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Shifter Guardians Academy #1
Clash of Claws
In the world of the shifter elite, a safe female is one without power. For me, that means hide or die.
When wraiths invade my neighborhood and shit goes sideways, becoming a Guardian might be the only way to earn myself—and my beast—protection.
The elite training program begins at the local shifter college, so I pack up my swords and my brother, and off to school I go.
It’s no surprise that Guardian training is sexist as hell. But I didn’t expect to be trapped inside the campus walls, battling magical simulations rather than joining the real forces as they wage war on the monsters outside.
For me, the stakes are higher than bragging rights and points on the leaderboard.
I won’t be distracted, especially not by the pull I feel to the most powerful quad of males in the program.
Heath Blackwell, the dominant Alpha wolf and quad leader;
Wyatt Gale, the cocky playboy bear shifter;
Aiden Blackwell, the uptight jaguar who’s also my professor;
And Elijah Harrow, the terrifying yet entrancing basilisk.
I’ll fight this infuriating attraction because I know the score. Powerful quads want a central bond, and that will never be my future.
Become a Guardian. Stay alive. Nothing else matters.
This is a paranormal romance set at a supernatural college in present-day USA. It is a “why choose” romance, which means our heroine will have multiple love interests and will get her happily ever after with ALL of them by the end of the series. This is book 1 of 3, and it will end in a cliffhanger. It is intended for readers aged 18+ and contains foul language and spicy scenes. Detailed content warnings can be found in the Author’s Note. Happy reading!
When wraiths invade my neighborhood and shit goes sideways, becoming a Guardian might be the only way to earn myself—and my beast—protection.
The elite training program begins at the local shifter college, so I pack up my swords and my brother, and off to school I go.
It’s no surprise that Guardian training is sexist as hell. But I didn’t expect to be trapped inside the campus walls, battling magical simulations rather than joining the real forces as they wage war on the monsters outside.
For me, the stakes are higher than bragging rights and points on the leaderboard.
I won’t be distracted, especially not by the pull I feel to the most powerful quad of males in the program.
Heath Blackwell, the dominant Alpha wolf and quad leader;
Wyatt Gale, the cocky playboy bear shifter;
Aiden Blackwell, the uptight jaguar who’s also my professor;
And Elijah Harrow, the terrifying yet entrancing basilisk.
I’ll fight this infuriating attraction because I know the score. Powerful quads want a central bond, and that will never be my future.
Become a Guardian. Stay alive. Nothing else matters.
This is a paranormal romance set at a supernatural college in present-day USA. It is a “why choose” romance, which means our heroine will have multiple love interests and will get her happily ever after with ALL of them by the end of the series. This is book 1 of 3, and it will end in a cliffhanger. It is intended for readers aged 18+ and contains foul language and spicy scenes. Detailed content warnings can be found in the Author’s Note. Happy reading!
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2025
1492 people are currently reading
5984 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 908 reviews
February 8, 2026
Best read of the year so far (I know it’s only February, but STILL!!!!)
I just knew I was going to regret reading this before the next book is out. The way I physically NEED the next book isn’t even funny. I might actually write Elizabeth Dear and beg her to send me an ARC. That’s how down bad I am for this universe.
I absolutely love anything with shifters, so this was 1,000% my cup of tea from the get go. And I’m not a big why choose girlie, but this was absolute perfection. I especially loved our FMC, Avery. She’s sooo badass, but never gets annoying about it like in other books. Also, her brother Ian adds so much to the story. I feel like sibling storylines often feel so forced and just hold the MC back from the main storyline. This isn’t the case here at all, and Ian and Avery’s relationship was really meaningful for the plot.
It’s been a while since a book has consumed me like this, but I couldn’t put this down. It gave me almost Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac vibes, but shorter and easier to follow.
I was able to figure out the FMC’s beast pretty quickly, but I was still glad to finally find out I was right. And these men?? Don’t even get me started. They were each so delish and unique in their own ways. They were making me soooo mad in the last 20% of the book, though. I’m going to need to see some maaajor groveling (not even to Avery, I’m going to need them to grovel to ME), and I hope they deliver.
Also, this is a sloooowww burn which I usally hate, but it's so well done here that I almost didn't notice??
preread
Remember when I asked you guys to choose my next read without knowing which book? This was the shifter romance option.
I just knew I was going to regret reading this before the next book is out. The way I physically NEED the next book isn’t even funny. I might actually write Elizabeth Dear and beg her to send me an ARC. That’s how down bad I am for this universe.
I absolutely love anything with shifters, so this was 1,000% my cup of tea from the get go. And I’m not a big why choose girlie, but this was absolute perfection. I especially loved our FMC, Avery. She’s sooo badass, but never gets annoying about it like in other books. Also, her brother Ian adds so much to the story. I feel like sibling storylines often feel so forced and just hold the MC back from the main storyline. This isn’t the case here at all, and Ian and Avery’s relationship was really meaningful for the plot.
It’s been a while since a book has consumed me like this, but I couldn’t put this down. It gave me almost Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac vibes, but shorter and easier to follow.
I was able to figure out the FMC’s beast pretty quickly, but I was still glad to finally find out I was right. And these men?? Don’t even get me started. They were each so delish and unique in their own ways. They were making me soooo mad in the last 20% of the book, though. I’m going to need to see some maaajor groveling (not even to Avery, I’m going to need them to grovel to ME), and I hope they deliver.
Also, this is a sloooowww burn which I usally hate, but it's so well done here that I almost didn't notice??
preread
Remember when I asked you guys to choose my next read without knowing which book? This was the shifter romance option.
December 28, 2025
Wait this was so good? It's nothing really revolutionary, but this was very entertaining. I couldn't put it down. I really liked all of the characters, the slow-burn romance, and the shifting world. Book 2 better have a whole bunch of groveling from these guys!
November 2, 2025
The men were literally perfect throughout the whole book, until the last freaking ten pages, when they each turned into some of the biggest jerks I’ve ever seen in an RH.
In what world would the author think readers would enjoy reading that?
And seriously, how are people on Goodreads calling this an amazing novel with “sweet guys” and a “kickass heroine”? The poor girl gets her ass either handed to her or saved at least three times in this book.
For god’s sake, this thing has a 4.72 out of five!!!
Seriously, for what?
I’m so freaking tired of all these goddamn RH books making jealousy the biggest source of drama. It’s just bad. And honestly, this kind of book never deserves such high ratings. But I guess a lot of readers just care that the guys are handsome, pure Wattpad energy.
I’m sorry for this rant, but it applies to way too many RHs I’ve read. I just wish at least one review on this site would call out how much of a jerk these guys were. Because, seriously, who would date them? Not me, not anyone. They’re just mean playboys.
I’ll stop here, and I don’t regret a single word of this review.
Plot ? Politics ? Blood ? Fights ? RH ? I’m all for it.
But it’s time we start respecting our heroines. They deserve way better than these trashy, fake “whore men.”
In what world would the author think readers would enjoy reading that?
And seriously, how are people on Goodreads calling this an amazing novel with “sweet guys” and a “kickass heroine”? The poor girl gets her ass either handed to her or saved at least three times in this book.
For god’s sake, this thing has a 4.72 out of five!!!
Seriously, for what?
I’m so freaking tired of all these goddamn RH books making jealousy the biggest source of drama. It’s just bad. And honestly, this kind of book never deserves such high ratings. But I guess a lot of readers just care that the guys are handsome, pure Wattpad energy.
I’m sorry for this rant, but it applies to way too many RHs I’ve read. I just wish at least one review on this site would call out how much of a jerk these guys were. Because, seriously, who would date them? Not me, not anyone. They’re just mean playboys.
I’ll stop here, and I don’t regret a single word of this review.
Plot ? Politics ? Blood ? Fights ? RH ? I’m all for it.
But it’s time we start respecting our heroines. They deserve way better than these trashy, fake “whore men.”
October 25, 2025
I never know how to rate Elizabeth Dear books, because I enjoy the hell out of them, but they’re never anything deep or absolutely amazingly well written. They're like cozy comfort food, to me, not a gourmet meal. So, this is 4 stars for “I had fun reading it,” but not for, “it was amazing on a technical level, and had such depth.”
This is the first book in a paranormal RH trilogy. Avery (21) is a shifter, living in a world where shifters are under attack from creepy paranormal creatures called Wraiths. A military-type force called Guardians keep them safe. In this world, most women are latent, and it’s rare for a female shifter to actually be able to turn into an animal. For Plot Reasons, she grew up pretty isolated from main shifter society, but now she has to join it by attending their college, and training to become a Guardian. There, she meets the 4 heroes, who are all high level shifters. She also learns their society is sexist as hell. Her childhood where she learned to fight was pretty utopian. She’s rare in their world, and most people at their college are awful to a woman who can fight and shift.
Elizabeth Dear has a formula, but that's not a bad thing. It works for her, I like the way she writes characters. Plus, she changes her plots and subgenres just enough that her books don't feel like she keeps writing the same thing. So if you've read her other stuff, this has all the usual suspects. A kickass heroine, whose personality is similar to her other heroines. (She’s strong and knows her worth, and people try to bully her, but she hits back harder). A fun gay brother. Supportive parents. Terrible sexist people around the heroine (who will no doubt suffer satisfying deaths, later on). Heroes who are mostly Good Guys (and their personalities are similar to other Elizabeth Dear heroes). Except in this one, the guys do something shitty at the end. But, I don’t mind that, it sets up grovel in book 2 that will be deliciously angsty. It’s also the worst thing Elizabeth Dear heroes have done, so I’m excited to see how she writes them out of the hole that they dug for themselves.
Some aspects of it were predictable, like I’m sure most readers will easily be able to guess what Avery’s “beast” is. I don’t mind being able to predict stuff, though. It’s better to be able to follow the breadcrumbs than for a story to throw in a “twist” that comes out of nowhere and makes no sense.
This book kind of felt like Elizabeth Dear going, “The Bonds that Tie series was a good idea, but J Bree fucked it up, so let me put my own spin on it, and not fuck it up.” I don’t mean to say it’s copying it, it’s different enough to be its own thing. Also, that series itself isn’t unique. A lot of RHs have similar concepts (like the Evelyn Maynard series, and also Void by Coralee June, which both came out before it). I have no idea if this author even read The Bonds that Tie. But it did have enough similar ingredients (the heroine attending a supernatural college where she's underestimated. The heroine being secretly powerful and hiding what she is. People at college trying to bully her for being different. A society structured around RH relationships that form “bonds” that make them more powerful. A college where they do military-esque training exercises). Again, those are all tropes that nobody owns. The Bonds that Tie didn't invent them, so I'm in no way saying this is copying it. Just that if you liked that series at its start, but then got disappointed it squandered its potential and got bad, then you may like this book.
Anyway, this wasn’t super deep, but it was a lot of fun. It even made me think a pet snake was cute! Snakes aren't cute! But George is. It does end on a cliffhanger, but it sets up a deliciously angsty grovel scenario for the second book.
This is the first book in a paranormal RH trilogy. Avery (21) is a shifter, living in a world where shifters are under attack from creepy paranormal creatures called Wraiths. A military-type force called Guardians keep them safe. In this world, most women are latent, and it’s rare for a female shifter to actually be able to turn into an animal. For Plot Reasons, she grew up pretty isolated from main shifter society, but now she has to join it by attending their college, and training to become a Guardian. There, she meets the 4 heroes, who are all high level shifters. She also learns their society is sexist as hell. Her childhood where she learned to fight was pretty utopian. She’s rare in their world, and most people at their college are awful to a woman who can fight and shift.
Elizabeth Dear has a formula, but that's not a bad thing. It works for her, I like the way she writes characters. Plus, she changes her plots and subgenres just enough that her books don't feel like she keeps writing the same thing. So if you've read her other stuff, this has all the usual suspects. A kickass heroine, whose personality is similar to her other heroines. (She’s strong and knows her worth, and people try to bully her, but she hits back harder). A fun gay brother. Supportive parents. Terrible sexist people around the heroine (who will no doubt suffer satisfying deaths, later on). Heroes who are mostly Good Guys (and their personalities are similar to other Elizabeth Dear heroes). Except in this one, the guys do something shitty at the end. But, I don’t mind that, it sets up grovel in book 2 that will be deliciously angsty. It’s also the worst thing Elizabeth Dear heroes have done, so I’m excited to see how she writes them out of the hole that they dug for themselves.
Some aspects of it were predictable, like I’m sure most readers will easily be able to guess what Avery’s “beast” is. I don’t mind being able to predict stuff, though. It’s better to be able to follow the breadcrumbs than for a story to throw in a “twist” that comes out of nowhere and makes no sense.
This book kind of felt like Elizabeth Dear going, “The Bonds that Tie series was a good idea, but J Bree fucked it up, so let me put my own spin on it, and not fuck it up.” I don’t mean to say it’s copying it, it’s different enough to be its own thing. Also, that series itself isn’t unique. A lot of RHs have similar concepts (like the Evelyn Maynard series, and also Void by Coralee June, which both came out before it). I have no idea if this author even read The Bonds that Tie. But it did have enough similar ingredients (the heroine attending a supernatural college where she's underestimated. The heroine being secretly powerful and hiding what she is. People at college trying to bully her for being different. A society structured around RH relationships that form “bonds” that make them more powerful. A college where they do military-esque training exercises). Again, those are all tropes that nobody owns. The Bonds that Tie didn't invent them, so I'm in no way saying this is copying it. Just that if you liked that series at its start, but then got disappointed it squandered its potential and got bad, then you may like this book.
Anyway, this wasn’t super deep, but it was a lot of fun. It even made me think a pet snake was cute! Snakes aren't cute! But George is. It does end on a cliffhanger, but it sets up a deliciously angsty grovel scenario for the second book.
October 25, 2025
Elizabeth Dear has done it again!
Once again, she’s given us a kickass female lead capable of taking down just about anyone in her wake. She’s also delivered another group of sexy, mostly well-meaning men, who are also idiots in need of a good shake. Because the twist at the end of the book was not a twist to me. They’re just all too blind to see the obvious.
I loved Avery and the guys overall, and I am rooting for them to work things out. But I want to see some groveling first because how dare they leave our girl when she needs them most!? If they had just listened to her, she would not have suffered 😩
I also adored Avery’s entire friend group. Her brother Ian, his boyfriend Brody, their childhood friend Mallory, and Mallory’s mate Allen. They are a solid bunch and I hope we see more of them in the next book as well.
I will confess the book was a bit predictable for me, but I chalk that up to my being a veteran of the genre. Regardless, I still had a great time reading this and finished the entire thing in a single day.
I need the sequel book asap 😆
Once again, she’s given us a kickass female lead capable of taking down just about anyone in her wake. She’s also delivered another group of sexy, mostly well-meaning men, who are also idiots in need of a good shake. Because the twist at the end of the book was not a twist to me. They’re just all too blind to see the obvious.
I loved Avery and the guys overall, and I am rooting for them to work things out. But I want to see some groveling first because how dare they leave our girl when she needs them most!? If they had just listened to her, she would not have suffered 😩
I also adored Avery’s entire friend group. Her brother Ian, his boyfriend Brody, their childhood friend Mallory, and Mallory’s mate Allen. They are a solid bunch and I hope we see more of them in the next book as well.
I will confess the book was a bit predictable for me, but I chalk that up to my being a veteran of the genre. Regardless, I still had a great time reading this and finished the entire thing in a single day.
I need the sequel book asap 😆
December 9, 2025
THIS WAS SO FUN!
I had to tear myself away from this book for work, and the instant I got home I ran for my kindle. So, so addictive and entertaining - the fmc was badass as hell but not annoyingly so, her bond with her brother was SO CUTE, the friend group was adorable, the worldbuilding was interesting and fun to read about, and the mmcs were swoonworthy and distinctive enough.
This hit the spot for trashy entertaining RH romance, no doubt.
I had to tear myself away from this book for work, and the instant I got home I ran for my kindle. So, so addictive and entertaining - the fmc was badass as hell but not annoyingly so, her bond with her brother was SO CUTE, the friend group was adorable, the worldbuilding was interesting and fun to read about, and the mmcs were swoonworthy and distinctive enough.
This hit the spot for trashy entertaining RH romance, no doubt.
March 19, 2026
Офігезно🫠
Крута жгг, яка відгемселить любого - є.
Чотири мєга круті і найбажаніші женіхи - є.
Академія і змагання - є.
І дійсно відчувається вплив Морган Б.Лі🥹 до Мейвен ще далеко, але ох, як же мені це нравиця❤️
Женішки наші повели себе як довбодятли під кінець🤨 і я дууууже надіюсь, що жгг заставить їх вимолювати прощення хоча б третину наступної книги🙈
Крута жгг, яка відгемселить любого - є.
Чотири мєга круті і найбажаніші женіхи - є.
Академія і змагання - є.
І дійсно відчувається вплив Морган Б.Лі🥹 до Мейвен ще далеко, але ох, як же мені це нравиця❤️
Женішки наші повели себе як довбодятли під кінець🤨 і я дууууже надіюсь, що жгг заставить їх вимолювати прощення хоча б третину наступної книги🙈
October 24, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You’re shaking, sweetheart. Does that feel good, having Heath’s tongue between your gorgeous thighs? I’m so damn jealous of my brother right now. I’d love to be the one making you moan.”
Elizabeth Dear has delivered one of her best FMCs ever! Mix Mave (from Mave Fortune) with Jolie (A Knights Revenge) and Dylan (Dylan St Clare) and you get Avery. Outstanding!
The men… you’ll be the judge. Such highs followed by such lows. Can they be forgiven? I think they deserve a dick punch or two.
Once again, the supportive brother shines bright. Ian is just as BA as his sister. I loved their relationship.
Slower burn, why choose romance that ends in a killer of a cliffhanger. I don’t know how I’ll wait until April for the next installment.
Thanks to Elizabeth Dear for the eARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You’re shaking, sweetheart. Does that feel good, having Heath’s tongue between your gorgeous thighs? I’m so damn jealous of my brother right now. I’d love to be the one making you moan.”
Elizabeth Dear has delivered one of her best FMCs ever! Mix Mave (from Mave Fortune) with Jolie (A Knights Revenge) and Dylan (Dylan St Clare) and you get Avery. Outstanding!
The men… you’ll be the judge. Such highs followed by such lows. Can they be forgiven? I think they deserve a dick punch or two.
Once again, the supportive brother shines bright. Ian is just as BA as his sister. I loved their relationship.
Slower burn, why choose romance that ends in a killer of a cliffhanger. I don’t know how I’ll wait until April for the next installment.
Thanks to Elizabeth Dear for the eARC.
March 12, 2026
“my beast perked up”
“my beast preened”
“my beast flicked her ears in mildly aggressive interest”
and it’s the holy trinity of basic bitches: the flavorless alpha, the forearms having and glasses wearing professor and the hoe. this who you perking and preening for???
elijah is excluded from this list. any man who can turn into a big ass snake with a big forked tongue gets a pass from me.
“my beast preened”
“my beast flicked her ears in mildly aggressive interest”
and it’s the holy trinity of basic bitches: the flavorless alpha, the forearms having and glasses wearing professor and the hoe. this who you perking and preening for???
elijah is excluded from this list. any man who can turn into a big ass snake with a big forked tongue gets a pass from me.
November 28, 2025
I JUST LOVE ME AN ACADEMIC SHIFTER REVERSE HAREM ROMANTASY 😍😍 I ate it up in 24 hours! if you like Cursed Legacies by Morgan B. Lee or The Bonds That Tie by J. Bree you should 100% give this a go! you will not be dissapointed 😌🤌🏼 they only bad thing is that the second book isn’t out yet😭😭😭
Avery is a freaking badddieee!! I like the guys (I think Elijah is my fave��🐍 or George duhh🤦🏼♀️ ) and I adore Avery and Ian’s sibling-bond - they really got each others back! it is easy to read, fast paced, lots of cool fighting scenes and the lovable college scene!
I've laughed and giggled so much and just had the best time 🤭
I will say I did guess her beast kinda early on.. I don't know if that was supposed to be a big reveal, but it was cool nonetheless. like I said, if you like The Bonds That Tie or Cursed Legacies, I think this will be right up your alley! they do have A LOT of similarities but in my experience most of the RH shifter/paranormal college setting stories have very similar stories🤷♀️ some are just so much better than others and I think this has the potential to be in my top 4👏🏼
really excited for the next book and all of the growling teheheheheh😈🤭
1.5/5🌶️
mini spoiler:
I will say, the guys were DOUCHES in the end! like unnecessary douchy, but the author did warn us of some bullying and I've read Zodiac Academy, so I'll get over it 😂
Avery is a freaking badddieee!! I like the guys (I think Elijah is my fave��🐍 or George duhh🤦🏼♀️ ) and I adore Avery and Ian’s sibling-bond - they really got each others back! it is easy to read, fast paced, lots of cool fighting scenes and the lovable college scene!
I've laughed and giggled so much and just had the best time 🤭
I will say I did guess her beast kinda early on.. I don't know if that was supposed to be a big reveal, but it was cool nonetheless. like I said, if you like The Bonds That Tie or Cursed Legacies, I think this will be right up your alley! they do have A LOT of similarities but in my experience most of the RH shifter/paranormal college setting stories have very similar stories🤷♀️ some are just so much better than others and I think this has the potential to be in my top 4👏🏼
really excited for the next book and all of the growling teheheheheh😈🤭
1.5/5🌶️
mini spoiler:
I will say, the guys were DOUCHES in the end! like unnecessary douchy, but the author did warn us of some bullying and I've read Zodiac Academy, so I'll get over it 😂
October 24, 2025
Friends I read this whole book in one sitting. It was everything I want, need and love in a paranormal/shifter romance. I loved Avery. Her spirit was unstoppable and I rooted for her from the first word. The men…oh the men…you’re telling me I get an overprotective alpha, the morally uptight professor, a cheeky bear of a man and a tortured but soft for her soul all in one book? Say less.
“𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘋𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦—𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
There was so much pining and long looks across the dining hall. But then oh these boys…these boys and their stupid, misguided decisions. I won’t lie…it hurt. That ending hurt.
BUT this was an instant 5 ⭐️ for me and made its way right up there to the top of my favorite shifter romances along with the likes of Tessa Hale, Jaymin Eve and Ivy Asher. Elizabeth knew exactly what she was doing with this one and I am FERAL for book 2.
What you get:
- why choose
- animal shifters
- academic/war college setting
- she has things to hide and things to prove
- baddie FMC
- slow burn
- rivals to lovers
“𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘋𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦—𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
There was so much pining and long looks across the dining hall. But then oh these boys…these boys and their stupid, misguided decisions. I won’t lie…it hurt. That ending hurt.
BUT this was an instant 5 ⭐️ for me and made its way right up there to the top of my favorite shifter romances along with the likes of Tessa Hale, Jaymin Eve and Ivy Asher. Elizabeth knew exactly what she was doing with this one and I am FERAL for book 2.
What you get:
- why choose
- animal shifters
- academic/war college setting
- she has things to hide and things to prove
- baddie FMC
- slow burn
- rivals to lovers
February 28, 2026
If you have read A Knight's Revenge and loved it, than you should try this series.
I loved all the books I read by Elizabeth Dear. And I have read seven so far. I loved the FMC, her brother and her family.
I actually also liked the guys, even if they made wrong decisions. But they were kind of understandable.
I'll have to wait till next year until I get my hands on the next book. And then there is another wait till the third and last book will be out.
I loved all the books I read by Elizabeth Dear. And I have read seven so far. I loved the FMC, her brother and her family.
I actually also liked the guys, even if they made wrong decisions. But they were kind of understandable.
I'll have to wait till next year until I get my hands on the next book. And then there is another wait till the third and last book will be out.
March 9, 2026
I AM OBSESSED! I have been craving a great shifter why choose romance, & this beyond sated me, but now I’m desperate for book 2! This book was so good I finished it in one sitting. If you like shifters, magic, why choose, college academy setting, deliciously sexy Professors, super hot classmates, TENSION, & an extremely powerful FMC you wanna be like, this is for you!
February 22, 2026
I am absolutely FERAL for this book. Hands down one of my favorite reads of the year. I absolutely could not put it down. I almost wish I hadn’t binge read this whole book in one day because now it’s over and I feel empty without it. First off our FMC—a total badass with a sword! And she has caught the attention of not one shifter but FOUR (and an adorable snake friend🐍) Now this is my first time reading why choose so I was a little nervous I wouldn’t like it but I have zero regrets. This is so perfectly done. I am absolutely obsessed with every man in this book. I don’t think I could choose one to like best. I cannot wait to get my hands on book two! I need it like I need air.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes ✨:
Paranormal romance
War college
Why choose (MFMMM)
Central bond
Shifters
Bad ass FMC
🖤: “Was this love? If her existence didn’t make my beast so fucking feral, I would’ve thought so.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes ✨:
Paranormal romance
War college
Why choose (MFMMM)
Central bond
Shifters
Bad ass FMC
🖤: “Was this love? If her existence didn’t make my beast so fucking feral, I would’ve thought so.”
November 16, 2025
it's actually 1.2 ⭐
another rh where the characters lack emotional connection and it's all based on the fated mates trope to kinda "explain" the miscommunication between immature male leads.
idk what I was expecting but it all seemed so predictable, plain and sexist in the worst way possible.
-Avery beast casually is like the tiger from the legend they all use to justify their sexist thoughts, and is a great mystery during the whole book until the last chapter... how intriguing.
-The lack of understanding of the wraiths attacks from all the characters (even the teacher of the MOST PRIVILEGED COLLEGE) with only the female lead and her brother being the exception.
-The misogyny between nearly all female characters in this book was disgusting to read at the point of even wondering if the author is like that in real life.
-The unnecessary sexual harassment with Avery and just calling her a pick me, a b*tch, just because.
-The amount of "battles" thar are describe it's kinda tiring, specially cause they're all win by our female lead.
-The sexual scenes are so bad written, there's no real background for them they are literally fighting with guess what? another sexist character (yess my fav type of character) and then suddenly they're thanking the FL for saving their sister but they are also mad for her to be that careless with her own persona, and then she just let that happen even though she didn't need problems with more guys and
I think I'm masochistic, there's other reason why I wouldn't dnf this book. it had an interesting trama at the start but the lack of deep connection within the characters was something that annoyed me, the boys group didn't feel close to each other, they just payed attention to Avery because she seemed different and was out of the role of women in their sexist society. All of them were questioning her at some point (except maybe for the bear dad ) but when it was up to believe an old prophecy they didn't have enough brain cells to make their own arguments.
I can't get over the fact they called her pick me just cause they were trying to get over their desire for her because they didn't need someone with a beast.
just read it if you are a masochist as well but you're warned about what you'll find.
another rh where the characters lack emotional connection and it's all based on the fated mates trope to kinda "explain" the miscommunication between immature male leads.
idk what I was expecting but it all seemed so predictable, plain and sexist in the worst way possible.
-Avery beast casually is like the tiger from the legend they all use to justify their sexist thoughts, and is a great mystery during the whole book until the last chapter... how intriguing.
-The lack of understanding of the wraiths attacks from all the characters (even the teacher of the MOST PRIVILEGED COLLEGE) with only the female lead and her brother being the exception.
-The misogyny between nearly all female characters in this book was disgusting to read at the point of even wondering if the author is like that in real life.
-The unnecessary sexual harassment with Avery and just calling her a pick me, a b*tch, just because.
-The amount of "battles" thar are describe it's kinda tiring, specially cause they're all win by our female lead.
-The sexual scenes are so bad written, there's no real background for them they are literally fighting with guess what? another sexist character (yess my fav type of character) and then suddenly they're thanking the FL for saving their sister but they are also mad for her to be that careless with her own persona, and then she just let that happen even though she didn't need problems with more guys and
I think I'm masochistic, there's other reason why I wouldn't dnf this book. it had an interesting trama at the start but the lack of deep connection within the characters was something that annoyed me, the boys group didn't feel close to each other, they just payed attention to Avery because she seemed different and was out of the role of women in their sexist society. All of them were questioning her at some point (except maybe for the bear dad ) but when it was up to believe an old prophecy they didn't have enough brain cells to make their own arguments.
I can't get over the fact they called her pick me just cause they were trying to get over their desire for her because they didn't need someone with a beast.
just read it if you are a masochist as well but you're warned about what you'll find.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2026
warms my little heart to know that in this year of our lord 2026 there are people (Elizabeth Dear) taking the time to put out well written, entertaining lighthearted little why choose fantasy ditties like this when we so desperately need them 🙏
4 🌟 she’s got a formula and it works for me, would’ve loved a little more flavor, something a bit new and different too 💛
4 🌟 she’s got a formula and it works for me, would’ve loved a little more flavor, something a bit new and different too 💛
January 22, 2026
4.5⭐️ THIS WAS GOOD😭 Elizabeth Dear just writes really good why choose! From the plot to the burn of the romance and the way i always end up stanning the FMC’s! (because they’re baddies!) & the way that there’s always some sort of mystery or questions that I have that has me continually turning the pages. I was so sat for this!!!
I loved the feminine power that our FMC exuded in this like she’s such a bad b*tch! & I loved the paranormal aspect of this book too and the way that we got to see bits of the fmcs beast personality without it actually having one, if that makes sense!
I also loved the fact that its in an academic setting with fights and challenges, i felt like a fly on the wall reading those scenes, like it was lowkey intense???!
Then, the burn and pull of the romance 😭 like the BALANCE of the mmcs with the FMC. I feel like they all shined in this book and there wasn’t a definitive favorite that authors tend to have when writing mmcs in why choose. Plus i didn’t hate any of them! But I’m so ready for book 2! BRING ON THE
GROVELLLLLLL
Idk, i liked this. I was entertained, immersed and invested in the story and characters.
I loved the feminine power that our FMC exuded in this like she’s such a bad b*tch! & I loved the paranormal aspect of this book too and the way that we got to see bits of the fmcs beast personality without it actually having one, if that makes sense!
I also loved the fact that its in an academic setting with fights and challenges, i felt like a fly on the wall reading those scenes, like it was lowkey intense???!
Then, the burn and pull of the romance 😭 like the BALANCE of the mmcs with the FMC. I feel like they all shined in this book and there wasn’t a definitive favorite that authors tend to have when writing mmcs in why choose. Plus i didn’t hate any of them! But I’m so ready for book 2! BRING ON THE
GROVELLLLLLL
Idk, i liked this. I was entertained, immersed and invested in the story and characters.
December 2, 2025
2 stars 🌟
The ending was just cruel wtf.
I did enjoy this at first, however at the 60% mark I did end up getting slightly tired of everything. The ma.e leads were pissing me off immensely. I loved Elijah, he was probably the only one I actually cared for, alongside Avery, Ian and, of course, George.
I’ll defo read the next in the series because I need to find out what happens.
The ending was just cruel wtf.
I did enjoy this at first, however at the 60% mark I did end up getting slightly tired of everything. The ma.e leads were pissing me off immensely. I loved Elijah, he was probably the only one I actually cared for, alongside Avery, Ian and, of course, George.
I’ll defo read the next in the series because I need to find out what happens.
October 23, 2025
What a way to start off a new series!!! Absolutely loved this book. I love the banter between all the characters. The fight scenes were fun and detailed. But way to leave me on a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book.
November 22, 2025
This was a good fucking book I’ve read in a really long time. Ugh. I hate that I devoured it in a day. Also finding out that the next one comes out in June of next year…?! Bruh I don’t think I’ll survive the anticipation. 8 freaking months?! Sigh. Kill me now.
November 5, 2025
Man, I have to start seeing when book 2 comes out. This one is a 3.5 for me and was such a needed book for my book slump.
FMC:
I really liked Avery, I loved her power and her cockiness being able to be backed up. a lot of the time the overly powerful female character is just talk and zero action but she wasn't. I like that she was able to be vulnerable too, and have that heartbreak along with her powerful persona. I also loved her relationship with her brother. I think my only critique with her and with this book is we are told a lot but not shown a lot. I feel like the time jumps help us move through yet another academy story but I think we miss key build up with the characters when we do the "yada yada".
MMC:
Dang. they had me until they were mean to her. Sounds stupid right? But she had a pint, all they would have had to do was be honest and I'm sure she would've helped them not been so hurt. but alas what is a book without some tension.
I just honestly really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one. I'm hoping for some more dual pov and a little less just Avery because I want to get to know the characters since it's clear we won't be seeing a clear connection in Avery's pov since we have had little interaction to back up the intense feelings.
FMC:
I really liked Avery, I loved her power and her cockiness being able to be backed up. a lot of the time the overly powerful female character is just talk and zero action but she wasn't. I like that she was able to be vulnerable too, and have that heartbreak along with her powerful persona. I also loved her relationship with her brother. I think my only critique with her and with this book is we are told a lot but not shown a lot. I feel like the time jumps help us move through yet another academy story but I think we miss key build up with the characters when we do the "yada yada".
MMC:
Dang. they had me until they were mean to her. Sounds stupid right? But she had a pint, all they would have had to do was be honest and I'm sure she would've helped them not been so hurt. but alas what is a book without some tension.
I just honestly really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one. I'm hoping for some more dual pov and a little less just Avery because I want to get to know the characters since it's clear we won't be seeing a clear connection in Avery's pov since we have had little interaction to back up the intense feelings.
October 27, 2025
Definitely my favorite why choose shifter romance! Professor Aiden has me in a choke hold, and I'm frothing at the mouth waiting for the second book.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
✅️Fated Mates
✅️Why Choose (MFMMM)
✅️Shifters
✅️War College
✅️Hidden Ability
✅️Central Bonds
✅️Badass FMC
Triggers
☑️Death
☑️Dismemberment
☑️Loss of Loved One
☑️Misogyny
Ahhhh, I really enjoyed this.
Avery is an absolute badass. Because this shifter world is completely misogynistic about powerful female shifters, Avery has to hide her beasts identity. She relies on her physical prowess, and every time she whips out her wakizashi blades, I go absolutely FERAL.
I also really love the family dynamic that Avery and her brother have. Ian and his boyfriend are so freaking adorable. Despite most of the male population being against Avery at college, she knows Ian always has her back.
Oh, and let's not forget the absolute gourmet of male shifters. My personal favorite is leopard shifter, Professor Aiden Blackwell. I mean, who could resist a professor? 🥵
There is also bear shifter Wyatt, wolf shifter Heath, and basilisk shifter Elijah. A BASILISK!
There is some mild spice in this first book. Avery does mainly focus on becoming a Guardian, so when she finally does expose her true beast form, she can be at least somewhat politically protected against backlash. Can't wait for more. ❤️🔥
That ending is killing me.
Man...there is going to be some serious male groveling in the next book, and I am so down.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
✅️Fated Mates
✅️Why Choose (MFMMM)
✅️Shifters
✅️War College
✅️Hidden Ability
✅️Central Bonds
✅️Badass FMC
Triggers
☑️Death
☑️Dismemberment
☑️Loss of Loved One
☑️Misogyny
Ahhhh, I really enjoyed this.
Avery is an absolute badass. Because this shifter world is completely misogynistic about powerful female shifters, Avery has to hide her beasts identity. She relies on her physical prowess, and every time she whips out her wakizashi blades, I go absolutely FERAL.
I also really love the family dynamic that Avery and her brother have. Ian and his boyfriend are so freaking adorable. Despite most of the male population being against Avery at college, she knows Ian always has her back.
Oh, and let's not forget the absolute gourmet of male shifters. My personal favorite is leopard shifter, Professor Aiden Blackwell. I mean, who could resist a professor? 🥵
There is also bear shifter Wyatt, wolf shifter Heath, and basilisk shifter Elijah. A BASILISK!
There is some mild spice in this first book. Avery does mainly focus on becoming a Guardian, so when she finally does expose her true beast form, she can be at least somewhat politically protected against backlash. Can't wait for more. ❤️🔥
That ending is killing me.
Man...there is going to be some serious male groveling in the next book, and I am so down.
October 20, 2025
Avery lives in a society where not only are shifters not known of by the general public, but female shifters with beasts are seen as a curse and abomination within the shifter community. After being injured and having her beast come to the surface, her family has no better option than to send her to an elite academy to get her the support and training she needs, before people realize exactly what she is.
*****
This is my very first book by the author and I may have immediately began yelling in her DM's about how much I loved it. This book is PHENOMENAL. Not only is there angst, drama and misogynistic shifter bro's that the FMC has to fight against, but she's an absolute badass, holding her own and taking down anyone who gets in her way - usually in bloody and violent battles.
She has found family moments within the academy, along with a close bond with her younger brother who always has her back. Together they help her settle into a society that wants to tear her apart, and is wholly unable to at every turn. It's only when she begins to connect with the strongest and most dominant quad of shifters in the academy, that everything starts to go slightly off the rails.
This one has moments of slow burn, sub-plots that tie all of their hands, and four MMC's that are swoony, dominant and absolutely screw everything up. This one does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book is out in April! You can bank on me immediately devouring it and begging for more.
*****
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This is my very first book by the author and I may have immediately began yelling in her DM's about how much I loved it. This book is PHENOMENAL. Not only is there angst, drama and misogynistic shifter bro's that the FMC has to fight against, but she's an absolute badass, holding her own and taking down anyone who gets in her way - usually in bloody and violent battles.
She has found family moments within the academy, along with a close bond with her younger brother who always has her back. Together they help her settle into a society that wants to tear her apart, and is wholly unable to at every turn. It's only when she begins to connect with the strongest and most dominant quad of shifters in the academy, that everything starts to go slightly off the rails.
This one has moments of slow burn, sub-plots that tie all of their hands, and four MMC's that are swoony, dominant and absolutely screw everything up. This one does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book is out in April! You can bank on me immediately devouring it and begging for more.
*****
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 24, 2025
Elizabeth has done it again! I absolutely LOVED getting to meet Avery!
Seriously, who doesn't love an amazing woman with a sword (or two!)! Avery is a badass in her own right, and is going to college for "protection" so she can have the opportunity to join the Guardians. At school, she meets 4 hot as sin shifters, who are so enamored with Avery, they don't know what to do with themselves. It's fantastic! I love it when she shows up, they think she's cocky, but really...she shows out.
With her signature style of a bada$$ heroine, Elizabeth has made me fall in love with a new FMC and a new world. Avery has an amazingly supportive brother, and new friends. She's getting comfortable expanding her circle of trust to include some new friends. Also in her signature style, there's a cinnamon roll psychopath that I adore. For a new twist, we get George! No spoilers, read it for yourself to see why George is the best <3
Seriously, who doesn't love an amazing woman with a sword (or two!)! Avery is a badass in her own right, and is going to college for "protection" so she can have the opportunity to join the Guardians. At school, she meets 4 hot as sin shifters, who are so enamored with Avery, they don't know what to do with themselves. It's fantastic! I love it when she shows up, they think she's cocky, but really...she shows out.
With her signature style of a bada$$ heroine, Elizabeth has made me fall in love with a new FMC and a new world. Avery has an amazingly supportive brother, and new friends. She's getting comfortable expanding her circle of trust to include some new friends. Also in her signature style, there's a cinnamon roll psychopath that I adore. For a new twist, we get George! No spoilers, read it for yourself to see why George is the best <3
February 24, 2026
I devoured this in like 5 hours, so I obviously really liked it. I felt like this was one of those RH books that actually has a good plot behind it, while also trying to develop all the relationships. I know that feels like a low bar, but often times, that is not done at all. I also think a huge part of me loving this was that Avery, our main character, was great. I loved being in her perspective. This book did a good job of not pushing too much into the "I'm not like other girls" trope while making Avery quite unique to everyone at the school, not just the women. I really liked all the male MCs and the reveal at the end. I was speculating for so long on what Avery was, but that was exciting to learn alongside everyone else. I am sooo sad the next book is not until April. Please Elizabeth, give me an ARC, I am begging (how do people even get those). Overall, so much fun, I am going to try some of the author's other books as well!
February 17, 2026
I loved it! The world was interesting and easy to understand. I liked the mix of different shifters. Avery is strong and smart and capable but doesn't fall into the trap of too-stubborn-for-her-own-good that often befalls many FMCs in this type of book. The men are just what I expected in a good way. The amount of sexual tension is spot on. There is definitely more to the story that we only scratch the surface of in Clash of Claws. So excited for the next book!
February 5, 2026
Hjernedødt, men sluker det fortsatt 🫠
December 16, 2025
Jag måste sluta läsa bokserier som inte ännu är kompletta. Vad menar du med att jag måste vänta till april för att få uppföljningen på den här??? Den var rolig och lättsam och lyckades hitta the sweet spot av en kvinnlig karaktär som har en personlighet, är mäktig och självständig, men inte utan begränsningar eller förmåga att be om hjälp.
October 24, 2025
*Reverse Harem
*Urban Fantasy
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Shifters
*Unique FMC
*Elite MMCs
*Fated Mates
*Established Harem (4)
*Slow Burn
*Book 1 / 3
What a start to this new series!
It’s a really good pace throughout this book and it flows seamlessly it’s so easy to read 😄 and the plot makes it intriguing so you want to fly through it 😃
It’s centres on Avery who is determined to become a guardian to protect others from the Wraiths but also offers her an element of protection as a female with an inner beast - to do so she needs to go to Proetus Academy 🙈 thankfully with herbrother Ian in tow who’s her biggest advocate the bond between them is special 🥰
At the academy she is consistently underestimated and overlooked and yet she very quickly proves her mettle…she’s an utter queen 👑 but she quickly attracts attention, and not always the good kind 😣 then you have the Blackwell men who are so tied up in knots with this girl they don’t what to make or do with her 😅 especially with her essentially hiding her inner self and yet whooping all their 🍑s! Wyatt the bear shifter is more happy go lucky go with the flow; Heath is the protective one always looking out those he cares about; his brother Aiden is the aloof teacher keeping his distance and then there is Elijah who does as he pleases no matter what anyone says 🥲 they each interact with our girl differently and have feelings for her: but it’s clear they have their own issues! It’s a pretty tumultuous first book and I can imagine it’s only going to get worse after that cliffhanger 😳
*Urban Fantasy
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Shifters
*Unique FMC
*Elite MMCs
*Fated Mates
*Established Harem (4)
*Slow Burn
*Book 1 / 3
What a start to this new series!
It’s a really good pace throughout this book and it flows seamlessly it’s so easy to read 😄 and the plot makes it intriguing so you want to fly through it 😃
It’s centres on Avery who is determined to become a guardian to protect others from the Wraiths but also offers her an element of protection as a female with an inner beast - to do so she needs to go to Proetus Academy 🙈 thankfully with herbrother Ian in tow who’s her biggest advocate the bond between them is special 🥰
At the academy she is consistently underestimated and overlooked and yet she very quickly proves her mettle…she’s an utter queen 👑 but she quickly attracts attention, and not always the good kind 😣 then you have the Blackwell men who are so tied up in knots with this girl they don’t what to make or do with her 😅 especially with her essentially hiding her inner self and yet whooping all their 🍑s! Wyatt the bear shifter is more happy go lucky go with the flow; Heath is the protective one always looking out those he cares about; his brother Aiden is the aloof teacher keeping his distance and then there is Elijah who does as he pleases no matter what anyone says 🥲 they each interact with our girl differently and have feelings for her: but it’s clear they have their own issues! It’s a pretty tumultuous first book and I can imagine it’s only going to get worse after that cliffhanger 😳
October 25, 2025
would have rated it 4 if not for the childish ignoring the Fmc for literally no reason at all trope, if they don't grovel in the next book I'm changing it to one star. (the grovelling shouldn't be sex I'll be really pissed if the only grovelling is sex instead of actions)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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