My secret is finally out. I am a Boneweaver, and the last of my kind: A beast who can shift into any other. Now there’s an elephant sized target on my back and two people I love have been taken from me.
In order to get them back, I’m going to have to do the unthinkable: present myself to the most dangerous beasts of the underworld and Scythe Kharkorous is going to help me do it. The Great White shark with the sharp, cold eyes has plans no one can guess at and the devastating secret he’s about to reveal to me will turn my world upside down.
Everything is about to change.
This is the third book in a New Adult MFMMMM 5 book contemporary fantasy romance series that must be read in order. The heroine has five fated mate love interests that will eventually form a bonded group. It is medium burn with 18+ spice starting from book 1. Each book has a cliffhanger ending but the series will finish with a HEA.
What a book. I had to take many moments to pause and process while reading as I was just emotionally everywhere. Please read the trigger warnings and realize this book is way more spicy than the other books. Please read them in order! However, this book does seem to have crucial lore that is needed for the overall series. (I need this series finished asap as I am in a sad place now. My happy ending just out of reach. ) The book starts off right where the last one ends. Sabrina is kidnapped. A heist/rescue happens, club scenes, sinking prisons, booby traps, exploding people, and so many crazy scenes hit you one after another.
This book, however, mainly revolves around Scythe figuring out how to remove his head from his lower half and finally accept his mate, Aurelia. He has many reasons to be cautious. He has been through some horrible things that no child should go through and when he takes his bloody revenge I was perfectly fine with it. (In fact, I clapped in my mind!) He improves a lot in this book but I still want to smack him.
Aurelia is just being betrayed and stuck in difficult situations by everyone and the poor woman/shifter is just careening all over. I feel like she faded a bit in this book even though she has so much more power than ever before. We can blame her luteal phase as she finally ovulates. (Ok that was nuts!) She has her period! (I loved the bin of period supplies made by Savage.) They talk about period tax!! Sidenote, as a woman, reading about these little details is rare and frankly I loved it. More normalizing normal female biology!
Savage is my favorite character after Eugene the chicken and may he live forever. (And ever and ever)
Lyle is now welcome and given forgiveness.
Scythe, Scythe, Scythe… please. Trust your Regina/mate.
Xander and Ghoul can kick rocks. 🪨
Favorite line: “When a man shows you who he is, you believe him. Every action is revealing.”
Preach.
I was provided this copy as an ARC and I am honored to talk about E.P. Bali’s magical worlds.
these guys cannot have anything good, i swear... anytime things are going well, they're just hit with more shitty situations and dramatic, nefarious reveals. and look, it certainly makes the series interesting and captivating as hell, but give my peoples some happiness!!!
anyway, as per usual, our fmc was badass to the max, and i was so happy to see that her usual gang of misfits was strong and solid in their friendship. truly, i need every book to have a protagonist with friends like this!!
the mmcs were a chaotic, messy, partially devoted and obsessed, and very dramatic collection, as per usual. half of them need to gain a conscience and get their heads back in the game (the game being "falling in love with our fmc"), but hopefully we'll get there one day...
This is a reread, but this book still destroyed me. DESTROYED. 😭💔 My heart is aching and my eyes are swollen from crying. And that MASSIVE cliffhanger has me desperately reaching for the next book because I need to know what happens next ASAP.
Will I be posting a longer review of these books? I do not know. It feels like I have so much to say that I cannot really find the right words.
If you're reading this, please know that out of all the reverse harem series I've read, this is my second favorite (after All the Pretty Monsters, which is what pushed me into this rabbit hole).
If you're a whychoose/RH fan like me, I wholeheartedly hope that you give this series a chance. 🙏🏻
♥---ORIGINAL REVIEW: 2/12/2025---♥
I'M SCREAMING
I can't believe all of that happened in just one book. I don't know how much more my heart can take. The roller coaster of emotions that I had to go through - jeez! I already know that this series is gonna leave me with a wild hangover after.
Discovering Ghoul's identity. Eko and Athena's story. Aurelia's newly awakened powers. Xander, the forever a-hole (that last part). And most importantly, SCYTHE. MY PRECIOUS SHARK DADDY SCYTHE.
Gaaah. I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't stop tearing up and even full-out crying at times.
Savage is still my source of laughter. Lyle is still that solid rock. But this book was mostly about Scythe and the AGONY caused by his hopelessness about his relationship with Aurelia.
The last part of the book was so many bombs going off at once. I got flashbacks from Aelin in Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas. ARGH!
Can't wait to read the next one. Please tell me it gets better from here. 🙏🏻
𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 picks up with a newfound vengeance towards old enemies and some new ones. As betrayal and deceit hides in every corner of the grand Animus Academy, Aurelia must elevate her powers anew to fight against the very beasts that cage her.
- ~ -
The way my heart 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙.
I was hooked to the storyline from the very beginning but the author has outdone herself this time. Each subplot had me in a chokehold with its tragic nuances.
We finally meet Mr. Shadow, aka Aurelia's fifth mate, in this book and man am I pumped to read more of his povs.
Aside from that, I rue the day Xander's feelings enlighten knowing she's going to make him 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 (as she should).
Savage continues to remain my precious favourite along with a brand new addition - Scythe and ofcourse Lyle. Scythe's story has been ruthless and I hope there are more gentle moments in the future!
There is not ONE part of this series that I do not LOVE.
This is the third book in the Her Vicious Beasts series, and this might be the most insane, intense, overwhelming story I’ve ever read.
I can’t say much about this one without spoiling anything because we’re on the third book… but I can say this…
I have been desperate for books with devastation. Devastating circumstances. Utter and complete heartbreak. Emotional turmoil. You name it. I want to be put in the center of a blender of these emotions. And this book did just that.
“Because though I’ve already hurt her, what is coming will hurt her tenfold. It will cut her so deeply that the mark will leave an immortal scar.”
This book has a slightly dark academy setting with a sentient school that I’m obsessed with!
Our sweet Aurelia has five mates… yes that’s right FIVE. But BOY OH BOY is it SUPER complicated and absolutely… gut wrenching.
There’s rescue missions, chases, fights, deception, redemption, secrets, spice, and… A WHOLE LOT OF HEARTACHE.
“I didn’t know I could hate this strongly. I didn’t know hate could turn my body into a pressure cooker of poison that wanted to spill out and destroy. My own feelings frighten me.”
This truly is an emotional story. Each character’s backstory is so detailed and powerful and getting to know each of these individuals is such an incredible journey.
And these mates… can somebody say *complicated*?! They are precious, they are dangerous, they are down right scary at times. And yes… at times I’m so upset at them I could throw my book across the room. But… I love them. So much.
“You’ve been clinging onto an illusion because it kept you safe. But beasts like us, Aurelia? We are danger. We are death itself. Safe is not a word that should enter our minds. Safety is not something we should cling to, but something we destroy.”
There were a few scenes in this book that had me bawling like a baby. I was blubbering all over this place. This has been the most emotional story so far…
“I will walk in the dark with you for all of eternity. And for every eternity thereafter.”
And I apologize but…. DEAR LORD THE CLIFFHANGER WE HAVE RECEIVED HERE TODAY IS TOO MUCH TO BEAR. IT’S TOO MUCH. PLEASE. HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR THE FOURTH BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AMEN.
Remind me why she has 5 mates again? Because 2 of them SUCK! I really don’t think that there’s enough of a redemption arc for Xander… there is literally nothing likeable able the guy… and it’s been 3 and a half books! And then he does that? Yeah, I’m good, thanks 🙅🏻♀️
And Ghoul? I hate him a little less, but he still majorly sucks. And he’s actually a bigger villain than Xander.. Imagine being so unlikable that the villain plotting against her is more likeable 🙄
Savage still remains my favourite! He’s an unhinged psychopath with a fun and gentle side that I adore, and the way he treats her makes up for everything else that makes him a nutcase lol
Scythe made it to my #2 slot this book surprisingly! He was pretty standofish at the beginning, but the way he pined for her was delicious! He managed to make be bawl my eyes out multiple times while reading this one 😭 a perfect song that fit with their situation is Forever by Lewis Capaldi. I listed to it and couldn’t stop crying because it was a perfect fit for their love story 💔
And Lyle? I really like him, but idk, I felt a little disconnected to him this book. Maybe because the second book was mostly about him, so he wasn’t the main focus? 🤷🏻♀️
The story felt like it dragged on a little, and the fact that there are 2 more books in the series is kind of wild to me… why does it have to be this long? 😩
I will start off by saying, Miss Bali, HUGE fan of your works and so very grateful to have received an ARC copy of the third book in this series 😍
This story. Wow. This book build primarily on Aurelia and the Boneweaver packs relationship with Scythe (aka Shark Daddy 🦈 💦) and from all accounts sets the scene for the showdown in the next book that will involve Ghoul and Xander. The way that Bali weaves us into and around the emotions of these characters is something to be admired and respected. I FELT the obsession, the devotion, the fear, anger... I just felt ALL the feels with this one.
I would recommend this series and this book wholeheartedly!
Spicy Rating: 🌶 🌶 - personal opinion 😂
THAT CLIFFHANGET ENDING THOUGH MISS BALI! Why do you do us all like this? 😭😍🥺😂
I am not going to be able to cope waiting for Her Tortured Beasts 😭
4.25✨ damn I kind of forgot Scythe was even a character in the last book but then he went and got emotional as hell and I fell for it so bad😫 are the other two even love interests? booooo losers🍅
I'm just...speechless. I have no words. Like the last two books, I inhaled this like a starving beast. Now that it's over, I'm feeling a little bereft and dying inside knowing the next book won't be out until spring.
I don't think I loved this one as much as the second. Granted, I absolutely adored seeing Scythe step up and take a more active role in mate group. If he hadn't already been my favorite, this would've cinched it. I love him so much and screamed in happiness when he was able to do what he did at the end.
But the plot felt less cohesive in this book. It felt like the group just sort of meandered along without any over-arching purpose. Like...... disaster (Sabrina) > solution > new disaster (headmaster dickhead) > solution > third disaster (Athena) > solution and ended with the grandaddy of all disasters. I don't think I would've minded these little side quests if the group had an agreed-upon mission at the beginning and continued to work toward it, alongside putting out all these fires, but as written, they seemed a little directionless. Granted, the ending of this book sets up the next one to be much more focused.
With Lia shacking up with the guys, I missed her spending as much time with the animas as she had in the past. For the most part, I loved her as much as I always had, but I didn't even recognize the Lia that we saw in those last few chapters. I understand her motivation. She already wanted to murder Mace even before he showed up and threatened the animas and everyone else she loves. But if Scythe's abandonment of her caused her that much pain and devastation, how could she be so heartless as to turn around and do the exact same thing to Savage and Lyle? I'm sure she intends to come back, and that 20 page contract she made the guys sign is a hell of an insurance policy, but there's no question it's Lia who's going to need to grovel this time.
Boyfriend ranking 1. Scythe - God, I love him so much. He was under constant barrage from the land madness, he knew where his story would end and a happily ever after with his mate wasn't in the cards. It's no wonder that he tried to hold her at arm's length for so long. And yet, he couldn't stop himself from loving her, respecting her, holding her in his arms for days as she healed from her injuries. He used his past trauma to make life better for other shifters, cared for his pack, and still had such a capacity to love. He may be one of my all-around favorite MMCs in the genre. 2. Savage - You can't not love him with his affection and earnest desire to be better for Lia. 3. Lyle - He was almost unrecognizeable from the calm, controlled headmaster we saw in the first two books. In some ways, I liked him more, but in other ways, it felt like protecting Lia or mating with her became his entire personality - and we already have Savage for that. 4. Ghoul - I hate him for what he did to Sabrina, but I don't hate him the most. 5. Xander - HAAAAAATE him! Viscerally! Every chapter from his POV, every scene he had with Lia, I kept waiting for him to realize how wrong he was and to soften toward her, and he disappointed me over and over. Despite all the evidence that Lia was never the spoiled nepo-baby he accuses her of being, all the evidence of the trauma she's experienced, this hateful piece of trash is incapable of seeing anything that doesn't fit his own fucked-up narrative. It's as if he's existing on an entirely different plane of reality. I can forgive Lia's choice at the end, because she knew the only way her friends and loved ones would ever be safe would be by killing her father. On the other hand, Xander KNEW that going along with the plan would destroy his so-called brothers. Not only did he put his own wants ahead of those of the pack, but he went even further, by publicly rejecting and humiliating Lia.
My only consolation is that the next book is titled Tortured Beasts. Since Ghoul appears to be apathetic in the extreme, this can only be Xander's book. So go ahead, bring on the torture! I NEED this guy broken and miserable. I need for his dragon to abandon him and go into hibernation. I need Scythe, Savage and Lyle to shun his existence, because killing him ends his misery too quicky. I need for him to develop an incurable case of erectile dysfunction, for his father to lose respect for Xander as quickly as he found it, and to look at him with disgust. I need for him to be left with nothing after giving up everything, to be all alone, and sob three times a day. I can't remember the last time a MMC stirred up this much negative emotion in me, but the only way he's ever coming back from this is by hitting rock bottom.
Ektaa, babe, I’ll be sending you my therapy bill 😭
Even though the flashbacks/dreams were heartbreaking, I loved that we got to see what made Shark Daddy Scythe the way he is. I also loved how close Lyle and Savage became in this one.
That plot twist in the middle of the book?? Didn’t see it coming at all. Heartbreaking. BUT THE CLIFFHANGER?? I knew something was going to happen, but THAT?? 😭😭😭
Idk what to do with myself until May 31st. This cliffy was worse than the last 2.
Why do I never understand what happens at the ends of these books? So she turned herself in? I don't get what happened with Ghoul and Xander and Aurelia at the end. How were all those guys ready to ambush Scythe? Nothing makes sense.
I love Savage, Lyle, and Scythe. They are amazing. Tbh, I don't see how I'm ever going to come around on Ghoul or Xander. They both suck.
These books are way too long considering not much happens in all of them, but whatevs, it's trashy "why choose," which I'm entertained by. I wish it wasn't one-mate-per-book structure, but that seems to be the way of the world. *sigh*
I’m probably not going to continue the series—I’ve already forgotten most of what happened in the books, and so many questions were left unanswered. Her interactions with her friends felt dull, and the mmcs were so overpowering and intimidating that they dictated what she wore and who she could talk to.
What was even the point of introducing the storyline with her mom? And the way the male leads were described didn’t match their supposed roles at all—one of the mob guys had a silver ponytail? Just no. The female lead also seemed totally out of it, unable to control herself for even a moment.
“I will walk in the dark with you for all of eternity. And for every eternity thereafter.”
Her Psycho Beasts picks off directly from the ending of its predecessor–Aurelia’s secret is now out; she is the last of her kind, and it’s painted a target on her back. In order to rescue her kidnapped friend, she finally turns to Scythe, the cold, sharp shark . . . but his devastating secrets may ruin them further.
I was reeling throughout the entirety of this book–it was everything I ever wanted, and then more! The heightened emotions and tension, the deepening bonds, and the unraveling of secrets… buck up, you’re going to have the time of your life. (Oh, and you’re definitely going to cry).
Scythe has always been one of my favorites, and if you know me, that isn’t surprising–I love the cold, indifferent ones (still waters run deep, y’know?), and I never get tired of seeing characters like him fall in love. Scythe is also easily one of the most complex characters; his past, his path to his power and current role as a mafia don, and how he operates in the dark criminal world is deliciously intriguing. I loved the way that Aurelia and Scythe’s relationship continued to develop, and how they slowly begin to trust and fall deeper for one another. Oh, also the overlaying tone of tragedy??? I ATE THAT SHIP UP. I love the sense of doomed (but, not really doomed) lovers.
I also love the rest of Aurelia’s pack and it was so fun and heartwarming to see Lyle and Savage get closer with her too. Like with Savage’s book, this book also highlights the brotherhood of him and Scythe, and I adore both brothers.
I was surprised that I actually guessed Ghoul’s order correctly–and I hope we get to see a little more of the serpent court in the next books? And of course, we can’t forget about our irritable and broody resident dragon, Xander–he definitely has his moments in his book and I’m intrigued by what we’ve learned about him . . . his redemption arc will be exciting to see.
And ooof, the plot. The plot thickens. I was on the edge of my seat–some secrets revealed, and so many things that we yet don’t know.
The ending… I knew it would be brutal, and it was. These books–and especially Her Psycho Beasts–give me so much dopamine and joy. I can’t wait to see where the next one goes–and oh my god, finally figure out Xander’s damage! (like when he falls for Aurelia for REAL it's going to be good).
Her Psycho Beasts is out now! Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC!!
(lmao, lmao, my friends are going to see this review.........don't judge me, or do)
I would like to call this review “ode to Scythes descent into madness”
Who knew Scythe was the poetic one of the group? I mean damn I always thought it was going to be hard to get me to swoon for a fish man but here the hell we are. And now I want to be a ocean girlie because I am HAUNTED by the scenes of them in the open water half afraid Scythe is going to snap and steal her away for himself and half hoping he does. I really felt his longing and loneliness and the pain of choosing to stay in a world he does not belong in. Is scythes whole storyline an analogy for what it is like to live with certain mental illnesses? Don’t get me wrong I still love unhinged Savage and Mr. Pardalia maybe even more so because they are both devoted and doting esp during her special lady times. And the fact that we are getting to know these guys enough to get to see the fun, cute moments as well as the tough or steamy ones. Of course there are still a lot of heart wrenching moments in the rest of the overall plot which I am also still reeling from as well, it’s like Aurelia has her own little descent into madness with Scythe. There are a lot of emotional and deep scenes with dark themes that will break your heart over and over again (it’s giving EP Bali goes to therapy and it shows) but I can’t stop thinking about Scythe and the ocean honestly. Finally there is also a tie in to the beginning of the story back to their first meeting and we get some answers for that and learn that there is premonition in the madness of you can sort through the noise pollution for it. Oh and last but not least the Harry Potter reference we have all been waiting for!
“I let him out. My descent into madness has begun”
“Something wild urges me to steal her away in the middle of the night and head to the sea with her. Just the two of us, living our lives in peace and solitude with nothing between us and the endless ocean.”
“I cannot allow our powers to mingle. It would be the final nail in my coffin. …. She makes me want to give everything up. She makes me want to surrender everything to her. …… “I want you, Aurelia. Don’t forget that. I want to possess you, body and soul. I want us to become one, so that wherever you go, you don’t fucking forget—” ….. “That this _____ claimed you. Owned you.” ….. “Loved you.” As I claim her to the hilt, she lets out a whimper that I feel in the coldest, broken chamber of my heart.”
“I want all of her, need all of this branded into the recesses of my brain so that no matter what level of madness takes me, I’ll always have this memory to guide me on. Because even _____ in her _____, my teeth around her shoulder, in the throes of mind-blowing pleasure, the end calls to me. An everlasting undertow that drags me into an abyss with every step I take. I cannot take her with me. Even if my heart pines for it. Even if my soul demands it. I must let her go. I must let them all go. I was never made for this world….. “I want to walk alongside your darkness with you,” she whispers. “Like you’ve done for me.” My being shatters. Heartbreaking and soul-destroying is my echoing roar into the cavern as I ________ ________my regina. Hoping the heavens and the Wild Mother hear my anguish, and knowing what she’s done to us, I hope she weeps too.”
And the crown jewel : “How can a bird love a fish? Their love would be doomed from the beginning.”
Ugh!! Just ugh!! I’m unwell and mentally in a stormy sea of longing and emotion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Now I’m actually in a terrible mood after finishing this because for some reason I only have the attention span to listen to audiobooks rn so WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN’T CONTINUE AFTER THAT CLIFFHANGER🫠 That is obviously my own fault as the next book is literally out and maybe that alone will give me the will to start eye reading again🙏🏻 Anywho…still obsessing over this series even WITH the diabolical cliffhanger that this book ended on.
Another fantastic audiobook performance. I’m so obsessed with this series. Absolutely loved diving into Scythe’s book and spending so much time exploring his POV and relationship with Aurelia.
I just love the way the author approaches topics such as mental health. There’s a lot of care that goes into it, and I appreciate it immensely.
Very grateful that I received an ARC of Her Psycho Beasts because this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and It. Did. Not. Disappoint. Am I already salivating for the next book?
Obviously.
Without giving too much away, here are my favourite things from the book:
If I could give this 1000 stars I would. Each book in this series gets better and better. Ektaa tore my dang heart out and now I feel a little lost after that ending. Just, ugh. Read it and literally weep, like me.
Where is book 4?! I need it in my grubby little hands immediately. At this point, I'm so invested in these characters, and have so many questions, that the wait for the next book will be painful. My main thought upon finishing this book is that Xander and Ghoul can go and kick fucking rocks. Not even just rocks, but big, huge, massive boulders that break their toes when they kick them and then fall on their heads and either squash them or knock some sense into them. I have absolutely no idea what their problem is and (even though I'm nosey as all get out and really do want to know) I don't care to know because fuck those guys, seriously. If their books aren't filled to bursting with regret, yearning, suffering and Lia making them beg I won't be able to control my rage, truly. On the other hand, I loved seeing more of Scythe in this book. He was so much more layered than I ever expected and he had completely and utterly won me over by the end. Now that he has finally crumbled, I'm mega excited to see the way he handles everything, especially Lia's last move... holy mother of cliffhangers. I repeat... I need that book in my grubby little hands yesterday. Who do I have to bribe to get an ARC?
Fair warning—this book does have a lot of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ! This series is your vibe if you like morally dark-gray love interests, a college romance, why-choose, or enemies to lovers.
As with any E. P. Bali book, Her Psycho Beats has incredible character development and a captivating plot!! Definitely read everything in the series in order and be prepared for a literally heart-rending and heart-stopping cliffhanger.