What do you think?
Rate this book
Den of Deception #2
Degradation
I thought I'd found allies in the kings of Kappa Iota Pi—my step-brother and his two best friends. But avarice doesn't just exist in the gold plated corridors of Richmond U and my stepfather taught them well.
Shade, with his calculated cruelty.
Mav, with his barely controlled violence.
Blake, with his digital empire and a darkness in his mind that rivals my own.
Three alphas who think they’re the masters of manipulation, playing games with their newest, broken toy.
They don’t realize that the greatest threat to them will be exactly what they helped create.
Me.
They taught me what real people are like. They showed me what the real world is. Corrupt and apathetic. They think I’m vulnerable. Weak. Stupid. They don’t know that The Heath taught me how to wear compliance and obedience like a mask. By the time they realize that everything they think they know about me is wrong, it’ll be far too late to go back. I’m about to about to reshape their world and they aren’t going to like it.
But they will learn who I am and I wish them luck.
They’re going to need it.
—
As institutional shadows bleed into fraternity halls, three alphas are about to learn their perfectly controlled chaos agent has become something far more lethal—their perfect match. Their darkest desires, their beautiful destruction... It's all hers.
Degradation is the second book in the Den of Deception series. Daisy, the FMC in this dark contemporary series is neurodivergent. If you adore enemies to lovers, college bully, and FMCs who come into their own, this series is definitely for you!
Click to read the second instalment of this exciting series now!
(Please note that no part of this story, nor any others by Kyra Alessy, were written with or by AI.)
Shade, with his calculated cruelty.
Mav, with his barely controlled violence.
Blake, with his digital empire and a darkness in his mind that rivals my own.
Three alphas who think they’re the masters of manipulation, playing games with their newest, broken toy.
They don’t realize that the greatest threat to them will be exactly what they helped create.
Me.
They taught me what real people are like. They showed me what the real world is. Corrupt and apathetic. They think I’m vulnerable. Weak. Stupid. They don’t know that The Heath taught me how to wear compliance and obedience like a mask. By the time they realize that everything they think they know about me is wrong, it’ll be far too late to go back. I’m about to about to reshape their world and they aren’t going to like it.
But they will learn who I am and I wish them luck.
They’re going to need it.
—
As institutional shadows bleed into fraternity halls, three alphas are about to learn their perfectly controlled chaos agent has become something far more lethal—their perfect match. Their darkest desires, their beautiful destruction... It's all hers.
Degradation is the second book in the Den of Deception series. Daisy, the FMC in this dark contemporary series is neurodivergent. If you adore enemies to lovers, college bully, and FMCs who come into their own, this series is definitely for you!
Click to read the second instalment of this exciting series now!
(Please note that no part of this story, nor any others by Kyra Alessy, were written with or by AI.)
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
95 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Alessy
33 books504 followersDark Fantasies. Dark Antiheroes. Dark Romance.
Kyra was 18 when she read her first romance, 19 when she left the US for the UK, 20 when she decided to stay in London, 25 when she met her now husband, 30 when she got married, 31 when she had kid 1, 33 when she had kid 2, and 36 when she was diagnosed as autistic.
She now lives a few miles outside London with her husband, the two (likely neurodivergent) kids, and a cuddly cocker spaniel named Patch who likes to roll in bird crap.
Not all of her stories have neurodivergent FMCs but representation is important, especially when so many women are not diagnosed until well into later life!
She writes PNR, Romantasy, and Contemporary why choose where the enemies to lovers journey is rough but worth it!
Take a look at her website, or subscribe to the newsletter for info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the worlds and characters she’s created.
Follow her on Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter or Facebook for all the up-to-date info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the Dark Brothers' world - where the road to happily ever after might be rough, but its well worth the journey!!
The best place to talk about her books is on Discord, where there’s a channel for every series and the spoiler threads!
Kyra was 18 when she read her first romance, 19 when she left the US for the UK, 20 when she decided to stay in London, 25 when she met her now husband, 30 when she got married, 31 when she had kid 1, 33 when she had kid 2, and 36 when she was diagnosed as autistic.
She now lives a few miles outside London with her husband, the two (likely neurodivergent) kids, and a cuddly cocker spaniel named Patch who likes to roll in bird crap.
Not all of her stories have neurodivergent FMCs but representation is important, especially when so many women are not diagnosed until well into later life!
She writes PNR, Romantasy, and Contemporary why choose where the enemies to lovers journey is rough but worth it!
Take a look at her website, or subscribe to the newsletter for info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the worlds and characters she’s created.
Follow her on Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter or Facebook for all the up-to-date info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the Dark Brothers' world - where the road to happily ever after might be rough, but its well worth the journey!!
The best place to talk about her books is on Discord, where there’s a channel for every series and the spoiler threads!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 13, 2025
You know i love you Kyra,but why do you leave me with another KILLER cliffhanger?
I thought the one you left me with in Distortion was bad,but this…….
Degradation was supposed to help,and it did….mostly.
You gave me all the emotions i’ve grown to love in your stories,the good,the bad and everything inbetween.
But dropping that bomb at the end?
I’m not sure how to survive thát!
I was enjoying the progress Daisy and her boys were making.
The growth she’s showing,the friends she’s making.
And Shade,Mav and Blake are finally seeing her for who she is…..and they like it.
They’re showing her they care about her,in all sorts of ways…..without actually groveling.
They’re getting closer,and i love that for her,and yes,i love it for them,too.
At the same time,i know they still have ways to go,but given the opportunity,i’m sure they’ll get there.
I admit i’m still anxious about that stalker,because what are his real intentions?
But at least she doesn’t have to do the research he wants her to do alone,she’s got friends like Lu,and others, willing to help.
The things they find,though….they paint a different picture than what appears to have happened to her mother,and it’s not good.
Plus,i’m still wondering about what happened all those years ago….and why Daisy doesn’t remember.
Who did what,and why?
And there’s something sinister going on,other than what i already knew…..something that involves Shade’s father,John.
So,when he orders Shade and Daisy to come home for dinner,i was already worried.
Turns out,i was right,because that’s where that KILLER clifhanger strikes!!
Please tell me Provocation is coming soon…..PLEASE!!!
I thought the one you left me with in Distortion was bad,but this…….
Degradation was supposed to help,and it did….mostly.
You gave me all the emotions i’ve grown to love in your stories,the good,the bad and everything inbetween.
But dropping that bomb at the end?
I’m not sure how to survive thát!
I was enjoying the progress Daisy and her boys were making.
The growth she’s showing,the friends she’s making.
And Shade,Mav and Blake are finally seeing her for who she is…..and they like it.
They’re showing her they care about her,in all sorts of ways…..without actually groveling.
They’re getting closer,and i love that for her,and yes,i love it for them,too.
At the same time,i know they still have ways to go,but given the opportunity,i’m sure they’ll get there.
I admit i’m still anxious about that stalker,because what are his real intentions?
But at least she doesn’t have to do the research he wants her to do alone,she’s got friends like Lu,and others, willing to help.
The things they find,though….they paint a different picture than what appears to have happened to her mother,and it’s not good.
Plus,i’m still wondering about what happened all those years ago….and why Daisy doesn’t remember.
Who did what,and why?
And there’s something sinister going on,other than what i already knew…..something that involves Shade’s father,John.
So,when he orders Shade and Daisy to come home for dinner,i was already worried.
Turns out,i was right,because that’s where that KILLER clifhanger strikes!!
Please tell me Provocation is coming soon…..PLEASE!!!
March 14, 2025
I had the honor of receiving this ARC. Kyra Alessy does it again, capturing my attention with another great read.
So we got to read quite a bit of Daisy's one-on-one time with the guys, as well as a few group times. Mav is still my favorite of the group. I liked it when Shade finally came around to the idea of being with her. Telling the other two, "here's what's going to happen. You two are going to do what I say and, when my pretty little stepsister is ready for me, you're going to watch me f**k her." When Shade said this, I was so happy! I was like that's right, you get your girl.
I cannot stand John Novelle. The part in the book where Daisy had to go to the medical building due to a migraine and could not get any medication for it. It's like he is purposely trying to make her suffer.
The way this story ends on a cliffhanger makes me wish every time it could be longer. I hope we get more answers in the next book.
So now a few things I was hoping to see in this book.
1) a little more info on Daisy's time at the Heath, which we did not get.
2) The incident that happened when she was 13. We did get a little, but not a whole lot. Just that she made up what happened bc she thought that's what they wanted.
3) We still don't know who's leaving the notes, just that they are getting more aggressive.
4) we still don't know what John Novelle is up to, except he may be the reason Daisy's mom is dead.
5) Why does John hate Daisy so much and why is he out to get her?
So we got to read quite a bit of Daisy's one-on-one time with the guys, as well as a few group times. Mav is still my favorite of the group. I liked it when Shade finally came around to the idea of being with her. Telling the other two, "here's what's going to happen. You two are going to do what I say and, when my pretty little stepsister is ready for me, you're going to watch me f**k her." When Shade said this, I was so happy! I was like that's right, you get your girl.
I cannot stand John Novelle. The part in the book where Daisy had to go to the medical building due to a migraine and could not get any medication for it. It's like he is purposely trying to make her suffer.
The way this story ends on a cliffhanger makes me wish every time it could be longer. I hope we get more answers in the next book.
So now a few things I was hoping to see in this book.
1) a little more info on Daisy's time at the Heath, which we did not get.
2) The incident that happened when she was 13. We did get a little, but not a whole lot. Just that she made up what happened bc she thought that's what they wanted.
3) We still don't know who's leaving the notes, just that they are getting more aggressive.
4) we still don't know what John Novelle is up to, except he may be the reason Daisy's mom is dead.
5) Why does John hate Daisy so much and why is he out to get her?
March 20, 2025
Kyra has done it again! I inhaled this book in one sitting and my only regret is that there isn't more of it! I absolutely adore Daisy and I love how she's coming into her own. I also love watching her relationships with the boys grow and how patient and understanding they are with her. That cliffhanger though... I don't know why you hate us so much, Kyra!
March 30, 2025
THE CLIFFHANGER OMG!!! Love seeing daisy grow into herself :))
March 15, 2025
This book picks up right where book 1 ended (on a brutal cliffhanger...again).
The FMC Daisy is autistic and working hard to fit into college life and the world in general after spending most of her life in a clinic meant to make her appear more "normal." However, there are people who are determined to make an already difficult task as hard for her as possible.
Her stepbrother, Shade, and his two best friends, Mav and Blake, used to be among the people trying to get rid of her. Mostly because they didn't want her stumbling on their secrets. It's when she begins to advocate for herself that the guys realize how intelligent and resilient she is. Now they don't want to be without her.
As they all get closer, Daisy works out some of their secrets, and they find out some of hers. She needs their help, but they also need her if they are going to succeed. They have many enemies, the biggest one being Shade's father and Daisy's step-dad, who has his own plans to keep everyone under his control.
The FMC Daisy is autistic and working hard to fit into college life and the world in general after spending most of her life in a clinic meant to make her appear more "normal." However, there are people who are determined to make an already difficult task as hard for her as possible.
Her stepbrother, Shade, and his two best friends, Mav and Blake, used to be among the people trying to get rid of her. Mostly because they didn't want her stumbling on their secrets. It's when she begins to advocate for herself that the guys realize how intelligent and resilient she is. Now they don't want to be without her.
As they all get closer, Daisy works out some of their secrets, and they find out some of hers. She needs their help, but they also need her if they are going to succeed. They have many enemies, the biggest one being Shade's father and Daisy's step-dad, who has his own plans to keep everyone under his control.
March 12, 2025
I’m totally loving this series😍😍, I was so hooked into it that I finished it in one sitting. We got more character growth of all main characters and more back story on them. Specifically daisy’s, I loved how confident in herself she’s becoming. Still needs more work but hopefully once the boys prove to be more trustworthy she can grow more. Them boys really need to man up as well, they need to learn to trust her more and understand that she can handle more than they think. I love Daisy so much she so lovable and extremely smart. She just honestly needs a good support system to thrive and hopefully the boys can come that. That ending was not expected, I need to know more😫. How much will this affect their most recent plans and will it shift the story a lot? Will Daisy’s plans completely change? What will the boys do to stop it from happening? I need answers😤. I also want to see more grovel from the boys for what they are putting my girl Daisy through.
March 13, 2025
We meet up with Daisy as well as Shade, Mav, and Blake. The story basically continues where book 1 leaves off. This book definitely takes us on a crazy ride. It is jammed packed with drama and suspense. We see Daisy growing so much in this one. I absolutely love her personality. She has an innocence that you can’t help but love. She is becoming so much more confident in herself. You can’t help but cheer for her. The guys are showing sides that you would never expect to see from them as well as their own growth. It is an addictive series that quickly draws you in. It is extremely well written and developed. The story is one that takes us on a crazy journey that you will not easily forget. We then get to this major cliffhanger at the end that has super excited to see what is going to happen next.
March 14, 2025
What. A. Mind. Trip!
What was that ending?! Ah, hell no! 😳
I literally can't wait for book three. I need answers, Kyra, ANSWERS! I have so many questions.
Daisy's relationship with Shade, Mav, and Blake continue to grow and be tested.
We see character growth happening in all four, and it's glorious.
We also see more of the power John Novelle holds and flaunts.
Alliances are tested.
Secrets are revealed.
April's death, however, still remains a mystery.
There's also more to Lu than originally thought.
If you're in the mood for a mind-bending, psychological, dark academia, dark reverse harem, then this is the book series for you!
What was that ending?! Ah, hell no! 😳
I literally can't wait for book three. I need answers, Kyra, ANSWERS! I have so many questions.
Daisy's relationship with Shade, Mav, and Blake continue to grow and be tested.
We see character growth happening in all four, and it's glorious.
We also see more of the power John Novelle holds and flaunts.
Alliances are tested.
Secrets are revealed.
April's death, however, still remains a mystery.
There's also more to Lu than originally thought.
If you're in the mood for a mind-bending, psychological, dark academia, dark reverse harem, then this is the book series for you!
March 15, 2025
Wow! An awesome second book of the Den of Deception series! This is a why choose dark romance book with the main a girl with autism. She has been treated badly and is trying to change her life. More information about Mav, Blake, and Shade are revealed. Daisy is learning more about what happened to her mom and helping the boys. She figures out what they are doing and turns it to help herself. Still an unknown person is sending notes about her mom. It ends in a Cliffhanger but next book comes in a few months! That ending! OMG!
March 20, 2025
I’m so glad that Degradation picks up from the first book Distortion but really another massive cliffhanger. I’m hanging on by a thread. I need the next book asap!!!
This book was awesome. I love how Daisy is learning more about herself and how she’s finding out the guys secrets. Shade her step brother and his friends Blake and Mav are understanding Daisy better and how they all have to band together against Shades dad who is Daisy’s stepfather. Lots of twist and turns. Interesting beginning to end. Kept me hooked. Now I definitely need the next book!!!
This book was awesome. I love how Daisy is learning more about herself and how she’s finding out the guys secrets. Shade her step brother and his friends Blake and Mav are understanding Daisy better and how they all have to band together against Shades dad who is Daisy’s stepfather. Lots of twist and turns. Interesting beginning to end. Kept me hooked. Now I definitely need the next book!!!
March 17, 2025
The story continues and what a freaking fantastic ride!! I love the story, the characters, the secrets and THAT ENDING!! I’m gonna need some recovery time with that cliffhanger! Lol. This series has quickly become one of my favorites!!
Distortion (book1) leaves us on quite a cliffhanger. I was counting down the day for Degradation (book 2) and it was just as good as the first book! We learned a little more about the overarching plot, got to know the characters a bit more and some excellent spice!
Daisy’s resilience is astounding. The boys growth throughout this book is incredible. I love their moments of honesty and how they genuinely care for her. They learn and understand her aversions and work to make her happy and safe.
I cannot recommend this one enough. If you like why choose, step-brother, a smart FMC, spice but with a serious plot what are you waiting for? Get started with book one now!
Distortion (book1) leaves us on quite a cliffhanger. I was counting down the day for Degradation (book 2) and it was just as good as the first book! We learned a little more about the overarching plot, got to know the characters a bit more and some excellent spice!
Daisy’s resilience is astounding. The boys growth throughout this book is incredible. I love their moments of honesty and how they genuinely care for her. They learn and understand her aversions and work to make her happy and safe.
I cannot recommend this one enough. If you like why choose, step-brother, a smart FMC, spice but with a serious plot what are you waiting for? Get started with book one now!
March 15, 2025
Absolutely devoured this. I love these characters so much. I’m pretty sure Daisy is my favorite FMC. Period.
So much happened in this book that answered previous questions and created so many more. I have my theories and I cannot wait to see the truth revealed.
Added note: the spice in this was great. I didn’t know wholesome smut could be achieved. That’s the best way I could describe it.
THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH?! Absolutely unfair. Will be eagerly awaiting the third book.
So much happened in this book that answered previous questions and created so many more. I have my theories and I cannot wait to see the truth revealed.
Added note: the spice in this was great. I didn’t know wholesome smut could be achieved. That’s the best way I could describe it.
THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH?! Absolutely unfair. Will be eagerly awaiting the third book.
March 22, 2025
This series is so rough to read, but it’s an addicting story! So many emotions and difficult, dark moments. The injustices keep stacking up against Daisy and we see her struggle to carve out some autonomy in a world where all of her rights have been stripped away and she’s treated with so much inhumanity. I knew that cliffhanger was coming but my god it didn’t make it any better to read. I’m hoping and praying there will be a shallow grave for all these slimeballs, but I know there are still 3 more books to go before we’ll see a happy ending 😩😩😩
March 24, 2025
I love this series so much!! And this second book was amazing!! It basically picked up right after the events of Book 1, and it was a wild ride right to the end. We got to learn more about all the guys, and their relationships with Daisy all grew. Daisy was really starting to come into here own and gain some confidence too. But why, oh why Kyra did you have to leave us with that cliffhanger?!?!? I need the next book now!!
April 11, 2025
This is a wild, addictive ride that blends dark romance with real emotional depth. Daisy is such a complex and strong character—you can’t help but root for her as she deals with a messed-up world and finds her own power. Shade, Mav, and Blake bring all the heat and tension, and their dynamic with Daisy keeps things intense. The story's got plenty of twists, spice, and heart. If you're into dark, twisty romance with strong characters and a gripping plot, this one’s totally worth the read.And what the hell is up with that ending???!! I need book 3 asap 🙏
March 21, 2025
I am once again stunned by Kyra Alessy! And with another cliffhanger!!! Why?!?
Degradation picks up where Distortion left off.
Daisy is making so much progress and her boys as well, working towards actually SEEING Daisy instead of listening to all the lies and preconceived notions.
And that scene with Shade? *swoon* I don’t want to spoil it but holy…or not so holy…
So much drama still and so much more to come! I’m anxious about the stalker and John? Seems shady.
I really hope the end is not THE END. I cannot wait until the next installment!
Degradation picks up where Distortion left off.
Daisy is making so much progress and her boys as well, working towards actually SEEING Daisy instead of listening to all the lies and preconceived notions.
And that scene with Shade? *swoon* I don’t want to spoil it but holy…or not so holy…
So much drama still and so much more to come! I’m anxious about the stalker and John? Seems shady.
I really hope the end is not THE END. I cannot wait until the next installment!
March 22, 2025
This is part 2 make sure you read one to understand what is going on in book 2.
Good deal of spice and alot real life issues. A why choose theme.
Daisy is still struggling to survive in the world she don't know. The three guys are helping her understand emotions and sex.
She know about the second drug and going to make her move to free herself from John.
The cliffhanger is a killer I can't wait to read the next one.
Good deal of spice and alot real life issues. A why choose theme.
Daisy is still struggling to survive in the world she don't know. The three guys are helping her understand emotions and sex.
She know about the second drug and going to make her move to free herself from John.
The cliffhanger is a killer I can't wait to read the next one.
April 1, 2025
Degradation picks up right where distortion left off. Daisy is scared out of her mind thinking she is going to go back to The Heath and leaves the party at the frat house scared and confused. Daisy for the most part has no trust in the people that surround her and you can tell that that is one of her issues impacting her life. Because Daisy is on the spectrum words are misconstrued for her and she takes them on more of the literal sense. To watch as the relationship evolves between Daisy Jake, Mav and Blake has you swooning. These men who in the beginning have an ulterior motive but slowly get to know her and understand how her mind works has you smiling as the story continues. Daisy brings a lot to the table and she slowly starts coming out of her shell. The way we get to see her speak for herself proves that she is a force to be reckoned with and these boys do not know what her full potential is. Degradation is the second book in the Den of deception series and does end in a cliffhanger. I just can’t get enough of Daisy and her men and can’t wait for the third book in the series.
The nose boop was the cutest thing ever loved it.
The nose boop was the cutest thing ever loved it.
March 20, 2025
This was an amazing read, with many ups and downs, lefts and rights. When you think you have everything figured out, you are so wrong. I can't wait to find out who our hidden cammer person is and if she goes through with...
March 20, 2025
Another great dark gritty gripping book by KA with another cliffhanger! But anyways, Daisy is growing, learning how to fit in and trying to solve misteries. Loved it, especially the glimpses into their past and can't wait for the third book.
March 21, 2025
…Don’t mind me just you know picking up my jaw after finishing book 2. I thought book 1 was good but book 2 was even better. I loved seeing the boys becoming feral for sweet Daisy girl. I absolutely adore Daisy and loved seeing her start to shine. I also absolutely love Lu and her friendship with Daisy. I am loving this series especially all the mystery vibes. Now that ending though—that was cruel. I will be patiently but not so patiently be waiting for book 3!
March 16, 2025
Holy Cliff Hangers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Can’t wait to have questions answered and see how the boys go after John after that bombshell at the end!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Can’t wait to have questions answered and see how the boys go after John after that bombshell at the end!
March 20, 2025
Oh my god!!! That is not the cliffhanger you left us with!!
This book pulls you in from the start. It gives you all the emotions. I laughed! cried!
To see how she is with each of them and the woman she’s becoming
This series has me engaged and I’m excited to read provocation
This book pulls you in from the start. It gives you all the emotions. I laughed! cried!
To see how she is with each of them and the woman she’s becoming
This series has me engaged and I’m excited to read provocation
March 24, 2025
A gripping read as autistic Daisy's relationship with the guys grows as they realise how wrong they were about her and she is determined not to be sent back to The Heath. I felt for Daisy with the bullying. The notes continue to arrive in connection to her mother's death and she and Lu investigate. There's a lot of mystery and very unlikeable people as Daisy grows stronger. The cliffhanger was stunning. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
March 21, 2025
This was a perfect read for my cruise. That way when the cliffhanger happened (again), I didn't toss my kindle in the ocean.
What an amazing book 2. Daisy's story unfolds and the boys are starting to grow on me. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received an advanced copy for a fair and honest review.
What an amazing book 2. Daisy's story unfolds and the boys are starting to grow on me. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received an advanced copy for a fair and honest review.
March 24, 2025
Can't wait for book 3!
April 3, 2025
five stars
So Good!!! First time reading a book from Kyra! I binge read this series in one sitting. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
So Good!!! First time reading a book from Kyra! I binge read this series in one sitting. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
March 28, 2025
Of course Kyra leaves us on another cliffhanger and now I have to wait for the next book.
Daisy again is a fantastic FMC. She’s starting to build her relationship with the guys and they adore her and they are very understanding with her.
Daisy again is a fantastic FMC. She’s starting to build her relationship with the guys and they adore her and they are very understanding with her.
March 20, 2025
kyra has done it again
edge of your seat page turner 5 star read this is absolutely amazing be prepared it ends on a cliffhanger
once I get my head round it I will add to my review
definitely a 5 star read
edge of your seat page turner 5 star read this is absolutely amazing be prepared it ends on a cliffhanger
once I get my head round it I will add to my review
definitely a 5 star read
June 16, 2025
We’re having fun. I love the direction this story is headed. Very exciting and twisty turny. Luckily I only have a few weeks for the next one to drop, but then I’m going to be waiting on bated breath for those last two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews