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Soraya Honei
This story contains multiple, sexually explicit scenes. If explicit content isn’t your thing, consider this your warning. Seasoned spicy readers should feel right at home.
In downtown Los Angeles, Soraya Honei encountered fate… and it was hunting her.
Something was wrong with Soraya.
Her skin was stretched too thin, her body was burning up, and sex was all she could think about. A couple of nights of some casual fun in downtown Los Angeles seemed like the only cure.
She wasn't looking to fall in love, but something far more permanent found her.
Now, the strange dreams she’s been having are making a terrifying kind of sense. Soraya just got her life in order, and the inevitable was coming for her. Will she be strong enough to face it?
Soraya Honei is a Why Choose, Dark, Fantasy, Mystery. Tropes include Fated Mates, Spice, Elemental Powers, and Suspense. It's the first book in the series and my debut book.
In downtown Los Angeles, Soraya Honei encountered fate… and it was hunting her.
Something was wrong with Soraya.
Her skin was stretched too thin, her body was burning up, and sex was all she could think about. A couple of nights of some casual fun in downtown Los Angeles seemed like the only cure.
She wasn't looking to fall in love, but something far more permanent found her.
Now, the strange dreams she’s been having are making a terrifying kind of sense. Soraya just got her life in order, and the inevitable was coming for her. Will she be strong enough to face it?
Soraya Honei is a Why Choose, Dark, Fantasy, Mystery. Tropes include Fated Mates, Spice, Elemental Powers, and Suspense. It's the first book in the series and my debut book.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
102 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
V.A. Berry
1 book11 followersV.A. Berry is a romance author serving high spice, emotional chaos, and multiple love interests. Expect heat, tension, and stories that don’t apologize for being intense. Debut novel: Soraya Honei, the first in the Ephemeral series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and author for the ARC copy in return for an honest review!
*This book was spicy with different partners on different nights. Read triggers if necessary*
This is one of the best why-choose books I've read. Often these types of books are all spice with little story line, but I am really enjoying the plot of this book. I can tell there will be a lot more to learn in future books and I cant wait to get the next installment!
I enjoyed the strong personality of the main character. She focused on herself through college and now wanted to have some fun before buckling down again. I respect that.
My main negative of the book was that the main character felt like she was drugged at times and the males were still having sex with her. Its explained later and you kindof figure it out as you go anyways, but it still felt a little off due to my personal triggers at the time.
Overall, good storyline/ world, strong FMC with lots of choices for a fav male, and add in some fae and fated mates and I'm in!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and author for the ARC copy in return for an honest review!
*This book was spicy with different partners on different nights. Read triggers if necessary*
This is one of the best why-choose books I've read. Often these types of books are all spice with little story line, but I am really enjoying the plot of this book. I can tell there will be a lot more to learn in future books and I cant wait to get the next installment!
I enjoyed the strong personality of the main character. She focused on herself through college and now wanted to have some fun before buckling down again. I respect that.
My main negative of the book was that the main character felt like she was drugged at times and the males were still having sex with her. Its explained later and you kindof figure it out as you go anyways, but it still felt a little off due to my personal triggers at the time.
Overall, good storyline/ world, strong FMC with lots of choices for a fav male, and add in some fae and fated mates and I'm in!
October 24, 2025
Soraya Honei by V.A. Berry
Listen up, if you signed up for a cozy romance, you’ve picked up the wrong book. Soraya Honei is a fast-paced, unapologetically spicy, why-choose fantasy that starts with a relatable heroine having an emotional breakdown and ends somewhere firmly in a supernatural, memory-loss, harem chaos zone. It's giving "graduate student has a meltdown and accidentally unleashes her inner deity."
The Plot is a Vibe, Not a Timeline
The story centers on Soraya Honei, a graduate student (I love that she’s a grad student—because who needs more chaos than that?) who is basically a walking hormonal time bomb. Her skin is too hot, her body is burning, and her sexual appetite is permanently set to high. She decides to step outside her comfort zone to appease the beast, and that’s when downtown Los Angeles turns into a fever dream of fated mates and otherworldly intensity.
The plot is designed to be disorienting, and honestly, that’s its strength. You are never sure what is real, what is a dream, or what Soraya is even doing because she can’t seem to remember half her life. I appreciate that the author makes the narrative confusion intentional, mirroring Soraya's spiraling mental state. That said, I'll be real: there are stretches where the pacing drags a bit. Around the 70% mark, I found myself yelling, "Girl, clock the chaos!" There’s a plot reason for her fog, but that doesn't mean my reading patience didn't thin a little while waiting for her to catch up to the otherworldly shenanigans happening around her.
Spice with a Purpose (and Six Hot Guys)
Let's address the elephant in the room: the spice is front and center. This isn't just gratuitous filler; the intimate moments are deeply tied to the plot progression and Soraya’s character awakening. This felt purposeful and powerful, which elevates it way past standard smut. And yes, it’s a why-choose (read: reverse harem) book, and the men Soraya encounters are varied, hot, and thankfully, the focus is firmly on her needs, desires, and power—which is a huge win for the genre. You’ve got a delicious cast of love interests (six men, to be exact!) providing all the shadow daddy, elemental power fantasy you could ask for.
Go In for the Heat, Stay for the Mystery
This is a hypnotic, character-driven fantasy with high emotional stakes and an atmosphere thick with intrigue. If you love a rich fantasy world layered with a slow-burn mystery, and you require maximum heat in your reading material, add this to your list. It sets the stage brilliantly for the rest of the series, even if it feels a little like a world-builder at times. I was fully invested in Soraya’s journey of power and identity by the end, even if I was a little frustrated by her memory issues. It's a fun, intense ride that definitely needs a sequel ASAP. Don't read this one in front of your grandma.
#SorayaHonei #NetGalley
Listen up, if you signed up for a cozy romance, you’ve picked up the wrong book. Soraya Honei is a fast-paced, unapologetically spicy, why-choose fantasy that starts with a relatable heroine having an emotional breakdown and ends somewhere firmly in a supernatural, memory-loss, harem chaos zone. It's giving "graduate student has a meltdown and accidentally unleashes her inner deity."
The Plot is a Vibe, Not a Timeline
The story centers on Soraya Honei, a graduate student (I love that she’s a grad student—because who needs more chaos than that?) who is basically a walking hormonal time bomb. Her skin is too hot, her body is burning, and her sexual appetite is permanently set to high. She decides to step outside her comfort zone to appease the beast, and that’s when downtown Los Angeles turns into a fever dream of fated mates and otherworldly intensity.
The plot is designed to be disorienting, and honestly, that’s its strength. You are never sure what is real, what is a dream, or what Soraya is even doing because she can’t seem to remember half her life. I appreciate that the author makes the narrative confusion intentional, mirroring Soraya's spiraling mental state. That said, I'll be real: there are stretches where the pacing drags a bit. Around the 70% mark, I found myself yelling, "Girl, clock the chaos!" There’s a plot reason for her fog, but that doesn't mean my reading patience didn't thin a little while waiting for her to catch up to the otherworldly shenanigans happening around her.
Spice with a Purpose (and Six Hot Guys)
Let's address the elephant in the room: the spice is front and center. This isn't just gratuitous filler; the intimate moments are deeply tied to the plot progression and Soraya’s character awakening. This felt purposeful and powerful, which elevates it way past standard smut. And yes, it’s a why-choose (read: reverse harem) book, and the men Soraya encounters are varied, hot, and thankfully, the focus is firmly on her needs, desires, and power—which is a huge win for the genre. You’ve got a delicious cast of love interests (six men, to be exact!) providing all the shadow daddy, elemental power fantasy you could ask for.
Go In for the Heat, Stay for the Mystery
This is a hypnotic, character-driven fantasy with high emotional stakes and an atmosphere thick with intrigue. If you love a rich fantasy world layered with a slow-burn mystery, and you require maximum heat in your reading material, add this to your list. It sets the stage brilliantly for the rest of the series, even if it feels a little like a world-builder at times. I was fully invested in Soraya’s journey of power and identity by the end, even if I was a little frustrated by her memory issues. It's a fun, intense ride that definitely needs a sequel ASAP. Don't read this one in front of your grandma.
#SorayaHonei #NetGalley
October 22, 2025
This was a great read. The author made this a page turner. It was almost like the characters came to life. Soraya & Jesmine are just looking to live it up a bit but get more than they asked for when they hook up with some club guys. Oh boy do they. I can't wait for the next book.
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.
Review of advance copy
I love a good reverse haren/why choose book and I did enjoy Soraya Honei which I was given as an ARC by the Nerd Fam.
The story is good and I liked the different men that she met and found as one of her fated mates. The bones of the story and the premise are solid, but I found myself skimming after a while because it became very repetative.
I would have liked to see more variation in how she was meeting her mates. Most of them she met in the same basic way and after the first couple I pretty well knew how each of the rest would play out.
Now, I did still enjoy this book overall and I will probably read the next book when it releases. I like Soraya as a character and the overall plot and storyline is decent. I liked that all of the men weren't already friends and how there seems to be divide between them that they will have work out.
Thank you to VA Berry and The Nerd Fam for thus eARC.
The story is good and I liked the different men that she met and found as one of her fated mates. The bones of the story and the premise are solid, but I found myself skimming after a while because it became very repetative.
I would have liked to see more variation in how she was meeting her mates. Most of them she met in the same basic way and after the first couple I pretty well knew how each of the rest would play out.
Now, I did still enjoy this book overall and I will probably read the next book when it releases. I like Soraya as a character and the overall plot and storyline is decent. I liked that all of the men weren't already friends and how there seems to be divide between them that they will have work out.
Thank you to VA Berry and The Nerd Fam for thus eARC.
Review of advance copy
ARC Read - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Soraya Honei by V.A. Berry completely pulled me in with its rich character and world building. I felt just as confused as Soraya the entire time, in a good way, it felt like I was learning the truth alongside her. The smutty scenes were perfectly woven into the story, adding to the tension without overpowering it. I’m usually not a fan of memory-swiping trope, but here it worked, giving the whole book a fever-dream feel. I only wish we’d gotten more time with the six delicious magical men. I can’t wait for book two.
Soraya Honei by V.A. Berry completely pulled me in with its rich character and world building. I felt just as confused as Soraya the entire time, in a good way, it felt like I was learning the truth alongside her. The smutty scenes were perfectly woven into the story, adding to the tension without overpowering it. I’m usually not a fan of memory-swiping trope, but here it worked, giving the whole book a fever-dream feel. I only wish we’d gotten more time with the six delicious magical men. I can’t wait for book two.
Review of advance copy
i love a good fantasy book and this book did not disappoint. everything about this story had me hooked to where I could not put it down.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eArc. I really enjoyed this book! It sucked me right in and kept me there the whole time. The only problem I have is that it ended right when it was getting to the good stuff. Hopefully the next one doesn't take too long to come out.
February 15, 2026
I am positively surprised by this story.
The female protagonist is strong and growing during the story, she knows what she wants and now she wants to have fun before life turns all serious…
The author brings magical elements as fae into the story and i loved the world building!
I’m intrigued by this book and curious where the author will bring the story in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The female protagonist is strong and growing during the story, she knows what she wants and now she wants to have fun before life turns all serious…
The author brings magical elements as fae into the story and i loved the world building!
I’m intrigued by this book and curious where the author will bring the story in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2026
"Soraya Honei is a Why Choose, Dark, Fantasy, Mystery. Tropes include Fated Mates, Spice, Elemental Powers, and Suspense." Based on the blurb I should have LOVED this book and I really tried, but this left me more frustrated than intrigued. I came close to DNF'ing this multiple times.
I understand that some of the initial confusion is meant to be intentional with Soraya dealing with memory loss, but it was disorienting for nearly 80% of the book. The pacing was another challenge and because of the memory issues we don't start to see answers until 80% with nothing concrete until like last 5%.
Why Choose? Sign.me.up. Just not for this one unfortunately. There was absolutely no character development or buildup for any of the MMCs and they were introduced one after another so there was very little distinction between them. This made it extremely hard to feel invested in any of the six relationships.
The only real connection you get in the entire book is between Soraya and her bff/roomate Jesmine, but even that needed more development than just a memory lane talk in a rose bush.
There were places here that had SO MUCH potential, but overall the lack of clarity, character development, and delayed answers made this a tough read for me.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #sorayahonei #thenerdfam
I understand that some of the initial confusion is meant to be intentional with Soraya dealing with memory loss, but it was disorienting for nearly 80% of the book. The pacing was another challenge and because of the memory issues we don't start to see answers until 80% with nothing concrete until like last 5%.
Why Choose? Sign.me.up. Just not for this one unfortunately. There was absolutely no character development or buildup for any of the MMCs and they were introduced one after another so there was very little distinction between them. This made it extremely hard to feel invested in any of the six relationships.
The only real connection you get in the entire book is between Soraya and her bff/roomate Jesmine, but even that needed more development than just a memory lane talk in a rose bush.
There were places here that had SO MUCH potential, but overall the lack of clarity, character development, and delayed answers made this a tough read for me.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #sorayahonei #thenerdfam
Review of advance copy
This book sucked me right in! Soraya is a 26-year-old woman who just wants to go out with her friends, have some drinks, and maybe have a one-night stand. She has too much going for her to want a serious relationship to get in the way. Then she has the wildest week of her life! She meets 6 different men and has the craziest experiences after each individual meeting. The problem is that she can't remember much of what happens in each experience aside from the spicy parts. 😏 Something is messing with her memory, and her body is experiencing all these wild changes. Then her friend is kidnapped and she has to depend on the 6 men she met to help her rescue her. The cliffhanger at the end had me screaming. I need book 2 right now! Be sure to check out Soraya Honei when it's released on February 10th!
Thank You @thenerdfam for this ARC!
Thank You @thenerdfam for this ARC!
January 9, 2026
Reading Soraya Honei had me hooked from the first page….the intrigue had me want to know more, I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m sad it’s finished lol.
Thank you to BookSirens & V.A. Berry for allowing me the pleasure of reading this as an arc….I need to know more about Soraya, and her mates. This book is 100% not what I expected it to be, I went in totally blind, and I’ve I’m being honest I requested the book because the front cover is stunning 🤩 very happy I was allowed the privilege of reading it now.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy etc. Cannot wait to see what comes next
Thank you to BookSirens & V.A. Berry for allowing me the pleasure of reading this as an arc….I need to know more about Soraya, and her mates. This book is 100% not what I expected it to be, I went in totally blind, and I’ve I’m being honest I requested the book because the front cover is stunning 🤩 very happy I was allowed the privilege of reading it now.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy etc. Cannot wait to see what comes next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️ — Soraya Honei by V.A. Berry
This was my first ever ARC, and I want to thank the author for choosing me to receive an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start by saying how much I admire indie authors. The courage, effort, and time it takes to self publish is no small thing.
About the story:
Soraya Honei follows a woman who becomes entangled in a world of fantasy, temptation, danger, and self discovery as she explores her desires and navigates a web of passion, other worlds, and the lost memories that accompany it. It’s a why choose story with the fated mates trope.
My thoughts:
I can see the author’s vision for this book, and I think the concept itself is strong. The worldbuilding was interesting, the premise had potential, and I can appreciate a story centered around a woman owning her sexuality.
That said, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing style felt more like fan fiction than a polished novel. Even though the subject matter was explicit and clearly aimed at adults, the writing and dialogue itself felt juvenile and a bit repetitive. There was a lot of telling rather than showing…lines structured like “first she did this, then she did that,” which made it hard for the story to flow naturally.
I also found the pacing difficult. It was far into the book before Soraya even started to realize that something was off with her, which made it hard to stay engaged. I understood there was a reason behind her confusion, but I think the memory loss mystery could’ve been refined…either by showing her losing whole chunks of time or revealing clues sooner to keep the tension high.
Overall, I can see what this story wanted to be. It has heart and vision, but the writing and pacing fell flat for me. Still, I hope the author continues to write, there’s a spark here worth developing.
This was my first ever ARC, and I want to thank the author for choosing me to receive an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start by saying how much I admire indie authors. The courage, effort, and time it takes to self publish is no small thing.
About the story:
Soraya Honei follows a woman who becomes entangled in a world of fantasy, temptation, danger, and self discovery as she explores her desires and navigates a web of passion, other worlds, and the lost memories that accompany it. It’s a why choose story with the fated mates trope.
My thoughts:
I can see the author’s vision for this book, and I think the concept itself is strong. The worldbuilding was interesting, the premise had potential, and I can appreciate a story centered around a woman owning her sexuality.
That said, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing style felt more like fan fiction than a polished novel. Even though the subject matter was explicit and clearly aimed at adults, the writing and dialogue itself felt juvenile and a bit repetitive. There was a lot of telling rather than showing…lines structured like “first she did this, then she did that,” which made it hard for the story to flow naturally.
I also found the pacing difficult. It was far into the book before Soraya even started to realize that something was off with her, which made it hard to stay engaged. I understood there was a reason behind her confusion, but I think the memory loss mystery could’ve been refined…either by showing her losing whole chunks of time or revealing clues sooner to keep the tension high.
Overall, I can see what this story wanted to be. It has heart and vision, but the writing and pacing fell flat for me. Still, I hope the author continues to write, there’s a spark here worth developing.
June 4, 2025
Soraya Honei is a relatable and complex heroine. A graduate student on the brink of major life changes, she decides to step outside her comfort zone and take control of her desires. What begins as a simple night out quickly unravels into something far more intense and otherworldly. From the very beginning, the story pulls you into Soraya’s disorienting reality and never lets go.
The author masterfully builds a sense of mystery that blurs the line between dream and reality. As a reader, you are never quite sure what is real or imagined, which mirrors Soraya’s experience in a way that feels incredibly intentional. The writing captures that fever dream quality perfectly, making the story feel both magical and disorienting in the best way.
The worldbuilding is rich and layered. There is a strong sense that much more lies beneath the surface, and every reveal adds to the intrigue. The pacing is fast without being overwhelming, and the emotional stakes stay high throughout.
The spice in this book is front and center, and it is deeply tied to character development and plot progression. It feels purposeful and powerful rather than gratuitous. Each intimate moment carries weight and meaning.
By the end, I was fully invested in Soraya’s journey and desperate to know what happens next. This is a story of awakening, power, mystery, and identity. If you love fantasy with high heat and high stakes, this book belongs on your list.
The author masterfully builds a sense of mystery that blurs the line between dream and reality. As a reader, you are never quite sure what is real or imagined, which mirrors Soraya’s experience in a way that feels incredibly intentional. The writing captures that fever dream quality perfectly, making the story feel both magical and disorienting in the best way.
The worldbuilding is rich and layered. There is a strong sense that much more lies beneath the surface, and every reveal adds to the intrigue. The pacing is fast without being overwhelming, and the emotional stakes stay high throughout.
The spice in this book is front and center, and it is deeply tied to character development and plot progression. It feels purposeful and powerful rather than gratuitous. Each intimate moment carries weight and meaning.
By the end, I was fully invested in Soraya’s journey and desperate to know what happens next. This is a story of awakening, power, mystery, and identity. If you love fantasy with high heat and high stakes, this book belongs on your list.
February 13, 2026
This book is unapologetically spicy, with different partners on different nights so definitely check the triggers before diving in but beneath the heat lies one of the most compelling why-choose stories I’ve read in a long time. So often this trope sacrifices plot for passion, yet here the world feels layered, the stakes intriguing, and the promise of future installments impossible to ignore. The FMC is fiercely self-assured, having poured herself into college and now claiming her freedom before settling into responsibility again and I loved that about her. My only hesitation came during moments where she seemed almost drugged while intimacy continued; though it’s later explained and woven into the larger story, it felt unsettling at times given my personal triggers. Still, with a rich world, a strong heroine, multiple swoon-worthy options, and the irresistible pull of fae and fated mates, I’m completely hooked.
June 13, 2025
Wow this is one saucy book set in a real and fantasy world but I loved it. The men she met as she explored her sex life were very different but very hot and unlike many erotic books this didn’t feel like a man wrote it and the sex was all about the man but for once the woman’s needs were front and forward which I loved. This is a sexy story can’t wait to see what happens next.
June 13, 2025
I received this book as an ARC on NetGalley. I loved this why choose style book. It had a lot of unexpected twists and turns.I can’t wait to read the next book and more by this author!
Review of advance copy
Whew!
Gotta wipe my brow off after that!
We've got banter, we've got fated mates, we've got yearning that goes straight to full 5 alarm flames.
Fated mates in a modern setting without shifters was an interesting twist. I always love why choose/reverse harem because GET IT GIRL.
Our female main character is a 26 year old grad student who thinks she's dying. She can feel something is wrong in her body; her skin feels wrong, her whole body is constantly on fire and there's only one thing on her mind; sex. Boy, sorry, MAN does she find several (count 6!) ways to be satisfied. I did have some moments where I was a little confused but it's actually part of the allure of the story, gotta keep you guessing so you keep going!
Now, there are some seriously heavy and dark scenes and conversations. I have next to no triggers so while my eyes bugled and I kicked my feet at some of these, make sure you check the full warnings if you have any icks.
I cannot wait for the rest of the series if this was just the beginning!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for allowing me to read this early.
Gotta wipe my brow off after that!
We've got banter, we've got fated mates, we've got yearning that goes straight to full 5 alarm flames.
Fated mates in a modern setting without shifters was an interesting twist. I always love why choose/reverse harem because GET IT GIRL.
Our female main character is a 26 year old grad student who thinks she's dying. She can feel something is wrong in her body; her skin feels wrong, her whole body is constantly on fire and there's only one thing on her mind; sex. Boy, sorry, MAN does she find several (count 6!) ways to be satisfied. I did have some moments where I was a little confused but it's actually part of the allure of the story, gotta keep you guessing so you keep going!
Now, there are some seriously heavy and dark scenes and conversations. I have next to no triggers so while my eyes bugled and I kicked my feet at some of these, make sure you check the full warnings if you have any icks.
I cannot wait for the rest of the series if this was just the beginning!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for allowing me to read this early.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
Unfortunately, while I saw glimmers of an interesting world and hints of an engaging back story, this book felt like the first 1/4 or 1/2 of a book. It became clear pretty early what was happening to the main character, then took her five million years to figure it out herself. That being said, I have the tendency to call even subtly hinted plot twists early in books. I tend to like authors who manage to spring things on me, and upon rereading, I finally spot all the foreshadowing I missed.
I also tend to like more plot than romance/spice. I think the first couple of random meetings were interesting, but the same thing essentially kept happening almost until the end of the book. The sparse world building and hints of mystery didn't feel like enough in between sex scenes (which seemed pretty repetitive, too), and ultimately I'm left with a bunch of jumbled facts about the world and no real relationships for the FMC aside from one night stands. I know very little about the world or what is wrong with it, just that our FMC is in over her head and about to realize how much.
I wish I had more lovely things to say, but this book wasn't my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, while I saw glimmers of an interesting world and hints of an engaging back story, this book felt like the first 1/4 or 1/2 of a book. It became clear pretty early what was happening to the main character, then took her five million years to figure it out herself. That being said, I have the tendency to call even subtly hinted plot twists early in books. I tend to like authors who manage to spring things on me, and upon rereading, I finally spot all the foreshadowing I missed.
I also tend to like more plot than romance/spice. I think the first couple of random meetings were interesting, but the same thing essentially kept happening almost until the end of the book. The sparse world building and hints of mystery didn't feel like enough in between sex scenes (which seemed pretty repetitive, too), and ultimately I'm left with a bunch of jumbled facts about the world and no real relationships for the FMC aside from one night stands. I know very little about the world or what is wrong with it, just that our FMC is in over her head and about to realize how much.
I wish I had more lovely things to say, but this book wasn't my cup of tea.
January 13, 2026
If you enjoy fantasy with a why choose romance with some spicy scenes, six hunky men, and a touch of mystery, this is the book for you. I was captivated from the very start. I’ll admit it got a little dizzy at times (lol), but I was still able to keep up with what was happening—and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m really hoping to get more details and deeper insight into the characters, especially more backstories, because I’d love to connect with them even more.
June 21, 2025
This was definitely an interesting…and confusing…read.
It seems to have served as a world builder, setting the stage for the next titles, to come, in the series. I am a fan of the world and I am excited to learn what comes next.
However, the primary character was confused for much of the book which meant I was confused for much of the book. It left me struggling to push through to what was next. I typically like to have a stronger grasp on the various elements of a fantasy world and romance by the end of book one, but I am certain book two will also bring more questions than answers
Nevertheless, I’m happy I gave this book a try and I appreciate the ARC!
my one afterthought is that “choose your own adventure” is a bit misleading; I think I saw that somewhere, but there isn’t really a interactive element to the story.
It seems to have served as a world builder, setting the stage for the next titles, to come, in the series. I am a fan of the world and I am excited to learn what comes next.
However, the primary character was confused for much of the book which meant I was confused for much of the book. It left me struggling to push through to what was next. I typically like to have a stronger grasp on the various elements of a fantasy world and romance by the end of book one, but I am certain book two will also bring more questions than answers
Nevertheless, I’m happy I gave this book a try and I appreciate the ARC!
my one afterthought is that “choose your own adventure” is a bit misleading; I think I saw that somewhere, but there isn’t really a interactive element to the story.
March 2, 2026
Review of advance copy received from The Nerd Fam
Soraya Honei by V.A. Berry
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
Having read the blurb, I was expecting to love this book. Why choose, reverse harem, dark, spicy... it sounded exactly like the type of story I eat up. Unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for. I still gave it 3 stars as the concept was interesting and the story has potential but this was perhaps a generous rating.
The premise of multiple mates is genuinely intriguing, but sadly the execution fell flat. Soraya “bumps into” each new mate in almost the exact same way, and the interactions played out with the same rhythm every time. There was no build‑up, no tension, and no real introduction to who these men are as characters. They all blurred together because they never really had space to stand out. Soraya meets them, sleeps with them, and moves on without any emotional development or chemistry to make the spice actually hit.
The story also lacked depth and realism. That may sound silly when talking about a fantasy novel but hear me out. I will happily suspend disbelief and buy into dragons and fated mates and monsters and magic but the story still has to make sense. Soraya and her friends didn't seem to have lives before the plot kicked off. They went out clubbing or picked up food but that's about it. There was no back story or internal monologue or day to day grounding to help you buy into the reality of their lives.
I pretty much guessed at the memory loss thing really early on but the pacing around it didn’t quite work for me. All the answers were held back until the very end of the book, so it felt like the story was finally starting to go somewhere just as the book ended. Every now and then a brief drip of world‑building or plot would catch my interest, but it wasn’t enough to build momentum. I think plot and the premise is there but not enough of it made it on to the page to get me excited or intrigued.
Verdict: There is an interesting concept at the heart of this book, which is why I still landed on three stars but the lack of character development, emotional tension, and world building meant it didn’t quite live up to its potential. In theory, this could have been a standout story but as it is, it left me more mildly curious than truly captivated.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and V.A. Berry for gifting me an eARC of Soraya Honei in exchange for an honest review.
Soraya Honei by V.A. Berry
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
Having read the blurb, I was expecting to love this book. Why choose, reverse harem, dark, spicy... it sounded exactly like the type of story I eat up. Unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for. I still gave it 3 stars as the concept was interesting and the story has potential but this was perhaps a generous rating.
The premise of multiple mates is genuinely intriguing, but sadly the execution fell flat. Soraya “bumps into” each new mate in almost the exact same way, and the interactions played out with the same rhythm every time. There was no build‑up, no tension, and no real introduction to who these men are as characters. They all blurred together because they never really had space to stand out. Soraya meets them, sleeps with them, and moves on without any emotional development or chemistry to make the spice actually hit.
The story also lacked depth and realism. That may sound silly when talking about a fantasy novel but hear me out. I will happily suspend disbelief and buy into dragons and fated mates and monsters and magic but the story still has to make sense. Soraya and her friends didn't seem to have lives before the plot kicked off. They went out clubbing or picked up food but that's about it. There was no back story or internal monologue or day to day grounding to help you buy into the reality of their lives.
I pretty much guessed at the memory loss thing really early on but the pacing around it didn’t quite work for me. All the answers were held back until the very end of the book, so it felt like the story was finally starting to go somewhere just as the book ended. Every now and then a brief drip of world‑building or plot would catch my interest, but it wasn’t enough to build momentum. I think plot and the premise is there but not enough of it made it on to the page to get me excited or intrigued.
Verdict: There is an interesting concept at the heart of this book, which is why I still landed on three stars but the lack of character development, emotional tension, and world building meant it didn’t quite live up to its potential. In theory, this could have been a standout story but as it is, it left me more mildly curious than truly captivated.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and V.A. Berry for gifting me an eARC of Soraya Honei in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
Thank you Nerd Fam and V.A. Berry for the ARC!
If you're someone that catches yourself going, Oh my GOD, when are they going to F*** already??? You are the target audience of this book! It's fast to heat (I'm talking within the first 5 chapters!) and stays pretty spicy throughout.
I may be in the minority here, but I also LOVE a book where reality is questioned the entire time--and let me tell you, reality is basically meaningless here. In fact, the first half of the book is almost a "Groundhog's Day" situation where everything feels familiar but in a different font.
I really liked the general plot of this one and it was a fast read! It wasn't what I was expecting going in AT ALL, but was really enjoyable despite my expectations being a bit different!
I only have 2 gripes with it, and unfortunately for me, they were big ones. Potential spoilers ahead!
1.) The first 40%ish of the book is essentially the same story on repeat. It DOES Make sense why, I just wish there had been a little variation in how she met each of the men. The Club to hotel to portal story was a good one for the first meet and greet, but I wish it had been a little different for the other two--it felt so repetitive by the time we got to hook up number 3 that I was bored.
2.) I really liked Soraya, don't get me wrong! I would have made a lot of the same choices she did. But my girl. Please. She loses hours of time on MULTIPLE occasions and doesn't seem phased by it AT ALL. Doesn't even acknowledge it for the most part, just makes up excuses. Sure, blame it on drinking too much the first time--totally made sense. But by the 10th time, we need to start thinking that something is wrong and feel some sort of urgency, you know?
Overall I'm interested in the story once it picked back up and will give the next book in the series a go!
If you're someone that catches yourself going, Oh my GOD, when are they going to F*** already??? You are the target audience of this book! It's fast to heat (I'm talking within the first 5 chapters!) and stays pretty spicy throughout.
I may be in the minority here, but I also LOVE a book where reality is questioned the entire time--and let me tell you, reality is basically meaningless here. In fact, the first half of the book is almost a "Groundhog's Day" situation where everything feels familiar but in a different font.
I really liked the general plot of this one and it was a fast read! It wasn't what I was expecting going in AT ALL, but was really enjoyable despite my expectations being a bit different!
I only have 2 gripes with it, and unfortunately for me, they were big ones. Potential spoilers ahead!
1.) The first 40%ish of the book is essentially the same story on repeat. It DOES Make sense why, I just wish there had been a little variation in how she met each of the men. The Club to hotel to portal story was a good one for the first meet and greet, but I wish it had been a little different for the other two--it felt so repetitive by the time we got to hook up number 3 that I was bored.
2.) I really liked Soraya, don't get me wrong! I would have made a lot of the same choices she did. But my girl. Please. She loses hours of time on MULTIPLE occasions and doesn't seem phased by it AT ALL. Doesn't even acknowledge it for the most part, just makes up excuses. Sure, blame it on drinking too much the first time--totally made sense. But by the 10th time, we need to start thinking that something is wrong and feel some sort of urgency, you know?
Overall I'm interested in the story once it picked back up and will give the next book in the series a go!
Review of advance copy
2.5 stars, rounded up
This book was certainly unique. I can see how some people might enjoy it if you like the idea of a fever dream ground hogs day but this was not what I had expected when I signed up to ARC read it.
About 70% of the story involved the FMC being incredibly out of it and forgetting everything that happened basically as soon as it happened. Because of that all the spicy scenes kind of have me the ick because she did not really seem to be coherent enough to actually consent.
I ended up skimming a lot of the middle of the book as it was so repetitive and I just wanted to get to any actual plot. I think it could have helped if there was another character POV trying to help her figure out was happening because the mystery of what was going on felt obvious as a reader and supremely frustrating when she just kept thinking wow we're all so unreasonably drunk all the time despite that being out of character, oh well!
The end was interesting but it took so long to get there that I don't think I'll be continuing the series.
Thanks to NerdFam for the ARC.
This book was certainly unique. I can see how some people might enjoy it if you like the idea of a fever dream ground hogs day but this was not what I had expected when I signed up to ARC read it.
About 70% of the story involved the FMC being incredibly out of it and forgetting everything that happened basically as soon as it happened. Because of that all the spicy scenes kind of have me the ick because she did not really seem to be coherent enough to actually consent.
I ended up skimming a lot of the middle of the book as it was so repetitive and I just wanted to get to any actual plot. I think it could have helped if there was another character POV trying to help her figure out was happening because the mystery of what was going on felt obvious as a reader and supremely frustrating when she just kept thinking wow we're all so unreasonably drunk all the time despite that being out of character, oh well!
The end was interesting but it took so long to get there that I don't think I'll be continuing the series.
Thanks to NerdFam for the ARC.
February 11, 2026
well this is interesting! lol
Ok at the start I forgot how many mates she was supposed to have so the whole beginning I’m just thinking “damn, she’s collecting these men like they’re Pokémon!” She was ravenous! 🤣 but this is such a good start to the series. We still have to truly meet all of the guys and find out what the heck is really happening here! She clearly has some power and has been hidden for a reason. Not to mention being fated to so many men, not all of whom are friendly with each other. I absolutely love her friendship with Jessmine and want to see more of her too. I laughed so many times.
There is a lot to still get with this story and I’m looking forward to it.
Huge thank you to The Nerd Fam for a copy of this book! I’ll be looking out for the rest from VA Berry!
Ok at the start I forgot how many mates she was supposed to have so the whole beginning I’m just thinking “damn, she’s collecting these men like they’re Pokémon!” She was ravenous! 🤣 but this is such a good start to the series. We still have to truly meet all of the guys and find out what the heck is really happening here! She clearly has some power and has been hidden for a reason. Not to mention being fated to so many men, not all of whom are friendly with each other. I absolutely love her friendship with Jessmine and want to see more of her too. I laughed so many times.
There is a lot to still get with this story and I’m looking forward to it.
Huge thank you to The Nerd Fam for a copy of this book! I’ll be looking out for the rest from VA Berry!
February 27, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐ I wanted to love this so badly. Reverse harem, fantasy, fated mates, spicy, elemental powers - all things I love! But the execution was just not great. Go out, randomly run into a super hot dude and become overwhelmed with lust, have amazing sex but not question much of anything, even the frequent memory loss. Rinse and repeat. This was all spice and no plot until the end. It was giving Merry Gentry vibes but not as well done, as it was hard to feel anything for any of the characters with so little background. The author would benefit from a strong beta team.
I am thankful for getting an ARC of this through NetGalley and I do hope the series continues. The concept is interesting and I will keep my eye out for book 2 with the hope that the teasing of the story at the end will develop into something with more depth.
I am thankful for getting an ARC of this through NetGalley and I do hope the series continues. The concept is interesting and I will keep my eye out for book 2 with the hope that the teasing of the story at the end will develop into something with more depth.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3/5 stars!
I was so intrigued by this book by the premise and the beautiful cover! I am a fan of why choose/reverse harem romance and I like that this one seemed to combine some elements of contemporary and some elements of fantasy, with the LA bar scene as well as the fantasy world aspect.
I loved our FMC, as she felt relatable, but the part that was lacking to me was just how she met all of her partners through the story, because it became rather repetitive and predictable. I also wish there was a little more tension between the men, really fighting over her or something of that nature.
thank you to the Nerd Fam for the early copy!
I was so intrigued by this book by the premise and the beautiful cover! I am a fan of why choose/reverse harem romance and I like that this one seemed to combine some elements of contemporary and some elements of fantasy, with the LA bar scene as well as the fantasy world aspect.
I loved our FMC, as she felt relatable, but the part that was lacking to me was just how she met all of her partners through the story, because it became rather repetitive and predictable. I also wish there was a little more tension between the men, really fighting over her or something of that nature.
thank you to the Nerd Fam for the early copy!
February 16, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Definitely a unique read with a great premise, but it didn’t fully land for me. The writing felt a bit repetitive at times, and I was confused through a good portion of the story.
I wish we had gotten deeper character development for the MMCs. There were plenty of spice scenes, but I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection between them and Soraya.
Even though it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I see a lot of potential in the author and would consider continuing the series 🫶🏻
Tropes / Read if you like:
💚 Why choose
🧚🏻 Fated mates
💚 Spice
🧚🏻 Fantasy romance
💚 Mystery and suspense
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the gifted arc!!
Definitely a unique read with a great premise, but it didn’t fully land for me. The writing felt a bit repetitive at times, and I was confused through a good portion of the story.
I wish we had gotten deeper character development for the MMCs. There were plenty of spice scenes, but I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection between them and Soraya.
Even though it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I see a lot of potential in the author and would consider continuing the series 🫶🏻
Tropes / Read if you like:
💚 Why choose
🧚🏻 Fated mates
💚 Spice
🧚🏻 Fantasy romance
💚 Mystery and suspense
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the gifted arc!!
February 12, 2026
This was so spicy, crazy, and a bit wacky and I loved every single second!! Oh the plot is a vibe because there is not timeline. I didnt know whether what Soraya was experiencing was real or a dream. But damn was it amazing! The spice was spicin. It was on page and it was hot!! The 6, yes SIX, guys were all so dreamy and yummy in their own ways. Each guy was different and added something to Soraya's ever growing harem. It was an intense and spicy story. Love how the author wrote everyone and the plot.
April 18, 2026
DNF ❌
I think I’m calling it quits on debut novels. I can’t handle the clunky writing and unnatural dialogue that comes with the territory. Not for me but if those things don’t bother you, this review probably isn’t for you. I wish the author the best of luck as she continues to refine her writing.
I think I’m calling it quits on debut novels. I can’t handle the clunky writing and unnatural dialogue that comes with the territory. Not for me but if those things don’t bother you, this review probably isn’t for you. I wish the author the best of luck as she continues to refine her writing.
January 11, 2026
This felt like a fever dream and I don’t know if I mean that in a good way.
This was marketed as a reverse harem, dark mystery fantasy romance. However, the only mystery was trying to figure out the plot. There was no world building, I have no clue who the characters are, or what was happening. This is also meant to be a slow burn, but she’s dropping her panties the moment she meets each of the men. I don’t have a true thought other than, what the hell did I just read?
I received this book as a gifted review copy through the author and The Nerd Fam.
This was marketed as a reverse harem, dark mystery fantasy romance. However, the only mystery was trying to figure out the plot. There was no world building, I have no clue who the characters are, or what was happening. This is also meant to be a slow burn, but she’s dropping her panties the moment she meets each of the men. I don’t have a true thought other than, what the hell did I just read?
I received this book as a gifted review copy through the author and The Nerd Fam.
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