Wicked Devotions

by Nichole Greene

Life hasn’t been the same since my home was raided by the FBI and my dad was tossed in federal prison. My mom entered into a sham of a marriage to save us and my boyfriend has gone out of state to college, leaving me at the mercy of my new stepbrother and his best friends.



Declan, the boy who stole the ribbons from my hair in cotillion classes is now not only my stepbrother, he’s my roommate. He, Cyrus, and Emerson watch my every move. As they work their way into my life, slowly becoming more important than any of us foresaw, danger lurks from the shadows. The closer I get to them, the more sinister the threats become.



I was always warned to keep my distance from the trio but I can’t stop this runaway train. I wouldn’t even if I could.



Every touch awakens me.



Every kiss reveals my most sensual desires.



I’m just a disgraced preacher’s daughter lost to the wicked devotions of the men that want me.

Genres: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Romance, M M Romance, College Romance, Dark, Billionaire Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Nichole is a contemporary romance author. When she isn't writing, she's chasing her four children around. Writing has always been her aspiration but it wasn't until her husband suggested she actually follow dreams that she took the biggest step. Her debut novel, Cold and Broken exceeded her expectations and she can't wait to share more of the stories taking up space in her mind.

Her other hobbies include baking, listening to music, and reading. She also has an obsession with true crime podcasts and cheesy 80s movies.

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

Love the cover, love the blurb, new to me author…

This felt a little too rushed and undeveloped for me which resulted in me not really connecting with the characters, being a preachers daughter her sexual experiences were zilch, so when it came to her experimenting with her roommates their was really no trepidation or guidance or preparation given. It just felt stilted and rushed.

I liked the fact that these boys were caring straight off the bat towards her, protectors and neither of them were bullies or treated her wrongly.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t certain how this former Preacher's daughter was going to adjust to her newfound Freedom, but let’s just say she took the bull by the horns. In a very short span of time, she managed to form a rarem and acquire a stalker (which feels like a very difficult task, but she achieved it 👍).

The FMC experienced an extremely religious upbringing (it sounded kinda Culty), in which she was moulded into the perfect daughter. Well mannered, composed and prepared for the role she was born to play … a wife and a mother. Deviations from this plan or this mindset were seen as unacceptable and physical punishments were carried out (so watch out for those TWs)

This felt like a different take on a stepbrother romance. Previous ones I’ve read like Hearts of Fortune or Hate focus more so on ‘enemies to lovers' and include subtly bullying, as strong step-sibling resentment is usually held. However, in this book, the MMCs were considerate and protective because of her previous trauma and were already a little obsessed with her.

This was a Why Choose, so every MMC gave her something different, while all offering emotional support to keep her grounded. This made her feel safe to become her own person and experience new things.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with an asexual character, so it was definitely interesting to see how they navigated this relationship.

I think this was a solid read and the storyline did feel unique to me. However, …sometimes the characters felt a little disconnected from each other. Like I continuously forgot Banks existed, as he wasn’t always in the main fold of the story (I mean he attended a different Uni). I was also more invested in Declan & the FMC’s relationship and Emerson & Cyrus’s relationship as two separate relationships,
instead of looking at it as one rarem I wanted to work. Something felt amiss 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 3/5 🌶️

What to Expect:
- Forbidden Romance
- Billionaire Romance
- Stepbrother
- Why Choose
- MFMMM and MM
- FMC in Peril
- Protective MMC
- Pierced Hero

I devour everything I read written by Nichole Greene and this book was no different. I could not put Wicked Devotions down. This delicious why choose, forbidden romance will have you begging for more. Harper's father is a disgraced preacher. After he is put away for his transgressions, her mother starts a new life and marries a billionaire. Things heat up when Harper ends up living with her stepbrother, Declan, and his best friends, Emerson and Cy. When Harper's longtime boyfriend, Banks, reveals an interesting secret, Harper turns to Declan, Cy, and Emerson to explore what she has been missing.

As they spend more time together, feelings develop. Not only do the guys help Harper explore her desires, but they also become her protectors when danger lurks. I loved the characters in this story and how Harper has different connections with each guy. Harper's past is riddled with trauma. I loved how she grew as a character and has slowly been able to break away from the restrictive religious beliefs her father forced on her. Harper and her guys are open and don't hesitate to communicate their needs and feelings. Wicked Devotions is well-written and fast-paced. This is the first book in a duet, so the story does end with a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2!

Note: This book contains some heavy themes, so please check the trigger and content warnings if needed.

Thanks to Nichole Greene for the gifted eARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Declan, Everett, and Cy were so protective towards Harper right from the beginning, and their feelings are only growing 🔥❤️. Banks brings something different into the mix, but his love for Harper is deep and pure.

I have my suspicions as to who is after her. We shall see …

I would have liked a proper explanation as to how Harper’s mom ended up with Cillian. Maybe book 2 gives sone answers.

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again: If Nichole writes, I will read it and obsess over it! Happiest of release days to your new book baby! I loved this book so much from start to finish.

Wicked Devotions is a dark romance why choose and I gobbled this up like my life depended on it! It was also one of the most unique and captivating why choose’s I’ve ever read in my life! I won’t spoil it but just...go read it!

What you’ll get:
-Stepbrother ;)
-Pierced Hero
-Forbidden and billionaire
-SPICY

This book is a duet and will end on a cliffy...don’t listen to what anyone else says. So, if you need me, I’ll just be counting down to Christmas time for the final book! Love you big time, Nichole, and thank you for letting me love on your babies a wee bit early!

[brayshaw_love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for book 2

Preacher's daughter, step brother, why choose romance... please check your triggers as this book does deal with child abuse. These characters are so intriguing and I love the dynamic. Harper escaped her father's strict religious hand after he was put in jail. She's trying to discover who she is now that she has the freedom to think for herself. When her mother gets remarried, she gains a new stepbrother, one that she has a history with. And along with him comes his two best friends. Add in her longtime boyfriend and an unknown stalker for an epic romantic suspense. The cliffhanger definitely leaves you hanging.

My favorite quote was "No. This isn’t transactional. You deserve pleasure without owing anything to anyone else." I absolutely love the emphasis on consent, and the care and respect he showed her in this scene. So often in romance books consent gets lost in the spicy scenes, but I've noticed my favorite authors including it more and I love that.

[Trycia Paquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really great, I love all the characters and that we were able to see a character that is asexual. It was the first time I saw this in a romance book! Harper is such a beautiful person and I love that she’s coming out of her shell more and more throughout the book with the help of the guys. I can’t wait to see what will happen in tbe next book and if they can finally found who was sending the letters.

[Sidney Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an ARC, and let me just say that I devoured this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. I loved seeing each relationship build and the love between them. I cannot wait for the next book! ♥️

[Kristie "onkristiesbookshelf" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is something else. From the moment I saw the tropes, I knew I had to read it—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We’ve got reverse harem, stepbrother & his two best friends, virgin FMC, religious trauma, MM, MFMM, mental health rep, asexual rep, and stalking—all wrapped up in a filthy, delicious, high-stakes story that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

This was my second read, and I was just as hooked as the first time. The tension, the angst, the steam—Wicked Devotions delivers on every level. If you love dark, forbidden, and unputdownable reads, this is one you don’t want to miss.

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper's life is turned completely upside down. That's because she's learned a sickening truth about who her father is.

Despite what she has learnt, her own trauma, by his hands, has her unsure of how she should be experiencing life's joys.

She has the love of her mother and her new step-father, as well as her boyfriend Banks. However, a shocking confession on his part changes the dynamics of their relationship.

Yet this drastic change in her life, she comes face to face with Declan, her step-brother, one she has history with, and his friends, Cyrus and Emerson.

In time, they worm their way into her life and her heart and she them. Because of them, Harper is beginning to experience a lot of things she missed out on. All they want for her is her safety and her happiness.

She begins to open up slowly to them about her life and what she endured with her father, and they, in turn, share things with her that help her to understand them better.

But what makes me fall in love with them all is the way each of them care for her, helping her to explore her self, her pleasure, what she likes, giving her power, to own herself, being present with her as she experiences her sexual awakening at there hands.

Yet, it's when Declan does the sweetest thing, gifting to Harper her most valuable possession, her horse Annie. Yet a malevolent threat has Haper in their sights, and Banks, Delcan, Cyrus, and Emerson will do anything to keep her safe.

An intimate moment that is shared between her, Declan, Cyrus, and Emerson is exposed, in her most vulnerable moment shared with the whole world, she does the only thing she can.... run.

This book was a quick and thrilling read. It held my attention to the very end. The author pulled the story together very well, giving her characters a voice, which showed the readers that these characters' had depth and flaws, they weren't perfect, yet together, they made their relationship work, despite their emotions and what they feel for each other, we know one thing for sure, the heart has a capacity to love and that's what makes them human and real.

Highly recommend both the author and the book, now onto book 2!

[Emily Kilgour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody talks about Nichole Greene’s books nearly enough! She can write dark romance to sports romance to small town. She can do it all! Her work is magnificent and beautiful. She also knows how to leave us wanting more with her dang cliffhangers lol This is the first part and it releases 9.17! In this book you meet Harper, Banks, Declan, Cyrus and Emerson. Banks is Harper’s longtime boyfriend, Declan is her stepbrother and Emerson and Cyrus are Declans best friends! What could happen when you have an asexual boyfriend and then living with 3 hot guys who look out for you and you start to have deep feelings for?! Oh and then through in a stalker… This book was amazing and got me out of my book slump! I was in need of a darker romance and this hit the spot. You all know by now I’m a why choose girlie and this book delivered! I loved all the different connections she had with each of her guys!
Banks was nothing physical but they loved each other so fiercely. Cyrus and Harper just understood each other. She felt as though she could do or say anything to him and she knew he would still be there. Declan and Harper are step siblings and he has always made her so angry and annoyed. They just always got under each other’s skin but he was always pushing her to do what she wanted! Emerson and Harper’s relationship took the longest to develop but she always just felt safe with him! I just loved seeing her break out of her shell and overcome some of her childhood trauma her dad inflicted. Their open communication with each other…ugh yes. They all just effortlessly fit into each others worlds! I need part two sooo soon

[Agnieszka Chajmik · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review for 'Wicked Devotions' by Nichole Greene

After reading Nichole's latest book, I was pleasantly surprised to see her return to the why choose trope, which I have always enjoyed in her previous works. The addition of stepsibling and forbidden romance elements between a good Catholic girl and her bad stepbrother truly captured my attention from the start and held it until the emotional cliffhanger at the end. Needless to say, I am eagerly anticipating book two!

Harper, a disgraced preacher's daughter who is finally trying to break free from her traumatic past and embrace life, finds herself faced with new beginnings when her mother remarries. As she embarks on her college journey, the dynamics with her stepbrother Declan, as well as his roommates Cyrus and Emerson, bring both challenges and unexpected connections into her life. Alongside her longtime boyfriend Banks, Harper navigates a web of emotions and relationships, with the four boys standing united in their protective stance towards her - a feature that I have always admired in Nichole's storytelling.

One of the standout aspects of the book for me was witnessing Harper's growth and exploration alongside the male leads. Each relationship is nuanced and distinctive, yet they seamlessly intertwine to create a supportive and caring environment for Harper. The way Nichole portrays her male characters as sweet and protective, while maintaining a loving and inclusive group dynamic, adds depth to the story and fosters a sense of belonging within this found family.

Nichole excels in creating harem dynamics filled with communication, friendship, love, and loyalty, making the reader feel as though they are part of this close-knit circle. While Nichole has proven her versatility in writing various romance sub-genres, the allure of her why choose stories continues to captivate me the most. With the suspenseful introduction of a stalker subplot, I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment to delve deeper into the evolving narrative and the bonds between Harper and her protective companions.

[Sabrina Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Nichole!
Spolier!! So be careful reading my review
I needed some wine after this book! This book has all the modern relationship problems. You start with Harper being removed a situation at home with her father's abuse. As the preacher daughter, she didn't get experience real life. Harper has a boyfriend named Banks already so moving in with Declan, Emerson and Cy would change everything. Harper find outs her Banks true sexuality which open their relationship to include Declan, Emerson and Cy. Cy is the Greek Mafia soldier with a skill for art, while Emerson and Declan are very talents on soccer pitch. You find out about a MM relationship in the middle of the story which makes it even more spicy when Harper begins to explore how its feels to be touched. Then incomes the stalker, who leaves letters and threats for Harper. Overall, this book was very good. I wish it had more depth in the first book but im hoping the second book does. I want to know more about Harper's dad and the stuff he actually did. They explain the marks on Harper, but she doesn't go into depth about it. Im hoping Banks talks to the guys on the relationship development in the next book as well including Cy and Emerson finally labeling their relationship. This story is a medium-fast burn and its get super spicy.


Rating: 8/10
Spicy: 3/5
MFMMM and MM
Asexual/ homosexual included( Super HOT!!)
Abuse from parents
Stalker

[Alexandra Cowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole has done it again. Honestly, every book she writes, I love. I could not put this one down. I need book 2 now, please.

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐧𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡, 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐬. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝.

Wicked Devotions follows Harper, the daughter of a preacher who was an absolute POS and ended up in jail. Now Harper and her mom are starting over after having their world flipped upside down. Not only has her mom remarried, but Harper now finds herself with a stepbrother, Declan, who she’s going to be spending a lot of time with at college. But it’s not just Declan, it’s his best friends, Emerson, and Cyrus too.

Harper has always been a good girl, her father made sure to punish her otherwise, but now that she’s free of him, she’s going to live her life. She wants to explore things with her boyfriend, Banks…things she couldn’t explore before. But she’s also developing feelings for Declan, Cyrus, and Emerson. All four men have feelings for her, and Banks ends up developing somewhat of a friendship with the other three…especially when they learn more about him.

Oh, and there is someone after Harper. We don’t know who it is, or what they want, but they’re terrorizing her, getting into the home she shares with the boys, and following her to parties. And the cliffhanger at the end left me wondering what would happen next. Make sure you read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, there are some heavy topics. This book is also why choose, forbidden and billionaire romance, with protective MMCs and bisexual and asexual rep!

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tore threw this book in one sitting and couldn’t get enough! Every book I’ve read by Nicole has been phenomenal and this was no exception.
I loved all the characters. Each guy brings something different and they each have their own way of helping Harper. She’s so innocent and naive. It’s going to be epic to see her come out of her shell and become stronger and more confident. It’s definitely there, there’s been little glimpses of it, but I can’t wait to see her really shine! I’m really curious about Banks and to see if he’ll join her and the guys. He seems so sweet and seems to truly care for Harper, so I hope we get him added to the group! I think he’d be hot if he joined Cy and Emerson! Those two were seriously sexy together. I loved watching the relationship blossom between Harper and Cyrus. They really have a trust between them that is nice to see. Declan is the moody and kinda grumpy one, but it’s so obvious he loves Harper. The things he’s done for her, like buy her horse back was so sweet. Lastly, Emerson. He makes her feel safe and is there for her as much as the other guys, but I’m hoping to get more of just him and Harper in the next book.
I have absolutely no idea who the stalker is. Not even a guess. At this point if I had to guess I’d say the professor, lol, or maybe Banks- which I highly doubt but it’d be a great plot twist. I can’t wait to see who it is! Starting book 2 now!

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and her boys will leave you wanting more and I hope we don't have to wait a while to get the 2nd installment of this duet.

What started off as Harper having to move in with her mother, stepfather and her stepbrother was going to be a hard pill to swallow. She knows who Declan is because she had cotillion with him when she was a bit younger but she didn't think that she would get to know him, know him, like she's going to now that she will be living with him and his two best friends. Her stepfather is a very nice man and treats her mother right.

Harper is being protected by her stepfather and stepbrother and she has no idea why. Declan friends' are also protecting her, even if she doesn't know it, but these guys will go to the ends of the earth for her -- even her boyfriend Banks will.

She might have had conflicted feelings for these guys but when her boyfriend reveals a secret to her and has accepted that the boys are in her life, she can now also be with these boys. This polyamorous story will have you smitten. And the dangers that she is facing is the icing on the cake.

Can't wait to get the next book!

[Kassey J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a ok book id rate it a 3.5 rounded down to a 3. My main issue is theres alot of editing needed in the descriptions of Emerson like in the beginning he was blue eyed then hazel then whiskey brown. The author also mixed up names at one point on which two of the guys were playing soccer. I would of rounded it up but it erks me so bad when authors switch the appearances of the characters because I like to imagine the scenes and with the eye colors constantly changing causes me to glitch mentally lol. Also there isnt clear time passage so you gotta just guess how long its been because in the beginning the fmc is 18 but mid way in the second shes 19 now? Idk if thats just another mistake that was missed or like i said the time passage isnt clearly talked about except maybe once or twice like its been a few days since this happened or in the last few chapters of the 2nd book, so maybe she had a birthday idk. So yeah I probably wouldn't reread this duet but then again ive been rereading alot of books I said I probably wouldn't reread😂.

[Tiffany_queen_of_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! This book definitely didn’t go the way I thought it was, but in a good way. I love Harper and how she is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants now that she is no longer under her father’s thumb. The guys are absolute perfection. Banks the long time boyfriend who will do anything to make her happy. Declan, the new stepbrother who has been obsessed with her since they were little. Cyrus, the bad boy who is a complete cinnamon roll for her. And then there is Emerson, he was a little closed off in the beginning but the more we got into the book the more we see his true personality and how his bossiness is because he cares. During all of this we have mystery stalker who is set on terrorizing Harper and claiming that she is his. The emotional cliffhanger is what got me. I honestly thought it was going to go a different way, and I extremely enjoyed that it took me by surprise. But now I have to wait to find out what’s happening!!!!

[Lake B · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the arrest of her father, Harper and her mom are moving on, and her mom is getting remarried. This is where Declan is introduced as her new stepbrother, along with his two best friends, Cy and Emerson. The three are going to be her new roommates at college, which offers her some protection against the threats she is experiencing. Harper has been in relationship with Banks for years, but that is beginning to change. With his recent revelation, she gets to explore her feelings for her new housemates. I really like that there was no hesitancy in this group: they just rolled with any changes to their dynamic because they were able to put their need to protect Harper above everything else. It is a refreshing take that her stepbrother automatically wants her, and there is not an enemies to lovers aspect; Declan keeping her bows is precious. This does end on a cliffhanger, as this is book 1 of a duet.

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was nervous going into this because I typically don't like bully or taboo romances which is what I thought this would be after reading the blurb. BUT, I would not consider this book a bully romance at all. The male characters are total cinnamon rolls with the fmc. And although they are technically step siblings, they weren't raised together as siblings, so I was also ok with the forbidden aspect of this book. So if you're like me and don't typically read forbidden or bully romances, you should give this one a try.

Now, for the tropes I loved:
*why choose
*female in peril
*protective mmcs
*who did this to you (swoon)
*pierced mmc

I loved how attentive and protective the love interests were. They demonstrate open communication and always ask for consent. This book also has a stalker trope that keeps your interest. I will say it ends on a cliff hanger and you'll definitely be ready for the next book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from the author.

I’ve been waiting for this for at least a year, and when I was told it was going to be a duet I was even more excited. The wait was worth it.

Harper is a disgraced preacher’s daughter - the preacher is the disgrace not her she’s awesome - and when her mom remarries her life might finally be taking a positive turn. Her stepbrother Declan riles her up but she’s becoming friends with his roommates, Cyrus and Emerson. Not to mention some freedom with her boyfriend Banks.

But as is wont to do in romance, especially why choose, attractions get complicated. There’s no cheating in this book, just communication and exploration.

It does end on a cliffhanger but it’s not super cliffy, more hangy, because it’s an emotional punch.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC♥️ I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2, talk about a cliffy!

Harper's life hasn't been the same since her home was raided by the FBI & her father was sent to prison. Her mom has re-married and now she's in college living with her step brother Declan and his two best friend's Emerson & Cyrus. Her boyfriend Banks is at a college a few hours away but that's not the only reason their relationship is now strained... there's something about Banks that Harper had never known. But Banks knew the only way to keep her was to be honest with her. With that honesty Harper began to grow closer to Declan, Emerson & Cyrus... the closer they get to each other, the larger the threat against Harper becomes.

"You can dream all you want now."

[Laurenloveslit81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different than this author’s last few releases and it is definitely my favorite! It really had so many things to love about it- why choose, ace rep, the innocent preacher's daughter, a big mystery- I'm obsessed with it all.

Harper has really had a tough life living under the thumb of her evil father so she really deserves the happiness she is finding with this group of men. It’s great to see her develop as a character over the course of the book. Unfortunately, her happy ending is tainted by the threat of a stalker and I am dying to find out who it is!

Nichole Greene is one of those authors who deserves to be talked about more and this book is a perfect example of why. I hope to see it get the recognition it deserves.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story captivated me from the start. Harper's life takes a dramatic turn when her father is imprisoned, and she’s thrust into a new life with her stepbrother, Declan, and his best friends, Cyrus and Emerson. The tension between them is palpable, and as Harper navigates her complicated feelings, the boys become her protectors against lurking dangers. Greene masterfully weaves a tale of forbidden romance, exploring Harper’s struggle to break free from her past and embrace new desires. The characters are well-developed, and their dynamics are intense and heartfelt. The story ends on a gripping cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next book. An good read for fans of the "why choose" trope.

[Doom Sunshine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have been a 3.5 star rating, but the ebook copy has some formatting and plot errors.

PSA to the author: Terms of endearment are not capitalized unless their placement in a sentence warrants it.
Correct: "Here, drink this sweetheart."
Not correct: "Here, drink this Sweetheart."
This author, alongside other KU authors refuse to pay for a proper editor are very confused on this very simple rule. If the author cannot afford a good editor, Google exists.

The ending was 100% not believable and was soooooo dumb of the FMC.

What I really liked about this RH was the communication about relationships from everyone. Even though the MC's are all around 19-21, they communicated and set boundaries in a respectful and healthy way.

[Lemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 4.5/5 ————-> A disgraced preachers daughter X a new step brother and his best friends. This was a new trope for me. I was worried it was going to be overly religious, but it was not. The FMC, Harper, holds onto her high school boyfriend even with the new harem of boys while he navigates his sexuality. Wonder how that’s going to pan out for him. The smut was good. She lets her hair down and we finally get somewhere. and we do get some wonderful scenes of M|M. Yay. HOWEVER, we find nothing about the stalker. Not a damn thing. It just ends with a scandal. 🤷🏻‍♀️which was a huge let down, which is why I only rated 3⭐️s.

[Teddi Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
3/5 peppers
1.5/5 buzz buzz

Ms. Nichole delivered. Again and I am forever thankful for it. If you read Dark Devotions then you'll be happy when certain folks make an appearance, I mean finding a found family runs in the family right.

Listen this is what you'll find
- "Forbidden" Romance even though they did not grow up with each other
- Poly Rep, with the MFMMM, with a hint of MM, and one of the M's being asexual
- FMC with a past that haunts her
- All the protective MMCs
- a pierced hero
- a dash of mafia
- building relationships

When Harper finds herself in the loving, protective eyes of her "step-brother" and his friends, she'll come to learn how she'll relay on them for more than just protection of her body. I love me some Declan and Emerson and Cy. Especially Cy, my tortured little birdie that just wants to be free. This story is fast paced and so deliciously written that that ending I wanted to throw my book because of the cliffy (no spoilers sweetie).

I love that Harper knew that she needed to be who she wanted to be and that she grew to trust those around her to allow her to do that and CELEBRATED rather than be judged. It's gentle reminder to never give up on finding a partner or partners that do that celebrate rather than look down at you.

Please be sure to check all warnings.

[shelfless_sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what Nichole puts in her books but whatever it is I hope she never stops. I gobbled this book up and left nothing behind. I couldn’t put it down. I wish it was a little bit faster paced but that’s my only “complaint” if you could even call it that.

Nichole writes men that make it so hard to choose between. Poor Harper never have a chance. In all honesty neither did any of us, because why choose when you don’t have to.

This book might be triggering for some so please read the content warnings.

[Shay Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It left me guessing and wanting to find out more about the characters and their stories. I loved seeing Harper grow into a different person than she was raised to be. I also want to know what exactly her dad did to end up in prison. I liked the different points of view but they also flowed together so well and I didn’t feel lost at all. Can we also talk about that ending?! I need more ASAP! I can’t wait for Part Two to come out because this is such a great book and beautifully written!

[K. Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Honestly, I really wanted to love this story.
What I did like: the forced proximity and the fact that they weren’t her bullies. The ace representation.

However, there was a lot of telling going on. I’m told she’s spent a lot of time with them, but was only shown 1-2 scenes with them.
I’m told she’s become more comfortable with them but I wanted to see it happen.
Banks felt like an afterthought.

There were some scenes that were more showing so I know the author is capable of it, but it seemed like more of an outline than a full fledged story?