Untethered

St. Jude Rules #1

by M. Jameson

UNTETHERED is a forbidden taboo romance

I grew up in darkness, it's etched in my soul, so I have no right to touch anything as perfect as Isabella Serrano.
She hates me, I thought I hated her too until one taste of the forbidden makes me question that.
I'll try to break her, to take everything from her, but what she takes from me in the process, is more, so much more.

Flynn Drake is a monster, my tormentor, but the hate he gives, he gets right back, the last thing I expected was to fall for him, my step-brother. 
He tainted me, he used me, and I let him, but now I'm back, and not the woman I used to be. 
I'm not his little puppet anymore. 
But the harder I pull away, the harder he pushes. 
​​​
This book is for mature audiences 18 +
Triggers: noncon, dubcon, menage, group s*x, abuse, cheating 
Themes: enemies to lovers, dark romance, step-brother, second chance, secret society

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Erotica, Menage, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2021

About the author

M Jameson writes dark and contemporary romance delving into the hard topics and pushing limits. If you're looking for escapism and like your boundaries crushed, she's your go-to.

MJ lives in South Africa, loves books, wine and Netflix in no particular order.

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Reviews

[Stacey Ireson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a firm believer that there is an audience for every book. Sadly, I am absolutely not the target audience for Untethered. Marketed as a "taboo erotic romance", the blurb for this book was incredibly vague and so you have very little clue of what you are about to read. The two MCs, Flynn and Isabella are step-brother and sister, hence the taboo element, however that honestly felt incidental to the plot.

I want to start by saying that I had no particular issue with the writing style or quality. It's not a bad book, but the "romance" really let me down. There just isn't any. I understand that the author was trying to write a very sexual book, where everyone is sleeping with everyone else, including orgies, and I don't usually have a problem with that, but when your main characters spend 75-80% of the story sleeping with everybody other than each other, it really turns me off. There were also far too many scenes where the MCs would start a sexual encounter together and leave to finish off with a different partner. It's not precisely cheating, but it's definitely not my brand of romance.

Most of this book left me feeling cold, or at worst, rather queasy. It's less hate-to-love and more just hate. Even at the end, the HEA feels like it comes out of nowhere and if this is the character's idea of love, I want no part of it. There are so many tropes in this book that it does feel a bit jumbled, plus there's a 10 year time-jump that blew my mind! The book ends (for now) with a promise of book 2, but I can safely say you couldn't pay me to read that book. I have no doubt that some people will enjoy this book (as shown via other reviews) but I unfortunately was not one of them.

[Lori [semi-hiatus]]

Can we stop calling shit like this romance? I'm so tired of this. Call it erotica and be done with it, but I don't see how this can be branded (and sold) as romance.

Check out this review for more details.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Mojo_Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to dig this. Like every luscious drop of its depravity. The plot (the parts without sex) was the whole reason I was willing to join in the multi-partner orgy that was this book. It was outrageous, hot, and twisted as fuck. But the plot was really so surface it wasn’t even a second or third thought. It was a ribbon of text to hang between fucking. GRRR...

The “Now” part was so rushed, so max warp speed that it killed the book. Chapters are literally missing from this. Like, how did we get to the end without a fuck-ton more info??? There’s an epilogue so I’m guessing this couple is over and I feel cheated. I’ll read another but without more attention to detail, I’m out. This book was too potentially intriguing for the “just-here-for-the-smut” feel it gives off.

Please, Ms. Jameson, take some time, slow this shit down, give me some details. You’ll own this sub-genre if you do.

4 stars for the depravity
1.5 stars for execution
2 stars overall

I’m leaving a 4 star to combat the posse sure to come after this book when it hits their radar. The trigger warnings are so big, don’t read this if you’re squeamish.

[🅙𝔲𝔩𝔷 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Minus a Million stars. — ⭐️ This book is NOT SAFE!It’s a STD breeding ground. Gross!! not romantic at all. Cheating, sharing multiple partners. 🤮 descriptive sex scenes with OM OW while hero and heroine get together not exclusive. It’s an orgie book with MFMF / MM / FF
Unlikable main characters. Won’t read this author again 🤢🤢🤢

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author includes a blunt content warning at the beginning of this book and also in the blurb and it was appreciated because it told me what I was in for and I was ready!

“This book is for mature audiences 18 +
Triggers: noncon, dubcon, menage, group s*x, abuse, cheating
Themes: enemies to lovers, dark romance, step-brother, second chance, secret society”

Don’t take that stuff lightly. It’s all in there and some of it is - whew, some of it is quite A LOT to take.

I don’t have to love or even like my characters to enjoy a book if the writing engages me. With that said, I didn’t love or like these two main characters but I could not put the thing down. They’re quite despicable much of the time and that includes both of them! This is more of a hate f*ck sort of book and sometimes that’s kind of what I want to read - as long as I know that’s what I’m getting and I did. Eventually the hate eases a bit and there is some tenderness and reluctant and unavoidable “feelings” but there’s an underlying feeling of self-hatred and self-destruction running throughout most of the story.

The story begins when the two main characters are young adults still living in the same home for a holiday (the summer? I can’t remember now because, ugh, my brain) but anyhow who cares because, yep, they’re step-siblings. Flynn spent a large part of his childhood with his drug addicted mom and he came to great harm because of it and he is filled with “darkness” and “dark urges” and is incredibly damaged. He’s also a high ranking member (the highest? I’m unsure here, shit brain, sorry) of a secret society that has sex orgies but also tries to take down monstrous people by getting dirt on them and their scummy activities and strong arming them in whatever way necessary. Isabella is his innocent step-sister who hates him for breathing and also for constantly causing her embarrassment and frustration. They both treat each other very badly but they’re tied to each other and also, well, very turned on by each other after a game of truth or dare and a forbidden kiss .

The book alternates between Flynn and Isabella’s POV so you get a good dose of both of their pissed off POV’s. There’s a lot of anger in this book and so much hurt. Prepare yourself because I do not exaggerate!

As I said, I had a hard time putting this one down. I was in the mood for a dark story with difficult characters and this one came through for me. Is it perfect? No, it’s not. I’m still not sure how I feel about the ten year jump or the secret society murdery/gangster style stuff especially in the earlier sections but only because it wasn’t as fleshed out as I wish it had been and I had SO many questions (because I’m nosy) but I *think* this story is book one of an ongoing series so I’ll read the next few and see what’s what. I also thought Flynn’s backstory was absolutely horrifying and I wish it had been revealed sooner because it would’ve made listening to him continually mention his “darkness” a bit easier to understand. I definitely DO NOT recommend it for everyone or for anyone looking for a romance because this isn’t one but I do recommend it for anyone in the mood for a very dark erotic novel because the sexual tension in this one was off the charts.

The more I “review” the more I dislike numeric ratings but I’m giving this a high three bumped up to four because it captured me and that’s why I read but please heed the warnings before jumping in!

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark romance - check
Spice - check
Stepbrother/forbidden love trope - check
Secret society - check

Just finished Untethered and i freaking loved, dark, pact with spice and a hot dirty stepbrother.

A Slow burn that made me devour this book and once the burn was over there was full flames - uffff

I need more please, yep i need book 2 now.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untethered took us into the life of step siblings Flynn and Isa, who are thrown into a family unit and have epic battles to outdo and outlast each other. Some of these pranks are funny and some very mean, but it's the underlying emotion that has them pushing each other to the extreme.
This story was well written, with so much back story and hidden scenes and innuendos, that I could not stop reading it!
I look forward to more stories from M Jameson!

[Jessica Reads It · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Untethered all I can think is "Holy taboo!"

Welcome to the Order of St Judes, where they share their drinks and their women! As if this wasn't juicy enough it centers around a "step-sibling" enemies-to-lovers scenario that is deliciously wicked.

Flynn is your quintessential bad boy with a dark past who is incapable of emotions, Isabella is a straight-laced goodie-two-shoes who just wants to lose her V card before college.

Flynn was a complex character, being the outsider and the son of an abused prostitute, his past always weighs on his shoulders, reminding him he's tainted, that he's unworthy of love. Bella is his light against the darkness, but he lets her go before his darkness overwhelms her completely.

Bella was such a strong character, having gone through the wringer with Flynn and coming out what more than she could handle. Her strength and ability to stand strong despite her circumstances were commendable.

Now let's get down to the brass, this book was hot, I am talking hot in an uncomfortable "Hrmm is that right?" way. It features a gamut of forbidden tropes but M. Jameson has found an excellent balance between tasteful and erotic. Sure, there are orgies, LGBTQIA moments, and sexual tension dripping off the pages with consensual and non-consensual acts but the passion ignited between the characters was the real winner for me.

I am excited to read further into the St. Jude series and see what's in store for some of the other characters!

Thank you to the author, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.

Trigger Warning: There are scenes depicting alcohol consumption, drug use, and overdose

[shortNsweet reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark, descriptive, and at times disturbing.

This was definitely an interesting read. It was darker and more taboo than anything I've ever read before.

With that being said, I'll start with the storyline and the pros. This story is about a step-brother and sister, who have a lot of animosity, as well as growing tension between them. She's a rich and smart princess-type and he is a monster, who's a part of a sex cult. There is a lot of dirty and depraved sex in this book, with a tiny bit of romance thrown in towards the end. The tension and scenes between the two MCs is good. Also, the mystery surrounding Flynn, the male MC is interesting.

Now, the cons. There is a massive 10 yr plot hole in the middle of the book, which almost made me DNF. The scenes also jump around right in the middle of chapters, at times there's not much flow. There's also some scenes, which are definitely rape and some scenes in which a child is abused. I understand that it was necessary for character development, but it didn't need to be so descriptive, it could have been alluded to. Most people who read these kinds of books have kids themselves, so its hard to stomach scenes like that.

Finally, on a technical level, there are a lot of grammatical errors that need to be addressed. Names were misspelled and entire pieces of sentences were missing, which made reading a bit difficult at times.

I would have given it 4 stars, if not for the plot holes and jumping in story lines in the middle of the chapter. I would have given 5 stars if the description of the child abuse was left out and only alluded to.

[reading with rylanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untethered is a forbidden, taboo romance about Isabella and Flynn, step-siblings who have grown up hating each other. They constantly get under each other’s skin, and neither can stop. Every time Isabella tries to talk to guys, Flynn is there, never letting her get close to anyone. He claims he doesn’t want her, but why can’t he get her out of his head? And why does she do everything with the intention of making him mad?

This was a dark and wildly fascinating book. I loved Isabella and Flynn; their passion was so real, even when they tried to fight it. There was steam in almost every chapter, and y’all know I’m here for it. I love a good dark romance, and this was definitely a ride. I flew threw this book in less than a day and cannot wait to see what happens in the sequel (fingers crossed it gets announced soon!). I have not been this captivated by a book in a long time; not only was it steamy, but there was some intense action taking place. I would have loved to get a little more insight about the St. Jude group, but hopefully there will be more of that in the second book. Overall, I really enjoyed Untethered!

Trigger warnings for violence, group sex, death of parent, step-sibling relationship.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the ARC of Untethered by M Jameson!

[Danique van Dijk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uhm. Okay then. Someone should've told me not to read this in public, so I'm telling you now. Don't read this in public.

The story
The story is about Isabella, a rich girl who hates her stepbrother Flynn with all her might. Both push each other's boundaries until there is nothing more to give. Literally.

I'm still a bit flustered. I like my smutty stories, but this one was intense. And when I say intense, I mean intense. Hot damn, where do I start?

First of all, I liked the way the story started. It immediately shows how Flynn and Isa hate each others guts, and are willing to do anything to hurt the other. I really liked this part, because I love a good old enemies to lovers stories. Until I realized that he's her stepbrother. I know that means that they're not technically family, but whatever you say; I just don't like that. It made me think of my brother, and that just made me gag. I tried to put the whole stepbrother thing behind me, but it was repeated quite some times, so that made it hard at first (pun not intended ;)). After a while I was able to kind of see past it though. So, if you don't mind a little family love, keep reading.

Besides that, my real struggles were with the first part of the story - before the 10 year time jump that is. I'm still actually so mad about the way Flynn treated her. I'm really not that difficult to please, and I don't mind reading about almost every kind of sex, but non-consensual?! No thanks. In basically the entire story, Isabella LITERALLY says no to him, but he keeps going. I'm serious, almost every damn time she starts off by saying "Flynn, stop, I don't want to do this, no", or a variation of that. It is so, so not okay that he keeps going anyway "because he owns her" or "he's entitled to her" or some bullshit. Yes, she then gets turned on and kind of wants it anyway - but that's just her body responding to his touch, not her giving her consent or wanting it before the actual act. This is so messed up, I'm actually furious. I've never in my life felt this way over a book, but their sex scenes were non-consensual, and in my eyes started off as rape every damn time. This was just romanticizing rape, and that's not okay. Shit, and the scenes in the beginning where she was literally sleeping while he did stuff?! I'm going to stop now, because I could scream about it for ages.

The St. Jude "cult" is a big part of the story too. I think the idea is quite interesting, the way they show the secrets of terrible people in society. But it's hard not to talk about the elephant in the room; the awakening ceremony. What. The. Actual -
Sex? You mean rape? That Genevieve girl for example. She knew she had to do something to get in, but not exactly what it would entail. And when they were all - ahem - doing their thing, she told them she wanted them to stop, but they didn't. She was bleeding, crying, and still they didn't stop. This is not hot, it's - again - rape.

So besides the sex being non-consensual most of the time, it was a very big part of the story. It was a bit too much for me after a while, but I really started to like the story when there was the 10 year jump. I think this maybe was because they were all older now, and more mature (well not really, but kinda), and most of all because it wasn't just them having some sort of sex every sentence. I liked the story a lot more from that point onward, and that definitely made me give the book a higher rating.

The characters
I don't have a lot to say about the characters in particular, just that the Flynn - Isa relationship is so very unhealthy, but I won't go into that again.

I liked the way Flynn's past was portrayed - it was obvious that he had a dark past, but not what it exactly entailed. We learned more of it going onward in the story, which I liked. I really liked reading from both their perspectives, because if I'd only read this story from Isa's perspective, I would've never, ever liked or understood Flynn. The fact that he really didn't care who he slept with - no matter what gender or form, was a nice touch to me as well. The backstory of some of the other characters was vaguely mentioned as well, and I'm guessing they'll be explained in other books in this series, which should be interesting.

I also must say that I love the name Isabella, it's such a pretty name to me! But what's with every damn smutty story having a pregnancy in it? Lol. There also was this one scene that had me cracking up so bad, when she said she would stay with him, instead of going back to California and he said "you can't take that back", I imagined a little child with big eyes pointing his finger, because his mother told him he could have another cookie. Lol, I'm not sure why, but that made me laugh.


Writing
The writing was easy to read, with short sentences that weren't too difficult. Since both of the characters were teenagers in the first part, there weren't any difficult words that I had to look up or anything. There were quite some mistakes in it though, like repetition of words and sentences that weren't correct, but that didn't really bother me.

Overall conclusion
This wasn't a book for me. I didn't realize it would be about a stepbrother-sister kind of love (which is probably my own fault!), which really isn't my thing, and besides the heavy sex scenes (which I honestly wouldn't even have minded if they were consensual) being non-consensual, there was not much left of the story for me. I did like it a lot more after the time jump in the story, which was about 60% into the story. If you don't mind any of the things I had some troubles with, you should definitely check it out, because it definitely is an easy read then!

[ashtag_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting! I could not put it down, Isa and Flyyn blew me away! There is the perfect mix of heat and heart is this book, and I loved every page of it. I can’t wait for more in this series! M Jameson has done it again with her Taboo romance! Buckle up, you’re in for a bumpy ride!

[Van nee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the path this relationship took....I could have done without all the "extras" and just focused on Isa and Flynn....the added spice detracted from the story which had a lot of potential.

I'm looking forward to Larken and Roxys story.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what I was getting into when I first started this book. I knew it was going to be filled with angsty, sexy, and dark romance but the level I received was delicious. The dynamic between Isabella and Flynn was something I didn't expect. I loved their tug-and-pull relationship. The cherry on top was their family relations as step-siblings. Albeit not directly related, there was still that chemistry and history. The way the story unraveled had me turning page after page wanting to know what was going to happen next. I finished this book in one sitting if that says anything about the pace of this book.

I enjoyed the quick pace of the book and the unraveled feelings between the two MC. It gave me a Den of Vipers meets Boys of Brayshaw High vibes when reading, which is a great thing because those books made my lady parts warm. My only negative comment is I felt the ending was rushed. I would have liked to see more development from Flynn's point of view before he met Elianna. The backstory there was lacking and I was a little confused on why he had plans with her. I am definitely going to be looking out for Book 2 release!

If you are a fan of limits being pushed, escapism, and dark non-conventional romance; I highly recommend you pick up this book.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like a solid 2.5 stars for me. It was a 200 page book that could've been at least 50-100 pages longer had the author just not rushed it. Literally everything felt rushed to me. And I just did not like that. It made the book entirely less enjoyable and I just was not here for it. Unfortauntely that makes me not want to complete the series when the next books come out. Meh, *shurgs*. Ya win some ya lose some.

[Meredith is a hot mess]

DNF @ 5% with prejudice. I went into this book having read the warnings. I was ready for people all around being shitty to each other and doing bad things. The dialogue felt slightly off (not how people would really talk) and both the MCs were too immature for me. I wasn't even bothered by the sharing scenes. Just...neither of the characters clicked with me. The author's writing style has improved since this book imo.

[Chey Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it’s definitely dar has some triggers the story was taboo but I enjoyed it I like that they grew and we got to see them in different times in their life’s definitely worth ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untethered is a dark and extremely sexual read. Isabella (FMC) and Flynn have a love/hate relationship. They literally love to hate each other and it doesnt help that they are step siblings. In fact it makes it worse but theres also an undercurrent of sexual tension with them that comes to ahead with a game of truth or dare with their friends. Once the floodgates open between them it brings every dark and sexual thought they have for each other out of them. Oh boy theres a hell of a lot of sex in this book! It should feel illicit but to me it wasnt. Yes Isabella and Flynn arent related so i didnt see the problem but it did add a different dynamic to their relationship. So did how sexual Flynn and his friends were and in a round about way it explains the depth of how dark they all were. At least a little bit. The other being how theyre all in a clandestine group. A very secretive one which i cant wait to find out more about.

This book isnt a light read but if you like your books darker and full of sexual scenarios then you'll love this. I did and i do so this was a cracking read for me. I cant wait for book two now

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author pushes boundaries alright and then just goes and finishes you off by pushing you over the cliff. Holy crap man!

There is a lot of taboo going on here. Step-siblings who have that love hate relationship but it’s so much more!
This book is damn near pitch black at certain scenes and I. LOVED. IT.
I got the goosebumps, I got mad, I laughed, and I cried. The tension between H/h was so thick, you need a chainsaw to cut it! The book ends on a cliffhanger... maybe it’s more of a TBC because the H/h get a HEA. Other men (characters) could definitely come into play in future books.

There is a lot of sex scenes, but you’ll understand why once you start reading the book. The story line it’s self was a little confusing in the beginning, but once you keep going, it all comes together and things start to fall into place. You have to stick it out. Trust me.

For trigger warning: non-con, dubious con, cheating, child r a p e (not in detail) but you can figure it out even before it’s officially talked about, drug use and O/D, secret pregnancy

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read from this author. And I couldn't put it down. I just loved the journey and growth both Isa and Flynn endured. The book is written in a beautiful way and the steamy scenes are just so well written. It has trigger warnings but it just has the right balance and is nothing to unrealistic.

Lets just say every character development of the big five is interesting to see, and makes you curious about their individual stories.

The way Isa and Heath's bound develop is heartwarming to see. And tension between Roxy and Larken is something that really catched my eye. I can't wait to read more about every individual.

Story: ☆☆☆☆
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Characters:☆☆☆☆☆
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

[Starreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untethered Is an easy read and I did enjoy the book. It’s simple and for what it was I liked it.

Isabell and Flynn are enemies in the beginning of the book and the book follows the evolution of their 20yr relationship from childhood to adulthood which is taboo and also extremely toxic.
The beginning of the book was a little corny and very childish but as I continued to read I really got enthralled in it.

Isabella who is very intelligent but is introduced as very immature falls hard but Flynn is not the type of man to commit to one woman. He has a whole secret life that he is really committed to and that in combination with other trauma he’s dealt with makes it hard for him to be in a real relationship which puts further obstacles between them.

I always enjoy a toxic relationship it makes a book way more entertaining. There is some OW/OM drama Which usually makes me uncomfortable but because this book was so easy it didn’t really bother me as much. I think mainly because it wasn’t drawn out too much and there was quick resolution.

Flynn is your typical alpha main character but his backstory was really sad and I felt that the book ended abruptly without a full conclusion. It seems that there will be a book 2 to continue the story. That doesn’t seem right because the wrong was done to Flynn and I’m assuming that the next book will have another male lead. I Look forward To how that will be developed in book two

Chemistry was great and there was a lots of steam pretty much every chapter but not too descriptive.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It book was AWESOME!!! It has so much more than the humiliation, degradation, and debauchery I initially thought.

~ "You're my firefly, light in my dark." ~

Starts off with Isa's high school graduation, the summer before Isa goes away to college. With flashbacks of when they first met and became step-siblings. Then jump ten years later. Isa goes back home because her mother is dying.

Isabella/Bella/Isa: fell in love with Flynn, knowing he would break her.
Flynn: rude obnoxious, intentionally hurts Isa (mentally), abused and neglected as a child (mom was a druggy, prostitute)
Kayley: her 9 year old daughter. Spitting image of him and has her mom's personality.
Roxy: Isabella's best friend, crushing big time on Larken, her father is a pedophile (into young teenage boys)

~ The Order of St. Jude ~ ( 5 founding families of St. Jude's)
right injustices & eradicate the true scum
Flynn: only one who isn't a direct descendant of the Order
Health: the hot bad heartthrob, Flynn's best friend, helps get his anger issues under control. And oddly forms a good/caring friendship with Isa.
Kenzie: a Goddess, was abused by her bio-dad. Also becomes a good friend to Isa.
Larken: the sexy nerd
Jenson: the wildcard

Questions:
Did Roxy's mom screw Larken? Is that why she can't stand her?
Will Flynn get to kill Ray Harrod (His mom's pimp, abuser, murderer (head of the ring they are trying to take down))

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untethered by M Jameson is the First book in the St. Jude Rules Series. This is the story of Flynn Drake and Isabella Serrano. Flynn and Isabella are step-brother and sister but they have never gotten along. Flynn is a dark young man who along with his 'friends' have a little club that is very dark and sexual. Isabella is a young women who is so different from the darkness of Flynn but after one of their fights a spark flares that neither wants but can't seem to stop it from igniting. I am usually a fan of dark romances with the forbidden taboo story line but for some reason I couldn't totally get into their story. I will be trying another book by this author.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book had serious potential to be more. However, the substance of the story about The secrecy of St Jude/ritual and how it tied to the family was left out there adrift in the book. I wanted more details. I wanted more of why Isa and Flynn had such animosity. Then when it fast forwards to the present I still didn't understand the behavior. They both acted immature in so many ways. I didn't see their growth.

The smexy times were hot though. I wanted so much more from this book because it really did have promise. Maybe the next book can answer some questions about how it all connects.

[Julez · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Sex, sex and wait, more sex. The sex scenes as you can tell were quite a few but they were well-written. Flynn is not the nicest guy and has an abusive past. Isabel was a decent girl but had bad thoughts and later went along with them. So both Flynn and Isa were a good match. The fact that they are step siblings meant nothing to them and their friends were no better. With that said it was a crazy book but it’s fiction and it was an entertaining read. Wished that there was more outside of the whole sex life with Isabel but enough was said about Flynn. It wasn’t balanced enough for me to give it 5 stars not to mention Isabel’s other life in Cali.

[Damsel]

🛑Hero's OW sexual encounters are more detailed than him with heroine. Which sucks really.

🛑The writing is rushed and the plot is confusing like she jumps from a scene to another without fulfilling all the aspects of the story.
🛑 I really don't understand why the separation. She obviously accepted him the way he is so why break up? It was so confusing . It's like reading a book with missing chapters and unrealistic events.

Overall, I'll be reading book 2 I hope it gets better

[Coco.V]

💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝

[Amanda Helmus · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a smutty addicting read that pushes boundaries and limits shamelessly then you’ve found your next read. This is an erotic book to its core, but it really has potential to be SO much more. I felt that the book hit its mark for a dark and taboo erotic story. At times it was pretty raunchy, but the steam and sex in this book was undeniably thigh tightening, panty drenching and kindle melting. However, I’m actually super bummed that the love story and sub-stories weren’t more in depth from the start; I honestly wanted more of the world, the story, the love and the characters. M. Jameson is amazing at weaving stories— she pulls you in with her world and character building so it can’t be shocking that I greedily wanted every aspect of this book to be explored on deeper levels.

For me personally, as an avid romance reader, it’s always about the story and the first half of this book didn’t quite satisfy me in the ways I was hoping it would. It’s literally all sexcapades (🥵🔥)—like the whole plot felt like it was sex with sidebar here and there moments of an actual overall story. Since the first half is made up primarily of jumping from one sexual encounter to the other the falling in love part of this story was actually very hard for me to find realistic. So much of it is sex which means their relationship feels like it’s solely based on sex. For me to believe it wasn’t just being carried away in lust and infatuation (especially from the heroine) I needed more of their story. I’m not saying it had to be sweet or anything, but I needed more than just their steamy moments. At one point even the heroine calls them out for just being sex. The second half of the book immensely made up for the lacking story in the first half and really cemented how invested I am in this series. If you are struggling with the lack of story in the first half try to push through to reward yourself with the second half.

Overall, a read I enjoyed and could barely put down. I’m really hoping the books that follow give us more of a story in all areas so that it doesn’t seem like sex makes up the entirety of the whole relationship and over half the book. These characters are so deeply scarred and flawed that it will be brilliant to see more done with their pasts, futures, imperfections, darkness, traumas, pains, love and healing as they get their happily ever after and I have full confidence M. Jameson can deliver.

I’m conflicted on how to rate this because even though the story is strongly lacking in the first half and the love story is all sex, the writing is good (even considering they typeos that have been missed) and really engrossing. Originally I thought maybe a four star, but I think I’m going to say it lands more on an overall of 3.5 stars for me.

Being fully transparent, I am part of M. Jameson’s ARC team and was provided an Advanced Copy of the book to voluntarily read and provide an honest review.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that pulled me into the lives of Flynn and Isabella with their forbidden desires for each other. A story of how the difference between love and hate is truly a very very thin line. Enemies since their parents' marriage, it seemed hopeless that those two could ever be together, but desires won out. But even those we love, sometimes are better gone. But sometimes out of sight is not out of mind.
In the beginning their story was okay but I quickly became engrossed in their story, one of depravity and mystery of the Order of St. Jude’s secret society which I am hoping we find out more in the next book.

[ies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gw galau mau kasih berapa bintang, bukunya berhasil membuatku istigfar buahahaha... mungkin karena ude lama gak baca ero jg kaliya, tp edan si ini... buseeeetttt banget pokoknya!!! bukan jenis bacaan yg biasa gw baca tp ntah kenapa gw baca.

Terus sekarang gw penasaran sama Heath, die jg sama tu edannya sama Flynn! Roxy & masnya jg deh itu..

settingnya bolak balik si, awalnya pas Isabella 18th, trs maju mundur dr mereka kecil, 65% setting 10th kemudian.

ya gitulah.... gw kasih 2 bintang gak tega, 4 binyang jg gw istigfar terus kwkwkwkkw