What do you think?
Rate this book
The Society #2
This Is War
My boyfriend was kidnapped.
And all signs point to him being held at Club Onyx – the most exclusive club in the city.
There’s just one problem…
I have no idea where that is.
But I will find him.
No matter what it takes.
This is war, baby.
And all signs point to him being held at Club Onyx – the most exclusive club in the city.
There’s just one problem…
I have no idea where that is.
But I will find him.
No matter what it takes.
This is war, baby.
Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
1420 people are currently reading
1457 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Smoak
96 books8,189 followersIvy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
February 25, 2023
So.... I'm embarrassed that I actually read (most of) this. First I want to say WTF? I didnt review book 1 because I was waiting for this book so I could see if it would make me like The Society better. But nope...
For starters warn me at the first of a book that it is a part of a series! I DO NOT like cliff hangers. They give me anxiety. I will wait years for a whole series to come out to read it, rather than deal with cliff hangers. So I read the first book thinking it would be a light read in between others. Which to to be fair it was light but also very cringe. I couldn't even figure what was going on half the time. Then boom it's a cliff hanger I didn't know was coming. I was upset about that for days and had many serious words for the author in my head. 😆 I was not ever going to read another of her books but I decided since I liked her previous work to give this one a chance. Let her redeem herself so to speak. But no such luck....
Really paranormal characters? (Atleast I think that's what Tanner and Nigel are supposed to be) Like yes those are fine if that is what the book is supposed to be about but I feel like what Ivy Smoak did here was ruin the Hunted series (which I Really Really liked! 🙁 ) by making the "world" weird sorry I don't have a better word for it.
All of this to repeat WTF is going on with this author? I feel like she has really bad writers block so she's just stretching out unimportant parts in order to fill the book without actually telling a story because she doesn't even know what story she's trying to tell. At this rate i guess we might have closure for this story in "The Society #book 10"
One more note: chapter 16 to the end (chapter 42) happens all in one weekend. I started skimming in chapter 29 and pretty much quit reading in chapter 37 and then read the last chapter that ends in you guessed it a CLIFFHANGER!!!
Okay rant over. Other than these I've actually really liked other Ivy Smoak books I've read.
For starters warn me at the first of a book that it is a part of a series! I DO NOT like cliff hangers. They give me anxiety. I will wait years for a whole series to come out to read it, rather than deal with cliff hangers. So I read the first book thinking it would be a light read in between others. Which to to be fair it was light but also very cringe. I couldn't even figure what was going on half the time. Then boom it's a cliff hanger I didn't know was coming. I was upset about that for days and had many serious words for the author in my head. 😆 I was not ever going to read another of her books but I decided since I liked her previous work to give this one a chance. Let her redeem herself so to speak. But no such luck....
Really paranormal characters? (Atleast I think that's what Tanner and Nigel are supposed to be) Like yes those are fine if that is what the book is supposed to be about but I feel like what Ivy Smoak did here was ruin the Hunted series (which I Really Really liked! 🙁 ) by making the "world" weird sorry I don't have a better word for it.
All of this to repeat WTF is going on with this author? I feel like she has really bad writers block so she's just stretching out unimportant parts in order to fill the book without actually telling a story because she doesn't even know what story she's trying to tell. At this rate i guess we might have closure for this story in "The Society #book 10"
One more note: chapter 16 to the end (chapter 42) happens all in one weekend. I started skimming in chapter 29 and pretty much quit reading in chapter 37 and then read the last chapter that ends in you guessed it a CLIFFHANGER!!!
Okay rant over. Other than these I've actually really liked other Ivy Smoak books I've read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
I didn’t like this book at all. I used to love Ivy’s books and devoured them. I’m not a fan of Chasity and her single girl rules or all the vulgar that comes with it. I feel like each of her newer books lately just try to top each other with crudeness. I’m not sure what the storyline was in this book, I really didn’t learn anything new besides Cole, and Tanner made few appearances and is still a mystery. This book was all fluff and space fillers. I know my opinion is unpopular but I am extremely disappointed.
February 13, 2023
Unfortunately I wasn’t wowed by this book. I was expecting something different and got what felt like a longer version of a Single Girl Rules book instead. This has laugh out loud moments. It’s got crazy moments which we’ve come to expect from Ash and Chasity.
The Tanner in this book didn’t feel like the Tanner from previous ones with him in it. Maybe he has a twin and he’s opposite of his brother. Hoping because this Tanner was disappointing.
We also didn’t learn anything new except the bomb at the end which leaves us at…. Yep once again a cliffhanger. Expected that.
I feel like this author is just giving us filler books to keep dragging more money from her readers. I’m ready to call it quits with this author.
There was quite a bit of tasteless humor in this. Joking of any kind of Rape, STDs, homophobic and prejudiced are not something I find funny.
The Tanner in this book didn’t feel like the Tanner from previous ones with him in it. Maybe he has a twin and he’s opposite of his brother. Hoping because this Tanner was disappointing.
We also didn’t learn anything new except the bomb at the end which leaves us at…. Yep once again a cliffhanger. Expected that.
I feel like this author is just giving us filler books to keep dragging more money from her readers. I’m ready to call it quits with this author.
There was quite a bit of tasteless humor in this. Joking of any kind of Rape, STDs, homophobic and prejudiced are not something I find funny.
February 25, 2023
Total Let Down
Ugh! What a bummer. I loved the first book (belly laughed through the whole thing) but this is just a mess. 400 pages of filler. No content. No answers. Nada. I won't be reading book 3. I've wasted enough of my time.
Ugh! What a bummer. I loved the first book (belly laughed through the whole thing) but this is just a mess. 400 pages of filler. No content. No answers. Nada. I won't be reading book 3. I've wasted enough of my time.
January 4, 2024
This was just weird.
February 13, 2023
disappointing
I loved the first book but this one was disappointing, the story never progressed from the first book until the last couple of chapters
I loved the first book but this one was disappointing, the story never progressed from the first book until the last couple of chapters
February 17, 2023
Ridiculous and not worth reading
This goes no where, just keeps goin with nonsense stuff and of course into another book.
Really not worth the time to read it
This goes no where, just keeps goin with nonsense stuff and of course into another book.
Really not worth the time to read it
February 22, 2023
Ridiculous and not in a good way. :(
February 8, 2023
Every book Ivy writes is automatically 5 stars. Especially when it contains the characters Ash & Chasity. With this friendship you will never know what is coming. I love that this book really connected with future Empire high books and gave away some spoilers. Although I really want to know about Ash sister Rosalie, I guess I will have to wait! Ivy never fails to leave me on a cliffhanger but it just makes me want to read them even more! As always, #fivestars
February 13, 2023
eh …
Better than book one but not sure why I’m still reading these. Frustrated by the author dragging this plot on
Better than book one but not sure why I’m still reading these. Frustrated by the author dragging this plot on
January 24, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book. I laughed so much and I honestly needed that. Tanner is just omg I love him and Nigel well he is just the greatest Character Ivy has written in my opinion. Ash is me hands down The spice in this book I off the charts. Chastity in this books is definitely a friend I needed back in the day 🤣🤣. So what is Tanner? What is Nigel? Are the Vampires? Are they Time travelers? Are they Wizards? Or are they Just Normal boys and just rich? You will definitely have to read this series to find out! Ivy I loved this book Thank you for The Advanced copy! You will always be my favorite Author ever!
February 15, 2023
Didn’t enjoy this book. I didn’t find it entertaining and all those insignificant sex scenes where annoying. Waited for this book release and was totally disappointed. Hope the 3 book is better and wraps the mystery of Tanner and Niegel
February 10, 2023
I was expecting this book but it’s just weird, total nonsense.
February 6, 2023
Omg ! Now we all know how much Ash gives you a great laugh. Add the fun that her bestie Chastity brings and you won’t stop laughing. I had to take a moment because I promise you the incidents and things only Ash can get herself into are one of a kind. It seems her list is never ending and all you can do is laugh your heart out as she goes through it all. But no it doesn’t stop there because omg it gets spicy with all these men coming into play and wanting a piece of her. Tanner seems to have some competition. But I’m so ready to see what he has been hiding because we seem to just keep getting closer to finding out. Let’s just say Ash really know how to use her #SingleGirlRules. So get ready everyone because #ThisIsWar!
January 9, 2023
I loved this book! I recieved an ARC to narrate the audiobook.
Ivy raises the bar when it comes to laughter in this one. Page after page I was cracking up. We learn what happened to Tanner and then the games begin. Ash and Chastity get competitve but over what? Or maybe for whom? Games are played. Magic happens. A princess is captured. Someone gets arrested. Nigel brings out the best lines.
Favorites from the first book make an appearance like Angel, Diablo, Frankie, and Dr. Lyons. New characters are introduced like the confusing, ego driven Mr. Frost, the flirty liftman, Cole with a few secrets of his own, and the Sausage King who likes to fly high and fast.
It is a must read but make sure to prepare youself for the cliffhanger at the end that will leave you wondering if you knew certain characters at all.
Ivy raises the bar when it comes to laughter in this one. Page after page I was cracking up. We learn what happened to Tanner and then the games begin. Ash and Chastity get competitve but over what? Or maybe for whom? Games are played. Magic happens. A princess is captured. Someone gets arrested. Nigel brings out the best lines.
Favorites from the first book make an appearance like Angel, Diablo, Frankie, and Dr. Lyons. New characters are introduced like the confusing, ego driven Mr. Frost, the flirty liftman, Cole with a few secrets of his own, and the Sausage King who likes to fly high and fast.
It is a must read but make sure to prepare youself for the cliffhanger at the end that will leave you wondering if you knew certain characters at all.
February 18, 2023
First book was way better
I dislike this book immensely! This is nothing like the first book and it's a horrible follow up. The first book I couldn't put down and kept me hooked with each page. As for this book I wasn't super interested after the first chapter. It felt flat and didn't live up to the anticipated sequel I was expecting. Was hoping for more.
I dislike this book immensely! This is nothing like the first book and it's a horrible follow up. The first book I couldn't put down and kept me hooked with each page. As for this book I wasn't super interested after the first chapter. It felt flat and didn't live up to the anticipated sequel I was expecting. Was hoping for more.
March 10, 2023
I’ve been debating on rating and writing a review for this book. I’ve been at a loss for words after finishing #Thisiswar. I had to take time to think about what I wanted to write.
I have to say I have loved Ivy’s books since I stumbled across Made of Steel a few years ago.
But.. I really did not like this one. It was too over the top and felt like Single Girl Rules on steroids. Ash acted more like Chastity in the way of being a sex crazed fiend throughout the whole book. She was even more scatterbrained then usual if that is even possible. She’s supposed to be in love with Tanner but you couldn’t prove it to me with the way she acted in this one. There was just too much tasteless humor and not enough plot.
Someone please buy Chastity a truck supply of condoms because she has sex with so many men, women and not a mention of precautions, she’s a walking STD waiting to happen or an unwanted pregnancy that will need 100 men to be tested to see who the daddy is! Her character really needs to stay in the single girl rules because she ruined this book for me.
I loved the first book but this one just left me wanting an actual plot and not all the chaos of Chastity and the senseless sexcapades.
Ash’s sister is missing and we don’t learn anything until the very end. We also don’t learn anything more about Tanner. Tanner’s character got lost in the shuffle in this one. He didn’t seem like himself. He was sketchy. Some things just didn’t add up with him in this one.
This whole book felt so different from #stalkerproblems. I hope that this gets a resolved ending in the next book and not extended further.
I have to say I have loved Ivy’s books since I stumbled across Made of Steel a few years ago.
But.. I really did not like this one. It was too over the top and felt like Single Girl Rules on steroids. Ash acted more like Chastity in the way of being a sex crazed fiend throughout the whole book. She was even more scatterbrained then usual if that is even possible. She’s supposed to be in love with Tanner but you couldn’t prove it to me with the way she acted in this one. There was just too much tasteless humor and not enough plot.
Someone please buy Chastity a truck supply of condoms because she has sex with so many men, women and not a mention of precautions, she’s a walking STD waiting to happen or an unwanted pregnancy that will need 100 men to be tested to see who the daddy is! Her character really needs to stay in the single girl rules because she ruined this book for me.
I loved the first book but this one just left me wanting an actual plot and not all the chaos of Chastity and the senseless sexcapades.
Ash’s sister is missing and we don’t learn anything until the very end. We also don’t learn anything more about Tanner. Tanner’s character got lost in the shuffle in this one. He didn’t seem like himself. He was sketchy. Some things just didn’t add up with him in this one.
This whole book felt so different from #stalkerproblems. I hope that this gets a resolved ending in the next book and not extended further.
February 9, 2023
Buckle up because you’re about to take a ride straight to crazy town, but that’s exactly what we’ve come to know and love about Ash and The Society! #ThisIsWar is jammed packed with non stop hilarious inner monologuing from Ash, wild escapades from Chastity, crazy scenarios, and a hot mess express of a pseudo-love life. Ash is trying to figure out what the heck is up with Tanner while still pursuing the mystery of her sisters disappearance, all while juggling the hot liftman for Club Onyx, Cole, the pining of Dr. Lyons, and trying not to get caught up in a spit roast, unless it’s the pig kind. Under all the crazy, we find moments of pure joy, self discovery, anguish, and a little bit of wildness for Ash. But as always, nothing in Ash’s life is straightforward and just when she thinks she’s putting puzzle pieces together, something pops in and wrecks the whole thing.
February 11, 2023
might as well a series on tv
Absolutely hate how this book is written. It leaves you at cliff hanger every time and then you have to wait months for the next book. It’s like watching a series on tv. Not what I like in a book.
Absolutely hate how this book is written. It leaves you at cliff hanger every time and then you have to wait months for the next book. It’s like watching a series on tv. Not what I like in a book.
February 19, 2023
Spoiler**
I'm disappointed that the majority of the book was something that could have been in one of Ivy's Single Girl Rules book.
This book took away from Tanner and finding Rosalie. Unless the point of this book was to throw us off and ignore what Ash wanted, than it succeeded.
I'm disappointed that the majority of the book was something that could have been in one of Ivy's Single Girl Rules book.
This book took away from Tanner and finding Rosalie. Unless the point of this book was to throw us off and ignore what Ash wanted, than it succeeded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2023
Thank you for the advanced copy
I love this book is amazing from being heartbroken to laughing and so much smutty holy crap Ivy Smoak has gone beyond with steamy scene 🔥🔥🔥
I love how she put Ash back together after being left behind and made her braver and a yes woman to do things without fear and to accomplished it
Ash and Chastity get an invitation to Club ONYX obits located at the Caldwell hotel and it’s black lingerie so they have to get undress and they are given keys to open door or a safe to play
Then Ash get a dice key and she open a safe with the symbol 🎲 and she open it and there a pile of chip mark $1000 there a card Welcome to the Club Onyx Casino! Your challenge is simple: Double these chips. If you do, they’re all yours. Of course their a catch their always is so ash goes against Cole and f she loses Cole will take her in front of everyone but in the last min she wins but briefly she sees Tanner and he disappear she goes home and Tanner show himself he’s back baby.
Tanner still have secret that we have to wait until the next book to find out. Reading the second Time I might think tanner is a wizard because of the story of Hansel and Greta we just have to wait until book 3?
Ash find a pic of her sister and she call tanner for help which lead them to the Society which mean Rosalind was part of the Society so they go to Emerald Oasis which and they participate in the Society war blue team against Red team.TAnner and Ash are Red team and Ash is the princess and Cole and chastity are blue team and chastity is the blue princess.
Then chastity get spit roast ash get ☝️fork by tanner and then there is a cop scene and night stick ash Hs come out with her freak on and loving every second
Until they retrieve the photo of ash sister and see tanner at the group picture.
Read it it s gonna make your day with laughter and Nigel is there so big bonus on that because when Nigel around you’ll laugh.
Next book we have to know what Tanner secret? What happen to ash sister and if the societ is involve or Tanner? Is dodo even real? Is ash sister Alive? Will Ash find love again with multiple people 😉?
Their spoilers Mason and bee are pregnant and it’s a boy and Matt is marry but it doesn’t said that he and his wife have a baby it just said MAtt has a baby will see maybe co-parent.
Will see until the next book I’ll be waiting.
I love this book is amazing from being heartbroken to laughing and so much smutty holy crap Ivy Smoak has gone beyond with steamy scene 🔥🔥🔥
I love how she put Ash back together after being left behind and made her braver and a yes woman to do things without fear and to accomplished it
Ash and Chastity get an invitation to Club ONYX obits located at the Caldwell hotel and it’s black lingerie so they have to get undress and they are given keys to open door or a safe to play
Then Ash get a dice key and she open a safe with the symbol 🎲 and she open it and there a pile of chip mark $1000 there a card Welcome to the Club Onyx Casino! Your challenge is simple: Double these chips. If you do, they’re all yours. Of course their a catch their always is so ash goes against Cole and f she loses Cole will take her in front of everyone but in the last min she wins but briefly she sees Tanner and he disappear she goes home and Tanner show himself he’s back baby.
Tanner still have secret that we have to wait until the next book to find out. Reading the second Time I might think tanner is a wizard because of the story of Hansel and Greta we just have to wait until book 3?
Ash find a pic of her sister and she call tanner for help which lead them to the Society which mean Rosalind was part of the Society so they go to Emerald Oasis which and they participate in the Society war blue team against Red team.TAnner and Ash are Red team and Ash is the princess and Cole and chastity are blue team and chastity is the blue princess.
Then chastity get spit roast ash get ☝️fork by tanner and then there is a cop scene and night stick ash Hs come out with her freak on and loving every second
Until they retrieve the photo of ash sister and see tanner at the group picture.
Read it it s gonna make your day with laughter and Nigel is there so big bonus on that because when Nigel around you’ll laugh.
Next book we have to know what Tanner secret? What happen to ash sister and if the societ is involve or Tanner? Is dodo even real? Is ash sister Alive? Will Ash find love again with multiple people 😉?
Their spoilers Mason and bee are pregnant and it’s a boy and Matt is marry but it doesn’t said that he and his wife have a baby it just said MAtt has a baby will see maybe co-parent.
Will see until the next book I’ll be waiting.
February 11, 2023
Ashley’s Story Is A Caper Full Of Laugh-Out-Loud Moments & Campy Dialogue. Games & Hijinks At The Emerald Oasis Resort Distract Her As She Tries To Mend Her Broken Heart After Learning Of Tanner’s Betrayal. Empire High Fans Will Love This Spinoff – And The Tease About Matthew Caldwell’s New Relationship Status!
ABOUT THE SOCIETY:
This is book two of The Society series. To date, the series includes:
1. The Society #StalkerProblems
The Society #Tanner (free bonus from Tanner’s POV)
2. The Society #ThisIsWar
3. (not yet named)
Empire High fans will love this new series! It is a spinoff from the Empire High series, starring some familiar characters. Joe “Cupcake” Dickson briefly dated Brooklyn’s best friend Kennedy back in high school, then he went off to college and met Ashley Cooper, whom he married. When Ashely finally decided to end her marriage, she and Matthew Caldwell wound up on a date together in Matchmaker, Empire High book four. Ashley is accident-prone and doesn’t seem to have much luck.
Matthew Caldwell’s good friend Tanner Rhodes is introduced to the Empire High series in book four. Tanner is an oddball, and something of the paranormal variety appears to be the only explanation for his oddity. His trusty houseboy Nigel is here as well. Here Tanner and Ashley, both socially awkward and a little on the crazy side, get their own wacky story. The first book opens six months after Ash’s disastrous date with Matthew, which she refers to as the (first) incident that she will never live down. Fans will note that this brings us past the close of book five of the Empire High series (which is the last book published as of this writing). The author includes a big tease with an update on Matthew’s relationship status, which is sure to fuel speculation!
This book is also related to City of Sin, book one of the Men of Manhattan series, which is Mason Caldwell and Bridget (Bee) Cowan’s story. Together Mason and Bee run a top marketing agency in Manhattan, Bee Inspired Media Group, or BIMG.
FROM THE SOCIETY #STALKERPROBLEMS:
The story opens Tuesday, April 4. 2023.
Ashley Cooper, twenty-eight, is finally single again after signing her divorce papers. She is no longer Ashley Dickson. Joe had been her one and only. After college, rather than focusing on her own career, Ashley worked tirelessly to help save her husband’s family cupcake business. She realized how little Joe appreciated her sacrifice when she found him with an Instagram model named Sierra. He then practically left her destitute in the divorce. Thankfully, though, her best friend Chastity pulls a few favors and helps get Ashley to get a job with her at BIMG. She nervously looks forward to starting her new career.
Since separating from Joe, Ashley has been attending spin class and working on her revenge body, but she fears she isn’t doing things right since it doesn’t seem to be working. She doesn’t measure up to the other women in her class. For the last few months, though, going to spin class has had her excited. She sits outside of One57 each Tuesday and Thursday evening before class. Each day like clockwork, a handsome and colorfully dressed man in a man bun exits the building at eight o’clock. Ashley is convinced he is stalking her, even though she spied on him with binoculars at least once. She is rather fascinated with this stalker, whose name she doesn’t even know.
Right before she starts work at BIMG, Ashley’s life takes a twist when an invitation to the Society arrives in a black envelope. She gets three wishes and complimentary spa sessions. Chastity claims to have heard rumors about the Society; she claims it is an exclusive club of the naughty nature. Chastity is also all about helping Ashley get back into the dating game. A little jealous that she didn’t receive an invitation herself, Chastity cheers Ashley on to enjoy her new freedom. Convinced that the invitation had something to do with her stalker, Ashley accepts. When participating in Society events, she goes by the name of Raven Black and dons a black wig, hiding her naturally red hair. The name and anonymity of the wig give her new confidence. And when she actually does meet her stalker at a Society event, she learns that his name is Ryder Storm. But Ryder is hot and cold, and she cannot figure him out.
Ashley’s first day on the job is a critical day for the company. Billionaire businessman Tanner Rhodes has suddenly granted BIMG a meeting with no prior notice. Mason and Bee have been trying to land his account for months. Ashley and Chastity are on the team presenting this last-minute opportunity. As Ashley gets a good look at the well-dressed billionaire, she senses something familiar behind the glasses and black suit. She is convinced that Tanner Rhodes is really Ryder Storm – or that Ryder Storm is Tanner Rhodes’ Society name. But when she says something to Tanner to that effect, he seems completely stupefied.
Single Girl Rules come into play when Chastity tries to call dibs on Tanner and Ashley tries to explain that he is indeed her stalker – so she thus already has dibs on him. The girlfriends then go about investigating both Ryder Storm and Tanner Rhodes, hoping to find some answers. But their investigation only leads to more questions. There are twists and turns as well as some big surprises as the story progresses. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
Don’t forget to download the bonus scene from Tanner’s POV via the link at the back of the book.
IN THIS BOOK:
As book one came to a close, Ash had given up on dating Dr. Lyons after adding another horrible incident to her list, and besides, it was Tanner that she really wanted all along. They had worked closely together on the upcoming Wineflix and Chill launch party, getting to know one another while keeping things mostly platonic. Tanner had a habit of pushing Ash away every time it looked like they might cross the line into something more, repeatedly crushing Ash. She wasn’t sure if she should believe his claims that her life would be in danger if they were together. By the end, Tanner had finally decided that he would not let DODO control his life. He wanted to live his life freely – and that meant giving in to his love for Ash. One day later, during the launch party, Tanner was kidnapped, presumably by DODO.
As book two opens, it is roughly early to mid-June on a Friday. Note that there are some timeline issues with book one (as well as this book), but that appears to be a good estimate. The story picks up at the tail end of the launch party, right after Tanner’s kidnapping. He had left instructions in the event of his disappearance, giving Ash a key and directing her to Club Onyx for answers, but he never provided directions to find the secret club. Three months pass, and the story picks up again in mid to late September. Despite her efforts, Ash never did find Club Onyx, and she lost access to the Society. Heartbroken, she threw herself into her career at BIMG, but now Chastity is encouraging her to move on. Towards that end, Chastity scores her own invitation to the Society and gets herself and Ash an invitation to Club Onyx. Cole, their charming tour guide, clearly has eyes for Ash, but she isn’t quite ready to jump into anything. Ash soon finds herself in a tricky situation, and it is then that Tanner suddenly appears. Apparently, he has spent the summer frequenting the club with a long string of women on his arm, leaving Ash on the outside worrying sick over him. He still shows signs of jealousy, but he makes no effort to explain his absence, nor does he seem interested in resuming their relationship.
Ash decides it is indeed time to move on from Tanner, and with Chastity’s help, they put together a list of possible love interests. She considers her new authoritarian boss, Xander Frost, as a possible love interest. Cole, the liftman at Club Onyx, is sometimes a contender despite his arrogance and penchant for cheating. The Sausage King is introduced as a possibility, though little is really known of him. Tanner and the reliable Dr. Lyons remain contenders, and Nigel even gets mentioned. In addition, there are others that would like to make it on her list.
When Ash comes across a lead that could potentially help her find out what happened to her sister Rosalie, who disappeared in May of 2020, it leads her to the Emerald Oasis, a Society-owned resort in the Catskills of New York. There, old and new characters come together for an adult-themed weekend getaway that includes a day of games. Surrounded by temptation, Ash questions who to trust while simultaneously engaged in winning the war against the blue team and searching for her sister. The book ends with a devastating twist.
Watch for book three, which the author promises will include Tanner’s secret and what he has done. There is also the suggestion that Ash’s list of love interests might increase from the mere five she currently has.
Wow! Book one was a riotous read. The first half had me in stitches, and although it dragged a bit the last half (it was a long book), I was excited to find out what happened next. This book keeps up the same crazy vibe throughout, but the romantic tension between Tanner and Ash that drove book one is largely missing. This story mostly revolves around the games at the Emerald Resort while almost entirely avoiding any progress between that couple.
Tanner’s character becomes rather unlikable in this book. He repeatedly comes across as selfish. If he cared for Ash, he could have been gracious enough to formally let her go, since that is what he was doing. His reappearance causes confusion for Ash and further heartbreak as she realizes how many women he has been friendly with while she cried and drank all summer long, worried about his safety. When he reappears, he has a chance to make things better for her despite his earlier actions. We know he feels his hands are tied, but being a jerk has nothing to do with avoiding distraction. He never offers a real explanation or an apology that would give her closure. I believe this is Tanner’s story (almost entirely told by Ash so far), so it is a real disappointment that I cannot get behind him.
Ash’s character eventually loses me as well. She becomes so fickle and so quick to jump to conclusions that she begins to appear very weak.
She makes careless mistakes that always end up serving to put her in a new and shocking predicament. It becomes a lot when the romance makes no progress. Bestie Chastity owns her behavior, she loves the attention, but Ash just doesn’t pull it off because she is primarily looking for love, not a good time. Even when she tries to live in the moment, it just doesn’t feel like her. In large part that is related to the timing. Ash is mostly in love with Tanner, and 94% of the book takes place during just ten days in late September. Since 72% of the story takes place on a weekend in September, her wavering and indecision feel a bit dizzying. If the men were strung out over time, then she wouldn’t appear so weak. Instead, it feels like she is trying to prove something for the sake of it while at the same time not being true to herself. In the end, I lost respect for both Tanner and Ash.
There is a tease that more men may enter into book three. I have to say that it all feels like a big distraction, like endless diversions from the real story, filled with shocking scenes. The slapstick comedy begins to wane as the story seems to meander. It is a bit like the Single Girl Rules books, which are much shorter in length and are meant to be crazy stories – not romance (not yet at least). Because this began as a romance, it just doesn’t feel quite right. Nevertheless, I fell for Tanner and Ash in book one, and I still want to read their happy ending. Hopefully, they get one, sooner rather than later.
There are a few issues that merit mention. First, there are some timeline issues that cause confusion. Notably, it initially feels like the summer passes plus an additional two months, but we later discover that just three months have passed altogether. Next, the key that Tanner left Ash prior to being kidnapped, along with the instructions to seek answers at Club Onyx, is never really addressed. The answers she sought are dropped, even when she gets access to Club Onyx again. Tanner’s instructions were useless, which doesn’t make sense since he went to the bother of leaving her the key. Third, in The Society #Tanner, we learn that Ash is affiliated with the Cannavaro crime family. There is no further information, and no other mention of it to date, but it would make sense that this might be a relevant fact. Perhaps it has something to do with Rosalie’s disappearance, or maybe it will come into play later, perhaps even as a lead-in to another series or standalone. Fourth, it is sometimes hard to reconcile the idea that the Society is a place to find a love match while at the same time it is an adult-themed club. Tanner says it is about true love, but then he tells Ash it can be a dangerous place and to be careful. Also, given the nature of the club, it is quite often surprising how little action there is. It is also hard to imagine that grown adults would spend weekends on end playing games rather than socializing and getting down to the business of the club. Fifth, if Ash were so desperate to find Tanner, it is rather surprising she didn’t turn to Dr. Lyons right away, who had access to Club Onyx and the Society. Sixth, Tanner gives Ash a gift that she loves, but it really is not personal at all. It is something he could have given any of his new recruits. It felt cheap. It also quickly seems forgotten. Seventh, Matt. Matt knows about the Society. He knows about Club Onyx – Mason and Bree had been owners. Tanner even discusses it with him. On the other hand, Matt still doesn’t know about Tanner’s Society persona, Ryder Storm. When Robert spotted him out and about in his colorful garb, Tanner denied it. And even though Matt lived with Tanner for some time, he still never noticed the Ryder outfits and man bun. Tanner paraded women through the apartment in front of Matt – women he presumably recruited to the Society – so he would necessarily have been wearing his Ryder garb at the time. The mixing of the two series never quite fits together (Tanner didn’t feel right in Matt’s series, either).
Ashley’s story is a caper full of laugh-out-loud moments and campy dialogue. Games and hijinks at the Emerald Oasis resort distract her as she tries to mend her broken heart after learning of Tanner’s betrayal. The story will have you in stitches as you try to piece together the clues to figure out what Tanner’s big secret really is. The story is nicely written. It has a dose of mystery and lots of unpredictability. The plot is fairly simple. The characters are often shallow, but underneath all the zany behavior exists some depth. The story is written in first person in Ashley’s POV. I rate this book four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ABOUT THE SOCIETY:
This is book two of The Society series. To date, the series includes:
1. The Society #StalkerProblems
The Society #Tanner (free bonus from Tanner’s POV)
2. The Society #ThisIsWar
3. (not yet named)
Empire High fans will love this new series! It is a spinoff from the Empire High series, starring some familiar characters. Joe “Cupcake” Dickson briefly dated Brooklyn’s best friend Kennedy back in high school, then he went off to college and met Ashley Cooper, whom he married. When Ashely finally decided to end her marriage, she and Matthew Caldwell wound up on a date together in Matchmaker, Empire High book four. Ashley is accident-prone and doesn’t seem to have much luck.
Matthew Caldwell’s good friend Tanner Rhodes is introduced to the Empire High series in book four. Tanner is an oddball, and something of the paranormal variety appears to be the only explanation for his oddity. His trusty houseboy Nigel is here as well. Here Tanner and Ashley, both socially awkward and a little on the crazy side, get their own wacky story. The first book opens six months after Ash’s disastrous date with Matthew, which she refers to as the (first) incident that she will never live down. Fans will note that this brings us past the close of book five of the Empire High series (which is the last book published as of this writing). The author includes a big tease with an update on Matthew’s relationship status, which is sure to fuel speculation!
This book is also related to City of Sin, book one of the Men of Manhattan series, which is Mason Caldwell and Bridget (Bee) Cowan’s story. Together Mason and Bee run a top marketing agency in Manhattan, Bee Inspired Media Group, or BIMG.
FROM THE SOCIETY #STALKERPROBLEMS:
The story opens Tuesday, April 4. 2023.
Ashley Cooper, twenty-eight, is finally single again after signing her divorce papers. She is no longer Ashley Dickson. Joe had been her one and only. After college, rather than focusing on her own career, Ashley worked tirelessly to help save her husband’s family cupcake business. She realized how little Joe appreciated her sacrifice when she found him with an Instagram model named Sierra. He then practically left her destitute in the divorce. Thankfully, though, her best friend Chastity pulls a few favors and helps get Ashley to get a job with her at BIMG. She nervously looks forward to starting her new career.
Since separating from Joe, Ashley has been attending spin class and working on her revenge body, but she fears she isn’t doing things right since it doesn’t seem to be working. She doesn’t measure up to the other women in her class. For the last few months, though, going to spin class has had her excited. She sits outside of One57 each Tuesday and Thursday evening before class. Each day like clockwork, a handsome and colorfully dressed man in a man bun exits the building at eight o’clock. Ashley is convinced he is stalking her, even though she spied on him with binoculars at least once. She is rather fascinated with this stalker, whose name she doesn’t even know.
Right before she starts work at BIMG, Ashley’s life takes a twist when an invitation to the Society arrives in a black envelope. She gets three wishes and complimentary spa sessions. Chastity claims to have heard rumors about the Society; she claims it is an exclusive club of the naughty nature. Chastity is also all about helping Ashley get back into the dating game. A little jealous that she didn’t receive an invitation herself, Chastity cheers Ashley on to enjoy her new freedom. Convinced that the invitation had something to do with her stalker, Ashley accepts. When participating in Society events, she goes by the name of Raven Black and dons a black wig, hiding her naturally red hair. The name and anonymity of the wig give her new confidence. And when she actually does meet her stalker at a Society event, she learns that his name is Ryder Storm. But Ryder is hot and cold, and she cannot figure him out.
Ashley’s first day on the job is a critical day for the company. Billionaire businessman Tanner Rhodes has suddenly granted BIMG a meeting with no prior notice. Mason and Bee have been trying to land his account for months. Ashley and Chastity are on the team presenting this last-minute opportunity. As Ashley gets a good look at the well-dressed billionaire, she senses something familiar behind the glasses and black suit. She is convinced that Tanner Rhodes is really Ryder Storm – or that Ryder Storm is Tanner Rhodes’ Society name. But when she says something to Tanner to that effect, he seems completely stupefied.
Single Girl Rules come into play when Chastity tries to call dibs on Tanner and Ashley tries to explain that he is indeed her stalker – so she thus already has dibs on him. The girlfriends then go about investigating both Ryder Storm and Tanner Rhodes, hoping to find some answers. But their investigation only leads to more questions. There are twists and turns as well as some big surprises as the story progresses. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
Don’t forget to download the bonus scene from Tanner’s POV via the link at the back of the book.
IN THIS BOOK:
As book one came to a close, Ash had given up on dating Dr. Lyons after adding another horrible incident to her list, and besides, it was Tanner that she really wanted all along. They had worked closely together on the upcoming Wineflix and Chill launch party, getting to know one another while keeping things mostly platonic. Tanner had a habit of pushing Ash away every time it looked like they might cross the line into something more, repeatedly crushing Ash. She wasn’t sure if she should believe his claims that her life would be in danger if they were together. By the end, Tanner had finally decided that he would not let DODO control his life. He wanted to live his life freely – and that meant giving in to his love for Ash. One day later, during the launch party, Tanner was kidnapped, presumably by DODO.
As book two opens, it is roughly early to mid-June on a Friday. Note that there are some timeline issues with book one (as well as this book), but that appears to be a good estimate. The story picks up at the tail end of the launch party, right after Tanner’s kidnapping. He had left instructions in the event of his disappearance, giving Ash a key and directing her to Club Onyx for answers, but he never provided directions to find the secret club. Three months pass, and the story picks up again in mid to late September. Despite her efforts, Ash never did find Club Onyx, and she lost access to the Society. Heartbroken, she threw herself into her career at BIMG, but now Chastity is encouraging her to move on. Towards that end, Chastity scores her own invitation to the Society and gets herself and Ash an invitation to Club Onyx. Cole, their charming tour guide, clearly has eyes for Ash, but she isn’t quite ready to jump into anything. Ash soon finds herself in a tricky situation, and it is then that Tanner suddenly appears. Apparently, he has spent the summer frequenting the club with a long string of women on his arm, leaving Ash on the outside worrying sick over him. He still shows signs of jealousy, but he makes no effort to explain his absence, nor does he seem interested in resuming their relationship.
Ash decides it is indeed time to move on from Tanner, and with Chastity’s help, they put together a list of possible love interests. She considers her new authoritarian boss, Xander Frost, as a possible love interest. Cole, the liftman at Club Onyx, is sometimes a contender despite his arrogance and penchant for cheating. The Sausage King is introduced as a possibility, though little is really known of him. Tanner and the reliable Dr. Lyons remain contenders, and Nigel even gets mentioned. In addition, there are others that would like to make it on her list.
When Ash comes across a lead that could potentially help her find out what happened to her sister Rosalie, who disappeared in May of 2020, it leads her to the Emerald Oasis, a Society-owned resort in the Catskills of New York. There, old and new characters come together for an adult-themed weekend getaway that includes a day of games. Surrounded by temptation, Ash questions who to trust while simultaneously engaged in winning the war against the blue team and searching for her sister. The book ends with a devastating twist.
Watch for book three, which the author promises will include Tanner’s secret and what he has done. There is also the suggestion that Ash’s list of love interests might increase from the mere five she currently has.
Wow! Book one was a riotous read. The first half had me in stitches, and although it dragged a bit the last half (it was a long book), I was excited to find out what happened next. This book keeps up the same crazy vibe throughout, but the romantic tension between Tanner and Ash that drove book one is largely missing. This story mostly revolves around the games at the Emerald Resort while almost entirely avoiding any progress between that couple.
Tanner’s character becomes rather unlikable in this book. He repeatedly comes across as selfish. If he cared for Ash, he could have been gracious enough to formally let her go, since that is what he was doing. His reappearance causes confusion for Ash and further heartbreak as she realizes how many women he has been friendly with while she cried and drank all summer long, worried about his safety. When he reappears, he has a chance to make things better for her despite his earlier actions. We know he feels his hands are tied, but being a jerk has nothing to do with avoiding distraction. He never offers a real explanation or an apology that would give her closure. I believe this is Tanner’s story (almost entirely told by Ash so far), so it is a real disappointment that I cannot get behind him.
Ash’s character eventually loses me as well. She becomes so fickle and so quick to jump to conclusions that she begins to appear very weak.
She makes careless mistakes that always end up serving to put her in a new and shocking predicament. It becomes a lot when the romance makes no progress. Bestie Chastity owns her behavior, she loves the attention, but Ash just doesn’t pull it off because she is primarily looking for love, not a good time. Even when she tries to live in the moment, it just doesn’t feel like her. In large part that is related to the timing. Ash is mostly in love with Tanner, and 94% of the book takes place during just ten days in late September. Since 72% of the story takes place on a weekend in September, her wavering and indecision feel a bit dizzying. If the men were strung out over time, then she wouldn’t appear so weak. Instead, it feels like she is trying to prove something for the sake of it while at the same time not being true to herself. In the end, I lost respect for both Tanner and Ash.
There is a tease that more men may enter into book three. I have to say that it all feels like a big distraction, like endless diversions from the real story, filled with shocking scenes. The slapstick comedy begins to wane as the story seems to meander. It is a bit like the Single Girl Rules books, which are much shorter in length and are meant to be crazy stories – not romance (not yet at least). Because this began as a romance, it just doesn’t feel quite right. Nevertheless, I fell for Tanner and Ash in book one, and I still want to read their happy ending. Hopefully, they get one, sooner rather than later.
There are a few issues that merit mention. First, there are some timeline issues that cause confusion. Notably, it initially feels like the summer passes plus an additional two months, but we later discover that just three months have passed altogether. Next, the key that Tanner left Ash prior to being kidnapped, along with the instructions to seek answers at Club Onyx, is never really addressed. The answers she sought are dropped, even when she gets access to Club Onyx again. Tanner’s instructions were useless, which doesn’t make sense since he went to the bother of leaving her the key. Third, in The Society #Tanner, we learn that Ash is affiliated with the Cannavaro crime family. There is no further information, and no other mention of it to date, but it would make sense that this might be a relevant fact. Perhaps it has something to do with Rosalie’s disappearance, or maybe it will come into play later, perhaps even as a lead-in to another series or standalone. Fourth, it is sometimes hard to reconcile the idea that the Society is a place to find a love match while at the same time it is an adult-themed club. Tanner says it is about true love, but then he tells Ash it can be a dangerous place and to be careful. Also, given the nature of the club, it is quite often surprising how little action there is. It is also hard to imagine that grown adults would spend weekends on end playing games rather than socializing and getting down to the business of the club. Fifth, if Ash were so desperate to find Tanner, it is rather surprising she didn’t turn to Dr. Lyons right away, who had access to Club Onyx and the Society. Sixth, Tanner gives Ash a gift that she loves, but it really is not personal at all. It is something he could have given any of his new recruits. It felt cheap. It also quickly seems forgotten. Seventh, Matt. Matt knows about the Society. He knows about Club Onyx – Mason and Bree had been owners. Tanner even discusses it with him. On the other hand, Matt still doesn’t know about Tanner’s Society persona, Ryder Storm. When Robert spotted him out and about in his colorful garb, Tanner denied it. And even though Matt lived with Tanner for some time, he still never noticed the Ryder outfits and man bun. Tanner paraded women through the apartment in front of Matt – women he presumably recruited to the Society – so he would necessarily have been wearing his Ryder garb at the time. The mixing of the two series never quite fits together (Tanner didn’t feel right in Matt’s series, either).
Ashley’s story is a caper full of laugh-out-loud moments and campy dialogue. Games and hijinks at the Emerald Oasis resort distract her as she tries to mend her broken heart after learning of Tanner’s betrayal. The story will have you in stitches as you try to piece together the clues to figure out what Tanner’s big secret really is. The story is nicely written. It has a dose of mystery and lots of unpredictability. The plot is fairly simple. The characters are often shallow, but underneath all the zany behavior exists some depth. The story is written in first person in Ashley’s POV. I rate this book four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2023
Eh
This book felt very chaotic. I wish Ash was not so gullible all the time. Like she’s apart of the Society and is constantly surprised with everything they ask her to do. This book did not help move the story along. I do like the addition of Cole. I feel like he’s not as big of an asshole as Ash thinks he is.
This book felt very chaotic. I wish Ash was not so gullible all the time. Like she’s apart of the Society and is constantly surprised with everything they ask her to do. This book did not help move the story along. I do like the addition of Cole. I feel like he’s not as big of an asshole as Ash thinks he is.
February 9, 2023
This right here made me laugh so much. I love how Ivy gets you entranced then keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely love Tanner!!!
February 19, 2023
Spoiler Alert!
I’ve read nearly all of ivy’s books, but I’m a little frustrated with her endings or not endings of this series and the Empire High series. So spoiler alert, the story continues with no real answers in book 2.
I’ve read nearly all of ivy’s books, but I’m a little frustrated with her endings or not endings of this series and the Empire High series. So spoiler alert, the story continues with no real answers in book 2.
February 26, 2023
This book wasn't great. It was a mess from the start. I thought I would be getting a new book about the secret society and Ash's new boyfriend getting kidnapped.... none of this was part of the book. It was all ridiculous kink from her friend Chastity and too much banter about sex and 'single-girl rules.' The first book was silly and had what could have been a good plot but the garbage that this turned into was not worth the time it took to read it. Tanner was barely in this story and none of his motives or issues were addressed and now there is a 3rd book, why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
I wanted to like it so bad, but I was disappointed. I really am only here for Tanner and his loveable self. The Tanner we all know and love was hardly in it. His scenes were sketchy and he had a personality change. This was 100% a transitional book and honestly turned me off to a few characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
The second book was still ridiculously weird but less fun. Eh! Plus I felt deceived because it promised it would reveal the secrets of the main character. Anyway we have to wait and read the 3rd book. I just hope it will be the last and won't go on for too long.
February 5, 2023
This is the second book of The Society series. #ThisisWar brings back Ash and Chastity as the main characters, but also has some favorites from the first book (Dr. Lyons, Diablo, Angel, Nigel, and Tanner). Ash struggles to find Tanner after he was kidnapped in the first book. Her mantra, with some prodding from Chastity becomes #justsayyes. As you can imagine, that leads to all sorts of hilarity and hijinks. Ash continues to have "incidents" in this book, and reminds of the many she had in the first book. The situations she finds herself in are funny, but also at times, very sexy. Some fun and games are in store as they compete to try and save Ash from...well, a hilarious misunderstanding. Throughout it all, Ash continues her pursuit of finding her sister Rosalie. The ending is a cliffhanger that makes you really wonder about a lot of things. Ivy has done a great job on this book and you will not be disappointed, as Ash and Chastity don't let you down.
February 10, 2023
Wild! That’s the best description that I have for this book. Ash and Chastity took us on another wild ride to crazy. Chastity was predictable with her raunchy, over the top sexcapades but she still managed to shock me. Ash, blissfully clueless in her own Ash universe had me in stitches and the shenanigans that her and Chastity got into were absolutely out of this world. There were moments of “did I really just read that”? And there were times when my heart hurt for Ash but yeah, in a book starring Ash, Chastity, Tanner and Nigel, there was a heavy dose of crazy. Nigel, Nigel! Just when I think Nigel couldn’t be anymore weird, he gets more weird…lol. Who is Tanner really and what is he hiding? Or maybe the question should be what is Tanner? Yes, Tanner still remains a mystery and that cliff hanger just left me with more questions about him. Rosalie’s mysterious disappearance has raised even more questions as well. Ivy we need answers! You’re a weird genius for writing this story but it’s thoroughly entertaining and fascinating at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews