Falling in love is out of the question. Watching my mother die for love only made me want it that much less.
When things become too serious with my boyfriend in college, I know it’s time to step back.
The only problem is, he doesn’t feel the same.
His brand of love is possessive. Fierce. Terrifying.
And he’s not afraid to enlist my best friend and my former stepbrother to help him get me back.
The plan? A party at Satan’s Hollow, an elite frat on the Holloway University campus where the hookups are plenty and secrets are hidden behind the masks we wear.
The goal? Get me the same key to the room they have and then…
Well, let’s just say that vow I took won’t last for long because my ex, my best friend, and my former stepbrother are making it their mission to change my mind.
Together. No matter the cost.
The Fallen Ones is a darker masked men college romance where she doesn’t choose. She simply begs for more. This book contains dark content.
Known mostly for being strange, USA Today bestselling author K.G. Reuss knows what it takes to wear the crown of town weirdo. A cemetery creeper and ghost enthusiast, K.G. spends most of her time toeing the line between imagination and forced adulthood.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Of course my cover hoe eyes screamed at me to purchase this, then I read the blurb, saw the author and I was intrigued enough that I dropped everything and jumped right in..
This pulled me in straight away, heed those trigger warnings before jumping into this one because these three boys don’t hold back on their devious efforts to claim the girl even if it means she becomes theirs with whatever means possible.
Even murder in the name of protecting what’s theirs.
They call themselves’The fallen ones’ masks obscuring their identities in the hopes that she doesn’t recognise them.
Because she knows them very very well
One is her ex Another is her stepbrother The other is her best friend
These three concoct a plan that under the guise of Halloween they are going to claim her virginity….Even by force if that’s what it takes…
Where her wildest dreams become her fantasies. Halloween is the night where all her inhibitions are laid to rest. The night where she offers up her virginity on a silver platter.
I liked the idea of it, but it was just done poorly and I didn’t like the writing style. Wasn’t as smutty as I usually like either and the spice that was there I found kinda boring. None of the characters were very fleshed out and felt like the usual cookie cutter dark romance MCs 🤷♀️
Side note: Also really disappointed with the chosen narrators so I’ll not be reading anything else by these authors again.
This might be the most poorly written book I’ve ever attempted to read. I do not understand all of the 4 and 5 star reviews. I’m generally no quitter but at 40% I might be waving the white flag.
Format: Audiobook Narrators: Lucy Rivers, Corvin King, Joe Arden and Jacob Morgan Genre: Dark Romance
📖- 4.5 🎙️- 5+ 🌶️- 4
CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
Audiobook Non Spoiler Review 🎧 The Fallen Ones by K.G. Reuss and J.A. Roles is pure dark perfection. I adore the writing style and talent of both authors, so when I saw their collaboration, I knew it was going to be amazing. The fact that I didn’t see the book until it was in the process of releasing in audio; serendipitous. I mean, did you see the VOICE ACTORS attached to this book⁉️ Yep… that alone should be enough to have you downloading this audiobook immediately. Performed in full cast duet by, Lucy Rivers, Corvin King, Joe Arden and Jacob Morgan. Can we just take a moment to appreciate all that talent in one audiobook…LFG 🔥
The manipulation and deception runs deep in this story. The Stepbrother, Ex Boyfriend and Best Friend, aka Damien, Jace, and Caleb, came up with a dark and disturbing plan to get “their” Lily for themselves. Because if they cannot have her, no one can. Everything played out just as they planned, but somewhere along the way, the trio began to need/ want each other around. The character growth during this process was freaking hilarious. I could not get enough of the bickering and fighting when they were together. You see, these three hate each other, due to past issues but now, they’re tied together because of their toxic mindset. Those same past traumas keep Lily sheltered and ignorant to the world around her. Of course, this plays in the trios favor, however they’re not the only ones banking on her inexperience.
I know this is a Why Choose Romance and usually I have a favorite out of the group; but I absolutely cannot pick one. Not this time. I adore (and maybe even despise) all three equally. This book is dark, intriguing, entertaining, spicy, fast-paced and unputdownable. READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. The narrators not only perfected their characters, giving them a voice (literally), but gave this book a pulse.
Do I recommend! A million times, YES!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was really looking forward to this when I found out who the narrators were, and I held on as long as I could because I love their voices, but rape just isn't my cup of tea.
Every time I read "this is SUPER dark" I brace myself for something intense and unhinged, and then it's just ✨rape✨
Where's the actual dark setting/plot? Give me the morally grey man who hurts everyone else, but not HER!
If your idea of "dark romance" is hurting women, you're no different from those who consume violent porn depicting their suffering.
The things I enjoyed: the premise (best friend, ex, and step brother join together to win the girl), some of the dirty talk, and the banter between the guys as they became friends.
The things that earned this book a 1-star:
The FMC’s motivations contradicted each other from one chapter to the next and were weakly supported. She dumps her boyfriend because she’s afraid to have sex and get too close, then end up like her mom. Not saying that logic made sense but I’ll roll with it. So, newly single, she has a threesome with strangers, then wakes up the next day and wants to know who they are because she has feelings for them. Suddenly, she seems just fine with her intimacy issues. Oh but she’s also going to pursue a relationship with a random dude - her ex’s friend - because…now she wants a relationship? I can’t keep up.
My biggest problem with this book is the damaging representation of masculinity. One of the MMCs calls the other two MMCs ‘pussies’ repeatedly, and we could’ve understood that he struggles with emotions without this character trait. I could look past that maybe. But I SAW RED when the FMC tells the only MMC with an ounce of good intention - who happens to be her best friend (Caleb) - “I want someone man enough to force me,”. This is her response to Caleb when he tries to warn her that the guy she’s flirting with rapes girls. And it’s basically **“well, at least he’s man enough to rape women”. Absolutely no shame to anyone with the fantasy of being forced…we’re all reading this for entertainment…but “man enough”?! That perspective in the context of rape or even CNC sex is SO damaging, regardless of your gender. CNC is not about how tough you are - it’s about pleasure for both people. And rape CERTAINLY is not about toughness or masculinity. I can’t believe I even have to say this.
And lastly, the editing needs work. The number of typos, grammar issues, misused words and incorrect figures of speech was crazy for a published book. Examples: - “I had her coming on my fingers *without* moments…” - “I didn’t hesitated.” - “She’d have to actually be yours to *steel* her.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What in the wattpadd hell did I just read …. No offend at all but this sounds like it was a written by a 14 year old boy, just learning what boners are you 😬
3⭐️ for the audiobook cast. Listen. It is a funny coincidence that I’ve now picked the second book in the same week, where the entire premise boils down to “dick equals therapy.” And once again, in compliance with the other book, I’d suggest treating this one like a hotel door sign saying: *do not disturb the smut with plot.* Because that’s precisely what it is. Behind the hotel door? Pure smut. If you’re here for a lot of CNC — where the “consent” is mostly discussed by the men while the heroine contributes a single line to make sure it doesn’t read as straight-up r… fantasy — you’ll be happy. Because the smut itself? I didn’t hate it. I actually enjoyed most of it a lot. I like well-written CNC, and in this case, I just had to rewrite the script that lead to the CNC. Because this one leaned one-sided, and it only really works if you accept the FMC as basically an inflatable doll. If you try to take her seriously, if you look at her trauma, or at how the guys manipulate her, or at the half-baked “plot devices” shoved in for flavour, you’ll roll your eyes so hard you’ll see your own brain.
But if you’re willing to ignore the pseudo-plot and lean into the unhinged chaos, you’re in for a smutty, deranged, reverse harem where, yes, dick equals therapy. Caleb? Loved him. Damien? Surprisingly, fun. Jace? Grew on me. The FMC? Absolutely not. She had the depth of a puddle. I stayed because the audiobook narrators are royalty! Corvin King, Jacob Morgan, Lucy Rivers are all favourites of mine.
And now for the serious part. Dark romance thrives on delivering deliciously deranged boyfriends, but why do we so often get stuck with heroines who feel like background furniture? I was told she was fierce, an artist, smart, a devil ..... all telling, NO showing. So yes, the boyfriends here were strong. But readers deserve heroines with that same fire. Darkness only works when everyone on the page is burning, and Lily never even flickered.
Who doesn’t dream about getting stalked and claimed by 3 masked me. Who also just happen to be your best friend, your ex-boyfriend and ex-step brother. The deception runs deep in this book!
The Fallen ones, who all happen to hate each other, are brought together with one purpose and one purpose only, her. If there’s one thing they can agree on it’s that she will be theirs. This book honestly didn’t have an intricate plot but it was a good time. The funniest parts were her telling her best friend about her “experiences” with her masked men knowing he’s one of them.
The narrators did a phenomenal job bringing these characters to life, the audiobook for this series is a must! Narrators include Lucy Rivers, Corvin King, Joe Arden, and Jacob Morgan, so you already know it’s going to be outstanding!
Thank you so much to Blue Nose audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review
Fantastic spice if you like dubcon, somno, and mask kink. Low plot. Wanted to give it 3 or 4 stars bc it was entertaining at a time when I'm having trouble not DNFing books, but the FMC was too much of a doormat for them. She was way too okay with one of them supposedly sleeping around immediately after their breakup (he wasn't, he created the rumors) and just wanted him regardless of all the women he let hang off him whenever she was in view (I hateeeee the jealousy trope). Also the friend is not the kind of friend I want to go to any kind of party with. She did not care for her safety at any point in this book.
~The Fallen Ones~Holloway University #1~K.G. Reuss & J.A. Roles~
~Full Cast Duet Narration~Lucy Rivers, Corvin King, Jacob Morgan, & Joe Arden~
~Production~Blue Nose Audio~
"If Jace was the thrill rushing through my body, then Damien would be the chill racing up my spine, and Caleb the moan I'd let slip past my lips."
♡I'm an absolute sucker for a why~choose trope than add in a step-brother, Ex-boyfriend, & a Best-Friend trope to the mix & you get a match made in spicy forbidden heaven! Have a masked smink because SAME & these 3 masked mmcs delivered!
Hearing this book performed in multi-cast Duet Narration was impeccable! Whoever is in charge of casting at Blue Nose needs a raise because they couldn't have picked a better lineup for this book! Each one of these narrators delivered & I ate up every last crumb!
Can 3 men who absolutely despise one another put aside their differences for one lucky woman they are all obsessed with? If you love a dark & spicy why choose romance The Fallen Ones are ready to meet you!♡
This story explores what happens when Lily learns to let go and opens herself to the possibilities beyond her fears, class, and reputations.
The full cast channels the intensity, vulnerability, and obsession for each character. The Fallen Ones is a sizzling why choose dark college romance that’s equal parts dark, depraved, and addictive.
Huge thanks to the authors and Blue Nose Audio for the listening copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Wow. If patience is a virtue, then finishing this book must’ve qualified me for sainthood. The MFC? Beyond annoying. She whined, she waffled, she made indecision a full time personality trait. The “why choose” trope? More like “why bother” there’s no universe where she wouldn’t recognize who they were, masks or not.
The plot dragged like it had concrete blocks tied to its ankles, only to sprint through the ending like the author suddenly remembered the deadline. Zero build-up, zero payoff, just… flat. Honestly, it’s the first book I’ve ever wished I’d DNF’d.
Save yourself the time.. I already suffered so you don’t have to.
I was given the opportunity to listen to this audiobook and had high hopes once I found out who the narrators were and reading past books from both authors. I thought the narrators all did a great job and worked well together however I did struggle a little with the writing style of the book which did make it a little bit more difficult to listen to. I did over all enjoy the plot of the book though and liked the taboo/forbidden aspect of it
I enjoyed this! It was a really fast read and the plot and romance was entertaining. I do have to say the writing wasn’t the greatest at times. Also the way this wrapped up and ended was way too fast. We had this big dramatic, traumatizing event and we hardly even got the a resolution. Then they just revealed themselves and that was it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Great story that is a why choose with a lil bit of taboo added in. It starts off with our fmc whose mother’s death traumatized her and she ends things with her boyfriend because things started to heat up between them. That’s when the three Fallen Ones started showing up and showing her what she was missing. This story has plenty of turns in it to keep you interested with a lot of spice.
Didn't think I would like it since I DNF'd Kings of Bolten, but was pleasantly surprised. Honestly liked the book cover photo lol.
Masked Men. Why Choose. NO CLIFFHANGER.
As always, read the trigger warnings. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even though the end felt a little rushed to me. Each of the guys had their own personality and sort of alter egos. Spice level was on point in line with FMC finding herself.
I’m sorry, but this girl must be colorblind. The amount of red flags that were constantly and ALWAYS waving in her face….it was insane. For Joe Arden, Corvin King and Jacob Morgan performance ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ stars!
I think the grey MMCs are the only reason I gave this book 1 star and even they aren’t the best. I love morally grey MMCs, they’re my favorite kind of MMC, but these guys pushed things into extremely uncomfortable territory even for me.
I was so excited to finally read this, had been looking forward to it for months… but it’s just a mess. It’s littered with typos, almost every page actually. There wasn’t really enough character building on the characters and I sometimes had trouble understanding why they sometimes did what they did, or thought what they thought.
The FMC was extremely irritating for several reasons but mostly her own stupidity. It was bad. I understand her childhood affected her in such a way that she refused to allow any man close to her, had never had a relationship, but why did it also extend to a complete lack of ANY social awareness? Why did she keep seeing a (non MMC) guy that she was warned had hurt women because “what if it doesn’t work out with (Masked Men)?” That was the reason she continued to date a man she was warned had SA women. As if the Masked Men and the r^pi5t are the ONLY four men at the school/city/world. If it doesn’t work out then find someone else, ffs. You don’t need to have ever had a boyfriend or sexual experience to know that. Not our FMC.
The spicy scenes were underwhelming and cringe at times.
This book is a must read! From the start to the finish, I didn’t want to put it down.
Lily, the main character, has past trauma that she needs to work through in order to feel a connection. In order to help her do that, three guys mask up to conceal their identity and put her in a position where she can’t deny them. This leads to her wanting to find out who they are while also wanting to get closer with people. This book leaves you rooting for Lily to find out who her masked men are.
This book definitely brings the spice with all the different tropes. I’ve never read anything from J.A. Roles but with K.G. Reuss as one of the authors, I knew it would be a spicy must read! The ending was great, I just wish it would have been a little longer. It felt a little rushed and I would have gladly read more pages to get a more drawn out ending. Overall though, 4.5/5, 0.5 points for the quick ending.
I hated it. There, I said it. It genuinely felt like it was written by ChatGPT on a Monday before coffee — flat, soulless, and deeply allergic to plot or character development.
And before anyone comes for me: YES, I know Joe Arden, Jacob Morgan, and Corvin King are narrating. YES, they crushed it — because they always do. If you know me, you know Jacob Morgan could read the phone book and I’d slap a 4.5-star rating on it just for breathing.
And to be fair, the performances? Flawless. The vocal talent did everything they could. But even they couldn’t drag this across the finish line.
There was nothing to hold on to — no real plot, zero depth, characters with the emotional range of a wet sponge, and writing that made me want to hit “pause” and rethink my life choices.
So yeah. Sadly… here we are. Not my bag. Not my taste. Not even salvageable by three of the best voices in the game.
1 star. And that’s entirely for the narrators, because the story didn’t earn a damn thing.
Oh heavenly smut buckets! Masked men? Check! Three masked men to be exact! Check, check, and check! She is the plot and she is object of their desire. We have taboo with an ex-step brother, ex-boyfriend and her life long best friend, who are all in!
Good thing it’s why choose as I have a hard time picking a favorite MMC. I love Caleb, and Jace is a cocky jock, but there is just something about a man with tattoos and a dirty mouth and Damian is that man!
Our FMC Lily is strong and stubborn and like everyone, has a past trauma to overcome and what better way than with 3 masked men?
This is dark romance with lots of smut, but there are some triggers, so if you have any be sure to check them before reading. Otherwise, enjoy.
There’s dark, and then there’s *dark*. You know full well this is the latter one when KG is an author. If you are worried you may be triggered by something, this is not your book.
All I can say is….phew, it’s pretty darn hot in here! There’s a lot to work through in this book but it is SO worth it. I always enjoy KG’s stuff and now I’ve got another author to check out too. I adored catching a sneaky reference to KG’s Chaosverse in there too!!