Craving Consequences

by Airicka Phoenix

Bron said he loved me.
Lauren said she had my back.
They said a lot of things before I caught them bent over my kitchen counter.

Now? I say f*ck that.

I’m done playing the good girl. I’m done crying and pretending the betrayal doesn’t hurt. If they want to act like animals, well, I’ll show them what it means to get hunted.

My revenge has a name, two in fact.

Lachlan Shaw and Van Weaver: older, untouchable, and the last two men on earth I should be falling into bed with.

Bron’s dad. Lauren’s stepfather.

Both have always been off-limits, until now. But they make me feel seen. Worshiped. They don’t ask me to be sweet. They dare me to be theirs.

What started as a drunken mistake, is now a dangerous game. Payback in stilettos. But the deeper I fall, the more I wonder ... how far is too far? And what will the God-fearing folk of Jefferson make of my destruction?

Because revenge is sweet,
But the consequences?
They crave me as much as I crave them.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Smut, Why Choose, Contemporary Romance, M F M, Dark

712 pages, ebook

First published June 30, 2025

About the author

Airicka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.

For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com

Reviews

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age gap but a good age gap. 25(fmc) to early 40's(mmc's).
Smut.
No real plot.

Kept me entertained.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting this to be about a woman who sets out on revenge by sleeping with her boyfriend’s dad and best friend’s step dad after catching her boyfriend and best friend sleeping together behind her back.

When actually it’s about a woman with a little girl’s personality who’s been in love with the two older men forever but can’t act on it because they live in a weird ass judgmental small town. So instead she starts dating the son of one of the men just to be closer to the dad even though the son is mentally abusive and refuses to sleep with her therefore she’s still a virgin even though they’ve been together for two years. Oh, and it’s also a huge pothole because she never needed to date him for access to the dad because she already had access to him this whole time since her best friends dad is that dads best friend as well. Zero logical sense.

She also never set out to get revenge by sleeping with the two older men. She goes to a bar they frequent and gets sloppy drunk and they find her there. Then ensues a ton of sexual stuff with a whole heap of “just the tip” but no actual sex. It’s weird. Then she wakes up the next morning with a hangover and reminds herself she can’t do this because of “small town judgements.” So expect a lot of back and forth.

This book is long as hell. Over 600 pages and I gave up after 250 pages because I was mostly skimming ignorant inner monologues at this point.

This would have been really hot and interesting if the FMC didn’t have the personality of a Sally Sue and they weren’t so concerned with being judged. Maybe it’s just me because I grew up in a small town and I’m completely shameless and have never cared about what someone else has to say but reading how concerned these grown ass adults are with what someone else might think just makes me grind my teeth and scoff.

I would prefer for her to be a badass and screw them both in the middle of town for everyone to watch as the town goes up in flames after she set it on fire.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨3.5 stars✨

[Teigan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF page 100/689.

Extremely over hyped. DNF for 2 reasons:

1. She's drunk so technically this part is assault. A guy at the bar tries to take advantage of her while she's drunk but the two MMCs step in and beat him up for it. They go outside, she's still drunk and she begs them for sex. They kiss her and demand she shows them her cunt.

2. I tried to ignore this. But then I was just skimming and so bored with the book. Only made it to chapter 6 and realised, I'm not doing this shit.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by this author I’ve read. The first was a novella “Little Rejects” and this book far exceeds my expectations. Wow! This was a dark, spicy, forbidden, hot and addictive read.

I was captivated from the start and once Everly turned the tables on her mentally abusive boyfriend and her disloyal best friend I was hooked! What better revenge than setting your eyes … and other things IYKYK on ex boyfriend’s dad and ex best friend’s dad. I’ve read a why choose before, but this one I devoured! Holy hotness! The banter, the tension, the chemistry, Explosive! The twists had me reeling and the spice is OFF. THE. CHARTS!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ If you want to get hot and bothered then this is your next read! *be advised to first check the TWs
4.5/5

[Katelin S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m moving to Jefferson if that’s all it takes to find these pairs of sexy men. Van & Lachlan give Daniel and Christian from Unwrapping Deviance a run for their money.
I’d happily also push my bestie to sleep with my boyfriend if it meant I finally got to have both of their dads. Bye enjoy your time together hahahaha This was hot, spicy, dramatic, captivating, and just such a good read. Jefferson is full of mysterious things, and these men are out to take claim of their woman. Their mouths are filthy but their actions back it up. Sign. Me. Up.

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book drew me in. I pride myself on taking the petty option as often as possible so a girl getting back at her cheating ex and bff by hooking up with their dads was exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately Everly was secretly in love with the dads the whole time so that ruined some of my joy. The book just fell apart from there. Considering how abusive Bron was, Everly did not need to immediately jump into a relationship with two men. She still wasn't fully healed from her grief of losing her parents. I absolutely hated how the author tried to dismiss Lauren's disloyalty by making her a victim of SA. If my friend is being abused by a monster, sleeping with him to bribe him to break up with her is never a thought in my mind. Then I'm supposed to believe these two women successfully covered up a murder so well that the cops never suspect or find the body?! WTF?! Dateline and a thousand other true crime shows have proven this very unlikely.

[Caitlin Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everly has lost both her parents, the only thing holding her together is her best friend Lauren and her boyfriend Bron, along with their dads Lochlan and Van. When Everly experiences the ultimate beytral from Lauren & Bron, Everly goes to the two men she has always felt safe with, the two men she has been in love with for years. For years Everly has kept her feelings to herself, never acting on what feels natural to her, but now with Lauren and Bron behind her she is about to go after the two men she has always wanted. Everly goes to the bar that she knows they frequent in the hope she is strong enough to act on her desires, never expecting they would want her in the same way. After a drunken night of extreme ecstasy between the three Everly wakes with worry in her stomach. How can she continue to be with both Lochlan & Van and live in Jefferson, a town where everyone knows everything and everyone judges, a town where the three could not live happily ever after.
The more the three sneak around together the more they want each other. The more they know that what they want can never happen, but that doesn't stop them.

OMG THE SPICE!!! Soooooo good. Started right away and never stopped. Loved every minute of it.
Van is the only one who is truly fearless in this trio, he is always the voice of reason holding them together. Always there to give Lochlan the kick in the ass he needs.
Everly and Lauren are the definition of ride or die, Loved their friendship even with all the bumps along the way.
IYKYK I HATE BRON!!!!!!!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so spicy, I loved it! 😳🥵🌶️
Welcome back to Jefferson, a city where everything is whitewashed and even the walls have ears. Will Everly be able to keep Lochlan and Van or will the town devour them all?
I loved seeing this side of Jefferson, and watching Everly manipulate the narrative for her own purposes. Her battle for love and protecting those she loved really made me want to cry! The intro of new side characters was exciting and I can't wait to read more stories from Jefferson!
Check trigger warnings before reading!

Favorite quotes:
"It’s messy and complicated, and I don’t do either. End of story. Still, I can’t lie to myself just how quickly I’d fold if she asked."

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You did this. You opened my cage, and I don’t know how to go back in.”

[Anna Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY. HOT. FILTHY. DIRTY. SMUT!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you SO much to Airicka Phoenix for the ARC of Craving Consequences!!!! 🖤🖤🖤

This was a RIDEEEE in the best way possible- combining the lovely taboo topics of ex-bf’s Dad & best friend’s Dad made such a scrumptious delicious HOT spicy meal 🤤 truly 🌶️x10000000 (I fucking loved it so we listen and we don’t judge) 😘

But truly, the story too, of navigating grief, pain, being lost in one’s self was also such a great journey to follow. Everly is perfectly imperfect and needed her people to help & love her after the tragic loss of her parents. (Except bron, fuck bron with a chainsaw on both ends fr)

This is a story of finding yourself, learning what you like, grief, love, pain, hard truths, maturing relationships and SMUTTTTT I loved every page of it pls go read it, you will not be disappointed 🫶🏻

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling new take on the age gap, forbidden romance

I thought this trope had been done to death. I still love the whole semi forbidden “we can’t because you’re my daughter’s best friend/ my son’s girlfriend”. I was ready to read pretty the same story with different names and more spice.

“Craving Consequences” is unlike any other book in the category. The amount of lust filled steamy times in this book borders on the edge of smut. The fact that there is room for an actual plot, shocked me. I am delightfully amazed at how Ms. Phoenix to fit an engaging storyline amongst all that heat.

Three points of view, likeable protagonists and hot enough to make me blush.

[Morally Grey Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fue unos de los libros más hots que leí.

Hubo trama, no la niego, pero fue más el smut.

Pensé que se me iba a hacer eterno por lo largo que es, pero no es así. Fue entretenido super ligero, empatizas con los personajes y tiene un plot twistttt increíble.

Al menos yo no me espere que pase eso con ese personaje y que la prota nunca diga nada, faaa, que fuerza de voluntad.

Los protas masculinos son todo lo que esta bien, demasiado hots. Y la prota tuvo sus momentos en los que sirvió mesa.

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story kicks off with Everly hitting her breaking point after being gaslit and used by her toxic boyfriend and best friend. She witnesses her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. What does she do? You know...acting on her feelings for her boyfriend’s dad and his dad’s best friend, who also happens to be her best friend's stepdad. Yep, exactly.

Beneath the hot, hot, hotness...there’s real pain, betrayal, and emotional healing happening. Everly may be messy and impulsive, but it makes sense for everything she’s gone through. I sometimes wanted to shake her, but she felt real. Lachlan and Van were protective, intense, emotionally available in a way that made the why choose dynamic really work.

The ending was satisfying, but it was missing something for me. I wish the three of them had owned their feelings and family dynamic. I didn't enjoy how they were still hiding everything. It felt unresolved to me.

Trigger warnings are a must here, so check those. If you’re looking for a bold, unapologetically spicy revenge romance with just enough emotional depth to ground it, this will check the boxes!

[KittyGrimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Craving Consequences by Airicka Phoenix
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Craving Consequences begins with a jarring betrayal: Everly discovers her boyfriend, Bron, sleeping with her best friend, Lauren. But instead of confronting them, she walks away—choosing not to give them the satisfaction of her pain. Instead, she takes a bold, emotionally charged step toward revenge. What makes her choice even more impactful is that she’s not acting on impulse alone. Everly has long harbored hidden feelings for both Van and Lachlan—Bron and Lauren’s fathers—and now, she finally lets herself give in.

What unfolds isn’t just about revenge—it’s about long-repressed emotions bubbling to the surface. Both Van and Lachlan have also struggled with their own secret attraction to Everly, feelings they’ve tried to bury for years. So when the three finally come together, it’s more than just lust—it’s a collision of passion, guilt, longing, and healing.

The chemistry between the trio is intense and emotionally layered. The steamy scenes are hot, yes, but what makes them even better is the emotional charge behind them. Every interaction between Everly, Van, and Lachlan feels meaningful, and that depth made the story all the more addictive.

Everly herself is a standout character—strong, bold, and deeply human. Beneath her confidence, she’s struggling with her own emotional wounds, and I appreciated how honestly those were portrayed. I found myself connecting with her on a personal level as the story progressed.

Van and Lachlan are both dominant, powerful men, but what sets them apart is their vulnerability. They each carry emotional scars from their pasts, and seeing their softer, more protective sides emerge—especially in how they treat Everly—made them incredibly compelling.

The plot kept me engaged and guessing, with plenty of twists and emotional highs. However, I did notice that the last few chapters didn’t flow quite as well as the earlier ones. There were some inconsistencies—moments where characters contradicted earlier behavior—and a couple of scenes felt missing, leaving certain developments a bit underexplored.

Still, Craving Consequences was a highly enjoyable, emotionally rich, and undeniably spicy read. If you like your romance with heat, heart, and a bit of drama, this book delivers. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend it to anyone who loves their stories bold, passionate, and just a little bit forbidden

[TinyVenusAfterDark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge Never Tasted So Hot

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tear Factor: 💧 (1/5)
📚E-BOOK📚

I’ll start by apologizing to the author. She kindly provided me an ARC of Craving Consequences in exchange for an honest review, but life got in the way and I couldn’t deliver at that time. So here I am, months later, with a purchased copy in hand and finally ready to give this book the attention it deserves.

Before diving in, a little warning: this story is dark, and it does cover topics that may not be for everyone, so please read all the trigger warnings before starting. That said, if you know Airicka Phoenix’s work, you won’t regret giving this one a try. On top of that, I love supporting her even more because she’s a Canadian indie author—talent we should all hype more!

And let me tell you… this book is spicy hot. The kind of heat that melts your underwear hot. 🔥

The story follows Everly, who has her world shattered when she catches her boyfriend and best friend, betraying her in the worst way possible. Broken and furious, she decides revenge is the only option—and she sets her sights on the two men who have always been forbidden: her ex-boyfriend’s father and her ex-best friend’s stepfather. Lochlan and Van aren’t just older and untouchable; they’re also the exact kind of dangerous distraction Everly craves. What starts as payback quickly turns into something deeper, more addictive, and a lot harder to walk away from.

I loved that beneath all the revenge and spice, there’s real pain, betrayal, and even healing happening. Everly may be messy and impulsive, but given everything she’s endured, her choices make perfect sense. Lochlan and Van don’t just fuel her revenge—they make her feel seen, wanted, and worshiped in ways she never had before.


And that ending? I did not see it coming! I love when an author manages to surprise me, and Airicka nailed it. Predictable plots bore me, but this one kept me on my toes and craving every page.

It’s messy and complicated, and I don’t do either. End of story. Still, I can’t lie to myself just how quickly I’d fold if she asked.

Craving Consequences is raw, spicy, and full of shocking twists. It’s not just a revenge story—it’s about finding yourself through the chaos, facing betrayal head-on, and discovering that sometimes the consequences are exactly what you’ve been craving all along.

[syn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad book, but didn't quite hit the spot for me. To be completely honest, I was just here for the smut, so all of the in between 'drama' felt pretty long and drawn out to me, but I think that might have partially just been the author's writing style. I wanted to love this book, but didn't- though I didn't hate it either. A taboo age gap romance with the cheating boyfriend's father and best friend's stepfather sounded right up my alley, and hopefully I come across more in this microgenre because something about the dynamic is just so hot to me. I do wish that Lauren had actually been evil, and this was more of a spur of the moment revenge fuck rather than a 'I always loved you' (especially coming from both sides) because it felt pretty ridiculous that feelings were involved everywhere and they worked well sexually/physically, just to push it aside because 'the town couldn't handle it'. Like I'm sorry, but you really expect me to believe that two 40 something men who would quote 'burn the world to the ground for her' are scared of some whispers and elderly council members? Yeah, real sexy there. I just thought it was stupid that the main barrier preventing them from getting together was fear of public ostracisation- like either just get over it or idk, move? For them, it obviously felt like a big deal but came off as more of a cop out from the author because how could they love her so much they 'would die without her' and then immediately give her up as soon as the public starts to get wind of it? Not to mention the whole 'I'm staying in an abusive relationship because I want access to your dad even though I could easily get it from my best friend too but apparently I'm dumb or something' plot hole- like yes, we really want to root for this absolute dumbass. Just my feelings. The smut was hot, but I honestly thought there would be more coming into a book called 'craving consequences' but apparently the consequences we face are the people of Jefferson and not DP and some spanking ugh. Overall, it was fine to read, but felt bogged down and a bit unrealistic in places. Probably wouldn't read it again but it wasn't a waste of my time, so that's something. 5/10.

[SpiderMam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
5 🌶️ 😮‍💨

Well this book went off like a firecracker pretty much immediately 😮‍💨🥹
Everly is a young woman who’s been dating the worst piece of trash narcissist for far too long. He’s been using her to finance his lifestyle and treating her like rubbish. She tolerates it though because it means she gets to stay close to the two men she’s in love with ~ Cue the narcissists dad Lachlan and his bestie Van.
The initial steamy scene in the truck on the side of the highway was enough to blow this old lady’s socks off 😅 and it only got better and escalated in the levels of spice exponentially! The spice was smouldering, like molten lava 🔥
I mean I didn’t expect anything less from Airicka to be honest. I got my start in Dark Romance cutting my teeth with Her Forbidden Flesh.
With tropes of found family, age gap, best friends dad, boyfriends dad, why choose, polyamory, small town romance, touch her and die, Broody MMCs, and HEA, there was no way to possibly disappoint.
I think this book has more spicy scenes in it than any other book I’ve read and I’ve read a few hundred the last two years. In saying that, the spice really hits. It is sensual, delicious and it pushes the boundaries with some scenes being something’s I’ve not read much of but was delighted to read. Taking bold leaps into the depths of the hot as heck fire 🔥
I really enjoyed the MMCs, they were gorgeous and protective men who wanted Everly but also wanted to make her happy. At times I wanted to shake Everly because she was immature and a little frustrating in some parts, however, I’m closer to the MMCs ages so I feel that I saw her as immature but really she was simply a typical 25 year old woman with little life experience, so I cut her some slack. There was plenty of humour and banter among the characters which made my smart arse little heart sing.
The ending was everything! The happy ending, made me smile and it was nice to see this all work out for them, but I didn’t miss a few little things in the last few chapters that make me feel that there is more to come.
I’d love to see a book for Lauren and Teddy ☺️

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Airicka Phoenix's books since day one because she writes dark forbidden romance so damn well. Craving Consequences is her latest masterpiece, and in addition to being a dark forbidden romance with interesting and twisted characters and relationships, it's a suspenseful and violent tale of revenge served cold. I love reading about the emotional depth and growth of all her MCs and the different conflicts each one faces. Not one of them is perfect, but some of them are perfect for one another, and all of them are likeable, realistic, and relatable for different reasons and in different ways.

In this why choose book, Everly, her boyfriend's dad, Lachlan, and his similarly-aged best friend, Van, are almost always conflicted about their actions and motives but never about their heartwarming feelings for each other, and I admire their (understandably reluctant) willingness and determination to create an ideal (if unusual) life for themselves, no matter what their family, friends, and neighbors think. While I was reading their story, they made me feel all the feels, from disbelief and outrage over how other characters were treating them to delight and envy over how they were treating one another. I laughed out loud and smiled several times; I even almost cried near the end because Airicka is amazing at writing real, raw, emotionally charged characters and stories. She's also amazing at writing steam, and this book is steamy!

Finally, without giving anything away, I must say that the (sort of) twist at the end made me see Everly and all her interactions with her men in a new light, and I believe that each character ultimately gets what they deserve, which makes this book a very satisfying read. I'm excited for whatever book Airicka writes next because I know I'll absolutely love it too. (Another one set in Jefferson perhaps? This town seems to have no shortage of hot older men and delicious drama!)

[Lindsaye Dombrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everly is one lucky girl!!!

Why were my boyfriend’s dads not as hot as they are in books?! It’s not fair!!!!
Airicka does a really great job making scenes super spicy while still holding the storyline firmly in place. A storyline that anyone living in small town, one you grew up in or are an outsider to, could totally dream then relate to. (You know, dream of the two hot men that shouldn’t have you, taking you then dealing with the fallout of said relationship in a small community).

Every has always loved Lachlan and Van from afar and discreetly, or so she thought. When Everly loses her parents, all she has is her best friend Lauren, her dad and his best friend. That is until Bron decides that she is worthy of his time and energy. For two years she put up with being his personal ATM until she finds Lauren and Bron in a situation that no one could’ve seen coming; they hated each other!!? So what’s a girl to do but track down the two men who have had her attention as long as she can remember.
What follows is a beautiful, erotic disaster that took its twist when I didn’t expect it.

While in Unwrapping Deviance, Jefferson was a weird, creepy, back-woods, almost incestual Mayberry proving to make as difficult as possible in the past and the present for Daniel and Christian. This Jefferson could be any small town anywhere in the world for a throuple; just nosy people not really out to harm anyone but their judging eyes are there all the same.
*no spoilers but I would really love to know what happened to Bron. We are lead to believe one thing until later when another version is presented to us. But I want a Where Is He Now kind of thing. I know that would never happen in this book; just putting this out there.

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

💋 She's my sin. My damnation. Even if I never deserve her 💋

"Her words are a blade and a balm, cutting me open and healing me in the same breath. Shes carving my soul own without even trying and I'm struggling to keep my idiot tongue in check when all it wants to do is confess all my own aches and longings."

"She is rage over the sea, pulling me to my death. She is gasoline and I am a lit match ready to burn to ashes in her. It's chaos and destruction."


Airicka hit it out of the park again with this new Jefferson story. I love all these stories that come from this mysterious town. In each book, we see different versions of this town, so it really makes you think, what else is Jefferson hiding? Airicka is the queen of Spice holy moly 🔥🔥🔥🔥. This book was so damn hot 🥵😏.

This story follows Everly, Lachlan, and Van. Lachlan and Van are older and best friends. Everly is dating Lachlan's horrid son Bron. Her best friend Lauren is Van's stepdaughter. Are we going a bit taboo? Yes we are 😏😁. Everly ends up finding Bron and Lauren bent over her kitchen counter. All hell breaks lose after this and she doesn't hold back. She has always loved Van and Lachlan. They both have been pining over her for years. Boy, these two men are over the top possessive and sexy. The chemistry between them is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. The dirty mouths on these men had me 💦💦💦🫣. I was happy to see a little tiny bit MM in this. Wish there was more 🤭. Seeing them finally get their HEA made me so happy. Side note: I hate Bron. He was a horrid, disgusting man 😤.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Holy, holy, holy! Airicka Phoenix has always been able to write spice and dark romance, but this book is that and so much more! Craving Consequences is the perfect title as you find out as the story progresses. I always state to check trigger warnings at the end of my reviews, but this book calls for it upfront. Read them and all the tropes! My list is shortened to the overall feel, but there is so much more going on in this book.

Everly has been betrayed and hurt for the last time. Pushing her over the edge, her boyfriend and best friend both abuse and manipulate her, until she’s had enough. When she finds them putting themselves first, she vows revenge. And what better way than getting over them then getting under their dads. Que spice, heat, off the charts chemistry, and a revenge plot that took over the story in the best way.

Something about how Airicka writes always pulls me into her stories and won’t let me put them down. She writes with heart and passion, turning dark romances into expressions of human nature and emotional turmoil. The romance that sparks between our three MCs is off the charts and could easily set this book on fire. IYKYK the chemistry pours off these three and puts you in a ch0keh0ld you don’t want out of.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🌹MFM, MF, MMF, MM
🖤Ex and Best Friend’s Dads
🌹Age Gap
🖤Why Choose
🌹Obsession and Revenge
🖤Friends to Lovers
🌹Off Limits Romance

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author, and I especially love receiving ARCs for this author. Craving Consequences has been one of my highest anticipated ARCs.
This is an intensely spicy, emotional, wonderful read. I gave it 4 1/2 🌶️. It didn’t quite reach 5 simply because of the length of the book and because somehow amid all the spice, there actually managed to be a plot and character development and drama. Why choose, age gap, best friend’s dad, and boyfriend’s dad. There is some light MM interaction.

I happen to really love how Airicka Phoenix writes, and this lived up to what I’ve come to expect from her style. The writing is strong, and I genuinely enjoyed the three main characters. The book was incredibly long, but I think overall, the length was justified with how well developed the characters were and the story that was told.

That said, I did feel a few pacing issues. Some plot threads didn’t get quite enough weight, while others felt a bit rushed or forced. And while I thoroughly enjoyed it, something about the overall experience felt just slightly off for me. Maybe it wasn’t quite what I wanted in the moment, or maybe it just didn’t hit me as hard as some of her other books have.

I struggled with rating this, but landed on 3.75 stars: great, enjoyable, and absolutely worth the read, but just not quite a personal favorite for me. Still, I’d absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a lighter “dark” romance with possessive, older men and a female main character entering her revenge era.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now. Everly sure got herself in a pickle pretty quick. Worthless, mentally abusive boyfriend she knowingly allowed to use her for her money. Best friend that boinked said worthless, mentally abusive boyfriend — didn’t really know what she was getting herself into there though. Two incredibly sexy, yet forbidden, men she’s loved forever.

This book is complex, cleverly woven together, incredibly spicy, genuinely good read. Intense, sexy, well written. Well done. Good stuff. It is “BACIO DEL CUOCO!”

*** Recommended ***

P. S. I really hope Teddy and Lauren get their HEA story …

MMC:
* Lachlan
* Van
FMC:
* Everly
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Epilogue:
* Yes
Tropes:
* Small town revenge romance
* Age gap
* Best Friend’s Dad
* Boyfriend’s Dad
* Friends to lovers
* Corrupt town officials
* MFM
* MF
* Light MM
* Light MMF
* swords cross, double pen
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* BDSM, breeding,
* voyeurism, exhibitionism,
* public play, somnophilia,
* Play/Roleplay
* con/non-con r ape, breath,
* primal, degradation, public,
* rough
* Violence
* Psychological
* anxiety, PTSD, manipulation,
* revenge, gaslighting, coercion
* toxic relationship
* Cheating - not MCs
Burn Speed:
* Fast - ish
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2 - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
* Depending upon your level of pearl clutching 😉

[Amber Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Tropes:
Touch her and ☠️
Found family
Small town
HEA
Why choose
Ex Best friends dad and ex boyfriends dad
Dark, spicy, taboo
Age gap
Banter, tension, and chemistry
Forbidden
Off limits romance
Obsession/revenge
Friends to lovers
MFM, MF, MMF, MM
Toxic relationship cheating ex
Please check the TW ⚠️

“So responsive. Will you be this loud in church if I slip my hand under your pretty dress?”

“You did this. You opened my cage. And I don’t know how to go back in.”

“I never imagined men like them could exist outside my books.”

“Don’t ever leave my bed like that again. I didn’t like waking up without you.”

“I can’t go back to before, Lach. I can’t go back to my life without her.”

This story is beautifully written and deals with grief and pain. Everly loses her parents tragically and tries to navigate her life without them. Trying to process everything.
She looks for love in the wrong places because her mentally abusive, toxic boyfriend cheats on her…with her best friend! So she sets out a plot for revenge…to sleep with her ex boyfriend’s dad and her ex so called best friends stepdad. It started as a drunken mistake turns scorching heat things up, turning heads.
Let’s just say.. things heat up!! 🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥
The MMCs were protective and loved the found family vibes. You definitely can’t miss out on this! 💯

[Eva ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ‌ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5/5 ⭐️
If you don’t like blurry consent, don’t read this book because it might trigger you.

If you’re okay with it, you love WELL-written reverse harem, you’re looking for a panty melting story ? Don’t look further.

It’s really difficult to find a GOOD reverse harem story, because too often authors just fall into stereotypes. Or just write the same character multiple time, gives them different names and calls it a day. Here we have interesting MMCs, who have similar problem, are kinda alike in some ways but STILL their own person. With their own tempers, personalities etc.

I liked the FMC, I would have LOVED her if she had grown even more as a person by the end of the book. But it was still interesting witnessing her growth throughout the whole book.

There was a real plot behind it all, a real story even though there was ( a LOT of REALLY GOOD) smut.

Talking about the smut, you might forgo wearing panties while reading this book, because it might really really destroy them 🤭

I’m not into over describing the environment to help in the world building, so that was one of the downside of this book for me ( especially the first chapter written from everly’s POV). That’s one of the reasons I don’t give this book 5 ⭐️ /5

[Jomyps · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Craving Consequences" by Airicka Phoenix is an intense and gripping novel that dives deep into the struggles of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of its protagonist as she navigates her relationship with an abusive boyfriend whose control suffocates her spirit. What sets this book apart is its powerful portrayal of the protagonist's inner turmoil and resilience as she confronts a controlling town that looks into everybody’s life, making sure no one falls out of line. Airicka’s eloquent writing captures the raw emotions, making it impossible to put down.

The themes of friendship and betrayal add further depth to the narrative, as the protagonist grapples with the realization that those she trusts may not have her best interests at heart. The dynamics of loyalty and deception keep readers on the edge of their seats, reminding us that not all bonds are as they seem. Phoenix masterfully weaves a tale that is both heartbreaking and empowering, making "Craving Consequences" an unforgettable read. This book is a must for anyone who enjoys stories of resilience and the fight for one's freedom against overwhelming odds!

[FinalGirlCultBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a highly anticipated read for me. Everly is a young woman that finds her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend and she decides to finally go for what she wanted for so long, to sleep with her ex boyfriend's dad (Lachlan) and her best friend's dad (Van).

Tropes:
Why Choose
Taboo/"forbidden"

Mind your triggers with this one, you guys. Besides this being a dark romance, there is a lot of emotional, verbal, financial and physical abuse on this one (from the antagonist). If you've been in an abusive relationship or have seen it first hand, this could be triggering.

THE SPICE....is insane 5/5 chili peppers. These two men have mouths on them. They are crazy for Everly, ever since she came into their lives after her parents passed. Even though they are extremely possessive, they don't feel like that sharing with each other. There is also light MM, which surprised me and I was feral for it. The romance, also 5/5. These three are gasoline to a fire and the love and devotion they feel for each other is unmatched.


Thank you so much for the ARC! <3

[darkromancexo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Van, Lach, & Everly

‼️Check those TWs before reading ‼️

I went into knowing it was why choose but OMFG I loved, devoured, inhaled this book the way Lach, and Van love Everly. And their dominance comes out wow just wow. This book omg is definitely a roller coaster ride the abuse from Bron damn he’s a douche, ass, entitled, arrogant, asshole he’s a character that I dislike with a passion. I was so happy how Everly played it out like yess go girl!!! Everly girl she is so strong even though she lost her way and knew she needed love after her parents death. But she came out on top got what she wanted and is so loved, by two amazing men that would do literally anything for her.
I’m thinking I need to take a trip to Jefferson if the men are made like how Van and Lach and also Daniel and Christian from Unwrapping Deviance. Guess I have to deal with the cultish town oh well.
I’m hoping there’s other books from the small town of Jefferson because umm I see 3 or 4 characters already.

[Zoe McKeown · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Craving Consequences by Airika Phoenix
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 4/5

OMG, I love me a good age gap and boyfriend’s/best friend’s dads romance—and this book definitely delivered on those tropes! ✨

We follow Everly, who catches her boyfriend and best friend in a compromising situation 💔. Instead of wallowing, she finally acts on the forbidden feelings she’s been ignoring… with their dads 🔥 Van & Lachlan.

Little does she know, they’ve been harbouring the same desires. What starts as stolen glances turns into a lust-fueled, three-way romance that’s just as emotional as it is spicy 🌶️. Everly & Shaw especially struggle with the consequences of keeping their relationship a secret due to their towns expectations 🤫—but the tension only makes it hotter.

Along the way we see Everly grow in independence after her toxic past, enjoy fun banter, secret getaways, and a whole lot of love from Van & Shaw. The bromance + banter between the two best friends and their new girl kept me hooked until the very last page.

Tropes: age gape, forbidden romance, boyfriend/best friends dad, secret relationship, angst, spice, small town romance

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgosh this book was everything I needed and wanted. The m3nage scenes were so hot. Everly is a beautiful young woman who has been dating Bron for two years. But her v-card is still intact and she's growing frustrated with him. But she totally has a serious crush on his dad, Lachlan, so she keeps him around. She also has a best friend, Lauren who is her "person." Or so she thinks, until Bron and Lauren betray her in the worst way. She not only has a crush on Lachlan but also on Van, Lauren's stepdad. Feeling heartbroken and a little tipsy, she decides to confess her true feelings to Van and Lachlan. And surprise! They have the hots for her too and don't mind sharing her. Hot, hot, and hotter! The spice in this book was on fire and Everly, Van and Lachlan have so much smexual tension and chemistry! I love that she gets revenge on the two people who betrayed her by having a forbidden relationship with their fathers. This is such a great book that you don't want to miss out.