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Elyrdin Fate #1

Infernal Secrets

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"Once you spin the wheel of fate, you cannot undo what you set in motion."

I thought nightmares ended when you woke up.
Turns out, mine were just waiting for me to open my eyes.

Thirteen years ago, I saw something the night my parents died no one would believe. Grandma said the monsters were real, but everyone called her crazy like Mom. And after a lifetime of seeing things I’d never admit to, I feared I was losing my mind too… until four men appeared in my house after I opened a book I never should’ve touched.

They’re beautiful. Dangerous. And definitely not human.
Ash, Cyn, Zeke, and Ezra—demon princes trapped on Earth by my mistake.

Helping them find a way home means facing both the darkness that destroyed my family and the mysterious pull between us.

Each of them tempts me in different ways:
Ash, the wounded protector who makes me feel seen.
Zeke, the broken soul who awakens my own need to protect.
Ezra, the ice prince who watches me like I’m both threat and prey.
And Cyn, the magnetic asshole that I shouldn’t want, but I do.

The closer we get to the truth about my bloodline, the clearer it becomes that our connection runs deeper than desire.

Some fates aren’t chosen. Some fates are written in blood.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Author's Note: Infernal Secrets is the first book in the Elyrdin Fate trilogy and is in first person, multiple POV. This story will not be completed in book one and contains some scenes that readers may find challenging such as dark and sensitive themes. Intended for readers 18+. To learn more about content in the author's work, please visit her website.

Elyrdin Fate is a polyamorous romance between one woman and four men (MMFMM), including MF, MM, and group scenes where no one has to choose.

734 pages, ebook

Published February 4, 2026

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About the author

Stephanie Denne

10 books225 followers
Stephanie Denne is a #1 international bestselling author of paranormal romance with a focus on mental health and trauma healing ranging from light to dark. Born in the United States, Stephanie now calls Ontario, Canada her home. When not writing, she can be found reading her favorite stories, playing video games with her husband, painting and drawing, or cuddling her Golden Retrievers. But not the cat—the cat has her own agenda.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
Profile Image for britt.
202 reviews106 followers
February 6, 2026
732 PAGES WAS NOT ENOUGH! WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE IS NO BOOK LEFT TO READ?? THAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE. MY FLABBERS ARE QUITE LITERALLY GASTED. AND TO BE HONEST I AM TRULY OFFENDED. so like, what now? am i to stare into space? where is mmmyyyyyy demon summoning spell book? is rae the only one allowed to be bored and get her heart's desire? that feels incredibly biased and there is already so much injustice in the world i don't know how much more i can take to tell you the truth. so i'll tell you what, give me at least 2-4 demon princes immediately and we won't have a problem. you hear me, stephanie denne? i'm not above showing my face in canada to find you.

with that said, when Stephanie said that she was writing a why choose series i was literally a crazy person and scrunched my face and said to myself rreeeaalllyyy??? ***insert latina fuchi face*** but this is where the aforementioned crazy person played a huge part because for some idiotic reason i FORGOT who stephanie denne IS, she's THAT BINCH!! my mind incorrectly immediately went to pattern recognition mode and thought of all of the books that came before hers and how massively disappointed they left me. so mistakenly, i didn't have high hopes for this book just because of my built in preconceived opinions on the overall why choose trope. once i started reading it, everything i love about a stephanie denne novel came rushing back to me- acceptance, belonging, found family, AUTONOMY, and what i loved the most about this book, the right to fight back and not be punished for it. over and over again in enemies to lovers stories we see that if a woman stands up for herself, throws a punch or even squares her shoulders she will be punished with force, violence, or a sexual act that in her mind she will have to justify as something that turns her on after it hurts and confuses her. as a reader i hate that because i don't think confusion over sexual assault should magically create feelings of arousal from one moment to the next. at least that's not how it works in MY mind. stephanie NEVER did that in infernal secrets. NOT ONCE. every time she used the enemies to lovers trope she explained the situation succinctly. she clearly stated that the mmc was using dominance not force and the fmc was never going to be physically harmed nor would it ever get to the point where she would feel unsafe or couldn't escape the situation. to me that's what makes a great writer because as a reader we get to explore different types of romantic situations in fantasy settings but still keep aspects of it realistic. plus rae the fmc was never left alone to feel like she she had no way out. every step of the way she had one of the four main guys to protect her which was really sweet. so the overall dynamic of the romance was well balanced between enemies to lovers, cinnamon roll, alpha-hole, and a golden retriever with chihuahua anxiety issues.

now, onto my all time favorite chapters! however, please note these are not all of my favorite chapters. these are just the ones i remembered to write in my notes app because the story sucked me in like ash sucked rae's clit and lemme tell you that man sucked that clit like there was no tomorrow!!!

ch 18- i know some authors don't like to be compared to twilight (but oh well! it's my holy grail and my highest compliment) ash and rae laying in bed under the covers talking and getting to know each other reminded me of when edward and bella spent their first night together talking. this is when i knew infernal secrets would own a piece of my heart

ch 22- DREAMWALKING!!! does anyone else hear lady gaga's sexxx dreams playing in the background or is that just me???

ch 29- banter for daaaayyyyss!! can i borrow a tiisra stone to teleport me into this chapter or is that not allowed?

ch 30- so this is just gonna be the hottest chapter ever and then cyn is gonna say never again and i'm going to have to be ok with that? STRAIGHT TO JAIL.

ch 35- "this is foreplay for them," no, no, ezra, you must be mistaken. this is foreplay for ME!

ch 62- this chapter should've been titled horny for horns but no one seemed to care to consult me about it. i'm totally not bitter about it though ;)

in conclusion, BOOK 2 IS NEEDED BEFORE I CONSIDER VIOLENT ACTS AGAINST INFERNALS AND HUMANS ALIKE. TICK TOCK STEPHANIE!
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
2,217 reviews871 followers
February 4, 2026
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO INFERNAL SECRETS!!!

I've had my eye on Stephanie Denne's books for a good while now, and Infernal Secrets was the perfect place to start, because I am absolutely obsessed.

I read most of it in one go, and now that I'm done, I immediately want more. The writing was so smooth, it made it easy for me to get into the story. And what a story it was!!

For a 600 page book, it didn't feel long at all, the pacing was ideal, not too slow, not too fast, and something was always happening.

The beginning hooked me, I remember thinking how great the whole set up was pre summoning, and it only got better from there.

I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to tell the guys apart at first, because all four of them got dropped on us (and Rae) at once, but I needn't have worried, as the story progressed, their distinct personalities shone through eliminating any lingering confusion.

I like that they got PoVs too, it helped with getting to know them better, and I also like that each guy's relationship with Rae is unique to them, and a completely different dynamic.

Something else I appreciate is that even though it's clear they're meant to be together, it's not easy by any means.

Two of the four are more receptive to what they're feeling towards her, and the other two more closed off, and even though their feelings got deeper, it's not all sunshine and rainbows by the end. They still have a long way to go before they can trust each other and be fully comfortable around one another.

It's much more realistic that way, for sure, and I'm trying not to pick favourites, but...Cyn might be it. Despite doing what he did (uncalled for!!), he's still my baby. I'm anticipating this will change as the series progresses, I can already feel Ezra creeping up to take his number one spot. But I also love Zeke and Ash with all my heart too.

As for Rae, she's my girl. I love how strong she is, and the fact that she's tall. The mystery surrounding her origins kept me on my toes, I simply can't wait to find out more. I do have some suspicions that may or may not turn out to be correct, but I'm along for the ride either way.

If you love creative spins on demon lore, wonderful characters you just can't get enough of, an intriguing magic system and romance(s) with incredible development, then you've come to the right place. Pick up Infernal Secrets today, and make Rae's shadow friends (some of my fav characters, by the way) happy.

*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Sarah-Louise.
232 reviews
February 16, 2026
I needed this book to be longer.... In fact I just need the next book right now! Like what do you mean I have to wait?? What do you mean that I have nothing else to read. If Stephanie can please like directly mind link with me and share all future story with me as it happens then I'd be incredibly grateful because I refuse to accept that I am without story to enjoy.

I loved Stephanie's writing in the Blackthorn Saga and I continued to love it in this book too! I am a why choose girlie to my core, like give me a badass FMC with several hot sexy men interested in her and I will eat that up like there is no tomorrow. In fact I was so excited to hear that it was a why choose, because I knew that I could trust her to do right and drag me into the depths of hell with what she creates.

Rae really was going through it in this book, learning that she wasn't crazy, that her family weren't quite what she thought, and having to deal with the knowledge that she accidentally dragged these four weird men into her life? It's enough for anyone really. Especially when you then take into account all the weird things that start occurring around her following this, and her having all this new knowledge that is overwhelming and almost unbelievable. It really doesn't help that these guys are all surly and moody that they got dragged to her place because of a 'game' and they don't want to admit to themselves what certain signs mean because denial is a river in Egypt. I did love them though regardless of how surly and rude they were because I have a problem. I also cannot pick one favourite because I loved them all in their own individual ways, and I cannot wait to get to know them further. I ALSO NEED TO EXPLORE CYN AND ZEKE BECAUSE I KNOW THATS GOING TO BE HOT AS HELL WHEN WE GET THERE.

Also please note that if I ever see their parents and the council again, I will be gearing up for a fight because they were so frustrating and cruel and just horrible... FOR NO REASON... We're out here making assumptions and refusing to listen to the truth AND THEN WE TRY TO MAKE IT A SHOW??? Get in the bin you heathens, I hate you.

Look if you love a good old enemies to lovers story line (Zeke is there too) and want to watch men hate that they are drawn to someone because they don't like or trust her based on how they met?? Then this book is absolutely for you, put this review down and go read it right now! If you still need some convincing then they're also shadow daddies with powers. Still not convinced? Then PICK IT UP ANYWAYS BECAUSE YOU ARE IN FOR AN ABSOLUTE TREAT!!!!

If I don't get book 2 in my hands soon, then I fear I may lose the plot and have a cry in my shower because I don't know what do with my existence. What a read though, everything I know and love from a Stephanie book and everything you should check out too!
Profile Image for lottie.
56 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2026
Cyn needs to get a fucking grip

Tell me why I am reading this book, and this guy acts "hot and cold" when it's really just toxic and abusive.
And everyone’s okay with it??

Like every RH, this book starts with four men:
- The golden retriever
- The big giant who’s a sweetheart only for the FMC
- The quiet vampire
- The grumpy asshole who is set on the fact that the FMC cannot be his mate so he acts like a total piece of shit and has a love hate relationship with her that everybody encourages and thinks it’s cute when it’s actually not is just so unbelievably annoying.

Okay wow let me catch my breath and explain myself.

The other MMC’s are fine I would say. I’m not feeling connected to them or the FMC but i’m still reading it because i think it’s a fun read.

But I am seriously debating whether I should dnf this book because of Cyn and his horrible toxic personality.
It seems like Cyn and the FMC have a difficult relationship that I would describe as a FUCKING ROLLERCOASTER. One moment they are arguing and Cyn yells at her saying “I hate you! You could never be my mate! Dont take Zeke (golden retriever MMC that Cyn is in love with but i’m still not sure if the feeling is mutual??) from me!” and a whole childish arguments that make me lose my brain cells one by one, then the next moment they are kissing and making out, and the cycle repeats until you question if the hate part is ever going to end.

I'm currently 78%, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t. Not surprised.

I love slow burn and enemies to lovers, but not like this. He's just dragging it at this point. I just hate when RH books have that one MMC who is set on hating the FMC for like no fucking reason and goes so far with it that it’s basically just bullying. Like, what is the author trying to do here? It gets to a point where I'd rather have him gone.

Don’t get me started on the fact that he THREATENS the FMC with rape, and the other MMC’s are just standing around staring at him fucking STRANGLING HER because he needs to “UNLEASH his emotions and learn how to CONTROL HIMSELF.”DOES ANYBODY REALISE HOW NUTS THIS IS LIKE WHAT? THIS IS SUCH BULLCRAP

Cyn might be a problem, but he’s not the ONLY problem. The world-building is so confusing. I have gained more questions than answers while reading it. For the whole ass book, all of them are literally just in the same place (her house), so nothing happens. Were the men even trying to go home? And what was that bullshit they were saying to their parents, "we kept trying to go home, but it didn't work!!" bro what. stfu, like um, no u didn't. All they did was eat chicken wings and pizza and have interesting moments with each other that I didn't really like.

I have no idea how the other world that infernals (otherwise known as demons) come from works because this whole book just revolves around the FMC and the MMC's in the same fucking place.
Profile Image for Stephanie Denne.
Author 10 books225 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 19, 2026
Thank you for picking up Infernal Secrets, my first step into adult why choose romance and the first person POV! I hope you love it as much as I loved writing it!

The release date is February 4, 2026, and it is up for preorder before then.

Please be sure to check my website for content warnings for the best experience. Your mental health matters.
Profile Image for TJ.
40 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2026
WHY CHOOSE + STEPHANIE DENNE = IMMEDIATELY YES

Happy Release Day Queen Stephanie🖤

The way I squealed when I found out Stephanie Denne was writing a why choose fantasy/paranormal romance??? If anyone knows me, they know this is my catnip, and somehow she still exceeded my unhinged expectations. When I saw her posting about working on a why choose I had heart palpitations and continued to for the MONTHS I’ve been waiting on this!! FOUR demon princes, all distinct, all emotionally devastating.

Stephanie Denne just gets it. The angst, the longing, the danger, the emotional damage wrapped in beautiful worldbuilding. This book had me yelling, clutching my chest, and whispering “I trust you” to Stephanie (my ipad) while fully knowing she was about to hurt me. If you love why choose, demons, and romances that emotionally ruin you in the best way - read it. If Stephanie Denne writes it, I’m already seated. 📚💀✨
Profile Image for Lemon Loser.
1,000 reviews38 followers
February 8, 2026
Plot: 5/5 • Spice: 3/5 ————> I have nothing bad to say. So fucking good. I love a why choose demon book. My only issue? This JUST came out. Now I have to wait forever for the next book. 💔


Ash, Cyn, Zeke, and Ezra. Four demons summoned because Rae stumbled into a book store and was given a book. Who would have thought it the “spell” she cast would bring her four mates.


It takes a trial in a different realm for two out of the four guys to actually come to their senses that she is in fact their mate. The trial literally almost kills her. But the big revelation finally comes to fruition as to why she can see the infernal and other beings.


Cyn, the dramatic one of the bunch, but also the biggest damn asshole was absolutely my favorite. I love a guy with rage and major issues. 😉


I. Cannot. Wait. For. Book. Two.
Profile Image for Tiffany Bumgardner.
Author 8 books3 followers
February 18, 2026
Mixed Feelings

This has a lot of potential though I don’t particularly follow the plot. Like series plot I am not even sure there is one but fmc is unlike other girls.

This seems pretty repetitive and a lot was just redundant.

The mmcs have no back bone around their parents and frankly being so dumb was a no.

Groveling be beyond necessary but I doubt any sufficient groveling will be done.

I’d like to know her powers and who her daddy is but honestly odds of me remembering any of this by the time the next rolls around isn’t high.
Profile Image for Rykiel.
11 reviews
June 4, 2026
This book annoyed me on so many levels. I was really excited after seeing all the 5-star reviews, but what a letdown.

First and foremost, the book was way too long for no reason. In the beginning, I thought the length came from the author taking time to properly develop each relationship, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, it was the same issues repeated over and over again.

The Love Interests:
- Ash: He was a huge disappointment. I initially thought he was responsible and level-headed, but every time he was actually needed ? Nothing.

- Zeke: He was my favorite at the start. Their dynamic was interesting, and his bubbly, optimistic personality was refreshing. Unfortunately, he faded into the background as the story progressed. When I expected him to be the one to help the others see the truth, he could barely speak up.

- Cyn: A complete piece of shit. I don’t care about his backstory — as a love interest, he sucks. He hurt her repeatedly with his words, and the author trying to portray their dynamic as her “going head-to-head” with him felt ridiculous, because it was only one way. My final straw was when he took the necklace. He knew exactly how important it was to her, yet he still did it. For me, that’s unforgivable — even after the so-called revelation.Even after knowing the true he kept his behavior

- Ezra: In the same vein as Cyn. He had very little screen time, but every appearance managed to piss me off. The whole “composed and mysterious” act didn’t work — I couldn’t stand him either.

Every piece of new information felt nonsensical.
Conversations were painfully dragged out, and the constant repetition gave me a headache. The story felt like running in place — no real progress was ever made. The heroine nearly died and only Ash did anything « meaningful ». The others were just background characters, standing there like houseplants.
The plot twist about her not being 100% human felt annoying and forced, and I hated how everyone kept making decisions for her. I don’t care what anyone says — none of this (except Ash) felt like love. They didn’t fight for her.

In the end, I had to drop it( chapter 57). I just couldn’t take it anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
36 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ Infernal Secrets (Elyrdin Fate #1) – Stephanie Denne

I did finish this, and honestly… it could have been really, really good.

The story itself is solid, the characters are interesting, and the dynamics had so much potential — there’s definitely something here that should have hit harder.

But overall, it just felt a bit… off in places. I can’t even point to one specific thing, more that the pacing dragged. Some scenes felt drawn out for too long, and it made the whole book feel slightly sluggish rather than gripping.

Not a bad read, just one that never fully delivered on how good it could have been.

A three-star “missed potential” finish for me.
Profile Image for Isa Karol.
2 reviews
March 23, 2026
Well written but the romantic interests were kind of unlikable at the end. i mean what do you mean they almost stood by while she got killed? They didn't try to help before they felt her pain. Obviously she was having pain, the council was trying to kill her *eye roll*. Also Cyn is so unlikable wow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melo.
932 reviews30 followers
March 23, 2026
Hmmm engaging

Someone please agree with me that I'm not going crazy, this book was released a few years ago 5-6. The whole boss thing had me going, hang on a minute.....

This is obviously the better version, thankfully. It's a fairly long read but I didn't find myself skipping to the end.

I like that it is plot driven, not smut. The relationships are actually organic, they make sense. Probably the reason it wasn't a tedious read despite it being a bit slow.

Raelynn is easily likable, always a win for me. The MMCs are all different people, I liked their back stories. It added a bit more substance to the plot.

Thing is though, there are a couple of things plot wise that were so blatantly obvious. They had me muttering to myself thinking, come on it's right there, are you even listening lol......

If you need to get lost in a book that doesn't require too much work.... Enjoy.
Profile Image for TheKatCan.
13 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2026
I devoured this narrative in just a few days, compelled by an undeniable urge to keep reading! It's exceptionally well-written, and the prose flows like silk. The world-building is profound, and the main characters are intricately developed, showcasing both flaws and a capacity for growth. A wonderful start to the series, and now I'm patiently awaiting book 2! 
Profile Image for Me.
49 reviews
July 1, 2026
So this was my original review:
(The ending was too rushed, give me more book pls :(
When I first saw it was 700 pages I was prepared to be mildly bored, but really I think the ending could’ve been extended by another 200.)

But the more I thought about it the more i didn’t like this book.

The first two third of the book really dragged on and gave us nothing. Then within the last third of the book everything happened, they tell us she’s an infernal and what? That’s it???? AND THEY TEASE THE TENSION BETWEEN THREE OF THE TWO MEN THEN NOTHING HAPPENS ASSIDE FROM ONE SMALL INTERACTION EACH?????

I’m actually wounded that we didn’t anything with Ezra and his shadows and no Cyn and Zeke.

I yearn for more Ezra and Cyn interactions.

Anyway will probably change this if a second book ever comes out, but for the moment I’m am utterly unsatisfied.
Profile Image for gangstareads.
394 reviews4 followers
Did Not Finish
August 28, 2026
MMFMM - Im fatigued with the genre and have little to no patience. I got bored and DNFd. I do think the plot was plodding but me three years ago probably would have happily read it 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Chey.
327 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2026
First, thank you Stephanie Denne for providing a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with anything that Stephanie Denne writes and Infernal Secrets did not disappoint. Demons, fated mates with a splash of found family, was exactly what I needed. I couldn't put this down and honestly I can't wait to pick it up back up for a reread.

I loved the characters and how the difference between them all, especially Ezra and Cyn... Idk there is something about the ice prince and magnetic asshole that speak to me.

Would recommend to anyone looking for a; why choose, poly romance, with some forced proximity and fated mates... and well demons.
Profile Image for Alexa Rose.
36 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2026
OMG!!!! 🤯 NOOOO! THE SECOND BOOK IS NOT OUT!
This book was probably the best book I’ve ever read. Don’t read yet until the second books out because you’ll cry and be an emotional mess like me probably until she finally brings out the next book.

This buck wise incredible like this book took its time to tell the story of Rayleen.

Ezra, Cyn, Zeke, Ash - these men… Wow, I want and need lol they will forever be in my dreams🦇😈🤭
2 reviews
October 14, 2026
Can't wait for more in this series

This was such a good start, I really hope the next book will be out soon. The pacing of the story was very well done; as was the world building. There was just the right amount of details without feeling bogged down.
Profile Image for Megan.
517 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2026
A well-paced why-choose paranormal (borderline horror) romance. Super enjoyable read. I was already a fan of Stephanie's writing, so when I found out this new, darker, more adult series was coming out, I jumped on the chance to read this first book. I went in blind, which I prefer. I wasn't expecting the setting at all. I loved the FMC's family backstory and the ins and outs of her regular life. And then BAM - we have 4 demons living with her. The way this story unfolded was unique and intriguing. I liked the multiple perspectives and the various danger points. In quintessential Stephanie fashion, she tortures... US. The level of angst is perfect. The emotional depth is wonderful. I enjoyed the spice. I like where we are headed and I'm looking forward to where this series is going!
8 reviews
October 13, 2026
WOW!

Okay i’m not sure where i want to start , but man i don’t know if it’s my hormones but this book has me boohoo crying at some parts 😭 im not going to lie it felt like i was in the book myself 🤦🏾‍♀️ and not to mention this my first read by Ms. Stephanie and i must say your writing skills are A1! when is book 2 😭
Profile Image for Katie Crossley.
604 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2026
2.75/5. This has good bones it really did, but my goodness did it fall short. The men were introduced so early and yet it felt like their relationships really didn’t progress as they should have. Cyn was an asshole and I could not stand him most of the time. Especially the whole “it’s clear he has feelings for Zeke but we should let them work it out themselves” bitch nothing is being worked out because of that fact no one is saying anything!!!!!! My god. Then Rae and Cyn fuck in the bed next to Zeke???!! Come the fuck on. Zeke deserves better fr. Cyn also gets to fuck around all the time but doesn’t see how that hurts Zeke? Fuck off.

Ezra was interesting. He has potential but also he’s kind of a butthole.

Ash is great but also like you love her already? Come onnnnn it’s been a month lmao. Maybe not even. Ugh so annoying. I think it’s so annoying because we don’t really see them bond we just see the sexual chemistry and that’s not enough sorry!

Zeke and Rae should have gotten together this book or at least kissed or something that was just fucked lmao. He was pushed to the side for sure. I think his character is super interesting too and we should have delved deeper into that.

Also the kitchen scene… you’re fucking me right? They all were soooo rude, every one of them. I understand that they probs would have trusted the peeps they have known for years over her but also to be so fucking rude is insane, mostly Cyn. They let her get tortured LMAOOOO. Shook.

Will I read the next one? Idk maybe. There’s potential here. I just am irritated with how we are moving their relationships forward lol. The story is good and interesting though. Gah. Spice scale also like 2-2.5/5 maybe just bc they are demons?
Profile Image for Alexis Duvall.
2 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2026
Great character development

Loved it! The characters are amazing. I can’t wait for the next book. Excited to see what develops in the future.
12 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2026


Raelynn “Rae” Henson is a lonely young woman who has spent most of her life being treated like she is unstable because she sees things other people do not. Her grandmother is the only person who ever really believes her, while her aunt Patricia keeps pushing the idea that Rae is mentally ill and might end up institutionalised. After her grandmother dies, Rae is left even more isolated, grieving, and vulnerable.

One day Rae wanders into a strange bookstore and is given an old book by a mysterious woman. Inside it is a ritual tied to fate. Rae ends up performing it almost half-jokingly, not fully believing it is real. Instead of nothing happening, she accidentally summons four infernal men from another realm: Ashryn “Ash” Cyriac, Zekarias “Zeke” Alakai, Cyntrix “Cyn” Brakeal, and Ezra Kilnejar.

These men are not monsters in the simple demonic sense Rae expects. They are Shyrlivi, a type of infernal race from another plane connected to Earth. They are stranded on Earth after Rae’s ritual and cannot immediately return home. At first they frighten Rae, invade her space, and force themselves into her life, but they also become entangled with her on a much deeper magical and emotional level. Each of them begins reacting to Rae as though she might be their Nyrith, essentially a fated mate. The problem is that Rae is human, and by their understanding humans should not be able to form this kind of bond with them.

The story then becomes a mix of grief, paranormal mystery, forced proximity, danger, and romantic tension. The four men end up staying in Rae’s house. Their relationships with her develop very differently.

Ash is the gentlest and most openly caring. He is protective, nurturing, and often the one who makes Rae feel safe. He falls for her early and hard, but initially tries to suppress it because he thinks it is impossible and dangerous.

Zeke is the softest and most emotionally transparent. He is affectionate, clingy, sweet, and deeply attached to Rae, but he is also fragile and badly affected by the magical bond.

Cyn is volatile, sharp-tongued, sexually charged, possessive, and angry about his attraction to Rae. He resists her the hardest and hurts her the most emotionally, even though he is drawn to her intensely.

Ezra is cold, controlled, and the most frightening at first. He has dangerous shadow powers and tries to stay detached, but that emotional distance slowly cracks.

Meanwhile Rae is also dealing with ordinary human problems layered over the supernatural ones. Her boss Shane is creepy and predatory, and her work life becomes another source of pressure. Her best friend Maya is one of the few stable human relationships in her life. Rae is grieving her grandmother, struggling with abandonment wounds, and trying to decide whether these infernal men are ruining her life or becoming the first people who truly see her.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Rae’s summoning was not a random accident. The book and the ritual are tied to much older forces. The strange bookstore woman, Quinfina, is eventually revealed to be far more important than she first appeared. She knowingly gave Rae the tome because buried within it was a hidden incantation capable of moving fate itself. In other words, Rae did not just stumble into destiny — she was placed into it.

The book’s biggest reveal is that Rae is not fully human. She is part Shyrlivi. Specifically, she is described as one and three-quarters human, meaning one of her ancestors or parents was infernal. That explains why she has always seen strange things, why the summoning worked, and why the bond with the four men is real. It also means the supposed impossibility of her being their Nyrith is false.

There is also a prophecy/fate component operating in the background. Rae’s presence shifts the balance between Earth and Elyrdin, the infernal city-state where the men come from. The men’s prolonged stay on Earth and Rae’s existence start affecting the boundary between realms. That makes her politically dangerous.

When the truth starts surfacing, the group is dragged back into the infernal world. They pass through Cholian, a grim spiritual place tied to the afterlife and lost souls, before returning to Elyrdin. There Rae meets the political and familial powers behind the men: powerful parents, rulers, and council figures who see her less as a person and more as a threat.

The main antagonist is Cornaith Kilnejar, Ezra’s father and a leading authority figure. He is controlling, ruthless, and determined to preserve order. Once Rae’s existence and influence become clear, he decides she must die. He treats her as an instability that could damage Elyrdin and the fragile balance between worlds.

Rae is imprisoned and prepared for execution. This is one of the darkest stretches of the book. She is isolated, sick from forced separation, stripped of agency, and treated like a sacrificial danger rather than a person. The four men are also falling apart because the bond is real whether they deny it or not. Their separation from Rae physically and mentally destabilises them.

At the execution scene, everything blows open. Ash throws himself over Rae to protect her and is injured taking the magical attack meant for her. That act helps shatter the denial around the bond. Quinfina intervenes with the truth: Rae is their Nyrith, all four of them are bound to her, and her existence is tied to fate in a way the ruling powers did not expect. The hidden bloodline truth is confirmed, and the council can no longer dismiss her as merely human corruption.

Rae is not simply a random outsider who seduced or enchanted them. She is someone fate selected, and killing her could have wider consequences. Quinfina also refuses to fully hand over every detail the rulers want, especially Rae’s exact paternal line, which frustrates Cornaith.

Instead of being executed immediately, a compromise is reached. Rae is allowed to return briefly to Earth to get her affairs in order before relocating to Elyrdin. This sets up the end of the book: not total safety, but a temporary reprieve.

In the final stretch, the romance threads deepen. Rae and Ash become the emotional centre first. He confesses that he loves her, and unlike earlier, he says it when death is no longer immediate, making it feel real rather than panic-driven. Rae finally allows herself to believe in what is growing between them, and they consummate the relationship. Zeke remains openly loving and excited about her future with them. Ezra begins softening and trying, though he is still awkward and emotionally stunted. Cyn remains the most conflicted, but it is obvious he is bonded too and cannot keep pretending otherwise.

The book ends with Rae leaving Earth behind and going with the four men to Elyrdin. It is not a tidy happily-ever-after yet. It is more of a “the real story starts now” ending. Rae has accepted that she belongs with them, that she is not fully human, and that the supernatural world she always sensed is real. She is effectively going to “hell,” except this hell is a complicated magical society where she now has four fated mates, powerful enemies, and a dangerous future waiting for her.

Character list

Main characters

Raelynn “Rae” Henson
The heroine. Initially believes she may be broken or mentally ill because she sees supernatural things. Grieving, guarded, lonely, and stronger than she first appears. Eventually revealed to be part Shyrlivi and the shared Nyrith of the four male leads.

Ashryn “Ash” Cyriac
One of the four infernal men. Protective, warm, emotionally grounded, physically imposing, and the most openly caring toward Rae. He becomes her strongest source of comfort and is the first love relationship to fully solidify.

Zekarias “Zeke” Alakai
Sweet, affectionate, emotionally vulnerable, and often playful. He bonds very quickly to Rae and suffers badly when separated from her. He is probably the softest and most openly tender of the four.

Cyntrix “Cyn” Brakeal
Sharp, volatile, sexual, possessive, and angry about his own feelings. He has some of the harshest chemistry with Rae because he resists her while being powerfully drawn to her. He hurts her emotionally but is clearly one of her fated mates.

Ezra Kilnejar
Controlled, reserved, intimidating, and shadow-powered. Initially the coldest and most alien of the four. Over time it becomes clear he cares more than he wants to admit and that his restraint is partly fear of his own darkness.

Major supporting characters

Quinfina
The mysterious bookstore woman. One of the most important hidden players in the book. She gives Rae the tome on purpose and later reveals key truths about Rae’s bloodline and fate. She is basically the one who nudges destiny into motion.



What the ending means

The ending is basically this: Rae is no longer just a lonely woman haunted by visions. She is part of a supernatural bloodline, she has four fated mates, and she is walking into Elyrdin as both a wanted danger and a potentially world-shifting figure. Book one resolves the question of whether the bond is real. It does not resolve the politics, the family tensions, Cyn and Ezra’s emotional issues, or the larger threat to both worlds.

So the real payoff of book one is:
Rae accidentally summons four infernal men.
They all turn out to be her mates.
She is not fully human.
The ruling powers try to kill her.
Fate intervenes.
She survives.
She leaves Earth to begin her new life with them in Elyrdin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheridan Standen.
31 reviews
May 7, 2026
I really like this!! Easy read, interesting twists, spice but worked into the story well. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Aivee.
339 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2026
Wow!! This was surprisingly good and now I’m frothing at the mouth for the next book 🤪
Profile Image for Kyle Modschiedler.
363 reviews212 followers
September 9, 2026
This book was EVERYTHING! I literally could not put it down! Hands down the best why choose I’ve ever read. I love Zeke so fuggin much and Ash was amazing too! Cyn and Ezra are a$$holes but I know there is more to their story so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now! I loved how slow burn this and I truly cannot wait for the next book and to see more of how Rae’s character develops 👀
8 reviews
October 10, 2026
Better than I expected! Funny spicy and magical

I enjoyed this book thoroughly!!!! It’s my first fantasy romance, I thought it would be confusing to read.. but it was soooo well written and edited. Love ALL the characters and the dynamics. Can’t wait for book two!
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