The Autumn Anarchy

by M.J. Parks

“Every quarter, as the seasons change, the island gifts you a new game.”

Alessia Russo was bred for perfection. The sheltered princess of high society now studies at Harrow University, hosted on an island erased from maps, a playground for billionaire heirs and a secret training ground for the world’s most powerful elite.

Until the black envelope arrives.

Thrown into the island’s lethal seasonal games, her gilded life begins to crack. Threats close in, the countdown to the Autumn Anarchy ticks louder, and the only person who can help her survive is the man she is forbidden to want, her brother’s best friend.

Axel Haydes rules with cruelty and power. Heir to a multibillion-dollar empire, he has carved his throne from fear. When Alessia steps into his game, old vows shatter, and dangerous desires rise.
On an island built on secrets, blood, and power, survival is only the beginning. Loving your enemy may be the deadliest gamble of all.

The Autumn Anarchy is Book One in The Seasons of Anarchy series. This is a dark college romance intended for readers 18+. Please check trigger warnings before diving in.

Tropes you'll find
- Found family
- Deadly games
- Brother's best friend
- Morally grey MMC
- Forced proximity

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Jasmine ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We’re two broken pieces that only fit each other.”



Do I want a masked man to chase me through the woods.. yes.

I absolutely devoured this book within 24hrs! I loved Axel and all of his red flags, his obsessiveness, his out right what’s mine is mine mentality & how he will literally BLEED for what’s his. The brothers best friend trope is always on of my favourites!!

The other characters are also really interesting! Rio being my absolute favourite! I’m really hoping he ends up being the MMC in the upcoming series! The character building was great, the whole story ran smoothly, not rushed and not too slow so there’s no chance of Boredom creeping in.

I did not see the plot twist coming. I had some theories but ended up speechless & couldn’t have been more wrong!

Honestly I really recommend if you’re a dark romance fan and love the hunt/chase trope!

I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

“My brother thinks he’s shielding me from danger by keeping me under his roof, but in doing so he’s led me straight into the arms of the man who terrifies me most. And the sickest part? I crave it.”

[Sherin Kalantary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Such a great read! Axel love blleeeeeedddss for Alessia!! Beautifully written and the plot twist had me speechless! loved all the side characters can't wait to continue the series and follow their stories

[Jana Janusevska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow my feelings is exapode all over it’s amazing book but only for people whit strong nerves and good fantasy 🤣
I still can’t believe they story turned out this way beginning of book all time I think I am reading nice romance 🫣🫣🤣🤣🤣

[Rebecca Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like God of Malice & Kill Switch - get on this!

Secret society, brothers best friend, morally grey mmc, dark college romance! I did not see the twist coming at the end I knew something was going to creep up but definitely not what I expected! Be sure to check your trigger warnings also if you’re not a seasoned dark romance reader 🥀📖

Honestly I wish this book was longer! I loved the main characters and the side characters so much that I just wanted more of them and more of their story. More insight into Alessia’s upbringing, her friendship with Daniel, her ballet, her friendship with Vi - I want it all!😂

Also loved how the story gives off such a cosy/autumnal vibe without it being overkill. The absolute perfect balance in my opinion🍂

All in all - super fast paced, will have you hooked until the end. A great spicy time. Thank you to M.J Parks for sending me a copy of the Autumn Anarchy. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series🤎

[L. Book Escapes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one ended up being a DNF for me. It actually started out really well, and I was excited because it had so much potential. But the MMC didn’t come across as the typical dark, morally grey type, more like just unpleasant without the depth or intensity I was hoping for. The sexual tension also felt forced; there was barely any build-up, and then suddenly things happened out of nowhere. The story itself had a good premise, but the pacing and development just didn’t quite come together for me.

[belma · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was beautifully written,incredible main and side characters and a good plot twist but I only wish it was longer but anyway I enjoyed every second of the book.
Alex broke my heartt and he calls her ANGEL I'm a goner for the that nickname😩

I can't wait for other characters books..

"Because somehow, my twisted, cruel heart won't stop loving you"

[lolo⭐️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

was it a good book or was i just ovulating!? cause huh??