What do you think?
Blackwell Beasts #1
Gather the Storm
9 hours and 20 minutes
Five years ago three men confessed to killing my brother.
Now I'm living with them.
Five years ago I was falsely accused of murder. Then three gorgeous enigmatic men confessed to the crime.
Otis: the quirky protector who worships the ground I walk on.
Wolf: my dead brother’s best friend, older and forbidden to touch me.
Jace: the bully who despises me.
The newspapers called them the Blackwell Beasts. Were they scapegoats for someone else's crime?
Or is one - or all of them - a killer?
Now that we're living together, I'm prepared for any possibility - except falling for the three men who may have murdered my brother.
Five years ago three men confessed to killing my brother.
Now I'm living with them.
Five years ago I was falsely accused of murder. Then three gorgeous enigmatic men confessed to the crime.
Otis: the quirky protector who worships the ground I walk on.
Wolf: my dead brother’s best friend, older and forbidden to touch me.
Jace: the bully who despises me.
The newspapers called them the Blackwell Beasts. Were they scapegoats for someone else's crime?
Or is one - or all of them - a killer?
Now that we're living together, I'm prepared for any possibility - except falling for the three men who may have murdered my brother.
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
July 21, 2024
July 2024
So okay... it isn't bad, the characters are interesting. But for me, it reads like a YA book. It is so full of... repetitive whining and dithering. The main mc who is supposedly 20 acts more like she's 16. I don't know that I can really describe my issues, because I like the idea of the story, but for me it's not there yet.
So okay... it isn't bad, the characters are interesting. But for me, it reads like a YA book. It is so full of... repetitive whining and dithering. The main mc who is supposedly 20 acts more like she's 16. I don't know that I can really describe my issues, because I like the idea of the story, but for me it's not there yet.
May 2, 2025
DNF 45%. I don’t know who wants to read about a Mary Sue FMC in heat, but it’s not me. Their breathing alone makes her weak in the knees. Stand up! They’re just men!!
Yet because of them, her ‘pussy’ is mentioned 72 entire times!!! 72!!! ‘Virgin/virginal’? was mentioned 49 times. *eye twitches*
Yeah, I know what I signed up for ~in general~, but they both even felt like a little much after they were only mentioned once.
It also seems like the author thinks we’re dumb? Maybe it’s implied by the fact that we continue to read on, but she frequently recaps things that literally just happened, in detail. Like, we know, we were there. We weren’t all that impressed with it the first time around, either.
If a guy got rid of my clothes to replace them with sluttier versions, I’d be furious. If he got rid of my comfy clothes and exchanged them with too small versions of pajamas? He’d be dead.
She uses this very moment to fuel her anger towards both the situation and the men she’s enrolled herself in, making us eager to finally see her retaliation… which is apparently just silently eating with them while the men take over her living space and then she promptly falls asleep.
Wow, girl, you really showed them.
She also sees the ghosts of her ancestors living amongst them for like two seconds and then we’re back to regularly scheduled thirsting over mediocre men. Like, c’mon! That was almost cool.
Their conclusion of the purpose behind a mysterious package she receives is idiotic, which shouldn’t come as a surprise at this point. Why would it possibly be about anything but the house? The renovations will obviously reveal something! Duh!
Are they really so self involved to think any threats must be about the crime they’ve already done the time for? I want the number for the jail that they were amazingly placed in together despite all pleading guilty as coconspirators in the same offense.
They obviously weren’t humbled enough while inside and might need to do some weekend stays to make up for it. At the very least, it might encourage them to leave that poor dumb girl alone for a time.
“They were planning something,” she deduces after watching them speak at length in a huddle outside. Forget interior design, she should be a detective.
‘Cock’ is mentioned 47 times, ‘dick’ (99), ‘fuck’ (380).
I might’ve had a little fun searching up the frequency of overused words, but that was the most entertainment I found here.
Here’s an excerpt that summarizes it well:
“It was bad. Like, really bad.” (p. 160)
Yet because of them, her ‘pussy’ is mentioned 72 entire times!!! 72!!! ‘Virgin/virginal’? was mentioned 49 times. *eye twitches*
Yeah, I know what I signed up for ~in general~, but they both even felt like a little much after they were only mentioned once.
It also seems like the author thinks we’re dumb? Maybe it’s implied by the fact that we continue to read on, but she frequently recaps things that literally just happened, in detail. Like, we know, we were there. We weren’t all that impressed with it the first time around, either.
If a guy got rid of my clothes to replace them with sluttier versions, I’d be furious. If he got rid of my comfy clothes and exchanged them with too small versions of pajamas? He’d be dead.
She uses this very moment to fuel her anger towards both the situation and the men she’s enrolled herself in, making us eager to finally see her retaliation… which is apparently just silently eating with them while the men take over her living space and then she promptly falls asleep.
Wow, girl, you really showed them.
She also sees the ghosts of her ancestors living amongst them for like two seconds and then we’re back to regularly scheduled thirsting over mediocre men. Like, c’mon! That was almost cool.
Their conclusion of the purpose behind a mysterious package she receives is idiotic, which shouldn’t come as a surprise at this point. Why would it possibly be about anything but the house? The renovations will obviously reveal something! Duh!
Are they really so self involved to think any threats must be about the crime they’ve already done the time for? I want the number for the jail that they were amazingly placed in together despite all pleading guilty as coconspirators in the same offense.
They obviously weren’t humbled enough while inside and might need to do some weekend stays to make up for it. At the very least, it might encourage them to leave that poor dumb girl alone for a time.
“They were planning something,” she deduces after watching them speak at length in a huddle outside. Forget interior design, she should be a detective.
‘Cock’ is mentioned 47 times, ‘dick’ (99), ‘fuck’ (380).
I might’ve had a little fun searching up the frequency of overused words, but that was the most entertainment I found here.
Here’s an excerpt that summarizes it well:
“It was bad. Like, really bad.” (p. 160)
July 28, 2025
This was a slow burn to start. Based off the description, I wasn’t sure how Daisy would end up living with her brothers killers. The setup seemed almost too simplistic and unrealistic (hence 4⭐️). The book took off and I really enjoyed it, so much so I ignored everyone and read all day long. Finished this book and of course it ends on a cliffhanger so immediately had to pick up book 2!
June 1, 2025
I'll just leave my review on all the books. Since that's where you gotta start for this book to make sense. This amazing why choose MFMM book was hot 🥵🔥 Jace of course was my favorite because well I have a thing for grumpy alpha a holes 🥴🤪🤣 I made have squealed like a school girl when the King's and Bastards was mentioned. Especially Rafe cause I love that man the most so far. Book two was omg but I knew she didn't hate us enough to keep that storyline going. That didn't mean I didn't shed tears cause those book two cliffhangers are the worst. Otis and Wolf are equally as steamy as the rest of the men from these books. Absolutely must read books.
Read
November 25, 2025DNF - I couldn’t get over the heroine being dumb enough to meet alone with the guys she thought killed her brother and then move in with them just to see if they actually did it. Then she’s a 20 year old virgin. Of course.
Otis was the only character with really interesting thoughts but I couldn’t keep reading even for him. The amount of pussy clenching if the hot guys even breathed her way was too much. I skipped to the devirginizing and realized it didn’t get any better so Hard pass, which is sad bc the blurb sounded really good.
Otis was the only character with really interesting thoughts but I couldn’t keep reading even for him. The amount of pussy clenching if the hot guys even breathed her way was too much. I skipped to the devirginizing and realized it didn’t get any better so Hard pass, which is sad bc the blurb sounded really good.
June 11, 2024
Yess! I loved this so much. Sadie had me hooked on this world when I read the Aventine University series!!
Daisy and these boys holy hottt tamales! There is so much tension with these boys!
Spicy ✔️
Cliffhanger that will leave you gawking with you mouth open at the screen ✔️
Virgin FMC ✔️
3 spicy af men who secretly “love” the FMC ✔️
Gosh this book was a ride that I am here for! I can’t wait to see what happens next but I’m a little nervous for the next cliffhanger now lol!
Daisy and these boys holy hottt tamales! There is so much tension with these boys!
Spicy ✔️
Cliffhanger that will leave you gawking with you mouth open at the screen ✔️
Virgin FMC ✔️
3 spicy af men who secretly “love” the FMC ✔️
Gosh this book was a ride that I am here for! I can’t wait to see what happens next but I’m a little nervous for the next cliffhanger now lol!
January 9, 2025
If you’re looking for a why choose with a heavy plot and a murder mystery vibe this one is for you! Really enjoyed this one and it was a good building block for the rest of the trilogy. The book is a little crass so if that’s not your fave style then this might not be for you. 4 stars due to the slow pace in the middle.
Brothers best friends (3 MMCs)
Suspense
Who did it?
Why choose
Brothers best friends (3 MMCs)
Suspense
Who did it?
Why choose
June 15, 2026
I decided to pick this up after finishing the Aventine series, and in the final book they mentioned Daisy and a quick brush over the "Blackwell Beasts"
Five years ago Daisy discovered her brothers body and came the suspect fir his murder, until his nests friends Wolf, Jace and Otis came forward and confessed.
But noone knows if they truly did it.
Five years later and none the wiser, the trio are released from prison and Daisy is determined to discover what happened. She uses the house her mother left her as an excuse. Asking them to help her renovate it. Surely things can slip up...
What she dudnt expect was the old crush she had for all those years to come rushing back , stronger than ever, despite not finding anything out.
The king's are in this still too which always makes me happy - to see previous characters, especially if they're connected.
Which suddenly we see they are. Girls are still going missing. The ring they thought they destroyed, they apparently didn't. And Daisy is next on the list.....
This is very much in the sane tone as the kings books.The beasts the same kind of characters ....jace being the one that's off to Daisy, Wolf is kind and soft to her and Otis is caring and encouraging.
A good second series to start and hope it carries on!
Five years ago Daisy discovered her brothers body and came the suspect fir his murder, until his nests friends Wolf, Jace and Otis came forward and confessed.
But noone knows if they truly did it.
Five years later and none the wiser, the trio are released from prison and Daisy is determined to discover what happened. She uses the house her mother left her as an excuse. Asking them to help her renovate it. Surely things can slip up...
What she dudnt expect was the old crush she had for all those years to come rushing back , stronger than ever, despite not finding anything out.
The king's are in this still too which always makes me happy - to see previous characters, especially if they're connected.
Which suddenly we see they are. Girls are still going missing. The ring they thought they destroyed, they apparently didn't. And Daisy is next on the list.....
This is very much in the sane tone as the kings books.The beasts the same kind of characters ....jace being the one that's off to Daisy, Wolf is kind and soft to her and Otis is caring and encouraging.
A good second series to start and hope it carries on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
August 10, 2026I never give a star rating on a dnf. But holy crap. Spoilers maybe?
Jesus. This main character is the worst. You think inviting the men who killed your brother to live with you is a good idea because they may tell you the truth. Mam. You are only thinking this because they are just so undeniably hot that you trust them. Hotness does not equate trust here. You are an actual idiot.
Then we have three walking cliches of men with the emotional maturity of a teaspoon. You made the choice to confess for the murder. You did that. It wasn't her fault so why are you acting like a huge man child. Over this already.
Then we get this weird power dynamic added where he wants to control her and make up rules and play at being some dom but it falls unbelievably short here.
I just can't. These are 20 and 24 year old stuck emotionally at 16. Even that first few chapters of the "before" her description of the super hot tattooed bad boys who are seniors in high school. *Gag*.
Jesus. This main character is the worst. You think inviting the men who killed your brother to live with you is a good idea because they may tell you the truth. Mam. You are only thinking this because they are just so undeniably hot that you trust them. Hotness does not equate trust here. You are an actual idiot.
Then we have three walking cliches of men with the emotional maturity of a teaspoon. You made the choice to confess for the murder. You did that. It wasn't her fault so why are you acting like a huge man child. Over this already.
Then we get this weird power dynamic added where he wants to control her and make up rules and play at being some dom but it falls unbelievably short here.
I just can't. These are 20 and 24 year old stuck emotionally at 16. Even that first few chapters of the "before" her description of the super hot tattooed bad boys who are seniors in high school. *Gag*.
January 18, 2025
didn’t think I’d enjoy this as much as I did
My reading experience in ‘why choose’ tropes is limited, but I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
Ms Hunt has woven a complicated mystery to keep readers engaged. It’s not all spice, but there is certainly plenty of it. Each of Daisy’s 3 men have distinct, interesting personalities and I can’t wait to dig more into the central mystery. That, and the looming crash when she finally collides with Jace, promises a storm for the ages.
My reading experience in ‘why choose’ tropes is limited, but I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
Ms Hunt has woven a complicated mystery to keep readers engaged. It’s not all spice, but there is certainly plenty of it. Each of Daisy’s 3 men have distinct, interesting personalities and I can’t wait to dig more into the central mystery. That, and the looming crash when she finally collides with Jace, promises a storm for the ages.
April 17, 2024
secrets lies and plenty of spice
4.5 stars
What a start to this series. I was definitely on the edge of my seat reading whenever I could. A fast past why choose romance with heat and secrets! There’s no shortage of either. I haven’t read the other connected series so not only having a cameo of those characters but a POV threw me off a bit. But I’m definitely going to go back to that series for more information about this town. Can’t wait for the next book and hopefully poor Jace won’t put out of room for his piercings!
4.5 stars
What a start to this series. I was definitely on the edge of my seat reading whenever I could. A fast past why choose romance with heat and secrets! There’s no shortage of either. I haven’t read the other connected series so not only having a cameo of those characters but a POV threw me off a bit. But I’m definitely going to go back to that series for more information about this town. Can’t wait for the next book and hopefully poor Jace won’t put out of room for his piercings!
November 29, 2024
3.75 stars. I loved the cliffhanger in this book! I also love the why choose and the heat! There were some cringeworthy descriptions in her steamy sections but overall, I enjoyed the writing. I loved the multiple points of view but I wish there were a few from other POVs rather than the amount that Daisy had. I am also over the moon that the morally gray asshole didn’t get to the girl first and the sweet one won out! The murder mystery aspect is what has me hooked though- I NEED to know why Blake was killed and HOW and by which one. This book definitely failed in the editing department but didn’t hurt it enough for me to put it down. Definitely looking forward to the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
Un premier tome bien sympa à lire. Une histoire de Harem Inversé dans laquelle l'héroïne va cohabiter avec 3 hommes, ceux qui ont tué son frère. L'intrigue se met doucement en place et même si l'histoire ressemble bien à d'autres du genre, avec le mec sympa, le mec mystérieux et le dernier qui joue les méchants, cette lecture fut un bon moment de détente.
March 14, 2026
who did it!!!
Wow, I’m so obsessed and it’s just book 1! She’s falling for all 3 of her brothers best friends, who are always protecting her. But there’s a mystery behind this and it’s a who is it situation! The audio for this is chef kiss!!
Bring on book 2!
Wow, I’m so obsessed and it’s just book 1! She’s falling for all 3 of her brothers best friends, who are always protecting her. But there’s a mystery behind this and it’s a who is it situation! The audio for this is chef kiss!!
Bring on book 2!
September 25, 2024
Mystery, dark, morally Grey MMCs and FMC who innocently finds herself in the middle of the mystery. Keeps me reading and 🌶‼️💯🔥🥰
December 29, 2025
It was okay... but I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
May 8, 2025
This story had a nice flow. It’s part 1 of 3 and can’t wait to see how this turns out.
She gets back in contact with her brother’s 3 best friends who have just been released from serving 5 years for his murder. She wants answers and is trying to figure out who really killed her brother.
I am into the characters and into the story. I am into the tension. There’s mystery, lust, and intrigue.
check the trigger warnings.
She gets back in contact with her brother’s 3 best friends who have just been released from serving 5 years for his murder. She wants answers and is trying to figure out who really killed her brother.
I am into the characters and into the story. I am into the tension. There’s mystery, lust, and intrigue.
check the trigger warnings.
July 12, 2025
4.5⭐️ - love Sadie Hunt’s writing! Excited to start the series and see where it goes.
February 8, 2025
2.5
This is all over the place. First of all the premise is weak. The Beasts, Jace, Wolf and Otis confess to killing Daisy’s brother and spend 5 years in prison. After they are out ,Daisy, who wants to figure out if they really killed her brother, invites them to live in her house and help her renovate it to gather information on them. Daisy talks about how this is her big plan that she has spent years concocting but it’s terrible. None of these guys need money or a place to stay so you invite them to be slave labor at your home for room and board. They accept, obviously, but on the condition she has to do everything they tell her to do. *eye roll* Once they are there she gets absolutely no information from them besides her just straight up asking “Did you kill my brother?” And they tell her to drop it. This is not a plan!!! It just seems like a poorly concocted plot to make force proximity happen. Tons of body betrayal in here. Every time she is around them she just can’t help herself because they are SO HOT. Her 15 year old little sister Ruth is a helion. Having sex with men who are twice her age and Daisy barely makes a fuss about it. Daisy thinks she can renovate an entire mansion with only the help of 3 ex convicts because she watches HGTV. I’m ranting but this is a mess!!!
This is all over the place. First of all the premise is weak. The Beasts, Jace, Wolf and Otis confess to killing Daisy’s brother and spend 5 years in prison. After they are out ,Daisy, who wants to figure out if they really killed her brother, invites them to live in her house and help her renovate it to gather information on them. Daisy talks about how this is her big plan that she has spent years concocting but it’s terrible. None of these guys need money or a place to stay so you invite them to be slave labor at your home for room and board. They accept, obviously, but on the condition she has to do everything they tell her to do. *eye roll* Once they are there she gets absolutely no information from them besides her just straight up asking “Did you kill my brother?” And they tell her to drop it. This is not a plan!!! It just seems like a poorly concocted plot to make force proximity happen. Tons of body betrayal in here. Every time she is around them she just can’t help herself because they are SO HOT. Her 15 year old little sister Ruth is a helion. Having sex with men who are twice her age and Daisy barely makes a fuss about it. Daisy thinks she can renovate an entire mansion with only the help of 3 ex convicts because she watches HGTV. I’m ranting but this is a mess!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
The premise of this book is just so ridiculous. “My brother was murdered and his best friends confessed to the crime, but did they really do it? Let me invite them to live with me in my giant mansion and find out. Oops I fucked them, but they murdered my brother.” 😂😂
One of the boys has synesthesia and one is on the autism spectrum, which made the book worth reading. However, FMC’s inner monologue was torture to read. I thought the smut would save this book, but it really didn’t. There’s better books. The second one is what was recommended to me, and why I powered through reading this shit show.
One of the boys has synesthesia and one is on the autism spectrum, which made the book worth reading. However, FMC’s inner monologue was torture to read. I thought the smut would save this book, but it really didn’t. There’s better books. The second one is what was recommended to me, and why I powered through reading this shit show.
September 17, 2026
This book goes through multiple perspectives, mainly Daisy, Jace, Wolf and Otis. But we do see a little perspective from The Kings from the Aventine University trilogy and I love the cross over, really solidifying that this is meant to be part of a bigger world.
Jace, Wolf and Otis are known as the Blackwell Beasts because they were arrested for unaliving Daisy’s brother Blake. The problem is, Daisy isn’t sure if they really did it or if they were protecting her because she was found at the scene of the crime. Now that they are being released from prison, Daisy has a plan, because she wants answers and she intends to get them. She gives them an opportunity and they accept, although they have their own motives for why they accept.
When Daisy finds herself getting too close to the Beasts, she can’t help but believe that it wouldn’t make sense for them to hurt their best friend. Throughout the book, all they want to do is protect her, and prevent her from looking into what happened that night. They don’t want to talk about it. Unfortunately, all she wants to do is get answers and understand why this happened. They believe that the truth will hurt her, but there is more at play. Someone is threatening Daisy and the trafficking ring that the Kings took down in Aventine University is not completely dismantled either. Daisy is seemingly being abandoned by her emotionally distant father. He isn’t happy that Daisy is now living with the Beasts in her house that her mother gave her. Her sister, Ruth, is giving her the cold shoulder and doing things no 15 year old should be doing. Her new internship involves working with a man who tried to hurt her and he is angry that the Beasts stopped him. Meanwhile, Daisy is being threatened; she should stop looking for answers about her brother, Blake… but she cannot help herself. Jace is a hothead, and seemingly always angry… but he cares about Daisy and pushes her boundaries to help her break free of the restraints her father has placed on her while getting her to discover who she really is. Wolf is soulful and sees the world, and people, through music. He just wants to love Daisy and protect her. Otis is different. He doesn’t understand emotion, and he takes everything at face value, but he feels things for Daisy that he has never felt before. And while he is blunt and truthful to a fault, all he wants to do is make sure Daisy is safe. And all three men want her. They want to keep her protected and love her and show her pleasure.
The book really focuses on their dynamics, Daisy coming out of her shell a bit more, fixing up her home, and trying to get answers. But when she finds the answers she is looking for, she is not prepared and she doesn’t know how to handle it. The emotional state leaves her vulnerable to attack. An attack she also did not see coming despite already being threatened. The book leaves off on a cliff hanger that sets my heart racing and makes me excited to read the next installment of the series.
I appreciate the fact that Sadie Hunt is able to make a story continue throughout different series while also keeping it different and exciting.
If you are interested in reverse harem with a lot of inner turmoil amongst all of the characters and tension that leaves you wanting to uncover the mystery within, this book is definitely for you, but I highly recommend starting with Aventine University because there is information in that book that will help transition to this series better.
Jace, Wolf and Otis are known as the Blackwell Beasts because they were arrested for unaliving Daisy’s brother Blake. The problem is, Daisy isn’t sure if they really did it or if they were protecting her because she was found at the scene of the crime. Now that they are being released from prison, Daisy has a plan, because she wants answers and she intends to get them. She gives them an opportunity and they accept, although they have their own motives for why they accept.
When Daisy finds herself getting too close to the Beasts, she can’t help but believe that it wouldn’t make sense for them to hurt their best friend. Throughout the book, all they want to do is protect her, and prevent her from looking into what happened that night. They don’t want to talk about it. Unfortunately, all she wants to do is get answers and understand why this happened. They believe that the truth will hurt her, but there is more at play. Someone is threatening Daisy and the trafficking ring that the Kings took down in Aventine University is not completely dismantled either. Daisy is seemingly being abandoned by her emotionally distant father. He isn’t happy that Daisy is now living with the Beasts in her house that her mother gave her. Her sister, Ruth, is giving her the cold shoulder and doing things no 15 year old should be doing. Her new internship involves working with a man who tried to hurt her and he is angry that the Beasts stopped him. Meanwhile, Daisy is being threatened; she should stop looking for answers about her brother, Blake… but she cannot help herself. Jace is a hothead, and seemingly always angry… but he cares about Daisy and pushes her boundaries to help her break free of the restraints her father has placed on her while getting her to discover who she really is. Wolf is soulful and sees the world, and people, through music. He just wants to love Daisy and protect her. Otis is different. He doesn’t understand emotion, and he takes everything at face value, but he feels things for Daisy that he has never felt before. And while he is blunt and truthful to a fault, all he wants to do is make sure Daisy is safe. And all three men want her. They want to keep her protected and love her and show her pleasure.
The book really focuses on their dynamics, Daisy coming out of her shell a bit more, fixing up her home, and trying to get answers. But when she finds the answers she is looking for, she is not prepared and she doesn’t know how to handle it. The emotional state leaves her vulnerable to attack. An attack she also did not see coming despite already being threatened. The book leaves off on a cliff hanger that sets my heart racing and makes me excited to read the next installment of the series.
I appreciate the fact that Sadie Hunt is able to make a story continue throughout different series while also keeping it different and exciting.
If you are interested in reverse harem with a lot of inner turmoil amongst all of the characters and tension that leaves you wanting to uncover the mystery within, this book is definitely for you, but I highly recommend starting with Aventine University because there is information in that book that will help transition to this series better.
June 6, 2026
I think this is the first MFMM harem romance I have read where the male characters are distinct enough for me to actually keep track of them. Usually they are either entirely indistinguishable (to me), or they're "the alpha asshole" and "the other two." This one had "the alpha asshole," "the synesthesist" and "the Aspergers guy." I'm never much for alpha assholes but I'm loving the other two.
On the other hand, I have read Hunt's Aventine series and now this one, and I have to second another poster's review of one of them -- "I have no idea how this poor girl doesn’t have a yeast infection every other day." Rampant sexual desire is great and all, but I'm sure hoping this heroine is wearing cotton panties and changing them regularly....
In this book I discovered I am perfectly capable of believing in the possibility of a functioning MFMM relationship (in reality, couples have a hard time staying together, and it gets harder with every added person), or of a woman willingly moving in with the ex-cons who went to prison for killing her brother (only five years for murder? Ouch!), or of terrific sex between people who haven't talked and claim to hate each other, etc etc. But apparently my willing suspension of disbelief ends when the boss's entitled horndog of a son sexually assaults a female intern, and the boss's response is to tell said intern, "I owe you an apology" and "I'm more than happy for you to ... file a formal complaint" and "I'd be happy to reassign [sleaze dog] to another project if you'd be more comfortable not having him in the office."
I guess I see a lot of the other stuff as either part of the romantic fantasy, or needed to make the plot work. But that one sent me to "WHAT!?! What planet are we on, here?" territory. The heroine is fine with it, but I'm still waiting for the shoe to drop. And none too sure it ever will. (Going on the Aventine series, this author tends to start a lot of subplots that never go anywhere.)
On the other hand, I have read Hunt's Aventine series and now this one, and I have to second another poster's review of one of them -- "I have no idea how this poor girl doesn’t have a yeast infection every other day." Rampant sexual desire is great and all, but I'm sure hoping this heroine is wearing cotton panties and changing them regularly....
In this book I discovered I am perfectly capable of believing in the possibility of a functioning MFMM relationship (in reality, couples have a hard time staying together, and it gets harder with every added person), or of a woman willingly moving in with the ex-cons who went to prison for killing her brother (only five years for murder? Ouch!), or of terrific sex between people who haven't talked and claim to hate each other, etc etc. But apparently my willing suspension of disbelief ends when the boss's entitled horndog of a son sexually assaults a female intern, and the boss's response is to tell said intern, "I owe you an apology" and "I'm more than happy for you to ... file a formal complaint" and "I'd be happy to reassign [sleaze dog] to another project if you'd be more comfortable not having him in the office."
I guess I see a lot of the other stuff as either part of the romantic fantasy, or needed to make the plot work. But that one sent me to "WHAT!?! What planet are we on, here?" territory. The heroine is fine with it, but I'm still waiting for the shoe to drop. And none too sure it ever will. (Going on the Aventine series, this author tends to start a lot of subplots that never go anywhere.)
March 29, 2024
✅ Why Choose
✅ New Adult
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Brother's best friends
✅ Bully
✅ Autism spectrum hero
✅ Musician
✅ Forced Proximity
This story has a bit of a slow burn at the beginning of the book but quickly picks up its pace as you continue on. I loved Sadie’s king’s trilogy and knew that this book was going to have to have twists and turns, it’s got a dark edge to the book and great pop ups into some other known characters and locations from the Kings. I love the trio and their willingness to go to any length to protect Daisy. The fact that all 3 are so different is what brings on such a love for them, they each provide Daisy with something different and help her in their own ways. I love an underdog in a story and that is what Jace reminds me of, I can’t wait to see their relationship grow as the story progresses. I’m hoping she continues to stand her ground and push his buttons haha I picked this book up yesterday and didn’t put it down until I finished it!!! It kept me enthralled the entire time, the gigantic cliffhanger at the end has me ready to scream and counting down the days until the release of the next book! If a dark Why choose romance is your cup of tea I highly recommend Gather the storm. Sadie’s style of writing is the kind that makes you take a have to take a breath and remember it’s just a story, the way she writes I can see the scenes playing out in front of me like I’m actually in the story. If you’ve made it this far into my review just do yourself a favor and read the book and I highly recommend checking out The kings trilogy and take a wild ride with Willa through their crazy story! 🖤
✅ New Adult
✅ Enemies to Lovers
✅ Brother's best friends
✅ Bully
✅ Autism spectrum hero
✅ Musician
✅ Forced Proximity
This story has a bit of a slow burn at the beginning of the book but quickly picks up its pace as you continue on. I loved Sadie’s king’s trilogy and knew that this book was going to have to have twists and turns, it’s got a dark edge to the book and great pop ups into some other known characters and locations from the Kings. I love the trio and their willingness to go to any length to protect Daisy. The fact that all 3 are so different is what brings on such a love for them, they each provide Daisy with something different and help her in their own ways. I love an underdog in a story and that is what Jace reminds me of, I can’t wait to see their relationship grow as the story progresses. I’m hoping she continues to stand her ground and push his buttons haha I picked this book up yesterday and didn’t put it down until I finished it!!! It kept me enthralled the entire time, the gigantic cliffhanger at the end has me ready to scream and counting down the days until the release of the next book! If a dark Why choose romance is your cup of tea I highly recommend Gather the storm. Sadie’s style of writing is the kind that makes you take a have to take a breath and remember it’s just a story, the way she writes I can see the scenes playing out in front of me like I’m actually in the story. If you’ve made it this far into my review just do yourself a favor and read the book and I highly recommend checking out The kings trilogy and take a wild ride with Willa through their crazy story! 🖤
January 27, 2025
4.5 stars
Chapter 14 ”We’re here to keep an eye on her while we figure out who’s still kidnapping girls. That’s all.” So who’s been looking out for her over the past five years while they’ve been in prison? Also, isn’t five years a pretty short sentence for manslaughter? While I’m on the topic, why did those three boneheads confess to the murder? Daisy’s reason for grabbing the knife by mistake while fumbling for her phone seems perfectly reasonable, especially since at least one of them could act as a witness. I don’t know that she would or could be convicted on circumstantial evidence. I’m sure her father could hire a competent lawyer for her.
My speculation was close but not spot on. The truth was even more diabolical. I do wonder at the five year lapse in kidnappings.
Already into the next book so don’t remember if Daisy finally figured out the partial truth here or in book two. I don’t understand her father’s motive for kidnapping her. Where did he get the security guys from and why so many? What was the point of imprisoning Daisy?
Chapter 14 ”We’re here to keep an eye on her while we figure out who’s still kidnapping girls. That’s all.” So who’s been looking out for her over the past five years while they’ve been in prison? Also, isn’t five years a pretty short sentence for manslaughter? While I’m on the topic, why did those three boneheads confess to the murder? Daisy’s reason for grabbing the knife by mistake while fumbling for her phone seems perfectly reasonable, especially since at least one of them could act as a witness. I don’t know that she would or could be convicted on circumstantial evidence. I’m sure her father could hire a competent lawyer for her.
My speculation was close but not spot on. The truth was even more diabolical. I do wonder at the five year lapse in kidnappings.
Already into the next book so don’t remember if Daisy finally figured out the partial truth here or in book two. I don’t understand her father’s motive for kidnapping her. Where did he get the security guys from and why so many? What was the point of imprisoning Daisy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
I came to read this book from kings of aventine university, I think that maybe if I hadn’t I’d like this more?
For starters jace is literally a shitty version of neo, daisy even describes her hatred for him as something like a thousand burning suns which is exactly what Willa said about Neo - it just felt very copy and pastey. The only slight difference between the other guys is I think Otis may be on the spectrum but again they’re very obsessed with daisy from the get go, just like the other guys in the other book.
The storyline is just stupid, so she thinks these guys really murdered her brother so she invites them (fresh out of prison) to live with her and she has sex with them but she’s also surprised that her little sister is upset about her living with them when they killed her brother?? Like why does the author always make her female characters dumb AF. Also if she genuinely wasn’t sure that they’d killed her brother why did she wait 5 years to investigate who might’ve if not them? Like helllooo?
I also can’t get over how Otis thinks gray/Grayson is a stupid pretentious name when his is Otis? Like that’s any better, maybe I’m just grumpy but this book definitely wasn’t it.
EDIT - one of the guys also has synthesia which is mentioned all of once, in other books I’ve read it’s really overwhelming for the character, it’s almost like the author forgot that about the character, maybe it’ll be mentioned in book 2?
For starters jace is literally a shitty version of neo, daisy even describes her hatred for him as something like a thousand burning suns which is exactly what Willa said about Neo - it just felt very copy and pastey. The only slight difference between the other guys is I think Otis may be on the spectrum but again they’re very obsessed with daisy from the get go, just like the other guys in the other book.
The storyline is just stupid, so she thinks these guys really murdered her brother so she invites them (fresh out of prison) to live with her and she has sex with them but she’s also surprised that her little sister is upset about her living with them when they killed her brother?? Like why does the author always make her female characters dumb AF. Also if she genuinely wasn’t sure that they’d killed her brother why did she wait 5 years to investigate who might’ve if not them? Like helllooo?
I also can’t get over how Otis thinks gray/Grayson is a stupid pretentious name when his is Otis? Like that’s any better, maybe I’m just grumpy but this book definitely wasn’t it.
EDIT - one of the guys also has synthesia which is mentioned all of once, in other books I’ve read it’s really overwhelming for the character, it’s almost like the author forgot that about the character, maybe it’ll be mentioned in book 2?
August 27, 2026
The world that Sadie has created is absolutely brilliant. Going from the rich, pampered Kings of Aventine to the messy world of the Blackwell Beasts without skipping a beat is truly a testament to her as a writer.
Daisy Hammond is trying to get to the bottom of why her brother Blake's 3 best friends confessed to his murder 5 years ago. Wolf- the charming musician, Otis- the straight shooter, and Jace- the arrogant tool are all of a sudden out of jail and on their way to live with Daisy.
As you can guess, tensions run high as Daisy not only fights for the truth but against her feelings for the men who may have murdered her brother. All the while the Beasts are harboring a dark secret that would shatter her world. They stay close to protect her, but staying too close means catching feelings. Also it wouldn't be a Sadie Hunt book without turning up the heat 🥵. If there's one thing Sadie does it's spice, and the scenes with the guys were absolute 🔥. Wolf is probably my new favorite Sadie man. There's something about a quiet musician that can read everyone like music, almost like looking into their soul that makes a girl melt. Swoon.
But damn, that ending was like a gut punch. I know Sadie is known for her cliffhangers, but after the revelations that came forward right before the last few pages it was a hard pill to swallow. I am dumbfounded and am immediately downloading the next book because I am not okay.
Daisy Hammond is trying to get to the bottom of why her brother Blake's 3 best friends confessed to his murder 5 years ago. Wolf- the charming musician, Otis- the straight shooter, and Jace- the arrogant tool are all of a sudden out of jail and on their way to live with Daisy.
As you can guess, tensions run high as Daisy not only fights for the truth but against her feelings for the men who may have murdered her brother. All the while the Beasts are harboring a dark secret that would shatter her world. They stay close to protect her, but staying too close means catching feelings. Also it wouldn't be a Sadie Hunt book without turning up the heat 🥵. If there's one thing Sadie does it's spice, and the scenes with the guys were absolute 🔥. Wolf is probably my new favorite Sadie man. There's something about a quiet musician that can read everyone like music, almost like looking into their soul that makes a girl melt. Swoon.
But damn, that ending was like a gut punch. I know Sadie is known for her cliffhangers, but after the revelations that came forward right before the last few pages it was a hard pill to swallow. I am dumbfounded and am immediately downloading the next book because I am not okay.
June 6, 2026
I love how this series started! I read the prior series, Aventine University, and then switched to something else that I had wanted to read but it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable! I’m glad to be back in Blackwell Falls.
Like with many books of this genre where we have reverse harem so multiple characters to get to know and understand, and then a mystery with suspense on top of that, we have to get into the story pretty quick. So you have to just accept some things at the beginning - like how quickly the guys return to life outside prison with barely a look back, and why in the world Daisy would be willing to invite them all in if she thought they really killed her brother. But if you just accept those things to happen without a lot of consternation at the beginning, then you get to enjoy the character development and start to uncover the mystery.
This one ended with a cliffhanger, but it also ended with a few different story paths in play so that it’s not clear if we’re being led astray with some red herrings or uncovering some important pieces. Which is perfect to tee up book 2!
Audiobook note: I really wish these were in duet because that would make it even better! However, the voice actors are fantastic and I am enjoying listening and reading, even without duet narration.
Like with many books of this genre where we have reverse harem so multiple characters to get to know and understand, and then a mystery with suspense on top of that, we have to get into the story pretty quick. So you have to just accept some things at the beginning - like how quickly the guys return to life outside prison with barely a look back, and why in the world Daisy would be willing to invite them all in if she thought they really killed her brother. But if you just accept those things to happen without a lot of consternation at the beginning, then you get to enjoy the character development and start to uncover the mystery.
This one ended with a cliffhanger, but it also ended with a few different story paths in play so that it’s not clear if we’re being led astray with some red herrings or uncovering some important pieces. Which is perfect to tee up book 2!
Audiobook note: I really wish these were in duet because that would make it even better! However, the voice actors are fantastic and I am enjoying listening and reading, even without duet narration.
April 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this start to a new series. The author doesn’t skimp on back story and character development, which to me is so important so that we readers can connect to the characters and really get lost in the story. This is a why choose novel with plenty of 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Now for the Possible Spoilers:
Daisy is trying to solve the mystery of her older brother’s death that ultimately his three best friends confessed to, to keep Daisy from being blamed (she found the body). The best friends are Jace, who is a bit of a jerk but shows redeeming qualities, Wolf who you love instantly, and Otis… well, I have a soft spot for Otis because he shows signs of possibly being on the spectrum slightly. Otis can’t read facial expressions and struggles to understand the nuances of emotions and social interactions but he’s mechanically inclined and very tech minded. The first book introduces you to the characters and sets up all the framework for the next books in the series. It ends in a cliffhanger, as most books do in trilogies, but I don’t mind at all because I can tell already it will 100% be worth the wait.
Now for the Possible Spoilers:
Daisy is trying to solve the mystery of her older brother’s death that ultimately his three best friends confessed to, to keep Daisy from being blamed (she found the body). The best friends are Jace, who is a bit of a jerk but shows redeeming qualities, Wolf who you love instantly, and Otis… well, I have a soft spot for Otis because he shows signs of possibly being on the spectrum slightly. Otis can’t read facial expressions and struggles to understand the nuances of emotions and social interactions but he’s mechanically inclined and very tech minded. The first book introduces you to the characters and sets up all the framework for the next books in the series. It ends in a cliffhanger, as most books do in trilogies, but I don’t mind at all because I can tell already it will 100% be worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
This was not for me, the whole premise was stupid, FMC asks the guys who confessed to murdering her brother to live with her and fix up her house when they are released from prison so she can "trick" them into telling her why. Book starts out when they are still in High School, but then jumps 5 years to when they get out of prison (after only 5 years?? for murder?? really), but they still act like they are in high school especially the FMC. I feel like this story would have made more sense if it was an Omegaverse, because the FMC acts like she is in heat all the time with the murderers of her brother (who she supposedly loved??) which would only make sense if they were fated, even then it be a stretch. I get that they didn't actually do it, but she thinks they did, and they let her continue believing it. She basically just lets them take over her life, down to the clothes she wears. I think the side story for the guys trying to stop what's been going on in their town had promise, but the way they go about it, and how dumb the FMC is just turned me away from this book. Ends in a cliffy, but I will not be continuing.
July 13, 2026
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The entire story of Daisy trying to find out who killed her brother while knowing his 3 best friends went to prison for admitting to the murder is addicting.
Otis, Wolf, and Jace have been her brothers best friends since they were in 2nd grade and she has grown up with these guys. They have always treated her with a cold brush-off since she was the little sister and of little importance to them, or so she thought.
Finding the truth about her brother's murder is the only reason she invited the 3 friends to live with her while helping to renovate her mother's old house. Little did she know how she would become addicted to the guys and start to have unavoidable and uncontrollable lust towards them.
They are hiding secrets and she is starting to develop feelings for these guys who murdered her brother. They also have had feelings for her for years and can't tell her the truth about her brothers murder or she will be in more danger.
Stakes are high but now her life is in danger and they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect her.
Otis, Wolf, and Jace have been her brothers best friends since they were in 2nd grade and she has grown up with these guys. They have always treated her with a cold brush-off since she was the little sister and of little importance to them, or so she thought.
Finding the truth about her brother's murder is the only reason she invited the 3 friends to live with her while helping to renovate her mother's old house. Little did she know how she would become addicted to the guys and start to have unavoidable and uncontrollable lust towards them.
They are hiding secrets and she is starting to develop feelings for these guys who murdered her brother. They also have had feelings for her for years and can't tell her the truth about her brothers murder or she will be in more danger.
Stakes are high but now her life is in danger and they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect her.
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