Redeemed

by E. Bishop

They used to be my protectors…

Until I betrayed them.

The three boys who used to walk me home from class now haunt me everywhere I go, slowly destroying my life piece by piece.

But when the man I’m hiding from somehow finds me, I’m forced to disappear again. There’s nowhere to run except for the last place anyone would expect me to

The home of one of my bullies.

I’ve convinced myself that it’s better than getting dragged back into the cult I barely managed to escape—and the hellish marriage I was forced into as a teenager.

But I quickly realize that the protection these three boys offer me is limited. I ran away from a monster, yes.

But I’ve run into the arms of three more.

Redeemed is a dark reverse harem bully romance that takes place in a college setting. It's the second in a set of interconnected standalones but can be read by itself. Please heed the content note at the front of the book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, College, Romance, Why Choose, Contemporary, M M Romance

775 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster

797 Pages
MY Read
Dark Bully Romance
RH
Triggers
Dub-Con
Non-con (not the MMC's)
Kidnapping
Abuse
Ok, the tropes sound bad and I guess they are but the story and the love does get sweet. Haven was rescued from a cult at 18, her life prior was a nightmare having been forced to marry at only 15 to a much older man. She's enrolled at college and changed her name to hide out, she makes friends and is learning all about this new world but accidentally betrays the people who care about her (its sketchy cos she was trying to save them but they only saw the betrayal and hurt).
3 years of abuse and bullying follow and only when the cult come looking to take her back does Haven end up in the hands of her bullies hoping they will protect her from a threat they know nothing about...
They are NOT kind, triggers and k!nks should be noted for this part but slowly the guys learn of Havens past,her trauma and they soften and are truly remorseful for how they have treat her over the years. In fact their only goal now is to protect her.
Side story - mafia vibes as one of the guys is set to inherit a criminal organisation and there is a takeover afoot and sneaky plots in play. They told into the boys life with Haven and there are consequences of both.
The climax is a rollercoaster and the last 200ish pages are a non stop read with the NEED to know how it all ends.
If you like a good dark romance this is a book I highly recommend, it had enough genuine love and sweetness to balance the dark aspects for me.

[Zoë Nira · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

This book was A LOT, in the absolute best way. I literally could not stop reading from start to finish (took me about two days… sue me).

Where I sometimes felt a lack of emotional connection and plot in the first book in the series, Redeemed absolutely delivered. I was fully invested and obsessed. The book opens by diving into how the characters get to know each other, and while I had a moment of “huh?” at the very beginning, I was quickly caught up and totally immersed.

Colton, Lucas, and Xander are just chef’s kiss. The relationship between Lucas and Xander?? I’ll scream until tomorrow. I love them so much. While this is definitely a dark romance, with some intense, violent scenes especially in the first 40%, the heaviness tapers off and allows for real character development to shine through. The growth felt earned and raw, and I loved watching these characters unfold.

Haven wrecked me. I shed several tears for her, and I think she might just live rent-free in my head forever.

Though this book leaned more into plot than spice compared to book one, the spice that was there hit perfectly. Balanced, but intense and eventually meaningfull.

I loved this book and will be recommending it to everyone I know.

*I read this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Anja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a journey! It is very heavy on the bullying, degradation, non con. Please check all your triggers before diving in.

I really did enjoy this book. Haven escapes a religious cult she’s been apart of her whole life & she’s off to college where she meets our 3 MMC’s. Her trauma is shown really well throughout this story. She’s very naive and skittish but the guys take her under their wing. That is, until she betrays their trust and they become her bullies & make her life a living hell for years.

The switch flipped so fast and Haven was in a position where she had to deal with the guys for protection if she wanted to survive.

There were a lot of fucked up—putting it in the simplest form, moments. The spicy scenes were hotttt though. These men weren’t nice but they were protective and possessive in the own ways. Their true feelings did soften them up throughout the book but there were so many obstacles they had to go through.

Now I will say, this book didn’t really need to be this long. The last 30% really dragged on for me.

I am really disappointed that there wasn’t many group scenes. Haven and Colton had scenes, she had some with Xander and Lucas, but there wasn’t any fulll scenes between the 4 of them. They talked a big game about what they wanted to do but it was never once shown or discussed that it happened. The spice was spicing, but in why choose—we gotta have those group moments, not just fingers and mouths 🤣

Thank you E Bishop for this ARC🤍

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! After reading the Athelia's book, Ruined, I knew I had to dive into Haven's story next and it did not disappoint, Haven and the guys were amazing to read, to see them all overcome their own terrible traumas and trust each other, learning to believe they all deserved happiness and that they could finally be themselves. I loved everything! The ending had me hooked so bad I could not stop reading, it was so good!
It was also an eye opener to some of the questions I had while reading Ruined, everything I was wondering and questioning was answered in this book and explained in more details since the stories are interconnected. It was amazing, I loved it and I can't wait now for Aurora's book, I'm hoping it will be a stepbrother romance, if I could the vibes between her and her stepbrother Theo right.

[Outchi]

Oh my..
I think I'll dnf at 40%, this is uncharted territory and I'm not sure I like it. Degradation is definitely not my thing.

[Melanie Jakusz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for the emotional support cage.

[Courtney ☮️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

After escaping a cult at eighteen, Haven tries to start over in college. She finds unexpected friendship with Xander and Lucas, a couple, and Colton, a boy she met late one night —until a betrayal turns them against her. For three years, they make her life hell. But when her abusive husband from her past tracks her down, the only ones who can help her… are the ones who hate her most.

I really enjoyed Ruined, but this one surpasses it! Haven has a quiet innocence that instantly makes you want to protect her. She’s so lost in the world, and when 3 of her 4 friends turn on her, it’s heartbreaking. Still, she refuses to give up—because no matter how hard things get, anything is better than life inside Cornerstone. Her journey to reclaim her life is raw and powerful. I found myself tearing up more than once. While this book can stand on its own, I highly recommend reading Ruined first to fully appreciate the character development.

Tropes:
Why Choose with MM
Friends x Enemies x Lovers

Triggers:
CNC
Rape
Murder
Degradation
Religious Cult
Child Bride
Physical Abuse
Eating Disorder

[Rylee.booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fucking crack, I could not put it down. I love this book, the spice, the writing, the characters. EVERYTHING!!

I loved Xander and Lucas relationship. The way that they just fit together made the book whole. The come has a packaged deal and can’t be away from each other for too long.

“You and me”

Haven, she is so strong. Everything she went through broke my heart. I can’t imagine. I’m so happy she finally got her happy ending and her first stuffy. GHAT SCENE WAS SK CUTE. Lucas got her the stuff animal dragon she saw on Instagram!!!!

Colton, at first I did not like him. But he grew on me. I loved that he called haven “angel” that’s sweet. Everything he did for a reason even jf the reason was wrong.

Overall this book was dark. CHECK TRIGGER WARNING. I love a good bully romance. I really enjoyed it, I liked all the spicy scenes. the cage!! Iykyk “wink” I’m so excited for Rora’s book!! What is going on with Theo????

[Jaimie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I gave this book 3.5 stars rounded up. This book started out pretty slow for me. But I did really get wrapped up in Colton's story. There were a lot of things going on with the 4 main characters that did tend to go in circles. The book was almost 800 pgs and tended to drag on. I feel like every 10-15 chapters we were all right back to where we were when the story picked up. And it happened about 3 different places in the book.

The subjects in the book were dark and you should definitely check the trigger warnings before starting. But that had nothing to do with my rating. Haven's story is sad and so are the boy's but with hers involving her life and torture in a cult that really had me crying a lot in the book. Lucas and Xander's relationship was written well. I did like the way the book ended and I would consider reading the next book in the future.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

"I'm your god now. I'm the one who provides for you. I'm the one who decides your fate. And I'll do a much better job than he ever did."

While this one wasn’t miscommunication, the bullying still felt undeserved. Poor Haven with all the trauma she’s faced and continues to deal with.

The growth in all of the main characters is what really made this story so enjoyable. There’s a lot of pain but in the end the amount of love makes it all worth it.


I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[anii · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Haily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ll protect you until the day I die, deal or not. Letting you go was a mistake, and I’m not going to make it again.”

I received an ARC of this book and WOW! I loved Haven, Colton, Lucas, & Xander’s story. Haven escapes a cult and starts fresh at a university where she makes friends with Colton, Lucas, and Xander. They become close, but then she betrays them (unintentional) and they become her bullies. They were awful to her and I definitely feel the things they did were way worse than what she did to them. Even with everything that was done they definitely made up for most of it by protecting her from the real enemy and caring for her. The bond each of them had with her was different.
This was such a good read that had me on a journey of emotions and completely consumed from the beginning. I can’t wait to read more in this series (hoping to get a story on Jeremiah) and more from E. Bishop.

*Please check your TW’s*

•Dark Romance
•Bully
•Why Choose
•MMFM

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were once my protectors...

And then I betrayed them.

Colton, Lucas, and Xander were the three boys who used to walk Haven home from class and now they haunt her everywhere she goes, slowly destroying her life piece by piece.

Then the real man Haven is in hiding from manages to find her, and she is once again forced to run, and disappear once again. Except there's nowhere for her to run to, except the last place anyone would ever think to look, the last place anyone would ever think she would run and hide.

She runs and hides in the home of one of her bullies.

Haven's convinced herself that hiding in the home of her bully is better than being dragged back into the cult she'd grown up in, she'd barely managed to escape the first time – not to mention that hellish marriage that she'd never wanted when she was only a teenager.

Haven quickly realizes that the protection Colton, Lucas, and Xander have offered is limited. She realizes that she ran away from one monster.

But she quickly realizes that she's now run into the arms of three more monsters.

Redeemed is a dark reverse harem bully romance that takes place in a college setting. It's the second in a set of interconnected standalone but can be read by itself. Please heed the content note at the front of the book.

Redeemed is A Dark Reverse Harem Bully Romance and is the 2nd book that is part of an interconnected series by E. Bishop. It can be read as a standalone or as a part of the full series. This book takes part in a college setting. And I have to say that this book takes you on such a journey. And I have to say that I enjoyed this book greatly. This book took me by surprise as I have never read a E. Bishop book in the past and I wasn't sure what I was going to think of her writing style.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and consider the trigger warnings before you start this book. Some of the scenes are not suitable for all readers and there are scenes in this book that can be triggering for some readers.

When Haven escapes a religious cult that she's been a part of her entire life, including allowing a forced marriage when she was only a young teenager, a marriage that she doesn't want, she finds herself off to college and a whole new world. She finds that there is a whole wide world out there for her to explore and get lost in. And it's while she's finding her way in this new world that she meets our 3 MMCs, Colton, Lucas, and Xander.

I found that Haven's trauma is thoughtfully, carefully, and mindfully told throughout this story. I found that she is very sheltered naive and skittish. But, the 3 guys gently at first take her under their wings, protecting her, trying to guide her, help her, and integrate her into the college. Then Haven makes the mistake of betraying their trust and they turn on her and they turn into her bullies and rather than protecting her, they go out of their way to make her life as difficult as possible for years.

This all happened so fast and Haven herself found herself in a position where she had no choice but to look to the guys for protection if she was to survive.

A lot of F 'd-up things happened, and I am putting that mildly. But, on the other hand, those spicy moments, they were off the charts HOT! They may have been as mean as SIN but at the same time they were protective, possessive, and even obsessive in their own ways, each one of the three showing these traits in different ways. Once they were ready to face their true feelings, they finally managed to soften up but they still had a lot of obstacles to go through.

The only thing that I wish is that there had been scenes between Colton, Xander, Lucas, and Haven. They all talked a big game, but they never followed through. The spice was there and it was so HOT but in a why choose, it's supposed to have group moments and it's supposed to have more than just fingers and mouths.

I enjoyed this book and I am going to be going back and reading the first book in this series. I am curious about that book after reading this book. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more in this series and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Agoos · Rating 2 out of 5]

4.5/10stars —— al principio iba a escribir que el libro en partes es nefasto, fui a revisar los trigger warnings para no ser tan harsh y efectivamente avisaba muy bien todo lo que pasa asi que bien por el content warning, aplausos a la autora pq realmente esta clara la advertencia. le subi 0.5 porque el principio y el final fueron muy satisfactorios, el real “we could’ve had it all”.
Ahora, cosas que me hicieron MUCHO ruido:
- entiendo que el kink n1 del libro sea NCN y dubious consent pero que hablen del rape asi como si nada me dio mucho asco pero bueno, fue avisado.
- que el nudo principal sea que los chics TORTURAN a haven porque ella los betrayaleo diciendo una boludez pq no quería que salgan lastimados????? sorry pero no justifica NADA de lo que le hicieron.
- siento que pudo haber mas aftercare o que haven sea un poco más “humana” frente a las reacciones de lo que le hacían (?)
- lo de la cage me hizo mal psíquicamente (tema mio)
- ODIE las disculpas de Xander a Haven, tipo la llevo de concierto (genial), despues le da una gomita para que se deshiniba consentido (bien) pero todo era para cojersela inconsciente, osea le chupo todo un huevo.
- El personaje de Lucas es el que más me indigna, pq con colton sabemos que es un garca desde el principio, lucas sufrió de ab**o como haven y aun asi la somete a todo lo que le hicieron, alto hipocrita y se hace el buenito??
- senti como que hasta que se hicieron buenitos, los mmc le hicieron lo mismo a haven que isaia (creo que se llamaba asi), corte hasta colton la obliga a casarse sin consentimiento.
- todo el plot de los rooks me parece hiper mega irrelevante.
- en el 60% del libro la dinamica entre ellos es rara, tipo, hay sword crossing, banqué, pero parecen 2 parejas distintas.
- el degrading en partes me parecía una banda, pero quizas eso sea tema mio.
- xander es el mas insulso de los 3.
- el primer 20% del libro me había re enganchado, no entendía pq era bullys hasta que me jumpscareo toda la violencia
- me parece patetico que ella desesperada haya decidido quedarse con sus bullys que la maltratan para huir del loquito del esposo en vez de ir a la policía???? o algo asi, medio forzado honestly.
- que colton la haga casarse con el fue la frutilla del postre (para mal). encima los otros no sabian??? eso me jodio que tipo, estan juntos pero no se comunican.
- cuando se reedemean, parecen personajes totalmente diferentes, tipo salto de personalidad (?)

Cuestión, me lo terminé y bien. Punto a destacar: cuando colton se vuelve mas buenito, es un buen personaje que promueve el aftercare. El ultimo 30% estuvo muy bueno, usaron el recurso del culto y kidnapping, que me resultó entretenido, los mmcs tuvieron el arc o al menos son buenitos y pidieron perdon, haven sale del culto, se vuelve a teñir y se da buen cierre.

tmb nos introducen en la ultima parte, a los nuevos personajes/protas del otro libro y COMPRE MAL, athelia y su reverse harem, creo que lo voy a leer.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

There is just something about E. Bishop’s books that hook my attention so fast and make me fly through them. They’re always so amazing, emotional, angsty, and just a roller coaster of a ride in the best way possible.

This book does have a grocery list of trigger warnings so make sure you’re aware of them before reading if you do have triggers. This is a dark bully, enemies to lovers, reverse harem This is a very dark, very fucked up at times, yet very emotional and beautifully written book so read at your own discretion.

This book was amazing and so fucking emotional. There’s so much character development in all the characters and you see the good, the bad, and the ugly in all of them. You love them and you hate them at times and honestly, I love it.

Haven is like a doe-eyed Bambi taking her first steps in the world after escaping from her cult. You watch her learn and grow, you see her learn about herself and become the person she wants to be, she gets stronger and fiercer and after everything she’s been through, she deserves the whole fucking world. Her dynamic with each other guys is so special and different in their own way and they just fit like a puzzle. Despite all the bullshit the guys put her through, she came back stronger.

Colton, you love him and you hate him, he was lovely in the beginning then became a tool with his antics and took things too far at times. However, he did redeem himself and he took accountability and is constantly trying to better himself for Haven. He will always have the guilt for what he did to Haven, but I think it’s a good things, it keeps him accountable. He’s a very dynamic character, you see him at his best and his worst, his flaws and his best qualities. You see the person he was at the start of the book start to make an appearance towards the end after everything.

Lucas and Xander are a package deal, and I love their dynamic with each other and with Haven individually. They’re lost souls who found each other. Most people aren’t lucky enough to experience that in their life time. They’re troubled kids who have each other and where one of them lacks the other excels in. Their love for each other is speechless, quite literally, they just get each other. They both care deeply for Haven and even when they hated her, they still cared about her and had the instincts to protect her. Their bond and dynamic is untouchable, they just get each other, no words needed.

I’d say the first half is on the same timeline as Ruined, Athelia’s book, but towards the end we get to see Athelia and her boys interacting with Haven and her boys and honestly, it made me miss that group and want to read their book again.

I can’t wait for Aurora’s book, it’ll be an interesting one.

This is a BookSirens ARC in exchange for an honest review.

~ARC Review

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven escaped from a cult called Cornerstone, where she grew up. She met Xander, Lucas, and Colton at the college she started attending, and they were who she could always turn to for comfort and protection. That is, until something happened, and they became her worst nightmare. Although they bully her, she still feels it's better than returning to the horrible cult she was subjected to.

My heart broke for all of them at different times, super angry at some points and then rooting for them the next!

Haven had survived years at the hands of a cruel society, being brainwashed into thinking life was a certain way when it was really just constant abuse. And then to fall prey to the three guys she put her trust and heart into, only to have them turn on her and treat her horribly. I know she did something that hurt them, but it was unintentional, and she was scared.

I loved the guys at the start. 🥰 Xander and Lucas were so cute together, and I melted at how all three guys protected and cared for Haven 😊.... Until they didn't 😭. I can appreciate why the guys were so angry, but I don't think it warranted what they put her through (and the length of time). She didn't understand the world outside of the cult, which could have played into her decision, and they should have considered this. But I do get that it seriously affected their lives and what they were trying to build together.

But all of this comes together so well to build the craziness of their relationship, and I was hooked!

It is a very long book, but I never felt like it dragged, and I wanted the story to continue! The spice was amazingly good and HOT, and the way they all bonded was perfection. Xander and Lucas did have a relationship before the 4 of them got together, but it was done in a way that flowed really well. They all had unique characters, so I was never lost wondering who I was reading about.

There is still so much more to the book (this review would be too long to go through it all, lol!). There are lots of pieces to the story; it's full of so many intense moments, mysteries, suspense, drama, twists and romance! I'm super glad I read it and can not wait for the next one!
 
Overall: 4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice/Heat: 4.5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Main Characters: Xander, Lucas, Colton & Haven
Nickname: Doll, Little Fawn, Angel (Little Traitor)
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MFMM, RH/Why Choose, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Reedemed
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Bully RH/Why Choose
*Cult (religious)
*Humiliation/Degredation
*Cage
*⚔️
*No cheating or sharing (outside the 4 of them)
 
Book 1: Ruined  

⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeemed by E. Bishop is not for the faint of heart. It’s brutal. It’s intense. It’s raw. And it’s absolutely unputdownable. This book hurts in the most addictive, twisted, and emotionally satisfying way.

From the very first page, I knew I was in for a journey, but nothing prepared me for the storm that was Haven, Colton, Lucas, and Xander. The dynamic between these characters is explosive, heartbreaking, and at times completely infuriating. Haven’s trauma is handled with a visceral, emotional weight that doesn’t sugarcoat the horror she endured. She’s naïve and skittish, but watching her evolve and find her voice amid the chaos was a triumph I felt in my chest.

And the boys? Chef’s. Freaking. Kiss. Each of them Colton, Lucas, and Xander brings their own brand of pain, passion, and twisted love. The relationship between Lucas and Xander? I would scream about it for the next 24 hours straight. That tension? That connection? ICONIC.

This is a dark romance through and through bullying, degradation, non-con themes, and violence are all here, especially in the first half. PLEASE check all your triggers before diving in. But if you can handle the darkness, what you get in return is a rich, layered story with deep emotional payoffs and characters who earn their redemption. The growth felt real hard-won, raw, and utterly beautiful.

I’ll be honest, I was a bit bummed there weren’t more full group scenes between all four characters (let me live, okay?). But what we do get is potent and unforgettable. Haven and Colton? Sizzling. Her moments with Lucas and Xander? Wrecked me.

And speaking of wrecked: Haven will live rent-free in my head forever. Her pain. Her strength. Her fall. Her rise. Every bit of it was heartbreakingly human.

Also? I read this out of order (whoops), diving into Haven’s story before Ruined, Athelia’s book but it didn’t take away from the emotional impact at all. That being said, I’m now fully OBSESSED with this world, and I’m counting down the days for Aurora’s book. I need it to be a stepbrother romance. Please, E. Bishop don’t let me down with those vibes between her and Theo 👀

If you’re looking for something gritty, emotional, and devastatingly addictive something that will shred your heart and slowly piece it back together Redeemed might just be your next obsession. Just be warned: once you step into the darkness, you may never want to leave.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

After certain reservations about Ruined, Redeemed absolutely blew me away. This book is an emotional gauntlet of trauma, healing, and dark, devastating romance, and I devoured every page. Haven is a beautifully written character: she may be broken but there is an innocence and quiet strength about her that just makes you want to protect her from the harshness of the world. Having escaped the horrors of a cult at just eighteen, her attempt to rebuild her life is anything but easy. The initial comfort she finds in Xander, Lucas, and Colton is quickly twisted by an unintentional betrayal, and for three years, she becomes the target of their cruelty. Was the punishment equal to the crime? Hardly and it’s gut-wrenching to watch—especially knowing all Haven has endured. Still, despite everything, Haven’s resilience is inspiring, and her journey to reclaim her life and find her voice is handled with sensitivity and unfailing honesty. The trauma in this book is visceral and raw. There’s no way to sugarcoat what Haven went through or what she continues to endure—not just from her past, but from the very people who once felt like a safe haven. And when her past catches up to her, it heartbreaking to see her turn to the ones who have hurt her the most. But watching her evolution from a girl defined by fear into someone who begins to embrace desire, trust, and even power was empowering. Yes, there are moments that will make you want to scream and throw your e-reader (or maybe a few punches), but every emotional wound adds to the story. As for Colton, Lucas, and Xander each bring their own brand of heartbreak, passion, and—yes—even love, twisted though it may be. Their dynamic with Haven is complicated, sometimes cruel, and undeniably magnetic. The emotional connection, the push and pull, the unspoken feelings will leave you reeling. This is a dark romance in every sense. It’s heavy, it’s brutal, and it doesn’t flinch away from showing the worst in people. But it is also a story of redemption, growth, and unexpected love. The emotional payoff is worth every tear, every scream, and every moment of heartbreak. In short, if you're looking for a story that dares to go dark but rewards you with redemption, passion, and unforgettable characters—this is the one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[hopenpuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝You had my affection once, angel. You're the one who threw it away.❞

Redeemed - E. Bishop
★★★★☆

Redeemed is another story sets in Ruined universe about Haven who is escaping a cult and now living a new life in Pemberton University. She thought she is safe when she met Colton, Lucas, and Xander—her protectors—until she betrayed them for the greater good. They turned their back on Haven and decided to bully and torture her as punishment. When the danger she's been hiding from is crawling back, Haven had no choice but to seek the boys' protection once again, even if it's begging to her bullies.

When i first know this book is 779 pages, i was like THIS IS IT. Haven's story has been hinted in Ruined—the first installment in the serial—and i immediately picked it up after finishing that one. Haven is very much different from any other dark romance's character. She's traumatized, innocent, and vulnerable against the world. I can tell this one is plot heavy with a lot of world building surrounding the characters. I love how it added so much depth and character both to the conflict, the characters and their dynamic.

They communicate better in this one and even with that, the development between FMC and MMCs went pretty much slow especially with the anything that happens outside the romance, but i take it as a measure of healing from the trauma and hurt each of the characters went through. I love to read to their thoughts and backstory.

What I wanna say is the tension in this book is TENSIONING. The suspense they built is getting me edged on my seat and often i feel scared myself for what about to happen. Not to mention the actions and political intrigue, chef's kiss. Oh and the spice? Still heavy with BDSM, it's burningggg ❤️‍🔥

While I like Ruined's characters dynamic better, i chose this one for the plot and overall experience.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jasmine Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to E. Bishop and BookSirens for my copy of Redeemed to read and review!

Shortly after escaping a cult, Haven begins college at Pemberton University where she meets Colton, Lucas, and Xander, members of a secret organization. After a year of becoming friends, Haven betrays the boys and they seek revenge through bullying. When a member of the cult comes back to collect Haven and return her to the church, she flees to the one place no one would expect her to be: the house of her three bullies.

Based on the synopsis, you can gather that Redeemed is a dark reverse harem, bully romance that takes place in a college setting. These tropes work really well together, as they did in the first book of the series, Ruined. Although this one is a lot darker than the first, in terms of content (specifically with the cult elements), so be mindful of the trigger page.

This was one where I had to take a lot of breaks while reading because the book was super heavy. I think it does a really good job of representing what life is like for someone with severe religious trauma, especially when it comes to their outlook on sex. And because it does such a good job with the representation, it gets a little too heavy at times, but that’s what breaks are for!

Within the book, you’ve got three main storylines: Haven’s experiences with the cult and how she heals from the trauma, Colton attempting to overthrow his father and take leadership of the Glass Rooks, and the journey of the love/hate relationship that the four main characters have for each other. All three storylines were written well enough to never make the story feel dull or like it was dragging.

If you liked Ruined, you’ll be happy to know that Athelia, Wesley, Cal, and Kellan make many appearances in this book and the two stories even have overlap!

[Kayla Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, bully, why choose romance with MM and degradation sign me up 😅

Check those trigger warnings people! This is not a sweet, lovey-dovey book. The degradation, BDSM and non-con are very prominent towards the middle of the story.

I was rooting so hard for Haven through this whole book. I fell in love with the boys and how sweet they were to Haven in the beginning when she was trying to adjust to life outside of the cult. However, when Haven accidentally breaks their trust, something that they hold above all else, Colton, Lucas and Xander become her bullies for the next three years.

Four years after escaping the cult and her “husband” Isaiah, he finds her and tries to bring her back. Her only safe option? Moving in with her bullies. Colton, Xander and Lucas break Haven down so hard only to put her back together to the point that they are her safety, her security, her whole life.

This story has so much character growth for each person. I loved seeing the change in them at the end. The guys would burn the world down for Haven, and it’s no less than she deserved.

The only downsides I found in this story were minuscule, the first being the lack of group scenes with everyone - however, the fact that the connections and relationship dynamics were so prominent, even between Xander and Lucas, quickly helped me get over that. The second was just how harshly the guys treated Haven at first after she accidentally betrayed their trust. She was freshly out of a cult and was terrified of every little thing and they could not give her the chance to prove herself. Luckily the boys redeemed themselves in the end!

All in all, I am so glad I got a chance to do this ARC review! Now I’m ready to see what the tension turns into for Rora and Theo 😬😬

[Gionna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be sure to check you trigger warnings.

This isn’t a light read, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But if you’re looking for a dark romance with soul, survival, and unexpected tenderness buried beneath the scars, this one delivers.

"Redeemed" is layered and emotionally complex, with strong character work that kept me engaged. While Haven wasn’t the most relatable heroine for me, I still found her likable and more importantly, her story carried immense weight. The depth of her trauma, and the slow, painful unraveling of it, gave her arc substance and made me root for her healing.

What really stood out to me was how Colton, Xander, and Lucas each wove themselves into both her trauma and her recovery. Their interactions weren’t simple or easy. Each one brought something different to the table, and the emotional tangle between them felt earned. Lucas and Xander’s bond, in particular, was one of the most beautiful parts of this book. The depth of their connection was undeniable, and the way it was written made it feel visceral, intimate, and real.

E. Bishop did an incredible job telling Haven’s story with care, depth, and grit. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s written with a kind of care that makes you feel every high and every heartbreak alongside her. The pacing, the emotional stakes, and the layered relationships kept me fully invested. I’m definitely looking forward to Aurora’s story next and seeing where this world takes us.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelley Drinkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and was hooked. This book has trigger warnings and you have to pay attention to them, if you have any triggers at all make sure you check these out before you start on this story!

This is a dark college/bully romance and the storyline has dark themes and dark instances throughout with the mmc’s being really dark/nasty/mean (choose your own adjective!) towards the fmc for a good chunk of the story. However once they learn what she has been trying to keep from them (the truth about her past) they realise how Wong they’ve been.

Haven (fmc)has suffered trauma her whole life and when she escapes and starts a new life at college she meets Colton, Lucas and xander (mmc’s). They form a tight friendship and the guys help haven to adjust to her new life and the world around her. That is until she is deceived into betraying them by Colton’s father and they turn into her bullies and tormentors. Until in her final year, havens past catches up to her and she has no option but to turn to her bullies for help and protection. Which they gladly provide her, on their sick and twisted terms.

This author is excellent and writing dark romances that really push your boundaries with being too much! I fully recommend this to anyone who enjoys dark college/bully romances!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kierah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I loved this book. I needed a switch up and wanted something dark and a bit f*cked up and this is definitely scratched the itch. There was multiple times I was internally screaming at them and so angry but it wouldn’t be a good book if it didn’t get you this emotionally invested.

In the Redeemed book I loved the cult twist, I feel many authors don’t challenge that side in fear of religious prosecution but she wrote the cult script well. I wish I knew what happened to her family in the end. Regarding Ruined, I think it was written pretty fast and there was certain aspects of the smut in both books that made me cringe.

One of the main negatives I have is basically the fmc were both raped by other disgusting men however, the things their boyfriends did to them was lowkey the same shit. The only difference is the manipulation and then being more their age. This series justifies and skeets around rape a lot like it’s okay one minute and not the next. (To be fair the author did warn you of this in the beginning. I just wasn’t expecting that hard of a hit) but if I’m being honest I loved the healing that they gave the fmc and I love the dark things the girls went through and came out stronger in the end…. Even if what the boys did was f*cked up

These books are THE DEFINITION of toxic love. I also loved the unconditional love between Lucas and Xander.

With my mind still reeling from finishing both of these books within 24 hours…. I give this a f*cked up 5/5.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I just want to point out to please double check your TWs for this book as it deals with quite a lot of heavy topics.

I enjoyed ruined so when I learned Haven (who is Athelia’s roommate) was getting a book my interest was piqued. At many times in this book I wanted to jump between the pages and hug Haven. She really did go through it, from being raised within a cult to escaping to then being in a world which was completely unfamiliar and having to find her way through life - it certainly wasn’t all rosy in the garden that’s for sure.

Haven was initially friends with the three MMCs, Colton, Lucas and Xander. So to speak the take Haven under their wing and try to help her adapt but due to a betrayal she was considered the enemy going forward and they did not make her life easy. But when someone from Havens past is back these three step in and offer her protection.

Colton lol he most certainly grew on me but I had a disdain for him for a lot of this book. I liked that we got a focus on Xander and Lucas relationship- yes these two cared for Haven but I like that we got insights to their love for one another also.

Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really dark and honestly I think a bit too dark for me.

After escaping from a cult, Haven is trying to navigate life in the world. When she meets 3 men who want to take care of her, everything seems perfect. Until one mistake costs her thier trust and brings nothing but misery.

I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters and felt like the story that was being told in the beginning interested me more than the story that followed after the time jump. I have read a few bully romances and why choose ones and there was something about this that I just really could not connect too.

I feel the reaction to the ‘betrayal’ is really extreme especially knowing what they know about Haven and what she’s been through. And because of the time jump, we couldn’t see the ‘bully’ aspect develop it just is there and is quite brutal. There was just some moments I really found a bit much. The development of Havens character also I just couldn’t connect with.

On the flip side I thought there was some sweet moments particularly between Lucas and Xander and that showed me what story I would have liked to have seen.

We’ve got why choose, forced proximity, morally grey MMC, spice, enemies to lovers

[Em Yardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – An emotional rollercoaster with trauma, spice, and just enough healing to keep you hanging on.

Redeemed by E. Bishop is like signing up for a romance and ending up in a group therapy session run by morally gray men with control issues. It’s dark, intense, and absolutely full of triggers bullying, non-con, degradation you name it. Seriously, check your emotional baggage at the door.

The beginning is a bit slow (or maybe I was just in a slump), but once it kicks in, it's impossible to put down. Haven, our sweet, cult-escapee, goes from fragile to fierce, and you just want to wrap her in a blanket and hand her a sword.

The guys? Oof. Colton starts off as a cinnamon roll and then morphs into a wrecking ball of angst. Lucas and Xander? Emotionally codependent lost puppies with rage issues but make it hot. Despite their collective damage, their bond with Haven is messy, intense, and weirdly endearing.

Let’s talk spice. It was spicing hot and heavy but WHERE was the full group scene? Don’t tease me with a buffet and serve appetizers only!

In the end, it’s emotional chaos with real growth. You’ll cry, scream, and probably question your taste in fictional men but damn, it’s a ride.

Read Ruined first. Then brace yourself.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Toxic, and Hot AF

Ummmm... OK Besties… buckle up because "Redeemed" by E. Bishop is one wild ride through every trope imaginable. Haven’s story had me clutching my Kindle and side-eyeing everyone around me like, “you’re seeing this too, right??”

So—our FMC, Haven? Escaped a cult at 18, after years of abus€ (yes, YEARS), only to be hidden at Pemberton University where she collides with Colton, Lucas, and Xander. At first it’s giving “protect her from her past”… and thennn these 3 flip it into "captivity therapy". 👀 Like, Sirs, that’s not how this works.

Now, let’s TALK about the spice—scorching, sweaty, unhinged. 🔥 I mean... it's Why Choose! So, you've got MF, MFM, MM, MMFM 🥵 But the whiplash? Whew. Betrayals, 3 years of bullying, her psych0 husband resurfacing, and these MMCs going deranged-level poss€ssiv€? Y’all, they were straight-up psych0tic. And I ate it up. 😏

Dark-DARK, gritty, suspenseful, and hot AF. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like your romance t0x¡c, twisted, and jaw-dropping—you’re gonna be obs€ss€d. (Check those trigger warnings, besties!)

My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Melluv · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. Bishop's second book is another masterpiece. I loved Ruined; it immediately jumped into my top three favorite dark romances, and it's definitely not in third place 🙂‍↔️.
In this book, we follow Haven, Athelia's best friend, and her harem with Colton, Lucas, and Xander. IT WAS FABULOUS. Haven's character was so well written, especially her whole story and how it all ties in with the cult. It was really interesting. As for the boys, they are exactly what I look for in terms of stalkers and unforgivable characters, but whom you end up falling in love with anyway. The relationship between Haven and the boys was painful and passionate. I loved reading about them.
In terms of plot, I found this volume much richer, especially regarding the organization. I was delighted to learn much more about them. I LOVED seeing Athelia's harem and Haven's harem put their differences aside and work together. Speaking of Athelia's harem... Oh my goodness, I missed Wes so much. Seeing him watch Athelia from afar, through the eyes of others, my heart almost exploded. I could feel the enormous tension between them through a book that wasn't even focused on them.
I can't wait for the next book, which will be about stepsiblings in the harem!!!

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow! What a ride. Please make sure to read the menu.. I mean the triggers before diving in this story, because this one is dark. And I mean DARK DARK but wow was it good!

The depth of the characters and the developing of the characters!? The Spice is spicing! The story in itself???? 5 stars. I cried, I laughed out loud, I gasped and fell in love with all of the main MCs. It’s a long book but still exactly the right length, something is happening at every turn and I couldn’t put this down no matter how many times I tried to find a good spot to stop. I don’t know how many times I thought ”just one more chapter” when I’m supposed to sleep, and ended up reading at least ten!? Or until I actually fell asleep holding my kindle.

As I said, this is a really dark story. There is a long list of triggers, please read them before reading! Your mental health matters!

This was my first book by E. Bishop and I’m definitely putting the rest of the interconnected series in my TBR.

Thank you Bishop for the copy! You are a star!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️