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Royals of KnightsGate #1
Mark Me
After a fire ruins my student house in my last year of University, I end up living with the Four Cardinals, the most popular guys at The Royal Academy of KnightsGate.
My last name means I'm supposed to be somebody here, but it's this twist of fate that throws me into the Cardinals' world. They're royal, they’re rich, they're powerful, and now, they're all around me.
They're pulling me into their circle, but I can't tell if they're guarding me from danger or if I'm stepping into a new one. Secrets are everywhere, and I need to find out the truth before I get too caught up.
With every whisper and half-truth, it begs the question—are they my friends or something more, something darker? It's hard to stay on my toes when I'm not even sure what game we're playing.
Will KnightsGate be the beginning for me or the beginning of the end?
This is a dark academia reverse harem with plenty of TWs. This takes place in an entirely fictional world set in the UK. This is the first book in the first duet of the Royals of KnightsGate, with Ever and her guys.
My last name means I'm supposed to be somebody here, but it's this twist of fate that throws me into the Cardinals' world. They're royal, they’re rich, they're powerful, and now, they're all around me.
They're pulling me into their circle, but I can't tell if they're guarding me from danger or if I'm stepping into a new one. Secrets are everywhere, and I need to find out the truth before I get too caught up.
With every whisper and half-truth, it begs the question—are they my friends or something more, something darker? It's hard to stay on my toes when I'm not even sure what game we're playing.
Will KnightsGate be the beginning for me or the beginning of the end?
This is a dark academia reverse harem with plenty of TWs. This takes place in an entirely fictional world set in the UK. This is the first book in the first duet of the Royals of KnightsGate, with Ever and her guys.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2024
1260 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 1, 2024
Don’t be naive like me and think that ‘dark’ is not going to be that ‘dark’ because it’s set in University. That was a lie I told myself. DARK MEANS DARK. The last 20% I was like 🫣
There are no major spoilers in this review, as I’m aware that it is a new release. However, I had to make some references to get my point across.
⚠️If you don't want to read this review and are looking for the trigger list, it's at the bottom ⚠️
👇👇👇
The main relationship focuses largely on the idea that opposites attract. Poor girl x rich boys. Bullied pariah x Campus Gods. Timid x Overly Confident.
What I'm saying is that it was a nice balance. This is a slow burn, so they get to know each other before the romance is introduced (some know a lot more than others)
For the first 40%, I was engrossed in the characters, the little plot twists, and the dark elements that were massive red flags, but I accepted. However... then Alex's (side character) plot twist showed up and I thought ‘What in the Disney movie is happening here’. I didn't really understand it’s purpose and I feel like it wasn't fully explained. Maybe I missed something or it will be explored in the next book???????
I would also say the friend's reaction to something at the end of the book was very over-dramatic. I'm mainly referring to the text that was sent and the fact that they wouldn't let her explain. It came out of nowhere. Who am I to judge though, tensions were high. I just couldn’t relate to how it was handled.
The ending was... detailed and a lot goes down in a short span of time. Not going to lie, I was confused. It all got very complicated very fast. I do acknowledge that the author was trying to set up the cliffhanger, so I can only imagine how explosive the start of the next book will be.
The only trigger I was a little unsure about was the dubcon. I can handle dark elements, I just really don't like Dubcon. It’s too ambiguous and the lines are so blurred. I think this factored slightly into my rating.
A content warning isn’t featured at the start of the book, but they are listed on her website… and I guess below.
⚠️Triggers⚠️
Attempted SA
Non-Consensual Voyeurism
Dub Con
Stalking
Self Flagellation/Self Harm
Non-RH Light Bullying
Knife Play
Blood Play
Branding
Ritualistic Scenes
Drug use
Drink spiking
Book 2 was released on the same day as Book 1, so props to the author for that decision.
————————-
Update : TO CLARIFY, I did not give this book 3 stars just because it was ‘dark’, which is VERY CLEAR if you read my WHOLE review. I was confused a lot of the time and I felt like there were unanswered questions. I said that the dubcon ‘slightly’ played into my rating, which it did because it didn’t seem very consensual.
I would really appreciate authors not posting my review on Facebook and creating an opportunity for people to message me for having an opinion. I said nice things about the book also, but of course this wasn’t mentioned. I’m sorry if this upset you, but I shouldn’t feel nervous to write a review.
There are no major spoilers in this review, as I’m aware that it is a new release. However, I had to make some references to get my point across.
⚠️If you don't want to read this review and are looking for the trigger list, it's at the bottom ⚠️
👇👇👇
The main relationship focuses largely on the idea that opposites attract. Poor girl x rich boys. Bullied pariah x Campus Gods. Timid x Overly Confident.
What I'm saying is that it was a nice balance. This is a slow burn, so they get to know each other before the romance is introduced (some know a lot more than others)
For the first 40%, I was engrossed in the characters, the little plot twists, and the dark elements that were massive red flags, but I accepted. However... then Alex's (side character) plot twist showed up and I thought ‘What in the Disney movie is happening here’. I didn't really understand it’s purpose and I feel like it wasn't fully explained. Maybe I missed something or it will be explored in the next book???????
I would also say the friend's reaction to something at the end of the book was very over-dramatic. I'm mainly referring to the text that was sent and the fact that they wouldn't let her explain. It came out of nowhere. Who am I to judge though, tensions were high. I just couldn’t relate to how it was handled.
The ending was... detailed and a lot goes down in a short span of time. Not going to lie, I was confused. It all got very complicated very fast. I do acknowledge that the author was trying to set up the cliffhanger, so I can only imagine how explosive the start of the next book will be.
The only trigger I was a little unsure about was the dubcon. I can handle dark elements, I just really don't like Dubcon. It’s too ambiguous and the lines are so blurred. I think this factored slightly into my rating.
A content warning isn’t featured at the start of the book, but they are listed on her website… and I guess below.
⚠️Triggers⚠️
Attempted SA
Non-Consensual Voyeurism
Dub Con
Stalking
Self Flagellation/Self Harm
Non-RH Light Bullying
Knife Play
Blood Play
Branding
Ritualistic Scenes
Drug use
Drink spiking
Book 2 was released on the same day as Book 1, so props to the author for that decision.
————————-
Update : TO CLARIFY, I did not give this book 3 stars just because it was ‘dark’, which is VERY CLEAR if you read my WHOLE review. I was confused a lot of the time and I felt like there were unanswered questions. I said that the dubcon ‘slightly’ played into my rating, which it did because it didn’t seem very consensual.
I would really appreciate authors not posting my review on Facebook and creating an opportunity for people to message me for having an opinion. I said nice things about the book also, but of course this wasn’t mentioned. I’m sorry if this upset you, but I shouldn’t feel nervous to write a review.
March 5, 2024
Extra star for dark potential.
I’m a huge dark RH fan. This was a great idea, put into the hands of an arguably talented writer (good flow, full characters) BUT the PACING and ultimately, the Lack of Conviction from the author led to disappointment. In the end, the author was a bit of a coward, wanting to use the dark themes, but with no follow through. Extraordinary Darkness requires extraordinary consequences, and the author just didn’t have the guts to deliver.
Basically the author sold tickets for a huge plane full of dark RH potential, that unfortunately did not have a successful landing.
Book 1 - oMG the Pacing! literally took until OVER 50% of the book for the FIRST KISS to happen! THEN it just went zero to light speed ahead in ONE CHAPTER! She’s went from 100% innocent to 3rd base with 3 of the guys in 1 day! Pacing matters. Even worse, her 3rd base introduction is told from the wrong POV and we get NO reaction from her!! Next chapter she doesn’t even mention the fact that a guy she barely knows just lollipopped her kitty. Not even in her own thoughts. A VCard holder- especially this FMC who is a classic over thinker- would have some inner monologue over this!
BUT all of this could have been forgiven because of the HUGE darkness at the end of the book. I legit forgave all the pacing issues because the last 15% of the book was so impactful that it made the slow start feel strategic. I was ready to say I had a new favorite dark RH author who had no fear of going THERE, if it fit the plot. Which in defense of the darkness- it did fit the plot! Some of the best justification of darkness through plot I’ve ever read. Kudos. Now if only the author hadn’t lost her nerve…
Book 2 - As soon as you start book 2, you think “is this the same writer?” The cliffhanger ending is completely unnecessary. It cuts off in the middle of a scene, in the middle of a sentence really, for no plot based reason…and even that I could forgive- except for the huge crash landing after some epic darkness. Author flew too high and didn’t know how to land, and it shows.
Everything I forgave pre-dark ending of book 1- was back. Like a bad boyfriend who promised he changed… and didn’t. Writer laid a great foundation during the Dark ending of book 1 where our FMC has to question every interaction she’s ever had. Her trust/sanity completely shattered. Can’t trust her own mind, thoughts, or body. She’s on the brink of being catatonic, which is not over dramatic after what’s she’s seen!!! This is REAL!!! And very well written. I applauded the author for letting us see her break and not being afraid of the angst/inner turmoil. It was needed after all she’s been through.
BUT THEN- the pace monster is back!!!!!! At the start of book 2, she’s been publicly abu$ed, humiliated, had her whole life’s foundation revealed as a lie- literally had some of the darkest shizzz I’ve ever read! happen to her - and by CHAPTER 2!!!! - she’s FINE!!!! I threw my kindle. Not just fine but has FORGIVEN everything dark thing. And not because there was some forgivable explanation. Her mind legit just goes “whelp, guess this is a cult, guess I’m a member, the past is the past.” She shows dibilitating anxiety over PUBLIC SPEAKING but is NOT bothered by: being gang NC, publicly mole$ted, forced to unalive people, covered in other people’s red juice while having her VCard cashed in by multiple guys as she’s restrained- all committed by these guys who have lied to her her whole life. She gets over alllll that in by 15% But giving a speech in public- that’s her real trauma. My eyes- they hurt from rolling!
By 20%, she’s basically a full member of the cult, having full group semmxy times, and worried that one of her guys doesn’t like her because he didn’t participate in her “initiative” abuse. And the author has completely nose dived this dark RH plane into the ground. There will be no survivors.
What a fall for such a promising plot. Most of the book is just the FMC’s inner anxiety monologue, so if the author wanted to pin this all on Stockholm syndrome, they had plenty of opportunity to develop. But instead, cowardly writing/pacing won. It was “easier” to just have her magically forgive them all - with very verrrrrrrry little cliche groveling. I can forgive a lot of Dark if an excellent grovel is the payout. Here- one guy apologizes bc “it’s just eating him up inside” awwww poor lil guy haunted by the consequences of his actions and YUP, FMC forgives him to make HIM feel better! She should be swimming in her own trauma! She was a crack away from a FULL MENTAL BREAK! But a warm bath (chapter 1) and a lil flirting from her abusers (chapter 2) and she back to “ready to have consensual semmxy times for the first time after NC losing her VCard” (chapter 3).
Le sigh. If you reach for the darkest stars you have to have an exit plan. Locate your emergency exit, grab a floatation device, enjoy the ride cause the plane is going down.
I’m a huge dark RH fan. This was a great idea, put into the hands of an arguably talented writer (good flow, full characters) BUT the PACING and ultimately, the Lack of Conviction from the author led to disappointment. In the end, the author was a bit of a coward, wanting to use the dark themes, but with no follow through. Extraordinary Darkness requires extraordinary consequences, and the author just didn’t have the guts to deliver.
Basically the author sold tickets for a huge plane full of dark RH potential, that unfortunately did not have a successful landing.
Book 1 - oMG the Pacing! literally took until OVER 50% of the book for the FIRST KISS to happen! THEN it just went zero to light speed ahead in ONE CHAPTER! She’s went from 100% innocent to 3rd base with 3 of the guys in 1 day! Pacing matters. Even worse, her 3rd base introduction is told from the wrong POV and we get NO reaction from her!! Next chapter she doesn’t even mention the fact that a guy she barely knows just lollipopped her kitty. Not even in her own thoughts. A VCard holder- especially this FMC who is a classic over thinker- would have some inner monologue over this!
BUT all of this could have been forgiven because of the HUGE darkness at the end of the book. I legit forgave all the pacing issues because the last 15% of the book was so impactful that it made the slow start feel strategic. I was ready to say I had a new favorite dark RH author who had no fear of going THERE, if it fit the plot. Which in defense of the darkness- it did fit the plot! Some of the best justification of darkness through plot I’ve ever read. Kudos. Now if only the author hadn’t lost her nerve…
Book 2 - As soon as you start book 2, you think “is this the same writer?” The cliffhanger ending is completely unnecessary. It cuts off in the middle of a scene, in the middle of a sentence really, for no plot based reason…and even that I could forgive- except for the huge crash landing after some epic darkness. Author flew too high and didn’t know how to land, and it shows.
Everything I forgave pre-dark ending of book 1- was back. Like a bad boyfriend who promised he changed… and didn’t. Writer laid a great foundation during the Dark ending of book 1 where our FMC has to question every interaction she’s ever had. Her trust/sanity completely shattered. Can’t trust her own mind, thoughts, or body. She’s on the brink of being catatonic, which is not over dramatic after what’s she’s seen!!! This is REAL!!! And very well written. I applauded the author for letting us see her break and not being afraid of the angst/inner turmoil. It was needed after all she’s been through.
BUT THEN- the pace monster is back!!!!!! At the start of book 2, she’s been publicly abu$ed, humiliated, had her whole life’s foundation revealed as a lie- literally had some of the darkest shizzz I’ve ever read! happen to her - and by CHAPTER 2!!!! - she’s FINE!!!! I threw my kindle. Not just fine but has FORGIVEN everything dark thing. And not because there was some forgivable explanation. Her mind legit just goes “whelp, guess this is a cult, guess I’m a member, the past is the past.” She shows dibilitating anxiety over PUBLIC SPEAKING but is NOT bothered by: being gang NC, publicly mole$ted, forced to unalive people, covered in other people’s red juice while having her VCard cashed in by multiple guys as she’s restrained- all committed by these guys who have lied to her her whole life. She gets over alllll that in by 15% But giving a speech in public- that’s her real trauma. My eyes- they hurt from rolling!
By 20%, she’s basically a full member of the cult, having full group semmxy times, and worried that one of her guys doesn’t like her because he didn’t participate in her “initiative” abuse. And the author has completely nose dived this dark RH plane into the ground. There will be no survivors.
What a fall for such a promising plot. Most of the book is just the FMC’s inner anxiety monologue, so if the author wanted to pin this all on Stockholm syndrome, they had plenty of opportunity to develop. But instead, cowardly writing/pacing won. It was “easier” to just have her magically forgive them all - with very verrrrrrrry little cliche groveling. I can forgive a lot of Dark if an excellent grovel is the payout. Here- one guy apologizes bc “it’s just eating him up inside” awwww poor lil guy haunted by the consequences of his actions and YUP, FMC forgives him to make HIM feel better! She should be swimming in her own trauma! She was a crack away from a FULL MENTAL BREAK! But a warm bath (chapter 1) and a lil flirting from her abusers (chapter 2) and she back to “ready to have consensual semmxy times for the first time after NC losing her VCard” (chapter 3).
Le sigh. If you reach for the darkest stars you have to have an exit plan. Locate your emergency exit, grab a floatation device, enjoy the ride cause the plane is going down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
i’m being generous with this. they literally gang raped her. i like dark romance but this was just so out of pocket. like i still don’t understand the premise of wtf their “sect” is
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
Im honestly so confused with the MC and the entire plot, also I can’t differentiate between any of the guys except Charlie and that’s just because he was the only one who had a non “dark, gloomy bad boy” personality.
Firstly, the plot is all over the place. Ever’s reasons for working herself to the bone to get summa cum laude isn’t fully explained, we don’t know how her family was disgraced. Also it doesn’t make sense that these uni age kids would bully her, the top student in university? Everyone felt so immature.
Plus her interactions with the guys felt so rushed; it didn’t help that I couldn’t differentiate who did what for Ever because they were literally all the same in personality and vibe. There was no meaningful buildup in the relationship between Ever and the guys. From the guys side, they apparently watched her through cameras etc so perhaps they fell for her beauty etc but like that’s so shallow and creepy? It could have been well written actually, made out to be dark obsession but in this series i just felt creeped out. And im the type who likes guys like Saint from the Sinner’s Playground series.
Secondly, the MC is written to be some headstrong, independent person but she’s literally just a Mary Sue made out to be supposedly perfect for the guys, plus she said she was going to take them down toward the end but she let herself be chained by them etc?? Her personality is so contradictory and confusing, I can’t find myself rooting for her. She has zero will or commitment to her values. I got whiplash between scenes.
Thirdly, the characters speak like they’re in a play. The dialogue flow is so weird, literally one of them describes their pain as building walls brick by brick. That’s.. so weird to say out loud. And the male leads talk about philosophy etc to make them sound profound and intellectual, but I’m a philosophy major and reading their dialogue just made me feel damn offended.
Also, the friendship she had with her previous housemates is so fickle, plus the thing with Alex having a twin is so.. so out of the blue, felt like a cop-out for having Ever go to the party and be assaulted.
It’s a duet series but I’m just gonna dnf here.
Firstly, the plot is all over the place. Ever’s reasons for working herself to the bone to get summa cum laude isn’t fully explained, we don’t know how her family was disgraced. Also it doesn’t make sense that these uni age kids would bully her, the top student in university? Everyone felt so immature.
Plus her interactions with the guys felt so rushed; it didn’t help that I couldn’t differentiate who did what for Ever because they were literally all the same in personality and vibe. There was no meaningful buildup in the relationship between Ever and the guys. From the guys side, they apparently watched her through cameras etc so perhaps they fell for her beauty etc but like that’s so shallow and creepy? It could have been well written actually, made out to be dark obsession but in this series i just felt creeped out. And im the type who likes guys like Saint from the Sinner’s Playground series.
Secondly, the MC is written to be some headstrong, independent person but she’s literally just a Mary Sue made out to be supposedly perfect for the guys, plus she said she was going to take them down toward the end but she let herself be chained by them etc?? Her personality is so contradictory and confusing, I can’t find myself rooting for her. She has zero will or commitment to her values. I got whiplash between scenes.
Thirdly, the characters speak like they’re in a play. The dialogue flow is so weird, literally one of them describes their pain as building walls brick by brick. That’s.. so weird to say out loud. And the male leads talk about philosophy etc to make them sound profound and intellectual, but I’m a philosophy major and reading their dialogue just made me feel damn offended.
Also, the friendship she had with her previous housemates is so fickle, plus the thing with Alex having a twin is so.. so out of the blue, felt like a cop-out for having Ever go to the party and be assaulted.
It’s a duet series but I’m just gonna dnf here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
Trying to write both seriously and dramatically is a tricky thing and if you don't have the writing skills to accomplish it, the story comes out farcical instead of fierce. This reads like a Forsyth U and The Ritual fanfic. It could be really interesting, but the writing quality is just not there. The characters are shallow, their connections barely observable, there's way too much plot stuffed into too few pages and what is there is so overly melodramatic that it's laughable. It kind of feels like viewing the world through a dirty porthole, you see some of what's going on, but for the most part it seems like there's more backstory and dialogue going on that the author is privy to that's never revealed to the reader. I started on book 2, but the dialogue was so cringe worthy I had to DNF.
February 29, 2024
So, I liked this until the end, that part made me feel icky with the whole not listening when she said no and not in the -no but yes- way.
I also felt like I had no idea what was happening with the plot the entire time, but I was having a good time just going with the flow lmao.
We're thrown in with very little background besides these 20 something year olds being in a generational cult and our fmc is their true north/queen because of her family history and their job is to break her down and rely on them, which they've easily done. There's tons of lingering questions, the mmc's doing things because it's "for the best" and our fmc being completely clueless to the cults/groups that so many of her peers seem to be involved in, yet she's super smart in every other thing.
I'm reading book two but hoping this has one of those chapters in it where everything that happened in book one finally connects because we have a lot of loose threads.
I also felt like I had no idea what was happening with the plot the entire time, but I was having a good time just going with the flow lmao.
We're thrown in with very little background besides these 20 something year olds being in a generational cult and our fmc is their true north/queen because of her family history and their job is to break her down and rely on them, which they've easily done. There's tons of lingering questions, the mmc's doing things because it's "for the best" and our fmc being completely clueless to the cults/groups that so many of her peers seem to be involved in, yet she's super smart in every other thing.
I'm reading book two but hoping this has one of those chapters in it where everything that happened in book one finally connects because we have a lot of loose threads.
February 21, 2024
Be warned some of the content in this book are pretty dark and might upset some people. So please make sure you read the trigger warnings before you start reading it.
For me though I like my books with a little bit of darkness and this book certainly gave me that. Ever (FMC) found herself caught in the middle of underhand people with differing agendas including a set of guys that seem to be to good to be true. The cracking plot twists and turns kept me completely on tenterhooks throughout this book and that ending had my jaw dropping big time.
For me though I like my books with a little bit of darkness and this book certainly gave me that. Ever (FMC) found herself caught in the middle of underhand people with differing agendas including a set of guys that seem to be to good to be true. The cracking plot twists and turns kept me completely on tenterhooks throughout this book and that ending had my jaw dropping big time.
April 22, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ classic example of if this happened in real life I’d never be with them, but like in a book… 🫴🏼
April 6, 2024
I’ve always been really into the dark, secret society books. But this one was just… weird. And I’m not gonna lie, some parts of it just didn’t really make sense. We start off with the female main character being super into books, super nerdy, and having no clue about her role in this whole storyline. We jump right into the guys whipping themselves repeatedly (because that’s just normal) and every time they do, it’s just like, let’s throw our shirts on and not take care of the wounds…and they never get infected? Okaaay.
Also, it is the four guys and their four protégés. Meaning, no real adults to lead said society that we don’t ever learn much about. Just the four main guys, who are all also royalty. Like real royalty. They will “pass the torch” to the younger guys at the end of the year, so that means every few years a new set of leaders emerge. Then what happens? They call the FMC “True North” and basically the whole book is trying to get her to be with them and protect her. Because they are in looooove with her after never talking to her. The end is a huge scene of murder and SA as her initiation. Throw in a very random, evil twin in there, and that’s the book.
Also, it is the four guys and their four protégés. Meaning, no real adults to lead said society that we don’t ever learn much about. Just the four main guys, who are all also royalty. Like real royalty. They will “pass the torch” to the younger guys at the end of the year, so that means every few years a new set of leaders emerge. Then what happens? They call the FMC “True North” and basically the whole book is trying to get her to be with them and protect her. Because they are in looooove with her after never talking to her. The end is a huge scene of murder and SA as her initiation. Throw in a very random, evil twin in there, and that’s the book.
March 3, 2024
I was marginally into this book until the rape scene at the end. Now the second book I’m assuming is her forgiving them FOR RAPING HER and falling in love with them? No thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2024
wtf.
Nigerian princes.
-college
-secret society
-noncon
-RH
Nigerian princes.
-college
-secret society
-noncon
-RH
April 10, 2024
Not good!
Book was not bad until you get to the last chapter. Which then includes rape and force. Not a series I am willing to continue.
Book was not bad until you get to the last chapter. Which then includes rape and force. Not a series I am willing to continue.
June 23, 2024
phenomenal
Wow! What an absolutely phenomenal book! I couldn’t put it down u til the very last jaw dropping word.
The mystery and suspense is beautifully written either such emotion and detail. The storyline pulls you in and holds you captive with all the twists and turns.
The ending was perfection, that cliffhanger ending has me demanding more.
Wow! What an absolutely phenomenal book! I couldn’t put it down u til the very last jaw dropping word.
The mystery and suspense is beautifully written either such emotion and detail. The storyline pulls you in and holds you captive with all the twists and turns.
The ending was perfection, that cliffhanger ending has me demanding more.
January 27, 2025
I don’t even know what I read but it was weird and lowkey and scarily good so yeah I’m reading the next one immediately
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
The ending of this was so dark that I was kind of gagged about it.
March 18, 2024
DNF 59%
So I will start by saying I have yet to read a RH that isn’t sci-fi/fantasy that actually works. This was no different. At 30% I started skimming, just to see if something would make sense or make this junk believable and it didn’t, gave up at 59%.
My number one issue is it isn’t believable. They don’t know her and she doesn’t know them, but they all want and need her and she is “true north” whatever that means. One of them says they’re falling for her after one conversation. At 59% you still don’t have a clue. All characters, which it is told by each one’s POV, don’t let you in on anything pertinent. I’m all about some surprises, but the readers need to know something besides the guys are obsessive and what classes everyone is taking.
These men whip themselves with a cat o nine with barbs 10 times one day and 30 the next and it makes it sound like it’s a regular thing, the one guy also cuts himself regularly. Then when they are done they don’t clean or bandage their wounds, they just throw shirts on over today as if it’s nothing. Unless you’re a supernatural creature, that just doesn’t fly.
The guy they have had watching her and pretending to be her best friend has an evil twin that nobody knew about. And as if that isn’t weird enough and unbelievable, they decide not to tell her about it and let the guy with the evil twin tell her himself. Which is absolutely ridiculous because that opens her up to letting the evil twin get her again. But they are so worried about her safety.
The way they speak ranges from teen to educated intellectuals. There is a whole section where they discuss favorite books and such. I just wanted to gag. It was lengthy and so unnecessary.
She tells them “I’m not a damsel!” Um yes you are. You can’t defend yourself, you are relying on these guys, you went to a party and got roofied. You keep your head down and rely on your best girl-friend to protect you. You’re definitely not a bada$$.
This book reads like a second rate film, where nothing has to be backed up or make any sense. If it were a film I’d be yelling WTF at the tv. I can’t imagine a single person giving this a 5 star rating.
Would definitely avoid anymore books from these authors in the future.
So I will start by saying I have yet to read a RH that isn’t sci-fi/fantasy that actually works. This was no different. At 30% I started skimming, just to see if something would make sense or make this junk believable and it didn’t, gave up at 59%.
My number one issue is it isn’t believable. They don’t know her and she doesn’t know them, but they all want and need her and she is “true north” whatever that means. One of them says they’re falling for her after one conversation. At 59% you still don’t have a clue. All characters, which it is told by each one’s POV, don’t let you in on anything pertinent. I’m all about some surprises, but the readers need to know something besides the guys are obsessive and what classes everyone is taking.
These men whip themselves with a cat o nine with barbs 10 times one day and 30 the next and it makes it sound like it’s a regular thing, the one guy also cuts himself regularly. Then when they are done they don’t clean or bandage their wounds, they just throw shirts on over today as if it’s nothing. Unless you’re a supernatural creature, that just doesn’t fly.
The guy they have had watching her and pretending to be her best friend has an evil twin that nobody knew about. And as if that isn’t weird enough and unbelievable, they decide not to tell her about it and let the guy with the evil twin tell her himself. Which is absolutely ridiculous because that opens her up to letting the evil twin get her again. But they are so worried about her safety.
The way they speak ranges from teen to educated intellectuals. There is a whole section where they discuss favorite books and such. I just wanted to gag. It was lengthy and so unnecessary.
She tells them “I’m not a damsel!” Um yes you are. You can’t defend yourself, you are relying on these guys, you went to a party and got roofied. You keep your head down and rely on your best girl-friend to protect you. You’re definitely not a bada$$.
This book reads like a second rate film, where nothing has to be backed up or make any sense. If it were a film I’d be yelling WTF at the tv. I can’t imagine a single person giving this a 5 star rating.
Would definitely avoid anymore books from these authors in the future.
March 8, 2024
Four stars for first book in this duet but a DNF at 46% on the second book.
Mark me was an excellent book that checked every single one of my boxes.
It isn’t for everyone (hence the low rating reviews from several people) since this book is exactly as it describes itself… DARK. This book is full of psychotically obsessive and possessive men. I love them 🥰
Spoilers below:
The part that people are clutching their pearls at is at the end where there’s a ritualistic blurred line rape scene. Three of the four MC’s rape our FMC. It’s very non-con but it’s done in a way that isn’t unforgivable. They absolutely LOVE her. It’s part of the cult (or secret society’s) ritual to initiate her into her birthright. It had to be done. She doesn’t know this but still. The men worship her and honestly it’s nowhere near as bad as some of the much darker books I’ve delved into. This was one of my favorite scenes (but I’m a twisted bitch 😘).
Anyway… there’s zero bullying from the harem which is great because I’m so sick of the overdone college bully harem trope. We get amazing stalker scenes. I love a good stalker romance.
Now for why I DNF the second book…
I loved the first one and immediately started on the second but I knew almost instantly that I wouldn’t be able to finish. As mentioned before, the ending of the first book is of the epic non-con ritual scene. Going into the second book I was expecting the men to grovel at least a bit and really kiss her feet. I mean, before that scene they each had ONE scene with her where they connected on a deeper level. She just met these guys and knew them for like a week before this all happens.
But there’s no grovel. There’s kind of a grovel from one guy because he was a little rougher with her during the ritual scene and she’s used to him being the intellectual sweet one. But an hour after he apologizes she has sex with him… making him her first consensual sex partner since she was a virgin previously. It doesn’t add up. No one else apologizes or anything and she immediately accepts her place.
She is more traumatized by the killings she had to witness and semi participate in than what the guys did to her. Then she’s just like ‘this is my home and my legacy and I will defend it with brutality’, immediately going all in after previously fighting it tooth and nail. Zero lead up. This happens like the day after the ritual scene too.
She was a virgin before the ritual scene and very sore afterwards… then she has sex with the grovel guy the next day… they she has group sex after that… including DPV. Again, doesn’t make sense. Her character completely changes without any lead up or growth. It’s a life she doesn’t want, planned to expose and deconstruct, then she’s just ALL in, and these emotions all happen within three days.
Either this was rushed writing or our FMC is bipolar.
I loved the guys and Ever’s character but the second book was very rushed and missing so much that would have made this perfect.
Mark me was an excellent book that checked every single one of my boxes.
It isn’t for everyone (hence the low rating reviews from several people) since this book is exactly as it describes itself… DARK. This book is full of psychotically obsessive and possessive men. I love them 🥰
Spoilers below:
The part that people are clutching their pearls at is at the end where there’s a ritualistic blurred line rape scene. Three of the four MC’s rape our FMC. It’s very non-con but it’s done in a way that isn’t unforgivable. They absolutely LOVE her. It’s part of the cult (or secret society’s) ritual to initiate her into her birthright. It had to be done. She doesn’t know this but still. The men worship her and honestly it’s nowhere near as bad as some of the much darker books I’ve delved into. This was one of my favorite scenes (but I’m a twisted bitch 😘).
Anyway… there’s zero bullying from the harem which is great because I’m so sick of the overdone college bully harem trope. We get amazing stalker scenes. I love a good stalker romance.
Now for why I DNF the second book…
I loved the first one and immediately started on the second but I knew almost instantly that I wouldn’t be able to finish. As mentioned before, the ending of the first book is of the epic non-con ritual scene. Going into the second book I was expecting the men to grovel at least a bit and really kiss her feet. I mean, before that scene they each had ONE scene with her where they connected on a deeper level. She just met these guys and knew them for like a week before this all happens.
But there’s no grovel. There’s kind of a grovel from one guy because he was a little rougher with her during the ritual scene and she’s used to him being the intellectual sweet one. But an hour after he apologizes she has sex with him… making him her first consensual sex partner since she was a virgin previously. It doesn’t add up. No one else apologizes or anything and she immediately accepts her place.
She is more traumatized by the killings she had to witness and semi participate in than what the guys did to her. Then she’s just like ‘this is my home and my legacy and I will defend it with brutality’, immediately going all in after previously fighting it tooth and nail. Zero lead up. This happens like the day after the ritual scene too.
She was a virgin before the ritual scene and very sore afterwards… then she has sex with the grovel guy the next day… they she has group sex after that… including DPV. Again, doesn’t make sense. Her character completely changes without any lead up or growth. It’s a life she doesn’t want, planned to expose and deconstruct, then she’s just ALL in, and these emotions all happen within three days.
Either this was rushed writing or our FMC is bipolar.
I loved the guys and Ever’s character but the second book was very rushed and missing so much that would have made this perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
Oh my goodness! Theough no fault of her own and thrust into the deliciously dark world of the Four Cardinals, Ever lives life surrounded by passionate men that have the ability to make or break her. Swept away in this enticing world, Ever dives into situations she knows nothing about and has to learn to navigate quickly. Can Ever trust the men that surround her or are they just leading her into a darker, more dangerous world that is worse than Ever could have imagined?
This. This is my niche. What an absolute powerhouse of an opener. Dark, deep and delicious - I was utterly transfixed to this world and these characters. The story weaves its way around me to entice me in more and more until I couldn’t take my eyes away from the pages until I was completely done. I felt so ingrained and immersed. What a teasing experience! I would 100% recommend that you read the warning and the trigger warnings in the preface, which are always included to ensure that these themes are made clear. In this instance, it is imperative that these aren’t taken lightly.
I adore the world that has been created here and there’s a part of me that wishes it was me, I found myself a little envious in some areas. It helps that this is genuinely favourite type of why choose and so to see the best of the best tackling it and doing it to such an incredible standard makes my little black soul so happy. The undeniable chemistry, the fire, the passion and the electricity between the characters alongside the most enthralling, dark and deep plotline made this a first class read. I absolutely cannot wait to see what else is in store!
This. This is my niche. What an absolute powerhouse of an opener. Dark, deep and delicious - I was utterly transfixed to this world and these characters. The story weaves its way around me to entice me in more and more until I couldn’t take my eyes away from the pages until I was completely done. I felt so ingrained and immersed. What a teasing experience! I would 100% recommend that you read the warning and the trigger warnings in the preface, which are always included to ensure that these themes are made clear. In this instance, it is imperative that these aren’t taken lightly.
I adore the world that has been created here and there’s a part of me that wishes it was me, I found myself a little envious in some areas. It helps that this is genuinely favourite type of why choose and so to see the best of the best tackling it and doing it to such an incredible standard makes my little black soul so happy. The undeniable chemistry, the fire, the passion and the electricity between the characters alongside the most enthralling, dark and deep plotline made this a first class read. I absolutely cannot wait to see what else is in store!
March 20, 2025
I was a bit lost throughout this whole book, and the ending seriously had my jaw dropping because ??? what just happened. I've read MANY dubcon scenes from other books, and *the* scene in this book without a doubt made me SUPER uncomfortable and had me closing my app about 10 times. ***spoilers ahead***
I was in genuine disbelief that the author didn't try harder to give a reason for FMC to find pleasure in getting assaulted like that other than the 'fucked up surge of pleasure' phrase that was mentioned like once or twice. Even then, the entire chapter was just her being confused, scared, and begging the 'male leads' to stop!! Spoiler, THEY DIDN'T. One of the male leads hesitated torturing her even further but kept going because of some bigger cause that isn't even revealed yet. Hell, that was about 300 pages of nothing. I still don't know what their little secret society is about, and why they supposedly didn't want to drag her in too deep yet went out of their way to make her personal life a living hell and effectively isolating fmc from every other character she had a relationship with. Also, this book never touched on why the hell she was getting bullied in the first place? The longer I'm writing this review the more I realize how much this book did not make sense AT ALL. I think this genuinely ruined my night. The book itself felt extremely gloomy, and like another reviewer mentioned, I could NOT differentiate any of the male leads other than Charlie. Not sure if I'll torture myself and read the second book, but who knows.
I was in genuine disbelief that the author didn't try harder to give a reason for FMC to find pleasure in getting assaulted like that other than the 'fucked up surge of pleasure' phrase that was mentioned like once or twice. Even then, the entire chapter was just her being confused, scared, and begging the 'male leads' to stop!! Spoiler, THEY DIDN'T. One of the male leads hesitated torturing her even further but kept going because of some bigger cause that isn't even revealed yet. Hell, that was about 300 pages of nothing. I still don't know what their little secret society is about, and why they supposedly didn't want to drag her in too deep yet went out of their way to make her personal life a living hell and effectively isolating fmc from every other character she had a relationship with. Also, this book never touched on why the hell she was getting bullied in the first place? The longer I'm writing this review the more I realize how much this book did not make sense AT ALL. I think this genuinely ruined my night. The book itself felt extremely gloomy, and like another reviewer mentioned, I could NOT differentiate any of the male leads other than Charlie. Not sure if I'll torture myself and read the second book, but who knows.
April 6, 2025
A very dark and taboo romance book. So please know that there truly are very dark themes in this book.
I was hooked with the plot of this book and wanted to know everything about the sect and how it all worked and all of the secrets and mysteries. However, when it came to relationships and the romance story there. I truly felt something was missing. I don’t know what exactly, it just didn’t feel completely right or complete.
The 4 boys and the one girl who will be their salvation for the mysterious organization that these English college kids are a part of? Um, what secrets are there to uncover? Why do they spy on her and follow her around and make sure she’s safe? Those questions needed answering for me…
The plot was wonderful with the whole family ties and who was going to lead and take over. Also, the whole bet on “who will take the FMC’s virginity” from rival aristocrats in a a sect they created themselves? I truly wanted to see what would happen there to them.
The twists and turns and of all of the different characters and the plot and “friends” turning on friends and a whole twin situation that is never really uncovered… it all added to keeping me hooked.
But the reason for the 2 stars her on this book, I felt something was missing. I cannot put my finger on what or really as to why, but it was not my favorite read. I liked the plot and mystery better than the why choose romance and the reasons for all of them loving her for 3.5 years before even really talking to her? It just felt a little too “Stockholm syndrome-y” to me, even if she wasn’t a prisoner…
I was hooked with the plot of this book and wanted to know everything about the sect and how it all worked and all of the secrets and mysteries. However, when it came to relationships and the romance story there. I truly felt something was missing. I don’t know what exactly, it just didn’t feel completely right or complete.
The 4 boys and the one girl who will be their salvation for the mysterious organization that these English college kids are a part of? Um, what secrets are there to uncover? Why do they spy on her and follow her around and make sure she’s safe? Those questions needed answering for me…
The plot was wonderful with the whole family ties and who was going to lead and take over. Also, the whole bet on “who will take the FMC’s virginity” from rival aristocrats in a a sect they created themselves? I truly wanted to see what would happen there to them.
The twists and turns and of all of the different characters and the plot and “friends” turning on friends and a whole twin situation that is never really uncovered… it all added to keeping me hooked.
But the reason for the 2 stars her on this book, I felt something was missing. I cannot put my finger on what or really as to why, but it was not my favorite read. I liked the plot and mystery better than the why choose romance and the reasons for all of them loving her for 3.5 years before even really talking to her? It just felt a little too “Stockholm syndrome-y” to me, even if she wasn’t a prisoner…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
Okay, this book was DARKKKKK so be warned, not for the faint of heart.
So the first 70% of the book was okay! I liked seeing the characters connect and I thought the plot line was pretty interesting. At some points it definitely got confusing and some stuff went un explained but I’m assuming it will be answered in the next books. It felt a little rushed but over all I feel like it was a well planned plot. The last 30% of the book was the most confusing for me. It definitely also felt the most rushed. Stuff happened so quickly I was just like WOW. What the actual heck is going on and how did we even get here 😂. I took off two stars because of how I thought the plot line was rushed but I also took off two stars because of the dub con. Some of the stuff did not feel 100% consensual. It was like 50% consensual or something utterly insane like that but it didn’t feel absolutely 100% which can be a little concerning. But if you’re interested in fast pace, dark academia, romance books then this is definitely something worth your time!
So the first 70% of the book was okay! I liked seeing the characters connect and I thought the plot line was pretty interesting. At some points it definitely got confusing and some stuff went un explained but I’m assuming it will be answered in the next books. It felt a little rushed but over all I feel like it was a well planned plot. The last 30% of the book was the most confusing for me. It definitely also felt the most rushed. Stuff happened so quickly I was just like WOW. What the actual heck is going on and how did we even get here 😂. I took off two stars because of how I thought the plot line was rushed but I also took off two stars because of the dub con. Some of the stuff did not feel 100% consensual. It was like 50% consensual or something utterly insane like that but it didn’t feel absolutely 100% which can be a little concerning. But if you’re interested in fast pace, dark academia, romance books then this is definitely something worth your time!
February 28, 2024
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem… because i keep reading this genre without palate cleansers and only subjective opinions. So, i didn’t like it but i didn’t hate it to abandon midway, it was just too messy, there was a sect with a mysterious goal, a girl who kept talking about being a legacy and at the same time a nobody, a weird “evil twin moment” that was immediately discarded, not a single worthy trait to mention about them all and a dark, fucked up and unexplainable ritual at the end of the book. The writing was actually really poetic in the art of describing things, and places and sentiments, like perfect for a regal kind of book but not this one. Don’t know if i’m going to read the second one, although it ended in a cliffhanger, I’m not that curious or intrigued enough to read the culmination of the duo.
May 30, 2024
Started great but I'm slightly disappointed
Sorry for the possible spoiler but I have to say this...I really liked Ever I liked that she said what she thought and stood up for herself but how does she go from the strong willed woman telling the boys to go F themselves that she wants nothing to do with their sect to just blindly following them into a dungeon and letting them do what they did to her. Where was her fight? I am having a hard time taking her seriously now and also the boys are irritating they "save " her just to basically do the same thing to her that others tried to do. I realize this is a book in a made up world but I spent the last few chapters with a WTF face no strong willed woman is going to just go with it and not fight what happened any way I'm rambling. I'm just bummed I really liked the story and then you just lost me.
Sorry for the possible spoiler but I have to say this...I really liked Ever I liked that she said what she thought and stood up for herself but how does she go from the strong willed woman telling the boys to go F themselves that she wants nothing to do with their sect to just blindly following them into a dungeon and letting them do what they did to her. Where was her fight? I am having a hard time taking her seriously now and also the boys are irritating they "save " her just to basically do the same thing to her that others tried to do. I realize this is a book in a made up world but I spent the last few chapters with a WTF face no strong willed woman is going to just go with it and not fight what happened any way I'm rambling. I'm just bummed I really liked the story and then you just lost me.
February 22, 2024
Wasn't sure what was happening at first. Ever is at university and waiting to graduate with her degree in English Lit. She has several good friends in her apartment. She is also tolerating some bullying and harassment from other students.
The Four Cardinals are keeping their eyes on her. They have chosen her. When her apartment catches fire, under very strange circumstances, her buddy tells her that he can help her find a place to stay.
Alistair, Benjamin, Charles, Damien, the Four Cardinals. They have an empty bedroom in their house.
This is very dark and please take note of the trigger warnings.
I loved the story, started last night and finished this morning. So good. Can't wait for the next book.
This does end on a cliffhanger.
The Four Cardinals are keeping their eyes on her. They have chosen her. When her apartment catches fire, under very strange circumstances, her buddy tells her that he can help her find a place to stay.
Alistair, Benjamin, Charles, Damien, the Four Cardinals. They have an empty bedroom in their house.
This is very dark and please take note of the trigger warnings.
I loved the story, started last night and finished this morning. So good. Can't wait for the next book.
This does end on a cliffhanger.
April 4, 2024
One to think about
Ok so being honest I'm a bit confused, it's a good read and it has a militant makes you want keep turning the pages but have to say not sure if was the story or trying to work out just what was going on and why, that kept me reading, the ending was a a bit on the brutal side and you desperately want someone to give ever, a clue or just away out of it our can't call them hero's have some real issues going on, but even with all the thoughts of how much they love Ever I have to say if she is so important and the light of their lives and all that would the really be doing what they did. For all that I'm still going read the next one bit of I'm honest I'm hoping Ever finds away out of all this and gets to kicks our four not hero's curb.
Ok so being honest I'm a bit confused, it's a good read and it has a militant makes you want keep turning the pages but have to say not sure if was the story or trying to work out just what was going on and why, that kept me reading, the ending was a a bit on the brutal side and you desperately want someone to give ever, a clue or just away out of it our can't call them hero's have some real issues going on, but even with all the thoughts of how much they love Ever I have to say if she is so important and the light of their lives and all that would the really be doing what they did. For all that I'm still going read the next one bit of I'm honest I'm hoping Ever finds away out of all this and gets to kicks our four not hero's curb.
July 25, 2024
So so much potential! Storyline has cults, sects, Knights Templar, shadows and secrets but she missed the mark ROYALLY! After spending 2 books talking nonstop about the secret sect and who was involved, we get NO explanation of what it truly is. I know she hints around at it but more in depth would have made the story much better. And as for the FMC, what is her deal, and why is she made Queen? And Queen if what? Just the 4 guys, who? And why was she in particular so special other than the Knight name?
I wanted so much to live this series from reading the storyline. But I was very disappointed after finishing Book 2 with more questions than answers. I know sometimes smut downy have much of a storyline but if you’re going to start with it, take it to the end and explain things
I wanted so much to live this series from reading the storyline. But I was very disappointed after finishing Book 2 with more questions than answers. I know sometimes smut downy have much of a storyline but if you’re going to start with it, take it to the end and explain things
January 27, 2025
twisted
At the end of the first book of two, I have no idea who the female main character is and I’m not sure why I should care. I will probably read the second book, but at this point I can’t recommend that you should start.
The writing and editing are on point so no pet peeves triggered.
I rarely add spoilers but I feel compelled to so if you’re still planning to read the book stop reading my review now.
It makes absolutely no sense to me that immediately before the dramatic scene at the end, she digs in and decides to blow up the secrets, then goes passively to her downfall without any struggle or resistance. I don’t understand at all given the last chapter written from Ever’s perspective.
At the end of the first book of two, I have no idea who the female main character is and I’m not sure why I should care. I will probably read the second book, but at this point I can’t recommend that you should start.
The writing and editing are on point so no pet peeves triggered.
I rarely add spoilers but I feel compelled to so if you’re still planning to read the book stop reading my review now.
It makes absolutely no sense to me that immediately before the dramatic scene at the end, she digs in and decides to blow up the secrets, then goes passively to her downfall without any struggle or resistance. I don’t understand at all given the last chapter written from Ever’s perspective.
February 21, 2024
When you think of College Rh you may think of a bunch of drunk idiots running around throwing some kind of frat/sorority sign. That is not the case with this book. Let me just preface this by saying..,, keep extra clothes handy cause you will need them.
This is a dark rh with triggers that definitely need to be checked but if your comfortable with them the. This is a wild ride you definitely don’t want to miss. The spice is thirst quenching and the plot is so captivating you never wanna put it down.
hope on the rollercoaster and buckle up buttercups its gonna be a wild one… and yes we are okay with it lol.
This is a dark rh with triggers that definitely need to be checked but if your comfortable with them the. This is a wild ride you definitely don’t want to miss. The spice is thirst quenching and the plot is so captivating you never wanna put it down.
hope on the rollercoaster and buckle up buttercups its gonna be a wild one… and yes we are okay with it lol.
February 22, 2024
This book provides an edging to darkness before finally spilling over. This book will truly take you for a ride that will have you questioning everything!
I absolutely loved Ever's story and getting to see into Ben, Alistair, Charlie, and Damien's mind with their POVs, which gives enough mystery and intrigue to have tou devour this book. There is more than what meets the eye behind the gates of KnightsGate University that will have you second-guessing the secerts until the last word. This is a must-read that has me jumping immediately into the second book!
Be prepared for some spice to question your tastes!
I absolutely loved Ever's story and getting to see into Ben, Alistair, Charlie, and Damien's mind with their POVs, which gives enough mystery and intrigue to have tou devour this book. There is more than what meets the eye behind the gates of KnightsGate University that will have you second-guessing the secerts until the last word. This is a must-read that has me jumping immediately into the second book!
Be prepared for some spice to question your tastes!
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