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Ares Academy #3
Perilous
Just for one night, I didn't want to be a pure Mafia Princess. When I - quite literally - ran into the insanely hot Scottish mystery man on a London street, we agreed to spend the night together. No backstories, no history, no names. This was a huge mistake. When I arrived back at the Ares Academy, the brutal college for the offspring of crime families, guess who's my new professor? He's not happy about this discovery, but neither am I. He thinks he can just dismiss me. We'll see who lasts the entire year. Because I'm not giving up. Perilous - A Dark College Mafia Romance can be read as a stand-alone with a HEA and no cheating, for 18+ readers only. Perilous is the third book in the Ares Academy Series
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2024
159 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐
This was fun. It has a touch of organized crime but is still comedic most of the time. I love Mala (21); she's a feisty and headstrong heroine. I love Cormac (30) too; he's protective, possessive, and has a filthy mouth, damn it. 😂
This was a standalone, but there are concurrent events with the second book. I think it's best to read the series in order. To fully grasp everything about it. Also, there were too many side characters; this might be confusing for some. I'm still confused, honestly 😂
I enjoyed the murder mystery and finding out who was responsible for the killings happening in the academy. The romance was enjoyable too, insta-lust and all, but it works for them. Mala was such a lucky girl. 😮💨 I love a man who'll go so far with kidnapping just to get his girl. 🤭 But only in fiction, irl, this caveman behavior deserves jail time. 😅
Anyway, I enjoyed it. It was cool, and the touch of suspense made it exciting, at least to me. And I have to say the smut was 🥵 Dear God, the mouth of this guy should be illegal, but whatever, I liked it. 🤭
Book info:
- Forbidden romance
- ONS
- Professor-Student
- Organized crime
- Violence, death, torture
- Attempted assault
- Virgin h (this didn't bother me for some reason 🤷♀️)
- Non-virgin H (not sure if he's a hoe, no background info was given)
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- Kidnapping 😍
- HEA
- Bonus epilogue (5 years later with twins)
Similar book: Control Me
This was fun. It has a touch of organized crime but is still comedic most of the time. I love Mala (21); she's a feisty and headstrong heroine. I love Cormac (30) too; he's protective, possessive, and has a filthy mouth, damn it. 😂
This was a standalone, but there are concurrent events with the second book. I think it's best to read the series in order. To fully grasp everything about it. Also, there were too many side characters; this might be confusing for some. I'm still confused, honestly 😂
I enjoyed the murder mystery and finding out who was responsible for the killings happening in the academy. The romance was enjoyable too, insta-lust and all, but it works for them. Mala was such a lucky girl. 😮💨 I love a man who'll go so far with kidnapping just to get his girl. 🤭 But only in fiction, irl, this caveman behavior deserves jail time. 😅
Anyway, I enjoyed it. It was cool, and the touch of suspense made it exciting, at least to me. And I have to say the smut was 🥵 Dear God, the mouth of this guy should be illegal, but whatever, I liked it. 🤭
Book info:
- Forbidden romance
- ONS
- Professor-Student
- Organized crime
- Violence, death, torture
- Attempted assault
- Virgin h (this didn't bother me for some reason 🤷♀️)
- Non-virgin H (not sure if he's a hoe, no background info was given)
- No cheating, opd, breakup
- Kidnapping 😍
- HEA
- Bonus epilogue (5 years later with twins)
Similar book: Control Me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
Fun read.
I loved the conclusion to the Ares Academy series. Although, I think Athena needs her own book. I love Mala and Cormac. His family welcoming her into their clan. The spice was spicing in this book too.
I loved the conclusion to the Ares Academy series. Although, I think Athena needs her own book. I love Mala and Cormac. His family welcoming her into their clan. The spice was spicing in this book too.
February 19, 2024
We got teased about their story in Malice, and this did not disappoint! I was grinning ear to ear the whole way through.
Mala is badass. She is deadly with a knife, can connect two and two, and make you run for the hills. She also has one of the biggest hearts you’ll come across, watching out for her friends and classmates. She also a carries a sadness with her as we learn why and has not felt loved or appreciated by her family. There are definitely times when you want to hug her!
Cormac is down to earth, can very much appear intimidating with a history to back it up, and has a heart of gold. He has the respect of his family and colleagues, can lead others and will watch your back. He is also smart, has a good sense of humor, and can make both male and females swoon.
These two! Fate draws them together as Cormac picks out Mala in a sea of bodies and they instantly hit it off, which Cormac’s protective nature and Mala’s kickassery sparking the connection. They have fun banter and play off each other’s energies well. They also both know what they want and will go after it (despite some push and pull moments) and we see that they work well together (in this case trying to universal who is targeting students). Cormac wraps Mala in complete warmth, showing her she is worthy of being loved, while Mala keeps surprising Cormac at every turn. These two were definitely made for each other and leave you giddy.
Moreover, this story does happen simultaneously with the events of Malice, so I recommend reading that beforehand to avoid spoilers. I liked seeing the overlapping timelines as we got to see different angles of what was happening behind the scenes at the Academy and with other characters who didn’t get a chance to show more of themselves (Liam!!!). And even though I knew what was going to happen during certain points, it was still refreshing and as endorphin-induced as before.
I also liked seeing familiar faces and being introduced to new ones. I definitely enjoy seeing how the characters are tied together and what new stories will be in the pipeline. Arianna definitely has a way with creating characters that you just can’t help but smile about and their stories are definitely memorable.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Mala and Cormac’s story and cannot wait to see more from the McTavish Clan!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mala is badass. She is deadly with a knife, can connect two and two, and make you run for the hills. She also has one of the biggest hearts you’ll come across, watching out for her friends and classmates. She also a carries a sadness with her as we learn why and has not felt loved or appreciated by her family. There are definitely times when you want to hug her!
Cormac is down to earth, can very much appear intimidating with a history to back it up, and has a heart of gold. He has the respect of his family and colleagues, can lead others and will watch your back. He is also smart, has a good sense of humor, and can make both male and females swoon.
These two! Fate draws them together as Cormac picks out Mala in a sea of bodies and they instantly hit it off, which Cormac’s protective nature and Mala’s kickassery sparking the connection. They have fun banter and play off each other’s energies well. They also both know what they want and will go after it (despite some push and pull moments) and we see that they work well together (in this case trying to universal who is targeting students). Cormac wraps Mala in complete warmth, showing her she is worthy of being loved, while Mala keeps surprising Cormac at every turn. These two were definitely made for each other and leave you giddy.
Moreover, this story does happen simultaneously with the events of Malice, so I recommend reading that beforehand to avoid spoilers. I liked seeing the overlapping timelines as we got to see different angles of what was happening behind the scenes at the Academy and with other characters who didn’t get a chance to show more of themselves (Liam!!!). And even though I knew what was going to happen during certain points, it was still refreshing and as endorphin-induced as before.
I also liked seeing familiar faces and being introduced to new ones. I definitely enjoy seeing how the characters are tied together and what new stories will be in the pipeline. Arianna definitely has a way with creating characters that you just can’t help but smile about and their stories are definitely memorable.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Mala and Cormac’s story and cannot wait to see more from the McTavish Clan!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2024
Arianna Fraser has written the third in her Ares Academy series, and it’s another winner, exciting, fun and romantic. This book covers the exact same time period as the second book, but this time from an insider’s perspective, because the MMC is the sexy as f**k instructor that all the girls were swooning over in the last book. Where the students in book 2 were piecing together a mystery, the teaching staff already know that the school is under siege, and they are focused on dealing with the danger.
I’m not sure this would work as a standalone - I have a feeling it might be kind of confusing if you hadn’t read the previous book, because a lot of the details about the conspiracy against the school are only given in that volume. But maybe if you hadn’t read the other book, you wouldn’t know what you were missing and wouldn’t care about those details. I can’t say, since I did read the other one. My advice is to read the entire series in order, or if you haven’t got the patience to read three books, at least read number two before reading this one.
I have to say there were a couple of times when I was really annoyed at the FMC for heading off on her own into the tunnels without letting anyone know where she was going. That’s the sort of stupid behavior that gets you killed if you don’t have plot armor. Of course, as the FMC of a book with a guaranteed HEA, she did have plot armor, but still, I wanted to hit her upside the head both times she did it. Still, aside from that, I really enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not sure this would work as a standalone - I have a feeling it might be kind of confusing if you hadn’t read the previous book, because a lot of the details about the conspiracy against the school are only given in that volume. But maybe if you hadn’t read the other book, you wouldn’t know what you were missing and wouldn’t care about those details. I can’t say, since I did read the other one. My advice is to read the entire series in order, or if you haven’t got the patience to read three books, at least read number two before reading this one.
I have to say there were a couple of times when I was really annoyed at the FMC for heading off on her own into the tunnels without letting anyone know where she was going. That’s the sort of stupid behavior that gets you killed if you don’t have plot armor. Of course, as the FMC of a book with a guaranteed HEA, she did have plot armor, but still, I wanted to hit her upside the head both times she did it. Still, aside from that, I really enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2024
I cannot tell you how much I love The Ares Academy series. Arianna Fraser pulls me into this dark, bloody, steamy college romance. This is Mala and Cormac's story.
My heart goes out to Mala. To be told every day that she should have been the one to die, not her twin brother by her father all the time. She tries to be the best at the academy, but it's never enough for her butt-head father.
Cormac saving her that nigt of the music festival was the best thing that could have happened to Mala. She finally decides to love for herself, even if it's just for one night. It's a memory she will have with her forever.
I can only imagine the look on both their faces on the first day of the academy. Cormac is the new weapon instructor and Mala is his student.
These two try to fight their feeling for each other but destiny will not allow that. Cormac worships Mala's body like the goddess she is. I can hear his Scottsh accent when he calls her his good girl. 🥵🥵🥵
This book takes place during the same time that the book Malice. Some major secrets are revealed and someone is lost in Mala's tight group of friends. Be prepared for a bloody, steamy, crazy ride for the 3rd book in this series. I can't wait to see whose story is next in The Ares Academy series.
My heart goes out to Mala. To be told every day that she should have been the one to die, not her twin brother by her father all the time. She tries to be the best at the academy, but it's never enough for her butt-head father.
Cormac saving her that nigt of the music festival was the best thing that could have happened to Mala. She finally decides to love for herself, even if it's just for one night. It's a memory she will have with her forever.
I can only imagine the look on both their faces on the first day of the academy. Cormac is the new weapon instructor and Mala is his student.
These two try to fight their feeling for each other but destiny will not allow that. Cormac worships Mala's body like the goddess she is. I can hear his Scottsh accent when he calls her his good girl. 🥵🥵🥵
This book takes place during the same time that the book Malice. Some major secrets are revealed and someone is lost in Mala's tight group of friends. Be prepared for a bloody, steamy, crazy ride for the 3rd book in this series. I can't wait to see whose story is next in The Ares Academy series.
February 23, 2024
Mala and Cormacs steamy one night of mystery together soon unravels when she discovers Cormac is the new proffesor, as much as he tries to put the distance between them Mala wont be giving up so easy. well written steamy desires,action,drama and more. a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2024
An amazing read
This is the 3rd book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. The h met the H before her school year. She didn’t know he was one of the professors. They had a one night stand and were very attracted to each other. The plot and characters were very well written. There is betrayal, murder, lots of sex and a fantastic rescue. I loved the ending.
This is the 3rd book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. The h met the H before her school year. She didn’t know he was one of the professors. They had a one night stand and were very attracted to each other. The plot and characters were very well written. There is betrayal, murder, lots of sex and a fantastic rescue. I loved the ending.
February 23, 2024
5 stars all around.
I’ve read the previous two books in the series and loved them but CORMAC! 🔥
Just the love between the two, the Scottish accent (🫠😍). Their love story was beautiful but with enough spice to tie it together.
I’ve read the previous two books in the series and loved them but CORMAC! 🔥
Just the love between the two, the Scottish accent (🫠😍). Their love story was beautiful but with enough spice to tie it together.
February 28, 2024
Outstanding! This series just gets better and better. Cormac and Mala are a fantastic couple. I really enjoy how all the books are interconnected.
I hope we come back and Willow and her friends and Dean Helen get their stories.
I could not stop once I started,
Love this Author!
I hope we come back and Willow and her friends and Dean Helen get their stories.
I could not stop once I started,
Love this Author!
February 29, 2024
Another addition to the Ares Family.
Will strongly suggest to read Malice beforehand as the main plot is better detailed.
However I preferred Mala’ s story!
Arianna writes strong heroines and it’s so refreshing!!
The s3xy times were really good as well
Can’t wait for the brother!
Will strongly suggest to read Malice beforehand as the main plot is better detailed.
However I preferred Mala’ s story!
Arianna writes strong heroines and it’s so refreshing!!
The s3xy times were really good as well
Can’t wait for the brother!
March 3, 2024
Perilous by Arianna Fraser is Book 3 of The Ares Academy Series. This is the story of Cormac and Mala. This is a interconnecting series so it does add to your enjoyment if you have read the previous books. Mala and Cormac have a hot one night stand. Then we find out that Cormac is a Professor at the school Mala is attending. Enjoyed Ms. Fraser's writing.
March 12, 2024
I love love love this story! So exciting and steamy.
December 3, 2024
Final Ares (must read to understand MacTavish order)
Ok. So to start off I want to say I enjoyed this book. Arianna Fraser does a good job at rehashing the same events but from different POV for different characters books.
This time it's Mala. Although she was mainly only in the 2nd Ares book she was still a main character.
But in saying that there are a few things that I think have been missing from this series of Ares Academy.
1. All girls; Tatiana, Mariya & Mala ha NEVER been with guys were virgin's and although they watched a few vids didn't know alot but yet they at the end of the book knew a BJ's. There is an intimacy when writers write about the instructions and the power the female first feels. Arianna is missing this.
2. While I enjoyed this book and it leads into the MacTavish Clan series. I was happy to buy it do that it was a smooth transition. I really hope that for her future series we get to go back to Ares to find out about those characters like Meiying & Jun (who played a big part in all books), definitely Willow (just because as an Aussie it's fun seeing people write about your country but also because that series can continue with her brother and the Dean), maybe Athena (although she wasn't the nicest at the start of book 1 she ending up helping Tatiana, becoming part of the fam with Mariya and supporting and sticking up for Mala; so she grew on me).
I also missed in the Bonus Epilogue the reason for it. Usually we get to see into the future for a special moment and some series sexy time. But this was a sting operation and we got little tidbits about them having kids, then a scene at the end. I would've preferred the moment Cormac found out she was pregnant, when she was in labour and when they were together the first time after birth. Cormac was a protective guy and she was shy about her body these were things that could've been talked about. But instead we got an op about a human trafficker and a whole lot of white noise about him instead of meaningful stuff.
In saying all of that it's a really good book and it needs to be read to understand the intro into the MacTavish Clan Series.
I do really hope Arianna Fraser reads some of her reviews because some of the spin-off series that she can do with these main characters at the Ares Academy that we have grown to love because of the family that they have created in a place that wants to kill you says alot about their developing character profile.
Ok. So to start off I want to say I enjoyed this book. Arianna Fraser does a good job at rehashing the same events but from different POV for different characters books.
This time it's Mala. Although she was mainly only in the 2nd Ares book she was still a main character.
But in saying that there are a few things that I think have been missing from this series of Ares Academy.
1. All girls; Tatiana, Mariya & Mala ha NEVER been with guys were virgin's and although they watched a few vids didn't know alot but yet they at the end of the book knew a BJ's. There is an intimacy when writers write about the instructions and the power the female first feels. Arianna is missing this.
2. While I enjoyed this book and it leads into the MacTavish Clan series. I was happy to buy it do that it was a smooth transition. I really hope that for her future series we get to go back to Ares to find out about those characters like Meiying & Jun (who played a big part in all books), definitely Willow (just because as an Aussie it's fun seeing people write about your country but also because that series can continue with her brother and the Dean), maybe Athena (although she wasn't the nicest at the start of book 1 she ending up helping Tatiana, becoming part of the fam with Mariya and supporting and sticking up for Mala; so she grew on me).
I also missed in the Bonus Epilogue the reason for it. Usually we get to see into the future for a special moment and some series sexy time. But this was a sting operation and we got little tidbits about them having kids, then a scene at the end. I would've preferred the moment Cormac found out she was pregnant, when she was in labour and when they were together the first time after birth. Cormac was a protective guy and she was shy about her body these were things that could've been talked about. But instead we got an op about a human trafficker and a whole lot of white noise about him instead of meaningful stuff.
In saying all of that it's a really good book and it needs to be read to understand the intro into the MacTavish Clan Series.
I do really hope Arianna Fraser reads some of her reviews because some of the spin-off series that she can do with these main characters at the Ares Academy that we have grown to love because of the family that they have created in a place that wants to kill you says alot about their developing character profile.
February 24, 2024
MMC/FMC- Cormac and Mala
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Sub Genre- Scottish Mob (which is a new one on me, but I can totally see it after reading this book)
Genre- Dark Romance
Sub Genre- College/New Adult Romance
Heat Level- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ “What do we have for the readers, Johnny?” “Why, as our prize today, we have an assortment of C words!”
Series? Y
Safety? Yep. No cheating or S.A. anywhere (and you know I always look)
Triggers- explicit erotic content, language, explicit erotic content, violence, explicit erotic content, sex. I’m kind of hung up on the explicit erotic content because holy cow, it makes me question my life choices.
Tropes- Forbidden Love, Teacher-Student, One Night Stand, Badass Heroine, The Couple That Slays Together, Simply Mad About The Mob. Plus these books feature Arm P0rn and Arms P0rn, both of which are super hot.
What I like- Could Cormac get any hotter? I don’t think I’m alone when I say that Scottish Accents make me swoon . Absolutely. It makes me think of things like Highlanders and Sean Connery and Medieval Scottish Romance and Outlander and Kilts and Being Thrown Over His Shoulder and…. I need to put myself in time out for a minute.
The events in this story were covered in the previous book in the series, but here they happen from an entirely different point of view. And it worked.
What made me smile- Dean Christie and her sinister love of power tools and sharp implements. At least she didn’t put a pitchfork through Cormac’s hand (and it was an option).
What I didn’t like- I have some serious weapons envy going on. Those knives made me drool at least 30% as much as the Highlander (I’ve decided Cormac is a Highlander because he’s so Yum).
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book for free, and I am happy to leave this honest, voluntary review.
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Sub Genre- Scottish Mob (which is a new one on me, but I can totally see it after reading this book)
Genre- Dark Romance
Sub Genre- College/New Adult Romance
Heat Level- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ “What do we have for the readers, Johnny?” “Why, as our prize today, we have an assortment of C words!”
Series? Y
Safety? Yep. No cheating or S.A. anywhere (and you know I always look)
Triggers- explicit erotic content, language, explicit erotic content, violence, explicit erotic content, sex. I’m kind of hung up on the explicit erotic content because holy cow, it makes me question my life choices.
Tropes- Forbidden Love, Teacher-Student, One Night Stand, Badass Heroine, The Couple That Slays Together, Simply Mad About The Mob. Plus these books feature Arm P0rn and Arms P0rn, both of which are super hot.
What I like- Could Cormac get any hotter? I don’t think I’m alone when I say that Scottish Accents make me swoon . Absolutely. It makes me think of things like Highlanders and Sean Connery and Medieval Scottish Romance and Outlander and Kilts and Being Thrown Over His Shoulder and…. I need to put myself in time out for a minute.
The events in this story were covered in the previous book in the series, but here they happen from an entirely different point of view. And it worked.
What made me smile- Dean Christie and her sinister love of power tools and sharp implements. At least she didn’t put a pitchfork through Cormac’s hand (and it was an option).
What I didn’t like- I have some serious weapons envy going on. Those knives made me drool at least 30% as much as the Highlander (I’ve decided Cormac is a Highlander because he’s so Yum).
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book for free, and I am happy to leave this honest, voluntary review.
September 9, 2025
Only mine by MeemsAngel82
Loving, just absolutely loving this series! I have been reading all these books in order but they can be read as a standalone. It's so much fun to read then in order though, I love familiar places and things. I love glimpses of friends and family and other couples. The chemistry between these two is amazing! Right from the start he was a gentleman and treated her so right. It was so beautiful and then comes the big surprise!
She had been having fun then got more than she bargained for. He saved her after she tried saving herself and together they had a magical time. Then she finds out who teaches one of her classes...
I would have been more than shocked! And as much as he makes up for it, he was a bonehead at times! Oh, I would have been so mad and hurt at his behavior. I understand where he comes from but I mean, give a girl a gentler conversation! I would have been so mad at him and a mess actually. I give her so much credit-she is a strong girl. Not to worry, no crying here and her man certainly cannot resist her for long! He is just as crazy about her as she is about him. They have great chemistry. These two are a sexy couple and have heated moments but sweet ones as well. I felt for her, she has a terrible family! A sad and lonely way to grow up. And what his has gone through...I am so happy they are together. What a fantastic story and couple! Arianna keeps me happy with these great reads and I am dying to read the next one!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loving, just absolutely loving this series! I have been reading all these books in order but they can be read as a standalone. It's so much fun to read then in order though, I love familiar places and things. I love glimpses of friends and family and other couples. The chemistry between these two is amazing! Right from the start he was a gentleman and treated her so right. It was so beautiful and then comes the big surprise!
She had been having fun then got more than she bargained for. He saved her after she tried saving herself and together they had a magical time. Then she finds out who teaches one of her classes...
I would have been more than shocked! And as much as he makes up for it, he was a bonehead at times! Oh, I would have been so mad and hurt at his behavior. I understand where he comes from but I mean, give a girl a gentler conversation! I would have been so mad at him and a mess actually. I give her so much credit-she is a strong girl. Not to worry, no crying here and her man certainly cannot resist her for long! He is just as crazy about her as she is about him. They have great chemistry. These two are a sexy couple and have heated moments but sweet ones as well. I felt for her, she has a terrible family! A sad and lonely way to grow up. And what his has gone through...I am so happy they are together. What a fantastic story and couple! Arianna keeps me happy with these great reads and I am dying to read the next one!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2024
Arianna Fraser Perilous 5 Stars
Arianna Fraser's Perilous, the third book in her Ares Academy series, lives up to and more to the previous books in this series and will leave readers begging for more!
Mala Chandler spy master in training was one tough lady on the outside with a romantic heart underneath it all. Her ability to be independent and not dissolve into a fainting mess was great to see play out as she took on threats that came her way conquering them with her skill and smarts. Cormac MacTavish was as alpha swoony as it gets without devolving into a grunting caveman bringing substance to his relationship with Mala and the story as a whole. He was someone who you wanted to be on their good side and seemingly could handle the impossible with his exceptional expertise.
As couples go Mala and Cormac were well suited. Easily and believably bridging their age gap their mutual caring and respect went a long way in solidifying them as a well devised pair. The secret taboo aspect of their relationship heightened the excitement of their bond and will leave readers invested in them as a couple. Mala and Cormac's attraction simply put was fire with the perfect amount of kink and romance!
Arianna Fraser is unrepentant and fearless in revealing the wicked side of her portrayals embracing her antiheroes and their dark inclinations. Her heroines are feisty and smart, far from victims, as they go toe to toe with their antiheroes who are ruthless by nature but have the ability to love deeply. It cannot be emphasized enough what a great job this author does of overlapping her series books without making her audience feel like they are reading the same story again. Her ability to keep her readers on the edge of their seats always takes front and center. In this writer's works readers can always be assured that there is never a shortage of action and great chemistry between her characters. Arianna Fraser's Perilous is just the dose of adrenaline you never knew you needed!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*
Arianna Fraser's Perilous, the third book in her Ares Academy series, lives up to and more to the previous books in this series and will leave readers begging for more!
Mala Chandler spy master in training was one tough lady on the outside with a romantic heart underneath it all. Her ability to be independent and not dissolve into a fainting mess was great to see play out as she took on threats that came her way conquering them with her skill and smarts. Cormac MacTavish was as alpha swoony as it gets without devolving into a grunting caveman bringing substance to his relationship with Mala and the story as a whole. He was someone who you wanted to be on their good side and seemingly could handle the impossible with his exceptional expertise.
As couples go Mala and Cormac were well suited. Easily and believably bridging their age gap their mutual caring and respect went a long way in solidifying them as a well devised pair. The secret taboo aspect of their relationship heightened the excitement of their bond and will leave readers invested in them as a couple. Mala and Cormac's attraction simply put was fire with the perfect amount of kink and romance!
Arianna Fraser is unrepentant and fearless in revealing the wicked side of her portrayals embracing her antiheroes and their dark inclinations. Her heroines are feisty and smart, far from victims, as they go toe to toe with their antiheroes who are ruthless by nature but have the ability to love deeply. It cannot be emphasized enough what a great job this author does of overlapping her series books without making her audience feel like they are reading the same story again. Her ability to keep her readers on the edge of their seats always takes front and center. In this writer's works readers can always be assured that there is never a shortage of action and great chemistry between her characters. Arianna Fraser's Perilous is just the dose of adrenaline you never knew you needed!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*
March 8, 2024
I enjoyed this third book of the Ares Academy. I still don't understand why anyone would send their heirs to this school, but I'm trying to suspend disbelief for that issue.
This is a concurrent story line with book two, so we don't get all the minutia of the challenges and other events that were thoroughly described in book two which made this feel like a quick read. It also led to feeling like the book sacrifices some of the necessary connection between Cormac and Mala that would have made this a more satisfying romance. Cormac falls first and it felt so instalovey it was a bit hard to connect to him. I also felt like this book didn't revolve around the girls squad as much and I missed their support.
But I did like the sex scenes, would have loved more chase scenes and I liked how badass Mala was. I loved that Cormac didn't get the best of her or make her feel weak or small. What I really LOVED was how Cormac didn't beat around the bush or try and duck his relationship with Mala when he found her captured by the Dean. He instantly manned up and took over the situation and that was so heartily refreshing it jumps the book up a whole star. It's about time we have a secret relationship that doesn't make the MMC look weak or smaller due to his reaction to facing the consequences.
This is a concurrent story line with book two, so we don't get all the minutia of the challenges and other events that were thoroughly described in book two which made this feel like a quick read. It also led to feeling like the book sacrifices some of the necessary connection between Cormac and Mala that would have made this a more satisfying romance. Cormac falls first and it felt so instalovey it was a bit hard to connect to him. I also felt like this book didn't revolve around the girls squad as much and I missed their support.
But I did like the sex scenes, would have loved more chase scenes and I liked how badass Mala was. I loved that Cormac didn't get the best of her or make her feel weak or small. What I really LOVED was how Cormac didn't beat around the bush or try and duck his relationship with Mala when he found her captured by the Dean. He instantly manned up and took over the situation and that was so heartily refreshing it jumps the book up a whole star. It's about time we have a secret relationship that doesn't make the MMC look weak or smaller due to his reaction to facing the consequences.
June 27, 2024
This was a very entertaining Ares Academy read. Maia and Cormac were characters I immediately connected with as the story unfolds. The story was well paced, and executed in a fashion that builds to the climax as to who were the culprits trying to murder everyone at the Academy.
Cormac is a the main male character who knows how to get what he wants. He and Maia's relationship is filled with lust, history and so much more. Their attraction to one another has all the elements of a physical attraction but quickly morphs into a budding love story. Cormac poses as a teacher as he investigates the deaths at the school. Maia, a student is asked to assist in the investigation. Her knife skills are exceptional and prove to be very useful as more and more students and staff are killed.
The people behind the deaths are finally exposed in the last few chapters of this book. A well written story with a solid plot, and strong characters.
Cormac is a the main male character who knows how to get what he wants. He and Maia's relationship is filled with lust, history and so much more. Their attraction to one another has all the elements of a physical attraction but quickly morphs into a budding love story. Cormac poses as a teacher as he investigates the deaths at the school. Maia, a student is asked to assist in the investigation. Her knife skills are exceptional and prove to be very useful as more and more students and staff are killed.
The people behind the deaths are finally exposed in the last few chapters of this book. A well written story with a solid plot, and strong characters.
July 12, 2024
great read
Love this series and the style of writing by this author. The book follows the two main characters cormac and Mala. It’s set on the same time line as the last book and show a different aspect of the same storyline. You can pick up on little snippets from the previous book that now make sense and help you understand the depth of what was going on with the nursery and the war raging at the academy. Brilliant series so far and eager to read on to see where it leads.
Love this series and the style of writing by this author. The book follows the two main characters cormac and Mala. It’s set on the same time line as the last book and show a different aspect of the same storyline. You can pick up on little snippets from the previous book that now make sense and help you understand the depth of what was going on with the nursery and the war raging at the academy. Brilliant series so far and eager to read on to see where it leads.
October 5, 2025
REALLY LOVE YOUR MACTAVISH BOOKS. TIMELINES ARE OUT
I read the Mactavish books Ethan's first ending with Catronia"s. Then I moved onto her Mam & Dad's, but their timeline doesn't add up to her age. Dad's age, the music & technology her parents had at the Academy. Although I enjoyed them, it was a bit off-putting unless the younger generations' books were set well past 2025. If so, it would be nice to know in the story lines
I read the Mactavish books Ethan's first ending with Catronia"s. Then I moved onto her Mam & Dad's, but their timeline doesn't add up to her age. Dad's age, the music & technology her parents had at the Academy. Although I enjoyed them, it was a bit off-putting unless the younger generations' books were set well past 2025. If so, it would be nice to know in the story lines
March 6, 2024
This is the third book in this incredible series, and this is Cormac and Mala’s story.
This is a well written action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy dark college mafia romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a well written action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy dark college mafia romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2025
Ares Academy, not-your-everyday students, undercover professor, twisted plot, dual POV, sexy highlander Scotsman, strong heroine, murder & mayhem . . . so much more. Arianna Fraser’s ability to weave tension, off-the-charts passion, and character growth to make PERILOUS an exciting and nail-biting romance.
August 9, 2024
Hot Scots
Good addition to the Ares Academy saga. The new characters were well written, complex and believable. Former students added continuity and familiarity. The plot was a bit too outrageous but the hawt spicy sex more than made up for it. Who knew a man's skirt umm I mean kilt could be so appetizing ?
Good addition to the Ares Academy saga. The new characters were well written, complex and believable. Former students added continuity and familiarity. The plot was a bit too outrageous but the hawt spicy sex more than made up for it. Who knew a man's skirt umm I mean kilt could be so appetizing ?
November 17, 2024
What a ride!
Loved this book so much! That chemistry between the two main characters really did it for me. Plus getting to see Cormac treat Mala more like an equal then a damsel in distress, chefs kiss for me! Definitely looking forward to reading more of this clan.
Loved this book so much! That chemistry between the two main characters really did it for me. Plus getting to see Cormac treat Mala more like an equal then a damsel in distress, chefs kiss for me! Definitely looking forward to reading more of this clan.
September 21, 2025
I love the MacTavishes!
So glad I got to read about Cormac and Mala! Now all the younger Mactavish men make more sense to me! If you loved the younger generation you will love Cormac! OMG! A great third book about the Ares Academy! Loved it!
So glad I got to read about Cormac and Mala! Now all the younger Mactavish men make more sense to me! If you loved the younger generation you will love Cormac! OMG! A great third book about the Ares Academy! Loved it!
August 14, 2024
Hoowee mama
January 31, 2025
good book
I loved this one! Even though I don’t usually go for academy I might go back and read the beginning of this series. I read this one to see how the MacTavish series starts
I loved this one! Even though I don’t usually go for academy I might go back and read the beginning of this series. I read this one to see how the MacTavish series starts
February 24, 2025
Love it!
So good
Description : love laugh live
So good
Description : love laugh live
February 21, 2024
If you were doomed to be a Virgin Mafia Princess until your horrible father married you off to someone equally horrible, you'd do exactly what Mala does. She's rescued from an attack by the unbelievably hot Cormac MacTavish and when the sparks fly between them, she decides to take control of this part of her life and have a wonderful memory of a night of wild sex, then sneak out the next morning.
Super awkward that her Scottish White Knight is the new professor at the Ares Academy, huh?
The suspense and plot against the students in Malice - book two in the series - is back, and reading the two stories set in the same timeline is really fun. We get to see more of what was happening behind the scenes in Malice, and learn more about why the students who turned traitor did so.
You don't have to read the previous book to enjoy this one, and the smut is especially spectacular in Perilous. Chase kink, maybe(?) a little knife kink, hot, gorgeous man kink, a guy who can cook kink... okay, the this is getting long but you do NOT want to miss this story! Definitely five stars.
Super awkward that her Scottish White Knight is the new professor at the Ares Academy, huh?
The suspense and plot against the students in Malice - book two in the series - is back, and reading the two stories set in the same timeline is really fun. We get to see more of what was happening behind the scenes in Malice, and learn more about why the students who turned traitor did so.
You don't have to read the previous book to enjoy this one, and the smut is especially spectacular in Perilous. Chase kink, maybe(?) a little knife kink, hot, gorgeous man kink, a guy who can cook kink... okay, the this is getting long but you do NOT want to miss this story! Definitely five stars.
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