—this isn’t a bad story. The mystery is intriguing, the secret society and occult threads have major potential, and there’s definitely a vibe here for readers who love a slow-unraveling, multi-POV experience.

But for me? Something just felt... off.

The writing is solid, even beautiful at times, but it has this almost wistful tone that didn’t quite match the story being told.

The plot kicks off with chaos, and while I’m all for a messy intro, this one jumped from confusion to insta-obsession real fast. One moment the guys are carving each other up for secret society stuff, and the next they’re finger-f—ing the FMC and all suddenly obsessed with protecting her? The transitions didn’t always feel earned, and I kept asking how did we get here?

Still, the spice was decent (open-door, frequent, but not overdone), and the mystery element is strong enough to keep me reading. I’m hoping the second book adds clarity and context, because right now, I’m straddling the line between confused and curious.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a spicy twist and don’t mind piecing things together as you go—this might hit.

Here’s the thing though... I need answers. And I know I’m going to rage-read the next book. Not because I’m enjoying myself like a normal human, but because I’m too stubborn, too nosy, and too emotionally held hostage to DNF it. I’m hate-reading with purpose. I resent my curiosity. I hate myself a little. I’m reading this out of spite. Against the book. Against myself. Against the gods.

[Readingwithdesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much definitely my top read for March! Can’t wait for the next book!!

[bookofemily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark why choose romance?! That’s all I need to hear! I’m so ready for book 2

[Dani Denee’ Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY CLIFFHANGER, BATMAN!!! I’ll admit I was skeptical about 5 POVs but this was done so well!! The drama and excitement in this was executed beautifully! Elara just wants to live a normal college life when the Untouchable Four come in like four wrecking balls and undo everything she’s worked hard to curate about herself. Secret societies, old money, family secrets, you’ll find it all in this THRILLING READ!!

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

wicked court by ketley allison | arc review

rating: 4 stars

i haven’t read a why choose romance before so this was so different to any of my recent reads but i absolutely loved it.

this book was so dark and twisted and so good! i loved the secret society vibes entwined in the story, i loved elara’s character and i loved the four men that become obsessed with her 😮‍💨

this is the first book in the series so it was introducing all the characters but you instantly fall in love. all four men are dark and twisted with a past that you just want to keep learning about. i can’t wait to get more history, more clues, more spicy, more mystery and more scenes with elara, axe, kaspian, cav and wilder! i just have a feeling we’ll get loads more of those especially because this is a why choose romance. the chemistry between them all is so undeniable but elara’s relationship with each man is so different. i couldn’t even choose which i loved more

this book was easy to follow. the witchcraft storyline was so good and interesting and how this intertwines with the secret society on campus. these four men have suddenly turned elara’s world upside and she comes to terms with this. ican’t wait to read more of this series!!

please check the trigger warnings.

read this book if you love:

💀 why choose
💀 secret societies
💀 witchy vibes
💀 morally grey men
💀 close proximity

[Oana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ketley Allison woke up one day and chose to write the best why choose duet to ever exist

[Kata · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Veritas in Umbris. Truth in Shadows.”

“I’m the monster under your bed, and you’ve let me corner you.”

Wicked Court is a college bully romance with secret society and mystery elements. I enjoyed the secret society vibes and would love to learn more.

The book is told in multiple POVs, featuring FMC Elara and four MMCs: Cav, Kaspian, Axe, and Wilder. The multi-POV storytelling worked well with the plot by giving a glimpse into how each character was feeling about what was happening. Elara, as a character, reminded me of Elena in the Vampire Diaries.

While the premise of the book sounds a bit cheesy—a good girl being cornered by four hot, untouchable bad boys—I believe that the secret society and mystery elements made the book more unique and interesting compared to other why-choose/reverse-harem college bully romances.

The characters were well introduced, but I would have liked to learn more about their pasts. Since this is the first book in a series, maybe there will be some more interesting revelations in the following books. I also wished for more world-building.

The book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to read what happens next.


I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicked Court
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶️🌶️

ARC REVIEW:
This book is a Dark Why Choose Romance and actually my first. I was intrigued from the start and couldn’t put the book down. It’s very dark, suspenseful, twisted and definitely spicy.

I enjoyed reading each characters POV through different chapters because it gave me a sense of what each of them were thinking and how they wanted to act towards Elara the FMC. The guys each had unique different personalities and I couldn’t decide on who was my favorite because it changed constantly throughout the book. In the middle it did start to become a bit repetitive with the witchcraft and finding the Ruby. But as time went on it did bring back the excitement and suspense.

Read this book if you like a guy(s) that is obsessed, protective, and also a bit mysterious. Also if you enjoy a good girl who is interested in the bad boy or boys in this case. It’s also got the perfect amount of witchcraft vibes and a secret society. Total cliffhanger at the end so I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens!

Thank You Valentine PR and Ketley Allison for sending me this ARC for an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
2.5 🌶️

tropes:
✔️ why choose
✔️ dark romance
✔️ secret society
✔️ college setting
✔️ insta lust

going into this you quickly realize that there is a lot we don’t know, and that this series is going to be one hell of a ride 🤭. this seems to be a spin off of an existing series (same university, different characters / plot) so it can be easy to get slightly overwhelmed with mentions of past characters so make sure you read her other series before this one if you find yourself not able to keep up.
the story follows Elara, who is described to be popular and kind of a “goody goody” in that sense - along with 4 other guys known as Cav, Wilder, Kaspian, and Axe. without going into it too deeply they’re searching for something the believe elara has intel on that they NEED.
slightly enemies to lovers, slightly a bully-ish romance? because it’s book one is less romance and more bullyish lol.
the spice wasn’t all there this book but when it finally happened it was 🥵 WHEW. i already can tell future books are going to be INSANE in the best ways.
now, the reason it wasn’t a complete 4 star yet is because sometimes i felt like the plot was questionable at times or hard to keep up with. i couldn’t connect with the characters fully just yet (even though my favorite is the unhinged one, wilder) but that’s always something that happens in a series.
you get a lot of information in book one and are left off on a cliffhanger, so i’m excited for book 2 to get some questions answered and to see how Elara grows into her role. personally, i’m hoping she becomes a badass female lead i feel like it’s building up to.

thank you to the author and valentine pr for the ARC, while i received this book to read all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Wicked Court is about Elara Wraithward and her dark descent into a world she doesn't truly understand complete with secret societies and four dangerous men willing to do anything to get what they want. What do these men want? The Ruby Heart, it is their salvation and freedom from the Sovereign or is what they truly want Elara?

This book s extremely dark so please check your trigger warnings before reading. I was pretty hooked from the first chapter, this book moves at a fast pace which makes sense given the circumstances. The dark secret society vibes are kept throughout the whole book and the men are unhinged. This book is emotional and angsty and full of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs as it allows you to truly get an understanding of their different personalities. The chemistry between Elara and the men is strong and full of angst. Personally my favorite so far is her relationship with Axe.

The book does end on a cliffhanger and I am intrigued to see where the story goes in the next book.

[Mariia Booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before you start reading be aware about this trops
Alpha Hero
AntiHero
Bad Boy/Good Girl
Band of Brothers
BDSM
Blackmail
Boy Obsessed
Bully
Close Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
Escaping a Killer
Heroine in Danger
Ivy League University
Polyamorous Romance
Secret or Lost Heir
Revenge
Stalker
Why Choose
Taboo
Tortured Lead
This was my first dark novel and maybe I didn't fully understand the essence of this genre. Let's start with the pros - a fascinating narration from the perspective of several characters, which makes the story more intense, an easy writing style, an intriguing ending that hints at a sequel. There was also just the right amount of mysticism, perfectly balancing magic and realism. I liked the main character, although she was illogical in places. The brotherly tandem is also cool, but in some places their actions were too much....But, probably, this is the essence of a dark novel. I am grateful to the author for introducing me to this genre through her story.

[The Lushy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Society Queen strikes again! This time, the mystery and intrigue is amped up. Not sure if it’s the 4 deliciously dark guys or the secrets waiting to be u leashed, but I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. But something tells me, Ms. Allison has only scratched the surface and a whole lot more will be revealed.

I love Elara and the guys. They’re filled with so much baggage that only Elara is going to be able to sift through. She’s defiant and tough enough to stare the darkness down; and it looks like these guys have a lot of it. There are no sunshine and roses, but that’s ok, I adore the darkness and the depravity.

[Pana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you Valentine PR & Ketley Allison for this ARC.

"You don't want a prince, darling. You want monsters."

Four men mark me as their own. Though they're gorgeous, popular, and hold everyone's attention on campus, I see what no one else does: their soulless depths.

From the shadows, they emerge-dangerous, alluring, coiled and depraved, and each one will have to decide whether to save me... or kill me. I never asked for their attentions.
But once I'm forced into working with them, running isn't an option— Because they hunt.

If you’re a fan of reverse harem, magic, morally black men with a vengeance, and a secret society. Pick this book up today. It’s free on KU.

[Yvette Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Court by Ketley Allison is book one in the Titan Falls series. This book had me from page and left me needing to know what happened. If you like why choose, secret society, gothic, dark college romance with multiple POV’s then you will love this book.

Elara is a badass FMC and has 4 men Cav, Wilder, Caspian, and Axe who are all falling for her in their own way. She finds herself attracted to all four even though she is trying hard not to. She is on a mission to find out what happened to her brother and the meaning behind a piece of jewelry her grandma left her.

Wicked Court is captivating read that had me hooked from the first page. The chemistry between the characters was written so well and the spice was spicing. I have so many questions with the book ending on a cliffhanger…I can’t wait for book 2. I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Brittney Thigpen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was intense! I have read several dark romances with why-choose and I was excited to read this story. It was a page turner and hard to put down; I enjoyed it so much! The chemistry between Elara and her men was top tier because she’s not afraid of them, even though they are dangerous and can’t help but be drawn to them individually. This book was well-written, fast paced and had all the twists and turns you could ask for with them revelation of secrets! The story ended with a cliffhanger so I’m anxious to find out what happens next!

[The Bookworm Hermit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is kicking off with a deliciously unhinged start. Our four sexy nightmares are what makes them perfect for our morally grey dream men.

Elara finds herself in the center of family historical drama and the center of these men as they hunt her for the "Court"

As her family secrets are revealed she finds herself drawn to all four of them and their depraved desires.

Book 2 comes this summer and I can't wait.

[Megan Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again!!! Ketley has created a world of mystery, secret societies, and darkness and I want in!!! Love that we get the mention of some of our favorite Vultures. And I love that this continues in the Titan Falls world. Literally can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Trish Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!

Ketley hit it out of the ball park AGAIN! Titan Falls next trilogy is as dark and twisted as the first series… but dare I say a little darker???? A must read if you love dark, smexy, bully romances!

[Caroline Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow
Let me begin by telling you ideally you need to read titan falls series first to know the back story of this book
Wicked court is the first book in this new series and already I cannot wait for the next.
First out heroine Elara (what a beautiful name) has suddenly captured the attention of four hotties Axe,Cav,kaspian and Wilder.
Although at first the attention is anything but good Elara surprises them with her strength and courage.
All four boys are unique and are completely different from each other and each one seems to have that pull that draws Elara in.
The closer Elara gets to them the more she learns and realises the dangers that surround them
This book is full of chemistry surprises and mystery I really cannot wait to find out what happens next.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This story immediately drew me in from the first chapter. This story follows Elara a happy go lucky college student. Her tragic past comes at her full force when the 4 (yes 4) morally grey but borderline black MMCS have to cross her path and the story unravels lots of twists, with all the spice and a pretty massive cliffhanger.

I will be excited to continue along with this series.

“You’re a monster”
A monster. Yes, perhaps that’s what I’ve become. I smile at her, empty and soulless.
“Were you expecting a prince?”

What to expect:

📿 Secret society
🖤Morally grayish/black MMCs
📿Suspense
🖤Dark
📿Bully
🖤Why Choose
📿Close Proximity

Thank you Valentine PR and Ketley Allison for a chance to read this title in advance.

[Nichole Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time this year that I've read a book, get to the last page and scream NOOO because it ends on a cliffhanger! Fast and easy read that I could not put down. I cannot wait for book two.

Dark, intense, emotional. Some twists and turns. Decent amount of spice! Secret societies. Talk of witchcraft. Enemies to Lovers. Why Choose.

First time reading a book told over 5 POVs but I didn't feel confused while reading and I enjoyed seeing/hearing things from all the MCs. I've had some with just 2 POVs that made it feel like I had whiplash and didn't have that trouble here.

I could feel the chemistry between Elara and the Untouchable Four (Cav, Axe, Wilder and Kaspian). And while each of the four MMCs make up a group, they each have personalities that make them different and stand out, which is what draws Elara to each of them.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Ketley Allison has brought us another delicious secret society, why choose, college bully romance with a hint of mystery. You do not necessarily have to read the Briarcliff, Thorne of Winthrope, or Titan Falls series to read this book…but these previous stories (Briarcliff and Thorne of Winthrope are high school-aged, while Titan Falls is set at the same university as the Cimmerian Court Duet) assist with world building, depth of knowledge and understanding the length of how deep these secret societies go.

This story is set in the isolated college town of the elite, Titan Falls. The underlying mystery and intrigue centers primarily around finding the lost Heart of Sarah Anderton, a witch who was murdered. The Heart in question is a huge ruby that has eluded being found for centuries. Naturally, our MCs are involved in unwrapping the mystery in order to save themselves from the “curse” that has plagued their families since Anderton’s death.

Our FMC, Elara, finds herself dragged into the Cimmerian Court’s machinations, and playing a dangerous game she never signed up for. Elara unknowingly has been on the Cimmerian Court’s radar for years, as her family is a founder of Titan Falls and is inexplicably entwined in the bloodshed that surrounds the town’s history.

The executors of the Court’s wishes? Enter the Untouchable Four; the only individuals who have ascended past initiate-level within their society in decades.

Cav, the Puppeteer: Cav is someone we met in Loyal Vows, and he was an intriguing enigma. Cav is most akin to the leader of the Four - he feels responsible for his brothers and for finding a way to end each of their suffering. Cav struggles with trust and always tries to ensure he is a step ahead in the chess game towards a future without being under the Court’s thumb.

Kaspian, the Bogeyman: behind a strikingly handsome veneer, Kas is devious and cunning. Kas is the monster under your bed who will drag you into the depths of his depravity without a second thought. Kas also has a certain proclivity for unique tastes that flirt with the edge between pain and pleasure.

Axe, the Phantom: he is usually a man of few words who chooses to stay in the shadows rather than making his presence known. Axe prefers to observe others rather than engage, and the trauma from his past influences how is perceived by others. Axe is a tortured soul, and although the most quiet in the group, he is by no means, any less dangerous.

Wilder, the Hellhound: he is a daredevil who is slightly unhinged and unpredictable. There is no point in trying to give Wilder a script, because he wouldn’t follow it anyway. Wilder tends to take what he wants, and has obsessive and possessive tendencies.

The relationship dynamics between Elara and her Four are complex and navigate dangerous waters. Each of the Four are drawn to Elara and her innocence as she is a pure light being shone on their darkness. Elara recognizes that each man has experienced intense trauma, and like recognizes like, as they awaken her from her own unfulfilled existence. Within this budding relationship, there is a heavy emphasis on bullying, control/manipulation, possession, and submission. Although each of these men struggle with having connections outside of the Court due to the danger it would bring, Elara is slowly cracking away at their exteriors; the vulnerability she unearths with each of the Four is a foundation to a strong connection despite the way their interactions started.

We are left on one heck of a cliffhanger, but luckily for me, book 2 is out!

[Cember · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflicts and Termoil

I haven't read very many secret society/occult entangled tales, this one being a twisted brand of its own making. Certainly not for the light of heart and a trigger list for those who plan to venture in.

Elara is living day to day on her college campus, just existing in a world of her own making, years after the loss of her older brother. But her quiet, routine world is about to burst into chaotic confetti when four men set their sights on her and a mysterious family history, Elara has no knowledge of.

Cavanaugh, Wilder, Axton, Kaspian; four tormented shadows that follow her every move with the demand for a jewel she is claimed to harbor. But secrets run far deeper than they all realize.

I have mixed feelings about this story. The wholes where I expected to be filled with explanations and a ground of understanding were more vague than anything, but it lured me in with a hopeful yearning of shedding some much needed light, providing a more solid understanding to all my questions.

I feel like Elara was just existing before being shoved into the throws of these men. The loss of her brother and the trauma inflicted on her mother pushing her for the need of some semblance of what people deam and normalcy. Not to mention the barely brought up grandmother who apparently knows something.

Why did the loss of her son cause the scales to tip so severely that this mother sets traps in fear? It was a brutal death, but it's left me curious because these traps are purposely made not to do severe harm but rather to deter. Why is her grandmother not more in the picture? She felt more like a character just existing to give more of a hidden mystery without context and a single important moment that gives a small clue for Elara. This could just be as easily introduced within the confines of Elara's childhood home, giving more ground towards the mothers paranoia.

Now Elara's best friend. I don't like her one bit. She is never really there when Elara needs her, whether it is to intervene when the dangerous four constantly closes in and drags Elara off with demands and threats, or to bring up concern when her friend who is a known social butterfly just poof, disappears. At one point, she asks if Elara is really okay and doesn't press when she is told everything is good, but Elara starts distancing herself almost immediately from everything, and this doesn't throw red flags? She even pushes Elara to do questionable stuff even when it is obvious she doesn't want to do it.

Despite the things I feel could have been presented differently, I enjoyed the read. I am more invested with the pull of knowing why this occult group wants the ruby heart so badly.

[Kiarra-Lee Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A NEW DARK WHY CHOOSE ROMANCE WITH SPICE AND INTERESTING PLOT... HELL YEAH!

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆.5/ 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wicked Court was definitely a fun one to read! I'm a sucker for a good why choose romance and what's better than a DARK why choose hehehe.

The book started of great, we start future event that takes place then go back to three weeks before which build the suspense! The reason I brought my rating dow to a half star was because there were some parts in the book that where confusing in regards to the secret society that the MMC are apart of and so I got a little confused on some parts but overall the story made sense.

We have Elara, auburn hair and tougher than she looks, the popular, friendly and extremely smart girl, with a traumatised family after her brothers death. A family heirloom that her grandmother gives her, that she soon realises that people will fight for... maybe even claim her to get it. I rally liked Elara in this book, she was head strong and didn't back down from the boys when they would corner her. She is charismatic and protects the ones she loves... she just didn't think she would get the attention of the Untouchables...

The Untouchables are the 4 MMC's in this story and boy oh boy are they all as handsome as each other, thought, they may get jealous if you tell them that lol.

Cav, the condescending leader, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes and believes that his family has been cursed with misfortune.
Kaspian, the charming sociopath with a harboured self hatred, brown hair, cold green eyes and he wields words like a weapon.
Wilder, our unhinged wildcard, dark brown hair with hazel eyes and can make riding a motorcycle sounds so thrilling with his hot rugged figure.
And Axe, our silent asocial boy, who suffers from memory loss from terrible child abuse, with ash blonde hair and gray eyes and tends to observe rather than engage.

And when they want something, they'll happily take it in one form or another... and they use a form of pleasure to get the answers they want, and boy oh boy does that get spicy. The way they all want her and get jealous of each other and take what they want... *melts into puddle*

Especially when they call her a "good girl" repeatedly, or "sweetheart" or "butterfly", "sweet witch" or "beastie", and they way they fuck is dirty but oh so fun to read about!

This book was lots of fun, a good amount of dark and I NEED THE SECOND BOOK AFTER HOW IT FINISHED!!!

Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for providing me a ARC for a honest review!