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Destiny
She doesn’t have a mark.
She doesn’t have a House.
And she definitely doesn’t have time for five men who keep looking at her like she’s already changed everything.
Nova survived by staying invisible. No territory. No origin claim. No system deciding who she belongs to or what she’s allowed to become. It worked—until the Academy found her, flagged her as a threat, and locked her into a bonded cluster of five men who were never supposed to exist together.
She didn’t choose them.
She doesn’t trust them.
Her body didn’t get the memo.
One adjusts the coffee so she won’t flinch.
One fills her plate without asking.
One holds eye contact too long.
One smiles like he’s trying not to.
One calls her beautiful—and then forgets how to breathe.
They don’t ask her to be softer.
She doesn’t ask them to stop watching.
The bond isn’t supposed to feel like this. The system wasn’t built for proximity, or choice, or the way something keeps tightening beneath the Academy—inside her chest, between all of them.
Then a sixth man steps into the circle.
He was never part of the design.
And the system starts watching closer.
Destiny is a slow-burn why choose romantasy featuring
– a feral, emotionally locked-down heroine
– five protective disasters (and one very inconvenient sixth)
– forced proximity, forbidden bonds, and found family
– awkward tension, accidental touches, and heat no one’s allowed to name
– a system built to keep people apart—and the cluster that breaks it
Book One in the Nightmare Misfits series.
She doesn’t have a House.
And she definitely doesn’t have time for five men who keep looking at her like she’s already changed everything.
Nova survived by staying invisible. No territory. No origin claim. No system deciding who she belongs to or what she’s allowed to become. It worked—until the Academy found her, flagged her as a threat, and locked her into a bonded cluster of five men who were never supposed to exist together.
She didn’t choose them.
She doesn’t trust them.
Her body didn’t get the memo.
One adjusts the coffee so she won’t flinch.
One fills her plate without asking.
One holds eye contact too long.
One smiles like he’s trying not to.
One calls her beautiful—and then forgets how to breathe.
They don’t ask her to be softer.
She doesn’t ask them to stop watching.
The bond isn’t supposed to feel like this. The system wasn’t built for proximity, or choice, or the way something keeps tightening beneath the Academy—inside her chest, between all of them.
Then a sixth man steps into the circle.
He was never part of the design.
And the system starts watching closer.
Destiny is a slow-burn why choose romantasy featuring
– a feral, emotionally locked-down heroine
– five protective disasters (and one very inconvenient sixth)
– forced proximity, forbidden bonds, and found family
– awkward tension, accidental touches, and heat no one’s allowed to name
– a system built to keep people apart—and the cluster that breaks it
Book One in the Nightmare Misfits series.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
About the author
CeeCee Crow
3 books43 followersCeeCee Crow writes darkly addictive romance with possessive heroes, resilient heroines, and bonds that refuse to be denied. She believes in messy emotions, found family, and love that feels like fate—the kind that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go.
A chronic overthinker with a caffeine dependency and an unhealthy attachment to morally gray characters (yes, it's on her license plate), CeeCee spends most of her time talking to people who live in her head and calling it "work." She believes every reader deserves a book that wrecks them in the best way.
She lives in Wisconsin with her kids, a deeply opinionated cat, and the firm belief that the villain was probably right.
A chronic overthinker with a caffeine dependency and an unhealthy attachment to morally gray characters (yes, it's on her license plate), CeeCee spends most of her time talking to people who live in her head and calling it "work." She believes every reader deserves a book that wrecks them in the best way.
She lives in Wisconsin with her kids, a deeply opinionated cat, and the firm belief that the villain was probably right.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 16, 2026
2 not for lack of potential more for lack of follow through on the ideas.
spoilers.
Let's start with the biggest issue this book has. Lack of world building of any kind. We are in a world that has multiples courts which we know because their cluster comes from all courts (we get that from them getting mocked). Aside from this tidbit we get clusters and the academy and that is the end of her world building. I know our FMC is not aware of a lot of things, but knowing she has to run for15 years and stay out of the system should be accompanied by knowledge of what she is running from or the society she lives in at the very least.
The next issue after the huge lack of world building is relationship building for me. Who is in the harem? I felt like we rushed through names and since we don't get super clear connections right away it's hard to remember. We get rushed relationships which is fine because it's the and possible fated mates but still make it believable and worth our time.
The story also lacks depth. We have hard topics that are glossed over and not really given time to breath and if there is anything I can say to this author is to allow the story to breath and to sit in the story and allow tension to build. We are tackling homelessness, society problems, bullying of your peers even if you a grown adult at academy and it feels like we hurriedly brish past the uncomfortable feelings. Readers come to feel something, to feel a certain way and speeding everything up takes away that ability. I want to know these characters and who they are from their experiences and that did not happen.
Lastly, and I think this is the biggest issue and why this book series won't be for me. it was choppy and felt like it was on fast forward. Almost as if she took her outline and submitted it. We get such short scenes, and short chapters and short sentences even and it gives a huge lack of information which takes you out of the story. What are clusters? What is the societies goal? Why let the guys have a cluster if they aren't sanctioned to have one.? Does everyone who goes to the academy do so I'm a non fun manner? I mean I have probably enough questions to fill more pages that this book had.
Overall again this idea is cool but the way it's done falls flat and it had so much more potential.
spoilers.
Let's start with the biggest issue this book has. Lack of world building of any kind. We are in a world that has multiples courts which we know because their cluster comes from all courts (we get that from them getting mocked). Aside from this tidbit we get clusters and the academy and that is the end of her world building. I know our FMC is not aware of a lot of things, but knowing she has to run for15 years and stay out of the system should be accompanied by knowledge of what she is running from or the society she lives in at the very least.
The next issue after the huge lack of world building is relationship building for me. Who is in the harem? I felt like we rushed through names and since we don't get super clear connections right away it's hard to remember. We get rushed relationships which is fine because it's the and possible fated mates but still make it believable and worth our time.
The story also lacks depth. We have hard topics that are glossed over and not really given time to breath and if there is anything I can say to this author is to allow the story to breath and to sit in the story and allow tension to build. We are tackling homelessness, society problems, bullying of your peers even if you a grown adult at academy and it feels like we hurriedly brish past the uncomfortable feelings. Readers come to feel something, to feel a certain way and speeding everything up takes away that ability. I want to know these characters and who they are from their experiences and that did not happen.
Lastly, and I think this is the biggest issue and why this book series won't be for me. it was choppy and felt like it was on fast forward. Almost as if she took her outline and submitted it. We get such short scenes, and short chapters and short sentences even and it gives a huge lack of information which takes you out of the story. What are clusters? What is the societies goal? Why let the guys have a cluster if they aren't sanctioned to have one.? Does everyone who goes to the academy do so I'm a non fun manner? I mean I have probably enough questions to fill more pages that this book had.
Overall again this idea is cool but the way it's done falls flat and it had so much more potential.
April 12, 2026
Reading completely in the dark!
Couldn't really get into this book. I stopped about fifty eight percent, and I was completely lost. This is entirely reading in the dark. I couldn't tell you much if anything halfway through this book. What is a cluster? What's the system? What are the houses and what do they mean or do? I have zero idea on the world this takes place in. Or why these group clusters seem important? We have zero idea what's up with our fmc Nova? Not anything on why she is the way she is? Why is she living out of the system? It just kept going on about absolutely nothing that was really important, Nova going shopping seemed so ridiculous and not needed in a book where nothing is explained or answered? I just found it all very ridiculous
Couldn't really get into this book. I stopped about fifty eight percent, and I was completely lost. This is entirely reading in the dark. I couldn't tell you much if anything halfway through this book. What is a cluster? What's the system? What are the houses and what do they mean or do? I have zero idea on the world this takes place in. Or why these group clusters seem important? We have zero idea what's up with our fmc Nova? Not anything on why she is the way she is? Why is she living out of the system? It just kept going on about absolutely nothing that was really important, Nova going shopping seemed so ridiculous and not needed in a book where nothing is explained or answered? I just found it all very ridiculous
May 16, 2026
if this had depth it would be SOOOO GOOD.
there was little to no world building and we hardly got any information about the cluster aside from a few personality quirks. the writing was also very choppy. i am NOT saying this author used AI to write this, but it was almost like reading an AI response. very short sentences, using single words to emphasize points and sound succinct rather than explaining sentences. the issue is, all of the guys and nova talked like this in their pov. so it all sounded like the same person. like i said, no depth.
i truly did love the guys though. if they had more developed personalities, and i actually cared about the plot, i would definitely be picking up the second one. they said all the right things and treated nova like a princess, but it just didn’t have that binge factor for me to care what happens next.
this needs major editing and review and it could be really great. the potential is definitely there (i don’t regret reading this) but the execution was lacking. 3 stars overall.
there was little to no world building and we hardly got any information about the cluster aside from a few personality quirks. the writing was also very choppy. i am NOT saying this author used AI to write this, but it was almost like reading an AI response. very short sentences, using single words to emphasize points and sound succinct rather than explaining sentences. the issue is, all of the guys and nova talked like this in their pov. so it all sounded like the same person. like i said, no depth.
i truly did love the guys though. if they had more developed personalities, and i actually cared about the plot, i would definitely be picking up the second one. they said all the right things and treated nova like a princess, but it just didn’t have that binge factor for me to care what happens next.
this needs major editing and review and it could be really great. the potential is definitely there (i don’t regret reading this) but the execution was lacking. 3 stars overall.
April 3, 2026
DNF
I got 50 percent through the story and still had no idea what the plot even was. No explanation of what the heck everyone was going about or what the background is as far as plot
I got 50 percent through the story and still had no idea what the plot even was. No explanation of what the heck everyone was going about or what the background is as far as plot
May 8, 2026
Damn, this has so much fucking potential!!
I just have no fucking clue what’s going on. There was absolutely no world building whatsoever. As the readers were just dropped in the middle of this and we get no answers. We’re just pulled along in the story and we cultivate so many questions but get no answers. And no, it’s not like when an author does it cause they’re just shit at writing. This author feels like she’s doing it on purpose. She wants the mystery. She wants us to keep us in the dark. She wants us to yearn for more, she wants us to know the secrets. And not in a cheap way just to get us to read book two, but in a cool weird way that doesn’t make me angry and it does work. Because I do want the answers and I will read book 2.
Book 2 can go in two different directions. It can either start giving us answers and just keep building on all this amazing potential. Or it can go completely south in the author doesn’t give us any answers and it just goes downhill.
I am really hoping that it goes in the good direction.
I have so many questions and I’m really intrigued. I can’t wait for a book too, and I’m gonna read it right now.
And the only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of me having so many questions that were unanswered. But not at all because of the writing or the characters or anything like that.
I just have no fucking clue what’s going on. There was absolutely no world building whatsoever. As the readers were just dropped in the middle of this and we get no answers. We’re just pulled along in the story and we cultivate so many questions but get no answers. And no, it’s not like when an author does it cause they’re just shit at writing. This author feels like she’s doing it on purpose. She wants the mystery. She wants us to keep us in the dark. She wants us to yearn for more, she wants us to know the secrets. And not in a cheap way just to get us to read book two, but in a cool weird way that doesn’t make me angry and it does work. Because I do want the answers and I will read book 2.
Book 2 can go in two different directions. It can either start giving us answers and just keep building on all this amazing potential. Or it can go completely south in the author doesn’t give us any answers and it just goes downhill.
I am really hoping that it goes in the good direction.
I have so many questions and I’m really intrigued. I can’t wait for a book too, and I’m gonna read it right now.
And the only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of me having so many questions that were unanswered. But not at all because of the writing or the characters or anything like that.
May 2, 2026
3.75⭐
Better than expected with plenty of potential, but there's definitely room for improvement.
While the premise shows promise, the world-building felt significantly underdeveloped. The concepts are far too vague; there’s a noticeable lack of concrete definitions for the "system" or the "cluster", making it unclear why the protagonists are considered anomaly. I spent a large chunk of the book in a state of confusion, forced to guess the mechanics of the world. I truly hope the author fleshes out these missing pieces and adds more depth to the leads' backstories and personalities in the upcoming installments.
On to the parts I actually loved:
Instead of the typical injured bird trope, the fmc feels more like a wary stray cat who has spent years on the streets before being "forcefully adopted" into a new family. The way the mmcs treat her is a pitch-perfect mirror of owners tentatively approaching a cat that’s still hissing at them. That scene where the mmcs were all huddled by the window, peeking out as she first arrived at their home? Absolutely adorable.
I also appreciated how the author handled the caretaking aspect. Refreshingly, the mmcs aren't the overbearing alpha types who express affection through possessive growling. Instead, they approach the fmc with a mature, intimate, yet respectful distance, allowing her to slowly lower her guard.
If you enjoy found family vibes and character-driven interactions, this is definitely worth a read despite the thin world-building.
Better than expected with plenty of potential, but there's definitely room for improvement.
While the premise shows promise, the world-building felt significantly underdeveloped. The concepts are far too vague; there’s a noticeable lack of concrete definitions for the "system" or the "cluster", making it unclear why the protagonists are considered anomaly. I spent a large chunk of the book in a state of confusion, forced to guess the mechanics of the world. I truly hope the author fleshes out these missing pieces and adds more depth to the leads' backstories and personalities in the upcoming installments.
On to the parts I actually loved:
Instead of the typical injured bird trope, the fmc feels more like a wary stray cat who has spent years on the streets before being "forcefully adopted" into a new family. The way the mmcs treat her is a pitch-perfect mirror of owners tentatively approaching a cat that’s still hissing at them. That scene where the mmcs were all huddled by the window, peeking out as she first arrived at their home? Absolutely adorable.
I also appreciated how the author handled the caretaking aspect. Refreshingly, the mmcs aren't the overbearing alpha types who express affection through possessive growling. Instead, they approach the fmc with a mature, intimate, yet respectful distance, allowing her to slowly lower her guard.
If you enjoy found family vibes and character-driven interactions, this is definitely worth a read despite the thin world-building.
May 17, 2026
Dnf at 60%
Read reviews that there is zero world building- those reviews are being kind. There are zero details at all. Honestly this reads like a novella instead of a full length book, there are so little details & nothing NOTHING is explained.
Is this supernatural? Magic? Fantasy? Real life? No idea.
It starts off really quickly when the FMC - living in an alleyway for like 15 years (homeless) is picked up & taken in for assessment. Assessment for what? Is it normal for citizens of wherever she is to be picked up? We aren't told.
She's asked maybe 3 questions, her wrists & legs are looked at for any mark (there arent any) and she sits in a room for 3-4 days.
She refuses to eat - not because she fears her 3 meals a day is drugged, no it's something else but never explained.
We aren't told of the significance of having a mark or not having a mark either..
1 lady who questioned her before tells the FMC she's going to an academy- what kind of academy? We aren't told.
To be placed with a group or cluster.....
“A grouping. It happens sometimes—certain individuals show markers that suggest they should be grouped together. It’s rare, but documented. You’re showing those markers.”
What markers? No blood was taken by the FMC to be tested. She was legit asked like 3 questions, 1 being her name.
We are led to believe that the FMC has zero choice in this & must go.
The only thing that makes me think that this is some sort of magical something, is when the FMC is walking up to the house where her "cluster" (her 5 guy harem) live- they feel a pull or a hook in their chest , telling them she's near. That's it.
We arent shown much of school, classes, . We are told that some students have marks, 1 guy had 2 but we aren't told what they stand for or what they do.
We aren't told what the guys do, like how do they make money? At 1 point they send the fmc to get clothing & a spa treatment with all of their credit cards but nothing is ever said on how they have so much money..
Now & then 1 of the guys will make a comment about the fmc like "she doesn't know". Doesn't know what? Or it's inferred that her cluster of men are dangerous but yet 1 of them has a thankless job with an evil boss that treats him like shit. No idea,what the job is- the mmc's inner monologue thinks about having to take so much bullshit from his boss for the past 2 years. So I don't know
Eventually the FMC gets bullied-i guess? Ms living on the streets for 15 years cant handle being told that she doesn't belong at the school?
So she just leaves- walks right out & goes back to living in her alley way. What?? So she could've left at any time- this made zero sense.
I kinda started skimming at this point. But I didn't see any thing to do with magic up to that point. Nothing explained about why the fmc was homeless, why she HAD to be placed with those men.
Why they all feel a pull towards her. It had a good premise but being 100% honest it was boring as hell - and I love a big harem with 5 guys! I was intrigued by the premise. But nothing, I do mean nothing happened.
Read reviews that there is zero world building- those reviews are being kind. There are zero details at all. Honestly this reads like a novella instead of a full length book, there are so little details & nothing NOTHING is explained.
Is this supernatural? Magic? Fantasy? Real life? No idea.
It starts off really quickly when the FMC - living in an alleyway for like 15 years (homeless) is picked up & taken in for assessment. Assessment for what? Is it normal for citizens of wherever she is to be picked up? We aren't told.
She's asked maybe 3 questions, her wrists & legs are looked at for any mark (there arent any) and she sits in a room for 3-4 days.
She refuses to eat - not because she fears her 3 meals a day is drugged, no it's something else but never explained.
We aren't told of the significance of having a mark or not having a mark either..
1 lady who questioned her before tells the FMC she's going to an academy- what kind of academy? We aren't told.
To be placed with a group or cluster.....
“A grouping. It happens sometimes—certain individuals show markers that suggest they should be grouped together. It’s rare, but documented. You’re showing those markers.”
What markers? No blood was taken by the FMC to be tested. She was legit asked like 3 questions, 1 being her name.
We are led to believe that the FMC has zero choice in this & must go.
The only thing that makes me think that this is some sort of magical something, is when the FMC is walking up to the house where her "cluster" (her 5 guy harem) live- they feel a pull or a hook in their chest , telling them she's near. That's it.
We arent shown much of school, classes, . We are told that some students have marks, 1 guy had 2 but we aren't told what they stand for or what they do.
We aren't told what the guys do, like how do they make money? At 1 point they send the fmc to get clothing & a spa treatment with all of their credit cards but nothing is ever said on how they have so much money..
Now & then 1 of the guys will make a comment about the fmc like "she doesn't know". Doesn't know what? Or it's inferred that her cluster of men are dangerous but yet 1 of them has a thankless job with an evil boss that treats him like shit. No idea,what the job is- the mmc's inner monologue thinks about having to take so much bullshit from his boss for the past 2 years. So I don't know
Eventually the FMC gets bullied-i guess? Ms living on the streets for 15 years cant handle being told that she doesn't belong at the school?
So she just leaves- walks right out & goes back to living in her alley way. What?? So she could've left at any time- this made zero sense.
I kinda started skimming at this point. But I didn't see any thing to do with magic up to that point. Nothing explained about why the fmc was homeless, why she HAD to be placed with those men.
Why they all feel a pull towards her. It had a good premise but being 100% honest it was boring as hell - and I love a big harem with 5 guys! I was intrigued by the premise. But nothing, I do mean nothing happened.
May 12, 2026
Ok, ok, enough of all the hate. One thing that absolutely drives me crazy is over explaining of EVERY LITTLE DETAIL in books. I enjoy when I get to create the world in my own head as I read, because sometimes the over explaining can be confusing and/or will somehow be different as the story goes on. Like the author forgot the FMCs room was purple in book one and spontaneously made it pink in book two. When it’s “open to interpretation “ I get to make it my own and see it how my mind creates it. (I was confused in book 1 that I didn’t get a play by play of every time the FMC took a shower, or everything she ate… but I was also happy I didn’t have to get through the unnecessary text to the real story). Yes I see the stories I read like a movie… thought everyone did. Anywho, I would have liked a bit of preface of what the world is. There’s a governing body of sorts in the Order, separate houses I assume govern themselves under the Order, and seems they are all segregated and live and mate in their own houses. That’s the vibe I get anyway. BUT the individual characters inner monologue gives you what you’re really reading the story for. Their insecurities, thoughts, feelings, and desires. That’s the real meat of any story. And these books are very well written. The characters are mid 20s so that’s also a HUGE plus. There’s no weird angst between the characters because someone forgot to shut the toilet lid so now the fmc is going to run away… there’s no weird bullying “you’re gonna pay for this” even tho the person speaking is literally the problem. No OW drama, matter of fact the only other major character to watch has developed a friendship with the FMC and her harem. It’s refreshing! And mature! And the “harem falls first”, I’m here for that! No weird hold out of one person because of something in his past that really wasn’t as major as they make it out to be. No over the top emotional outbursts and someone running off only to fall into danger. This story is refreshing and honestly I haven’t read anything like it before. The story line is captivating and literally dragged me for two days as soon as I started book 1. So, while I get everything isn’t for everyone, this book is definitely up my alley! If nothing else check it out. Push through book 1 and just take the story as it comes. You will get more information as it progresses. And create the world the way you want it! Giving it 5 million ⭐️ Happy Reading Friends!
April 28, 2026
The writing is great. Refreshingly great.
It’s quick and concise yet deep and real.
The story is interesting enough to distract from the nagging fact that we have no idea what’s going on.
None.
It’s truly admirable.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything with less world building.
You could tell me they live on a potato and I’d believe it.
She really had to go out of her way to be this vague.
People have marks but I’m unsure if they’re magic, what they do, or what they mean.
I’m don’t even know where they come from, really.
They only mentioned ‘memory,’ ‘dream,’ and ‘reverie.’
No clue.
It’s like it’s meant as a designation, but then it sounds like they’re districts?
But it’s markings they’re apparently born with, so that’s unclear.
They talk about the system flagging them, but that could quite literally mean anything.
Then there’s a Nightmare Order.
No points for guessing who the bad guys are.
Unfortunately, now that you’ve heard the name, we both know the same amount about them.
The spice is only alright. I was more excited for it to be utilized as a plot device and grant us some answers.
I was unfortunately left with more questions.
The ending is exciting but just as elusive as the rest.
I have barely an inkling of what type of world, society, or potential magical expectations are in place.
Whatever.
I’ve already preordered the next one.
It’s quick and concise yet deep and real.
The story is interesting enough to distract from the nagging fact that we have no idea what’s going on.
None.
It’s truly admirable.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything with less world building.
You could tell me they live on a potato and I’d believe it.
She really had to go out of her way to be this vague.
People have marks but I’m unsure if they’re magic, what they do, or what they mean.
I’m don’t even know where they come from, really.
They only mentioned ‘memory,’ ‘dream,’ and ‘reverie.’
No clue.
It’s like it’s meant as a designation, but then it sounds like they’re districts?
But it’s markings they’re apparently born with, so that’s unclear.
They talk about the system flagging them, but that could quite literally mean anything.
Then there’s a Nightmare Order.
No points for guessing who the bad guys are.
Unfortunately, now that you’ve heard the name, we both know the same amount about them.
The spice is only alright. I was more excited for it to be utilized as a plot device and grant us some answers.
I was unfortunately left with more questions.
The ending is exciting but just as elusive as the rest.
I have barely an inkling of what type of world, society, or potential magical expectations are in place.
Whatever.
I’ve already preordered the next one.
April 9, 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥
I'm giving 4 ⭐️ because the story and unanswered questions peaked my interest, and I didn't necessarily dislike what I read.
There is an obvious lack of world-building and in-depth dive into the characters in this first installment, but the foundations for further development are definitely there. Readers are given small tidbits of information, such as mates being sorted by a system and a group of mates forming what's called a cluster, but not too much information expanding on this. For example, why doesn't the FL have a mark, and why does her cluster seem to be a problem? I'm hoping this is due to the short length of this first book and that information will be more fleshed out in later installments.
Since the story revolves around mates, the relationship dynamic between the main male characters and the main female character forms fairly quickly. Basically insta-love, but with a bit of caution on the FMC's side due to her past history of being alone on the streets. So far, the MMCs are less developed than the FMC, so hopefully, there'll be more to learn about them in later installments as well.
I'm giving 4 ⭐️ because the story and unanswered questions peaked my interest, and I didn't necessarily dislike what I read.
There is an obvious lack of world-building and in-depth dive into the characters in this first installment, but the foundations for further development are definitely there. Readers are given small tidbits of information, such as mates being sorted by a system and a group of mates forming what's called a cluster, but not too much information expanding on this. For example, why doesn't the FL have a mark, and why does her cluster seem to be a problem? I'm hoping this is due to the short length of this first book and that information will be more fleshed out in later installments.
Since the story revolves around mates, the relationship dynamic between the main male characters and the main female character forms fairly quickly. Basically insta-love, but with a bit of caution on the FMC's side due to her past history of being alone on the streets. So far, the MMCs are less developed than the FMC, so hopefully, there'll be more to learn about them in later installments as well.
April 13, 2026
I really like this book.
I loved the characters and the building of the story. I feel like it can really be one of those that I can go back to because it’s different and kind of refreshing in a way. These men who are not supposed to form a bond do and they wait years for the FMC. Which melts my heart. They accept her right off the bat and are trying to help her as much as possible with it being rushed which I freaking love. The thing I’m not certain of is this a dystopian, paranormal, or a fantasy to me it’s almost a mix of it all. It doesn’t explain the world really at all other than the different locations. No one else has seem to use any magic or anything but towards the end it starts to, idk that part is confusing. Also when they are explaining things it’s seems to be over analyzing or over describing stuff which personally I’ve never been to fond of. An explain is “searching, looking, finding” to me It just seems add space that doesn’t need to be there. Truly I’m excited for the series to see where it goes. It’s definitely a 3 star for me.
I loved the characters and the building of the story. I feel like it can really be one of those that I can go back to because it’s different and kind of refreshing in a way. These men who are not supposed to form a bond do and they wait years for the FMC. Which melts my heart. They accept her right off the bat and are trying to help her as much as possible with it being rushed which I freaking love. The thing I’m not certain of is this a dystopian, paranormal, or a fantasy to me it’s almost a mix of it all. It doesn’t explain the world really at all other than the different locations. No one else has seem to use any magic or anything but towards the end it starts to, idk that part is confusing. Also when they are explaining things it’s seems to be over analyzing or over describing stuff which personally I’ve never been to fond of. An explain is “searching, looking, finding” to me It just seems add space that doesn’t need to be there. Truly I’m excited for the series to see where it goes. It’s definitely a 3 star for me.
May 20, 2026
Misfits
Paranormal, reverse harem, bonds, academy. This is a fairly good story, but almost irritating. There is absolutely NO world description which is just unnecessary. The reader is dumped into an undescribed society where we meet Nova living as a homeless 26 year old in alleys. She's detained by the undefined authorities where we learn she doesn't have the mark on her wrist that everyone else is born with. She has holes in her memory and has no "house" whatever that is. Without explanation she's dropped off at an Academy where other members of her "cluster" have been waiting for her. Sixteen years of social isolation has led to her severs trust issues and it takes a while for her to build a relationship with the men in her cluster. Meantime the evil Nightmare Authority has its eyes on her. If you can make stuff up to fill in the social contexts you may enjoy this first in series.
Paranormal, reverse harem, bonds, academy. This is a fairly good story, but almost irritating. There is absolutely NO world description which is just unnecessary. The reader is dumped into an undescribed society where we meet Nova living as a homeless 26 year old in alleys. She's detained by the undefined authorities where we learn she doesn't have the mark on her wrist that everyone else is born with. She has holes in her memory and has no "house" whatever that is. Without explanation she's dropped off at an Academy where other members of her "cluster" have been waiting for her. Sixteen years of social isolation has led to her severs trust issues and it takes a while for her to build a relationship with the men in her cluster. Meantime the evil Nightmare Authority has its eyes on her. If you can make stuff up to fill in the social contexts you may enjoy this first in series.
May 22, 2026
I've been in a reading slump for like a month now, not that this year has been any better, I have more dnfs that I can count. But this book, oh this book was incredible, I loved every single part. Was it perfect of course not. But the story is so captivating that I was at the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next books. Hopefully each character voice is more clearly because I had to keep looking at whose chapter was because they all sounded alike but other that that and the repetitive phrase "Nobody argues". It was perfect.
Can't get enough of it. I'm jumping into book 2 because that cliffhanger was no joke.
I just hope there are more series in this universe because it's really interesting, and we barely have any explanation of the houses, bonds and marks and everything else. Not to mention powers and such. Maybe Zoe and her cluster. Or hopefully all the clusters including Silas', I know he's evil but give me a good vilain and some dark romance.
Can't get enough of it. I'm jumping into book 2 because that cliffhanger was no joke.
I just hope there are more series in this universe because it's really interesting, and we barely have any explanation of the houses, bonds and marks and everything else. Not to mention powers and such. Maybe Zoe and her cluster. Or hopefully all the clusters including Silas', I know he's evil but give me a good vilain and some dark romance.
March 18, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging this book turned out to be. I went into this book mostly blind and was honestly hooked from the start. I saw some other reviews saying that the world-building wasn't very great, and wow, I can understand where they're coming from. I don't think that the main focus of the story is supposed to be on the world. Was really intrigued by all of the relationships formed, platonic or not, throughout the story. I do think some characters should have a little more time to shine. I was honestly sad when the book ended, and I found out the second one isn't out yet. Overall, it was really entertaining. Easy to read. Kind of good time.
May 18, 2026
i dont understand the universe
So the writing is good and the characters are interesting, but I’ve sort of lost the plot since the universe wasn’t explained.
Like Nova’s reactions to things don’t seem porportionate to what’s happening around her. So when the “system” happens to her or she gets bullied, it’s all in the context of the world that is being built. But there’s no explanation as to what that world is. So it seems dramatic. But maybe its not and it’s important? I feel like even if the synopsis just had a note anout the world they lived in and the purpose of the academy that would help.
Book/series just needs more context.
So the writing is good and the characters are interesting, but I’ve sort of lost the plot since the universe wasn’t explained.
Like Nova’s reactions to things don’t seem porportionate to what’s happening around her. So when the “system” happens to her or she gets bullied, it’s all in the context of the world that is being built. But there’s no explanation as to what that world is. So it seems dramatic. But maybe its not and it’s important? I feel like even if the synopsis just had a note anout the world they lived in and the purpose of the academy that would help.
Book/series just needs more context.
May 20, 2026
Destiny- perfectly named
Nova has been a societal outcast for 15 years until one days authority figures pick her up and bring to this institution where she meets her 5 (or 6) matches. They are all drawn to each other and they care for each other like a family. The governmental system seems quite shady and they are all under the pretense this school will help them but its not really voluntary. The ending of this first book was wild 🔥 so excited to see where this goes! I really enjoyed this book, but i think if it had a bit more contact and background on the government and system in general it nake things a little easier to understand.
Book: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶
Nova has been a societal outcast for 15 years until one days authority figures pick her up and bring to this institution where she meets her 5 (or 6) matches. They are all drawn to each other and they care for each other like a family. The governmental system seems quite shady and they are all under the pretense this school will help them but its not really voluntary. The ending of this first book was wild 🔥 so excited to see where this goes! I really enjoyed this book, but i think if it had a bit more contact and background on the government and system in general it nake things a little easier to understand.
Book: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶
April 19, 2026
intrigued
This book definitely has me intrigued- the one downside (and why I only have it 4 stars) is that you’re dropped in this world with no explanation for how anything works. It talks about houses, a system, territories, clusters, marks - but gives no frame of reference. And while I know sometimes those details are revealed organically through a story - by the end of the first book I still know nothing. Are clusters good or bad, what is the system (is it a what or who), what do the marks mean, etc etc
But I am interested and will definitely read the next book.
This book definitely has me intrigued- the one downside (and why I only have it 4 stars) is that you’re dropped in this world with no explanation for how anything works. It talks about houses, a system, territories, clusters, marks - but gives no frame of reference. And while I know sometimes those details are revealed organically through a story - by the end of the first book I still know nothing. Are clusters good or bad, what is the system (is it a what or who), what do the marks mean, etc etc
But I am interested and will definitely read the next book.
March 30, 2026
perfeito!! achei que teria um problema ali com os parceiros dela, mas todos acolheram ela tão bem que me deixou de coração quentinho, eles não tiveram rancor sobre levar tanto tempo pra ela aparecer, como sabemos que acontece na maioria dos livros, eles não a julgaram,enrolei tanto pra ler por ser um lançamento recente, me tirou da ressaca, queria ter sido forte e ter conseguido esperar até o próximo lançamento.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
good
Good storyline but a bit too short…are these people supposed to be supernaturals or what there could have been a bit more world building done to really fill out the story make everything a bit more well rounded. This feels rushed. I like what I read to really pull me into the story this was a 6/10.
Good storyline but a bit too short…are these people supposed to be supernaturals or what there could have been a bit more world building done to really fill out the story make everything a bit more well rounded. This feels rushed. I like what I read to really pull me into the story this was a 6/10.
March 16, 2026
I like the premise, but it's soo vague. Nothing is explained about the mechanics of the world. Even our female lead is clueless and doesn't understand the world she was born in. What's the system, marks, how does it all work?
Why are these adults held captive in some academy? Why do they need to keep studying? How are they being assigned to their cluster? Why other adults are allowed to roam freely in the streets?
It needs better world building. It's hard to get into it when I'm constantly trying to figure out what's happening and why.
Why are these adults held captive in some academy? Why do they need to keep studying? How are they being assigned to their cluster? Why other adults are allowed to roam freely in the streets?
It needs better world building. It's hard to get into it when I'm constantly trying to figure out what's happening and why.
March 24, 2026
wow
I actually won this book on Goodreads. I started to read it, and I could not put it down. It is very action packed. And there is a mystery around the girl in this book. When you get to the end of this first book, you have to pick up the second book. It is good. I give it a five out of five.
I actually won this book on Goodreads. I started to read it, and I could not put it down. It is very action packed. And there is a mystery around the girl in this book. When you get to the end of this first book, you have to pick up the second book. It is good. I give it a five out of five.
April 29, 2026
I really liked the premise of this book, but there was a huge lack of world building. I kept waiting to get to the part where it explained the marks, the houses, powers etc. But it never came. I'm hoping there is more information and world building in the second book about what all these things mean.
May 4, 2026
huh…. so that happened
This is melodic - it ebbs and flows, ripe with emotion and tense with moments that seem to stretch out, without ever really narrowing down to the minute. It’s smooth and somehow rough, an academy that doesn’t feel like one, and a world that is only now coming into shape. Interesting.
This is melodic - it ebbs and flows, ripe with emotion and tense with moments that seem to stretch out, without ever really narrowing down to the minute. It’s smooth and somehow rough, an academy that doesn’t feel like one, and a world that is only now coming into shape. Interesting.
May 11, 2026
I will not continue this series. I found myself skimming halfway through and almost didn't finish. What's a Cluster? What's The System? What are the different houses? Which guy belongs to each house? What is the back story of the Guys? There is no world building. This could have been an amazing story.
April 19, 2026
Ok, need the rest now
That cliffy though! I really enjoyed book one. The introduction to the characters was just right. Learning about the system along with the fmc was giving answers, hints, and setting up questions. Slowly getting to know the guys is nice.
That cliffy though! I really enjoyed book one. The introduction to the characters was just right. Learning about the system along with the fmc was giving answers, hints, and setting up questions. Slowly getting to know the guys is nice.
April 24, 2026
well……f me…..
I’m speechless…..the cliff was big….the book was amazing…..but I still don’t know what’s going on….there is no explanation for what this world is built off of…but I still want more….hurry up next book please
I’m speechless…..the cliff was big….the book was amazing…..but I still don’t know what’s going on….there is no explanation for what this world is built off of…but I still want more….hurry up next book please
May 16, 2026
Repetitive
Book was very repetitive, scenes would repeat over from a different characters POV. And the cliffhanger is in the middle of scene. I will see how the next book goes but I am not holding out hope that it will get better.
Book was very repetitive, scenes would repeat over from a different characters POV. And the cliffhanger is in the middle of scene. I will see how the next book goes but I am not holding out hope that it will get better.
May 18, 2026
I believe there is potential here. The lack of world building really threw me and there wasn't much depth to the book or characters. It felt very surface level and I found myself very confused about what is going on and why certain behaviors were happening. I DNF'd at 64%.
May 20, 2026
It would have been a 4 star if not for complete secrecy as to the world, the laws or any backstory to anything happening. You are just kind of dropped in and go with it. That being said, it is well written and seems promising.
March 15, 2026
Curious....
I would really like to know what is going on in this story. This is just a teaser. I need more.... The world-building is vague. Five stars because it peaked my interest.
I would really like to know what is going on in this story. This is just a teaser. I need more.... The world-building is vague. Five stars because it peaked my interest.
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