A Lesson in Obedience

by Allie Shante

What started out as a murder investigation spiraled into something Riley hadn’t planned for. Haunted by grief and deceit, she’ll have to find a way back to any sense of normalcy. A luxury that is nowhere close to being achieved now that the truth is muddled in new revelations and betrayal.

Everything she’s ever known is now twisted into something she hardly recognizes and trust towards those that have hurt her will not be given so easily. Ignoring things won’t work and letting her emotions get the best of her just makes matters worse, especially now that magic is within her grasp. Eyes are everywhere and the threats run deeper than she realized. The more she pulls back, the more pain is inflicted on those around her.

Leaning on River, Grayson and Asher would be easier if things didn’t happen the way they did, but forgiveness may be the only solution to get them back to where they were. They want to protect her, but doing so may anger the person puppeteering their lives. Riley’s allies aren’t afraid, but maybe they should be. Maybe digging deeper is a mistake.

Riley is a prize in a game she never wanted to play and she’s been told that the only way out is compliance. Submission isn’t something Riley’s interested in and it can’t be the only way to win.

Genres: Paranormal, Why Choose, Dark Romance, Paranormal Romance

530 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Allie Shante was born and raised in Georgia, but now gets to move around with her military husband and her two fur babies, Barry Allen & Loki. She has always had a love for books and that love has never faltered. At the ripe old age of 13, Allie knew she would write a book and many ideas later, Living Legend started to unravel itself into the book it is today. The unraveling took many many years, by the way.

When she isn’t diving into her mind palace, Allie likes to snuggle with the pups, read a good book, feed her online shopping habit and conquer escape rooms with her husband.

Reviews

[GoldenEyeOfHorus · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual Allie Shante's writing is wonderful. She can definitely dig deep with her characters and showcase what trauma looks and acts like.

The betrayal from book 1 actually took my breath away with how unexpected it was. Book 2 didn't really deliver on the angst, anger, or grovel of that betrayal. Grayson looking sad and giving puppy dog eyes isn't a grovel. Everyone just forgave Grayson so quickly and were being sympathetic to how he had been threatened to cooperate with the villains. River who is supposed to have Riley's back was having conversations, meals, and being flirty with Grayson starting the next day.

I hate that the FMC can never seem to have a full on duo sex scene with one of the 3 MMCs, but the 2 MMCs that are bi constantly have duo scenes. I need variety and differing dynamics in a why choose.

Because they were together for all the spicy scenes, they got a bit repetitive. The same things happened, and the same dirty talk was made.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Tropes: Why Choose, Murder Mystery, Multi POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

"resistance is a tricky thing, isn't it sir?" 

A Lesson in Obedience is book two of the Mystic Reign Duology and it did not disappoint. I want these books in the classic CW network 5 season 16 episode show. It's a layered, emotionally investing book which follows Riley (FMC) on her adjusting to new powers, the revelations of complicated familial bonds and the strengthening connections between her , Asher, Grayson and River ( MMC's).
The spicy scenes will have you gasping, and I love the way each MMC has a different and fully realized relationship with Riley . As continued from the first book ,consent is key & very sexy. I can't stop recommending this why choose, if that trope is your jam add this one to your collection.

[Jess *lovetolovebooks* · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lesson In Obedience starts up right after the events in book one and I was just a bit nervous because I felt like this book had a lot of work to do: apologies and rebuilding of trust, figuring out how to control new powers, and dealing with more than one power hungry psycho just to name a few. But of course I shouldn’t have worried because Allie Shante is a goddess and of course was able to do all of that with this very satisfying conclusion to the Mystic Reigan duet.

The thing I really enjoyed about book one was that in an intimate setting the communication and understanding was flawless. I’m so happy to say that that carried on into book two and it got even better because they all realized that in order to trust each other they needed to be openly communicating about their day to day things as well instead of hiding certain info or encounters because they didn’t wanna burden anyone else. They all quickly learned to lean on one another and I loved it. ALIO was spicy, action packed, thrilling, full of lovable characters and just really freaking fun. I can’t wait to see what Allie has planned for the future!

5⭐️
4🔥

What to expect:
MMFM
LGBTQIA+ rep
Boyfriend, Boyfriend’s best friend & boyfriend’s brother
Professor/student
Urban/paranormal
University setting
Witches, Magic, etc
Animal familiars
Shadow play
Apologies and groveling
Dealing with new powers
Amazing female friendship

TW/CW: on page murder, ptsd, parental death, blood, violence, emotional abuse (not by MCs), minor animal harm (not by MCs), alcohol, panic attacks, explicit language & sexual content

[What Quetta’s Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to author Allie Shante for the gifted eARC. These are my honest and personal thoughts.

Thoughts: Protect her at all cost! I loved how they all cared for and protected her throughout this whole series. In this installment liked that Riley finally took control of what was being done in her life. Wish Riley’s actual magical abilities got to be seen being developed instead of it feeling like she was just getting lucky with using it…but she was still badass when using it! I loved every character and wanted more of all their stories! I would have even loved for the series to have more books so I can have more time with them lol! Overall I enjoyed this read and all its spicy characters!!

4/5⭐️
5/5🌶️
📖

[Leandra Parsons · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kinda wished I DNFd this but oh well

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: A Lesson in Obedience (The Mystic Riegan Duet Book 2)

Shaken by life-altering secrets and deep betrayal, Riley grapples with her new reality. Plagued with questions and doubt, she must choose how to move forward and determine who she can trust and who she is meant to be.

Tropes:
👀multi POV
🤝MMFM
🏫college setting
💫modern magic world
💕LGBTQIA/diversity rep
🧑‍🏫professor/student
🐾animal companions
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒found family

Facing family drama, uncontrolled magic, and unforeseen threats, emotions are running high. But Riley was never one to give up or submit and I loved seeing her determination to fight back and protect those she loves. Can they find a way to overcome the manipulation and darkness coming?

River (tattooed telepath), Grayson (sweet shadow daddy), and Asher (grumpy professor with sl*tty glasses & dream magic) couldn’t be more different but their dedication to Riley is unshakable and oh so hot 🪭. Did I mention that there’s some “good boy” groveling? 👀

I loved seeing each character slowly find their place and embrace their potential together. A Lesson in Obedience is an action-packed (IYKYK) and emotional conclusion to the duet!

If you’re looking for an academia setting why choose with all the spice, snark, and adorable animal companion, this is a must-read!

Thank you to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review

[Krista Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8⭐️
I don't even know how I am able to survive this. I am so so sad this was a duet because I need more. Asher, River and Grayson have my whole heart.

Book two picks up right where the first one ended and soooooo much has happened.

Riley has to come to terms with her magic and the man who has caused so many problems. She is trying to figure herself out now that she knows she has powers and who her father is.

Asher's wall was slowly coming down even though he is still a hard ass at times.

Grayson is still as sweet and determined as ever.

River....he would do anything and everything for Riley. They all would and it really showed in this book.

I loved every moment of this. I only wished that a certain moment in the book lasted a little bit longer. I needed more out of the situation but otherwise this was the perfect ending to this duet and I am so sad it is over.

[Hollee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much for the ARC! There was a lot riding on the conclusion of this duology after where we left off in book 1. I was content with how long Grayson had to wait for full resolution but I do wish there was some testing or some type of magical proof besides him just begging. Asher was forgiven very quickly for his transgressions and I think it showed how Riley grew a lot during this book, trying to come into her own while in life or death situations with a evil overlord dad was a lot. I’m heavily invested on the overall world she has built and would not complain if it was expanded and we got to explore other peoples stories! Alli did great at building an overall world that I felt connected to and invested in things being righted by the end of the story.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Shante’s conclusion to this poly MMFM romance set in an academic setting with an overarching mystery was such a great duology! I’m a huge Duology girl because after a series extends past 3-4 books I can lose interest.

Riley comes into her own in this book, especially magically. Grayson has a lot of groveling to do after the ending of book 1. River continues to be top tier book boyfriend material. Asher continues to fight his feelings towards Riley and their slow burn is so good.

There’s a lot of spice, action, and an epic battle. Go read this one on KU immediately!

Read this if you like:

📚 MMFM poly romance w ⚔️
📚 non binary rep
📚 shadow play
📚 visiting Paris
📚 grief rep
📚 found family
📚 “crawl to me” 🥵

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you so much to Allie Shante for the eARC of this one!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aghhhh I loved this!!! Make all the boys kiss! Well not the brothers but it was still hot. The side characters all coming together in this one was so much fun. I loved the drama and the diff POV. And the ending was perfect!!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Conclusion!

A Lesson in Deceit left us on quite the cliffhanger, so I was READY to see what was next for Riley and her boys. A Lesson in Obedience picks up pretty much exactly where ALID ended, and the transition was seamless.

I was not sure how we would get past the end of ALID’s big reveal, but with some groveling and some much needed time to process and heal, Grayson was able to earn Riley’s trust back. Allie managed to accomplish this without it feeling like Riley rolled over and just gave in. He had to WORK for it.

Seeing the relationship between Riley and each of the guys develop and heal was probably my favorite part of this one, but I am also SO HAPPY that we found out who was behind all the things going down at Mystic Riegan, including Riley’s father’s murder. All of the strings were tied up perfectly by the end, this duet was a fun (SPICY) time, and after today’s news, I can’t wait to reread when it comes to audio!

Thank you so much to Allie and Good Girls PR for the ARC copy, I LOVED both of these books so much!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

you know when you think you know how a book might go or needs to go? that was me going into this book. i was wrong. 100% wrong on all fronts except for that all the conflicts get resolved. nothing i thought that would happen happened the way I thought they would in the best way. twists and turns at every obstacle that kept me on my toes and a little worried for the overall all outcome. had me checking the percentage left like... how are we getting put of this with x amount of time left? blood pressure through the roof 🙄 had the best time

[Trinity · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - parental death (mentioned, plot point), blood, graphic violence, emotional abuse (from a parent), minor animal harm (not by main characters), alcohol consumption, PTSD, panic attacks, death of a close friend (murder), manipulation (including from parents), grief, pregnancy (sc, past, discussed), familial death (past, mentioned), infidelity (scs, past, mentioned), nightmares, manipulative parent, smoking (scs, mentioned), broken / fractured bones, knife violence, murder (incl parricide, on page), vehicular accident, hospital setting (incl surgery, mentioned)

CW - light degradation, hand necklace, power dynamic, light spanking, light restraints

Tropes - why choose, magic school, urban paranormal, teacher x student, boyfriend’s best friend, boyfriend’s brother, “fuck it”, dark, murder mystery, friends to lovers, betrayal

Representation - polyam - MMFM, queer rep, bi rep, pan rep, Black FMC, Filipino MMC, Latine scs

This duet is a solid 4 ⭐ and, while I didn’t fall in love with book 2 the way I had book 1, this one had a few cute moments.

We pick up where book 1 ends and there is a lot for the characters to deal with and overcome. I think Allie Shante does a great job with balancing the romance and the plot that drives the story forward; while reading, I didn’t feel like either was being favoured.

Why choose is my bag and I do love a why choose that includes a pair or throuple that were already together before more join and I am always interested in who an author chooses to deal with that dynamic. All that to say, I don’t think I liked some parts of how that was done in this book because I don’t like how the the FMC is so clearly favoured over the other dynamics. While River (MMC) and Grayson (MMC) were never officially a thing prior to Riley (FMC), I didn’t like how River prioritised Riley over Grayson. Forgiving your best friend and someone who you can admit you love should have nothing to do with how Riley feels, in my opinion.

Riley’s dad is a bitch, which I think is something we can all agree on. I think the main disconnect I had with this book is that his motives were not clear to me. He wanted to be known and loved and looked up to by his daughter and nothing he did reflected that and, for everything he did, I felt like that motive was weak. It left me like: 🥴 for most of the book.

Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪

🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List

TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great completion to Riley’s story. Riley and her friends face the greatest challenge of their lives and come out on top. With each new day, each new event, each new piece to the puzzle, getting further invested into the story was easy. I love how this book all played out.

Riley continues to be such an amazing woman. And with her newly discovered powers, she becomes quite the badass. Throughout this book she learns to control her powers, so seeing her gain more and more confidence in herself was brilliant to read.

For her men, they each bring a unique and needed energy to the story and relationship. Seeing all three of them being absolutely obsessed with Riley was one of my favorite parts. Especially since all their personalities are so different; her interactions with each of them individually and together was beautiful.

I also really enjoy the other found family we have in this duology: Corrin, Mateo, Jade, Ike, and of course our baby Beau. All of them played vital roles in this story and I love every single one of them.

When it comes to the story itself, I enjoyed the progression from where we ended book one, to the build up and victory in book two. There were times things looked bleak and there was more heartbreak, but in the end, it all turned out okay. I would love to get more of their story in holiday “specials” and see how they are years down the line.

Thank you Allie Shante for this eARC! This is my full, honest, spoiler free review.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
10.5% of the pages contain spicy content
17.3% of the chapters contain spicy content

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lesson in Obedience by Allie Shante 5⭐ read!!!

In book two of the Mystic Riegan duet, Riley must learn to trust her guys and those closest to them to band together to protect each other & defeat those that are corrupt.

A Lesson in Obedience was a conflict filled, spicy, fun time and the perfect wrap up to the duet. Allie jumped us right back in where we left off after book one and for that I was super thankful.


A couple of main themes really stuck out to me:

• TRUST is mentioned throughout the entire book and in different ways. Not only trusting others but trusting yourself too.


• The strength found in knowing who you are and believing in yourself.

"How I see you might matter, but how you see yourself is something I can't help you with."


It was absolutely refreshing the way that relationship conflicts were handled. They were not unnecessarily drawn out for the sake of drama. A situation happened, it was given it's moment, a solution was found, and we could move on. Communication goes a long way.


The spice was ON POINT 🥵

We witnessed M/F, MM, MFM, MMF, and MMFM and a bonus that all spicy scenes fell in places that made sense in the plot. Lol I was never like why are they getting it on right now 😅 three moments that will live rent free?

"Lift your hips."

The kitchen incident.

"Crawl."

ATE IT UP!!!


10/10 would recommend this duet. Allie, thank you for giving me this ARC reading opportunity. I am so grateful that I was able to experience Riley & her guys on their journey.


Beau is ABSOLUTELY the bestest boy 🥰

[Ashley Van Durmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion to the Mystic Riegan duet by @allieshantewrites 😱 Picking up right on the heels of A Lesson in Deceit - Riley has to deal with the grief, betrayal and revelations that have come to light while navigating her magical abilities. But it isn’t an easy journey with the new player in the game looking anyway to keep Riley in their grasp while everyone around her suffers the consequences.

We watch Riley struggle with her magic and not wanting to hurt those she loves. River, Grayson and Asher just want to help and protect her but it is easier said than done. There are obstacles in their way and trust to be rebuild before things can go back to the way they were..if it ever does.

I love how the guys give Riley her space to figure things out but they also push her to see that she doesn’t have to do things on her own. She is stronger than the doubt that creeps in and they are there to support her along with her friends.

My man Asher, he doesn’t want to admit Riley effects him more than she does but there is only so long you can hold out for 😏 River is sweet and supportive as ever and Grayson well he has some making up to do.

Allie turned up the heat with this one with some brotherly Eiffel towering and a delectable role reversal crawl to me scene with all of the groveling. Plus a fantastic use of shadow play 😉

I loved watching Riley embrace her powers and show those that try to hurt the ones she loves that there are consequences.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lesson in Obedience is the second book in the Mystic Riegan duet, a paranormal why choose romance. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author and Good Girls PR for my eArc.

Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose (mmfm)
✨Urban/college setting
✨Found family
✨Age gap
✨Magic wielders, witches, shifters and humans
✨Doggy familiar
✨Teacher/student
✨LGBTQIA/diversity rep
✨Shadow play
✨Strong female friendships
✨Groveling
✨“Good girl” and “Good boy”
✨Multi, first person POV

Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nicknames: Gorgeous, Little Liar

The Lovely: I loved the FMC’s different dynamics with each of the guys. The groveling and crawling with one of the MMCs was just top tier. When he said he’d do anything - he meant it! I also loved the teacher/student relationship and how he tried to avoid… it.

The Mundane: The pacing of this story felt slower to me than book one and a bit too long for what happened over the course of events. I think part of this was due to the “murder mystery” being having been solved in book one so we didn’t have that unknown/tension hanging over the story.

Recommendation: After the dramatic reveals at the end of book one, I was anxious to see how the story would progress. And wow the villain made me icky with how callous he is. If you’re in the mood for a why choose paranormal romance with the best-est animal familiar and protective MMCs, I think you’d like this duet.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lesson in Obedience starts where the first book in the duet ended and Allie Shante managed to keep the tension and the suspense till the very end . Riley and the guys had to work through betrayal and distrust, a major manipulations and power plays . I loved it that they managed to communicate with each other and work out all the issues and trust again . And the groveling was much needed not only for Grayson but for Asher too . I loved it that Riley had so many friends eager to help her navigate her new reality but also figure out the bigger picture. As the plot thickens the level of suspense goes sky high and the secrets are piling up. And I loved it that the characters communicated and trusted each other no matter what happened to them . And when they were together they were steaming hot and that crazy chemistry was of the charts. Yeah, that epilogue was steaming hot. And I think that we needed that kind of ending after the magical action of the last couple of chapters.
So if you're in the mood for an action packed magical suspense romance with a spicy why choose on the side you need the Mystic Riegan duet . And one more thing you need to know Allie Shante always delivers .

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.]

•MMFM
•urban / PNR college
•teacher x student / age gap
•so gay
•magic, witches, and shifters OH MY!
•2nd book in a duology
•found family AND family that cares
•a mystery afoot

🗣️BARKING🗣️ for Riley, River, Grayson, and Asher. together, separate, idk I LOVE THEM!!!

this duology is so incredible. there’s magic. there’s mystery. there’s groveling. there’s foursomes. I mean what else could you ask for?!?

I did cry a few times reading this one, happy tears and sad tears. but what really got me was the love and support from Riley’s mom and Grayson’s parents.😭
it was so apparent how much they cared for their children, and wanting them to be safe and being there for them when needed, while also trusting them to handle things on their own.

there were so many instances where I was screaming “girl RUN!!” at Riley and she just would not listen😤 but every single plot twist and money in this book held me in its grip, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

thank you Allie for letting me ARC read, and for giving us this story and these characters🖤🖤🖤

5/5 ⭐️
2/5 spice rating🌶️

[Jenny Lampe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the eARC. This review is honest and voluntary.

A Lesson in Obedience is a delightful conclusion to Allie Shante's Mystic Riegan duet. Shante does an incredible job of balancing romance, smut, and exciting plot in this duet. The aftermath of A Lesson in Deceit left these characters in a bit of turmoil, and I love that A Lesson in Obedience picks up right where we left off.

My favorite thing about ALIO in particular is the emotional journey and growth these characters have. Riley, River, and Grayson are all in their early 20s. They have a lot of big feelings and not many tools to deal with them. It's a beautiful thing to get to see them grow into themselves, trust themselves and one another, and form even stronger bonds. And throw in a grumpy older professor and brother for a bit of extra fun.

This why choose duet had everything I could have wanted. Lots of delicious spice, an exciting plot, wonderful side characters that I love seeing on page, and of course... magic! This duet will be a comfort reread for me. I fell in love with Riley, just like her three boyfriends, and I'll happily revisit them over and over again.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Allie Shante and Good Girls PR for this early review copy! All opinions are my own!
What a conclusion to the Mystic Riegan duet! Allie can really put her readers and characters through the toughest trials to get to their happy ending, and this duet did that and then some!
Book 2 picks up exactly where book one left off, and if you needed redemption and groveling from a certain character… you ABSOLUTELY get it! The growth of all of these characters from book one to book 2 was so fun to watch and live through! Allie also has a way of writing about mental health so respectfully and graciously. She tackles the hard topics, but in a way that feels like a warm hug. She allows us to feel the hard things while also reassuring us as the reader that it’s ok. I cannot stop talking and thinking about Riley and her boyfriends! If you need a duet to be your comfort read to read over and over again, let it be this one!

Some of my favorite quotes:

“I just had one insane fucking man try to tell me what I am and who I’m going to be, so fuck you, if you think you’ll be another one.”

“Oh, I’m sorry my apprehension is a hindrance to you”

“I promise. I’m with you. You. Have. Me,”

[Alex | alexs.magical.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ᎪᏒᏟ ᏒᎬᏉᎥᎬᎳ📚
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🖤 After the shocking and dramatic cliffhanger from Book 1, A Lesson in Deceit, I was anxious to dive back into this world and see how the story would progress. @allieshantewrites combines all the best components for an enthralling fantasy story - paranormal beings we love to see, a villain you will hate, strong endearing friendships, loving but possessive males and a sassy, determined FMC that can handle her own.

🖤 Riley, the FMC, has to endure so much emotionally and physically in this sequel but seeing her come into her own and overcome the secrets & betrayals from Book 1, really made the journey worth it!! I love the different relationships that Riley has with each male and the group dynamic that is slowly built on trust and passion between Riley, Asher, Grayson & River. The spice and GROVELING in this book though is hot, heavy and absolutely chef’s kiss!! 😘👌

✨️ Perfect if you love: ✨️
🖤 Paranormal Romance
🖤 Urban College Setting
🖤 MMFM Why-Choose
🖤 “Good Boy”
🖤 LGBTQIA/Diversity Rep
🖤 STrong Female Friendships
🖤 Teacher/Student

Thank you @allieshantewrites & @good.girls.pr for the ARC opportunity!!

[Tylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley has such amazing charecter growth within this final book and im sad to say goodbye to her, the guys and of course Beau!

Recovery, Redemption, Revenge.
A twisted suspenseful romance that nailed every single want in a why choose!

Learning to trust not only herself, her newly found powers and her guys proved to be a difficult task when what Riley thought was a cozy comfortable life became chaos at the drop of a dime.
Or in her case, at the drop of a necklace.
After discovering world shattering secrets, losing her best friend, navigating the mental load of how to keep everyone safe while healing from detrimental losses. Riley finds herself again and stronger than ever with the help of her guys a handful of allies and a special friend who she hadn't even realized had been there all along.

Can Riley ever accept Chancellor Fowler as her father? Will Asher finally come around? What on earth made her mother hide away years of secrets and power? Surely it can't be that bad right...

A Lesson in Obedience is a must read after the jaw dropping cliffhanger A Lesson in Deciet

[NeasNovelNest · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a ride!

Soooo grateful I got to experience this ARC! The Mystic Reigan Duet was thrilling from start to finish. My first real Why Choose and I’m so glad it was! I was literally at the edge of my seat with the twists and turns of the duet as a whole. The magical system was just enough to understand without confusion along with so much culture and mystery. I love when an author can have so many characters and they all have their own personalities and range. Now ASHER and his dominant energy gave me all the feels and life but I love how each MMC created a super bae experience. River allowed softness, Grayson allowed for her to be her true self and discover new empowering parts of her but yet they all loved her unapologetically. This series could have been longer and I would have no complaints! Hopefully the other side characters get their own books bc I enjoyed them all.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall rating: 5 Stars!

[whimsy_bookowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

And just like that this spicy paranormal duet has come to an end!

The cliffhanger in book 1 threw me for a loop and I was so anxious to pick up this next instalment.
I love when a title has several meanings and I was giddy as hell when I understood the context for "obedience" within the story.

The character dynamics are so interesting and there was a lot of work to be done to get them all on the same page again after the events of book 1, but in true Allie fashion we get spoiled with some extra rich spice.

I did think that in the first book River and Grayson agreed very easily to sharing Riley: despite Riley dating River exclusively for an entire year. For me, there was not enough groundwork laid to explain why the three of them would be so easy to convince to become a thruple, it actually only really started to click in book 2 when we got more flashbacks and really understand their dynamic and previous interactions. It would've been great if these had been in book 1 as well.

The only thing that didn't quite click for me was the ending and the use of magic:
Riley grew up with no magic, yet she's able to outpower another magic user with virtually no training. She is initially struggling with containing her magic but she never receives any instructions and just wins against her father. That's why the ending seemed a little too convenient for me.

[Mel Weisbecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Second in duology
📚 MFMM
📚 Unique magic system
📚 Multi-racial love interests
📚 Grief, loss, love

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

Holy sheet what a freaking journey from book 1. There is so much yearning, redemption, anger, grief, SPICE that my emotions were all over the place! I cried multiple times and as someone who has lost friends... Allie will make you feel seen in every way.

THE TENSION??? Between all FOUR of them?? I recommend reading in private unless you have a really good poker face.

This was a beautiful wrap up to book 1 and it is an honor to be on Allie's hype team because her books deserve every single acknowledgement.

Thank you Allie Shante for my advance reader copy! This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sad that this series is just a duet. I need more of "the boys" and Riley! The character that shined through this time for me was Beau. My heart melted every time he called Riley, mom. Oh the feels! Riley was written very well. I felt empathy when it came to her tragic event with Teresa Lowe. My heart hurt for Riley, but boy oh boy was I fully invested and excited for what was to come! I absolutely adore how patient River is. He is the crème de la crème when it comes to a boyfriend. My favorite though is Asher. He was my favorite in A Lesson in Deceit because he gives forbidden love vibes and he is just so sexy to me! I think he's my official book boyfriend! The spice was SPICY!!!! Allie Shante always comes through when it comes to the spice!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Shante eats down on a dark romance whether it’s an modern setting or Purgatory itself. This is a why-choose duology with a MMFM pairing. Having little experience with this sort of romance, I didn’t know what to expect and my jaw dropped quite a few times throughout this book - in the absolute best why. This was an unexpected happy surprise and I cannot wait to read more from her.

Riley is a brat, Asher is a grump, Grayson just wants to be loved, and River craves Riley and his independence. Though dark, the story takes you on their journeys both individually and collectively, and has a spicy conclusive summary. I wanted a bit more witches and coven and lore, that is my only wish for future books from Shante - more witchy fun!

[Bethany Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Shante has done it again. As much as I loved book one, book two didn’t disappoint at all! We pick up right where book one left off and get a front row seat to the fallout of that cliffhanger. This story is layered in so many ways. important themes like trust and strength add to the continuing theme of consent from book one (which I really enjoyed). I feel like this is a great example of why choose, and honestly how could you with these characters? Each one is so well developed. If I’m quite honest though, Beau is my favorite. I feel like this duet was ended very well and I am so glad I read these books!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great wrap up to this duet!! Thank you to Allie Shante for the ARC - I was thrilled to have this in my hands a little early after that book one ending!

This had everything we needed - strong FMC, found family, healing from trauma, finding powers, shadow wielders, dream magic, fire magic, grumpy professor, and more! A deliciously spicy MMFM romantasy in a university setting that picks up where book one left off with our FMC trying to uncover the reason behind her dad’s murder, why so much was hidden from her, and where she fits in now. Needless to say, the mystery is solved, and Beau the pitbull even gets more page time the little cutie 😉