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Seraphine Thomas #18

Escalating Alpha

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Alpha Sera Thomas has learned from her mistakes and knows the first step to solving any problem is admitting there is one… Not ignoring it.
All that leads to is pain for her later and she is trying to do better—her best for everyone involved. Pulling the brake on expanding and calling in help to audit the packs and her life was the right move.
It’s also past time to accept that her life will never be normal or calm or what it once was. She’s trying hard to remind herself of the truth of what her old life was—lonely, cold, and a shadow of what others had.
Now she’s got people who adore her, life is exciting, and she has people who want to be her. She just has to remind herself of that from time to time when things get too complicated.
So no more ignoring issues or pushing things off until later. This is the time to get answers and figure things out… And go after some enemies.
An Alpha wolf always has time to go after enemies.

Seraphine Thomas is a crime series filled with Chicago attitude and a strong heroine that pushes what most would think a female lead capable of, along with the heat being involved with several men brings while trying to figure out what she wants.

*This book is part of a series and cannot be read as a standalone. Like all my books, this is not light and fluffy and includes dark themes and events some may find triggering. Reader discretion is advised.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

94 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Erin R. Flynn

102 books795 followers
also writes under Joyee Flynn and Flynn Eire.

Erin is a born Chicagoan who decided to state hop a bit, given she works from home. She currently resides in Georgia with her pup, Lord Vader Flynn. With an eclectic and addictive personality, there isn’t much that doesn’t interest her or she won’t pour herself into if it catches her fancy. She has always been interested in the darker aspects of life and mythologies—especially vampires, shifters, the occult, and anything paranormal.

To date, she has published more paranormal books than she can keep up with the characters for, in different genres with dedicated readers who await each release to her numerous series under any of the three Flynn names she writes.

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5 stars
372 (65%)
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141 (24%)
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43 (7%)
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10 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
33 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2025
Real Review.

I apologize in advance. I love Sera's series. I do. The problem is not Sera. The problem is Erin Flynn. The author. It is the same with some of her other series. It seems like Erin Flynn is burnt out.
First, enough with the therapist schick. We get it. I also believe therapy works. Half the book was about therapy. The book that ended at 89%.
Secondly, where is the action? The issue with Simone could have been EPIC! Should have been epic. The issue with Eva's sister should have been expounded on. That would have been amazing.
Third, what is with the talking? The telling us what happened instead of writing a story where we read what happened and can see it in our minds eye? This is a book. It is not a news article.
There are so many ideas that Sera's series can run with. Dain's family, problems with the Vampires that only Sera can help with, the counsel diciding and going to war because some of the counsel factions want to keep to their unliberated views and lifestyles. Maybe even Sera has to leave the FBI because there is a new world order being established overseas by fanatical counsel members to remove the Dorcas's from power in Greece. So many ideas.
Erin, your imagination is GREAT! You have created so many memorable series. Please do not give up on us, and we will not give up on you. The same drama and angst that attracted us to your series is what will keep us. Creating angst through multiple lovers doing something stupid is not what good books are made of.
So frustrating to wait so long on the next book in a series and the author only gives you 40% of what they are capable of.
Profile Image for Ally.
424 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2025
This series is still my favorite of all of Erin’s. I will say the beginning of the book was hard to read because of the current climate. I read to try and get AWAY from that, but I also expected it based on the previous books. There’s only so much you can squeeze into a book, but I was still bummed we didn’t find out anything concerning Eugene, who used to be my favorite, and very little concerning Carter. The emotions are very real concerning all the crap Sera deals with, which also makes it hard for me to read personally. I’ve been a true fan for years, but I think I may be reaching the point of not continuing with series, because they all take the same path…
29 reviews
April 5, 2025
Sera is my new favorite

Loved this one very much!
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Sera is now my new favorite main character!
Keep up the great work, Erin!
Profile Image for Ame Nunamaker.
9 reviews
March 31, 2025
Good read but…

I’ve read the entire series which I do enjoy. My big thing is that Seraphine is ALWAYS mad or butt hurt at one (or multiple) of her lovers and punishes them forever for whatever infraction and she can do no wrong but is very into self flagellation which also gets old. I’m not saying she shouldn’t be upset w her lover(s) but stop being so sensitive, overreactive, and reading into every little thing that’s said or done. Yes, she’s suffered trauma but so has almost everyone. If she’s so traumatized from her past then maybe she shouldn’t be in any relationship at all and just have flings. I enjoy her men as characters and her anger and punishing them basically making them into depressive characters who are so worried about losing her (for the 100th time) that they’ve lost their personalities and aren’t really in the storyline much except in the scenes begging her or trying to communicate even w a therapist present. I’m so over that. Just let them characters be themselves with less relationship angst.
Profile Image for ReverseHaremMuse.
190 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2025
Review of the Seraphine Thomas Series by Erin Flynn (Books 1–18)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Overall)

I’ve officially read all 18 books in the Seraphine Thomas series - yes, all of them - so you don’t have to (but maybe you’ll want to). I’m a longtime fan of Erin Flynn’s writing. Her stories are creative, emotionally rich, and often addictive. There's always at least one character per series you end up rooting for, and her talent for immersive world-building is undeniable.

That said, my experience with this series has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Let’s break it down honestly - but respectfully.

🔥 The Positives:
Compelling Worldbuilding: The supernatural FBI + polyamorous twist is unlike most in the genre. Think Forever meets Castle with a Vampire Diaries vibe.

Long-Term Character Arcs: The series spans a wide timeline and shows dedication to character growth (even if not always in a direction I enjoyed).

Addictive Early Books: Books 1–7 had me hooked. They had humor, high-stakes emotional drama, and solid pacing. These earned a solid 3.5/5 stars from me.

😬 Mixed Feelings & Constructive Critique:
1. Tone and Authorial Voice
While the author’s writing style is generally engaging, I personally found some of the commentary in the closing author’s notes and certain narrative choices to feel more personal or opinionated than expected in fiction. I completely understand the need to address issues like piracy, but I believe there might be more neutral or inclusive ways to communicate those messages.

2. Relationship Complexity vs. Clarity
This isn’t a typical “Why Choose” or Reverse Harem setup. It’s a deeply layered polyandrous dynamic - messy, intricate, and sometimes emotionally chaotic. If you're looking for straightforward bonding arcs, be prepared: the relationship development gets incredibly convoluted. Personally, I found the shifting dynamics between mates, sirened partners, consorts, and friends-with-benefits confusing as the series progressed. A glossary or relationship map might be helpful in future installments.

3. Character Fatigue
By Book 18, I found myself struggling to connect with many of the characters - especially the main character, Sera. She starts off as a resilient, sharp, and likable FMC, but over time, her decisions and relationship management felt inconsistent or frustrating. The push-pull dynamic in her personal life, paired with very little progress in her supernatural education even 18 books in, made it difficult for me to continue rooting for her.

Many love interests were introduced with big emotional weight, only to fade into the background or disappear altogether. Some characters who were well-developed and emotionally resonant (like Dain or Tristan) seemed to get less closure or fair treatment than others who felt more peripheral. In contrast, some relationships dragged on without significant development or payoff.

4. Pacing & Structure
Books 8–18 dropped to a 2.5/5 rating for me. The pacing slowed, and more focus seemed to shift toward commentary and expanding the cast rather than continuing the central storyline. Political and social themes started to feel more prominent than the core plot, which I found distracting from the fictional narrative I was invested in.

🧍‍♀️Sera Thomas (FMC):
Early-series Sera was fantastic: witty, brave, emotionally complex, and vulnerable. I loved her journey through the early books. But as the series continued, her indecision, emotional volatility, and seeming lack of introspection made it harder to sympathize with her. She often reacted rather than reflected, and by Book 18, she felt less like a hero and more like a character stuck in loops.

💔 On the MMCs:
Too many to list fully, but here are some key points:

Tristan: Felt unfairly treated by both the narrative and Sera. He brought a lot to the story emotionally and deserved more.

Dain: A standout for me. Loyal, strong, and emotionally available. Frustratingly underappreciated by Sera.

Brian, Riley, Hagan/Reagan: Relationships with these characters didn’t feel satisfying or necessary by the end.

Noah, Axel, Eugene, Jason: Struggled to leave a lasting impression. Some started strong but faded, others never quite clicked.

Carter: Felt like his storyline was mishandled. A simple conversation would have solved a lot.

Ari, Virgil, Lucca, etc.: Either forgotten or sidelined. At 18 books in, I’m struggling to remember who’s still important and who isn’t.

⚠️ Final Thoughts:
This series started with a bang but has become increasingly complex - sometimes at the expense of clarity, pacing, and emotional payoff. I’d still recommend it to readers who enjoy dark paranormal romance with poly themes, complex emotions, and an ongoing world that spans dozens of characters.

But for me, the series may have reached its natural peak. I’m unsure whether I’ll continue with future books unless there’s a notable shift in focus and tone. Still, Erin Flynn’s creativity and dedication to her characters is commendable, and I hope future installments bring some much-needed resolution to long-standing arcs.

TL;DR:
Started strong with a bold and complex heroine in a unique supernatural world. Became bloated with characters and unresolved plot threads. A frustrating but ambitious series worth reading - if you have patience.
196 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2025
A Sera Breakthrough

This book was highly anticipated and needed after the last two tragic Sera books.
Sera is one of my favourite characters and deserves good things like unicorns, and one day I hope that happens for her.
The timeline for this series is still 2017 and followed a terrifying political timeline but hers at least got something good out of it and book 18 allegedly is the last time the political nightmare of the U.S will be included in the storyline.

In this book Sera is having to face up to some rough conversations and decisions.

But silver linings? Mauro. He might be her actual biggest weapon and I'd love more scenes with the pair or them acting like the lost boys that the pair of them are.

I liked this book but it wasn't my favourite of the series but I love the series and can't wait for what's next.
22 reviews
April 1, 2025
Siren, Wolf oh my

I love Sera and I'm thankful that you are fleshing out what Dain did wrong because I wasn't buying it at first. I'm with Maya on the aspect that Dain wasn't given grace regarding his leaving a toxic/abusive situation recently. The fact that she was the one to bring him out and is upset that he hasn't sought help really grated but I understand that Sera must protect her self as well.

I love the series you really do strong women well. I rarely have gripes on how they navigate from Sera, Soraya or Tams. I like your other women too but these three are my comfort.
66 reviews
April 17, 2025
I want to go to HER Chicago

Oh my my...arresting the President? AND the First Lady? You sneaky little imp! But thanks. I needed that...I really, really did.
Not sure what I think of the new model on the cover. She just doesn't look like our girl. If she's not new? This is about as far away from her best work as it is possible to get without a passport!
Most interesting though was the guest appearance of "A certain US Marshall". Will Sera be making a reciprocal visit? Hope so.
Profile Image for Heather Freeman.
912 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
Sera’s life is always chaotic. Between the stuff with Carter and Dain at the end of the last book and the ever mounting drama between work, politics, relationships & families there’s increasingly less time to deal with growing issues. Never mind what seems to be a therapy bomb at first. The takeover of three packs. More Greek family to help out. Lawsuits. Yet another new president. Stupid teens.
Her life is constantly tiring
There’s some growth but time is always at a shortage. I would like for her to have an actual vacation. Not abduction
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
January 13, 2026
Oh man. I got done reading these a couple days ago, after reading all 18 in around a week and a half time frame. I couldn't put down Seras story. She has had so much growth since the beginning, it has been great to see.

I will say, her being okay with her men to sleep with others threw me and is not something I am a huge fan of, I almost didn't continue the series. But I am so happy I did and quickly found myself being sad I reached book 18 and didn't have more to read. I cannot wait for more books to be release and see where Sera goes from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melody.
8 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2025
Loved this series!!**

Amazingly amazing series. I read this book in 3 days I could not put it down. I love almost all your book series. I'm very excited to hear about the new books coming out soon. And excited to hear or find out any new books you produce. Well done. I feel like some series that last really long don't really do to well, or drag on but not this series and definitely not Artemis University.
Profile Image for Krista Koss.
47 reviews
March 29, 2025
So good

I swear that whenever a new book comes out of any of Erin's series, I feel like telling everyone and ever p to "shut up, cuz my soaps are on!"

I was so happy at the end of this one cuz Sera deserves some rest, even though she's the Alpha Queen of the US. She needs to buy a private island escape for her and her family and go there for a reset. I'm glad that things are looking up for my favorite werewolf and I can't wait for more!
14 reviews
March 31, 2025
Another good one...

Erin I like you writing skills and the lovely characters you create. I love Sara, many times through the story I want to reach her and give her a hug. She really needs it a lot. I love Topher so cute baby. You said that this was the last book writing about US politics but how things are going you might be unable to resist and wrote some more.. I can't wait to read the next one.
153 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
Great book!

Another great read. I really appreciate the fast pace of these storylines. The characters are unique and interesting. They for sure are never boring. I like the introduction of new characters in this book as well as the incorporation of the old ones. Even if it's A brief mention it keeps them involved and fresh in your mind. I am already impatient by awaiting the next adventure especially with everything introduced in this one.
Profile Image for Dena.
4,475 reviews12 followers
April 17, 2025
partnership

The end was wrapped up really fast. Who is the new vampire? What happed after the father incident?

I mean I hope the next book at least touches upon some of this stuff. I now know that Sera needs to be more open and so does her consorts. She has so much going on that there isn’t time for them. I would suggest setting up a day and time. If you’re out in the field bring them with you. At least you are all together.
18 reviews
December 6, 2025
Love this series ❤😍👏

I love all the characters in this series. Sera can do no better and love reading about her kicking ass and taking names or their hearts. I recommend this series for anyone who loves kick ass heroine's. I'm pretty sure Erin R. Flynn can do no wrong when it comes to writing awesome books and characters. I've read all of her currently available books, and I love them all.
62 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2025
The start of a journey of healing

Really enjoyed the read. I glad everyone is taking thier mental health and personal growth seriously. Axel was a rock star. We didn't see Eugene at all except as a dire wolf once, so that relationship is on mysterious pause before it even got traction. I'm excited where to see where Erin has Sera's story going now
8 reviews
March 28, 2025
another good book

It was a good book with a lot of progress in it. I am also glad it will be the last with the us politics in it as I see enough of that in the real world I don’t need it in my fantasy world too. Will be interested to see where she takes this story now but looking forward to going on the ride.
Profile Image for Jeremy Fisher.
42 reviews
March 29, 2025
Good book

This book was great. I like how some back issues were settled and new ones came up. But the whole magic thing has not been addressed at all. Taking over three packs in one book is setting up for Sera to take over America and become Queen Wolf of America. I was surprised that the book is so behind in the date.
37 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2025
Couldn't put it down!

So many interesting side quests! Glad the bad presidents are done because as an American that slap of reality (like how easy it was to imagine things really going that far irl) was a bit disheartening. I feel so attached and emotionally invested in these characters after 18 books, I can't wait to see where their lives go next as they all grow and heal.
17 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2025
Love this series

This is one of my favorite series. I am very glad Erin is going away from the politics in future books though. This one had a bit too much. I like to read books to get away from reality. The story besides the politics was good. I'm looking forward to see what happens next with her men. I have to say I really love all the drama.
100 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2025
another great book in the series!

I just finished reading book 18 and Escalating Alpha and all I can say is I want more, in my opinion their is never enough of any book that Erin R Flynn writes and she always leaves me wanting for more. It was a fun re@d and kept me up all night so I’m off to take a nap. I highly recommend this series…
Profile Image for Abby Collins-Tester.
260 reviews
March 31, 2025
Oh Sera

Oh sera... and her men it's such a lot.
Glad they seem to be slowly working things through. I love that it's never just glossed over or forgotten easily when someone does something truly stupid, yes sometimes things that seem huge are just silly misunderstanding which can be forgiven and forgotten easily (as they should) but the stuff that really hurts is worked through
625 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2025
Awesome

Once again another awesome addition to Seras story and again I'm just wanting more of her lol I'm absolutely loving everything she does and hoping she finally catches that break with her relationships and all the bs she deals with. Can't wait to see what will happen next in her life
716 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2025
Absolutely love the author

Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books. I end up not sleeping before I finish the book for the first time and enjoy every re-read, which is rare
1 review
May 3, 2025
Amazing series to read

I honestly enjoyed every book and am sad that there are no new ones. I love strong but heartfelt females. I really wanted to see Carter and her tiger get back with her. I think they need more time to explore. I adore her son, who made me honestly cry reading about him. I hope she writes more of this series.
28 reviews
September 23, 2025
Loved it

Can't wait to see more of the guys. As well as hear about Carter and the food hopefully in the next book. I also wonder when she'll meet the other sider as well as her grandfather and wonder about the case (with the weird bodies) that was left unexplained. It is a great continuation and I don't know what else to say.
10 reviews
March 28, 2025
can’t wait for the next one

This series is sometimes hard to read, but is also something that you can’t not read. The amount of trauma sera goes through and doesn’t just give up is heartbreaking. Amazing series. Can’t wait for number 19.
808 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
perfect

I totally love this series and this book is no different.
The continuation was perfect and the characters remained the same with new ones coming in and interacting perfectly.
I truly hope that one day seraphine finds peace and true happiness with her life live and work.
160 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
😍😍😍😍😍

As always I love meeting her Dorcus family. Love it. I know they will love because she’s awesome!
But the hold outs annoy. I’m glad therapy is working for a certain someone’s.


Love it. Lots went down and I’m ecstatic for the next instalment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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