Solstice

by Jena Doyle

Find out what happens to Ivy, Lex, Carter, and Miri in book three of the contemporary MMFF adaptation of Midsummer Night's Dream by Jena Doyle.

Lex
When my spouses and I left Ireland the last time, we tried to prevent any unwanted consequences from following us home, but that proved more difficult than it should have been.

Now, the wedding event of a lifetime is looming over us, and Ivy and I still hate each other. But I don’t want a marriage full of spite and resentment. I want Ivy to want me, and the harder I try, the harder that gets.

With our bad life choices hunting us down, I refuse to fight a fairy war that has nothing to do with us…even if it crosses into the human realm.

Ivy

Lex is up to something, and I suspect he’s keeping secrets from me again. But I don’t have time to dive deeper into his mind.


Congress is stressful, my mother is making her own plans for my wedding, and Miri is more closed off than ever.

I just need to get through these next few months without any fairy-tale nonsense following us home from Ireland. But even my best-laid plans go to waste, especially with the fairies involved.

Genres: Fantasy

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2024

About the author

Jena Doyle writes smut for smut’s sake. No apologies. No shame. And definitely no judgement. When she’s not dreaming up dirty words for wild hearts, she enjoys traveling, binge watching trash TV, and dabbling in tarot and astrology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, and enjoys rambling about Shakespeare's gay agenda.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our queer little polycule is back and figuring out how to keep the faerie realm safely separate from the human realm in book 3 of the Midsummer series.

This is by far the most angsty book of the series so far. Jena really decided to be nice and give us Samhain before sliding this nugget across the table and making us suffer. I was big mad the whole entire time, which is a testament to how much this world sucks you in. No spoilers, but even before another brutal cliffhanger I was fully prepared to throw my kindle across the room.

As a balm for the heartbreak you will inevitably feel at several points in this installment, Doyle has treated us to some incredible moments with our characters. The joy of those critical scenes got me through the torture of the rest of the book.

I cannot recommend this series enough, and I say go for it even though you’ll have to wait until February for the final book.

Fast burn with CNC, primal, impact, choking, biting, toys, anal, restraints, blindfolds, gags, scratching, dp.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Multiple 1st Past

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am impatiently waiting to see how this all wraps up in the final book. This third book of four brings our polycule into some real world conflict. Their high profile dream jobs add to the stress they are all dealing with. And somehow there’s a wedding and world saving that has to happen. This story continues to be well written and provides characters that feel real. You’ll laugh and cry along with them because they are written in a way that brings them to life, without being over dramatic or over described.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats

MMC/FMC/FMC/MMC- Lex/Ivy/Miri/Carter (MFFM/FMMF/MMFF/MFMF, however you imagine it)

Premise-A reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in five acts, with a cliffhanger

Heat- !!!!!, though YMMV if you don’t like books with sharing.

Series? Y

Safety? N

Mewsings

Jena, you’re killing me with these cliffhangers! I need the next book now because instant gratification isn’t fast enough and I have the patient qualities of a squirrel with ADHD.

I liked Lex and Ivy better in this book than the first book. Mainly because they finally take their relationship to where it has been destined to go since they were born. And it makes the sexytime scenes between them molten, especially with the mind gift. It’s tactile and feral and bloody and primal and I love it. Throughout these books, all of the sexytime scenes have been very well written and very rich and sensual.

That being said, the quartet is in the greatest pickle that they’ve dealt with so far and I’m dying to know what happens next. I read these books like an addict, and this one was no exception. Recommended.

[Nanii’s Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jena has left me with another cliffhanger, and I just can’t get enough of these books. I love that Ivy and Lex finally admit they’re important to each other, honestly, it’s what I have been waiting for. The spice in this one was so good, my favorite scene being when Lex had Ivy tied up and Carter showed up, my lawd was that 🥵. Honestly my favorite book in the series.

Just like in the last book, I didn’t trust Poppy for crap, and I was 100% on Lex’s side when it came to her. Come to think of it, I didn’t trust anyone that wasn’t the main 4. Ivy’s mother has been the absolute worst, and I don’t think it's fixable… What she did in the previous book and continues to do is unforgivable. The fact that a mother could do such a thing to her own child blows my mind. Miri’s grandmother is right behind Ivy’s mother with how horrible they are. Miri is irritating just a bit, like woman stand up to your grandmother!

I’m so excited for the next book and I’m ready to see our beloved characters kick some fairy king 🍑. I can’t wait to get the answers that I still need like, what the hell really happened to Miri in Monaco?

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ↴
This is an Advanced Reader copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own. Thank you to Jena Doyle and Booksirens for the ARC opportunity!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
🧚🏽‍♀️ MMFF
✨ Angsty
🧚🏽‍♀️ Evil Fairies
✨ Chaotic Bisexuals
🧚🏽‍♀️ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Queer Shakespeare
🧚🏽‍♀️ Arranged Marriage

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna Doyle continues the story of four friends/lovers/spouses in this third installment. While this book focuses more on Lex and Ivy than Miri and Carter.

Can I say my heart low key hurts for Miri and Carter who seem to be always on the losing end of things. I mean I get the whole enemies to lovers thing between Ivy and Lex but I had really hoped that nothing ever took a deeper root. It seems they are they more controlling of the four people, doing what they want when they want, consequences be damned and the others left unconsidered.

I don't know - it bothered me. Even though the overall relationship dynamic is strange (at least for me). I've not ever read books with poly relationships in them until this book, and have stuck this one out because of the actual story plot line and the other relationship dynamics.

The stakes are high in this book, and there is a lot going on. At times it feels like an emotional roller coaster. I'll be honest I've not been a huge fan of Ivy from the start, but.....oh well.

Now I just sort of hope this all falls apart....bonds are broken and true love is found (it seems for two that has happened - I mean the "it's always been her" was just yuck to me...and felt like a huge, gigantic betrayal). I was really hoping for something different.....

Now to wait for the last installment so I can have some closure.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jena - you're killing us with these cliffhangers, but I know that the final book will have been worth the pain to wait a few months between each installment in this series.

This entire series has been one emotional roller coaster and I've loved every single word of it. I especially loved watching Ivy and Lex grow closer in this one, using their gifts in a way that made me envious. I also loved watching them give into one another and come up with some rather spicy scenes (like really spicy - dang!). I didn't like the forced separations and the pain that came with those, but understanding why it needed to be done. My heart is hurting for Miri and Ivy so much. At least Carter and Lex still have something good going on.

The teaser at the end of this of what to expect in Beltane promises another great story and finally finally finally a happy ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brittany Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending!!!!! I feel like I'm dying.

I am always so excited when I get an ARC for Jena's books, especially this series because I know I'm in for something special. This series has a special, spicy, queer poly-lovin' place in my heart. But, I don't know if I can handle having to wait for months before the next book is out.
Solstice gave us answers and SO MANY MORE QUESTIONS. I need them to have their happy ending, because at this point our fearsome foursome have suffered enough! I really enjoyed getting to see the more primal, intense yet intimate relationship develop between Ivy and Lex.

But as per usual, I NEED MORE. The cliffhanger at the end, fucked me up to say the least. Jena, you sadist, I love you.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Solstice? Well it continues on from Samhain, and it’s told in the POV of the four main characters but mostly Ivy and Lex, Carter and Miri make appearances but if you’ve read the first two books you’d know that they are away for reasons that I won’t go into because it would spoil the storyline. The action ramps up in this and the cliffhanger is shocking and I’m really looking forward to Beltane because I need answers. I highly recommend you read this book and I give it 5 stars 🌟

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another intense and gripping installment for the series and I have to say that the author has left me with more questions than answers. Lol! This book is mostly told through Ivy and Lex's POVs. The action, angst and high stakes vibe had me feeling all the emotions and had me glued to my reader. And the spice? So hot!!! Think primal hot ;P I knew we'd have a cliffie at the end but man, it was steep ;) I cannot wait for the last book to see how everything comes together...and I get the answers to all those questions. Lol! Good fun!

[Karen Sorg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 starts when Ivy and Lex come home from Ireland and they both hope everything is fine. Except it is not fine. Ivy has nightmares every night unless Miri or Carter sleeps with her in her bed. I have to sleep in my room and am awaken every night when they are not here. Lex is kind of jealous since they both have sex with her and I do not. We are both stressed out on the wedding of a life time is looming. Lex and Ivy both have their own secrets and everything will come to a head. Read to find out what happens next.

[Sue Embers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best on the series! I loved this story. The first two in the series focused on our foursome coming together and exploring their bond. This part of the story highlighted Ivy and Lex’s relationship and them understanding their love isn’t just a gift given by fairies. As they are preparing for a marriage they didn’t think they wanted, they are plotting a defense from the king. Will they make it? I won’t give any spoilers but this next installment has you begging for more as you read the last sentence!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this worked well in the Midsummer series. It had that retelling element that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of getting back to the world and characters. It use the Midsummer Night's Dream element perfectly and was engaged with how it was used in the third book. Jena Doyle Jena Doyle always writes a strong story and was glad I got to read this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Midsummer series! The story is full of the familiar drama and romance, but you could feel the segue into the final acts to come. The interactions between the Fab four and the faeries was special and I hope to see more of it in Beltane.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is enjoyable to read and characters written wonderfully. The author did a great job of describing the characters and bringing them to life on the pages. I loved the town that the story took place in. Overall, this book was written so well and absolutely beautifully! I loved everything about it and I’m so so excited to see what happens next!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Jena! What are you doing to us with these cliffhangers? Lol. I loved the development between Lex and Ivy, it's about dang time. I can't wait to see how this series ends. I just know it is going to be epic. Highly recommend this series.

I received an advance review, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the series, Ivy and Lex come home and she has nightmares, I loved the emotions of the characters, I have gotten hooked on this series, Amazing series,


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[jennifer davis]

Absolutely Loved this book. It keeps me wanting so much more than what I a m getting. With every ending I am on the edge of my seat with this series. I can not wait for the next.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and fun romance!

I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate Zepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

They keep getting better!

Ms. Doyle does it again! Love this adaptation of my favorite Shakespeare piece. Exquisites. Phenomenal. I can’t wait to start book four!,

[Brebooks_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a much slower read for me than the other books in the series. But I am super excited to finish the series and keep hearing about Ivy/Lex/Carter/Miri !

[Amethyst Moonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are really ramping up for our MC's!!! I have particularly enjoyed this volume's look into Lex and Ivy's POV. There has always been a soft spot for Lex in my heart, but his growth - especially relating to his and Ivy's relationship - has brought me to my KNEES. The king's shenanigans have only intensified making it extremely difficult on the polycule and their inner dynamics!!! Anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this absolutely WILD RIDE!

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, my heartfelt thanks go to Jena and the team at Book Sirens, for once again gifting me with this, the third book in this freaking incredible journey!!!

I have loved every word on these pages, and just couldn't put this one down. I've literally been reading all day!!! BUT! Damn, I just don't know what to say! Our team are all there, but not together,..... Yes, you read that right. Things aren't working out well for the foursome, and the faerie magic is doing it's own crazy thing. This episode is mostly told from Lex and Ivy's point of view, as the story leads up to their wedding, so much is going on, and the reader is in need of so many answers! February 2025 is tomorrow, isn't it??
This of course ends in a giant cliffhanger, so get your carabiners ready because you're going to need them so you don't fall into the abyss that is this cliffy!!!

Absolutely fantastic story!
☆☆☆☆☆

[Mélanie Montmarquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solstice is the third book of the serie Midsummer. I had such a great time reading the first two that I was wondering if I could be as invested in this one. Yup! Jena Doyle did it. The pace of the book is really good, not too fast or too slow. We return to Ivy, Lex, Miri and Carter White they search for more answers to what happened to them at Midsummer. All while they navigate in their relationship. The spice is spicing good again. I laughed, I did have some other feelings, like anger or exasperation. We see that the group is in more danger than we tought they would be, but we dont have all the answer yet. We finally come full circle from the prologue of Midsummer and I wish I could have more answers. Overall, the story is great and I cannot wait to read the final book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.