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Luminaries and Legionaries
A simple night hike turned into a nightmare…
I stumbled upon something I was never meant to see—a deadly secret hidden deep in the forest. Before I could escape, Dorian Acheron—Greywood University’s notorious vigilante—chased me down. His hands pinned me to the cold ground, and his piercing gaze promised retribution for my unwelcome intrusion.
The choice he gave me was no choice at vanish into the grave he’d dug for someone else or become his temporary captive.
Now, I’m confined to his gothic home, and every breath I take is steeped in unease. Dorian watches my every move, a predator lying in wait. His unseemly roommates threaten me each time I cross paths with them, convinced that my silence can never be trusted.
Dorian promises I’ll be free after a week—as soon as he’s sure I’ll keep his secrets. But as the days drag on, I begin to see cracks in his icy armor. Beneath the terrifying façade lies a man capable of tenderness, even vulnerability. Against all logic, I find myself drawn to him. Yet his dark world suffocates me, so I yearn for the moment I can escape.
Unfortunately, my past resurfaces. When Dorian discovers that I’m far more than a quiet college student, his fixation on me transforms into a dangerous obsession.
Now, I no longer know whether he’s keeping me captive to protect his secrets… or because he’s claimed me as his woman.
Luminaries and Legionaries is a spicy dark college romance featuring a morally grey MMC and a shy, intelligent FMC. If you enjoy Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods or Shantel Tessier’s LORDS, you’ll turn feral for the men in Greywood Legionaries!
I stumbled upon something I was never meant to see—a deadly secret hidden deep in the forest. Before I could escape, Dorian Acheron—Greywood University’s notorious vigilante—chased me down. His hands pinned me to the cold ground, and his piercing gaze promised retribution for my unwelcome intrusion.
The choice he gave me was no choice at vanish into the grave he’d dug for someone else or become his temporary captive.
Now, I’m confined to his gothic home, and every breath I take is steeped in unease. Dorian watches my every move, a predator lying in wait. His unseemly roommates threaten me each time I cross paths with them, convinced that my silence can never be trusted.
Dorian promises I’ll be free after a week—as soon as he’s sure I’ll keep his secrets. But as the days drag on, I begin to see cracks in his icy armor. Beneath the terrifying façade lies a man capable of tenderness, even vulnerability. Against all logic, I find myself drawn to him. Yet his dark world suffocates me, so I yearn for the moment I can escape.
Unfortunately, my past resurfaces. When Dorian discovers that I’m far more than a quiet college student, his fixation on me transforms into a dangerous obsession.
Now, I no longer know whether he’s keeping me captive to protect his secrets… or because he’s claimed me as his woman.
Luminaries and Legionaries is a spicy dark college romance featuring a morally grey MMC and a shy, intelligent FMC. If you enjoy Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods or Shantel Tessier’s LORDS, you’ll turn feral for the men in Greywood Legionaries!
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2025
94 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Rose Gravestone
9 books68 followersRose likes to write about complex, oftentimes twisted main characters who grow stronger together on whichever journey they take. Watch out for sexy morally grey heroes and sharp, intelligent heroines within settings ranging from fantasy to academia to the underworld of organized crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 8, 2025
I picked this up because the premise sounded interesting, a dark college romance with an intense, morally grey MMC.
Trope
✅ College dark romance
✅ Morally grey MMC
✅ Power imbalance
✅ Captor / captive
✅ Obsession
✅ Mafia vibes
🔥 Medium
🌶🌶🌶
📖 Storyline
Mira’s empath ability is front and centre from the beginning, making her stand out, but also leaving me uncertain about the direction of the book. She soon crosses paths with Dorian Acheron, Greywood’s feared vigilante, after witnessing something she shouldn’t have. Instead of letting her go, he takes her with him, keeping her under his control with the promise of eventual release.
What follows is a captor/captive dynamic laced with obsession, lust, and control. There’s tension between fear and attraction, with Dorian’s fixation growing stronger the more time they spend together. The story keeps circling around their push-pull relationship, while hints of Mira’s past and the danger surrounding Dorian’s world run in the background.
At the start, I honestly didn’t know if this was going to be a paranormal story or even a reverse harem because that’s how it was reading.
🎭 Characters
Mira’s empath ability was pushed so heavily that at times, I wasn’t sure if this was meant to be a paranormal story. It took over her character and overshadowed everything else, which made it hard for me to connect with her. I wasn't really a fan of her character
Now Dorian, on the other hand, I actually did like a lot. He brought danger, intensity, and that dark allure you expect in a morally grey MMC, mixed with just a smidge of cinnamon roll softness that slipped through at the right moments. His immediate fixation on sex sometimes felt a bit much, but he was still the highlight for me.
✒️ Writing/Pacing
The pacing was quick, yet somehow, it still managed to feel like it dragged in some places. Scenes moved fast on the surface, but without enough depth or variation, it ended up feeling repetitive. At times, it also felt like the narrative was being pushed too hard instead of flowing naturally. On the positive side, the writing itself was clean and easy to follow, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into the tension and atmosphere. It had all the perfect bones, and this could just come down to personal taste.
🌏 Worldbuilding
There wasn’t much worldbuilding, and what was there felt slow. The focus stayed almost entirely on the characters, leaving the setting underdeveloped. I was also a bit confused at times, since the wolves at the start and the heavy emphasis on Mira’s empath abilities made me wonder if this was going to turn into a paranormal story, only for it to also have mafia vibes layered in.
💭 Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a decent read that had its highs and lows. It didn’t fully stand out for me due to the FMC, but it still kept me turning the pages, and Dorian was definitely the highlight of the story. I could definitely see how this would appeal to a lot of people, and I also loved that it didn’t turn into a “why choose.” I will be reading the second book.
🖤 Who Would Love This
– Readers who want spice-heavy dark romance
– Fans of morally grey MMCs with a hidden soft side
– Anyone who enjoys obsessive, fast-burn dynamics
Trope
✅ College dark romance
✅ Morally grey MMC
✅ Power imbalance
✅ Captor / captive
✅ Obsession
✅ Mafia vibes
🔥 Medium
🌶🌶🌶
📖 Storyline
Mira’s empath ability is front and centre from the beginning, making her stand out, but also leaving me uncertain about the direction of the book. She soon crosses paths with Dorian Acheron, Greywood’s feared vigilante, after witnessing something she shouldn’t have. Instead of letting her go, he takes her with him, keeping her under his control with the promise of eventual release.
What follows is a captor/captive dynamic laced with obsession, lust, and control. There’s tension between fear and attraction, with Dorian’s fixation growing stronger the more time they spend together. The story keeps circling around their push-pull relationship, while hints of Mira’s past and the danger surrounding Dorian’s world run in the background.
At the start, I honestly didn’t know if this was going to be a paranormal story or even a reverse harem because that’s how it was reading.
🎭 Characters
Mira’s empath ability was pushed so heavily that at times, I wasn’t sure if this was meant to be a paranormal story. It took over her character and overshadowed everything else, which made it hard for me to connect with her. I wasn't really a fan of her character
Now Dorian, on the other hand, I actually did like a lot. He brought danger, intensity, and that dark allure you expect in a morally grey MMC, mixed with just a smidge of cinnamon roll softness that slipped through at the right moments. His immediate fixation on sex sometimes felt a bit much, but he was still the highlight for me.
✒️ Writing/Pacing
The pacing was quick, yet somehow, it still managed to feel like it dragged in some places. Scenes moved fast on the surface, but without enough depth or variation, it ended up feeling repetitive. At times, it also felt like the narrative was being pushed too hard instead of flowing naturally. On the positive side, the writing itself was clean and easy to follow, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into the tension and atmosphere. It had all the perfect bones, and this could just come down to personal taste.
🌏 Worldbuilding
There wasn’t much worldbuilding, and what was there felt slow. The focus stayed almost entirely on the characters, leaving the setting underdeveloped. I was also a bit confused at times, since the wolves at the start and the heavy emphasis on Mira’s empath abilities made me wonder if this was going to turn into a paranormal story, only for it to also have mafia vibes layered in.
💭 Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a decent read that had its highs and lows. It didn’t fully stand out for me due to the FMC, but it still kept me turning the pages, and Dorian was definitely the highlight of the story. I could definitely see how this would appeal to a lot of people, and I also loved that it didn’t turn into a “why choose.” I will be reading the second book.
🖤 Who Would Love This
– Readers who want spice-heavy dark romance
– Fans of morally grey MMCs with a hidden soft side
– Anyone who enjoys obsessive, fast-burn dynamics
June 27, 2025
This is my first Rose Gravestone novel and Oh. My. God. I loved it.
Empath Mira is in the wrong place at the wrong time and stumbles upon Dorian and the other two members of his legion engaged in illegal activity she wants to know nothing about. Despite her assurances that she won’t say a word, Dorian is ordered by his boss to keep Mira close until they can be sure. Dorian is thrilled, because he very much wants to be close to Mira, though she doesn’t want to be close to anyone, much less to three men with dangerous vibes. When the length of her captivity (as she calls it) stretches from a week to a couple of months to potentially indefinitely, Mira’s desperate to get away. Not just because she suffered years of horrifying, heartbreaking trauma related to the world Dorian inhabits, but because she’s terrified of how he makes her feel. Dorian makes clear that he’s not letting her go, but how can she reconcile her past with his present — and their future?
Mira is one of the most interesting, complex, actual badass FMCs I’ve ever read. Her outlook, her intuition, her rambling and non-sequiturs, her vulnerability and incredible strength, her will to survive, her tenacity — I could go on. She’s just effortlessly cool. She’s a girl crush for sure, but I have to admit, my heart belongs to Dorian. He’s flirty, self-assured, loyal to his legion, smart, smexy and somehow perfect for Mira, no matter how she tries (and tries and tries) to deny it. His relationship with Mira changes him as much as it does her. His boss says she’s made him a man, and I agree. He’s tender, thoughtful and loving and even opens up about his own past. Her safety and happiness become his top priority and his loyalty shifts to her above all, even when that causes conflict with others. Dorian wants Mira in his life forever and if that means making sacrifices, then that’s exactly what he’ll do. As if that’s not all swoon-worthy enough, the man is a pleasure Dom dedicated to his partner’s enjoyment, and with Dorian, that’s inside and outside the bedroom.🔥🌶️🥵. Yes please, and I hope we’ll see more of them in the next book, though I’m excited to learn more about Valerie and Seamus.
To sum up the book, here’s all you really need to know: Lots of love. Spice Spice baby. Un-aliving action. Must read.
Empath Mira is in the wrong place at the wrong time and stumbles upon Dorian and the other two members of his legion engaged in illegal activity she wants to know nothing about. Despite her assurances that she won’t say a word, Dorian is ordered by his boss to keep Mira close until they can be sure. Dorian is thrilled, because he very much wants to be close to Mira, though she doesn’t want to be close to anyone, much less to three men with dangerous vibes. When the length of her captivity (as she calls it) stretches from a week to a couple of months to potentially indefinitely, Mira’s desperate to get away. Not just because she suffered years of horrifying, heartbreaking trauma related to the world Dorian inhabits, but because she’s terrified of how he makes her feel. Dorian makes clear that he’s not letting her go, but how can she reconcile her past with his present — and their future?
Mira is one of the most interesting, complex, actual badass FMCs I’ve ever read. Her outlook, her intuition, her rambling and non-sequiturs, her vulnerability and incredible strength, her will to survive, her tenacity — I could go on. She’s just effortlessly cool. She’s a girl crush for sure, but I have to admit, my heart belongs to Dorian. He’s flirty, self-assured, loyal to his legion, smart, smexy and somehow perfect for Mira, no matter how she tries (and tries and tries) to deny it. His relationship with Mira changes him as much as it does her. His boss says she’s made him a man, and I agree. He’s tender, thoughtful and loving and even opens up about his own past. Her safety and happiness become his top priority and his loyalty shifts to her above all, even when that causes conflict with others. Dorian wants Mira in his life forever and if that means making sacrifices, then that’s exactly what he’ll do. As if that’s not all swoon-worthy enough, the man is a pleasure Dom dedicated to his partner’s enjoyment, and with Dorian, that’s inside and outside the bedroom.🔥🌶️🥵. Yes please, and I hope we’ll see more of them in the next book, though I’m excited to learn more about Valerie and Seamus.
To sum up the book, here’s all you really need to know: Lots of love. Spice Spice baby. Un-aliving action. Must read.
April 11, 2025
Luminaries and Legionaries by Rose Gravestone blends elements of dark romance, mafia tension, and forced proximity with a twist.
Mira, a self-proclaimed empath with a complicated past, finds herself entangled with three morally grey alpha males after possibly witnessing a crime. Her captors can't quite decide whether to kill her, threaten her, protect her, or flirt with her—which creates a dynamic full of tension, unpredictability, and emotional chaos.
While the story has its unique moments and an unusual heroine who stands out from the crowd, I personally found it a bit disjointed and not entirely to my taste. That said, readers who enjoy intense pleasure doms and dark, messy romances might find it right up their alley. I’m also still trying to figure out what the damn wolves had to do with anything
Thanks to Author Rose Gravestone and Booksirens
Mira, a self-proclaimed empath with a complicated past, finds herself entangled with three morally grey alpha males after possibly witnessing a crime. Her captors can't quite decide whether to kill her, threaten her, protect her, or flirt with her—which creates a dynamic full of tension, unpredictability, and emotional chaos.
While the story has its unique moments and an unusual heroine who stands out from the crowd, I personally found it a bit disjointed and not entirely to my taste. That said, readers who enjoy intense pleasure doms and dark, messy romances might find it right up their alley. I’m also still trying to figure out what the damn wolves had to do with anything
Thanks to Author Rose Gravestone and Booksirens
August 4, 2025
This is an mafia romance with forced proximity, dark romance and a morally Grey mmc and a FMC with the ability to read emotions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
If you love the sentence "Good Girl", then this book is for you! It was the first time I came across a book where the kink was pleasure sadism, but oh boy I was there for the ride 🙈
I love the relationship and the banter between Dorian and mira. The way their relationship evolves had me hooked from A-Z! Can't wait to start the book of Seamus, he was such an interesting character in this book and since Mira had such special capabilities, you already know Seamus a bit. I'm ready to discover what he has in store for us.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
If you love the sentence "Good Girl", then this book is for you! It was the first time I came across a book where the kink was pleasure sadism, but oh boy I was there for the ride 🙈
I love the relationship and the banter between Dorian and mira. The way their relationship evolves had me hooked from A-Z! Can't wait to start the book of Seamus, he was such an interesting character in this book and since Mira had such special capabilities, you already know Seamus a bit. I'm ready to discover what he has in store for us.
April 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly devoured this book! I’m a sucker for a morally gray MMC, found families and immersive spice. Luminaires and Legionnaires has all that and more. It’s got the underworld vibe without some of the more common mafia romance pitfalls, which I greatly appreciated.
Mira is one of the more unique FMCs I’ve met in a long time. She’s tough, resourceful and smart, with an affinity with animals that creates some unique situations. The relationship that develops between her and Dorian is honest and beautiful. He’s the perfect blend of overbearingly possessive and devotedly supportive. The side characters are also well-developed and I can’t wait to see how some of their stories unfold going forward.
Last but not least, as I said before: the spice is *spicing* in this book. I’d never come across pleasure sadism before but wow.. 🤯🔥🌶️ If you have a praise kink or if the magic words “good girl” give you a thrill, I suggest you drop what you’re doing and read this immediately.
I honestly devoured this book! I’m a sucker for a morally gray MMC, found families and immersive spice. Luminaires and Legionnaires has all that and more. It’s got the underworld vibe without some of the more common mafia romance pitfalls, which I greatly appreciated.
Mira is one of the more unique FMCs I’ve met in a long time. She’s tough, resourceful and smart, with an affinity with animals that creates some unique situations. The relationship that develops between her and Dorian is honest and beautiful. He’s the perfect blend of overbearingly possessive and devotedly supportive. The side characters are also well-developed and I can’t wait to see how some of their stories unfold going forward.
Last but not least, as I said before: the spice is *spicing* in this book. I’d never come across pleasure sadism before but wow.. 🤯🔥🌶️ If you have a praise kink or if the magic words “good girl” give you a thrill, I suggest you drop what you’re doing and read this immediately.
May 29, 2025
Listen, let’s be honest—not every book that makes you feral also deserves the Nobel Prize in literature. But does Luminaries and Legionaries earn a five-star rating?
Let’s break it down like a judgmental friend over brunch:
🔥 Does it hook you?
Immediately. A girl who feeds peanut butter cookies to a wolf pack and walks into a murder clean-up? Iconic behavior. 5/5 for chaotic originality.
💀 Is it “good” writing?
It’s messy. It’s unhinged. But that’s exactly the vibe. The prose is raw and occasionally typo-heavy (ahem some OCR formatting gremlins), but the voice is unique, emotionally punchy, and genuinely addictive. Call it “good” with a lowercase G and a sprinkle of drama. 4/5.
🖤 Characters?
Mira = smart, broken, intuitive chaos fairy.
Dorian = stalker with a savior complex and an orgasm-inducing jawline.
Are they emotionally stable? No. Are they compelling? Absolutely. 4.5/5.
🔥 Spice, Tension, and Taboos?
It’s giving: “I kidnapped you but I’m lowkey in love and also protective and possessive but maybe I want to ruin you just a little first.”
We’re swimming in dub-con waters, power imbalance, obsession, and heat that scorches.
For dark romance readers? This is candy. 5/5 spice.
✅ Final Judgment (drumroll please…)
Is it a 5-star book for everyone? Hell no.
Is it a 5-star experience for unhinged dark romance readers who like their men toxic, their women intuitive, and their plotlines morally flexible? Oh, baby. Yes.
If this book is your brand of crazy, it’s a 5.
If you want logic, clean ethics, and healing trauma arcs… it’s more of a 3.5.
💋 My Verdict: 4.5 for writing, 5 for vibes, 5 for spice, 4 for structure = solid, chaotic 4.5
Round up if you’re nasty. Round down if you’re scared.
Let’s break it down like a judgmental friend over brunch:
🔥 Does it hook you?
Immediately. A girl who feeds peanut butter cookies to a wolf pack and walks into a murder clean-up? Iconic behavior. 5/5 for chaotic originality.
💀 Is it “good” writing?
It’s messy. It’s unhinged. But that’s exactly the vibe. The prose is raw and occasionally typo-heavy (ahem some OCR formatting gremlins), but the voice is unique, emotionally punchy, and genuinely addictive. Call it “good” with a lowercase G and a sprinkle of drama. 4/5.
🖤 Characters?
Mira = smart, broken, intuitive chaos fairy.
Dorian = stalker with a savior complex and an orgasm-inducing jawline.
Are they emotionally stable? No. Are they compelling? Absolutely. 4.5/5.
🔥 Spice, Tension, and Taboos?
It’s giving: “I kidnapped you but I’m lowkey in love and also protective and possessive but maybe I want to ruin you just a little first.”
We’re swimming in dub-con waters, power imbalance, obsession, and heat that scorches.
For dark romance readers? This is candy. 5/5 spice.
✅ Final Judgment (drumroll please…)
Is it a 5-star book for everyone? Hell no.
Is it a 5-star experience for unhinged dark romance readers who like their men toxic, their women intuitive, and their plotlines morally flexible? Oh, baby. Yes.
If this book is your brand of crazy, it’s a 5.
If you want logic, clean ethics, and healing trauma arcs… it’s more of a 3.5.
💋 My Verdict: 4.5 for writing, 5 for vibes, 5 for spice, 4 for structure = solid, chaotic 4.5
Round up if you’re nasty. Round down if you’re scared.
September 2, 2025
College mafia romance with good bad guys
It’s not the most realistic narrative, but I don’t think we expect that with a college mafia novel. It’s a fun, entertaining, spicy, quick-paced, escapist read. I enjoyed and recommend it, but I don’t think it’ll be something I want to re-read, so 4 stars from me. Well worth your time once, if you like this type of story. I intend to try the remaining books in this series.
It’s billed as “dark” and contains dubious-consent scenes. Unwanted touching of a sexual nature occurs but no actual rape. There is seduction but not coercion. The woman does not feel violated.
Warning Included:
The FMC, Mira, is empathic, seeing energies on people and animals, and highly perceptive in an almost paranormal-genre way. It’s not totally realistic, but I’m okay with it. I loved The Mentalist and Medium TV series, so I’m not averse to believing someone could have these abilities. Wild animals are drawn to Mira, which I found very cool.
Mira is on her way to becoming a vet. She’s independent, strong, skilled in firearms, and damaged by previous abuse. She has her coping mechanisms and is usually very quiet. I found the believability stretched when this was contradicted by her word vomit and oversharing.
The MMC, Dorian, is billed as morally grey and that holds up. Murder when justified, theft, and drug business is okay, but hurting “innocents” is not. The organization he belongs to seeks to destroy sex trafficking operations. Dorian and his “legion” started out as vigilantes, cleaning up their college town. Overall, I found Dorian likeable.
It looks like other books in this series will have other dominant-submissive kinks, but Dorian’s is orgasm control. No beating or degradation required.
Everyone is amazingly gorgeous, except the bad guys who always have oily hair. The sex scenes are hot and interesting. There are quite a few, but the story is definitely there and interesting in its own right. Dorian is built like a porn star god with the huge package to match, which felt farfetched. At least Mira has some scars to prevent her from being physically flawless.
This contains insta-love on part of Dorian and almost-insta-love on the part of Mira. I noticed it, but it didn’t bother me. The action scenes are pretty good but end too fast. They could use more suspense and detail. There is humor sprinkled throughout, which I appreciated.
Contains graphic sex scenes.
Frequent foul language.
1st person past tense from Mira and Dorian.
Errors: 10 - Misspelled words, 1 set where the space was in the wrong place between them, 1 missing space between words, 2 missing quotation marks, a few capitalization inconsistences, 1 subject-verb disagreement, the color of an object changes, and the name of the cat is spelled differently a couple of times.
406 Pages
$4.99 at Amazon and part of Kindle Unlimited.
Received free from BookSirens in exchange for my honest review.
It’s not the most realistic narrative, but I don’t think we expect that with a college mafia novel. It’s a fun, entertaining, spicy, quick-paced, escapist read. I enjoyed and recommend it, but I don’t think it’ll be something I want to re-read, so 4 stars from me. Well worth your time once, if you like this type of story. I intend to try the remaining books in this series.
It’s billed as “dark” and contains dubious-consent scenes. Unwanted touching of a sexual nature occurs but no actual rape. There is seduction but not coercion. The woman does not feel violated.
Warning Included:
Please be advised that this book contains some dark and triggering content. If any of the following triggers bother you, this book probably won’t be for you.-Dub-con.-Mentions and depictions of child abuse (flashbacks to abuse).-Alpha-hole, domineering hero. Dorian is a character with questionable morals and a skewed perspective on the world. Only proceed if you enjoy your MMC’s morally grey.
The FMC, Mira, is empathic, seeing energies on people and animals, and highly perceptive in an almost paranormal-genre way. It’s not totally realistic, but I’m okay with it. I loved The Mentalist and Medium TV series, so I’m not averse to believing someone could have these abilities. Wild animals are drawn to Mira, which I found very cool.
The alpha’s head lifts from the ground and he turns around to give me a narrow-eyed look, letting out a growl of warning. It’s as if he’s saying, “stay right the fuck where you are, and don’t you dare stop petting me.”
Mira is on her way to becoming a vet. She’s independent, strong, skilled in firearms, and damaged by previous abuse. She has her coping mechanisms and is usually very quiet. I found the believability stretched when this was contradicted by her word vomit and oversharing.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re fucking fascinating, love?” Brit questions, gazing at me with a deepening interest.
“Usually, they tell me that I’m insane.” I can’t exactly disagree, since I’m yet to meet anyone who can feel other people the way I do. Cara swears I’m an empath, but I don’t like the supernatural connotation around that word. It’s not like I see dead people or smell emotions, I just sort of… sense them.
The Brit walks behind me, and I feel his gaze burning a hole into the back of my head. I think he’s trying to figure me out—both men are—and that confuses me. Most people don’t care to figure me out. They catch a whiff of my brand of crazy and run in the opposite direction. I prefer it that way, since I’m not very good with people. I get along much better with animals.
“I think I like you,” Dorian says, sounding perplexed by the prospect.
“Please don’t. I’d rather you disliked me and wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible. Not in the permanent way, but in the Jesus fuck this girl is so annoying I’m gonna let her go back to her dorm room way.”
The MMC, Dorian, is billed as morally grey and that holds up. Murder when justified, theft, and drug business is okay, but hurting “innocents” is not. The organization he belongs to seeks to destroy sex trafficking operations. Dorian and his “legion” started out as vigilantes, cleaning up their college town. Overall, I found Dorian likeable.
There’s something panicked in her eyes that I really don’t like. I’m not a rapist, I’m not someone who will ever get off on forcing women. I have my fair share of kinks and taboo enjoyments, but desire on both sides is a must for me, otherwise I don’t have any interest.
It looks like other books in this series will have other dominant-submissive kinks, but Dorian’s is orgasm control. No beating or degradation required.
I live in a house with dominant guys. Connor is the type to spank a girl’s ass until she’s sobbing for mercy, then squeeze it while he’s fucking her—sadist through and through. He needs to deliver pain to really get his blood rushing. Seamus, on the other hand, likes scenes of all kinds—tying a girl up any number of ways and playing with her however he feels like in the moment. It changes from person to person and scene to scene. He leaves his bedroom door open, enjoys other people watching him work, so I’ve witnessed him do a whole range of shit with girls. I think the thing that really gets him off is begging.
As for me… I certainly have particular tastes, and all of them center around the pleasure of my partner.
“So many men are terribly unoriginal. Disappointingly so. A punishment is easy when you redden someone’s ass, but pain tolerances build. That gets old. Forced orgasms? Not so much, that’s an entirely different form of torture.”
Everyone is amazingly gorgeous, except the bad guys who always have oily hair. The sex scenes are hot and interesting. There are quite a few, but the story is definitely there and interesting in its own right. Dorian is built like a porn star god with the huge package to match, which felt farfetched. At least Mira has some scars to prevent her from being physically flawless.
This contains insta-love on part of Dorian and almost-insta-love on the part of Mira. I noticed it, but it didn’t bother me. The action scenes are pretty good but end too fast. They could use more suspense and detail. There is humor sprinkled throughout, which I appreciated.
Contains graphic sex scenes.
Frequent foul language.
1st person past tense from Mira and Dorian.
Errors: 10 - Misspelled words, 1 set where the space was in the wrong place between them, 1 missing space between words, 2 missing quotation marks, a few capitalization inconsistences, 1 subject-verb disagreement, the color of an object changes, and the name of the cat is spelled differently a couple of times.
406 Pages
$4.99 at Amazon and part of Kindle Unlimited.
Received free from BookSirens in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2025
Review: Luminaires and Legionnaires by Rose Gravestone
Rating: 4.5/5
Luminaires and Legionnaires is a dark romance that blends emotional depth, compelling character development, and sizzling tension in a way that’s both addictive and unforgettable.
The story follows empath Mira, who inadvertently witnesses a violent crime involving Dorian and his fellow legionnaires. Though she wants no part of their world, Dorian is ordered to keep her close, an arrangement that begins as captivity but evolves into something far more complicated. Mira, shaped by years of trauma, is determined to resist both the danger and the desire Dorian represents. But Dorian’s obsession, and unexpected tenderness, forces her to confront not only her past, but the possibility of a future she never thought she deserved. Mira is a standout female lead. She’s one of the most complex, dynamic, and emotionally resonant characters I’ve read in a long time. Her mix of sharp intuition, vulnerability, and dark humor makes her a deeply compelling protagonist. She’s tough and resourceful, but also emotionally nuanced, a refreshing break from cookie-cutter FMCs in the genre. Dorian is your quintessential morally gray hero, intense, obsessive, and unapologetically dominant. Yet there’s a softness beneath his rough exterior. His growth over the course of the book, particularly in how he prioritizes Mira’s safety and emotional well-being, adds real emotional weight to their romance. The chemistry between Mira and Dorian is off the charts. The spicy scenes are bold, creative, and deeply rooted in character dynamics. Pleasure sadism and praise kink are explored with care, adding intensity without feeling gratuitous. For readers who enjoy darker, edgier romances with complex power dynamics, this book delivers. The side characters (particularly Valerie and Seamus) are well-developed, hinting at rich future storylines. The found-family elements woven through the narrative add heart and depth. Gravestone avoids many of the typical mafia/underworld romance clichés, instead opting for a fresh take with empathic abilities, wolf symbolism, and an immersive world that straddles magic realism and gritty crime fiction.
My verdict:
✔️ 5/5 for spice
✔️ 4.5/5 for character development
✔️ 4/5 for structure
✔️ 5/5 for emotional impact and originality
Rounded Rating: 4.5/5 — An addictive, unhinged, and unexpectedly beautiful dark romance experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Luminaires and Legionnaires is a dark romance that blends emotional depth, compelling character development, and sizzling tension in a way that’s both addictive and unforgettable.
The story follows empath Mira, who inadvertently witnesses a violent crime involving Dorian and his fellow legionnaires. Though she wants no part of their world, Dorian is ordered to keep her close, an arrangement that begins as captivity but evolves into something far more complicated. Mira, shaped by years of trauma, is determined to resist both the danger and the desire Dorian represents. But Dorian’s obsession, and unexpected tenderness, forces her to confront not only her past, but the possibility of a future she never thought she deserved. Mira is a standout female lead. She’s one of the most complex, dynamic, and emotionally resonant characters I’ve read in a long time. Her mix of sharp intuition, vulnerability, and dark humor makes her a deeply compelling protagonist. She’s tough and resourceful, but also emotionally nuanced, a refreshing break from cookie-cutter FMCs in the genre. Dorian is your quintessential morally gray hero, intense, obsessive, and unapologetically dominant. Yet there’s a softness beneath his rough exterior. His growth over the course of the book, particularly in how he prioritizes Mira’s safety and emotional well-being, adds real emotional weight to their romance. The chemistry between Mira and Dorian is off the charts. The spicy scenes are bold, creative, and deeply rooted in character dynamics. Pleasure sadism and praise kink are explored with care, adding intensity without feeling gratuitous. For readers who enjoy darker, edgier romances with complex power dynamics, this book delivers. The side characters (particularly Valerie and Seamus) are well-developed, hinting at rich future storylines. The found-family elements woven through the narrative add heart and depth. Gravestone avoids many of the typical mafia/underworld romance clichés, instead opting for a fresh take with empathic abilities, wolf symbolism, and an immersive world that straddles magic realism and gritty crime fiction.
My verdict:
✔️ 5/5 for spice
✔️ 4.5/5 for character development
✔️ 4/5 for structure
✔️ 5/5 for emotional impact and originality
Rounded Rating: 4.5/5 — An addictive, unhinged, and unexpectedly beautiful dark romance experience.
April 15, 2025
So I walked into this book mostly blind. I didn't know the FMC was Autistic but I could pick up on it right away. I think this book is actually an excellent representation of the high-functioning autistic woman and of masking in general. What I found a bit odd was that it is never actually addressed in the book with the label, more so, oh she is "different" or "quirky" - and I wish they had. It can be a great way to reduce stigma around the label and show a love story where one of the members is neurodivergent. I digress!
Onto the what I loved: This book has such a strong start - I basically devoured the first half. I read a lot of books and it's fun and opportune (and rare) when I stumble upon a book that jumps into the action right away and hooks you in. So I loved that. Also Dorian...wow! Honestly he is an amazing character and a lot of his early dialogues especially are so well-written. Swoon! I also enjoyed the somewhat found family vibes? I liked how it wasn't overdone and not focusing on the friendships more than couple - a lot of books get that wrong imo. The chemistry between the couple was definitely really good too and overall, on the whole, I enjoyed this book a lot.
Now onto somethings I wasn't obsessed with: I feel like the second half of the book kind of fell flat. Like we had been prepped for all this danger to the point where I kind of just expected...more? But in reality, FMC wasn't really in all that much danger and it felt too convenient that the whole plot with the mafia group just ended up revolving around avenging her and not something more...believable? I guess we don't read these books for believability but STILL! Dorian and his friends were like almost too..nice? I mean, it's not totally realistic, I fear.
Also I thought the whole FMC talking to animals thing was endearing but also kind of odd? I thought it was going to be a fantasy book for a second and she was like somehow connected to animals or something lol.
Anyway, I still very much enjoyed this read and will be reading the rest of the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Onto the what I loved: This book has such a strong start - I basically devoured the first half. I read a lot of books and it's fun and opportune (and rare) when I stumble upon a book that jumps into the action right away and hooks you in. So I loved that. Also Dorian...wow! Honestly he is an amazing character and a lot of his early dialogues especially are so well-written. Swoon! I also enjoyed the somewhat found family vibes? I liked how it wasn't overdone and not focusing on the friendships more than couple - a lot of books get that wrong imo. The chemistry between the couple was definitely really good too and overall, on the whole, I enjoyed this book a lot.
Now onto somethings I wasn't obsessed with: I feel like the second half of the book kind of fell flat. Like we had been prepped for all this danger to the point where I kind of just expected...more? But in reality, FMC wasn't really in all that much danger and it felt too convenient that the whole plot with the mafia group just ended up revolving around avenging her and not something more...believable? I guess we don't read these books for believability but STILL! Dorian and his friends were like almost too..nice? I mean, it's not totally realistic, I fear.
Also I thought the whole FMC talking to animals thing was endearing but also kind of odd? I thought it was going to be a fantasy book for a second and she was like somehow connected to animals or something lol.
Anyway, I still very much enjoyed this read and will be reading the rest of the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
Luminaries and Legionaries is the first book in the Greywood Legionaries series, and it starts things off with a bang. With its mafia/vigilante backdrop, an obsessed morally grey MMC, an empath FMC, and a cast of intriguing side characters, this story pulled me in from the start.
The premise is simple: Mira witnesses something she shouldn’t. Dorian, who already knows exactly who she is, decides he wants to keep her – like permanently keep her. Connor sees her as a loose end — and he doesn’t leave loose ends — while Seamus is fascinated by her. To protect (and control) the situation, Dorian forces Mira to move in with him. Mira, headstrong and independent, isn’t having it… but resisting Dorian proves to be much harder than she expects.
Mira is a quirky, complex FMC. As an empath, she can feel and read others’ emotions, which adds a unique layer to her interactions — and her trauma-filled past makes her fiercely self-reliant. I’ll admit, it took me a bit to connect with her, but as the story unfolded, I found myself genuinely rooting for her.
Dorian completely stole the show for me. He’s obsessive, possessive, and just the right amount of unhinged — cold and ruthless to everyone else but unexpectedly soft when it comes to Mira. He’s also a pleasure dom, and honestly... where can I find one of those?
The secondary characters are another highlight. I’m intrigued with Connor, Seamus, Cara and Valerie. They round out this world and setting up what promises to be a good series. I’m looking forward to reading their stories next.
Overall, Luminaries and Legionaries was a dark and spicy read with several unique twists. The author’s writing style is clean and engaging, the pacing was good, and the characters unforgettable. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series!
The premise is simple: Mira witnesses something she shouldn’t. Dorian, who already knows exactly who she is, decides he wants to keep her – like permanently keep her. Connor sees her as a loose end — and he doesn’t leave loose ends — while Seamus is fascinated by her. To protect (and control) the situation, Dorian forces Mira to move in with him. Mira, headstrong and independent, isn’t having it… but resisting Dorian proves to be much harder than she expects.
Mira is a quirky, complex FMC. As an empath, she can feel and read others’ emotions, which adds a unique layer to her interactions — and her trauma-filled past makes her fiercely self-reliant. I’ll admit, it took me a bit to connect with her, but as the story unfolded, I found myself genuinely rooting for her.
Dorian completely stole the show for me. He’s obsessive, possessive, and just the right amount of unhinged — cold and ruthless to everyone else but unexpectedly soft when it comes to Mira. He’s also a pleasure dom, and honestly... where can I find one of those?
The secondary characters are another highlight. I’m intrigued with Connor, Seamus, Cara and Valerie. They round out this world and setting up what promises to be a good series. I’m looking forward to reading their stories next.
Overall, Luminaries and Legionaries was a dark and spicy read with several unique twists. The author’s writing style is clean and engaging, the pacing was good, and the characters unforgettable. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series!
October 10, 2025
One wrong turn in the woods led her straight into his obsession. 🌑
📖 Luminaries and Legionaries by Rose Gravestone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Genre: Dark romance / Psychological suspense
TW: Violence, captivity, trauma, coercion, mentions of mental health struggles
A simple night hike turns into a nightmare when Mira overhears something she shouldn’t. Before she can escape, she’s hunted down by Dorian—a member of a secretive legion with bloody hands. Given the impossible choice between death or captivity, she becomes his prisoner. But as days pass, she starts to see the cracks beneath his cold exterior. When her own past resurfaces, Dorian’s fixation turns into something darker, blurring the line between protection and possession.
This book gives total Rina Kent vibes—but with a deeper dive into trauma and mental health. At first, I was skeptical of how quickly Mira softened toward Dorian, especially given his forceful start. But as the story unfolded, I was completely gone. The obsession, the care, the unwavering pursuit—it all clicked into place.
I adored that there’s no third-act breakup. Dorian’s quiet tenderness—checking in on her, respecting her space, protecting her without pushing—made me melt. The chemistry, the tension, the spice? Top-tier. It’s the kind of intensity that leaves you breathless.
The side characters, especially Seamus, added another layer I really enjoyed. I just wish there’d been a bit more focus on the legion’s bond as a whole. Still, this story absolutely consumed me.
Thank you BookSirens and Rose Gravestone for this ARC.
Tropes:
🖤 Morally grey MMC
📚 Shy, intelligent FMC
🔥 Forced proximity
⚔️ Mafia-ish vigilante legion
💔 Tragic past
💀 Touch her and 💀
💘 He falls first and hard
📖 Luminaries and Legionaries by Rose Gravestone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Genre: Dark romance / Psychological suspense
TW: Violence, captivity, trauma, coercion, mentions of mental health struggles
A simple night hike turns into a nightmare when Mira overhears something she shouldn’t. Before she can escape, she’s hunted down by Dorian—a member of a secretive legion with bloody hands. Given the impossible choice between death or captivity, she becomes his prisoner. But as days pass, she starts to see the cracks beneath his cold exterior. When her own past resurfaces, Dorian’s fixation turns into something darker, blurring the line between protection and possession.
This book gives total Rina Kent vibes—but with a deeper dive into trauma and mental health. At first, I was skeptical of how quickly Mira softened toward Dorian, especially given his forceful start. But as the story unfolded, I was completely gone. The obsession, the care, the unwavering pursuit—it all clicked into place.
I adored that there’s no third-act breakup. Dorian’s quiet tenderness—checking in on her, respecting her space, protecting her without pushing—made me melt. The chemistry, the tension, the spice? Top-tier. It’s the kind of intensity that leaves you breathless.
The side characters, especially Seamus, added another layer I really enjoyed. I just wish there’d been a bit more focus on the legion’s bond as a whole. Still, this story absolutely consumed me.
Thank you BookSirens and Rose Gravestone for this ARC.
Tropes:
🖤 Morally grey MMC
📚 Shy, intelligent FMC
🔥 Forced proximity
⚔️ Mafia-ish vigilante legion
💔 Tragic past
💀 Touch her and 💀
💘 He falls first and hard
August 21, 2025
Luminaries and Legionaries gives you everything you are looking for in a dark mafia romance. A FMC kept for “her protection” (from them), forced proximity/one bed, and lots of hot spicy romance (and a few punishments thrown in for extra spiciness). I am a huge mafia romance reader and just sunk my teeth into Luminaries and Legionaries right from the start. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t let you go. I will say as far as dark romances go, this is more on the lighter side. I’m sure it got marked as dark due to some BDSM-light (tepid light) play. But putting that aside this is a super appealing for anyone to read. It’s a fast read, because you can’t put it down. The FMC is a freaking bad ass. She’s lived a hellacious life and come through it, scars and all, a great person with goals. The MMC is not part of her life plan. In fact, no man is, so being taken for her safety causes old protective measures to kick back in to protect herself emotionally if she can’t physically. But the MMC isn’t a threat to her. He has liked her for some time and is looking forward to getting to know her, but can’t get past those guards she has put up. Both are two highly intelligent individuals walking a tight rope of the unknown. He is willing to walk the whole way across just to help her off the platform, but will she trust him enough to take that first step?
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.
August 29, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and the Author for providing me with a free review copy so that I may voluntarily provide an honest review of my experience. Please note that there may be small spoilers in my review.
Mira, our FMC, is an empath with a dark past. Her stepfather was a bad person, and she had to run from him. She made her way to Greywood University, where she got a scholarship and made some unusual friends. While visiting some of her more unusual friends, she encounters Dorian (our MMC) and his legion "cleaning up" something that she was never meant to see. And you know what happens to people that see things that they shouldn't.. What follows is a story of obsession, control, and dare I say it.. a little bit of stockholm syndrome.
Like other readers I wasn't 100% sure where this story was going.. As Mira's empathic abilities are mentioned so often, but aren't really used for much and don't really have an explanation in world. It did make Mira a bit harder and somehow easier to connect to at the same time. I guess that it is my animal lover side that is helping here.
Dorian, our MMC, is a very morally grey type guy who has his heart in the right place.. kinda.. sorta.
Because there wasn't as much world building and as much "outside the dynamic" building as I would have liked, it did feel agonisingly slow at times. It made the story less rich than I would have liked it to have been. But, overall, its a decent enough read.
Mira, our FMC, is an empath with a dark past. Her stepfather was a bad person, and she had to run from him. She made her way to Greywood University, where she got a scholarship and made some unusual friends. While visiting some of her more unusual friends, she encounters Dorian (our MMC) and his legion "cleaning up" something that she was never meant to see. And you know what happens to people that see things that they shouldn't.. What follows is a story of obsession, control, and dare I say it.. a little bit of stockholm syndrome.
Like other readers I wasn't 100% sure where this story was going.. As Mira's empathic abilities are mentioned so often, but aren't really used for much and don't really have an explanation in world. It did make Mira a bit harder and somehow easier to connect to at the same time. I guess that it is my animal lover side that is helping here.
Dorian, our MMC, is a very morally grey type guy who has his heart in the right place.. kinda.. sorta.
Because there wasn't as much world building and as much "outside the dynamic" building as I would have liked, it did feel agonisingly slow at times. It made the story less rich than I would have liked it to have been. But, overall, its a decent enough read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
Holy hell, this book was good! The romance was believable, the conflict had me on the edge of my seat, and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP!!!!! I feel like I had to fan myself just from the amount of healthy adult communication. This book is insta-love for the MMC and reluctant acceptance by the FMC after denying it for about half of the book.
Mira, our FMC, is in the wrong place at the wrong time and encounters 3 men doing some shady activities. Dorian, our MMC, basically falls in love with her immediately and brings her back to their house to ensure she is trustworthy instead of just killing her. We learn that Mira also has a shady past, which is coming back to haunt her.
I typically don't like mafia/bratva storylines because the danger feels so contrived, but this one was more believable. Our villain isn't some mysterious shadow character that just appears at the end, and the enemies are given purpose instead of just blaming it on a turf war. The storyline is surprisingly believable and the romance really grounds it in reality. The spicy was intense but was used to built trust between the MCs and move their relationship forward despite having such a short timeline.
The side characters were intriguing and I'm now about to binge this whole series because I NEED to know what is going on between Valerie and Seamus!
Thank you to BookSirens and Rose Gravestone for the free eARC
Mira, our FMC, is in the wrong place at the wrong time and encounters 3 men doing some shady activities. Dorian, our MMC, basically falls in love with her immediately and brings her back to their house to ensure she is trustworthy instead of just killing her. We learn that Mira also has a shady past, which is coming back to haunt her.
I typically don't like mafia/bratva storylines because the danger feels so contrived, but this one was more believable. Our villain isn't some mysterious shadow character that just appears at the end, and the enemies are given purpose instead of just blaming it on a turf war. The storyline is surprisingly believable and the romance really grounds it in reality. The spicy was intense but was used to built trust between the MCs and move their relationship forward despite having such a short timeline.
The side characters were intriguing and I'm now about to binge this whole series because I NEED to know what is going on between Valerie and Seamus!
Thank you to BookSirens and Rose Gravestone for the free eARC
July 11, 2025
Vet student Mira is in the wrong place at the wrong time, which results in her being taken captive by the local mafia crew.
▫️I wasn't sure where this was going in the beginning (the first chapter), but once Mira meets Dorian and the crew, I was sucked in. Mira's got the brains, she's an empath and an animal lover, and she's got some badass moves that surprise everyone. How she got those badass moves, though, will tug at your heartstrings. She's got some rough history that no kid should ever have to go through, and you find yourself liking her more as the story goes on.
▫️Dorian is brains and beauty, who is not letting anyone get in the way of his intense love/lust for Mira, including his boss and his crew. He's all about pleasure and protection.
▫️I loved all lot of the side characters, especially Seamus. I think they rounded out Mira and Dorian's respective universes really well.
▫️ The second half of the book moves at a much faster pace (as one expects) and i couldn't stop reading. By the time I reached the end, I was itching for more of the story.
▫️Well-rounded storyline, good character development; spotted a typo or two in the book but I could look past that. Some parts were a bit superfluous and could have been edited down, but overall a good solid read.
▫️Trigger warnings: make sure to read them before you start. There's a lot of mention of assault, death, violence and childhood trauma. As the book develops, some of the backstory cuts deep in intensity.
▫️This is book 1 in the series. I will definitely be picking up the next book, which focuses on another couple in the crew. Color me intrigued.
I received an ARC of this book but all of these opinions are my own.
#luminariesandlegionaries #rosegravestone #darkromance #spicyromance #contemporaryromance
#forcedproximity #foundfamily #arc #mafiaromance #spicyread #spicybookstagram #bookreview #romanticsuspense #romancereader #darkacademia #booksirens #romanceseries #empath #readthis
▫️I wasn't sure where this was going in the beginning (the first chapter), but once Mira meets Dorian and the crew, I was sucked in. Mira's got the brains, she's an empath and an animal lover, and she's got some badass moves that surprise everyone. How she got those badass moves, though, will tug at your heartstrings. She's got some rough history that no kid should ever have to go through, and you find yourself liking her more as the story goes on.
▫️Dorian is brains and beauty, who is not letting anyone get in the way of his intense love/lust for Mira, including his boss and his crew. He's all about pleasure and protection.
▫️I loved all lot of the side characters, especially Seamus. I think they rounded out Mira and Dorian's respective universes really well.
▫️ The second half of the book moves at a much faster pace (as one expects) and i couldn't stop reading. By the time I reached the end, I was itching for more of the story.
▫️Well-rounded storyline, good character development; spotted a typo or two in the book but I could look past that. Some parts were a bit superfluous and could have been edited down, but overall a good solid read.
▫️Trigger warnings: make sure to read them before you start. There's a lot of mention of assault, death, violence and childhood trauma. As the book develops, some of the backstory cuts deep in intensity.
▫️This is book 1 in the series. I will definitely be picking up the next book, which focuses on another couple in the crew. Color me intrigued.
I received an ARC of this book but all of these opinions are my own.
#luminariesandlegionaries #rosegravestone #darkromance #spicyromance #contemporaryromance
#forcedproximity #foundfamily #arc #mafiaromance #spicyread #spicybookstagram #bookreview #romanticsuspense #romancereader #darkacademia #booksirens #romanceseries #empath #readthis
August 12, 2025
Holy hotness... I'm still sweating.
Luminaries and Legionaries is sizzling with an intense chemistry between leads, Dorian and Mira. He's zeroed in on her from moment one, and she is dragged under his spell inch by inch.
Mira is not a throwaway FMC. She is as interesting to me as she is to the other characters. Her empathy, skill, and abilities with animals draw you in from the beginning.
The side characters, especially Seamus, are well developed and engaging. Seamus steals almost every scene he's in. I can't wait to read more about him.
The story is a fun ride, and the tension and conflict builds consistently. However, it dives a little too deeply into the Bratva world a bit for me in places.
There were also places where the characters rehashed conversations and rediscovered internal realizations, which I did not enjoy. I also wish we got a little time on page with the kits.
Ultimately, though, I couldn't put this down. It's definitely worth cozying up with!
A solid 4/5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luminaries and Legionaries is sizzling with an intense chemistry between leads, Dorian and Mira. He's zeroed in on her from moment one, and she is dragged under his spell inch by inch.
Mira is not a throwaway FMC. She is as interesting to me as she is to the other characters. Her empathy, skill, and abilities with animals draw you in from the beginning.
The side characters, especially Seamus, are well developed and engaging. Seamus steals almost every scene he's in. I can't wait to read more about him.
The story is a fun ride, and the tension and conflict builds consistently. However, it dives a little too deeply into the Bratva world a bit for me in places.
There were also places where the characters rehashed conversations and rediscovered internal realizations, which I did not enjoy. I also wish we got a little time on page with the kits.
Ultimately, though, I couldn't put this down. It's definitely worth cozying up with!
A solid 4/5.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2025
This book had a great synopsis that drew me in. It had all the check marks, morally grey men, dark romance, and a he falls hard first. However, the storyline felt disjointed at times. It felt like scenes kept replaying inside random scenes about the FMC, Mira being an empath with animals. Which also makes it seem more fantasy like, but nothing seems to come of her empathy with these animals and so it seems like a random fact and scene, when they are added in throughout the book.
Dorian, our MMC, did an excellent job playing the morally grey man, willing to cross lines to make Mira his and not just because his boss said to. He really does seem to fall fast and hard for her and it’s endearing to read.
The first half of the book is definitely more action packed and fast paced than the second half. Overall, it’s a decent book and I would like to see what happens in a second novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dorian, our MMC, did an excellent job playing the morally grey man, willing to cross lines to make Mira his and not just because his boss said to. He really does seem to fall fast and hard for her and it’s endearing to read.
The first half of the book is definitely more action packed and fast paced than the second half. Overall, it’s a decent book and I would like to see what happens in a second novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2025
3.5 stars….I picked up this book as a little bit of a palette cleanser as I had just finished a very intense series and wanted to dive into something else for a bit. I read a preview of the first chapter and was very intrigued!
The first half of the book had me hooked: a lot of action, a little hate/suspicion, some tension/angst, and throw in some quirky side characters…what’s not to love! Then, the story kind of fell off for me in the second half of the book. While I loved Mira’s character, Dorian was meh for me. I couldn’t connect with him as much and he didn’t seem to have a lot of presence to me, not like Seamus or even Connor (actually can’t wait to read his story). I found myself way more interested in Sergei’s background with his wife or Valerie’s chemistry with Seamus than Mira and Dorian’s love life.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad story at all, just not my favorite. I will be reading the rest of the series though.
The first half of the book had me hooked: a lot of action, a little hate/suspicion, some tension/angst, and throw in some quirky side characters…what’s not to love! Then, the story kind of fell off for me in the second half of the book. While I loved Mira’s character, Dorian was meh for me. I couldn’t connect with him as much and he didn’t seem to have a lot of presence to me, not like Seamus or even Connor (actually can’t wait to read his story). I found myself way more interested in Sergei’s background with his wife or Valerie’s chemistry with Seamus than Mira and Dorian’s love life.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad story at all, just not my favorite. I will be reading the rest of the series though.
June 14, 2025
Luminaries and Legionaries is the first book I've read by this author and I really liked it for the most part! I loved both Mira and Dorian and I found myself really relating to Mira with her empathy and love of animals. Their relationship development was decent and I really liked their communication with each other. The book started off really strong but I will say it did start to drag a tiny bit in the middle, but then the action picked up again at the end. The side characters were good and the villain side plot was fleshed out well enough for me. My only "criticisms" would be that I kind of thought there was going to be a fantasy element to this book due to the way Mira is with animals but nothing ever really came from it. I think that could have either been expanded on or minimized a bit and there were also some grammatical issues every so often.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2025
Trope Highlights:
✅ College dark romance | ✅ Morally grey MMC | ✅ Captor/captive | ✅ Obsession | ✅ Mafia vibes | 🌶🌶🌶
Mira’s empath ability makes her unique, but it’s her encounter with Dorian Acheron, Greywood’s feared vigilante, that really drives the story. He keeps her close under the promise of eventual freedom, and their push-pull dynamic is full of tension, lust, and obsession.
Dorian is the real standout—dangerous, intense, and morally grey, with just enough softness to make him irresistible. Mira’s empath side dominates her character at times, but the chemistry between them keeps the pages turning.
The pacing is quick, the writing is clean, and the world is lightly sketched, keeping the focus on the characters and their intense dynamic. If you love dark, spicy romance with morally grey heroes, captor/captive tension, and obsessive attraction, this one’s for you.
Special thank you to Book Sirens for a copy to review!
✅ College dark romance | ✅ Morally grey MMC | ✅ Captor/captive | ✅ Obsession | ✅ Mafia vibes | 🌶🌶🌶
Mira’s empath ability makes her unique, but it’s her encounter with Dorian Acheron, Greywood’s feared vigilante, that really drives the story. He keeps her close under the promise of eventual freedom, and their push-pull dynamic is full of tension, lust, and obsession.
Dorian is the real standout—dangerous, intense, and morally grey, with just enough softness to make him irresistible. Mira’s empath side dominates her character at times, but the chemistry between them keeps the pages turning.
The pacing is quick, the writing is clean, and the world is lightly sketched, keeping the focus on the characters and their intense dynamic. If you love dark, spicy romance with morally grey heroes, captor/captive tension, and obsessive attraction, this one’s for you.
Special thank you to Book Sirens for a copy to review!
October 18, 2025
Twisted. Dark. Extra spicy.
If you're looking for an unhinged spicy dark college romance you have definitely arrived. This book was giving mafia with a paranormal twist vibes. First, it hooked its delicious claws in me right from the dedication then the plot and characters had me addicted from beginning to end.
If you love your book boyfriend extra dark, psycho, possessive, and obsessed then Dorian is your man. He is a morally gray cinnamon roll if there ever was one.
Mira is quirky but so dang endearing you just can't help but want to hug her. I freaking love her!
Dorian and Mira have an intense hot connection. I loved how their relationship developed.
Tropes:
Mafia
Morally-gray
Alpha
Jealous/Possessive
Obsessed
Captive
He falls first
Spicy
Dual POV
Check TW
I absolutely recommend this one was fun.
Thank you BookSirens and Rose Gravestone for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC.
If you're looking for an unhinged spicy dark college romance you have definitely arrived. This book was giving mafia with a paranormal twist vibes. First, it hooked its delicious claws in me right from the dedication then the plot and characters had me addicted from beginning to end.
If you love your book boyfriend extra dark, psycho, possessive, and obsessed then Dorian is your man. He is a morally gray cinnamon roll if there ever was one.
Mira is quirky but so dang endearing you just can't help but want to hug her. I freaking love her!
Dorian and Mira have an intense hot connection. I loved how their relationship developed.
Tropes:
Mafia
Morally-gray
Alpha
Jealous/Possessive
Obsessed
Captive
He falls first
Spicy
Dual POV
Check TW
I absolutely recommend this one was fun.
Thank you BookSirens and Rose Gravestone for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC.
January 7, 2026
⛄️ M/F
⛄️ Touch her and 💀
⛄️ Mafia
⛄️ Obsessed MMC
⛄️ Innocent ish FMC
⛄️ Nonchalant FMC
⛄️ Captive/Captor
⛄️ Not a doormat FMC
⛄️ Past Trauma
4.3/5 🌟 Read! This is my first read for 2026 and WOW was that great start to the year.
The whole premise was interesting. It didn’t have your usual FMC who was too meek but also not too badass because honestly it would be quite unrealistic.
This take on a mafia romance with a kind of captive/captor trope to was so interesting because I feel like a lot of novels what happens is the MMC is so pushy and insane but really Dorian was in love. Like bring back MMC’s who actually love the FMC because i’ve been seeing too much asshole-y mmc which makes the book so unlikable. I loved it so much when he would try to get her out of dissociative state because he hates seeing her like that 🥲🥲🥲🥲 Ugh loved this book!
Only thing I will say there were times in the dialogue I felt like it was missing details on emotions if that makes sense, it did feel a little monotone when reading but that could be a nitpicking thing from me!
⛄️ Touch her and 💀
⛄️ Mafia
⛄️ Obsessed MMC
⛄️ Innocent ish FMC
⛄️ Nonchalant FMC
⛄️ Captive/Captor
⛄️ Not a doormat FMC
⛄️ Past Trauma
4.3/5 🌟 Read! This is my first read for 2026 and WOW was that great start to the year.
The whole premise was interesting. It didn’t have your usual FMC who was too meek but also not too badass because honestly it would be quite unrealistic.
This take on a mafia romance with a kind of captive/captor trope to was so interesting because I feel like a lot of novels what happens is the MMC is so pushy and insane but really Dorian was in love. Like bring back MMC’s who actually love the FMC because i’ve been seeing too much asshole-y mmc which makes the book so unlikable. I loved it so much when he would try to get her out of dissociative state because he hates seeing her like that 🥲🥲🥲🥲 Ugh loved this book!
Only thing I will say there were times in the dialogue I felt like it was missing details on emotions if that makes sense, it did feel a little monotone when reading but that could be a nitpicking thing from me!
April 2, 2025
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. The 'tism and trauma elements were definitely present, and I could relate to the way she thinks. However, she did ask "why" way too often, which started to annoy me. Dorian was obsessed—sometimes in a way that made me giddy, but other times it was cringeworthy, especially when he’d say things like wanting to put a baby in her. But we do love an obsessed man. At times it felt immature, like he kept telling her to trust him but didn’t really do much to earn that trust in the beginning. There was a lot of telling and not enough showing. The smut was smuutttingggg, and the premise was interesting, especially with his legion functioning like vigilante assassins. His teammates were interesting enough as well. She conveniently can do a lot of things too...
April 11, 2025
Some parts of this book had me, and some just didn't. The story was interesting even sweet in parts, but it felt like was two stories running side by side that converged in places sometimes. I love that she was a badass with a gun and made her man proud (that spoke to the cavewoman in me). I found myself try to guess the ending and I wasn't right, so that's good lol. I like Mira she was on your typical FMC, it was refreshing.
One thing that I kind of got stuck on was the fact that I never seen a book use the words (or variations of the words) Shirk, Folds and Ethereal quite so often. That being said, I am looking forward to the next one in the series, even if to see how Dorian and Mira are making out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One thing that I kind of got stuck on was the fact that I never seen a book use the words (or variations of the words) Shirk, Folds and Ethereal quite so often. That being said, I am looking forward to the next one in the series, even if to see how Dorian and Mira are making out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
She is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and accidentally stumbles into something she never should have seen. When she is caught, she is taken hostage to make sure she doesn't compromise what she has seen. She is frustrated and angry that she is being kept, but he is enjoying his little captive. He likes having her close. He wants to keep her. She is very torn over her feelings wanting to deny them knowing that he is not the person she should be falling for, she shouldn't be attracted to him. He is morally gray, she is neurodivergent. They have such a unique relationship and chemistry. The spice is very steamy, with him being all about the pleasure and being in control. It was a spicy adventure. I did think it drifted a little at times and ramped up quickly then coasted for awhile. I will read the second book and see if it pulls me in and if we get to revisit these characters.
September 8, 2025
Mira and Dorian’s Greywood Legionaries book one is a well written start to what I hope is a fantastic series . There are a lot of triggers; beatings, deaths, rapes in the past. Please read the list prior to starting this series. That being said Mira is full of life and though she disassociates multiple times and due to multiple events, she is one kick butt female ! She is an empathic with humans as well as animals and can shoot most firearms with ease and accuracy. Dorian is part of the Bratva under Sergei and he and his 2 other legionaries make up a trio of well intended Greywood students who want to leave the town and university better than they left it. I adore these characters and can’t wait for book 2. 4✨’s. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2025
This book was so interesting and good to read!!! As soon as I read the synopsis I immediately thought it was going to be an interesting reading and that I would like it but I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I ended up liking it. I literally read this book in one day, the author's writing is so fluid, the characters have interesting personalities, the whole dynamics of the book captivated me a lot to be honest. I loved the book and now I can't wait for the next book with the next couple who have already made me interested in this first book. I really recommend reading this book because it's really worth it!🤭
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🖤
May 26, 2025
Dark romance, forced proximity, complicated pasts, morally gray MMC, and some intense spice. As I’ve learned reading a book from Gravestone, is that it will be full of rich dialogue and detail, her writing is so well done that it pulls you into the story right from the start. This was no different! Mira, sweet Mira, starting off talking to a pack of wolves had me tense for a few moments thinking something was going to go terribly wrong. Phew! At least not the wolves, anyhow, after unintentionally interrupting a crime. Dorian is a delicious character whom I wouldn’t mind being stuck in a gothic manor with 😉.
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.
June 9, 2025
Thank you for letting me read your book! While I know this book lists its TWs, others, please be aware that there is dubcon. I actually appreciated the way it was displayed by Gravestone, but it's worth noting!
I love FMC and her crystal-girl style. I love that deep down she is iron but doesn't place it on display. The relationship between MCs is one of the inevitable push-pull, but does have spatterings of the 'underworld' inside. I would have liked to see that expounded upon more frequently throughout the book. When FMC finds herself in the position she's in, I feel like I could use a little more seedy underbelly. Most of that came to fruition near the end, and it was appreciated.
A well-written book that reads easily. Highly suggest!
I love FMC and her crystal-girl style. I love that deep down she is iron but doesn't place it on display. The relationship between MCs is one of the inevitable push-pull, but does have spatterings of the 'underworld' inside. I would have liked to see that expounded upon more frequently throughout the book. When FMC finds herself in the position she's in, I feel like I could use a little more seedy underbelly. Most of that came to fruition near the end, and it was appreciated.
A well-written book that reads easily. Highly suggest!
April 22, 2025
I was intrigued by the blurb of this book, and whilst it didn't disppoint I felt It lacked that oomph it needed. A whimsical almost childlike Mira has had a tough life, she is resilient and determined and certainly doesn't need Dorian to protect her. But he breaks down her barriers and together they grow closer.
I loved the nature side with the wolves and the foxes which is unusual in mafia type books.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series as I think Rose is a talented author.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the nature side with the wolves and the foxes which is unusual in mafia type books.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series as I think Rose is a talented author.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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