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Wicked Bonds: A Dark Reverse Harem Academy Romance
Power. Corruption. Desire.
At Serpentine Academy, nothing and no one is safe.
Rose grew up believing she was a powerless witch, hidden from the ruthless world of the academy and the Coven that controls it. When her protection ends, it reveals her magic, and she is forced into Serpentine under contract. Behind the gates, alliances are bought, secrets are currency, and love is dangerous.
And three men won’t let her forget
Lucien, the vampire who serves the Coven, watching her with hunger in his eyes.
Drake, the ghost who slips past locked doors and sees everything.
Soren, the insatiable incubus professor no student should crave… but Rose can’t help herself.
The Coven thinks they own her.
Rose will burn their world to the ground before she lets them break her.
Serpentine Academy is a dark paranormal romance set in a world of wealth, corruption, and forbidden desire. This why choose academy romance features one heroine and three dangerously irresistible men.
Perfect for readers who love slow burn, witches and evil covens, demons, vampires, and ghosts—all wrapped in a dark paranormal academy why choose / rh romance with more than one morally gray love interest.
At Serpentine Academy, nothing and no one is safe.
Rose grew up believing she was a powerless witch, hidden from the ruthless world of the academy and the Coven that controls it. When her protection ends, it reveals her magic, and she is forced into Serpentine under contract. Behind the gates, alliances are bought, secrets are currency, and love is dangerous.
And three men won’t let her forget
Lucien, the vampire who serves the Coven, watching her with hunger in his eyes.
Drake, the ghost who slips past locked doors and sees everything.
Soren, the insatiable incubus professor no student should crave… but Rose can’t help herself.
The Coven thinks they own her.
Rose will burn their world to the ground before she lets them break her.
Serpentine Academy is a dark paranormal romance set in a world of wealth, corruption, and forbidden desire. This why choose academy romance features one heroine and three dangerously irresistible men.
Perfect for readers who love slow burn, witches and evil covens, demons, vampires, and ghosts—all wrapped in a dark paranormal academy why choose / rh romance with more than one morally gray love interest.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
349 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Shane
9 books28 followersRowan Shane is an author of steamy romance. When she's not writing about protective guys and the women who have their hearts, you can find her curled up with a good book, experimenting with new recipes, or planning her next adventure.
Rowan loves connecting with her readers and sharing her passion for all things romance. If you crave dominant heroes, real heroines who can hold their own, and scorching hot scenes, then her books are for you.
Prepare for possessive alphas, undeniable attraction, a few cliffhangers, and a whole lot of happily ever afters.
Rowan loves connecting with her readers and sharing her passion for all things romance. If you crave dominant heroes, real heroines who can hold their own, and scorching hot scenes, then her books are for you.
Prepare for possessive alphas, undeniable attraction, a few cliffhangers, and a whole lot of happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 9, 2025
Good Ending
The last quarter of the book made the read worth it. I almost DNFed it 3/4 of the way through because it just dragged on, and I felt no connection to any of the main characters. However, the ending has me looking forward to book 2. I'm hoping the next books have more character development and greater chemistry between the FMC and her harem. I'm not sure why the author chose to name the series Serpentine Academy. There was no mention of snakes in the book other than some decorative ones wrapped around the school's pillars. Maybe this is something that will be fleshed out in the upcoming releases.
The last quarter of the book made the read worth it. I almost DNFed it 3/4 of the way through because it just dragged on, and I felt no connection to any of the main characters. However, the ending has me looking forward to book 2. I'm hoping the next books have more character development and greater chemistry between the FMC and her harem. I'm not sure why the author chose to name the series Serpentine Academy. There was no mention of snakes in the book other than some decorative ones wrapped around the school's pillars. Maybe this is something that will be fleshed out in the upcoming releases.
October 7, 2025
3.5/5 Stars – Wicked Bonds (Serpentine Academy, Book 1) by Rowan Shane
This book was a pleasant surprise! I usually find smaller harems to be a bit hit or miss, but Wicked Bonds landed pretty well - and even managed to make me laugh a few times.
If you're into a strong, witty, sarcastic FMC, you’ll enjoy this one. Rose is a breath of fresh air compared to the all-too-common “naive virgin meets dangerous monster” trope that dominates the genre. She's sharp, funny, and capable and I’m definitely curious to see what (or who) she gets up to next. 😉
As for the three MMCs we’ve met so far, they each bring something different to the table. Not all of them are likable (at least, not to me), but their distinct personalities add to the dynamic:
Soren – Not my favorite. Consent matters, people! Also, for someone who's supposed to be a professor, he doesn’t quite act the part. Still, I'm intrigued to see where his story goes.
Lucien – A clingy little leech who gives major POS energy. Sorry, not sorry. He seriously needs to be knocked down a peg - or better, get pegged. Maybe that’ll help dislodge whatever’s stuck up there…
Drake – Now he is interesting. Our ghostly guy has a lot of potential, and I’m eager to see what he does next.
The Mystery Bus Man – Oh, I see you. My neurospicy brain clocked him from the start, and I'm dying to know if he’s joining the harem or blowing it all up in Book 2. Either way, bring it on.
The academy setting is a bit underdeveloped and sometimes feels secondary to the main plot. I’d love to see more of Rose’s backstory and powers explored in future books. Also curious how many guys will end up in the harem and how those relationships will evolve.
Overall, Wicked Bonds is a solid intro to the Serpentine Academy world. It’s fun, cheeky, and sets the stage for what could be a wild ride ahead.
This book was a pleasant surprise! I usually find smaller harems to be a bit hit or miss, but Wicked Bonds landed pretty well - and even managed to make me laugh a few times.
If you're into a strong, witty, sarcastic FMC, you’ll enjoy this one. Rose is a breath of fresh air compared to the all-too-common “naive virgin meets dangerous monster” trope that dominates the genre. She's sharp, funny, and capable and I’m definitely curious to see what (or who) she gets up to next. 😉
As for the three MMCs we’ve met so far, they each bring something different to the table. Not all of them are likable (at least, not to me), but their distinct personalities add to the dynamic:
Soren – Not my favorite. Consent matters, people! Also, for someone who's supposed to be a professor, he doesn’t quite act the part. Still, I'm intrigued to see where his story goes.
Lucien – A clingy little leech who gives major POS energy. Sorry, not sorry. He seriously needs to be knocked down a peg - or better, get pegged. Maybe that’ll help dislodge whatever’s stuck up there…
Drake – Now he is interesting. Our ghostly guy has a lot of potential, and I’m eager to see what he does next.
The Mystery Bus Man – Oh, I see you. My neurospicy brain clocked him from the start, and I'm dying to know if he’s joining the harem or blowing it all up in Book 2. Either way, bring it on.
The academy setting is a bit underdeveloped and sometimes feels secondary to the main plot. I’d love to see more of Rose’s backstory and powers explored in future books. Also curious how many guys will end up in the harem and how those relationships will evolve.
Overall, Wicked Bonds is a solid intro to the Serpentine Academy world. It’s fun, cheeky, and sets the stage for what could be a wild ride ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
This was... a lot. I found Rose to be a very frustrating and immature main character. That made the whole book hard to get through, even though I like some of the characters and some of the plot. However, I did like how chaotic that ending and cliffhanger were. It went in a pretty interesting direction and wasn't predictable or something I've seen much. It kind of reminded me of Anne Rice's Lasher. I'm going to mark this for spoilers just in case that's too much info for some.
Not much to say here. I actually kind of like Drake and Soren, but Lucien was a little too defeatist for me. I get it, he's been stuck being controlled for a very long time and that is bound to have a profound effect on a person mentally. It just got to be repetitive by the end, but I'm sure some things will change after this ending.
Not much to say here. I actually kind of like Drake and Soren, but Lucien was a little too defeatist for me. I get it, he's been stuck being controlled for a very long time and that is bound to have a profound effect on a person mentally. It just got to be repetitive by the end, but I'm sure some things will change after this ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
I finished this in one day. You’re brought into a world of magic and deception. Rose is learning about her magic within. This ends in a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
September 12, 2025
2.5 Stars
September 10, 2025
“Wicked Bonds” is the start of a new paranormal Academy why choose series. Witches, vampires, demons and ghosts all come together in a dangerous place, where nothing is as it seems. I like the time aspect of this book, with a looming deadline but also small trips through time and space. Especially the final chapters of this first book were quite fascinating because of the time aspect.
On the other hand, I had a hard time connecting with these characters. They all feel a little too cliché to me, but perhaps this can improve with more character building in the second book. I also struggle with some details in the worldbuilding that aren’t explained properly, or seem a little weird when I think them through… Overall, it was a decent story with some great elements, but also some minor points that took away a bit of my reading enjoyment.
On the other hand, I had a hard time connecting with these characters. They all feel a little too cliché to me, but perhaps this can improve with more character building in the second book. I also struggle with some details in the worldbuilding that aren’t explained properly, or seem a little weird when I think them through… Overall, it was a decent story with some great elements, but also some minor points that took away a bit of my reading enjoyment.
September 10, 2025
Wow OK
Wow OK I did not expect half of that. The why choose aspect really had me, especially as its not your usual paranormal suspects. We have a vampire but also a succubus and a ghost who is sometimes corporeallike Whaaaatttt 😱. A unique take on witches and ancient curses. Our first taste of spice is questionable consent. You will see when you read it. Professor Soren was me all hot and bothered already. Where is a cliff and before you ask, Yes it su*ks, Yes its brutal in away that I completley just stumbled of it. Will I read book 2 & 3. YES, Yes I will. Nice Work Rowan keep it up.
Wow OK I did not expect half of that. The why choose aspect really had me, especially as its not your usual paranormal suspects. We have a vampire but also a succubus and a ghost who is sometimes corporeallike Whaaaatttt 😱. A unique take on witches and ancient curses. Our first taste of spice is questionable consent. You will see when you read it. Professor Soren was me all hot and bothered already. Where is a cliff and before you ask, Yes it su*ks, Yes its brutal in away that I completley just stumbled of it. Will I read book 2 & 3. YES, Yes I will. Nice Work Rowan keep it up.
September 6, 2025
Rowan loves her cliffhangers and this book was no exception 😭 *screams into the abyss*
But seriously, Rowan has a way of dragging you in, keeping you captive, and making you want more!
This is the story of Rose and all the betrayals surrounding her. Her mother kept secrets, her existence was used as a weapon and her life is in the balance.
Drake came off as a Golden retriever, but he isn't... not really... Lucien is honest about who he is. A little too stern and proper for my tastes but I love seeing how she was able to ruffle him. And Soren... sexy Soren made me want to SWOON... his innuendos were on point too!
Honestly, the story was excellent, the plot twist? Unexpected 😲 I'm still shook with that cliffhanger!
If mystery and intrigue are your thing, along with a great plot and some slow-burning spice then this book is definitely worth the read!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶
But seriously, Rowan has a way of dragging you in, keeping you captive, and making you want more!
This is the story of Rose and all the betrayals surrounding her. Her mother kept secrets, her existence was used as a weapon and her life is in the balance.
Drake came off as a Golden retriever, but he isn't... not really... Lucien is honest about who he is. A little too stern and proper for my tastes but I love seeing how she was able to ruffle him. And Soren... sexy Soren made me want to SWOON... his innuendos were on point too!
Honestly, the story was excellent, the plot twist? Unexpected 😲 I'm still shook with that cliffhanger!
If mystery and intrigue are your thing, along with a great plot and some slow-burning spice then this book is definitely worth the read!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶
December 3, 2025
I think I'm going to stop this series with one book. The setup is slightly depressing:
Because of the vastness of the conspiracy and the coven's power, this plot is equivalent to someone saying "you have no allies, no skills, no connections, and two years to bring down the government" or something equally laughable. The h is the least equipped person to embark on this kind of mission. She is so weak. It's frustrating. She has no fighting ability, no communicating ability, she doesn't think strategically, she has no magic (it's still semi-bound), and has no plan. The men (Lucien, Drake and Soren) of the 'harem' (I use that term lightly, because they barely know each other and hate what they do know) are equally weak, and equally controlled. It's kind of sad to see how limited the men are. I guess I've come to count on this genre having bold, protective, powerful alphas. In this book they're scared and pretty submissive, and they send the h off to tackle her life and death problems alone. There's lots of body betrayal, and the sex (yes there is some) is either ill timed or rapey. There's no cohesion in the harem in this book. It's hard to imagine they'll ever be friends, let alone family. There are no strong secondary characters. The h has no friends.
Because of the vastness of the conspiracy and the coven's power, this plot is equivalent to someone saying "you have no allies, no skills, no connections, and two years to bring down the government" or something equally laughable. The h is the least equipped person to embark on this kind of mission. She is so weak. It's frustrating. She has no fighting ability, no communicating ability, she doesn't think strategically, she has no magic (it's still semi-bound), and has no plan. The men (Lucien, Drake and Soren) of the 'harem' (I use that term lightly, because they barely know each other and hate what they do know) are equally weak, and equally controlled. It's kind of sad to see how limited the men are. I guess I've come to count on this genre having bold, protective, powerful alphas. In this book they're scared and pretty submissive, and they send the h off to tackle her life and death problems alone. There's lots of body betrayal, and the sex (yes there is some) is either ill timed or rapey. There's no cohesion in the harem in this book. It's hard to imagine they'll ever be friends, let alone family. There are no strong secondary characters. The h has no friends.
September 22, 2025
Serpentine Academy
Book one of incomplete series. Witches at an Academy with an evil twist. This story features Rose, a young woman who suddenly begins to manifest stronger magic. The magic snaps a customer's fingers when he grabs her, so she is fired. She received a letter telling her to report to Serpentine Academy, so because she's destitute she goes. Spoilers: this plot just leaves me shaking my head. OK, she's broke, but she answers this mandatory summons despite her dead Mom's warnings? Then she agrees to the binding with no other information? Apparently certain bloodlines owe a centuries' old debt to the Coven. They suck the magic from their descendants. How do they get descendants if they're forced into this academy? She has a deservedly obnoxious personality, but at least she refuses to trust anyone, after being bound. Lucien, a vampire works for the coven as an enforcer. Soren, an incubus, is a teacher. Drake is a ghost student who was killed by the coven. All three interact with Rose and develop unwanted romantic feelings. Drake is the only likeable one of the three. There is really nothing wrong with the book, it just seemed out of step somehow. There is no world building, or real character development. I don't even like Rose much, but really want her to escape the coven.
Book one of incomplete series. Witches at an Academy with an evil twist. This story features Rose, a young woman who suddenly begins to manifest stronger magic. The magic snaps a customer's fingers when he grabs her, so she is fired. She received a letter telling her to report to Serpentine Academy, so because she's destitute she goes. Spoilers: this plot just leaves me shaking my head. OK, she's broke, but she answers this mandatory summons despite her dead Mom's warnings? Then she agrees to the binding with no other information? Apparently certain bloodlines owe a centuries' old debt to the Coven. They suck the magic from their descendants. How do they get descendants if they're forced into this academy? She has a deservedly obnoxious personality, but at least she refuses to trust anyone, after being bound. Lucien, a vampire works for the coven as an enforcer. Soren, an incubus, is a teacher. Drake is a ghost student who was killed by the coven. All three interact with Rose and develop unwanted romantic feelings. Drake is the only likeable one of the three. There is really nothing wrong with the book, it just seemed out of step somehow. There is no world building, or real character development. I don't even like Rose much, but really want her to escape the coven.
October 20, 2025
Great Beginning. Great Ending. Mediocre Middle.
This book has a few things going for it, solid world building with great attention to detail, an intriguing group of supporting characters, and a rather badass heroine. The beginning few chapters really grab the reader’s attention with our heroine forced to attend a school run by a questionable coven of witches. It’s at this point in the book that the problems start. The character development is weak and the interaction between Rose and her love interests is lukewarm at best. The narrative gets bogged down with unnecessary repetitive inner monologues. Once a point is made the author does not need to waste every opportunity given to hammer the point home. I struggled with a complete lack of interest for fifty percent of the book until the last chapter. Once again, things pick up and get interesting. The story ends on a cliffhanger and hopefully many unanswered questions will be addressed in the next book of the series.
This book has a few things going for it, solid world building with great attention to detail, an intriguing group of supporting characters, and a rather badass heroine. The beginning few chapters really grab the reader’s attention with our heroine forced to attend a school run by a questionable coven of witches. It’s at this point in the book that the problems start. The character development is weak and the interaction between Rose and her love interests is lukewarm at best. The narrative gets bogged down with unnecessary repetitive inner monologues. Once a point is made the author does not need to waste every opportunity given to hammer the point home. I struggled with a complete lack of interest for fifty percent of the book until the last chapter. Once again, things pick up and get interesting. The story ends on a cliffhanger and hopefully many unanswered questions will be addressed in the next book of the series.
December 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was a really good start to a new paranormal / academy setting series! I have so many questions and I can’t wait to keep reading to find out more… THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH 🫨
I actually love Soren with my whole heart lol Excited to see more from him in the next book - and I want to find out more of his backstory! (One of the many questions I have). Lucien is equal parts awesome and awful 😂 Pick a lane, dude; either you’re with Rose or against her ffs! And lastly, Drake - I have some questions about his history as well (basically all of the guys, really). And obviously the mystery man - I gotta know what happens or who he is!
I felt like some of the class work scenes or the “bully” scenes were a little on the boring side for me, but overall I enjoyed this book! Excited to continue on 😊
This was a really good start to a new paranormal / academy setting series! I have so many questions and I can’t wait to keep reading to find out more… THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH 🫨
I actually love Soren with my whole heart lol Excited to see more from him in the next book - and I want to find out more of his backstory! (One of the many questions I have). Lucien is equal parts awesome and awful 😂 Pick a lane, dude; either you’re with Rose or against her ffs! And lastly, Drake - I have some questions about his history as well (basically all of the guys, really). And obviously the mystery man - I gotta know what happens or who he is!
I felt like some of the class work scenes or the “bully” scenes were a little on the boring side for me, but overall I enjoyed this book! Excited to continue on 😊
September 9, 2025
Magical Mischief Meets Steamy Paranormal Romance
Ok, Besties... Wicked Bonds by Rowan Shane was giving me Harry Potter vibes—but with a darker, steamier twist. Rose, our witchy FMC, finds herself tangled in magic, secrets, and three unforgettable men: a broody vampire, a tempting incubus, and even a ghost who stole more than just the spotlight. I enjoyed the mix of paranormal elements with the “why choose” dynamic—it kept things fun, sexy, and a little mischievous. If you’re craving a magical romance that balances whimsy with steam, this is a solid pick.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
Ok, Besties... Wicked Bonds by Rowan Shane was giving me Harry Potter vibes—but with a darker, steamier twist. Rose, our witchy FMC, finds herself tangled in magic, secrets, and three unforgettable men: a broody vampire, a tempting incubus, and even a ghost who stole more than just the spotlight. I enjoyed the mix of paranormal elements with the “why choose” dynamic—it kept things fun, sexy, and a little mischievous. If you’re craving a magical romance that balances whimsy with steam, this is a solid pick.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
January 11, 2026
Le ultime 20 pagine sono state più coinvolgenti delle precedenti 370.
Un libro con una storia interessante ma molto ripetitivo, per quasi tutto il tempo vediamo solo la protagonista comportarsi, ne più ne meno, come una gatta randagia stretta in un angolo che soffia e graffia contro chiunque cerchi di toccarla... ha ragione a comportarsi così? Cavolo, si. E' divertente da leggere? Cavolo, no.
Come ho detto, l'ultima parte mi è abbastanza piaciuta, quindi darò una chance anche al secondo libro.
Un libro con una storia interessante ma molto ripetitivo, per quasi tutto il tempo vediamo solo la protagonista comportarsi, ne più ne meno, come una gatta randagia stretta in un angolo che soffia e graffia contro chiunque cerchi di toccarla... ha ragione a comportarsi così? Cavolo, si. E' divertente da leggere? Cavolo, no.
Come ho detto, l'ultima parte mi è abbastanza piaciuta, quindi darò una chance anche al secondo libro.
September 28, 2025
Aboslutely loved this book! Rowan Shane always writes amazing stories. The bond between the characters developed perfectly and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. The cliffhanger is one for the books (literally). I won't lie "Ghost boy" is my favorite buttttt I definitely questioned him for a second lol. This is going to be a wild ride in book 2. I read a lot of dark and spicy books and this one is definitely on the lighter side for me but kept me hooked. 100% recommend.
December 3, 2025
Killer cliffhanger…
… but since the entire trilogy is now available, I’ll get over it.
The writing is excellent. The plot is different. I like the main characters. The men are absolutely grey enough. I devoured this first book in an evening. It’s 1:30 in the morning and I’m starting book two now.
… but since the entire trilogy is now available, I’ll get over it.
The writing is excellent. The plot is different. I like the main characters. The men are absolutely grey enough. I devoured this first book in an evening. It’s 1:30 in the morning and I’m starting book two now.
September 13, 2025
I stopped reading when one of the MLS sexually assaults her mind
November 13, 2025
RATING: 2.25. Stars
November 30, 2025
😻
This one is a bit weird and confusing! But I so want to know what is going on! Like seriously!
This one is a bit weird and confusing! But I so want to know what is going on! Like seriously!
dnf
January 17, 2026DNF @ 8%
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews