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Nix Monroe is in over his head.

He thought he was smart enough to handle the Demons of Foxglove Grove and find his cousin's abuser. The plan was always to get in and get out. Lake, West, and Yejun have a different idea in mind, however, and the more time he spends in their clutches, the more of himself Nix seems to lose. It's not long before he finds himself trapped, permanently bound to the next in line for the throne, with a potential threat to them all lurking in the shadows, waiting for a chance to pounce.

What started as an act pretending to be their boyfriend has escalated into something else. Something inescapable. If that weren't bad enough, a discovery about the precious cousin Nix has come all this way for leaves him shaken and uncertain.

Lake is more determined than ever to catch the hacker and secure the crown.

West suddenly seems more interested in discovering all the different ways he can make Nix moan.

Yejun doesn't know the secret Nix is keeping from him.

With only a couple of weeks left before the Night of the Nightshade, Nix and the Demons are running out of time to identify the threat. When it starts to seem like none of the people around him can be trusted aside from them, things get even more complicated for Nix.

Can Nix rely on them like they say?

Or is he just another pawn in their game?

Trigger Warnings: This is a Dark MM Sci-Fi Enemies to Lovers Why Choose Bully Romance. There are themes of bullying, control, and manipulation, as well as a man character who is shared between three other men. This is also book two of a trilogy. The first book, Villain, must be read before this one to understand the plot.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2024

164 people are currently reading
451 people want to read

About the author

Chani Lynn Feener

68 books1,540 followers
Librarians, please don't add books. I stay up to date and add them myself and have ended up with many multiple copies because others add them later. Thank you!

Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.

Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...

Find her on Instagram @TempestChani



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5 stars
633 (43%)
4 stars
527 (36%)
3 stars
227 (15%)
2 stars
37 (2%)
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15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Alexia.
442 reviews
October 11, 2024
4.5 stars.
Warning: This book is much darker than the first one.

I had a great time with this second book, especially with how the author develops the relationships between Nix, Lake, West, and Yejun.
The emotional complexities and darker themes added to my engagement, especially with Nix's gradual experience of Stockholm syndrome and how the other characters handled their relationships with him.
Interestingly, I appreciated West’s role as more of a protective and sweet figure than I initially expected, while Yejun’s actions were stressful and pushed my patience a lot.
The author did an excellent job making even flawed characters compelling, especially since I still have faith in their redemption arcs, like Yejun’s.
My frustration with Lake's passivity was through the roof, and I hope for him to grow and treat Nix better.
The book succeeded in keeping me hooked while delivering a darker, more intricate continuation of the story.
Can't wait for the third book since I'm excited to dive deeper into Yejun’s character!
Given how he stressed me out in this book with his actions, it’ll be interesting to see how the author handles his journey in the third one.
Since he's my favorite, I'm looking forward to seeing more layers of his personality, especially in terms of his relationship with Nix and any potential redemption arc.
Profile Image for Dani.
1,706 reviews333 followers
November 25, 2025
Re-read

Still agree with my original thoughts except I think Beck actually wants West and/or Yejun and wants Lake to disappear.... West is still my favourite Demon!

*********


4.5

I am obsessed. OBSESSED!!!!

I have so many theories my head hurts. I'm pretty sure I know who the bad dudes are, but there could be more twists and red herrings to come.

Beck is one suspicious fucking dude. Super, super suspicious 🧐 I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. Absolutely convinced he's involved because he wants Yejun for himself and he's jealous of Nix.

West and Nix 😍😍😍 I have such a huge crush on West - he's so smitten it's adorable. I need more of their softer moments. By far my favourite Demon.

Lake was an imperial dumbass. How this dude is going to rule a planet I have no idea 😂

Fucking hated Yejun in this one. I hope Nix makes him grovel.

So yeah, I am obsessed with these characters and I'm impatient for Saint to be published now 😂
Profile Image for Nina .
396 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2025
Reread Oct 2025

This one is a lot. I was once again left feeling shocked and bothered by the #inappropriate-use-of-office-supplies. Because seriously. They did what with that compressed air? 😳
Also, still fully disturbed by the scene with Yejun’s punishment. That is still a bit too much for me. But these are really good and I’m fully hooked. Again. So that probably says something about me, but whatever.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
474 reviews99 followers
October 8, 2024
Martyr is book 2 in the Demons of Foxglove Grove series. The book picks up where book 1 left off, with Nix in a relationship with Demons Lake, West and Yejun. Nix is trying to solve the mystery of what happened to his cousin, and the foursome is working together to find the hacker that's been causing problems for the Demons. Book 2 is all about trust- who can trust who, who is lying to whom, it's such a fun read.

I've found that Chani Lynn Feener books are the only exception to me hating mysteries. I really loved book 1 and Martyr is just as good. We get more of Nix's story as the mystery unravels. I don't want to say much to avoid spoilers but I really like the way we get to see Nix's men evolve as friends and boyfriends in this book. They have to adjust to Nix being in their lives and watching them learn to compromise and be better people was nice. West is the scene-stealer in this book and my new fave Demon 🥰🥰. Really looking forward to the next book in the series, I have some theories and I want to know what happens next!!

Rating: 4 stars
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 4/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for ML.
1,623 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2025
This book was very intense. Definitely mind the TWs because this is DARK.

Nix and Lake’s secret is out and Yejun reacts as badly as I feared he would, yikes. That was a VERY dramatic scene. Lake seriously disappointed me here and West was a super star. That was unexpected.

This book spirals where you are not sure who is good bad or evil. They all appear to be all 3.

The end is a shocker and I’m glad I can immediately read book 3…. Off to read
Profile Image for Jen (Fae_Princess_in_Space).
793 reviews41 followers
October 3, 2024
This is the second instalment in the Demons of Foxglove Grove series and it is getting intense! We’ve got threats, mystery, danger and a Why Choose with three powerful, morally grey men! What’s not to love?!

Nix has been forced into a relationship with three terrifying men, Demons who are destined for big things in life - Lake, Yejun & West. In the last book, Lake bit Nix, leaving him with a claiming mark. In this book, knowledge of Nix’s claimed status has spread through the university and whoever is trying to warn him away from the Demons is really stepping up their game! At the same time, Nix is trying to discover the reason behind the death of his cousin Branwen whilst trying to balance his life with the lives of the Demons.

I love how Lake, Yejun and West are written - as soon as I think one of them might be a good guy they turn around and do something truly heinous, but conversely the one(s) I think are the worst end up being truly sweet to Nix! The Demons are tricky for sure, and I love it!

I don’t want to say too much about the plot because I don’t want to give spoilers, but the mystery is really ramped up in this book and it feels like everyone is a suspect!!

Read Martyr for:
✨ Why Choose (M)MMM
✨ Dark Romance (check your trigger warnings folks!)
✨ Everyone is morally grey
✨ Non-con/dub-con
✨ Mystery, murder, mayhem
✨ Sci-fi contemporary setting
✨ Tip-top aftercare (seriously, my heart melted)
✨ Three Demons you love to hate 😈

Thanks as always to Chani for letting me see an early copy of this book to do some proofreading 💕 It’s available on 7th October 2024!
Profile Image for Camm reads books.
330 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2025
me leí este libro como en 4 horas, seguramente menos, la verdadera adicción
Profile Image for july.
166 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2025
Omg, cada libro se pone mejor!! NECESITO RESPUESTAS
Profile Image for Mu.
268 reviews
October 7, 2024
This is both simultaneously generous but also cruel & unusual behavior. On one hand, this book was released on a Monday which means that I had something to read in the downtime of my work. It made going to work bearable. On the other hand, I finished relatively quickly and now I have to wait??? For the next book??? I suppose I just have to live long enough to read the next entry (and then whatever else comes along to pique my interest)

Also I apologize if I wax poetic and talk in pretentious terms, I've been reading A Letter to the Luminous Deep and it's affecting my speech lol. (I'm an autistic motherfucker)

So with all of Chani's books, they cover quite dark and morose topics. I do appreciate Chani's content warnings in the beginning of the books. They quite aptly cover all of my concerns about the content. However, it's not an excuse.
Personally, the topics have never really disturbed me to read as fiction. I find the horrors of real life infinitely more distressing. I still agree with my previous assessments that characters perpetrating non-con must be morally black or grey because good people do not commit these atrocities.

I've been mulling over at what point does it because exploitative and over generous. I'll have to continue to think about it but all that to say, do not disregard the content warning.

We didn't get too much world building in this book. I think what foundation is already there in the first book doesn't get elaborated much. As a whole between all of Chani's ouevre, the world is very fascinating. However, you only get bits and pieces from novel to novel. As a standalone, it's lackluster at best.

The main meat of this book is the relationship between Nix and the Demons of Foxgrove. In this point, this book succeeds greatly. There are many character bonding moments as their relationship progresses. Each book has been focused on one character becoming slowly obsessed with Nix. This book features West.
It was really interesting to learn more about West himself and what makes him tick. The instalove in this is very sudden but I also understand how it could happen. All three of the Demons crave love and acceptance, West most of all.

The plot made some decent progress in this entry. Most of it is Nix dealing internally with what was discovered in the previous book. There's a good chunk of time as well untangling the truth of what was happening and how to move forward. There aren't any significant plot jumps until around the last 10%.
I think I've noticed some foreshadowing in the conversations between characters but I won't be able to confirm my suspicions until the trilogy is out.

I do think that this series as a whole would work strongest as one complete novel instead splitting into three. As a standalone, this leaves a lot to be desired and I sure do desire it.
I wait impatiently but politely for the next book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
21 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2024
Thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read an ARC.

Apart of me doesn’t know how to feel about this book in particular, because I’m angry. Mainly at June, but Lake too. Goes to show how good the writing is on these characters though. I’m really feeling for Nix. He’s being put through the wringer just because of his cousin. Strangely West is now my favorite in a strange turn of events. I wasn’t into him last book , but he turned into a sweetheart. Onto forgiveness..I’m not sure if I could forgive someone for what Lake and June did, but who knows. There’s hopefully going to be a lot of groveling. As of right now I’m especially horrified with June. Not sure how he can come back from what he did. If I was Nix I wouldn’t even want to look at him or Lake. Although, I don’t think Lake new the extent of torture Nix was going through. On a happier note. I ate this book up so fast. Im yet again a little disappointed there wasn’t more Lake and Nix time. I loath when books end on cliffhangers. Be that as it may, Im so incredibly eager for the next book. I’m not sure what kind of magic you put into these series, but I look forward to every one. Thank you for this opportunity to read this early. I’m eager for more.

P. S. I’m not sure if you’ll do a series on Port and the Pious Prince, but I can’t stop thinking about them since they were mentioned (Devil May Care). I’ve been so curious about them. Plus I enjoy a good chase. And you kinda hinted at one. Hoping you’ll do a series about them!
Profile Image for x.
476 reviews29 followers
October 9, 2024
chani tell me you didn’t just end this book like this? ruthless.

whatever.

west rn is my fav. my man he really surprised me. i really loved how honest he is and how he’s not trying too hard or even manipulating and playing games with nix. him taking care of nix when he needed it the most meant so much to me.

yejun behavior was fucked up. am i also disappointed in lake? yea but he's lake i expect nothing from him (love him still). but yejun was my fav from the very beginning he betrayed me and what he did was messed up he went too far.
754 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2024
I like it. Do I feel like he needs to punch their asses yes, do they need to grovel more 100%

4,5 stars
Profile Image for Melicat.
254 reviews
November 11, 2025
So I read this in one sitting, lmao. I’m officially obsessed and I loved it. Yejun is definitely my favorite, but West is such a pookie to me, his aftercare is so good. 🥺💖
Profile Image for Al_turnsthepage.
318 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2024
Actually 2.5

The plot got lost in the sauce. I’m really not sure what is actually going on.
Profile Image for Navi.
245 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2025
I personally hate this writing style where it's an attempt at POV but not true POV of any character , and then also the author changes it in the middle of the chapter as she sees fit...so annoying. Breaks the flow.


All the reviews I see are all about "oh West's character development so great...this is awesome" but if this is a trilogy and there are 4 characters to develop and only one character so far evolved from being a rapist (maybe that's a strong word but he did sexually assault Nix twice ) to having some emotional intelligence the it is not good for the overall series.🫣 Because this means all other characters will get some growth and development in the last book all of a sudden and it will all be instant rainbows and sunshine and all of a sudden everyone will be into everyone. It already feels like it's gearing up to do just that (just preparing myself to be disappointed for the coming book)😓

Nix is still cowering and pathetic..
Lake is still an asshole...that apology scene at the end where he tried to apologize was a joke (if you are trying to explain away your actions while apologizing then you are not really sorry) and Nix as usual resisted for like 5 secs and then just rolled over.
Yejun I expected better, I don't know how why the author felt the need to butcher his character. Instead of progressing Nix and his relationship...the author devolved him for shock value and just for the sake of adding a rape scene because its dark romance. He wasn't that cruel to even Banana Bread(you know who..i hate her, can you tell!) when she was the one who betrayed him. He took a pause with her and evaluated everything keeping his cool and calm but with Nix and Briant he was straight up - oh i am going to rape you because you are her cousin and beat you bloody because you are her brother. So out of character. 🥴🥴
And also the prejudice of oh "we don't hit women" (even though she is the perp) because they are delicate but raping innocent men and beating them bloody is ok. Wow! OK!! 😑...come on stay on brand this is dark romance and she deserved at least a bloody broken nose. What hitting woman is too dark now??🤔


So any guesses on who is the bad guy??? So I am not really looking forward to 3 rd book. If it's not him then there will be some serious plot hole...not that there isn't already with the Demons dismissing Brenda even after knowing she was part of something so much serious🙄 And what kind of all powerful secret society future leaders of the planet couldn't even find her real name in basic background search. 😵😵
Honestly the Demons are idiots....they are actually too young to be rulers. My vote goes to Yuri for imperial emperor.🫡

I can only hope Nix to get a spine in next book and much needed groveling from Lake and June. ..I guess that could redeem this.
Profile Image for Jessica Swan.
2,274 reviews22 followers
July 25, 2025
3/5🌶️

There's NO SHOT
That cliffhanger?!?!?!?!
PAIN

Reread July 2025: I forgot how painful this cliffhanger was 😂
Profile Image for Leslie La Fuente.
127 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2024
Género: Dark Romance y Boys Love
Puntuación: 5🌟
🦊 «Matyr», es el segundo libro de la saga «The Demons of FoxLove Grove». Es un Dark Romance ambientado en otros planetas. Que nos presenta una historia Boys Love con M/M/M/ M llena de 🚩🚩🚩. Es una novela oscura, por lo que si no soportan el género no es recomendable.
🦊 Actualmente el libro se encuentra solamente en inglés. No lo recomiendo para personas que no estén adaptadas a leer en este idioma, sin embargo, si posees experiencia creo que la lectura será muy amena.
🦊Hay escenas fuertes en este libro. Los demonios de FoxLove son personajes muy grises, incluso se podría decir que con trastornos emocionales. Ya desde el primer libro resalté que me encanta el hecho de que, a pesar de haber 4 protagonistas, cada una de sus personalidades se encuentra bien definida. Van evolucionando con la trama y no se opacan unos a otros. En esta entrega, se aprecia un poco más de ello, vemos las identidades de cada uno más definidas y nos permiten acercarnos más de maneras nuevas.No voy a mentir, entre mis escenas preferidas se encontraban más cuando veían películas juntos Nix y Lake, como West le hacía té y le cuidaba o como Yejun quería que le celaran. Cada una de esas acciones demuestra un mayor nivel afectivo entre los protas y como sus emociones fueron evolucionando.
🦊 Sigue apareciendo una trama secundaria de misterio. Eso provoca que la lectura sea exquisita. Yo en lo personal no pude soltar el libro desde que lo tomé. Estuve tan metida en la lectura que se me olvidaba resaltar mis frases preferidas😭 (me pasa mucho con estos libros).
🦊Me gusta que no se romantizan más acciones de los protagonistas. Todos saben que está mal, que no es sano y que no hay moralidad ninguna en su relación. Pero a ellos les funciona. Hay mutuos acuerdos y se aceptan como los monstruos que son (dicho por ellos mismos, no por mi). Me gusta también como Lake y Yejun reconocen sus errores y quieren arrastrarse por perdón o como West ve a Nix como un igual (cosas que al inicio no sucedía)
🦊El final es muy explosivo. Yo necesito tener el tercer libro ya😍
Profile Image for Lisa Tobleman.
461 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2024
and now we have to wait for book 3

So I may have actually been counting the days down until this book was released. I’m a huge fan of Feener’s novels. They are universally wonderfully dark and set in a science fiction world that is fascinating. Please do read CW. Like even if you’ve read her books before read CW. This has stuff in it that might bother some readers and she lists them in detail so no unpleasant surprises. Why only 4 stars and not 5? Well I’m actually annoyed at the pacing. Which is hilarious because I went back and checked and yup, it’s not hugely different than most others of her novels. However, this series is a bit like her dark Bumel mafia one that it’s centered on one pairing (or quad in this case) and the story sort of folds over the trilogy. What I was frustrated with is that progress on the central mystery happened only in the last four chapters. Nix and his three Demons of Foxglove are fascinating, but I kept waiting for more to be explained and I’m not positive but large sections of the story cover only short amounts of time then there are paragraphs of “time passed”. There is a huge info dump between West and Nix towards the end then Finally progress. I’ll go and reread the book again after I’ve sat on it for a day but ooof. So go read the CW, then read this, then we can sit and contemplate having to wait for book 3 after That ending. Just wowza.
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,814 reviews30 followers
February 19, 2025
Feb 2025
Kindle edition

Read for a group challenge week 6. I just realised the series isn't complete yet. Ah well. At this point I'm all for West and Nix running off together into the sunset. Lake pretty much stepped back with a have at. Yejun tried to screw Nix to death. West stepped up knowing everything and laying on the aftercare. Still don't like the dad D whatever his name was. Still don't trust Beck. Not so sure about Grady and Juri. Really hope Lake and Yejun know how to grovel. Here's hoping Nix doesn't forgive them so easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mei ☽︎.
441 reviews83 followers
November 26, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free via Booksirens, and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts. Many thanks to the author for the opportunity!

I was hoping after the first book that we'd get more from the other two guys, and while we did get developments with West, I still couldn't shake the feeling that Lake was the main LI for Nix and that the other two guys are just there. These types of polyam are my least fave to read, but I still enjoy the characters + the mystery to be along for the ride. I think that most of the developments here make sense and are fair, but due to the pacing I'm still not enjoying it as much as I was hoping I would.
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
291 reviews35 followers
October 14, 2024
This series has me totally addicted. It’s quite unhinged and not for the faint of heart related to any trigger warnings, but for those who are used to dark romance, this will be a super easy and enjoyable read.

I did find that the plot got a little bit convoluted in this book, but I was still able to follow along and was intrigued by the relationship developments more than anything. Cannot wait for the final book!
Profile Image for pani tet.
476 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2025
Нелогічні зміни в ставленні героїв одне до одного. Раптова опіка та "ми всі тут свої, стоїмо до кінця за своїх, значить і за тебе". Хіба що Нікс влився в стокгольмський синдром по шию, це повністю зрозуміло.

Та і сцени сексу в порівнянні з першою частиною більш змазані та обірвані. Але це не значить, що авторка вирішила вдаритись в сюжет. ��о сюжет не те щоб дуже розвинувся чи ускладнився. Вже й не знаю, чи треба мені продовження/завершення трилогії.
Profile Image for Nothing.
814 reviews43 followers
July 3, 2025
y'all this is so bad. where's book 3 amakjsjsjdjsu
Profile Image for Luz Rivas.
519 reviews28 followers
October 12, 2024
The emotional turmoil this provoked me!! OMFG!

Nix is battling his inner demons as much as the ones surrounding him. His journey is one of isolation, betrayal, and reluctant submission. The weight of uncovering painful truths about his cousin and realizing how deeply manipulated he’s been is gut-wrenching.

As the story progresses, Nix finds himself increasingly trapped by the toxic relationships he was forced into, constantly questioning who he can trust. The feelings of powerlessness are palpable as he tries to balance his grief with the fact that he didn't know her as much as he though.

Along the way, Nix discoverer a larger, more dangerous game being played around him. While he initially comes to Foxglove seeking answers, he soon finds himself manipulated and controlled by those with much more power. His connection with the Demons is far from simple. As he navigates these increasingly twisted dynamics, the tension builds not only between the characters, but also within Nix himself. He becomes more entangled in their lives, forcing him to reconsider his initial goals and reevaluate his sense of identity.

Despite the dark and toxic environment, there are moments of Nix reclaiming his agency. His internal growth is slow but steady (and it gave me several headaches), as he battles the conflicting emotions of wanting to escape and feeling bound to his quest for answers. The romantic entanglements are as twisted as the plot, further complicating his journey and adding another layer of emotional complexity.

Something that surprised me quite a bit was West's change of attitude towards Nix. That he ended up taking care of Nix was unexpected, I really thought the one who would soften up the most with Nix would be Lake.

My main suspect is still Beck, there's something about his behavior that seems off.

I can't wait for the next book to find out who's behind it all and for Nix and Yejun to reconcile.
Profile Image for CharlotteAtena.
463 reviews14 followers
December 15, 2025
Oh, no, you did not... oh, you did not just end the book like that...

What the f....

Oh, if the first book was good, this one was better.

This is the second book in the Demons of Foxglove Grove, and since this is a trilogy/series ( I'm not sure yet ), of course, the action is a bit slower than it would be in the other books Chani writes. This is not a bad thing, though. We have an MMMM situation on our hands, so of course, we need to spend more time with the characters.

I love how in this book we had more 1 on 1 time between Nix and each of the guys. It brought depth to their story. It showed how unique their relationship was on a group lever, but also on a personal level.

They got better at expressing each other compared to book one, and they seem to get into that place where their life's become so intertwined that no one will be able to separate them.

In true Chani fashion, of course, that road is very hard to navigate at times. It's bumpy and full of secrets. You wouldn't expect the Demons to give in just as easy, would you?

The plot thickens, and the book is slow here and there ( for giving time to the relationships to solidify and grow ), but it is also full of action and mysteries.

I am so in love with this story it's crazy...

The ending of this book was somehow crazy, and now I'm asking you, how the he/ll am I going to be able to wait for the next book? I want it now, I need it now. I am not ready to part ways with the guys yet 🥺.

10/5 stars, highly recommend both books. 🤌💜
Profile Image for Bekah.
117 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2025
I could not put this down. I’m absolutely loving this series. I never know what’s going to happen and this entire book had me crying and laughing. I love how the dynamic between each one with Nix is different and how Nix is getting to see a side of the Demons that only the Demons themselves have seen. For better or for worse.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I cannot wait to read the next one!!

Re read!
I really love the dynamic between Nix and West. My cute computer nerds. The dynamics between them all are so unique and showcases each of their personalities and how they interact with each other. I love how West steps in and is the protector and takes such good care of Nix. This start to unravel at the end. In more ways than one.
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