Hellbent: A Dark Reverse Harem Romance

by Astra Rose

She ran from the man who took everything. Now she’s living with four who might take more.

Maxwell Finch is barely holding it together when she lands on the doorstep of four ex-special forces operatives who give her a place to land.

There’s Ryder—cold, commanding, impossible to crack. Jake—charming and relentless. Damian—dangerous in ways he doesn’t bother to hide. And Wyatt—quiet, steady, and far more than he seems.

She doesn’t know what she wants. She only knows she can’t stop wanting them.

But the past has a long reach. And it’s catching up fast.

HELLBENT is the first book in a dark, high-heat reverse harem trilogy where loyalty is brutal, desire is dangerous, and love was never part of the plan.

Genres: Dark Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Astra Rose writes stories that explore taboos and power imbalances, including age gap and daddy kink. She is the author of Off Limits and Haven.

Hailing from Canada, Astra needs to write hot erotic fiction to stay warm. That's also why her words contain so many extra vowels. She's proud to write stories that make you feel something and believes that smut is (actually, physiologically) good for you.

Join Astra’s readers’ group on Facebook to connect with Astra and be the first to hear about new releases, promos, and giveaways → https://www.facebook.com/groups/680616649619011

Reviews

[Alicia | kindleandmagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝙄𝙛 𝙄 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙩.”

-why choose
-ex-military MMCs
-runaway FMC
-age gap
-found family
-romantic suspense
-touch her and 💀
-SPICY

Ooohhhhmygod that ending.. like WHAT?

I jumped at the chance to read this when @thtswhtsheread said it was a dark, why-choose with an ex-military crew. Last year me, didn’t like the RH genre, but this year me ate. it. up.

This first book is a quick read and the perfect introduction into our characters and how they get to know each other. While they share a lot of similar interests, each MMC is so different in character and what they bring to the group. It’s impossible to pick a favorite, I love them all.

“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚—𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛… 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚.“

This book also sets the foundation for the suspense and emotional damage that’s to come. I just finished book 2 last night and holy… that’s for a separate review though. Stay tuned.

Hellbent is available now on KU. Book 2 The Order of Disorder releases Oct. 15th.

[Isabelle Skomsøy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 4🌶️
ARC review

Whoah!🤭🔥I know I get a good book with spice when I open a book by Astra Rose🙈The story revolves around Maxwell Finch, a young (22) girl who runs away from a tough way of life and ends up at a house with four unknown men. The relations they develop and her backstory slowly comes to a breaking point- ending on a big cliffhanger🤭

I would absolutely recommend you to read if you like:

Found family
Age gap
Grumpy x sunshine
Why choose
Touch her and die
Dirty talk
Slow burn

[Chelsea Moline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely DEVOURED THIS!!! In love with all of these characters but especially Ryder.

Maxwell runs from the motorcycle club that used and abused her. Somehow on a freezing night, she finds herself on a porch. She wakes up with 4 ex special forces guys just wondering where she came from, what her backstory is. She feeds them just enough info to protect herself and her past.

What follows is Max finally having a room of her own. A job, a life. Thanks to this group of guys. She gets comfortable and relationships develop. But she’s still being hunted. Can they keep her safe? And can the group keep themselves from imploding after this whip of woman walks into their lives, changing everything??

Ends on a cliffhanger. Literally CANNOT WAIT for book 2!!!!!

[Kourtney Delair · Rating 5 out of 5]

•• “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴 - 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘪𝘵”

Okay guys, I did it, I finally gave contemporary why-choose a try and I’m afraid my tbr won’t ever be the same. The conflict, the emotion, the different types of love - it was just perfect. This was fast-paced and 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙮, but still had a great plot and high stakes that made it impossible to put down.

Now this may be why-choose but the relationships are very much complicated and a little messy - but I felt their dynamics gave the story a much more emotional and realistic feel. Hellbent is a quick read but the moments these characters have together truly matter, and all highlight such different aspects of love. We get a little friendship and comfort, some playfulness and lust to balance, and moments of vulnerability that allow you to truly feel everything alongside these characters.

•• “𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥, “𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵”

But all that being said, the ending of this was absolutely painful and criminal. Book 2 cannot get here fast enough.

What you can expect:
•𝗪𝗵𝘆-𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 (𝗺𝗳/𝗺𝗳𝗺)
•𝗘𝘅-𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗺𝗰’𝘀
•𝗙𝗺𝗰 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻
•𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀
•𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀
•𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆

[Morally Grey Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️
🌶
Mucho spicy, narrado como el hoyo.
Supuestamente era un RH, pero la protagonista estaba obsesionada con Ryder por alguna razón que desconocemos (? Así que no entendí si se queda con todos o solo con Ryder, porque en el único que piensa todo el tiempo es Ryder y no me gustó eso.
La trama es bastante mid, y no hay nada que valga mucho la pena de todo esto.
Son 300 páginas, pero se me hizo eternooo.

[Brittany Trynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more this was I have no words astra wow dark reverse harem only negative is that it's a trilogy and this is just the first book and have to wait on the next... meaning had a cliff that will have you needing to continue the series!!! must must read!!🥵🥵🥵🫣😍😍😍

[Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more ! The fact we left hanging when things started to progress and suddenly turning disastrous which make it epic cliffhanger. I am excited for the next book because i want to see more of then yet i am scared too with tiny bits of what happen in the next book just prove that the second book going to be traumatizing 😭😭😭 Max getting caught and have to deal with all the traumatic thing again…. I don’t know if i can even read all that 🥲

What i can say is this is a fantastic start of a trilogy, the book make us got hooked with them from the start. I love how complicated everything is ✨ wow a first time of me saying that 😂 i mean i just love how it is not instant acceptance or orgy. There is slow burn in the book around the progress of their relationship slowly being reverse harem and i am loving it. Starting from Jake then slowly Damian joining in… ended with Ryder finally accepting defeat from his attraction to her. What awaits is only left Wyatt, which so far i love their dynamic and bond…. Not sure how he fits in the relationship whether he stay platonic or actually be part of the relationship… whatever it is i love their bonds although it kinda seems father/daughter from the way Max think but i feel like it scream daddy vibe ✨

Another thing that i like is how Ryder handle the issues near the end of the book. Where he quickly try to resolve and apologize to Damian after their fight and admit his fault + his feelings. Didn’t expect that from him with how uptight but love the act of responsibility he did which show why he is the leader ✅

Overall it is a knack of beginning and i just wish they quickly save Max from Billy 😭😭 but since it is a trilogy i don’t think the rescues will be that simple 🥲💔

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell Bent by Astra Rose
Maxwell escaped from her disastrous situation, finding herself 4 ex marine. Each find themselves wanting her. Protecting, and giving her something she feels deep down. Sizzling chemistry popping here. But as they say, her past just won’t stay in the past. And a cliffhanger! You know I need this book like right now! So recommend.

[Taylor Balkema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is being slept on! I completely devoured this one!

🖤Why choose
🖤Ex-military MMC’s
🖤Runaway FMC
🖤Found family
🖤Romantic Suspense
🖤Touch her & die
🖤Spicy
🖤Dirty Talk
🖤Group Activities

And that ending?! Immediately starting book 2!

[Rileyreads11_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book 2 NOWWW!!

Max sweet Max is running from her past and ends up one cold night on the doorstep of 4 military men! She didn’t want ti bring her past to them but they are willing to protect her! Secrets are there but the chemistry Max has with all 4 men (Ryder, Jake, Damien, and Wyatt) even if some of them are a slow burn!!

I really can’t wait for book 2 to get some answers!!

[Kaia J · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟ARC Review 🌟

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

🐍 Why Choose
🗡️ Found Family
🐍 Touch Her and ☠️
🗡️ Age Gap
🐍 Grumpy x Sunshine
🗡️ Runaway Heroine
🐍 Dirty Talk
🗡️ Book One Cliffhanger

AHHHH!! The way in which I devoured this should probably be studied 😅 This is the first book in Astra Rose’s new Snakes & Daggers series and it ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, so beware.

Brutal cliffhanger aside, this was intriguing and pulled me in from the start. You have Maxwell Finch—22-year-old former foster kid, who has never fit in anywhere, who is always ready to pack up and leave because she knows nothing good can last. She belongs to the leader of an outlaw MC, a man who had been her protector, the one who took her in when she ran from foster care, and the one betrays her. It starts with her running through the woods in the middle of winter, away from him and his club after he drugs her.

She finds shelter on a random porch and promptly loses consciousness. When she comes to, she’s introduced to the four ex-special ops men who brought her inside.
Jake: the golden retriever who is the first to make her feel like she’s finally home; Damian: obsessed, intrigued, the one who can go from wry and amused to the commanding Navy SEAL he used to be in a heartbeat; Wyatt: yes, Daddy! He’s the caretaker of the group, the one who offers Max a job, who comes in with that Daddy energy she so clearly needs and whom she doesn’t want to disappoint; and Ryder: the intimidating bad boy who keeps her at arm’s length, questions her motives and past, the unspoken leader of their group.

Despite these four not really knowing or trusting Max yet—but knowing she has nowhere to go and doesn’t want to go back to wherever she fled from—they let her stay. They give her a job, a place to lay her head, warmth, safety.

I love the way the relationships progress in this between Max and her men, all of whom are so very different from each other, and how the tension between each crackles and sparks. You can’t help but want them all to just throw down and get to it. But the wait is worth it, and holy shit, the spice is hot af and gets hotter with each encounter! Their filthy mouths, the way they all possess a part of Max in their own way—Wyatt aside for the moment—are so delicious you just want to beg for more.

I need the second book, like, yesterday because I’m addicted. Even without the cliffhanger, I’m sat.

[Celia Liver · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry, but I didn’t like it.

I don’t like the fact that even though the MLs saved her and seem to want to protect her, the MC keeps lying to them continuously, even when it puts them in danger.
She was the girlfriend of an abusive motorcycle club leader who is searching for her.

I also don’t like that the MLs don’t seem to know what they really want from her. They keep giving her hope and then taking it back.
For example, Damian and Jake tell her that in a year she could live with them in their new house, but at the same time, they tell her nothing about their work and say she’s free to sleep with others — which could also imply that they want that freedom too. It makes them seem like they’re not serious about her.
Meanwhile, Wyatt and Ryder treat her like a child and often humiliate her with their words. Even though she defends herself, she keeps flirting with them, even when they’re being unkind.

I also don’t really understand the MC or her reaction to her trauma.
She has sex with Jake just days after she was almost raped and shows no signs of trauma or lasting effects from years of abuse, which doesn’t feel realistic. Also, having sex with Damian in broad daylight at their workplace while they offered her this job even though she has no experience / education ? That’s incredibly immature. And while I’m angry that no one reprimanded Damian, she doesn’t seem to feel any guilt herself, the only thing she seems bothered by is that another man she also wants to sleep with saw her.

[Julz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️|5🌶️ 🔥 HOLY HELL, what a ride! I inhaled this book and went through every emotion possible—shock, swoon, suspense, you name it. I feel like I need a cigarette after this! And I don’t smoke! 🤣

The story follows Maxwell Finch, on the run from the ruthless Order of Disorder MC. One desperate night in the woods, she stumbles onto the doorstep of four ex–special forces operatives. Each man is completely different, each dangerously irresistible, and together they offer her a shot at a new life. But Max can’t shake the fear that her past will catch up with her—and if it does, will she lose everything she’s fought for?

Now, I’ll be real—Max had me mad at some points. Girl needed to make up her mind about who she wants and stop egging everybody on. But that frustration just shows how much I cared about her choices and the messy, magnetic pull between her and the guys.

This book is a full-on roller coaster: spice, action, and tension woven all the way through. Did I mention the spice?! 🥵 The chemistry is off the charts (I felt it with every single character), but let me just say it loud—I’m Team Ryder all the way!! The plot is tight, the emotions are raw, and you can’t help but root for Max as she finds her strength and her place among these men who would do anything to protect her.

And that ending? CLIFFHANGER. I’m already diving headfirst into the next book because I have to know what happens next.

👏 Well done, Astra Rose—damn girl, 👏 well 👏 done!

[Whispered Secrets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this and it ended way before I was ready. The dynamic between all of them was strong from the start. Rather it was a pull in or a strong push away from them. All wanted her from day one. Each in their own way. Maxwell shows up in the mid of winter half dressed in the middle of the night on their porch. They found her unconscious and half frozen. From that moment on there was back and forth between the four men Wyatt, Damien, Ryder and Jake of how to take…a beautiful woman who showed up in the middle of the night…is she friend or foe. Can she be trusted or is she a liability? So many questions with no real answers.
Maxwell doesn’t know where to go from here. She’s never really been accepted…never had anyone who cared about except Billy…but now…after what he did…she can’t trust anyone. Especially not these four men that she stumbled upon, even if they are kind and even helpful. If she has learned nothing else it’s that people, especially these men, can not be trusted with all her secrets, she has no where to go and if they discover the truth…who knows what they will do with her. But will her secrets destroy them all? Well I don’t know as it ended on a cliffy but I do intend to find out. I was so drawn I got he story, I didn’t even realize I was at the end of the book…until it ended, with a cliffhanger from the underworld…

[Diana Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than just surviving

A Dark Why-Choose Romance.
Possible triggers for some readers.

This book features:
- A young FMC whose life hasn’t been easy, but her hardships have made her strong and determined. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it—she’s a true survivor.
- Four MMCs, each with distinct personalities and age differences. They can roughly be divided into two pairs: the older, darker, more intense duo, and the younger, lighter, more adventurous ones. Together, they form an intriguing and dynamic team.

But if there’s one thing this group struggles with, it’s communication.
They don’t know who she really is, where she came from, or what her past might mean for them. Because of that, they keep her in the dark about certain things. Meanwhile, her fear holds her back from telling the full truth.
Not exactly a recipe for success!

The plot delivers plenty of:
- Drama – with messed-up situations and complex emotions,
- Tension – that constant sense of waiting for the other shoe to drop,
- Spicy and kinky moments – they definitely know how to live in the moment and enjoy it while they can.

This is the first book in a duet and ends in a major cliffhanger—get ready to pull your hair out.

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Hellbent by Astra Rose and I’m still trying to process everything. This book is dark, obsessive, and full of that delicious whychoose intensity I love. Max is on the run from an abusive relationship when she literally stumbles onto the cabin—and into the paths of Jake, Damian, Wyatt, and Ryder. These men are dangerous, lethal even, but the way they make her feel safe and protected pulled me right in. It’s definitely got that “touch her and die” vibe mixed with grumpy vs. sunshine, and the loyal, protective energy was strong.

The spice? Wow. It just gets hotter and hotter as the story builds, and the emotional undercurrent made it hit even harder. The ending was next level—trauma-filled, emotionally charged, and completely unputdownable. I also loved the found family threads woven in among all the chaos.


If you’re looking for a dark, possessive, spicy RH with an age gap, broken-but-brave heroine, and protective men who’ll burn the world for her—this book delivers all of that.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This consumed me. I devoured it. Loved every second of reading it. The emotional depth, swoon worthy alpha's and spice that made my tummy summersult was just the icing on the cake. The lead up to it all was the cake itself. Loved the whole dynamic of the novel. Two have no issues with "sharing" while it seems the other two may have issues with it. And throw in Max who just doesnt know what to really do as she is falling for all of them in a different way. It started off strong and even though it ended on a cliff hanger (I was not ready for it and was that invested that I almost cried), it finished strong. The middle was just as well built. This is definitely one of the best novels I have read for a long time and cannot wait for book 2. I have read quite a few of Astra novels and she hits the spice on a whole other level, and put in there the emotional depth. She is a fabulous author.

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 🌶🌶

I desperately NEED you guys to pick this book up as soon as it releases!!! I had the honor of arc reading this masterpiece and I can't even put how much I loved it into words!!!

this is the first book in the Snakes & Daggers trilogy and its a dark why choose romance. and what an epic start to this world!!!

I am in love with our FMC, Max. she is so strong and has gone thru so much. then we have our guys, my favorite Damian, Jake, Wyatt and Ryder. these guys are all YUMMY!!!

They give Max her first real taste of having things of her own and she gets to make her own decisions. but unfortunately, her past won't let her go that easily.

That ending has me BEGGING for the next book!!! I have read and loved EVERY SINGLE BOOK by Astra and I will be a forever fan!

this is definitely a must read

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fab and emotional series opener that is full of drama, heat and high stakes danger. Maxwell is on the run from a dangerous situation her bf put her in and ends up with four men that have made their own family together. What follows is a lot of healing, angst, support, chaos, building connections and seriously hot spice. There are so many yummy tropes in here, too. Age gap, family found, possessive/protective men and a ton of feels. The guys are lethal but the communication between the five of them is patchy so you know it’s going to be a problem. With Max’s past not ready to let her go, I was on the edge of my seat…only to fall off the cliff that was the ending. Lol! I’m quite anxious for the next book, gotta say, because I need to know ;P So good and definitely a page turner!

[Carmen Willows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this thinking it was going to be another standard ‘why choose/found family’ story…what more can be done with this trope?... and I’m so glad to be proven wrong! What a fool I was… and as usual Astra Rose does it again!

Hellbent is hellbent (had to 😊) to keep you on edge from the very first sentence. The story starts off with Maxwell running through the snow-covered woods from The Order of Disorder (O.D) and she finds herself stumbling upon the cabin of the gorgeous and rugged men of Leathernecks Auto. Jake, Damian, Wyatt and Ryder are all so deliciously different and love her in their own protective and lustful way.

I had the best time reading an early release copy of Hellbent and I hope that you enjoy all the beautiful story telling we know and love from Astra Rose, while obviously keeping it unapologetically spicy, shameless and intense.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark, high-heat reverse harem trilogy pulls no punches - loyalty is brutal, desire is dangerous, and love was never supposed to be part of the deal. The story follows Max, who’s entangled with the wrong kind of man: the ruthless leader of a motorcycle club. After one harrowing night, she escapes and finds herself on the doorstep of four ex-special forces operatives. They take her in, and what begins as protection quickly evolves into something far more complicated.

Each of the men offers Max something different, and the emotional (and physical) connections she builds with them are both intense and addictive. But the shadows of her past are never far behind, and it feels inevitable that danger will catch up. Be warned - this one comes with some trigger content and plenty of spicy, kinky moments. It’s only the beginning of a series, but book one sets up the stakes, the heat, and the heartbreak brilliantly.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG that cliffhanger is brutal I need book 2 like yesterday!!
This was the 1st book I've read by Astra Rose, it definitely will not be the last. I literally devoured that 😋
Wow 👌 Max or Maxwell is our FMC who ended up on the porch of our 4 MMCs one night trying to escape a horrible situation. Our MMCs are Ex-Military brothers Ryder, Wyatt, Damian and Jake. They are all hot as sin and delicious in their own way!
This book is full of angst, spice and belonging. I would definitely recommend this, as always check your triggers ⚠️ as there are some darker themes.

#FoundFamily #SunshineXGrumpy #WhyChoose #TouchHerAndDie #Angst #AgeGap #Spicy #Obsessive ##Possessive #ExMilitary #Trauma

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It did not take me very long to get into this book. It also did not hurt that this book featured four menacing, sexy men. While, I probably should not have a favorite, I did. My favorite from the first moment I met him is Ryder. That was something about this quiet brooding man that instantly drew me towards him.

I anxiously waited for him and Max to hook up. It was so worth the wait. Once they did, I was obsessed and wanted more. Although, the other guys are great as well. Each one had their own personality and way of interacting with Max. Who by the way, was a changed woman from the beginning of the story.

This book is FIRE!! A must read. Come get to know Ryder, Damian. Jake, and Wyatt and the woman they all love, Max.

[Brooklyn Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So yeah… I absolutely ate this book up in one day.

A quick, easy, filthy read and I enjoyed every second of it! Not only do we have multiple ex-military MMCs (yes it is why choose), but there is also a delicious age gap! Need I say more?

I loved the dynamic of the found family, with all the different personalities of the MMCs and how they each have their own way of taking care of our FMC.

The spice is plentiful, but the plot also keeps you hooked into the story, and that ending was DIABOLICAL (you’ve been warned, make sure you have book 2 ready to go)

“Maxwell Finch, if I ruin everything to keep you, so fucking be it.”

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, 100% yes! I absolutely loved this book! It captivated my attention from start to finish!
This book brought out all the feels for me.
We have one resilient FMC, in Maxwell. Then we have 4 incredible men. I love seeing the relationship develop between Max and them. Each at their own pace, some tension, slow burn, but all seemed to be true connections.
In addition there was danger, emotional moments, secrets, spice, and much more.
What a fantastic beginning to the trilogy.
Im not gonna lie that ending wasn't cool though. I'm crossing my fingers we get book 2 soon.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 brothers - Jake, Damian, Wyatt, and Ryder are brothers forged in the Marines. They've been through hell and back and are a chosen family. Max, has been through a different type of hell, in the foster system, then used and drugged by her boyfriend who's a part of an outlaw MC. She's seen too much and had too hard of a life that in the end she runs..... She runs and runs and finds herself on their porch. She finds, her fate, her safe haven. Her.... wait until the next book because it's a cliffhanger.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★”“Maxwell Finch,” he whispers, voice ragged, “if I ruin everything to keep you,…”

…“so f🌸cking be it.” The dynamics between the four men and Maxwell simmer until the time is right for each of them to heighten between them. They are all drawn to this mysterious young woman, but it is when Ryder finally no longer can deny his real desires that everything reaches boiling point…and that is when the story takes a dramatic twist! So looking forward to reading what happens next, with everything at stake.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for the spice, plot/storyline maybe not so much. The begining felt rushed and seems like everything was happening and we're all just gonna be okay and roll with it vibes. By the time the spice started to hit I didn't care about the plot. The spice was good. I knew going into this it would end on a cliffhanger but damn I really want to jump into book 2 because I ate this book up. I do think the relationships just based off this book gave me more like The Ravenhood Trilogy vibes, like is this really fully going to be a RH or is she gonna end up with 1 person. I personally don't mind either way, just wasn't what I expected. All in all, I enjoyed it.
3.5 /5⭐️
4-4.5/5 🌶

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, smutty read! There was more smut than plot, and I was very intrigued by Maxwell’s past. I was hoping to learn more, but hopefully the second book will give that. Like what went on between Maxwell and Billy, and where did any of the other guys go and do for days/weeks on ends?! Who did Ryder lose? Who was Silas to Maxwell? A girl gotta know these answers!

Thank you Astra Rose for the opportunity to receive and read this ARC!

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really loved the concept when I read the synopsis of this book. It had a good hook and premise that seemed right up my alley. However, the story itself never quite delivered and ultimately the plot didn’t hit like I was hoping it would. Also, there were a few remarks made by one of the MMC’s that was just a huge turn off for me and I never felt like the book came back from that. Overall, not a bad book, but simply one that’s not for me.