What do you think?
Rate this book
The Thorns of Charbon Institute #2
Group Studies
To say my start at Charbon didn’t go well would be an understatement.
Now, socially outcast with limited access to my magic, I must find a way to keep safe from those who want to use me, and from the Magical Authorities desperate to control me.
I’m denied the men my heart desires while my power rages inside me, ready to explode at any moment.
Although I feel alone, the new incredibly hot transfer student sticks to me like glue. Only he’s a walking mystery and I still don’t know who to trust.
Group Studies is a fast burn, reverse harem, dark bully romance with M/M/F and M/F themes. The trilogy is a college-age academy setting, 18+. All three books are written and complete the story. Please be aware there may be triggers, see inside of book for the list.
Now, socially outcast with limited access to my magic, I must find a way to keep safe from those who want to use me, and from the Magical Authorities desperate to control me.
I’m denied the men my heart desires while my power rages inside me, ready to explode at any moment.
Although I feel alone, the new incredibly hot transfer student sticks to me like glue. Only he’s a walking mystery and I still don’t know who to trust.
Group Studies is a fast burn, reverse harem, dark bully romance with M/M/F and M/F themes. The trilogy is a college-age academy setting, 18+. All three books are written and complete the story. Please be aware there may be triggers, see inside of book for the list.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
Audible Audio
Published May 20, 2025
40 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Kate Messick
14 books129 followersCurrently living in England, Kate Messick is married with three cats and two degrees in classical music. She enjoys everything clarinet, lifting weights, reading, playing games, and traveling.
From a young age, Kate’s dad read all sorts of fantasy books aloud to his daughters. Eventually, she figured out this reading stuff on her own and found her insatiable hunger for dragons and stories only grew with the years.
Living an exciting life, Kate is never afraid to reach for the stars. She founded the Symphonic Anime Orchestra and traveled with her music all over the US. Over the years, Kate has collected a diverse resume working in education, road construction, spinal technician, data mining, security escort, and more. Her life philosophy: Life is short, never be afraid to spice it up.
From a young age, Kate’s dad read all sorts of fantasy books aloud to his daughters. Eventually, she figured out this reading stuff on her own and found her insatiable hunger for dragons and stories only grew with the years.
Living an exciting life, Kate is never afraid to reach for the stars. She founded the Symphonic Anime Orchestra and traveled with her music all over the US. Over the years, Kate has collected a diverse resume working in education, road construction, spinal technician, data mining, security escort, and more. Her life philosophy: Life is short, never be afraid to spice it up.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 24, 2022
Perfect drama/magic/romance read. I love the characters Damon and Aphrodite and I really enjoyed watching them grow thru out the book. I really hope there will be a third book because I don’t want this series to end!
April 25, 2022
Book 2 is another hot & steamy one. Aphrodite has had the worst time getting acclimated to The Thorns of Charbon Institute. She is an outcast who is constantly bullied and feared. Aphrodite is extremely powerful and because of that power others want to use and manipulate her. Aphy was raised thinking she was only good for being used in every way imaginable by her former Master/Mentor Damon; who raised and groomed her since birth to be his power source and lover. Aphrodite has been at placed at Charbon Institute after the Magical Authorities killed Damon and removed her from his home. Aphrodite was taught by Damon to never trust the Magical Authority because they would only try to use her. For this reason, Aphy has always been suspicious of them even though she later found out that Damon was also using her magical abilities for his own diabolical plans.
Aphrodite is trying to keep herself safe from those who want to use her magic, bully her or make her life a nightmare. That includes the Magical Authorities desperate attempt to control her. In Book 1 Aphy was placed in magical restraints because during her Aptitude Test she accidentally transferred a powerful amount of magic into the entire student body of Charbon Institute. Unable to release the magic built inside of her Aphy feels like a walking time bomb. Beryl is part of the Aptitude Test and any time spent with Aphrodite will lower her score, for that reason; he has put distance between he and Aphy for her benefit but secretly watches her from the shadows and leaving her little gifts to make her smile. Saffron who is the Institute “Golden Boy” is still secretly seeing Aphrodite during their private sessions with Professor Garnett who also desire Aphrodite but refuses to be anything more than a Mentor to her.
During the end of Book 1 Ashe was introduced as the “student” who helped to rescue and save Aphrodite from being kidnapped. Ashe sticks to Aphy like glue. He doesn’t let her out of his sight and he is extremely protective of her. Ashe is very mysterious and Aphrodite still doesn’t know who she can trust. Especially after learning that Ashe is an Officer with the Magical Authorities who was assigned to keep watch over Aphy. On campus to do a job Ashe didn’t know that he would fall in love with Aphy; much like the other men in her life. In an Institute where the means to survival is joining a group activity of becoming a part of the most powerful male Mage’s Harem; Aphrodite realizes that she is tired of being used and will not only bring down the corrupt Magical Authorities but pave her own way with her own Harem of some of the most Powerful Mages on campus to include: Beryl, Saffron, Ashe and her next target Professor Garnet. Aphrodite is a powerful conduit of magic that needs to be released or transferred to another strong magical being.
This book ends with Aphrodite exposing the Magical Authorities corruption and abuse towards the students of Charbon; Ashe’s belief system being tested due to the fact that he has put so much faith into the Magical Authority only to realize their corruption and ulterior motive to use and control Aphrodite. Now that the tide has shifted it is up to Aphrodite and her Harem to be the change that is needed to ensure that all magical beings have a chance to be set free from the prison of the Charbon Institute and become re-acclimated to the real world that they have been taken away from due to their magical abilities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aphrodite is trying to keep herself safe from those who want to use her magic, bully her or make her life a nightmare. That includes the Magical Authorities desperate attempt to control her. In Book 1 Aphy was placed in magical restraints because during her Aptitude Test she accidentally transferred a powerful amount of magic into the entire student body of Charbon Institute. Unable to release the magic built inside of her Aphy feels like a walking time bomb. Beryl is part of the Aptitude Test and any time spent with Aphrodite will lower her score, for that reason; he has put distance between he and Aphy for her benefit but secretly watches her from the shadows and leaving her little gifts to make her smile. Saffron who is the Institute “Golden Boy” is still secretly seeing Aphrodite during their private sessions with Professor Garnett who also desire Aphrodite but refuses to be anything more than a Mentor to her.
During the end of Book 1 Ashe was introduced as the “student” who helped to rescue and save Aphrodite from being kidnapped. Ashe sticks to Aphy like glue. He doesn’t let her out of his sight and he is extremely protective of her. Ashe is very mysterious and Aphrodite still doesn’t know who she can trust. Especially after learning that Ashe is an Officer with the Magical Authorities who was assigned to keep watch over Aphy. On campus to do a job Ashe didn’t know that he would fall in love with Aphy; much like the other men in her life. In an Institute where the means to survival is joining a group activity of becoming a part of the most powerful male Mage’s Harem; Aphrodite realizes that she is tired of being used and will not only bring down the corrupt Magical Authorities but pave her own way with her own Harem of some of the most Powerful Mages on campus to include: Beryl, Saffron, Ashe and her next target Professor Garnet. Aphrodite is a powerful conduit of magic that needs to be released or transferred to another strong magical being.
This book ends with Aphrodite exposing the Magical Authorities corruption and abuse towards the students of Charbon; Ashe’s belief system being tested due to the fact that he has put so much faith into the Magical Authority only to realize their corruption and ulterior motive to use and control Aphrodite. Now that the tide has shifted it is up to Aphrodite and her Harem to be the change that is needed to ensure that all magical beings have a chance to be set free from the prison of the Charbon Institute and become re-acclimated to the real world that they have been taken away from due to their magical abilities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2022
I read this book in a matter of hours after downloading it.
Hook, line & sinker; magic, drama, romance, more magic & drama and oh the sexy times 💜
Aphy and her mages went through so much together, some brought back together and one a fox in sheeps clothing.
The MA had some disgusting oxygen thieves who are hopefully disciplined severely!
What path will Aphy choose, will all her mages walk with her when she decides … can’t wait to read more to find out .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hook, line & sinker; magic, drama, romance, more magic & drama and oh the sexy times 💜
Aphy and her mages went through so much together, some brought back together and one a fox in sheeps clothing.
The MA had some disgusting oxygen thieves who are hopefully disciplined severely!
What path will Aphy choose, will all her mages walk with her when she decides … can’t wait to read more to find out .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2022
I read all 3 of the books in this series back to back and had the same thing to say about all of them. So, I just wrote the 1 review for the whole series.
On the whole I enjoyed this series. I binged all 3 books in about 4 days. I liked the heroine and all her men. Each managed to have a distinct personality, which isn’t always the case when authors write such a large grouping. (Beryl was my favorite. How could he not be?) And the writing is smooth and easy to read. (Though there are a few editing mishaps and they increase as the series progresses—more in book 2 than 1, and 3 than 2. But nothing too disruptive. I noticed them, but kept right on reading.)
All in all I have more good things to say than bad. But I do have a few complaints, most of which are subtle and therefore not brief to explain. None of them were deal-breakers for me though (or I wouldn’t have read the whole series).
My biggest is how very focused on Aphrodite’s sex the book is. Now, I don’t mean the number of sex scenes or anything like that. I just mean the way she is largely reduced to her sexuality over and over and over again. The thing for me is that this is what has happened to women for so much of history. History has painted us as mindless slaves to our urges (and this has been used to both villainize and victimize us).
Messick definitely falls into this tradition. Both in making Aphrodite almost mindless with lust for a large part of the series and (for me more notable) making every man (both those she wants and far too many others) pant for her. There is a long standing history of sexual abuse, starting in childhood, attempted rapes (plural), threats of sexual violence, groping, leering, more than one attempted kidnapping with rape as one of the intended outcomes, etc. Then there were the other people calling her a slut and such. Just too much of the story revolved around Aphrodite as something to have sex with, rather than Aphrodite a person for my comfort. Not only for any sort of high brow reason, but also just because I got bored of it. I was especially sick of Ram and Alrick by the end. (Though I’ll also acknowledge that overcoming some of this was one of Aphrodite’s points of growth.)
None of this was helped by the way sex scenes were almost exclusively focused on what the men were doing TO Aphrodite. Sometimes what they were telling each-other to do TO Aphrodite. She often didn’t feel like an ACTIVE participant. By the end, when we had all five men involved at once, she might as well have been a blow-up doll for all she seemed involved as anything other than something for the men to move, manipulate, affect, dump into, etc. Unfortunately, I don’t encounter this infrequently. It’s fairly common, actually. And while I noticed it, Messick wasn’t any worse than some of those other author’s who write sex scenes this way.
Similarly, Aphrodite is told over and over again like calls to like, power calls to power. For a lot of the early part of the series there is a definite sense that most of her men love her for what she is not who she is. They have explosive sex and the men ‘fall in love’ but there is no sense of knowing or liking one another. They have sex once and ate hooked. Which, again, reduces Aphrodite to a sexual object, not a person.
And almost all of those rather long paragraphs can be reduced to the book is full of the patriarchal view of sexuality and male gaze of the female sex. That’s my biggest complaint.
My biggest compliment is just how *chef’s kiss* wonderfully Messick shows Aphrodite’s personal growth. The way she learns to recognize and come to terms with all of the ways Damon victimized and controlled her, the ability to hold contradictory and confusing feelings about a victimizer, growing a backbone, and started to stand on her own. Honestly, this is well done over the course of the series.
I also liked the way not all of Aphrodite’s men fell in love with her and were instantly on board for the whole peaceful harem situation. There were personality clashes, cliques, likes and dislikes among them. Some were open to pairings others weren’t, some were open to activities others weren’t, some were open to trying new things others weren’t, some liked each-other more than others. It made for a more interesting group.
I did think that by the end of the 3rd book a lot of the plotting felt same-same. I mean the broader plot of book 2 and 3 were almost exactly the same, even utilizing some of the same bad guys. Then there was a 3 year gap and a happily-ever-after epilogue that felt random. Other than the harem (that’s the term they use in the book) having formed, there was nothing to distinguish the end of book 3 as the end of the series any more than the end of book 2. Messick could have written 6 more books before coming to the same epilogue point. It felt arbitrary.
All in all, however, any other complaints I have are minor (occasional clunky dialogue or clichéd speech pattern for a side character, for example, or the lack of non-cliché, fleshed out female characters outside of Aphrodite) and basically not worth mentioning. I’d certainly read another Messick book…or series
On the whole I enjoyed this series. I binged all 3 books in about 4 days. I liked the heroine and all her men. Each managed to have a distinct personality, which isn’t always the case when authors write such a large grouping. (Beryl was my favorite. How could he not be?) And the writing is smooth and easy to read. (Though there are a few editing mishaps and they increase as the series progresses—more in book 2 than 1, and 3 than 2. But nothing too disruptive. I noticed them, but kept right on reading.)
All in all I have more good things to say than bad. But I do have a few complaints, most of which are subtle and therefore not brief to explain. None of them were deal-breakers for me though (or I wouldn’t have read the whole series).
My biggest is how very focused on Aphrodite’s sex the book is. Now, I don’t mean the number of sex scenes or anything like that. I just mean the way she is largely reduced to her sexuality over and over and over again. The thing for me is that this is what has happened to women for so much of history. History has painted us as mindless slaves to our urges (and this has been used to both villainize and victimize us).
Messick definitely falls into this tradition. Both in making Aphrodite almost mindless with lust for a large part of the series and (for me more notable) making every man (both those she wants and far too many others) pant for her. There is a long standing history of sexual abuse, starting in childhood, attempted rapes (plural), threats of sexual violence, groping, leering, more than one attempted kidnapping with rape as one of the intended outcomes, etc. Then there were the other people calling her a slut and such. Just too much of the story revolved around Aphrodite as something to have sex with, rather than Aphrodite a person for my comfort. Not only for any sort of high brow reason, but also just because I got bored of it. I was especially sick of Ram and Alrick by the end. (Though I’ll also acknowledge that overcoming some of this was one of Aphrodite’s points of growth.)
None of this was helped by the way sex scenes were almost exclusively focused on what the men were doing TO Aphrodite. Sometimes what they were telling each-other to do TO Aphrodite. She often didn’t feel like an ACTIVE participant. By the end, when we had all five men involved at once, she might as well have been a blow-up doll for all she seemed involved as anything other than something for the men to move, manipulate, affect, dump into, etc. Unfortunately, I don’t encounter this infrequently. It’s fairly common, actually. And while I noticed it, Messick wasn’t any worse than some of those other author’s who write sex scenes this way.
Similarly, Aphrodite is told over and over again like calls to like, power calls to power. For a lot of the early part of the series there is a definite sense that most of her men love her for what she is not who she is. They have explosive sex and the men ‘fall in love’ but there is no sense of knowing or liking one another. They have sex once and ate hooked. Which, again, reduces Aphrodite to a sexual object, not a person.
And almost all of those rather long paragraphs can be reduced to the book is full of the patriarchal view of sexuality and male gaze of the female sex. That’s my biggest complaint.
My biggest compliment is just how *chef’s kiss* wonderfully Messick shows Aphrodite’s personal growth. The way she learns to recognize and come to terms with all of the ways Damon victimized and controlled her, the ability to hold contradictory and confusing feelings about a victimizer, growing a backbone, and started to stand on her own. Honestly, this is well done over the course of the series.
I also liked the way not all of Aphrodite’s men fell in love with her and were instantly on board for the whole peaceful harem situation. There were personality clashes, cliques, likes and dislikes among them. Some were open to pairings others weren’t, some were open to activities others weren’t, some were open to trying new things others weren’t, some liked each-other more than others. It made for a more interesting group.
I did think that by the end of the 3rd book a lot of the plotting felt same-same. I mean the broader plot of book 2 and 3 were almost exactly the same, even utilizing some of the same bad guys. Then there was a 3 year gap and a happily-ever-after epilogue that felt random. Other than the harem (that’s the term they use in the book) having formed, there was nothing to distinguish the end of book 3 as the end of the series any more than the end of book 2. Messick could have written 6 more books before coming to the same epilogue point. It felt arbitrary.
All in all, however, any other complaints I have are minor (occasional clunky dialogue or clichéd speech pattern for a side character, for example, or the lack of non-cliché, fleshed out female characters outside of Aphrodite) and basically not worth mentioning. I’d certainly read another Messick book…or series
May 24, 2022
Aphrodite had the worst time getting used to The Thorns of Charbon Institute and book 2 picks up exactly where book one left off!
Aphrodite while extremely powerful doesn’t know how to use her powers very well, and because people see her as a very powerful person but completely naive people try to easily manipulate her.
The Magical Authorities or MA as they’re referred to in the book most of them time are desperately trying to get Aphrodite under their control even going so far as to put magical restraints on Aphrodite towards the end of book one, which means Aphrodite can’t release any of her magic making her feel like a ticking time bomb for most of book two.
The bad boy, Beryl, knows he’s not the best thing for Aphrodite so he tries to keep his distance (which leads to some steamy scenes) and even though he keeps his distance he still texts her and sends her small things to make her smile. The golden boy of the institute, Saffron, continues to secretly see Aphrodite during private sessions with his boyfriend professor Garnett who also likes Aphrodite but knows as a teacher he can be nothing more than a mentor to them both. We were also introduced to Ashe right at the end of book one, and as Ashe is being dropped on by the Magical Authorities, Ashe has amazing healing skills and seems like he doesn’t really need to be at the institute but he sticks to Aphrodite like glue and they become really good friends- till a secret gets dropped.
Aphrodite does ending up exposing the Magical Authorities for how corrupt they, and the tides are slowly turning on changing the minds of every magical being that the MA isn’t the best.
Can Aphrodite and her harem change the magical world?
Will Beryl and Aphrodite get together?
What’s up with Ashe?
Will Aphrodite learn a little magical control?
Will Aphrodite gain some more confidence as the powerful magical person she is deep down?
All those will be answered in book 2 Group Studies!
Book two was a little more steamier than book one, which I enjoyed- especially the shower scene in Professor Garnet’s bathroom 🥵. We learn more about all the boys in Aphrodite’s harem in terms of in the past things and family things.
It was a tiny bit predictable- I knew about a few things before they came to be, I just didn’t know when they were going to come out, so it was still a small surprise when it would happen.
All in all it was a very good read! I devoured it so quickly and I can’t wait for book three!
Aphrodite while extremely powerful doesn’t know how to use her powers very well, and because people see her as a very powerful person but completely naive people try to easily manipulate her.
The Magical Authorities or MA as they’re referred to in the book most of them time are desperately trying to get Aphrodite under their control even going so far as to put magical restraints on Aphrodite towards the end of book one, which means Aphrodite can’t release any of her magic making her feel like a ticking time bomb for most of book two.
The bad boy, Beryl, knows he’s not the best thing for Aphrodite so he tries to keep his distance (which leads to some steamy scenes) and even though he keeps his distance he still texts her and sends her small things to make her smile. The golden boy of the institute, Saffron, continues to secretly see Aphrodite during private sessions with his boyfriend professor Garnett who also likes Aphrodite but knows as a teacher he can be nothing more than a mentor to them both. We were also introduced to Ashe right at the end of book one, and as Ashe is being dropped on by the Magical Authorities, Ashe has amazing healing skills and seems like he doesn’t really need to be at the institute but he sticks to Aphrodite like glue and they become really good friends- till a secret gets dropped.
Aphrodite does ending up exposing the Magical Authorities for how corrupt they, and the tides are slowly turning on changing the minds of every magical being that the MA isn’t the best.
Can Aphrodite and her harem change the magical world?
Will Beryl and Aphrodite get together?
What’s up with Ashe?
Will Aphrodite learn a little magical control?
Will Aphrodite gain some more confidence as the powerful magical person she is deep down?
All those will be answered in book 2 Group Studies!
Book two was a little more steamier than book one, which I enjoyed- especially the shower scene in Professor Garnet’s bathroom 🥵. We learn more about all the boys in Aphrodite’s harem in terms of in the past things and family things.
It was a tiny bit predictable- I knew about a few things before they came to be, I just didn’t know when they were going to come out, so it was still a small surprise when it would happen.
All in all it was a very good read! I devoured it so quickly and I can’t wait for book three!
May 23, 2022
Aphrodite is starting gain confidence and find her voice, if only she can figure out what she really wants. Though she lived a life as a slave, being free (or learning what that means) seems to be harder than she thought it would be. She quickly finds herself falling into old habits and allowing others to make decisions for her. Then there is the fact that she seems to get into steamy situations left and right. I'm all for the "Why Choose" options, but she ends up feels horrible about herself after most of the time so it kinda defeats to purpose of taking the power back.
Aphy is a character that is going through a lot of growth, like a small child would when exposed to new things. There are lots of good and bad things that happen but it all helps with the growth; it can just be painful to re-experience. They are all characters that are in a particular environment because they failed to experience something that allowed them to develop within the social parameters. They are all lacking something, so when they do a sh!the@d move I have to remind myself of who these characters are. Will they be able to grow into something more? I don't know. So far, I have this belief that Beryl is the one that is the most grown and ready for whatever but has been hiding his light. I guess we will see where the author takes us.
Chaos, anarchy, and the possibility of rebellion is where this book ends. With strife and confusion, pain and clarity running throughout. It's not a straight path and it will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aphy is a character that is going through a lot of growth, like a small child would when exposed to new things. There are lots of good and bad things that happen but it all helps with the growth; it can just be painful to re-experience. They are all characters that are in a particular environment because they failed to experience something that allowed them to develop within the social parameters. They are all lacking something, so when they do a sh!the@d move I have to remind myself of who these characters are. Will they be able to grow into something more? I don't know. So far, I have this belief that Beryl is the one that is the most grown and ready for whatever but has been hiding his light. I guess we will see where the author takes us.
Chaos, anarchy, and the possibility of rebellion is where this book ends. With strife and confusion, pain and clarity running throughout. It's not a straight path and it will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2022
This is a whirlwind story! So many secrets, betrayals, and revelations come to light and Aphrodite is thrust into the middle of all of it. She has come a long way since her arrival at the institute, but she discovers that there is still so much to learn. She doesn’t know who to trust, and a few people continue to confuse her with their actions conflicting with their words.
Aphrodite works hard to learn about her abilities, while navigating the aftermath of the events from book one. She still has difficulty separating what she was taught from her lifelong captor, and what the institute teaches. You can really see the internal struggles she has, being dropped into an environment where good and evil are very black and white, after the way she was raised. It’s fascinating to learn more about the institute and the authorities who brought Aphrodite in.
The spice level continues to be 🥵🥵🥵 as Aphy’s connections to a few of the guys change and grow. It’s very much a “one step forward, two steps back” situation with more than one, due to a lack of communication and misunderstandings, in addition to outright lies in some instances.
The ending blew me away! The twists and turns in this story kept the pages turning, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Aphrodite works hard to learn about her abilities, while navigating the aftermath of the events from book one. She still has difficulty separating what she was taught from her lifelong captor, and what the institute teaches. You can really see the internal struggles she has, being dropped into an environment where good and evil are very black and white, after the way she was raised. It’s fascinating to learn more about the institute and the authorities who brought Aphrodite in.
The spice level continues to be 🥵🥵🥵 as Aphy’s connections to a few of the guys change and grow. It’s very much a “one step forward, two steps back” situation with more than one, due to a lack of communication and misunderstandings, in addition to outright lies in some instances.
The ending blew me away! The twists and turns in this story kept the pages turning, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 21, 2022
Picking up where book 1 left off, we find Aphrodite with magical restraints that hold in her powers and make her feeling like a walking bomb ready to explode at any moment. But as her studies at the Institute progress, will she be able to regain control of her powers and expose the truth of what is happening?
Aphrodite is everything. She's strong, lethal when she wants to be, smart and has a little snark to her. I love her character and how she works out what is happening around her. Despite the way he had groomed her, he did have a point with the Authorities, so maybe he wasn't completely useless?
The men around her want her, and each acts on it differently. Saffron sees her secretly, Professor Garnett tries to refuse anything by a mentor relationship with her, Beryl puts distance between them for her own benefit, and now Ashe comes in mysteriously. Each man is different, and adds a unique perspective to the story, which I loved.
The pacing is slow for me and there are points that are slightly dull. Most of the build up to action is where the story tends to lag, just because several points where these build ups happen feel like info dumps.
Aphrodite is everything. She's strong, lethal when she wants to be, smart and has a little snark to her. I love her character and how she works out what is happening around her. Despite the way he had groomed her, he did have a point with the Authorities, so maybe he wasn't completely useless?
The men around her want her, and each acts on it differently. Saffron sees her secretly, Professor Garnett tries to refuse anything by a mentor relationship with her, Beryl puts distance between them for her own benefit, and now Ashe comes in mysteriously. Each man is different, and adds a unique perspective to the story, which I loved.
The pacing is slow for me and there are points that are slightly dull. Most of the build up to action is where the story tends to lag, just because several points where these build ups happen feel like info dumps.
October 2, 2022
The second book to the Thorns of Charbon Institute did not disappoint. It was everything I expected it to be after reading Self Studies, and more.
We get to know Ashe, the mysterious hottie who saved his Kitten from the suitcase. Brooding and overprotective, this new edition to Aphrodite’s harem hides secrets beyond what anyone would ever expect. Keeping all the other men away from her becomes his biggest challenge that he repeatedly fails on. And his reactions are absolutely fun to read!
Seeing Aphrodite — Aphy, Dot, Kitten, Goddess — grow as a person and in her magic was very satisfying. And all the twists and turns this book took kept me on my toes.
Among all the fantastic things, one thing from the very end bothered me. A scene from the director's office. It wasn’t really the scene itself, because that would’ve been great in any other situation, but the (medical) condition Aphrodite was in. Perhaps magic had healed her already? Without giving anything away, I’m going to leave it at that.
Group studies is a steamy, dark, fascinating story that takes you on a wild ride!
We get to know Ashe, the mysterious hottie who saved his Kitten from the suitcase. Brooding and overprotective, this new edition to Aphrodite’s harem hides secrets beyond what anyone would ever expect. Keeping all the other men away from her becomes his biggest challenge that he repeatedly fails on. And his reactions are absolutely fun to read!
Seeing Aphrodite — Aphy, Dot, Kitten, Goddess — grow as a person and in her magic was very satisfying. And all the twists and turns this book took kept me on my toes.
Among all the fantastic things, one thing from the very end bothered me. A scene from the director's office. It wasn’t really the scene itself, because that would’ve been great in any other situation, but the (medical) condition Aphrodite was in. Perhaps magic had healed her already? Without giving anything away, I’m going to leave it at that.
Group studies is a steamy, dark, fascinating story that takes you on a wild ride!
July 7, 2022
Messick has done it again. In a story which should have gotten old, it didn't. The bullying continues. Now the Magical Authority is in her face and in her life. Yet they don't protect her. They blame and chastise. Messick has skillfully grown her characters a little at a time. It shows in this installment of this series. Her men - who are different, unique, and delicious - all have distinct personalities and ideas. They often don't get along which means that Aphrodite has to face her relationships. She knows what she wants but she's not quite there. Messick has crafted a wonderful story which defies the second book is worse than the first. This second installment hits a lot of high notes as Messick drags Aphrodite through hell and back. She develops her character so well by increments you don't notice until you realize changes have occurred. Another great story, well worth your time to read. There is a minor / slight cliffhanger with this book but not to the point where I'm annoyed. It's a peek into what comes next.
May 12, 2022
I want to hate Saffron and Professor Garnet so bad. I wasn’t thrilled with them at the end of the first book and even more so at the start of this book. Aphrodite has it bad enough as it is, she doesn’t need their mixed jumbo jumbo adding to it. Life is looking up for Aphrodite, she has a new friend in Ashe who can help ease the pain of losing Beryl. He’s there but not really, Ram is still an issue and her powers have been for a better word controlled. What I loved about this book was that Aphy finally found her own. She becomes aware of who she is and takes control of her life….until she learns not everything is the way she thinks it is. I didn’t see that betrayal coming at all. But I digress, by the end of this book I love Professor Garnet and am warming to the idea of Saffron being a permanent fixture. I devoured this book which goes to show great writing and better story telling. Now I wait for the next one…..
May 19, 2022
Here we are book two of Aphy's story! It doesn't disappoint, you have steam, deception, lies, love, and much more. I wanna send Ram on a one way trip to another galaxy, he needs to get his butt put in LINE. This book has so much going on for Aphy, this girl deals with so much, and just keeps taking it. When she breaks, the mages help all in her way!
There was a scene/story concept that hit me like a wall (you'll know it if you read it). I felt everything Aphy and those around her felt. When another lie comes to light, it's never easy, but this one. It devastates but also gives hope.
Bring on book 3, because I know I wanna see what happens!! Kate Messick has done it again writing characters with strength, but also vulnerabilities.
There was a scene/story concept that hit me like a wall (you'll know it if you read it). I felt everything Aphy and those around her felt. When another lie comes to light, it's never easy, but this one. It devastates but also gives hope.
Bring on book 3, because I know I wanna see what happens!! Kate Messick has done it again writing characters with strength, but also vulnerabilities.
May 21, 2022
Well this book picks up right where it left off....you are introduced to a new leading male (Ashe) at the end of book one and book two you get to know all about her knight in shining armor. However, before long, things start taking a turn because nothing is ever easy for "A, Aphy, Dot, Kitten, etc." She still has a lot of nicknames based on her man. I am really enjoying where this series is going and how she is trying to figure out who she is. I think there are a lot more turns for her to figure out what her HEA will look like though. You get the steam and the story, but sometimes there can be some confusion and moments where you are like ummm....what?!? I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
April 23, 2022
This next installment did not disappoint!!! Aphrodite is second guessing if she is good or evil even in the institute she’s in now. By her side is Ashe as he faithfully helps and protects her. Saffron, Beryl and Professor Garnet are keeping their distance now that the MA agents are at the school. But she soon is realizing that secrets are being kept from her and she is trying to just survive. I loved the characters interactions and watching them grow. There were a lot of spicy scenes which were *chefs kiss*! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
WOW, book 2 blew me away, I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down! I love how strong A is getting in this second book, and that her men are backing her! These guys are doing wonderful in supporting her, and I really can't wait to see how much they all grow. She is proving to be strong showing that she is strongest being in her own harem not attached to another's.
A is learning her abilities still, so I can't wait to see how much more she grows into them. I am just so excited for book 3 and the rest of this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A is learning her abilities still, so I can't wait to see how much more she grows into them. I am just so excited for book 3 and the rest of this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2022
This book won't disappoint you if you're a fan of PNR romance. Spice, magic, lies, trust, love, betrayals, disappointment, and self-discovery all packed into one story. It will have Aphy and her harem of men questioning each other and themselves until the end.
Aphrodite continues trying to figure out who she is, and where she really came from, as she slowly begins to understand the corruption hidden behind the institue walls and the MA. All while trying to understand who each of her men really are, learn to control her magic, figure out her true background, and where she came from.
Each twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. Though I still continue to hate Ram, more so at the end of the book, even if he does pay for it. And will admit I am disappointed with Ashe and Saffron. But I'm excited to figure out what path Aphy's new found strength and decision will take her and what will happen with the MA and Institute.
Aphrodite continues trying to figure out who she is, and where she really came from, as she slowly begins to understand the corruption hidden behind the institue walls and the MA. All while trying to understand who each of her men really are, learn to control her magic, figure out her true background, and where she came from.
Each twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. Though I still continue to hate Ram, more so at the end of the book, even if he does pay for it. And will admit I am disappointed with Ashe and Saffron. But I'm excited to figure out what path Aphy's new found strength and decision will take her and what will happen with the MA and Institute.
May 12, 2022
Group Studies is the second book in this amazing series!
Aphrodite is struggling at the beginning as she has to learn not to transfer her magic into another person but sometimes it’s hard as the magic builds up in her. The MA makes more of an appearance in this book and are abusing their power against other students. Aphrodite also now has a bodyguard, Ashe, who also is more than what he seems.
There is plenty of steam, lies, deceit and betrayal in this book and I loved towards the end when Aphrodite found away to use her magic and can’t wait see what path she will choose in the next book.
Aphrodite is struggling at the beginning as she has to learn not to transfer her magic into another person but sometimes it’s hard as the magic builds up in her. The MA makes more of an appearance in this book and are abusing their power against other students. Aphrodite also now has a bodyguard, Ashe, who also is more than what he seems.
There is plenty of steam, lies, deceit and betrayal in this book and I loved towards the end when Aphrodite found away to use her magic and can’t wait see what path she will choose in the next book.
May 16, 2022
Fantastic!
This series keeps getting better and better! There was so much going on in this book. There was more steam!!! More action and drama!! So many twists and turns! It definitely kept me reading. I loved seeing the growth and strength in Aphrodite. She is really learning who she is and becoming more self confident. I'm loving the guys even more in this book. I think her harem is finally starting to come together and stand beside her. The last few chapters of the book....Wow!!! I cannot wait to read book 3!! I can only imagine how great it will be!
This series keeps getting better and better! There was so much going on in this book. There was more steam!!! More action and drama!! So many twists and turns! It definitely kept me reading. I loved seeing the growth and strength in Aphrodite. She is really learning who she is and becoming more self confident. I'm loving the guys even more in this book. I think her harem is finally starting to come together and stand beside her. The last few chapters of the book....Wow!!! I cannot wait to read book 3!! I can only imagine how great it will be!
May 21, 2022
great continuation!
A steamy second installment of Aphrodite’s journey into finding out what she is capable of and that sometimes embracing one’s power is better than conforming. No matter what the consequences, Her enticing nature brings unlikely friends from unexpected places. Not everything is as it seems and the institution is turned upside down by the MA testing the lines of trust and love. In a place where who one confides in can lead to dire consequences, every conversation reveals a bit of truth. Quite a page turner, I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
A steamy second installment of Aphrodite’s journey into finding out what she is capable of and that sometimes embracing one’s power is better than conforming. No matter what the consequences, Her enticing nature brings unlikely friends from unexpected places. Not everything is as it seems and the institution is turned upside down by the MA testing the lines of trust and love. In a place where who one confides in can lead to dire consequences, every conversation reveals a bit of truth. Quite a page turner, I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
May 22, 2022
Group studies continues with Aphy's journey to finding herself and what she is really capable of. The character arc that has already been shown is awe inspiring. It's incredible to read how far she's come in just a short amount of time. The steam in this trilogy just keeps getting better and better!! I love Aphy and her men, even if some of them need some sense knocked into them lol.
I won't give any spoilers but this is a must read, just be prepared for all the twists and turns. You definitely won't regret picking this up.
I won't give any spoilers but this is a must read, just be prepared for all the twists and turns. You definitely won't regret picking this up.
May 23, 2022
I am loving these stories. Aprhodite is still trying to control her magic in order to find her place in society if she ever wants to get out of the Institute, but the more she tries the more thing's keep happening. There were some secrets that get revealed about her, but still the one of how her old master came to have her remains a mystery, so hopefully in the final book yes it does end on a cliffhanger, but this book was so good you don't want to wait. There were so many thing's that happened in here I don't want to give thing's away you'll just have to read it.
May 29, 2022
Aphrodite is Awesome!!
I have to say this is my absolute favorite book of Kate’s! So many ups and downs and I love that it really turns into Aphrodite’s transformation book! She goes from out of control and timid to absolutely badass and confident! I love that her men are strong willed and really melt for her. I love the way she handles everything especially when she snaps at the end! I thought that was an amazing scene of her crazy and confidence mixing when the drugs pushed her. I can’t wait for the next book!!
I have to say this is my absolute favorite book of Kate’s! So many ups and downs and I love that it really turns into Aphrodite’s transformation book! She goes from out of control and timid to absolutely badass and confident! I love that her men are strong willed and really melt for her. I love the way she handles everything especially when she snaps at the end! I thought that was an amazing scene of her crazy and confidence mixing when the drugs pushed her. I can’t wait for the next book!!
June 26, 2022
Aphrodite has struggled to fit in at the Institute. She has feelings for more than one man. One hides his feelings from the world because of his duty to his family, another betrays her trust, another is staying away to keep her safe and one is at arms length because of his fast. Her life is definitely complicated but it all becomes clear when she finds out what she is truly capable of. Will she abuse the power she has or will she use it for good? I can’t wait to see what happens next for her and her lovers.
May 9, 2022
does it again!! Book two group studies was amazing. It had you hooked from the start just like book one and I am itching for book three. Finally Aphrodite realizes her potential! She has great men backing her and I am really excited to see how much she grows through everything going on. Kate… I don’t know how you do it but the way you write I feel like I’m right there watching all of this happen in my actual life. It’s insane!! Keep doing what you do!
May 22, 2022
I sunk into this story, and was consumed by it. Aphy (Aphrodite) is still adjusting to what is expected by the magical community, but the measures that others are using to control and use her, might make matters worse. Can she survive what's thrown at her this time? I loved Aphy and her men, the passion between them, the magical world built by this story, and the suspense that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I can't wait till the next one comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2022
Steamy from the start, Group Studies continues to follow Aphy and her men in their journey of self/group discovery and identifying institutional corruption. This sequel asks the characters to not only question their relationships with each other but who defines good and bad.
Full of magic, lust, and curiosity- Aphrodite continues her story in this delicious sequel.
Thank you to the author for making me a beta reader for the series.
Full of magic, lust, and curiosity- Aphrodite continues her story in this delicious sequel.
Thank you to the author for making me a beta reader for the series.
April 29, 2022
This was an AMAZING addition to this series. I'm completely hooked. Aphrodite has become so much stronger and more confident in this book. You can really feel her growth in herself and her men. It did not end in a cliffhanger however it definitely left you wanting more. A must read addition to a must read series.
May 9, 2022
A. Is becoming stronger with each book. I love how she realizes she could be the strongest and have her own harem not be in someone else's. She has a great tragedy, but she still has some growing to do. She is still learning her abilities and I can't wait to see how she uses them in the next story.
May 11, 2022
As soon as I read the first book, I begged for the second. Aphrodite is filled with power and not everyone wants what’s best for her. Ideas clash, no one is truthful, and she doesn’t understand how to navigate the world.
This is a book of self discovery, learning to find your allies, and figuring out what’s right for her. I’m completely obsessed and so excited for the next book.
This is a book of self discovery, learning to find your allies, and figuring out what’s right for her. I’m completely obsessed and so excited for the next book.
May 20, 2022
“I wanted it to happen. It would remind me I didn’t deserve more.”
Group Studies picks up right where Self Studies ends: Aphrodite is still struggling to control her magic, while trying to come to terms with her identity. She wants so desperately to be good, but in this world, good & evil exist only in gray. Aphy continues to fight against forces that seek to exploit her when all she wants is to be left alone with her men.
“I didn’t want to be the person who let bad things happen to her anymore. No one had the right to hurt me.”
This book was just as heartbreaking as the first. Aphy suffers a lot & at the hands of people that claim to care for her. But she’s strong, probably more so than in the first book. She starts to realize that she has a choice & the power to say no & I love her so much for it. I can’t wait for the next book and for Aphy to finally realize she holds all the power.
Note: check TW/CW! This is Book 2 of an ongoing series (grab Book 1 here: https://geni.us/SelfStudies). This book contains magic, hella sexy times & themes that are not suitable for everyone.
Thank you to Kate Messick, her team & Peachy Keens Author Services for the ARC. This review was written honestly & voluntarily based on my own enjoyment of the book.
Group Studies picks up right where Self Studies ends: Aphrodite is still struggling to control her magic, while trying to come to terms with her identity. She wants so desperately to be good, but in this world, good & evil exist only in gray. Aphy continues to fight against forces that seek to exploit her when all she wants is to be left alone with her men.
“I didn’t want to be the person who let bad things happen to her anymore. No one had the right to hurt me.”
This book was just as heartbreaking as the first. Aphy suffers a lot & at the hands of people that claim to care for her. But she’s strong, probably more so than in the first book. She starts to realize that she has a choice & the power to say no & I love her so much for it. I can’t wait for the next book and for Aphy to finally realize she holds all the power.
Note: check TW/CW! This is Book 2 of an ongoing series (grab Book 1 here: https://geni.us/SelfStudies). This book contains magic, hella sexy times & themes that are not suitable for everyone.
Thank you to Kate Messick, her team & Peachy Keens Author Services for the ARC. This review was written honestly & voluntarily based on my own enjoyment of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews