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The Exodus
Above All Else
In the shadows of the night, a dangerous game begins…
June never expected Carter to return to her life, and certainly not like this. Once the boy who held her heart, Carter is now a man consumed by a darkness she can't recognize—a darkness fueled by a vendetta years in the making. But this isn’t the reunion June dreamed of; it’s a waking nightmare, entangling her in the twisted rituals of a secret society that preys on the innocent.
In a town where the elite indulge in the macabre, June finds herself trapped in a dangerous game where the stakes are her very life. As Carter pulls her deeper into his web, June struggles to survive and to make him see reason—that the truth he clings to could destroy them both.
Time is running out, and as the clock ticks down to a final reckoning, June must find a way to escape the man she once loved before he becomes her undoing.
😈Secret Society
😈Spicy and dark
😈Connected by theme
😈Standalones
This book shares a dark romance theme and world with authors Lauren Biel, Dana LeeAnn, Harleigh Beck, Willow McQuerry, Kinsley Kincaid, and Avina St. Graves.
In a town where the elite indulge in the macabre, June finds herself trapped in a dangerous game where the stakes are her very life. As Carter pulls her deeper into his web, June struggles to survive and to make him see reason—that the truth he clings to could destroy them both.
Time is running out, and as the clock ticks down to a final reckoning, June must find a way to escape the man she once loved before he becomes her undoing.
😈Secret Society
😈Spicy and dark
😈Connected by theme
😈Standalones
This book shares a dark romance theme and world with authors Lauren Biel, Dana LeeAnn, Harleigh Beck, Willow McQuerry, Kinsley Kincaid, and Avina St. Graves.
301 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2024
37 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
About the author
Ann-Marie Davis
12 books313 followersBorn on the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Ann-Marie grew up learning from strong, confident influences which translates in her writing today.
She acquired the love of writing when she was just 12 years old and at 19; she wrote her first novel, which remains under lock and missing key.
When she’s not writing international bestselling books, she’s traveling around the USA with her 3 children and a camper, tending to her garden and chickens, or fixing something on her mini-ranch. All with the wonderful support of her amazing husband.
★CONNECT WITH ANN-MARIE★
WEBSITE: www.authoramdavis.com
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3tyZjzY
FB READER’S GROUP: https://bit.ly/2QmXasJ
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3vLucmu
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/3tUgFrl
IG: https://bit.ly/3lIYEt6 | @authoramdavis
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/4190Kqb
Ann-Marie loves to hear from her fans. So email your questions or comments at AnnMarieDavis88@gmail.com.
She acquired the love of writing when she was just 12 years old and at 19; she wrote her first novel, which remains under lock and missing key.
When she’s not writing international bestselling books, she’s traveling around the USA with her 3 children and a camper, tending to her garden and chickens, or fixing something on her mini-ranch. All with the wonderful support of her amazing husband.
★CONNECT WITH ANN-MARIE★
WEBSITE: www.authoramdavis.com
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3tyZjzY
FB READER’S GROUP: https://bit.ly/2QmXasJ
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3vLucmu
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/3tUgFrl
IG: https://bit.ly/3lIYEt6 | @authoramdavis
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/4190Kqb
Ann-Marie loves to hear from her fans. So email your questions or comments at AnnMarieDavis88@gmail.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 22, 2024
ARC Review.
This is part of The Exodus Series Standalones, which includes 8 books by 9 authors.
I get into this book blind ,without reading the other books I the series or blurb.
And I left pretty great surprised.
Above All Else is a story about second chances romance and revenge that Ann Marie as always write perfect!!
The story is about Carter, who get back into his childhood home town fueled by a vendetta,for his little sister murder.
And his first suspect person for the murder is his little sister best friend June,who is also the woman who loved him her whole life.
But noting is so simple, when June herself is trapped in the secrets society game, who left her life in danger, and the person who want to end her is the same man she can't stop thinking about.
-------------‐-----
This story hase have twist and turns that i for sure wasn't ready about, especially in the end.
The whole storyline get upside-down one 360 grade making me to question some things happening there, but one thing is for sure.
When Carter find out that not all is the way it looks, he was the perfect man,no matter that he was little unhigien 😌in a good twisted way.
If anyone like slow-burn,secret society vibes with an plot twist that no is ready for.
Check out this book!!❤️
This is part of The Exodus Series Standalones, which includes 8 books by 9 authors.
I get into this book blind ,without reading the other books I the series or blurb.
And I left pretty great surprised.
Above All Else is a story about second chances romance and revenge that Ann Marie as always write perfect!!
The story is about Carter, who get back into his childhood home town fueled by a vendetta,for his little sister murder.
And his first suspect person for the murder is his little sister best friend June,who is also the woman who loved him her whole life.
But noting is so simple, when June herself is trapped in the secrets society game, who left her life in danger, and the person who want to end her is the same man she can't stop thinking about.
-------------‐-----
This story hase have twist and turns that i for sure wasn't ready about, especially in the end.
The whole storyline get upside-down one 360 grade making me to question some things happening there, but one thing is for sure.
When Carter find out that not all is the way it looks, he was the perfect man,no matter that he was little unhigien 😌in a good twisted way.
If anyone like slow-burn,secret society vibes with an plot twist that no is ready for.
Check out this book!!❤️
September 22, 2024
3.5 stars
This book felt like a slow burn in comparison to the other books I've read this week. As it turns out, a change in tempo does not diminish the effect of the story twist.
The plot was tense and shifting, and once the truth was revealed, there was no going back. Just “damn. “
If you appreciate slow-burning drama with an impactful plot twist and a nice finish, pick up this book.
This book felt like a slow burn in comparison to the other books I've read this week. As it turns out, a change in tempo does not diminish the effect of the story twist.
The plot was tense and shifting, and once the truth was revealed, there was no going back. Just “damn. “
If you appreciate slow-burning drama with an impactful plot twist and a nice finish, pick up this book.
September 20, 2024
Please check the trigger warnings before you pick this book. Above All Else is a part of The Exodus Series, which is an accumulation of books by a group of authors all set within the same world.
This one had me hooked from the start and I was so invested to find out what happened and how the character’s were linked. It definitely did a very quick 180 about 20% in and I had to do a double take as I thought that I had missed something. The plot was very well thought out and how all the little connections were made were done so well, that you didn’t really start to notice them till bits were being pointed out and you started questioning situations alongside the characters. The characters worked really well together and seeing how they’re relationship grew and ‘redeveloped’ was really nice. Overall I really enjoyed this one and will be checking out the other books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one had me hooked from the start and I was so invested to find out what happened and how the character’s were linked. It definitely did a very quick 180 about 20% in and I had to do a double take as I thought that I had missed something. The plot was very well thought out and how all the little connections were made were done so well, that you didn’t really start to notice them till bits were being pointed out and you started questioning situations alongside the characters. The characters worked really well together and seeing how they’re relationship grew and ‘redeveloped’ was really nice. Overall I really enjoyed this one and will be checking out the other books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2024
I love Dark Romance.
And this book is an example of why I love them, it hit all of the spots I needed it to in all of the ways.
It was smoothly written and had me clenching go my fists from the very start, the best part of a Dark Romance novel is when you are so torn between love, Hate and lust that you just don’t know how to feel.
Right at the beginning of this book that’s exactly what I got from the mmc and fmc and it had me sold. I could not put it down!
I was Lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC and was more then happy to review and share it with my world of Dark Romance lovers
And this book is an example of why I love them, it hit all of the spots I needed it to in all of the ways.
It was smoothly written and had me clenching go my fists from the very start, the best part of a Dark Romance novel is when you are so torn between love, Hate and lust that you just don’t know how to feel.
Right at the beginning of this book that’s exactly what I got from the mmc and fmc and it had me sold. I could not put it down!
I was Lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC and was more then happy to review and share it with my world of Dark Romance lovers
September 22, 2024
Arc review to come
July 13, 2025
Above All Else is part of the Exodus series and although this book was good, it was my least fave in the series as most of the others were written by some of my fave authors. This book is worth a read though.
October 14, 2024
Misleading plot,
Secret Society is a misnomer.
Secret Society is a misnomer.
May 6, 2025
Rating: ★★.5 → ★★★
Started: 06 May 25
Finished: 06 May 25
I think this was my least favourite of the books. I felt like it could’ve been 100 pages shorter (and it was only 288 pages anyway) and I felt nothing for the characters.
The storyline wasn’t like the others and kinda deviated from what I’ve read in the other books which isn’t so bad but also is when the storyline you don’t care about is being drawn out and you don’t care for it.
Started: 06 May 25
Finished: 06 May 25
I think this was my least favourite of the books. I felt like it could’ve been 100 pages shorter (and it was only 288 pages anyway) and I felt nothing for the characters.
The storyline wasn’t like the others and kinda deviated from what I’ve read in the other books which isn’t so bad but also is when the storyline you don’t care about is being drawn out and you don’t care for it.
September 28, 2024
What in the what was that first chapter!? I love this author and already you're hooked from the very beginning!
I was so intrigued by that first chapter! I came away with more questions than answers and if that doesn't get any of you to keep reading, I don't know what will!
Each chapter gets better and better, each one pulling back a layer of intrigue until we finally find out why Carter is doing what he's doing. This is fast-paced and I loved every minute. Carter pulls June into this game of cat and mouse and does not let up. He is relentless in his pursuit and June does her best to out-wit him. I loved the suspense and the whole scene that played out at the mansion. Ann-Marie managed to paint a vivid picture and it was macabre and a little gruesome!
June was a fantastic character. She'd been through a lot and managed to stay strong. Carter was a goner for June and I'm pleased she made him work a little and not roll over for him straight away after everything.
From one chapter to the next Ann-Marie weaves a tale of secrets and deceit and I gobbled up every word. I was beginning to think I had a handle on everything, but oh no, Ann-Marie manages to absolutely floor me with that twist! I did not see that one coming! Wow!
Another fantastic read! Lady, I love your work, and this is no exception. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good enemies-to-lovers with and an MMC who will do anything to make his girl happy, even if she needs a bit of a nudge in the right direction!
I was so intrigued by that first chapter! I came away with more questions than answers and if that doesn't get any of you to keep reading, I don't know what will!
Each chapter gets better and better, each one pulling back a layer of intrigue until we finally find out why Carter is doing what he's doing. This is fast-paced and I loved every minute. Carter pulls June into this game of cat and mouse and does not let up. He is relentless in his pursuit and June does her best to out-wit him. I loved the suspense and the whole scene that played out at the mansion. Ann-Marie managed to paint a vivid picture and it was macabre and a little gruesome!
June was a fantastic character. She'd been through a lot and managed to stay strong. Carter was a goner for June and I'm pleased she made him work a little and not roll over for him straight away after everything.
From one chapter to the next Ann-Marie weaves a tale of secrets and deceit and I gobbled up every word. I was beginning to think I had a handle on everything, but oh no, Ann-Marie manages to absolutely floor me with that twist! I did not see that one coming! Wow!
Another fantastic read! Lady, I love your work, and this is no exception. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good enemies-to-lovers with and an MMC who will do anything to make his girl happy, even if she needs a bit of a nudge in the right direction!
October 2, 2024
ARC Review
This is my 1st Ann-Marie Davis read and wowza I am so glad I was given this opportunity.
The story of June and Cater has the reader in its grip from the jump. I kept turning page after page after page and blocked out the world.
The picture that Ann-Marie has painted for the reader is so dramatic. Pealing back each layer of June and Carter and their tumultuous history keeps the reader engaged.
As the reader weaves their way through each chapter getting deeper and deeper, they may think they have it all figured out and then BAMMMM. A twist A turn and A Holy crap I did NOT see that coming.
There is mystery, suspense, romance and 🌶️🌶️ in all the right places.
I look forward to reading this entire series and even more from Ann-Marie.
This is my 1st Ann-Marie Davis read and wowza I am so glad I was given this opportunity.
The story of June and Cater has the reader in its grip from the jump. I kept turning page after page after page and blocked out the world.
The picture that Ann-Marie has painted for the reader is so dramatic. Pealing back each layer of June and Carter and their tumultuous history keeps the reader engaged.
As the reader weaves their way through each chapter getting deeper and deeper, they may think they have it all figured out and then BAMMMM. A twist A turn and A Holy crap I did NOT see that coming.
There is mystery, suspense, romance and 🌶️🌶️ in all the right places.
I look forward to reading this entire series and even more from Ann-Marie.
September 29, 2024
This book is for sure an enemies to lovers story. The way this story is told is amazing!! The history and story of June and Carter is captivating and makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next!!
June is an elementary school teacher who lost her best friend in high school. Did her best friend keep secrets that could possible come back to haunt June?
Carter is part of a secret society and the one night of the year where he has immunity he is determined to unalive the person responsible for his sister’s death. Does Carter have the right person in his hands though? Read to find out!!!
June is an elementary school teacher who lost her best friend in high school. Did her best friend keep secrets that could possible come back to haunt June?
Carter is part of a secret society and the one night of the year where he has immunity he is determined to unalive the person responsible for his sister’s death. Does Carter have the right person in his hands though? Read to find out!!!
September 25, 2024
Carter never planned to return to his hometown. He never expected to lay eyes on the girl who he promised to stay away from. But, life had other plans.
The twist and turns of this book.... I personally wasn't expecting. It's a romance, it's a mystery, it's got spice in ALL the right places. If you have read her books before you know exactly what I am talking about.
Run don't walk and add this too your TBR. release date 10/ 4.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this interconnected series. Based on the authors I anticipate they will all be AMAZING.
The twist and turns of this book.... I personally wasn't expecting. It's a romance, it's a mystery, it's got spice in ALL the right places. If you have read her books before you know exactly what I am talking about.
Run don't walk and add this too your TBR. release date 10/ 4.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this interconnected series. Based on the authors I anticipate they will all be AMAZING.
September 26, 2024
* 4.5 - 4.75 Stars *
I have devoured nearly all of the Exodus series books at this point and my favorite thing I have discovered thus far is how every author embodied the secret society theme differently and truly made it their own. That fact does not falter with Above All Else.
From the beginning, I was trapped amongst the pages and consumed by the tightly coiled story about to be unleashed. The characters, the mystery, and the darkness had me hooked.
What started out firey and explosive did simmer in the middle a bit, however, the ending flipped me around once more and left me one satisfied reader.
Do I recommend this chaotic tale? Without a doubt!
I have devoured nearly all of the Exodus series books at this point and my favorite thing I have discovered thus far is how every author embodied the secret society theme differently and truly made it their own. That fact does not falter with Above All Else.
From the beginning, I was trapped amongst the pages and consumed by the tightly coiled story about to be unleashed. The characters, the mystery, and the darkness had me hooked.
What started out firey and explosive did simmer in the middle a bit, however, the ending flipped me around once more and left me one satisfied reader.
Do I recommend this chaotic tale? Without a doubt!
September 26, 2024
Another book from The Exodus series and this one was unlike any of the other ones, outside of The Exodus and The Reckoning.
I loved these characters so much. The love/hate banter between them was amazing and reminded me so much of how my husband and I talk to each other 🤣 but even through all of that, they were drawn together and their story is intense. I mean...he did pick her as his sacrifice... 🫣
But the twists and turns that this book takes you on is crazy and at times, I was like holy moly what in the what?!
I loved these characters so much. The love/hate banter between them was amazing and reminded me so much of how my husband and I talk to each other 🤣 but even through all of that, they were drawn together and their story is intense. I mean...he did pick her as his sacrifice... 🫣
But the twists and turns that this book takes you on is crazy and at times, I was like holy moly what in the what?!
October 14, 2024
ARC review.
Disclaimer- I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I went in to this book not knowing much about it. I read short blurb on it and was just looking for a ew dark romance to read. I read it in a matter of 24 hours. I had never heard of the Exodus-Shared world books before. I can say I want to read more. This book is captivating and it was a great read. At no point was I bored or uninterested. I can’t wait to read more from Ann-Marie as well as more from the Exodus world.
Disclaimer- I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I went in to this book not knowing much about it. I read short blurb on it and was just looking for a ew dark romance to read. I read it in a matter of 24 hours. I had never heard of the Exodus-Shared world books before. I can say I want to read more. This book is captivating and it was a great read. At no point was I bored or uninterested. I can’t wait to read more from Ann-Marie as well as more from the Exodus world.
October 12, 2025
this book was very 50/50 for me. i really liked the overall ongoing theme of the unsolved murder mystery of amber especially after finding out who the killer was. talk about plot twist! BUT i really didn't like the relationship between the mmc and fmc. to me it felt like they had ongoing trust issues that (at least june did) and carter just felt gave me whiplash the entire time. he wanted to kill june and then fuck her and be in a relationship with her and love her just to marry her? felt very fast-paced and didn't make sense but hey
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
Carter and June
There was no shortage of twists and turns in this story. It was filled with secrets, lies, edge of your seat moments and more!
We also got action, drama, and some spice.
I loved June and Carter together.
Wow!! I was not expecting that revelation at all!!!
After that, I wasn't sure how things were gonna change. I can honestly say, I wasn't disappointed.
I think the author did a great job tying things up. The ending was realistic and left me satisfied.
There was no shortage of twists and turns in this story. It was filled with secrets, lies, edge of your seat moments and more!
We also got action, drama, and some spice.
I loved June and Carter together.
Wow!! I was not expecting that revelation at all!!!
After that, I wasn't sure how things were gonna change. I can honestly say, I wasn't disappointed.
I think the author did a great job tying things up. The ending was realistic and left me satisfied.
September 30, 2024
Wow!! What a rollercoaster! Absolutley loved this book. I love a good revenge story. This was just that with a twist! June and Carter have great chemistry and love their characters. At times, June could be a little annoying, but her character development was wonderfully done. Great writing as well!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2024
This is another book in the shared world of The Exodus. Carter is looking for justice for the death of his sister. He was given evidence that the last person he would have thought murdered his sister in fact did. The Reckoning is the perfect time for him to get his revenge. June doesn’t understand why Carter has taken her and wants to kill her. This little novella has big twists and turns. It’s suspenseful and spicy. You might think you have it all figured out until you realize you don’t!
October 4, 2024
This one had me shooketh from the beginning and I was determined to figure out how the character’s were linked from the rest of the series. The book made a jump that had me turning back trying to see if i missed a chapter but overall the plot was very well written. I loved the charcter development and honestly, carter had me stressed out for a minute there, like June is stuck herself sir!
It was a bit harder for me to read as slow burns drive me crazy but it was definitely worth it!
It was a bit harder for me to read as slow burns drive me crazy but it was definitely worth it!
September 24, 2024
I enjoyed this. I am slowly working my way through all of The Exodus series. This is the 3rd in the series that I have read. I love how all these authors were able to write a series and the connection with all of them in The Exodus. This was was a second chance love with plot twists.
September 26, 2024
Just like the others in the series this book was amazing.
Dark and hot got to love it
Dark and hot got to love it
October 17, 2024
OBSESSED with this take on the Exodus series, and to me it’s so unique compared to the other books. June and Carter’s journey was so emotional and haunting. The push and pull from the both of them was felt from beginning to end and I was so hooked.
The slow burn was DEFINITELY slow burning lol, but it made the climax at the end SO freaking good and worth it😩
The slow burn was DEFINITELY slow burning lol, but it made the climax at the end SO freaking good and worth it😩
March 13, 2025
I absolutely would’ve given this book 5 stars. If it wasn’t for it being the darkest book I’ve ever read. Please review the trigger warnings. In fact I made my own list of triggers for my little girl that way I can wait until she’s at least 35 to read this.
Moving forward, this is a love story that doesn’t seem like a love story at all if you can get through a lot of Gore, abuse, sexual brutality & graphic intense moments- my heart was racing! No lie at some point I didn’t think I could continue reading & I also couldn’t stop so it was definitely a growing moment in my reading genre. I absolutely loved June’s sweet character & still feel like I cannot trust Carter but can’t decide ;) also- this book is supposedly a standalone yet it felt like there should be another 👀👀 and also started as if I missed something. Slow burn for a few pages then VAM BAM WOAH …. But so dark. I want to read something a lot lighter next but also… what’s a book if it’s not this deep?! I guess to sum it up, this book is a whole different world in so many ways and if you want love mixed with thrilling terror …. It’s for you … but if triggers bother you DO NOT, I repeat do not read this. I’m making my daughter wait until she’s 50 🤣 all that being said- absolutely thrilling novel that was over as soon as it began because those pages flew. My timeline for the read isn’t fair bc I fell in love with a romance and cheated on my thriller and never picked this one back up until last week. It would have maybe taken 5 days total 😍😍😍 want to read it again!
Moving forward, this is a love story that doesn’t seem like a love story at all if you can get through a lot of Gore, abuse, sexual brutality & graphic intense moments- my heart was racing! No lie at some point I didn’t think I could continue reading & I also couldn’t stop so it was definitely a growing moment in my reading genre. I absolutely loved June’s sweet character & still feel like I cannot trust Carter but can’t decide ;) also- this book is supposedly a standalone yet it felt like there should be another 👀👀 and also started as if I missed something. Slow burn for a few pages then VAM BAM WOAH …. But so dark. I want to read something a lot lighter next but also… what’s a book if it’s not this deep?! I guess to sum it up, this book is a whole different world in so many ways and if you want love mixed with thrilling terror …. It’s for you … but if triggers bother you DO NOT, I repeat do not read this. I’m making my daughter wait until she’s 50 🤣 all that being said- absolutely thrilling novel that was over as soon as it began because those pages flew. My timeline for the read isn’t fair bc I fell in love with a romance and cheated on my thriller and never picked this one back up until last week. It would have maybe taken 5 days total 😍😍😍 want to read it again!
September 26, 2024
𝔄𝔟𝔬𝔳𝔢 𝔄𝔩𝔩 𝔈𝔩𝔰𝔢 𝔟𝔶 𝔄𝔫𝔫-𝔐𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔢 𝔇𝔞𝔳𝔦𝔰 (𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Fav Quotes:
“ɪ’ᴍ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴏ. ꜱᴄʀᴇᴡ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴛᴏᴏᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴏ ʟᴏɴɢ. ᴡᴇ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ʜᴏʟᴅꜱ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴅᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢ...”
“ʏᴇᴀʜ, ᴡʜᴀᴛ’ꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ?”
“ʏᴏᴜ’ʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ ʙʏ ᴍʏ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ᴏᴜʀ ᴅʏɪɴɢ ᴅᴀʏ.”
“ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄüᴍ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴍʏ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴘᴏʀᴄᴇʟᴀɪɴ ᴅᴏʟʟ.” ʜᴇ ʀᴜʙʙᴇᴅ ʜɪꜱ ᴄᴏᴄᴋ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴍʏ ᴘᴜᴄᴋᴇʀᴇᴅ ʜᴏʟᴇ. “ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ? ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄüᴍ ᴀʟʟ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘᴇʀꜰᴇᴄᴛ ᴀ$$?”
“ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ɢᴇᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴏꜰ ɪᴛ. ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ɢᴇᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ.” ʜᴇ ʟᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ ᴀᴛ ᴍʏ ᴇᴀʀʟᴏʙᴇ, ʜɪꜱ ᴛᴇᴇᴛʜ ɴɪᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ᴘʀᴇꜱꜱᴜʀᴇ. “ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ, ᴍʏ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ᴠɪxᴇɴ?”
“ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ—ɴᴏ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ʜᴏᴡ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴏʀ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ—ᴡɪʟʟ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ.”
“ʏᴏᴜ’ᴠᴇ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ, ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴀʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ, ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ.”
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Review:
I definitely really liked this book, it was really good, wish it was a bit shorter considering the exodus series is a novella series but overall I really did like it. My girl June went through it soo much and I felt soo bad for her at first, but Carter is definitely menace, he wouldn’t give up and that’s something I really did like about him. And the plot twist at the end?! Ann I’m so shocked! But overall I do highly recommend this book, please do read trigger warnings before hand, your mental health matters most 🫶🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Fav Quotes:
“ɪ’ᴍ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴏ. ꜱᴄʀᴇᴡ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴛᴏᴏᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴏ ʟᴏɴɢ. ᴡᴇ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ʜᴏʟᴅꜱ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴅᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢ...”
“ʏᴇᴀʜ, ᴡʜᴀᴛ’ꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ?”
“ʏᴏᴜ’ʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ ʙʏ ᴍʏ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ᴏᴜʀ ᴅʏɪɴɢ ᴅᴀʏ.”
“ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄüᴍ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴍʏ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴘᴏʀᴄᴇʟᴀɪɴ ᴅᴏʟʟ.” ʜᴇ ʀᴜʙʙᴇᴅ ʜɪꜱ ᴄᴏᴄᴋ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴍʏ ᴘᴜᴄᴋᴇʀᴇᴅ ʜᴏʟᴇ. “ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ? ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄüᴍ ᴀʟʟ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘᴇʀꜰᴇᴄᴛ ᴀ$$?”
“ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ɢᴇᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴏꜰ ɪᴛ. ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ɢᴇᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ.” ʜᴇ ʟᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ ᴀᴛ ᴍʏ ᴇᴀʀʟᴏʙᴇ, ʜɪꜱ ᴛᴇᴇᴛʜ ɴɪᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ᴘʀᴇꜱꜱᴜʀᴇ. “ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ, ᴍʏ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ᴠɪxᴇɴ?”
“ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ—ɴᴏ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ʜᴏᴡ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴏʀ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ—ᴡɪʟʟ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ.”
“ʏᴏᴜ’ᴠᴇ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ, ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴀʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ, ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ꜰɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ.”
-
Review:
I definitely really liked this book, it was really good, wish it was a bit shorter considering the exodus series is a novella series but overall I really did like it. My girl June went through it soo much and I felt soo bad for her at first, but Carter is definitely menace, he wouldn’t give up and that’s something I really did like about him. And the plot twist at the end?! Ann I’m so shocked! But overall I do highly recommend this book, please do read trigger warnings before hand, your mental health matters most 🫶🏼
March 7, 2025
Okay, I am officially SHOOK. Above All Else had me in a chokehold from page one, and I am not even mad about it. Age gap? Check. Best friend’s brother? Check. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, AND one bed?! CHECK, CHECK, CHECK. Ann-Marie Davis knew exactly what she was doing when she wrote this, and I am just over here, a willing victim to the angst and steam.
First off, our morally gray cinnamon roll of a hero? SWOON. He had me side-eyeing my own standards because, sir, why are you like this? And the groveling? I was eating that up like my favorite comfort food. The second-chance romance added that extra emotional punch, making me feel like I was on the most dramatic rollercoaster of my life.
But let’s talk about THAT ENDING. That twist?? MINDS. BLOWN. I did NOT see that coming. I had to put the book down, blink at the wall, and whisper, “Excuse me??” before diving back in because WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! Ann-Marie Davis, you sneaky genius, you got me good.
Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how much fun this entire shared world series was? Every book just added to the experience, and I am SO glad I read them all. If you love your romances spicy, emotional, and packed with drama, this book (and the whole series) needs to be on your TBR ASAP!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be here, recovering from that ending and resisting the urge to reread it immediately.
First off, our morally gray cinnamon roll of a hero? SWOON. He had me side-eyeing my own standards because, sir, why are you like this? And the groveling? I was eating that up like my favorite comfort food. The second-chance romance added that extra emotional punch, making me feel like I was on the most dramatic rollercoaster of my life.
But let’s talk about THAT ENDING. That twist?? MINDS. BLOWN. I did NOT see that coming. I had to put the book down, blink at the wall, and whisper, “Excuse me??” before diving back in because WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! Ann-Marie Davis, you sneaky genius, you got me good.
Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how much fun this entire shared world series was? Every book just added to the experience, and I am SO glad I read them all. If you love your romances spicy, emotional, and packed with drama, this book (and the whole series) needs to be on your TBR ASAP!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be here, recovering from that ending and resisting the urge to reread it immediately.
October 4, 2024
Loved all the twists and turns in this book! Above All Else is one of eight books included in the Exodus series, which is a collection of interconnected standalone books written by different authors, but all set in the same world.
Above All Else is Carter & June’s story! I loved the chemistry between the main characters. June always had a crush on Carter, but he was older and moved away. Carter is absolutely unhinged and obsessed when it comes to June. Such a crazy second chance romance scenario for these two! Carter truly did a total 360 which caused such a huge plot twist; one second he is planning to kill June and the next he is never going to let her go. It is a wild ride for June as she manages being reunited with her childhood love after he was planning to kill her over the murder of his sister 11 years earlier. Together they navigate their relationship after some serious trauma and work to figure out truly murdered his sister.
This is an incredible book in this series! There were so many details and connections that kept you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read all of the books and see how they all work together. There are most definitely similar, darker themes since it set around a purge night like timeline.
Thank you so much to Anne-Marie Davis & Book Sirens for the early copy!
Above All Else is Carter & June’s story! I loved the chemistry between the main characters. June always had a crush on Carter, but he was older and moved away. Carter is absolutely unhinged and obsessed when it comes to June. Such a crazy second chance romance scenario for these two! Carter truly did a total 360 which caused such a huge plot twist; one second he is planning to kill June and the next he is never going to let her go. It is a wild ride for June as she manages being reunited with her childhood love after he was planning to kill her over the murder of his sister 11 years earlier. Together they navigate their relationship after some serious trauma and work to figure out truly murdered his sister.
This is an incredible book in this series! There were so many details and connections that kept you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read all of the books and see how they all work together. There are most definitely similar, darker themes since it set around a purge night like timeline.
Thank you so much to Anne-Marie Davis & Book Sirens for the early copy!
October 7, 2024
🩸👀 Above All Else by Ann-Marie Davis 👀🩸
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I used to watch you like a moth drawn to a flame, unaware of how much your touch could burn me.” He bent closer, his breath caressing my lips. “You have no idea how hard it was to walk away from you all those years ago.”
*SWOOOOOON* I LOVE love love a best friends brother trope. And this one hit 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 me 👏🏻. This is Book 6 of The Exodus and i ate this book up! It’s a quick read and the plot behind this one is so good. Throw in some secret society, a little murder mystery, some revenge and some smut?? 🥵👏🏻🫶🏻🥰🤩 *perfection*
Brief Synopsis: Carter is looking for revenge on the one who killed his sister. The target? Her best friend, June. Carter and June are 7 years apart, so when June confesses she has a crush on him when she turns 18, Carter tells her things can never work out. Then, his sister, Amber - and June’s best friend, is murdered. Carter is sent photos and videos showing June’s involvement in the murder.. but can be trust what he’s seeing? There’s only one way to find out. And ooooh boy, it’s The Reckoning! 👏🏻 S when June tells Carter she’s innocent and things stop adding up - what happens? Who’s guilty?! Guess you’ll have to read this AHMAZING book to see what happens. 🥵🤩🩸👏🏻🫶🏻🖤✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I used to watch you like a moth drawn to a flame, unaware of how much your touch could burn me.” He bent closer, his breath caressing my lips. “You have no idea how hard it was to walk away from you all those years ago.”
*SWOOOOOON* I LOVE love love a best friends brother trope. And this one hit 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 me 👏🏻. This is Book 6 of The Exodus and i ate this book up! It’s a quick read and the plot behind this one is so good. Throw in some secret society, a little murder mystery, some revenge and some smut?? 🥵👏🏻🫶🏻🥰🤩 *perfection*
Brief Synopsis: Carter is looking for revenge on the one who killed his sister. The target? Her best friend, June. Carter and June are 7 years apart, so when June confesses she has a crush on him when she turns 18, Carter tells her things can never work out. Then, his sister, Amber - and June’s best friend, is murdered. Carter is sent photos and videos showing June’s involvement in the murder.. but can be trust what he’s seeing? There’s only one way to find out. And ooooh boy, it’s The Reckoning! 👏🏻 S when June tells Carter she’s innocent and things stop adding up - what happens? Who’s guilty?! Guess you’ll have to read this AHMAZING book to see what happens. 🥵🤩🩸👏🏻🫶🏻🖤✨
October 2, 2024
Above All Else by Ann Marie Davis is a dark romance novel. This is another fabulous addition to the Exodus series. I have not read a book in this series that I do not adore. Each one so very different yet similar. This book is no different in that it follows the rules of revolving around the secret society and telling us different things about it. Yet the story has a totally individual story line and tells a tale all of its own.
Anne Marie Davis does a fabulous job weaving a tale of intrigue and intense emotional romance. When I read the first chapter and I knew I was going to devour the book in one sitting. It is a book of many twists where you think you figured things out but then things switch and you realize you truly have not.
June has been through a lot in her life and you can totally understand why Carter has so much interest in her. The confusing part is all the games that are being playing along the way. Of course it is worth it to stick it out for the ride because this book has a lot of chemistry and the intense action will answer your questions.
I definitely recommend this book. Definitely reading more from this author.
Anne Marie Davis does a fabulous job weaving a tale of intrigue and intense emotional romance. When I read the first chapter and I knew I was going to devour the book in one sitting. It is a book of many twists where you think you figured things out but then things switch and you realize you truly have not.
June has been through a lot in her life and you can totally understand why Carter has so much interest in her. The confusing part is all the games that are being playing along the way. Of course it is worth it to stick it out for the ride because this book has a lot of chemistry and the intense action will answer your questions.
I definitely recommend this book. Definitely reading more from this author.
October 10, 2024
thank you so much for the arc! <3
Shopping List:
- revenge
- secret society
- little sister’s best friend
- age gap — 7 years
- “You’re mine”
His little sister was murdered 11 years ago and just recently he was given 'evidence' that showed who did it. Who was it? Her best friend, who's also the girl he's been obsessed with for years even if he is 7 years older than her. And he wants his revenge. The police won't do anything with this new evidence but the secret society will let him do whatever he wants.
And when it's finally time, June fights with all her might to prove to Carter that it wasn't her. She was her best friend. Why would she do that, especially when she was also obsessed with him since she was 13?
She was being framed. It's been 11 years, could they possibly find out who it was that killed Amber? All the while they are trying to reconnect after 11 years and their obsession with each other never faded, it only grew.
Even though it was 300 pages on my phone, this was a hot quick read that kept me entranced because I needed to know if they would solve the murder. And of course, they did. What a plot twist that was.
Shopping List:
- revenge
- secret society
- little sister’s best friend
- age gap — 7 years
- “You’re mine”
His little sister was murdered 11 years ago and just recently he was given 'evidence' that showed who did it. Who was it? Her best friend, who's also the girl he's been obsessed with for years even if he is 7 years older than her. And he wants his revenge. The police won't do anything with this new evidence but the secret society will let him do whatever he wants.
And when it's finally time, June fights with all her might to prove to Carter that it wasn't her. She was her best friend. Why would she do that, especially when she was also obsessed with him since she was 13?
She was being framed. It's been 11 years, could they possibly find out who it was that killed Amber? All the while they are trying to reconnect after 11 years and their obsession with each other never faded, it only grew.
Even though it was 300 pages on my phone, this was a hot quick read that kept me entranced because I needed to know if they would solve the murder. And of course, they did. What a plot twist that was.
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