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Ironside Academy #4
Relever
All that glimmers is not gold, but nothing glows quite like the gilded cage of Ironside Academy.
The Ironside Show is back. Bigger than ever, and shinier, too.
To the audience, it’s a glorious spectacle, but to Isobel Carter and the Alphas of Dorm A, it’s a trap. A maze. The further they venture, the darker their path becomes, until all the tarnish has flaked away and only the bare metal bars remain.
Every choice has a consequence. Sometimes, they are awarded pretty bribes in pretty packages. Other times, there is only pain. Whatever awaits them, they will have no choice but to forge ahead, each decision leading them deeper into a labyrinth of manipulation and danger.
Their goal: fame, at all costs.
Unfortunately, with fame comes scrutiny, and there’s one secret they can’t afford to reveal.
One beautiful, brutal secret that could bring it all crashing down.
Beware those that climb.
Beware those that fall.
Beware the pretty pretenders, because this social media game just got deadly serious.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2024
866 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
Jane Washington
33 books4,565 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews
August 19, 2024
I am in need of emotional support from the Alphas cause there's no way I'll be able to wait until December when this series has fully consumed me 🫠🫠
This book although imperfect, was by far the best. The writing, the drama, the angst, the tension, the spice, the romance, the characters and the plot? LOVED IT ALL.
Although I cried, I loved how it gave me comfort, and happiness and then ripped it all away from me (don't mind me, I have issues). The soul infraction felt like it happened to me. Given the way I am genuinely attached to these eleven characters, it felt like it was my bond that got affected and IT HURT. Kudos to the good writing.
The Mikel and Kalen girlie in me is thoroughly satisfied 🤭👉👈 Niko takes the next spot, like bro I didn't know how much I loved the man until this book. I swear if anyone touches a hair on him, am coming 🗡 The rest of the guys are equally fun. The group chats are the best part. Am hoping to see more of Gabriel and Elijah in the next book. I find Elijah to be so sexy for some reason, need more of him. Isobel is going strong, and the perfect fmc for this series. I love how confident she's becoming. Bellamy surprised me, I actually really liked his friendship with Isobel and budding romance with Sophia. Also, special mentions to the bitch who shall not be named cause of spoilers, I hate you with my all 😊😊😊
There were so many wholesome moments along with heartbreak and juicy spice, I love how it all is in perfect balance. Tho I gotta say, I did enjoy the spice a lot more.
The ending has me worried about these eleven characters cause BRO I AM STRESSED AND I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
~•~•~
At this point just inject this series into my veins
This book although imperfect, was by far the best. The writing, the drama, the angst, the tension, the spice, the romance, the characters and the plot? LOVED IT ALL.
Although I cried, I loved how it gave me comfort, and happiness and then ripped it all away from me (don't mind me, I have issues). The soul infraction felt like it happened to me. Given the way I am genuinely attached to these eleven characters, it felt like it was my bond that got affected and IT HURT. Kudos to the good writing.
The Mikel and Kalen girlie in me is thoroughly satisfied 🤭👉👈 Niko takes the next spot, like bro I didn't know how much I loved the man until this book. I swear if anyone touches a hair on him, am coming 🗡 The rest of the guys are equally fun. The group chats are the best part. Am hoping to see more of Gabriel and Elijah in the next book. I find Elijah to be so sexy for some reason, need more of him. Isobel is going strong, and the perfect fmc for this series. I love how confident she's becoming. Bellamy surprised me, I actually really liked his friendship with Isobel and budding romance with Sophia. Also, special mentions to the bitch who shall not be named cause of spoilers, I hate you with my all 😊😊😊
There were so many wholesome moments along with heartbreak and juicy spice, I love how it all is in perfect balance. Tho I gotta say, I did enjoy the spice a lot more.
The ending has me worried about these eleven characters cause BRO I AM STRESSED AND I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
~•~•~
At this point just inject this series into my veins
November 30, 2023
My only regret is finding this series before it was completed. I’ll probably read this book in one day like the I didn’t with Sauter anyway. 🥹
January 11, 2025
PUT THE NEXT BOOK IN MY HANDS RN
October 13, 2024
Writing this review half an hour after finishing the book and suddenly my mind is blank because I can't remember what this was even about 💀
Anyways... this book was better than last one but still not what I needed 😭
The fmc annoys me so muchhh! She is a doormat first of all and has a personality worse than a cardboard. How can you expect me to root for her.I bet none of the alphas would even give her a second glance if she weren't their mate 👀
The plot did progress a bit in this but it just felt like the author was focusing more on unnecessary details than the actual plot. Like no, I don't need ten detailed pages of how everyone sings and dances. Like the scene with Mei, I expected ✨drama✨ but she just simply took of the necklace and gave it to her...wow 👏👏
And the Stone Dahlia case? Give me something grand. The concept of an underground club was so good but executed so poorly. The thing Kalen did to Isobel with the ropes...just one question: why?
And the smut scenes were crazyyy...it made me laugh and gag at the same time. She called her professor's dick 'a weeping monster'...i think that says enough :)
One last thing which absolutely riles me is how misleading the titles are. The 'Dorm A Daddies' title we were so excited about? Yeah, it was actually named just after a random username that commented on an online post. There is no relevance of the titles to the actual chapter...just the author picking up the first random word she sees.
***
There's a chapter called 'Dorm A Daddies' 💀💀
May I remind you there are ten of them.
Anyways... this book was better than last one but still not what I needed 😭
The fmc annoys me so muchhh! She is a doormat first of all and has a personality worse than a cardboard. How can you expect me to root for her.
The plot did progress a bit in this but it just felt like the author was focusing more on unnecessary details than the actual plot. Like no, I don't need ten detailed pages of how everyone sings and dances. Like the scene with Mei, I expected ✨drama✨ but she just simply took of the necklace and gave it to her...wow 👏👏
And the Stone Dahlia case? Give me something grand. The concept of an underground club was so good but executed so poorly. The thing Kalen did to Isobel with the ropes...just one question: why?
And the smut scenes were crazyyy...it made me laugh and gag at the same time. She called her professor's dick 'a weeping monster'...i think that says enough :)
One last thing which absolutely riles me is how misleading the titles are. The 'Dorm A Daddies' title we were so excited about? Yeah, it was actually named just after a random username that commented on an online post. There is no relevance of the titles to the actual chapter...just the author picking up the first random word she sees.
***
There's a chapter called 'Dorm A Daddies' 💀💀
May I remind you there are ten of them.
May 30, 2025
Warning: this review will be a bit all over the place. I haven't mentally unpacked all the shit that happened yet.
This book feels like it happened for a few years of my life, since I'm diving into it, full immersion, in the official groups too. I got Jane's blessing for Moses, btw. She's my mother-in-law. Yes, I'll write this in another 154328 places, cause it's just so cool.
SHE IS SO COOL.
This series is so alive. I have to go back to work tomorrow and I don't even remember what I do. I'm a changed person 😂
It is a much more dynamic book than the others, as the gears are shifted and oiled *ahem*, and it's picking up speed in all aspects. We upped the game part in it, and that's something I didn't know I wanted, but I wanted it bad.
We also get to see more of their personalities through their specific artistic talents, and I'm still Googling and listening to stuff to figure out Moses's voice.
I need to hear Moses sing now. And dance. And read his lyrics.
All I see are rankings and how each of our choices is telling of who we are and really deep shit other than other deep... Feelings about it.
What sort of therapy we all need, too.
You may have noticed I'm saying Jack shit about the plot. I know. I have no clue how not to spoil this, as we go into a deeper part of the story, in case you were reading my review just for funsies.
I will say I'm grateful Miss Washington chose who she chose for the heartbreaking part, instead of going for maximum damage. It was very thoughtful of my fraying mental stability since starting this.
I don't know when this happened,but 10 guys don't sound too much or too far fetched anymore. 🤔
They are all very distinct and necessary. I am afraid that I'm in for a harsh reality check when this is over.
Please note this is my FIRST reverse harem. I might develop all sorts of new standards.
I want a pair for my final #3 spot in the ranking. I need to see who works better in teams, if the professors or the nerds 🤔
I hope these 4 will have much more screen time on the next books (not more than Moses, though). Both pairs must have a Professors VS Nerds show-off about their own brand of punishing-Illy-and-make-her-beg-for-more.
I'm also... NOT AGAINST THIS.. JUST SAYING... 🤷♀️
Moses stepped up close behind her, sandwiching her between him and his brother as they entered the cosy space.
I would not be *ahem* horrified *ahem* if, by chance, *someone* wanted to expand a bit on this. No one? No?
The need for that *brotherly* confrontation has gotten worse after The Hunt. Theo was a whiny bitch and Moses a prince btw.
The —Moses will hand you your ass with his emotional awareness, AGAIN— scene:
I love the whole thing with the artefacts, I hope we expand a lot on that. Gods and artefacts' meanings. I want to see a scene for Moses' artefact that's as powerful as Sato's.
Illy is also growing her own pair of Alpha balls. That's what Eleven stands for. It's not the heads.
__________
Reading
I found this artist who makes wonderful AI art and gently coerced her into making me very happy with some Moses pieces. 🫠🫠🫠
BONUS: her art for Cian, and for the trio 😏
Fan Art Credit: Willah Mine SHE HAS MORE! GO CHECK HER IG! 😍🤤
Pre-read
Whoever hasn't removed me from their friends/followed by now, shouldn't need further warnings, I hope.
Whoever added me recently, I'd like to think they did so for my crazy updating proclivities.
I'm going to take a page from @Caitlin and put my current rankings here, as we move on to the second half of the series, where there might be more chances of things being shaken up.
Because Isobel is not allowed to have favourites, but I sure am.
My alpha rankings at the end of book 3
1) Moses
2) Moses
3) Moses
...
Ok, now seriously:
1) MOSES 🥰 (I know nobody would have expected that 😂)
2) Cian (how do you pronounce it?!?)
3) Sato
4) Kalen
5/6) Gabriel & Elijah (sorry I can't think of them separately, and rank one above the other)
7) Mikel
8) Theodore
9) Niko
10) Kilian
So far this hasn't changed much from my prediction in book one, but who knows?
This book feels like it happened for a few years of my life, since I'm diving into it, full immersion, in the official groups too. I got Jane's blessing for Moses, btw. She's my mother-in-law. Yes, I'll write this in another 154328 places, cause it's just so cool.
SHE IS SO COOL.
This series is so alive. I have to go back to work tomorrow and I don't even remember what I do. I'm a changed person 😂
It is a much more dynamic book than the others, as the gears are shifted and oiled *ahem*, and it's picking up speed in all aspects. We upped the game part in it, and that's something I didn't know I wanted, but I wanted it bad.
We also get to see more of their personalities through their specific artistic talents, and I'm still Googling and listening to stuff to figure out Moses's voice.
I need to hear Moses sing now. And dance. And read his lyrics.
All I see are rankings and how each of our choices is telling of who we are and really deep shit other than other deep... Feelings about it.
What sort of therapy we all need, too.
You may have noticed I'm saying Jack shit about the plot. I know. I have no clue how not to spoil this, as we go into a deeper part of the story, in case you were reading my review just for funsies.
I will say I'm grateful Miss Washington chose who she chose for the heartbreaking part, instead of going for maximum damage. It was very thoughtful of my fraying mental stability since starting this.
I don't know when this happened,but 10 guys don't sound too much or too far fetched anymore. 🤔
They are all very distinct and necessary. I am afraid that I'm in for a harsh reality check when this is over.
Please note this is my FIRST reverse harem. I might develop all sorts of new standards.
I want a pair for my final #3 spot in the ranking. I need to see who works better in teams, if the professors or the nerds 🤔
I hope these 4 will have much more screen time on the next books (not more than Moses, though). Both pairs must have a Professors VS Nerds show-off about their own brand of punishing-Illy-and-make-her-beg-for-more.
I'm also... NOT AGAINST THIS.. JUST SAYING... 🤷♀️
Moses stepped up close behind her, sandwiching her between him and his brother as they entered the cosy space.
I would not be *ahem* horrified *ahem* if, by chance, *someone* wanted to expand a bit on this. No one? No?
The need for that *brotherly* confrontation has gotten worse after The Hunt. Theo was a whiny bitch and Moses a prince btw.
The —Moses will hand you your ass with his emotional awareness, AGAIN— scene:
I love the whole thing with the artefacts, I hope we expand a lot on that. Gods and artefacts' meanings. I want to see a scene for Moses' artefact that's as powerful as Sato's.
Illy is also growing her own pair of Alpha balls. That's what Eleven stands for. It's not the heads.
"I'm sorry you have to live with that darkness inside you," she said, "but you don't get to use it as an excuse anymore, not to yourself or anyone else. I meant what I said earlier. If you lay your hands on me or my mind again, I'll make sure you die bitter and alone, tumbling down that dark, dark hole with nobody at your side and not even the barest flicker of light to ease the endless torment inside you."
__________
Reading
I found this artist who makes wonderful AI art and gently coerced her into making me very happy with some Moses pieces. 🫠🫠🫠
BONUS: her art for Cian, and for the trio 😏
Fan Art Credit: Willah Mine SHE HAS MORE! GO CHECK HER IG! 😍🤤
Pre-read
Whoever hasn't removed me from their friends/followed by now, shouldn't need further warnings, I hope.
Whoever added me recently, I'd like to think they did so for my crazy updating proclivities.
I'm going to take a page from @Caitlin and put my current rankings here, as we move on to the second half of the series, where there might be more chances of things being shaken up.
Because Isobel is not allowed to have favourites, but I sure am.
My alpha rankings at the end of book 3
1) Moses
2) Moses
3) Moses
...
Ok, now seriously:
1) MOSES 🥰 (I know nobody would have expected that 😂)
2) Cian (how do you pronounce it?!?)
3) Sato
4) Kalen
5/6) Gabriel & Elijah (sorry I can't think of them separately, and rank one above the other)
7) Mikel
8) Theodore
9) Niko
10) Kilian
So far this hasn't changed much from my prediction in book one, but who knows?
June 3, 2024
Spoilers below - don't say I didn't warn ya!
1. I honestly don't remember what their grand plan is anymore. Why are they hiding the mate thing? What are they trying to do? I legit have no idea anymore and at no point in this book was it re-explained.
2. I'm sorry, I really am, but every time they perform, I literally laugh out loud. It just doesn't match the images that I've created in my head about each of these characters. I picture them leaping around in leotards while simultaneously singing, and I legit giggle.
3. I still think 1 FMC and 10 mates is just too many main characters. Some of them can be cut entirely. I don't think the author even knows how to manage it. Every book relies heavily on Theodore and Kilian with a splash of Cian. Kalen and Niko had some moments in this. The rest were basically non-existent.
4. The world-building with the gods, the relics, and the bonds is confusing as fuck. I don't get why Isobel is sprouting objects that are attached to her body every time she has a remotely sexual interaction with one of her mates. I also still don't understand why humans have all the power in this world over the large communities of people who have legit superpowers. But we're told to believe it, so I mean, I guess.
5. This is the slowest romantic burn of all time. I can't believe there are 10 mates, and she's only had sex with 4 of them LOL. She is not even romantic with some of them. They're like weird acquaintances that occasionally share heated looks.
6. Why was I suddenly shipping Bellamy in this? There are already too many mates, and I was like, oh maybe we add a beta? To be fair, he got more screen-time than any of Isobel's mates for the first 20% of the book. That whole part seemed to have plot holes.
7. Eve?? Why was she still a thing for the first half? Kalen and Mikel literally had her cornered and then for some reason, they released her even though they knew her intentions and knew what Isobel was likely doing? Make it make sense. I'm also still not really sure what happened to Niko.
Also, speaking of villains, what the hell happened with Braun at the end? He was crushing her memories of Kilian and Theodore? Is this a new power because I can't remember? And then he's in an angry rage but suddenly stops the rage to tell Isobel her origin story in a calm manner. It all felt like the scene didn't make sense.
8. Considering they're still only in 3rd year, I genuinely have no idea how many books will be in this series considering there are 5 years of school (but it feels like they're already launching their "big plan" that I forget). It's beginning to feel a little dragged out.
9. The human contestants that were added to this was so LOL. Like what? Every other student at this school has SUPERHUMAN POWERS. Like, just kill them, silly.
10. Nothing good EVER happens to these main characters. It gets super exhausting and is also anxiety-inducing. They're constantly losing this game. Also, all of the guys keep being like "if anyone touches you, they're dead," but then Isobel gets repeatedly attacked by the exact same villains (Braun, Eve, etc.), and here they are...still not dead... I'm beginning to think of these as empty threats. How powerful are these guys considering Niko, a notoriously strong alpha, was able to be easily blown away by Eve, a random evil omega?
Ok, I think that's it for now. This is entertaining but literally the same exact thing has happened in every book. There has been minimal romantic progression, essentially no plot progression, and it's getting juuuust a little boring. But here I am still reading it. It really makes no sense but it's like reality TV that I can't look away from. Very clunky world-building and too many main characters but I want to know how it ends?? Help lol
1. I honestly don't remember what their grand plan is anymore. Why are they hiding the mate thing? What are they trying to do? I legit have no idea anymore and at no point in this book was it re-explained.
2. I'm sorry, I really am, but every time they perform, I literally laugh out loud. It just doesn't match the images that I've created in my head about each of these characters. I picture them leaping around in leotards while simultaneously singing, and I legit giggle.
3. I still think 1 FMC and 10 mates is just too many main characters. Some of them can be cut entirely. I don't think the author even knows how to manage it. Every book relies heavily on Theodore and Kilian with a splash of Cian. Kalen and Niko had some moments in this. The rest were basically non-existent.
4. The world-building with the gods, the relics, and the bonds is confusing as fuck. I don't get why Isobel is sprouting objects that are attached to her body every time she has a remotely sexual interaction with one of her mates. I also still don't understand why humans have all the power in this world over the large communities of people who have legit superpowers. But we're told to believe it, so I mean, I guess.
5. This is the slowest romantic burn of all time. I can't believe there are 10 mates, and she's only had sex with 4 of them LOL. She is not even romantic with some of them. They're like weird acquaintances that occasionally share heated looks.
6. Why was I suddenly shipping Bellamy in this? There are already too many mates, and I was like, oh maybe we add a beta? To be fair, he got more screen-time than any of Isobel's mates for the first 20% of the book. That whole part seemed to have plot holes.
7. Eve?? Why was she still a thing for the first half? Kalen and Mikel literally had her cornered and then for some reason, they released her even though they knew her intentions and knew what Isobel was likely doing? Make it make sense. I'm also still not really sure what happened to Niko.
Also, speaking of villains, what the hell happened with Braun at the end? He was crushing her memories of Kilian and Theodore? Is this a new power because I can't remember? And then he's in an angry rage but suddenly stops the rage to tell Isobel her origin story in a calm manner. It all felt like the scene didn't make sense.
8. Considering they're still only in 3rd year, I genuinely have no idea how many books will be in this series considering there are 5 years of school (but it feels like they're already launching their "big plan" that I forget). It's beginning to feel a little dragged out.
9. The human contestants that were added to this was so LOL. Like what? Every other student at this school has SUPERHUMAN POWERS. Like, just kill them, silly.
10. Nothing good EVER happens to these main characters. It gets super exhausting and is also anxiety-inducing. They're constantly losing this game. Also, all of the guys keep being like "if anyone touches you, they're dead," but then Isobel gets repeatedly attacked by the exact same villains (Braun, Eve, etc.), and here they are...still not dead... I'm beginning to think of these as empty threats. How powerful are these guys considering Niko, a notoriously strong alpha, was able to be easily blown away by Eve, a random evil omega?
Ok, I think that's it for now. This is entertaining but literally the same exact thing has happened in every book. There has been minimal romantic progression, essentially no plot progression, and it's getting juuuust a little boring. But here I am still reading it. It really makes no sense but it's like reality TV that I can't look away from. Very clunky world-building and too many main characters but I want to know how it ends?? Help lol
May 28, 2024
I waited 3 months for this and I have now finished it in one day. 😭😭😭😭
The way this literally kept me on the edge of my seat during the entire book. Let me tell you I was STRESSED. One positive thing is that the cliffhanger actually isn’t as bad as the last one… Although waiting til DECEMBER actually might be impossible..
22/2-24
Give me this now PLEASE
Wait I just found out this is going to be a 6-7 book series?!? HOW AM I GOING TO SURVIVE THE WAIT BETWEEN EACH BOOK
Now we have a cover🥳🥳 How PRETTY isn’t that???
The way this literally kept me on the edge of my seat during the entire book. Let me tell you I was STRESSED. One positive thing is that the cliffhanger actually isn’t as bad as the last one… Although waiting til DECEMBER actually might be impossible..
22/2-24
Give me this now PLEASE
Wait I just found out this is going to be a 6-7 book series?!? HOW AM I GOING TO SURVIVE THE WAIT BETWEEN EACH BOOK
Now we have a cover🥳🥳 How PRETTY isn’t that???
August 17, 2024
Update 8/8/24: Just reread the whole thing again one (1) day after finishing it because this book put me in the best kind of slump 😞 I just can't stop thinking about it 😞
-
I know you guys are sick of seeing me talk about how much I love this series, but *sigh* I really really do. I love these 10 alpha idiots and their sigma princess 🥹
Also leave it up to me to have my favorite alphas be the ones to have the most restraint and control. I DESERVE MY ELIJAH & GABRIEL *exclusive, wink* SCREEN TIME.
Gabriel: *longingly stares at Illy's mouth*
Me:
Although that little Elijah teaser made me scream like a lunatic. I have a feeling he will be the kinkiest out of all and that's saying a lot because, you know, KALEN AND MIKEL.
Speaking of.
PROFESSOR KALEN MOTHERFUCKIN WEST AND PROFESSOR MIKEL "YES, SIR" EASTON !!!
Forgive me I wasn't aware of your games...... just how often do you guys do it together, actually? You guys seem to work very well together with Isobel ... so.. practiced teamwork? Like, how practiced are we talking? This is strictly for research purposes, obviously. I'm asking for a friend, who is not me, because I cannot be my own friend, but I am. Asking, that is. For a friend. That exists. And very real.
I also would like to mention the incredible aftercare these dudes provide for Isobel because while I enjoy the smut, it's the security, reassurance, closeness, cuddles & hugs after it that get me.
And I guess those stuff mean a lot to me because while the story is getting smutty, it's still pretty much a slow burn so I gobble up any drop of affection the guys give Isobel lol and that's honestly perfect - I'm really enjoying all these will they won't they moments.
Niko 🥹 man this book was a damn rollercoaster and I'm so serious. I would blush and giggle and literally a second after that I'd want to bang my head on the table and break body parts. Because WHYYYYY
But I can't even complain because I loved the angst, and then there was this thing that I had been wondering about how it would happen because there are so many main characters, how would she choose the special one and what circumstance would make it special enough to justify it... if you know what I mean. But it's Jane Washington so OF COURSE she'd find a way. BECAUSE HOLYYYYYYYY I wasn't expecting it to happen that way. I was so happy, and also so sad, but also relieved. I just 🥹🥹🥹 AAAAARGHHHHHH
I'm also starting to get so invested in the game. I can't wait to see how they will take all these new challenges... and you know, *that* ending. The found family feel in this series is no joke, yall. I love it so much. I'm excited to see more of their dynamic, even more now with Isobel in their group.
Honestly the more I think about it the more I think that I love all the alphas equally... and that is so rare for me to not have an absolute favorite LMAO but I can't help it they all have their own story AND I LOVE THEM ALL :')
AND ISOBEL !!! I have a feeling a lot of people would probably find it hard to like Isobel especially in the beginning - because like I said, her sigma nature makes her obedient, and she has a traumatic, nightmare-ish background. But I knew this going in, was a little nervous waiting for her to show her teeth & her real personality.. and man... Isobel in this book especially towards the end? SO PROUD OF HER 🥹 she's starting to crack jokes & show more of herself and it's like.. I KNEW IT. I knew it was all there lol it makes me so excited to see what more of her we can get in the next books.
This book is the best so far in the series. Idk how it's possible because I loved the heck out of the first three books. But this one just pulled out so many emotions out of me lol
Thank you Jane for creating such a beautiful universe with an engaging story and loveable characters 🥹 so happy I found this series.
So now what. I have to wait till December for the next one??? WHAT DO I DO UNTIL THEN????
-
I know you guys are sick of seeing me talk about how much I love this series, but *sigh* I really really do. I love these 10 alpha idiots and their sigma princess 🥹
Also leave it up to me to have my favorite alphas be the ones to have the most restraint and control. I DESERVE MY ELIJAH & GABRIEL *exclusive, wink* SCREEN TIME.
Gabriel: *longingly stares at Illy's mouth*
Me:
Although that little Elijah teaser made me scream like a lunatic. I have a feeling he will be the kinkiest out of all and that's saying a lot because, you know, KALEN AND MIKEL.
Speaking of.
PROFESSOR KALEN MOTHERFUCKIN WEST AND PROFESSOR MIKEL "YES, SIR" EASTON !!!
“You’re mine,” he growled, his grip around her neck tightening. “Nobody hurts what’s mine, not even you.”
Forgive me I wasn't aware of your games...... just how often do you guys do it together, actually? You guys seem to work very well together with Isobel ... so.. practiced teamwork? Like, how practiced are we talking? This is strictly for research purposes, obviously. I'm asking for a friend, who is not me, because I cannot be my own friend, but I am. Asking, that is. For a friend. That exists. And very real.
I also would like to mention the incredible aftercare these dudes provide for Isobel because while I enjoy the smut, it's the security, reassurance, closeness, cuddles & hugs after it that get me.
And I guess those stuff mean a lot to me because while the story is getting smutty, it's still pretty much a slow burn so I gobble up any drop of affection the guys give Isobel lol and that's honestly perfect - I'm really enjoying all these will they won't they moments.
Niko 🥹 man this book was a damn rollercoaster and I'm so serious. I would blush and giggle and literally a second after that I'd want to bang my head on the table and break body parts. Because WHYYYYY
But I can't even complain because I loved the angst, and then there was this thing that I had been wondering about how it would happen because there are so many main characters, how would she choose the special one and what circumstance would make it special enough to justify it... if you know what I mean. But it's Jane Washington so OF COURSE she'd find a way. BECAUSE HOLYYYYYYYY I wasn't expecting it to happen that way. I was so happy, and also so sad, but also relieved. I just 🥹🥹🥹 AAAAARGHHHHHH
I'm also starting to get so invested in the game. I can't wait to see how they will take all these new challenges... and you know, *that* ending. The found family feel in this series is no joke, yall. I love it so much. I'm excited to see more of their dynamic, even more now with Isobel in their group.
Honestly the more I think about it the more I think that I love all the alphas equally... and that is so rare for me to not have an absolute favorite LMAO but I can't help it they all have their own story AND I LOVE THEM ALL :')
AND ISOBEL !!! I have a feeling a lot of people would probably find it hard to like Isobel especially in the beginning - because like I said, her sigma nature makes her obedient, and she has a traumatic, nightmare-ish background. But I knew this going in, was a little nervous waiting for her to show her teeth & her real personality.. and man... Isobel in this book especially towards the end? SO PROUD OF HER 🥹 she's starting to crack jokes & show more of herself and it's like.. I KNEW IT. I knew it was all there lol it makes me so excited to see what more of her we can get in the next books.
This book is the best so far in the series. Idk how it's possible because I loved the heck out of the first three books. But this one just pulled out so many emotions out of me lol
Thank you Jane for creating such a beautiful universe with an engaging story and loveable characters 🥹 so happy I found this series.
So now what. I have to wait till December for the next one??? WHAT DO I DO UNTIL THEN????
May 27, 2024
I need therapy.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Paranormal Romance
∘ Alternative Omega Verse
∘ Multiple POV
∘ Gifted Academy x Reality TV Show
∘ Reverse-Harem (large)
∘ Strong FMC
∘ Morally Grey MMCs
∘ Great character development
∘ Delicious Banter
∘ Tension & Angst
∘ Spicy scenes
∘ Secret Society
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Strangers to Friends to Lovers
∘ Rejected Mates
∘ Slowburn
∘ Professor x Student
∘ "Touch her and die"
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Found Family
⇢ Trigger Warnings: explicit (non-gory) physical and emotional torture, violence, traumatic events
So many things happened in this book, I wouldn't even know what to begin with, so this is going to be a slightly more chaotic review than usual.
⤏ Plot/Writing
As per the events at the end of book three, Isobel was taken away by her father, and they were all separated. She was getting sicker by the day, and despite someone's attempts at helping her, she was not faring well. So you can imagine the tension when they were reunited after months apart. Months without a message from her, not knowing how she was, and only seeing her in the videos her father forced her to do for her social media profile. All the men suffered and chose to deal with her absence differently. It was heartbreaking to see them all struggle not to fall apart.
Back at the Academy, new challenges are thrown into their faces. Past enemies make an appearance, and things take such an unexpected turn. The plot twists kept coming.
By the end of this book I was a mess, and you'll be too.
A part of that ending was pretty satisfying though, I must admit.
⤏ Thoughts
I found myself constantly giggling and clapping my hands because I could not contain my reactions. One of the most satisfying things was seeing the Alphas lose some of that tightly locked control when it came to Isobel, no longer hiding their true feelings from her.
Also, sweet Killian going feral? Sign me the fuck up.
There was noticeable development, not only in the plot but also in the characters' relationships—finally, we got some treats. However, those treats came with quite enough salt on the wounds that didn't have enough time to heal.
The banter was, as expected, delicious, and I gobbled it all up. Paired with the sexual tension, it made for an irresistible treat!
I still marvel at Jane's ability to weave light moments into a tragic story.
The Alphas have undergone many changes; they were forced to make drastic decisions and took such shocking actions that I was left speechless and out of my mind with excitement.
It became clear pretty fast that these men are done playing around.
It's not "touch her and die", but it is "touch her and you get tortured and disfigured".
⤏ Conclusion
I don't intend on giving away anything more―even though I'd have A LOT to talk about regarding this installment―, because I refuse to ruin anyone's experience by spoiling it.
Prepare yourselves for an emotional rollercoaster, and the only advice I can give you is to get a drink and enjoy the ride.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Paranormal Romance
∘ Alternative Omega Verse
∘ Multiple POV
∘ Gifted Academy x Reality TV Show
∘ Reverse-Harem (large)
∘ Strong FMC
∘ Morally Grey MMCs
∘ Great character development
∘ Delicious Banter
∘ Tension & Angst
∘ Spicy scenes
∘ Secret Society
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Strangers to Friends to Lovers
∘ Rejected Mates
∘ Slowburn
∘ Professor x Student
∘ "Touch her and die"
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Found Family
⇢ Trigger Warnings: explicit (non-gory) physical and emotional torture, violence, traumatic events
So many things happened in this book, I wouldn't even know what to begin with, so this is going to be a slightly more chaotic review than usual.
⤏ Plot/Writing
As per the events at the end of book three, Isobel was taken away by her father, and they were all separated. She was getting sicker by the day, and despite someone's attempts at helping her, she was not faring well. So you can imagine the tension when they were reunited after months apart. Months without a message from her, not knowing how she was, and only seeing her in the videos her father forced her to do for her social media profile. All the men suffered and chose to deal with her absence differently. It was heartbreaking to see them all struggle not to fall apart.
Back at the Academy, new challenges are thrown into their faces. Past enemies make an appearance, and things take such an unexpected turn. The plot twists kept coming.
By the end of this book I was a mess, and you'll be too.
A part of that ending was pretty satisfying though, I must admit.
⤏ Thoughts
I found myself constantly giggling and clapping my hands because I could not contain my reactions. One of the most satisfying things was seeing the Alphas lose some of that tightly locked control when it came to Isobel, no longer hiding their true feelings from her.
Also, sweet Killian going feral? Sign me the fuck up.
There was noticeable development, not only in the plot but also in the characters' relationships—finally, we got some treats. However, those treats came with quite enough salt on the wounds that didn't have enough time to heal.
The banter was, as expected, delicious, and I gobbled it all up. Paired with the sexual tension, it made for an irresistible treat!
I still marvel at Jane's ability to weave light moments into a tragic story.
The Alphas have undergone many changes; they were forced to make drastic decisions and took such shocking actions that I was left speechless and out of my mind with excitement.
It became clear pretty fast that these men are done playing around.
It's not "touch her and die", but it is "touch her and you get tortured and disfigured".
⤏ Conclusion
I don't intend on giving away anything more―even though I'd have A LOT to talk about regarding this installment―, because I refuse to ruin anyone's experience by spoiling it.
Prepare yourselves for an emotional rollercoaster, and the only advice I can give you is to get a drink and enjoy the ride.
July 22, 2025
Reread: July 21, 2025
Reread: Dec. 16, 2024
First Read: Oct. 24, 2024
I just binged all four books in four days and now I have to wait for the last two to come out! It was such a fun read. I love a character driven story and this executed that so well. It’s quite impressive to have ten MMCs plus quite a few side characters and be able to distinguish them all. This book in particular really started to pick up with the development of the relationships.
I loved the intimate moments. I don’t just mean the sexual moments either, but the moments in between too. When it’s done right, I love when the FMC gets spoiled with affection. It’s when they selectively choose to show affection that makes the biggest impact. Four books in and every move forward in their relationships is so rewarding.
The plot was also nicely sprinkled in between. It was well done giving us just enough yet not overshadow the most important part of the story, the relationships. The plot picks up in this book too. They are now in the year where their popularity matters, there were some new conflicts and the underground scenes were very interesting.
I haven’t been able to think about anything but this series since I picked it up. It’s fun, has angsty moments, has omegaverse vibes, the characters are pretty mature and well rounded, the relationships are a nice slow burn and well developed, and really likeable characters. December can’t come soon enough!
Reread: Dec. 16, 2024
First Read: Oct. 24, 2024
I just binged all four books in four days and now I have to wait for the last two to come out! It was such a fun read. I love a character driven story and this executed that so well. It’s quite impressive to have ten MMCs plus quite a few side characters and be able to distinguish them all. This book in particular really started to pick up with the development of the relationships.
I loved the intimate moments. I don’t just mean the sexual moments either, but the moments in between too. When it’s done right, I love when the FMC gets spoiled with affection. It’s when they selectively choose to show affection that makes the biggest impact. Four books in and every move forward in their relationships is so rewarding.
The plot was also nicely sprinkled in between. It was well done giving us just enough yet not overshadow the most important part of the story, the relationships. The plot picks up in this book too. They are now in the year where their popularity matters, there were some new conflicts and the underground scenes were very interesting.
I haven’t been able to think about anything but this series since I picked it up. It’s fun, has angsty moments, has omegaverse vibes, the characters are pretty mature and well rounded, the relationships are a nice slow burn and well developed, and really likeable characters. December can’t come soon enough!
May 27, 2024
Okay, now that I’ve percolated…marinated….sat with my thoughts…here we go
Jane you sneaky little wench. So much happened in this book that I fully believe one read-through isn’t enough to soak it all up. Speaking of soaking…I had to get a bucket and a mop after some of those professor chapters. 🥵 if you thought the spice in Sauter amped up, you haven’t seen anything yet. 🫣
Anyways…
The cliffy is gonna leave you frothing at the mouth for the next book. But so so much is revealed in this one, specifically in the last few chapters. RIP everyone’s hearts around 42% in. Stay strong ************** stans.
Jane you sneaky little wench. So much happened in this book that I fully believe one read-through isn’t enough to soak it all up. Speaking of soaking…I had to get a bucket and a mop after some of those professor chapters. 🥵 if you thought the spice in Sauter amped up, you haven’t seen anything yet. 🫣
Anyways…
The cliffy is gonna leave you frothing at the mouth for the next book. But so so much is revealed in this one, specifically in the last few chapters. RIP everyone’s hearts around 42% in. Stay strong ************** stans.
May 27, 2024
SPOILER FREE REVIEW!
*Warning* you will need comfort food after reading Relever.
I’ve been a massive fan of Jane’s since I first stumbled on Ironside Academy. From the very first page I’ve been hooked on this series. Ironside Academy is my Roman Empire.
I just finished Relever, the fourth book in the Ironside Academy series and Jane has not let me down. Quite the f*cking opposite. I feel like an addict hooked on her words, every book just gets better than the last, which, for me, isn’t something I’ve encountered since ACOTAR. Yes, I am comparing Ironside Academy to the ACOTAR series. It’s the only measure I can find that suits my love for this series. Nothing else compares. Ironside is just as unique as ACOTAR, the world building, the characters, the development, the writing, the plot, it’s just incomparable to anything else.
Reveler is probably my favourite book in the series so far, we see Isobel in such a more confident light and the Alpha’s sort of take a step back in this book and she steps up. I loved Isobel before this book but now, she’s probably one of my favourite FMC’s of all time. She really comes out of her shell, and I loved seeing more of her personality, cleverness and humor.
This book was perfection and is the best book I’ve read in the last 12 months. I cannot emphasise that enough. The best book in the past 12 months. The pacing was insane, I couldn’t put it down, not that I wanted to. The plot was just literally perfect, I don’t want to give anything away because so much happened in this book, but I will be recommending this series and hyping it as much as I can.
Jane really gave her all in Relever, the relationships with the Alphas and Isobel was explored a lot more and my god, the spice. THE SPICE! Was so much fun to read! I love that the spice isn’t the main plot point, it’s not smut, it’s just part of the storyline which is just how I like my romances. It gives the spice depth and a lot more meaning. The emphasis is on the relationships, not the spice.
Niko – must be protected at all times, he is so precious, and I was breaking reading his scenes.
Mikkel – must be kept away from all small round objects.
Cian, Killian and Theo – are too dangerous to be together.
Kalen – I could read his scenes over and over.
The Ironside Academy is such a unique series that I can’t recommend anything similar. It’s so wonderfully unlike anything I’ve ever read. Jane’s writing is just sublime, it’s as complicated as you’d like it to be which is just so appealing to so many readers. You want something complicated, sure, there’s so much depth there if you want to look deep enough, if you feel like a fluffy read, then you don’t have to go below the surface and it’s just as perfect.
Jane is an evil, evil genius and I am addicted to her writing.
This book gets ALL THE F*CKING STARS!
*Warning* you will need comfort food after reading Relever.
I’ve been a massive fan of Jane’s since I first stumbled on Ironside Academy. From the very first page I’ve been hooked on this series. Ironside Academy is my Roman Empire.
I just finished Relever, the fourth book in the Ironside Academy series and Jane has not let me down. Quite the f*cking opposite. I feel like an addict hooked on her words, every book just gets better than the last, which, for me, isn’t something I’ve encountered since ACOTAR. Yes, I am comparing Ironside Academy to the ACOTAR series. It’s the only measure I can find that suits my love for this series. Nothing else compares. Ironside is just as unique as ACOTAR, the world building, the characters, the development, the writing, the plot, it’s just incomparable to anything else.
Reveler is probably my favourite book in the series so far, we see Isobel in such a more confident light and the Alpha’s sort of take a step back in this book and she steps up. I loved Isobel before this book but now, she’s probably one of my favourite FMC’s of all time. She really comes out of her shell, and I loved seeing more of her personality, cleverness and humor.
This book was perfection and is the best book I’ve read in the last 12 months. I cannot emphasise that enough. The best book in the past 12 months. The pacing was insane, I couldn’t put it down, not that I wanted to. The plot was just literally perfect, I don’t want to give anything away because so much happened in this book, but I will be recommending this series and hyping it as much as I can.
Jane really gave her all in Relever, the relationships with the Alphas and Isobel was explored a lot more and my god, the spice. THE SPICE! Was so much fun to read! I love that the spice isn’t the main plot point, it’s not smut, it’s just part of the storyline which is just how I like my romances. It gives the spice depth and a lot more meaning. The emphasis is on the relationships, not the spice.
Niko – must be protected at all times, he is so precious, and I was breaking reading his scenes.
Mikkel – must be kept away from all small round objects.
Cian, Killian and Theo – are too dangerous to be together.
Kalen – I could read his scenes over and over.
The Ironside Academy is such a unique series that I can’t recommend anything similar. It’s so wonderfully unlike anything I’ve ever read. Jane’s writing is just sublime, it’s as complicated as you’d like it to be which is just so appealing to so many readers. You want something complicated, sure, there’s so much depth there if you want to look deep enough, if you feel like a fluffy read, then you don’t have to go below the surface and it’s just as perfect.
Jane is an evil, evil genius and I am addicted to her writing.
This book gets ALL THE F*CKING STARS!
September 11, 2024
5★
wow i love isobel and her alphas. when they hurt, i hurt. there was a particular scene around 40% that had me gasping for air. i was crying soooo hard.
the romance, the angst, the tension, the smut, the characters + their growth, the text messages- so good. i really enjoyed this book. it's my favorite of the series so far!!
chapter 18 + 19... good gawd almighty. i could reread those scenes a million times. jane writes smut//dirty talk//bdsm so well and it's never cringey.
my favorite mmcs in order:
✎theodore
✎oscar
✎niko
✎kilian
✎cian
✎moses
✎kalen, mikel, gabriel + elijah- i like them but i want more
QUOTES I LOVE
➵“It’s always about you, Isobel.”
➵“Desperate girls beg.” [..]
“Good Alphas make me.”
the cliffhangers are so intense and i'm so sad i have to wait for the series to be completed.
things i didn't like:
×i kinda feel lost. the plot. the soul artifacts + the gods. why do the humans have so much power? it was confusing to me. i wanted more focus/explanation on that
×there are things that are brought up once or twice then never talked about again ... i could write an entire list but i know this series is meant to be 6-7 books so maybe we'll eventually get an answer.. idk i hated that it seemed like there were plot holes.
×the villain... how they were dealt with when the 2 alphas caught them and let them go so easily then everything they happened afterwards.... idk that shit pissed me off. it's starting to feel like the touch her and you die//possessive things they say don't mean anything.
┍━━━━━⋆⭒˚.⋆☁️⋆.˚⭒⋆━┑
ironside academy series
plier- 4★
tourner- 3★
sauter- 4★
relever ~ 5★
glisser ~ unreleased
books 6 + 7 ~ unreleased
┕━⋆⭒˚.⋆☁️⋆.˚⭒⋆━━━━━┙
⌞pre~read⌝
stuck between wanting to binge in one day and wanting to take my time. i know the cliffhanger is going to hurt and i can't believe this is the last released book rn *cue tears*
wow i love isobel and her alphas. when they hurt, i hurt. there was a particular scene around 40% that had me gasping for air. i was crying soooo hard.
the romance, the angst, the tension, the smut, the characters + their growth, the text messages- so good. i really enjoyed this book. it's my favorite of the series so far!!
chapter 18 + 19... good gawd almighty. i could reread those scenes a million times. jane writes smut//dirty talk//bdsm so well and it's never cringey.
my favorite mmcs in order:
✎theodore
✎oscar
✎niko
✎kilian
✎cian
✎moses
✎kalen, mikel, gabriel + elijah- i like them but i want more
QUOTES I LOVE
➵“It’s always about you, Isobel.”
➵“Desperate girls beg.” [..]
“Good Alphas make me.”
the cliffhangers are so intense and i'm so sad i have to wait for the series to be completed.
things i didn't like:
×i kinda feel lost. the plot. the soul artifacts + the gods. why do the humans have so much power? it was confusing to me. i wanted more focus/explanation on that
×there are things that are brought up once or twice then never talked about again ... i could write an entire list but i know this series is meant to be 6-7 books so maybe we'll eventually get an answer.. idk i hated that it seemed like there were plot holes.
×the villain... how they were dealt with when the 2 alphas caught them and let them go so easily then everything they happened afterwards.... idk that shit pissed me off. it's starting to feel like the touch her and you die//possessive things they say don't mean anything.
┍━━━━━⋆⭒˚.⋆☁️⋆.˚⭒⋆━┑
ironside academy series
plier- 4★
tourner- 3★
sauter- 4★
relever ~ 5★
glisser ~ unreleased
books 6 + 7 ~ unreleased
┕━⋆⭒˚.⋆☁️⋆.˚⭒⋆━━━━━┙
⌞pre~read⌝
stuck between wanting to binge in one day and wanting to take my time. i know the cliffhanger is going to hurt and i can't believe this is the last released book rn *cue tears*
January 11, 2025
Thoughts🧐
First: I said that I was gonna slow down so that this series didn't have to end....but umm yeah that didn't work out too well.
Second: WOW that was ummm interesting🤣 you go from the first book with only two kisses to this🔥
Third: THE END OF PART ONE LETS JUST TAKE A SEC AND TALK ABOUT IT. When they accepted the mating bond together it was so perfect🥹 it was so sweet it was everything and then STUPID Evie had to go and ruin it. I liked part one of the book better....maybe because I'm too emotionally invested and all I want is for all of them to be happy. THEY DESERVE TO BE HAPPY.
Please let them be happy🤧🙏
First: I said that I was gonna slow down so that this series didn't have to end....but umm yeah that didn't work out too well.
Second: WOW that was ummm interesting🤣 you go from the first book with only two kisses to this🔥
Third: THE END OF PART ONE LETS JUST TAKE A SEC AND TALK ABOUT IT. When they accepted the mating bond together it was so perfect🥹 it was so sweet it was everything and then STUPID Evie had to go and ruin it. I liked part one of the book better....maybe because I'm too emotionally invested and all I want is for all of them to be happy. THEY DESERVE TO BE HAPPY.
Please let them be happy🤧🙏
January 3, 2025
::slaps hand on table::
Best book of the series.
4.5 ⭐️
The thoughts swirling around in my head after that read:
- wow, insane character growth from Isobel. Our little rabbit. Our little puppy. Our BABY (I'm not even icked out by this pet name because I like our guys so much). The irony here is that Isobel needed saving at the beginning of this series but now....I have a feeling she'll be the one saving everyone...she's giving MOTHER
- This just hits so hard with everything going on in society right now. The rich being diabolically diabolical. Social manipulation. Classism. Depravity. Social media's influence on ALL OF US. It's confronting. And believable. While we're all here for a good time, I hope you're paying attention to this...because it's real.
- Why are we in France?? Viva la revolución!!!!!! Is there something there? I don't know but that's what I'm choosing to believe. Seems in line with what's to come.....😏
- HOW does Jane Washington know so much about dance? And singing? AND bondage? AND writing? AND AND AND....seriously the list just keeps going what kind of life has she lived? I want to know her. She cares about the details. And it shows.
- Speaking of bondage. I was teleported.
- Speaking of dancing. And singing. I was also teleported. I don't know much about either but I have a new appreciation for artists I never had before. I get it now.
- NIKO.....NIKO NIKO NIKO
- A chain necklace, a mood crystal, and gold roses walk into a bar......don't worry, I don't get it yet either, also I keep forgetting about the gods and their...gifts? I can't tell if Washington is going to bring these fantasy elements to the front in the remainder of the series or not...but I'd like to know more. Color more intrigued. This story element is more subtle than I'd have liked...considering Isobel's little mélange of trinkets that keep appearing...
- Bellamy really grew on me.
- God, the spice ❤️🔥🌶️❤️🔥🌶️❤️🔥🌶️. It BURNS. How do you have a RH with TEN key players without destroying or sacrificing the plot? Without making some of the characters flat? Well, Jane Washington can tell you.
LET THE CHAOS CONTINUE!!!!!!!!
***********************************************************
✨Preread
…..I’m having separation anxiety already. Applying for surrogates immediately 😮💨
If these Alphas don’t realize they’re all desperately, madly, insatiably obsessed and in love with Isobel after that dumpster fire of a cliffhanger in Book 3, I’m crawling into the pages and slapping them all.
Also BRAUN CARTER NEEDS TO FALL OFF A CLIFF AND ☠️
Best book of the series.
4.5 ⭐️
The thoughts swirling around in my head after that read:
- wow, insane character growth from Isobel. Our little rabbit. Our little puppy. Our BABY (I'm not even icked out by this pet name because I like our guys so much). The irony here is that Isobel needed saving at the beginning of this series but now....I have a feeling she'll be the one saving everyone...she's giving MOTHER
- This just hits so hard with everything going on in society right now. The rich being diabolically diabolical. Social manipulation. Classism. Depravity. Social media's influence on ALL OF US. It's confronting. And believable. While we're all here for a good time, I hope you're paying attention to this...because it's real.
- Why are we in France?? Viva la revolución!!!!!! Is there something there? I don't know but that's what I'm choosing to believe. Seems in line with what's to come.....😏
- HOW does Jane Washington know so much about dance? And singing? AND bondage? AND writing? AND AND AND....seriously the list just keeps going what kind of life has she lived? I want to know her. She cares about the details. And it shows.
- Speaking of bondage. I was teleported.
- Speaking of dancing. And singing. I was also teleported. I don't know much about either but I have a new appreciation for artists I never had before. I get it now.
- NIKO.....NIKO NIKO NIKO
- A chain necklace, a mood crystal, and gold roses walk into a bar......don't worry, I don't get it yet either, also I keep forgetting about the gods and their...gifts? I can't tell if Washington is going to bring these fantasy elements to the front in the remainder of the series or not...but I'd like to know more. Color more intrigued. This story element is more subtle than I'd have liked...considering Isobel's little mélange of trinkets that keep appearing...
- Bellamy really grew on me.
- God, the spice ❤️🔥🌶️❤️🔥🌶️❤️🔥🌶️. It BURNS. How do you have a RH with TEN key players without destroying or sacrificing the plot? Without making some of the characters flat? Well, Jane Washington can tell you.
LET THE CHAOS CONTINUE!!!!!!!!
***********************************************************
✨Preread
…..I’m having separation anxiety already. Applying for surrogates immediately 😮💨
If these Alphas don’t realize they’re all desperately, madly, insatiably obsessed and in love with Isobel after that dumpster fire of a cliffhanger in Book 3, I’m crawling into the pages and slapping them all.
Also BRAUN CARTER NEEDS TO FALL OFF A CLIFF AND ☠️
April 16, 2025
—— 3.✰ stars.
“It was the prettiest of gilded cages. But it was a cage, and they could only float so far before colliding headfirst with the solid gold bars.”
ugh I’m so sad, this book had SO MUCH potential to be my favorite, but things!!! happened and i got so mad that it took me so long to read this when the previous ones I read them within a day.
since i can’t do proper review anymore, otherwise they would only contain spoilers, i will just list some things i didn’t enjoy:
1. the plot is thickening… but maybe too much? i love complicated plots, but in this case, i think the author is overachieving a bit, everything keeps getting messier and I don’t know if she is gonna be able to stitch it all together perfectly at the end.
2. have you seen this person?: the tension WHERE DID IT GO?
3. ruined moments for the sake of drama. Let’s just say we have been waiting for something to happen since the ending of first book, and when it happens, the author COMPLETELY RUINS the scene to give more drama. I was SO MAD I stopped reading for the day.
4. I didn’t sign for factor X. Listen, I loved the academy and the dance parts on the previous books, but now this is just a bit cringy and (if you know, you know) that THATS gonna be the solution makes me wanna jump from a cliff.
anyways, I REALLY hope that i love the fifth book because I was loving the series so much.
⋆｡‧˚ʚ pre read ɞ˚‧｡⋆
give me my daily dosis of this. I’m an addict at this point
May 27, 2024
I did this read in one day, and I have no regrets. The addictive nature of this series cannot be underestimated!!
It is such an insane series - at no stage do I have any idea what will happen next, but I love it. I do have to say ”jane washington you monster!” for the happenings of around 46% through this book… I went from ecstatic joy to pure misery and I did not appreciate it! But this book was a great addition to the series, undeniably - fun, so much progression romance wise, and Isobel had some brilliant character development. Now I just need the next book to come earlier than December…
It is such an insane series - at no stage do I have any idea what will happen next, but I love it. I do have to say ”jane washington you monster!” for the happenings of around 46% through this book… I went from ecstatic joy to pure misery and I did not appreciate it! But this book was a great addition to the series, undeniably - fun, so much progression romance wise, and Isobel had some brilliant character development. Now I just need the next book to come earlier than December…
November 2, 2024
5 ⭐️ i am unwell. someone please send me a surrogate mate. preferably kilian, kalen or oscar but i'm not fussy.
November 25, 2024
3.5 - 3.75 ⭐
the first 3/4 of the book was super slow for me but the last 120ish pages i cannot deny i ATE up 🤭
i NEED the fifth book
--
i'm just curious how it ends 👀
the first 3/4 of the book was super slow for me but the last 120ish pages i cannot deny i ATE up 🤭
i NEED the fifth book
--
i'm just curious how it ends 👀
November 17, 2024
Whew. What a ride. I had to sit and think on this one before I could review it. This book FILLLLED my dreams last night. And let's just say, I took a cold shower this morning 😅
Jane has never let me down(except that one part, but I'll give her a pass for what the rest of the book was filled with 🥵). She has NEVER missed. This series is my absolute favorite. I'll be rereading it, this book especially, as often as I can ❤️ this book is truly my life changing favorite. It's filled with such a good story, so much steam, so much suspense, so much mystery, and SO MUCH spice 🥵
Some of my notes I took were
"omgomgomg" said about 20 times
"Jane YOU DIDN'T!"(She did) said exactly 53 times
"oh f*&^" said atleast 30 times
"Yes sir" said 78 times 🥵
So yeah. Start this series. Devour it. And just be prepared to have it cross your mind atleast once a day from now on because that's what happens for me ☺️
Jane has never let me down(except that one part, but I'll give her a pass for what the rest of the book was filled with 🥵). She has NEVER missed. This series is my absolute favorite. I'll be rereading it, this book especially, as often as I can ❤️ this book is truly my life changing favorite. It's filled with such a good story, so much steam, so much suspense, so much mystery, and SO MUCH spice 🥵
Some of my notes I took were
"omgomgomg" said about 20 times
"Jane YOU DIDN'T!"(She did) said exactly 53 times
"oh f*&^" said atleast 30 times
"Yes sir" said 78 times 🥵
So yeah. Start this series. Devour it. And just be prepared to have it cross your mind atleast once a day from now on because that's what happens for me ☺️
September 8, 2025
These books are addicting - they're like a mix of Zodiac Academy/Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac and the Bonds that Tie. Fated mates, RH without M/M, academy setting. So much fun!
April 13, 2024
I just finished reading Relever and my mind is spinning nonstop. The Ironside Academy world keeps getting bigger and better. The evolution of the series is something I would’ve never expected. I have no words to describe it. I just know the climax of this series is going to be epic beyond epic. I have no clue what I’m going to do while waiting for the 5th Book.
At a certain point of the book (to avoid spoilers, I’ll be keeping this vague as possible while trying to make sense) there is this one scene where I was like finally it’s HAPPENING (you have to read to find out what I’m referring to 😈). Finally! I waited four books it’s here it’s happening. I was so excited!
Then I plummeted into a downward spiral, burned, and crashed…was heartbroken. I have to words, it was over.
I was like no no no JW said to keep reading we’ll get through this, we’ll get through this, so I trusted her, like a fool I am. I SHALL NEVER TRUST ANYONE AGAIN! I have no more faith in humanity…😭
So I took a deep breath, persevered and continued reading….then we got to a certain scene where somebody comes in (a new character) and they were wearing something and a certain “TRUSTWORTHY” character went directly over to that person and picked them for a certain school event/challenge…. my heart glitched. How could this be happening? No please no of course this happened, I’m reading Jane Washington 😔
And yes, I threw my oasis against the wall. I KNOW there will be many many phones and kindles being thrown against walls and floors, etc. because of this book…this is when I angrily decided to go to sleep….but the angst…I could not sleep a wink the whole night.
At 5am, I picked up my Oasis (thankfully safe from my tantrum the night before) and I continued reading….So please have heart and do continue reading don’t be like me, like the angry jealous girlfriend with no boundaries and continue reading otherwise you WILL lose sleep the whole night as I did.
I swear this is the best book in the series so far and honestly the series is just keeps getting better and better. I absolutely love all the characters but I do have my bias. I have two bias, Oscar and Moses and Gabriel is a close runner up, yes please gimme more psychotic alphas, controlling sexy mates. Also the rest of the guys….teachers yes yes yes they definitely stepped up for me also Cian, Theo and Killian, my babies 🥹 That certain character who won my heart and broke me but he is slowing scraping me back together from the million pieces he left me in…and it’s definitely NOT his fault so please please don’t be mad (in my delusional state I am speaking to him) 🤓
OK have you seen How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? The movie has a bet/challenge for a writing column in which the main character needs to be a clingy and needy girlfriend, to make the guy dump her like within 10 days. That’s basically me that’s my personality now with my group of Eleven.
I just need all of them because yes I can’t live without them. Is it too soon to ask for the 5th book?….
At a certain point of the book (to avoid spoilers, I’ll be keeping this vague as possible while trying to make sense) there is this one scene where I was like finally it’s HAPPENING (you have to read to find out what I’m referring to 😈). Finally! I waited four books it’s here it’s happening. I was so excited!
Then I plummeted into a downward spiral, burned, and crashed…was heartbroken. I have to words, it was over.
I was like no no no JW said to keep reading we’ll get through this, we’ll get through this, so I trusted her, like a fool I am. I SHALL NEVER TRUST ANYONE AGAIN! I have no more faith in humanity…😭
So I took a deep breath, persevered and continued reading….then we got to a certain scene where somebody comes in (a new character) and they were wearing something and a certain “TRUSTWORTHY” character went directly over to that person and picked them for a certain school event/challenge…. my heart glitched. How could this be happening? No please no of course this happened, I’m reading Jane Washington 😔
And yes, I threw my oasis against the wall. I KNOW there will be many many phones and kindles being thrown against walls and floors, etc. because of this book…this is when I angrily decided to go to sleep….but the angst…I could not sleep a wink the whole night.
At 5am, I picked up my Oasis (thankfully safe from my tantrum the night before) and I continued reading….So please have heart and do continue reading don’t be like me, like the angry jealous girlfriend with no boundaries and continue reading otherwise you WILL lose sleep the whole night as I did.
I swear this is the best book in the series so far and honestly the series is just keeps getting better and better. I absolutely love all the characters but I do have my bias. I have two bias, Oscar and Moses and Gabriel is a close runner up, yes please gimme more psychotic alphas, controlling sexy mates. Also the rest of the guys….teachers yes yes yes they definitely stepped up for me also Cian, Theo and Killian, my babies 🥹 That certain character who won my heart and broke me but he is slowing scraping me back together from the million pieces he left me in…and it’s definitely NOT his fault so please please don’t be mad (in my delusional state I am speaking to him) 🤓
OK have you seen How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? The movie has a bet/challenge for a writing column in which the main character needs to be a clingy and needy girlfriend, to make the guy dump her like within 10 days. That’s basically me that’s my personality now with my group of Eleven.
I just need all of them because yes I can’t live without them. Is it too soon to ask for the 5th book?….
June 5, 2024
I truly believe that Jane Washington is a God sent creature who was kidnapped and raised by Lucifer because dear reader, be prepared to be wearing a couple of gloves because the moment you catch this book your hands are going to BURN ❤️🔥
This book... I have never sinned so much in my life. I was covering my eyes at some point because otherwise I COULDN'T HAVE HANDLE IT. My heart, my soul and my brain have been played too many times in this book.
I have suffered a lot in this book in all different layers. I smiled, laughed, cried, gasped, screamed (with and without the 's') and exhausted myself until I was a little empty ball in my bed, filled with nothing more than a little smile on my teary face and a strong need for book 5.
Isobel, our little sigma-alpha princess is my favorite FMC of all time. I love her so much. She must be protected at all costs.
I'm enjoying a lot this journey of watching her grow but without losing her essence.
She can be cute, shy and a badass at the same time without being annoying.
In this book we start seeing new aspects of herself like starting to speak against those who wants her down, learning different things that she enjoys to do and not only in the inside ;) but also on the outside, we see her grow a lot in her artistry which I find fascinating.
We also see a lot of improvement of Illy and her alphas. Everything I have thought was going to happen in ther relationship in this release proved me SO WRONG. Jane did me so dirty.
If you thought you have a good solid theory or a prediction of what could happen... well, sorry pop your bubble but you are going to land really hard. My mouth never closed through my reading and all for different reasons because oh my! At first I couldn't believe it and then I had to gulp a whole bottle of holy water, all in a full cycle that never stopped. I'm still gasping for air because some scenes still has me blushing and some others because of a broken heart and a rage bursts.
I have to re-read this book like a hundred of times and still don't think will be ever enough. Every line will cause me the same emotion but x58! My brain is not in service right now because I'm still overstimulated and can't think straight. It's like I have so many theories but none at the time.
I loved everything about this book. I'm probably going to add a lot more to this review when I do my daily-weekly reread but one of the things that I want to mention that still stuck with me is the world building. All of it is so precise and detailed that I want to give a loud cheer, applauses and praising to the author because she is so good. I have never been so obsessed with a series before. I feel everything is so real that I have to remind myself that these characters are not real and there is not an Ironside reality show.
Thank you so much Jane for being born and choosing the path of writing because you make my days a little better when I submerge into your stories.
PS: This is a warning. By the end of the book, you will be going to hell for being a cheater and not being faithful for your #1 pick alpha, because trust me, it's going to change your ranking in every read.
This book... I have never sinned so much in my life. I was covering my eyes at some point because otherwise I COULDN'T HAVE HANDLE IT. My heart, my soul and my brain have been played too many times in this book.
I have suffered a lot in this book in all different layers. I smiled, laughed, cried, gasped, screamed (with and without the 's') and exhausted myself until I was a little empty ball in my bed, filled with nothing more than a little smile on my teary face and a strong need for book 5.
Isobel, our little sigma-alpha princess is my favorite FMC of all time. I love her so much. She must be protected at all costs.
I'm enjoying a lot this journey of watching her grow but without losing her essence.
She can be cute, shy and a badass at the same time without being annoying.
In this book we start seeing new aspects of herself like starting to speak against those who wants her down, learning different things that she enjoys to do and not only in the inside ;) but also on the outside, we see her grow a lot in her artistry which I find fascinating.
We also see a lot of improvement of Illy and her alphas. Everything I have thought was going to happen in ther relationship in this release proved me SO WRONG. Jane did me so dirty.
If you thought you have a good solid theory or a prediction of what could happen... well, sorry pop your bubble but you are going to land really hard. My mouth never closed through my reading and all for different reasons because oh my! At first I couldn't believe it and then I had to gulp a whole bottle of holy water, all in a full cycle that never stopped. I'm still gasping for air because some scenes still has me blushing and some others because of a broken heart and a rage bursts.
I have to re-read this book like a hundred of times and still don't think will be ever enough. Every line will cause me the same emotion but x58! My brain is not in service right now because I'm still overstimulated and can't think straight. It's like I have so many theories but none at the time.
I loved everything about this book. I'm probably going to add a lot more to this review when I do my daily-weekly reread but one of the things that I want to mention that still stuck with me is the world building. All of it is so precise and detailed that I want to give a loud cheer, applauses and praising to the author because she is so good. I have never been so obsessed with a series before. I feel everything is so real that I have to remind myself that these characters are not real and there is not an Ironside reality show.
Thank you so much Jane for being born and choosing the path of writing because you make my days a little better when I submerge into your stories.
PS: This is a warning. By the end of the book, you will be going to hell for being a cheater and not being faithful for your #1 pick alpha, because trust me, it's going to change your ranking in every read.
July 12, 2025
reread:
what i wouldn’t give to be isobel with her 10 mates 💔💔 i’m trying to savor this reread but i can’t be stopped. i’m not ready for it to end though! this series is like my lifeline rn and pulled me out of a slump without even blinking.
first read:
HOW am i supposed to wait until december with that cliffhanger?? i am so sad i’m fully caught up now, i don’t even know what to do with myself. this series was sooo much fun and i spent every spare moment i had absolutely devouring it. i love each and every one of isobel’s 10 (TEN) mates and isobel is a gem. definitely gonna be on my mind until i get my hands on book 5 bc that ending has me nervous and anticipating what will happen next
what i wouldn’t give to be isobel with her 10 mates 💔💔 i’m trying to savor this reread but i can’t be stopped. i’m not ready for it to end though! this series is like my lifeline rn and pulled me out of a slump without even blinking.
first read:
HOW am i supposed to wait until december with that cliffhanger?? i am so sad i’m fully caught up now, i don’t even know what to do with myself. this series was sooo much fun and i spent every spare moment i had absolutely devouring it. i love each and every one of isobel’s 10 (TEN) mates and isobel is a gem. definitely gonna be on my mind until i get my hands on book 5 bc that ending has me nervous and anticipating what will happen next
June 4, 2024
Didn’t even read it yet but I know it will be a masterpiece like usual 😌
May 28, 2024
*SHRIEKING AND SCREAMING*
Jane's slow burn romances hit sooooo much harder than others. Because once it comes to a head, it's UTTERLY epic.
I felt fully connected to every single main character, and my favourites have slightly switched. Profs Kalen, and Mikel, as well as Elijah. But it's so hard to choose. Which is why RH works so well. 🙌🏻
Jane's slow burn romances hit sooooo much harder than others. Because once it comes to a head, it's UTTERLY epic.
I felt fully connected to every single main character, and my favourites have slightly switched. Profs Kalen, and Mikel, as well as Elijah. But it's so hard to choose. Which is why RH works so well. 🙌🏻
August 10, 2025
KALEN MOTHERFUCKING WEST AHHHH
I’m so pathetically in love with him, even when he terrifies me
Also Elijah? I’m keeping an eye on you… 👀
4.5 stars
I’m so pathetically in love with him, even when he terrifies me
Also Elijah? I’m keeping an eye on you… 👀
4.5 stars
June 1, 2024
Is it just me, or is anyone else a little baffled by this book? If this was a team authored series I would think someone different wrote this one. Or maybe the author was away from this series for too long and forgot the style and some key plot points. Let me be clear, I still enjoyed reading it, but I was left a little frustrated that so much was missing and it didn't feel like it fit with the books that came before it.
Speaking of things that are missing, here's a quick list of some plot points from previous books that were barely mentioned, plus a few things introduced in this book that went nowhere.
-The chain and the jewels, a major part of the previous book, are only mentioned once this time. The red string turns into a red stone, is confiscated by Kalen early on and never brought out again. The artfacts in general seem to have become normal to the group.
- Isobel seeing ghosts. This comes up twice for a brief moment each time, but still no real answers and it doesn't do anything to move the plot along. Also, in general the character's abilities are barely mentioned and they have hardly any impact on the story.
- The events at the end of the previous book. I remember Isobel thinking about what she did once for maybe a second and that's it. I thought she might struggle with PTSD. I thought the shooting and fire would be a big story related to the tv show. Nope, we almost immediately have a time jump and everyone has moved on.
- Everyone's concerns about having a mate/sharing a mate. Kalen asks everyone early on how they feel about it, and and they all basically says they're ready to bond any time with no reservations brought up.
- The three fake girlfriends. We see them across the room once but that's it. Also, Isobel is encouraged to get a fake boyfriend early on. She has one conversation with the guy and he's only mentioned again maybe once.
- Moses is barely in this book. I don't remember any significant scenes with Gabriel or Elijah. Oscar goes missing in the second half. This is one of the reasons I'm not a fan of harems with more than 4-5 guys.
-
-
-
Beyond just the missing plot points the whole tone of the book seems to have shifted. In the second half I don't remember a single chapter from one of the guys' povs. There aren't even that many meaningful conversations between them, nothing that develops their characters much. I felt like we spent more time in Isobel's head this time around, reading her thoughts, but maybe that's because there's so little plot and so few conversations that move the story forward.
So what does happen? The whole kidnapping thing turns out to be just an excuse for a time jump when the show isn't airing and the group would potentially have been broken up anyway. The show/school moves to France. This makes zero sense to me and my best guess is that it's just an excuse to justify a specific plot point.
Several humans become students at the school, challenging the alphas for screen time. The group goes to the Stone Dahlia (the private club) constantly in the latter half. Isobel gets tied up multiple times, she gets spanked once, there are several intimate scenes (sorry, but the bdsm is not my yum so I wasn't all that interested). Everyone spends an extensive amount of time preparing for their first big group performance. There's a cliffhanger of sorts, but it doesn't feel like a big deal to me after the last one fell flat.
I know this has mostly been one long complaint, but I enjoyed spending time with these characters again. I really like Isobel and the journey she's on. I'm intrigued by the characters abilities and this world that's been created. My favorite part has always been the tv show. I think it's kind of fascinating to see them try to craft their public images, and then the response online both from the edited and unedited content. I also want to know what's going on with the gods and society as a whole. Will something finally happen to spark revolution and/or reform?
It's been a long time since I read a series that didn't fall apart by the end. I'm holding out hope this one can make it, that this was just a transitional book and the next one will return to form.
Speaking of things that are missing, here's a quick list of some plot points from previous books that were barely mentioned, plus a few things introduced in this book that went nowhere.
-The chain and the jewels, a major part of the previous book, are only mentioned once this time. The red string turns into a red stone, is confiscated by Kalen early on and never brought out again. The artfacts in general seem to have become normal to the group.
- Isobel seeing ghosts. This comes up twice for a brief moment each time, but still no real answers and it doesn't do anything to move the plot along. Also, in general the character's abilities are barely mentioned and they have hardly any impact on the story.
- The events at the end of the previous book. I remember Isobel thinking about what she did once for maybe a second and that's it. I thought she might struggle with PTSD. I thought the shooting and fire would be a big story related to the tv show. Nope, we almost immediately have a time jump and everyone has moved on.
- Everyone's concerns about having a mate/sharing a mate. Kalen asks everyone early on how they feel about it, and and they all basically says they're ready to bond any time with no reservations brought up.
- The three fake girlfriends. We see them across the room once but that's it. Also, Isobel is encouraged to get a fake boyfriend early on. She has one conversation with the guy and he's only mentioned again maybe once.
- Moses is barely in this book. I don't remember any significant scenes with Gabriel or Elijah. Oscar goes missing in the second half. This is one of the reasons I'm not a fan of harems with more than 4-5 guys.
-
-
-
Beyond just the missing plot points the whole tone of the book seems to have shifted. In the second half I don't remember a single chapter from one of the guys' povs. There aren't even that many meaningful conversations between them, nothing that develops their characters much. I felt like we spent more time in Isobel's head this time around, reading her thoughts, but maybe that's because there's so little plot and so few conversations that move the story forward.
So what does happen? The whole kidnapping thing turns out to be just an excuse for a time jump when the show isn't airing and the group would potentially have been broken up anyway. The show/school moves to France. This makes zero sense to me and my best guess is that it's just an excuse to justify a specific plot point.
Several humans become students at the school, challenging the alphas for screen time. The group goes to the Stone Dahlia (the private club) constantly in the latter half. Isobel gets tied up multiple times, she gets spanked once, there are several intimate scenes (sorry, but the bdsm is not my yum so I wasn't all that interested). Everyone spends an extensive amount of time preparing for their first big group performance. There's a cliffhanger of sorts, but it doesn't feel like a big deal to me after the last one fell flat.
I know this has mostly been one long complaint, but I enjoyed spending time with these characters again. I really like Isobel and the journey she's on. I'm intrigued by the characters abilities and this world that's been created. My favorite part has always been the tv show. I think it's kind of fascinating to see them try to craft their public images, and then the response online both from the edited and unedited content. I also want to know what's going on with the gods and society as a whole. Will something finally happen to spark revolution and/or reform?
It's been a long time since I read a series that didn't fall apart by the end. I'm holding out hope this one can make it, that this was just a transitional book and the next one will return to form.
September 15, 2025
how am I going to sleep after this ending???
soooo book 5 I go🫣🫣
soooo book 5 I go🫣🫣
May 27, 2024
Jaw dropping action!!!
There are no words that I can use to describe the feelings I have for finishing this too early!!!
Jane had really outdone herself with this installment.
The character progression, the story arc... Fans aren't going to be able to predict what comes next!! This whole series is a test on readers patience for the next installment!!!
Illy and her alphas bring on a whole new element to their relationship.... 🥵🥵🥵🥵!!! Absolutely will be stalking Janes pages for hints of the next one in the series!!!
There are no words that I can use to describe the feelings I have for finishing this too early!!!
Jane had really outdone herself with this installment.
The character progression, the story arc... Fans aren't going to be able to predict what comes next!! This whole series is a test on readers patience for the next installment!!!
Illy and her alphas bring on a whole new element to their relationship.... 🥵🥵🥵🥵!!! Absolutely will be stalking Janes pages for hints of the next one in the series!!!
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