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Midnight's Crown #1
Briar
The sun is Briar Hale’s enemy.
All her life she’s been in the shadows, sheltered and protected, warned and smothered.
Not anymore.
Briar is ready to take control of her life, and step out into the sunlight for the first time. A newly enrolled graduate student at Boston College, she’s determined to discover why her body betrays her.
And she knows just the scientist to help her.
Professor Hudson Nors has secrets of his own—secrets he’s kept for eternity, and which he never wants to see the light of day. No matter how wonderful Briar smells, and how important she feels, Hudson decides the best thing he can do for her is stay away.
Suddenly, Briar, with her strange condition and boundless curiosity, turns the world Hudson’s spent centuries perfecting, upside down.
But this pale, fragile girl has a spine of steel, and if Hudson won’t help her, she’ll find someone who will.
By a luck, or fate, Briar meets Hudson’s brothers, Marcus, Valen, and Sylvain. Like Hudson, they can sense this human girl means something important to all of them. But what could four, vampire brothers possibly have to offer a human?
Unwittingly, Briar brings together these immortal brothers, and teaches them, eternity is too short to give up on hope.
***Briar is the first book in the Midnight's Crown series. A slow-burn reverse harem romance***
All her life she’s been in the shadows, sheltered and protected, warned and smothered.
Not anymore.
Briar is ready to take control of her life, and step out into the sunlight for the first time. A newly enrolled graduate student at Boston College, she’s determined to discover why her body betrays her.
And she knows just the scientist to help her.
Professor Hudson Nors has secrets of his own—secrets he’s kept for eternity, and which he never wants to see the light of day. No matter how wonderful Briar smells, and how important she feels, Hudson decides the best thing he can do for her is stay away.
Suddenly, Briar, with her strange condition and boundless curiosity, turns the world Hudson’s spent centuries perfecting, upside down.
But this pale, fragile girl has a spine of steel, and if Hudson won’t help her, she’ll find someone who will.
By a luck, or fate, Briar meets Hudson’s brothers, Marcus, Valen, and Sylvain. Like Hudson, they can sense this human girl means something important to all of them. But what could four, vampire brothers possibly have to offer a human?
Unwittingly, Briar brings together these immortal brothers, and teaches them, eternity is too short to give up on hope.
***Briar is the first book in the Midnight's Crown series. A slow-burn reverse harem romance***
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2017
756 people are currently reading
1995 people want to read
About the author
Ripley Proserpina
50 books521 followersRipley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, two magnificent cats, and one dog who aspires to cat-hood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
August 23, 2018
This is one of my favourite RH which is also the most under-appreciated. Not many of us know about this little gem and I both want to shout it from the rooftops
And at the same time… hide it away and coddle it so no big bad reviewers can come along and tear it to pieces
So help me...
So if you don’t like over protective vampires x4 in a sweet and charming series then girlfriend this ain’t one for you
⚠️Was Twilight painful for you?
⚠️Do mushy feelings and HEA want to make you tear your hair out?
⚠️Do you think four overprotective Vampires is about as fun as a 12 hour flight with a 2 year old?
If you can answer yes to any of the above
Moving on....
The things I love most about this series are
The MC Briar (Nothing to do with Briar Rose or sleeping beauty)
Briar is not a typical teenage protagonist>. She’s smart, not your average smart but the professor is using my theories in his lectures kind of smart. She’s rational and doesn’t react to things in the way you’d expect her to. Probably because she’s so smart, she thinks thing through and comes to a sensible decision. Can I get an Amen?
Briar has a rare skin condition where she can’t go into direct sunlight without being burned and has led her life indoors and isolated. Going to college is a big step for her in independence. Briar may be super smart but she is vulnerable because of her condition and when she meets 4 vampires they are naturally a bit overprotective because of it. She doesn’t let them push her around but at the same time she knows she can’t do everything a normal girl can do.
She’s sweet and kind and smart I wish more teenage MC’s could be like her!
The pacing
It’s a trilogy and the books aren’t long so things move along nicely. But not insta-love. There’s still a build up to the relationships and it’s really satisfying to get progression without the need to fall in love straightaway. It’s also written is first person past tense so Amen to that too!
It ended a bit abruptly and a little to picture perfect but I will forgive that
The harem
Multiple POV of each of the 4 guys means we get a great perceptive and understanding of their own problems and issues. They were just the perfect combo of protective, sweet and understanding of Briar and her condition. I loved them all but it was Briar who stole the show
Look you guys I could go on and on here but bottom line if you love RH and aswered YES to all the aforementioned questions
And at the same time… hide it away and coddle it so no big bad reviewers can come along and tear it to pieces
So help me...
So if you don’t like over protective vampires x4 in a sweet and charming series then girlfriend this ain’t one for you
⚠️Was Twilight painful for you?
⚠️Do mushy feelings and HEA want to make you tear your hair out?
⚠️Do you think four overprotective Vampires is about as fun as a 12 hour flight with a 2 year old?
If you can answer yes to any of the above
Moving on....
The things I love most about this series are
The MC Briar (Nothing to do with Briar Rose or sleeping beauty)
Briar is not a typical teenage protagonist>. She’s smart, not your average smart but the professor is using my theories in his lectures kind of smart. She’s rational and doesn’t react to things in the way you’d expect her to. Probably because she’s so smart, she thinks thing through and comes to a sensible decision. Can I get an Amen?
Briar has a rare skin condition where she can’t go into direct sunlight without being burned and has led her life indoors and isolated. Going to college is a big step for her in independence. Briar may be super smart but she is vulnerable because of her condition and when she meets 4 vampires they are naturally a bit overprotective because of it. She doesn’t let them push her around but at the same time she knows she can’t do everything a normal girl can do.
She’s sweet and kind and smart I wish more teenage MC’s could be like her!
The pacing
It’s a trilogy and the books aren’t long so things move along nicely. But not insta-love. There’s still a build up to the relationships and it’s really satisfying to get progression without the need to fall in love straightaway. It’s also written is first person past tense so Amen to that too!
It ended a bit abruptly and a little to picture perfect but I will forgive that
The harem
Multiple POV of each of the 4 guys means we get a great perceptive and understanding of their own problems and issues. They were just the perfect combo of protective, sweet and understanding of Briar and her condition. I loved them all but it was Briar who stole the show
Look you guys I could go on and on here but bottom line if you love RH and aswered YES to all the aforementioned questions
March 4, 2018
Borderline okay.
Briar is a paranormal vampire shifter harem romance novel. It's super quick, short, and easy read. However, it does get boring or feels like it's just constantly dragging you along until you get to a little road block. I don't think anything was really resolved.. and I just finished the damn book. I don't know if I want to read the next book or not but if I do I just pray that it's less boring and everything gets solved.. maybe?
Briar was an okay MC but she didn't really do anything for me. She was a great character that didn't whine a whole bunch but I also didn't really connect with her. Then there are the vampire gods in this book that were meh to me. I guess I just didn't really connect with anyone in this book.
I'm happy that they are all on one team now and they want to fight against the villain and everything.. but overall.. I just didn't really care about anything.
Overall, interesting concept but boring in a lot of parts.
Briar is a paranormal vampire shifter harem romance novel. It's super quick, short, and easy read. However, it does get boring or feels like it's just constantly dragging you along until you get to a little road block. I don't think anything was really resolved.. and I just finished the damn book. I don't know if I want to read the next book or not but if I do I just pray that it's less boring and everything gets solved.. maybe?
Briar was an okay MC but she didn't really do anything for me. She was a great character that didn't whine a whole bunch but I also didn't really connect with her. Then there are the vampire gods in this book that were meh to me. I guess I just didn't really connect with anyone in this book.
I'm happy that they are all on one team now and they want to fight against the villain and everything.. but overall.. I just didn't really care about anything.
Overall, interesting concept but boring in a lot of parts.
November 14, 2017
Do you remember when you were in school and teachers were dragging you through the endless prose of Dickens and you are going "Why are the chapters written like this?" and the teacher then tells you that he released them in serials where he got paid by the content so that's why he is so long winded and the chapters end in weird cliff hangers occasionally?
Yeah, because that is really what this book is like.
It's an episode. It is a portion of the story that is being told. Nothing is resolved in this book. There is some progress towards an end but it stops way short of actually accomplishing anything. It's an introduction. A taste. A fucking tease.
Y'all know I usually hate vampire books. Twilight ruined me for that. That and because they have gotten so overwritten that they are no longer scary and the market is just stupidly saturated.
This book takes a marginally more interesting look at vampires and makes them a scientific abnormality more than anything else. That's pretty damn refreshing in my book.
And these vampires are actually scary. They lose control. They hunt. They feed. They lust. There is still danger as opposed to sparkly "vegetarians".
There's also a lot of sexual tension which leads us to the part about the Reverse Harem which is the real reason I picked up this book in the first place.
Okay, we have the typical hot overbearing dudes and the shy virginal girl but one part that this book seems to get right is the reasoning behind the two. The men were turned because they were big and strong, not the other way around. One of them is a fucking Viking so you know he is bad as fuck.
And the girl has a disease that keeps her isolated so the chance of some hanky panky is pretty damn low.
I guess the whole point I'm trying to make is that despite the brevity of thisepisode book, it seems to be pretty well thought out. There is world building. There are real threats. And creepy things lurking in the dark.
I just wish it had a bit more substance to it. This was the pilot episode. I'm wondering if it is going to get picked up by any major networks and actually continue on for a bit.
Yeah, because that is really what this book is like.
It's an episode. It is a portion of the story that is being told. Nothing is resolved in this book. There is some progress towards an end but it stops way short of actually accomplishing anything. It's an introduction. A taste. A fucking tease.
Y'all know I usually hate vampire books. Twilight ruined me for that. That and because they have gotten so overwritten that they are no longer scary and the market is just stupidly saturated.
This book takes a marginally more interesting look at vampires and makes them a scientific abnormality more than anything else. That's pretty damn refreshing in my book.
And these vampires are actually scary. They lose control. They hunt. They feed. They lust. There is still danger as opposed to sparkly "vegetarians".
There's also a lot of sexual tension which leads us to the part about the Reverse Harem which is the real reason I picked up this book in the first place.
Okay, we have the typical hot overbearing dudes and the shy virginal girl but one part that this book seems to get right is the reasoning behind the two. The men were turned because they were big and strong, not the other way around. One of them is a fucking Viking so you know he is bad as fuck.
And the girl has a disease that keeps her isolated so the chance of some hanky panky is pretty damn low.
I guess the whole point I'm trying to make is that despite the brevity of this
I just wish it had a bit more substance to it. This was the pilot episode. I'm wondering if it is going to get picked up by any major networks and actually continue on for a bit.
June 3, 2018
Unfortunately the writing style didn't have much chemistry with me. There is an element of cheesiness and rushing in the storyline and I didn't feel any heated passions other than being told of an instant bond the characters didn't seem able to fight against. Having the main character allergic to light was at least something different to bring to the table, and I did like her personality as a main character well enough. It's leading up to more later, I'm sure, but I wasn't invested in enough to continue into the sequels.
Want to read
July 13, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/13/2019)! 🎁
January 25, 2019
Wow from start to finish I was so hooked with this book.. it truly exceeded my expectations... Can't wait to jump into book 2...
Overall Rating:
4.5* - So Good!
Overall Rating:
4.5* - So Good!
August 27, 2018
Didn't even need honey for my oatmeal this morning because this book is so sweet.
Damn, what a refresher.
*basks in a cool Pacific breeze*
Jk, I live in Kansas.
Anyway. I specifically LOVED the guys POV- for once.
Their own narration on their past issues with the first wife they shared was endearing.
Briar was a teensie-tiny bit too innocent BUT I see this changing. One thing I truly appreciated was that she is indeed very practical and logical and SMART.
*cue refreshing breeze*
I too, got a degree in the sciences. Though, I can't say I blew that out of the water. More like drowned. But I did make it graduation in one piece.
I hope Briar gets to finish school. She needs this.
GO TEAM!
I like that Briar takes shit head on, thus far, without running for the hills. I hope she keeps this up. Her fascination with knowledge in general has a lot to do with this.
SLOW BURNNNNNNN ROMANCE, yes please please please. UGH.
TEAM HUDSON.
I wish they would have chosen a different name for Sylvain. I keep saying Sylvia in my head.
I also truly enjoy that she isn't described as having "lush curves" and "ass for days."
Her beauty is much more refined. And the guys don't mention her hotness every other fucking page.
AGAIN, *CUE FUCKING REFRESHING BREEZE*
Yes, onto book 2.
Damn, what a refresher.
*basks in a cool Pacific breeze*
Jk, I live in Kansas.
Anyway. I specifically LOVED the guys POV- for once.
Their own narration on their past issues with the first wife they shared was endearing.
Briar was a teensie-tiny bit too innocent BUT I see this changing. One thing I truly appreciated was that she is indeed very practical and logical and SMART.
*cue refreshing breeze*
I too, got a degree in the sciences. Though, I can't say I blew that out of the water. More like drowned. But I did make it graduation in one piece.
I hope Briar gets to finish school. She needs this.
GO TEAM!
I like that Briar takes shit head on, thus far, without running for the hills. I hope she keeps this up. Her fascination with knowledge in general has a lot to do with this.
SLOW BURNNNNNNN ROMANCE, yes please please please. UGH.
TEAM HUDSON.
I wish they would have chosen a different name for Sylvain. I keep saying Sylvia in my head.
I also truly enjoy that she isn't described as having "lush curves" and "ass for days."
Her beauty is much more refined. And the guys don't mention her hotness every other fucking page.
AGAIN, *CUE FUCKING REFRESHING BREEZE*
Yes, onto book 2.
November 9, 2017
★4 Stars!
November 28, 2022
I was a little skeptical diving into this series as I’ve not meshed with the authors books in the past. This was a decent engaging story with an interesting and kind if original plot. The harem relationship is slow burn, even though the guys may have a history with the heroine (her past self as they think she’s been reincarnated). Most are joyous when meeting their mate but these guys are so into hating on themselves and what they are, all they want to do is run. Briar is impossible for them to ignore and her ‘condition’ not only makes her interesting to them but relatable. Turns out she’s impossibly allergic to the sun. It’s so bad she’s basically only lived her life at night without fear from 3rd degree sun burns. Literally less than a second of any high spectrum light will debilitate and scar her. Now as a graduate student she’s determined to join the world during the daytime but it requires completely covering up any exposed skin (gloves, hats, long sleeves etc.), something her peers don’t understand. There’s another reason the guys tried to run from her and it’s because of an enemy in their life who’d only use her as collateral. Funnily enough that happens more than once before they’ve even become friends with Bria. Seems her condition is more akin to what ails them but how? It is just genetics being passed on or something more? Decent audio, not a super long or overly detailed read. So far not a bad start to a RH trilogy!
October 4, 2018
I'm so torn on this one. Because I absolutely loved the guys. Hudson, Marcus, Valen, and Sylvain. They absolutely stole the show for me. But at the same time I'm just bored with the story. Because not much happened... I don't know.
Briar is a young 22 year old woman who is allergic to the sun. If she goes in the sun without her protective clothing she burns up in seconds. Her condition is EPP. She's dealt with this all her life. She decides it's time to put her big girl panties on and enrolls in college in Boston. There she attends a seminar where Hudson is speaking about EPP. After the seminar, she finds him in an atrium with so many students surounding him. She's so distracted that she puts her hand into the sunlight without her gloves on. She screams and passes out.
Enter all the brothers. They all gets a wiff of Briar's smell and they each smell something different but her scent is a reminder of home to them. From before they were turned into vampires. They all take an interest in her and decide to get to know her and the story develops from there.
But that's just the thing. The story really didn't go anywhere... You're introduced to the bad guy. And there was one scene where something happened that was interesting. But other than that it was just a lot of filler information. So this book essentially was just a filler book for before the actual story begins. Which is kind of annoying.
But I am so taken with these four guys and I really want to know if Briar comes into her own that I feel like I must continue with the story... We'll see where this goes.
Briar is a young 22 year old woman who is allergic to the sun. If she goes in the sun without her protective clothing she burns up in seconds. Her condition is EPP. She's dealt with this all her life. She decides it's time to put her big girl panties on and enrolls in college in Boston. There she attends a seminar where Hudson is speaking about EPP. After the seminar, she finds him in an atrium with so many students surounding him. She's so distracted that she puts her hand into the sunlight without her gloves on. She screams and passes out.
Enter all the brothers. They all gets a wiff of Briar's smell and they each smell something different but her scent is a reminder of home to them. From before they were turned into vampires. They all take an interest in her and decide to get to know her and the story develops from there.
But that's just the thing. The story really didn't go anywhere... You're introduced to the bad guy. And there was one scene where something happened that was interesting. But other than that it was just a lot of filler information. So this book essentially was just a filler book for before the actual story begins. Which is kind of annoying.
But I am so taken with these four guys and I really want to know if Briar comes into her own that I feel like I must continue with the story... We'll see where this goes.
November 20, 2017
I'm pleasantly surprised by the book. It was much better that I expected it to be.
The story intrigued me from the very beginning. When I first read the synopsis, based on the MC's description I thought "is she a vampire?". But she's not, she has EPP - an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Basically, every time the sunlight makes contact with her skin, Briar gets a severe sunburn, to the point where she needs to be hospitalized.
However, she may not be a vampire, but they are. The four brothers broken by their past, they now lead an empty and meaningless existence and no longer consider themselves a family they once were. Briar stumbles into their lives and "wakes them up".
As I already said, the book surprised me in a good way. I really liked Briar and her personality. She's a very reasonable and intelligent young woman, which is a giant plus in my opinion. She doesn't jump to silly conclusions, she takes time to analyze the situation before forming an opinion (a reasonable one) on something. Isn't that great?
The guys are also an interesting bunch. We only get to learn few things about them, all of which I like and want to know more. I found it interesting how they view their vampires as a separate entity that just lives inside them.
Now, I need the next book. I know what the end result for the characters should look like, but I have no idea what rout the story will take to reach that. And I really want to know.
The story intrigued me from the very beginning. When I first read the synopsis, based on the MC's description I thought "is she a vampire?". But she's not, she has EPP - an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Basically, every time the sunlight makes contact with her skin, Briar gets a severe sunburn, to the point where she needs to be hospitalized.
However, she may not be a vampire, but they are. The four brothers broken by their past, they now lead an empty and meaningless existence and no longer consider themselves a family they once were. Briar stumbles into their lives and "wakes them up".
“Which part do you think she’ll run from? The undead part or the fall in love with four brothers part?”
As I already said, the book surprised me in a good way. I really liked Briar and her personality. She's a very reasonable and intelligent young woman, which is a giant plus in my opinion. She doesn't jump to silly conclusions, she takes time to analyze the situation before forming an opinion (a reasonable one) on something. Isn't that great?
The guys are also an interesting bunch. We only get to learn few things about them, all of which I like and want to know more. I found it interesting how they view their vampires as a separate entity that just lives inside them.
Now, I need the next book. I know what the end result for the characters should look like, but I have no idea what rout the story will take to reach that. And I really want to know.
June 7, 2019
3 Stars
Overall Rating ★★★
Plot ★★★★
Humor ★★
Characters & Character Development ★★★
Narration ★★★
Story: I felt like Briar was a bit naive and immature to be going out into the world on her own. I did not love her as a character. Maybe she'll improve for me in the next book. I liked the guys. Hudson, Marcus, Sylvain, Valen. I think I'm getting tired of this type of plot where the vampires cannot control themselves when it comes to humans and smelling their blood. It's been done too many times before. I literally cannot contemplate why Briar insisted on going out in daylight. Honestly, someone could accidentally bump into her, knock her hat off... Anything could happen. Also, she’s been dealing with this condition for so long, yet she got burned the first day of school. She also, didn’t charger her phone and got lost in the woods. Obviously she’s not responsible enough to be on her own yet. Overall the plot was good but I hope that Briar will mature a bit in the 2nd book if I continue.
Narration: Stephanie Wyles - She did a pretty good job. She's not one of my absolute favorites but she's good.
Overall Rating ★★★
Plot ★★★★
Humor ★★
Characters & Character Development ★★★
Narration ★★★
Story: I felt like Briar was a bit naive and immature to be going out into the world on her own. I did not love her as a character. Maybe she'll improve for me in the next book. I liked the guys. Hudson, Marcus, Sylvain, Valen. I think I'm getting tired of this type of plot where the vampires cannot control themselves when it comes to humans and smelling their blood. It's been done too many times before. I literally cannot contemplate why Briar insisted on going out in daylight. Honestly, someone could accidentally bump into her, knock her hat off... Anything could happen. Also, she’s been dealing with this condition for so long, yet she got burned the first day of school. She also, didn’t charger her phone and got lost in the woods. Obviously she’s not responsible enough to be on her own yet. Overall the plot was good but I hope that Briar will mature a bit in the 2nd book if I continue.
Narration: Stephanie Wyles - She did a pretty good job. She's not one of my absolute favorites but she's good.
December 10, 2017
Hands down one of my most favorite RH reads ever! I’m in love. Can’t wait to finish out this series! 5 stars!
October 8, 2019
3-3.5 stars. Really super interesting start to the series. I actually happened upon a spin off series to this world and had to back track my way back to this book so that I could eventually read the one I originally downloaded. Luckily there was a notification at the very beginning of the book telling me to head here first so freaking props for that! Love it when I don't get 1/2 way through a book feeling like I missed something!
So I really enjoyed the scientific bases for this supernatural story. I know we aren't quite all the way in on the reveals but I'm really liking the direction its headed. It really had a fresh feel story and plot wise and I feel like there is definitely more to come and probably even some surprises in the mix. Character wise, we have some insta connection. I didn't feel like it was too OTT and it has its own explanation even if we haven't quite really analyzed all that yet but yea its there. I felt like there was a little bit of a contradiction within the FMC, Briar. Her character is complex in that she is super strong minded, obviously strong willed, but has this tremendous weakness and is basically a walking disaster/damsel in distress. This conundrum has me both loving her and hating her but I feel like she is being set up to be the most bad A of all... but we just aren't far enough along yet for me to really go all in on her. I'm hoping we head in that direction though.
First book down and I'm definitely ready to dive into book 2 to see where this is headed!
So I really enjoyed the scientific bases for this supernatural story. I know we aren't quite all the way in on the reveals but I'm really liking the direction its headed. It really had a fresh feel story and plot wise and I feel like there is definitely more to come and probably even some surprises in the mix. Character wise, we have some insta connection. I didn't feel like it was too OTT and it has its own explanation even if we haven't quite really analyzed all that yet but yea its there. I felt like there was a little bit of a contradiction within the FMC, Briar. Her character is complex in that she is super strong minded, obviously strong willed, but has this tremendous weakness and is basically a walking disaster/damsel in distress. This conundrum has me both loving her and hating her but I feel like she is being set up to be the most bad A of all... but we just aren't far enough along yet for me to really go all in on her. I'm hoping we head in that direction though.
First book down and I'm definitely ready to dive into book 2 to see where this is headed!
October 26, 2024
I'm not sure if my review was deleted or I never wrote one. But I already read the whole series back around 2017/2018 when it was published.
Review 2024:
I found the audiobooks included in my subscription. And I enjoyed them like the first time. I like that the vampires are predators but they try to hide it at first and then they try to be sensible about it. I like authors who describe vampires in a more unique way than the old vampire films like Dracula. I liked Briar, who was a good fit for the four vampires and always found a way to involve the two who were not scientists in their science talk.
I recommend this series, it was a good one.
Review 2024:
I found the audiobooks included in my subscription. And I enjoyed them like the first time. I like that the vampires are predators but they try to hide it at first and then they try to be sensible about it. I like authors who describe vampires in a more unique way than the old vampire films like Dracula. I liked Briar, who was a good fit for the four vampires and always found a way to involve the two who were not scientists in their science talk.
I recommend this series, it was a good one.
December 29, 2023
Ok, honest, I made it another one percent and have up. 54% and I am done.
Literally nothing happens in this book.
Ok, we learn an obscene amount about EPP...
And she gets hurt... She meets the guys... But we are half way through the book and all the way through they act like the are interested but NOTHING HAPPENS!
I'm all for building relationships but, I took a peek and she doesn't really get into their world until the last book... BORIIIIINNNNNGGGG!
I'm off to a different book because I do not want to end this year on a bad book buzz. No ty. Not today satan!
Literally nothing happens in this book.
Ok, we learn an obscene amount about EPP...
And she gets hurt... She meets the guys... But we are half way through the book and all the way through they act like the are interested but NOTHING HAPPENS!
I'm all for building relationships but, I took a peek and she doesn't really get into their world until the last book... BORIIIIINNNNNGGGG!
I'm off to a different book because I do not want to end this year on a bad book buzz. No ty. Not today satan!
May 4, 2021
This is a reverse harem romance. Briar was interesting at first, being allergic to the sun and trying to use science to find a cure. That was the best with the book. But the paranormal vampire boyfriends was so boring and I couldn't see the romance with anyone and I feelt pretty bored with it.
May 15, 2023
Well this was a nice suprise
— review to come
— review to come
January 11, 2022
I'm feeling generous today so I will be giving Briar 2 stars, even though it's closer to 1 star. The synopsis, vampires and RH dragged me in, but everything else kept me out. I love the premise - a student with sun allergy, a college professor who does research on the said topic and his ancient brothers? Who would say no to that?
However, the moment I started reading, I figured it won't be as enjoyable as I hoped it would. I wish the book was edited more, I wish the writing was better, the multiple POVs made sense only to explain certain issues to a reader, and you know it's not a good thing to have everything explained to a reader, rather than showing them.
The third-person narration just didn't do it for me, it felt like every other word is a pronoun. Sometimes I had difficulty understanding who was saying what. The paragraphs are oddly separated.
Moreover, the characters lacked everything that would make them beliveable. Ok, Briar has EPP, she is said to be smart, but there is not a single moment in which we see that she is, other than being nerdy about scientific articles Hudson wrote or electrophoresis. She is very accepting of everything, but other than that, she's a blank page, just as Hudson, Valen, Sylvian and Marcus are, even though they've been around for centuries. The guys are attracted to her scent, which I can understand, but that's about it. Yeah, she reminds them of someone, but not even that is a reason enough for their sudden attachment to Briar.
The entire plot of "Briar" lasts for not even a week. The insta-friendship, insta-love, the relationship, it's all under a few days. Basically, by the end of the book, she calls them her "vampire boyfriends" although she had no time to develop any feelings for them whatsoever, and the other way around. It's quite funny.
I'm disappointed but not surprised that the story lacks any depth. Like I said, I wish it was better, because I love the idea and I would enjoy reading Briar much more if it wasn't for all the issues I previously mentioned. I hope the author makes some changes in her future works.
However, the moment I started reading, I figured it won't be as enjoyable as I hoped it would. I wish the book was edited more, I wish the writing was better, the multiple POVs made sense only to explain certain issues to a reader, and you know it's not a good thing to have everything explained to a reader, rather than showing them.
The third-person narration just didn't do it for me, it felt like every other word is a pronoun. Sometimes I had difficulty understanding who was saying what. The paragraphs are oddly separated.
Moreover, the characters lacked everything that would make them beliveable. Ok, Briar has EPP, she is said to be smart, but there is not a single moment in which we see that she is, other than being nerdy about scientific articles Hudson wrote or electrophoresis. She is very accepting of everything, but other than that, she's a blank page, just as Hudson, Valen, Sylvian and Marcus are, even though they've been around for centuries. The guys are attracted to her scent, which I can understand, but that's about it. Yeah, she reminds them of someone, but not even that is a reason enough for their sudden attachment to Briar.
The entire plot of "Briar" lasts for not even a week. The insta-friendship, insta-love, the relationship, it's all under a few days. Basically, by the end of the book, she calls them her "vampire boyfriends" although she had no time to develop any feelings for them whatsoever, and the other way around. It's quite funny.
I'm disappointed but not surprised that the story lacks any depth. Like I said, I wish it was better, because I love the idea and I would enjoy reading Briar much more if it wasn't for all the issues I previously mentioned. I hope the author makes some changes in her future works.
November 11, 2017
4.5 Stars
Let's see: I love reverse harem, I love vampires, I have historically loved most things written by Ripley Proserpina. Check, check and check! I was beyond ecstatic to read this book and it did not disappoint! More things I love include when there are a group of men who are like brothers, and have all the emotions and struggles relationships that close produce. We have that here, and the brothers are estranged to start - their interactions and history are one of the high points of the book, and I look forward to it as the series progresses, while also wishing there was more of it. All four of the heroes are sexy and delicious and I like their reluctance to get involved with the heroine in any way. Even though it's difficult to have a favorite in a reverse harem (and we don't have to!) I so far am slightly favoring Hudson (Professor Hotson!) I love a slow burn romance, and I would personally classify this as as one, though still not as slow as some I have read. In fact, in certain ways, I would have preferred for even slower in terms of increasing the aforementioned reluctance. The heroine has a very clear and scary vulnerability, yet her true strength shines in her determination to live a normal life, in all of her interactions, and how she faces all issues head-on, yet intelligently. This is a fantastic series starter, and I can't wait to see what's next.
Let's see: I love reverse harem, I love vampires, I have historically loved most things written by Ripley Proserpina. Check, check and check! I was beyond ecstatic to read this book and it did not disappoint! More things I love include when there are a group of men who are like brothers, and have all the emotions and struggles relationships that close produce. We have that here, and the brothers are estranged to start - their interactions and history are one of the high points of the book, and I look forward to it as the series progresses, while also wishing there was more of it. All four of the heroes are sexy and delicious and I like their reluctance to get involved with the heroine in any way. Even though it's difficult to have a favorite in a reverse harem (and we don't have to!) I so far am slightly favoring Hudson (Professor Hotson!) I love a slow burn romance, and I would personally classify this as as one, though still not as slow as some I have read. In fact, in certain ways, I would have preferred for even slower in terms of increasing the aforementioned reluctance. The heroine has a very clear and scary vulnerability, yet her true strength shines in her determination to live a normal life, in all of her interactions, and how she faces all issues head-on, yet intelligently. This is a fantastic series starter, and I can't wait to see what's next.
March 1, 2018
I don't know why I waited so long to read this I was pleasantly surprised by this book and am I looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the h no nonsense attitude. She didn't let the bad things get her down, she received the information processed it and dealt with it and I enjoy that in a character.
I hope things pick up in the next book.
I enjoyed the h no nonsense attitude. She didn't let the bad things get her down, she received the information processed it and dealt with it and I enjoy that in a character.
I hope things pick up in the next book.
May 5, 2018
i am so tired of this "past girl" in all the books i read right now
January 9, 2019
3.25 Stars
I liked this book. It grabbed my attention quickly and there were parts of the story that I thought were really unique. There was never a point where I wanted to put this down and there wasn't anything that I disliked about it. Though, the plot itself wasn't completely unique and I knew what the "plot twist" was going to be when I read the synopsis for the book. I did find the story a little predictable, but not in a way that annoyed me.
I really liked the characters. I thought that Briar was a really unique female character. The way she thinks is completely different than what I am used to and her perspective is eye opening. I have never read a main character that was born with a "disease" and how Briar continues to try to make her life better is inspiring. With that being said, the way Briar thinks is hard to understand at times. Her reactions to things are completely different than what I would expect. This made her character confusing while also making me more intrigued by her thoughts and actions. I had a lot of fun being inside her head.
I liked all of the guys as well. They were all different from each other and their point of views stood out. I enjoyed learning about all of their different backgrounds and I found them each really intriguing in their own ways.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did have fun while reading it, but I am not quite sure if I want to continue with the series. There wasn't anything about it that hooked me, but I could easily see me reading the next book. We'll see...
I liked this book. It grabbed my attention quickly and there were parts of the story that I thought were really unique. There was never a point where I wanted to put this down and there wasn't anything that I disliked about it. Though, the plot itself wasn't completely unique and I knew what the "plot twist" was going to be when I read the synopsis for the book. I did find the story a little predictable, but not in a way that annoyed me.
I really liked the characters. I thought that Briar was a really unique female character. The way she thinks is completely different than what I am used to and her perspective is eye opening. I have never read a main character that was born with a "disease" and how Briar continues to try to make her life better is inspiring. With that being said, the way Briar thinks is hard to understand at times. Her reactions to things are completely different than what I would expect. This made her character confusing while also making me more intrigued by her thoughts and actions. I had a lot of fun being inside her head.
I liked all of the guys as well. They were all different from each other and their point of views stood out. I enjoyed learning about all of their different backgrounds and I found them each really intriguing in their own ways.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did have fun while reading it, but I am not quite sure if I want to continue with the series. There wasn't anything about it that hooked me, but I could easily see me reading the next book. We'll see...
November 28, 2017
I was absolutely sucked into Briar! I haven’t read very many reverse harem books, so I was ready excited to start this one, and once I did, I had a hard time putting it down!
We begin with Briar, a young woman who believes she has EEP (Erythropoietic Protoporphyria), and for the first time, she’s left the safety of her home to attend college and study. Little did she know she was going to be the center of four vampire’s worlds. We have Hudson, Marcus, Valen, and Sylvain. Each has a personality of their own and I loved them all — though I must admit, I favored Sylvain. They’ve been a long time apart, a broken family (they are brothers by choice) and Briar is the one who brings them all back together to work out their issues.
We get to see through all five points of view, which honestly didn’t bother me as I wanted to see inside each guy’s minds, and the story moved forward…however…there is a cliffhanger! Dun dun duuuun! Not a bad one, but one that leaves you knowing the story isn’t complete and there is still more to come story wise and relationship wise. So…we’re left hanging. I highly recommend, but be prepared. Now, I just need to wait out for the next book.
We begin with Briar, a young woman who believes she has EEP (Erythropoietic Protoporphyria), and for the first time, she’s left the safety of her home to attend college and study. Little did she know she was going to be the center of four vampire’s worlds. We have Hudson, Marcus, Valen, and Sylvain. Each has a personality of their own and I loved them all — though I must admit, I favored Sylvain. They’ve been a long time apart, a broken family (they are brothers by choice) and Briar is the one who brings them all back together to work out their issues.
We get to see through all five points of view, which honestly didn’t bother me as I wanted to see inside each guy’s minds, and the story moved forward…however…there is a cliffhanger! Dun dun duuuun! Not a bad one, but one that leaves you knowing the story isn’t complete and there is still more to come story wise and relationship wise. So…we’re left hanging. I highly recommend, but be prepared. Now, I just need to wait out for the next book.
November 5, 2020
SO with these self published romance books I usually rate on a different scale then my normal reads, which have been edited by multiple paid professionals. Just to be clear.
Was this a perfectly written plot? No. Was I fully entertained and engaged? Yes!!
The author is a good writer, I've stopped mid way through a lot of these romance books because the writing style is just too middle school fan fic. The imagery is forced, the jokes fall flat, and the characters are indistinguishable. NOT IN THIS BOOK. The main character was well written, and her quirk of burning in the sun was a new plot point I hadn't seen elsewhere. It goes without saying I love the guys too. The plot is meh, very twilight, but that's fine. It's definitely a slow burn, but how can the main character be missing how much those guys like-like her... Can't wait for the next!
Was this a perfectly written plot? No. Was I fully entertained and engaged? Yes!!
The author is a good writer, I've stopped mid way through a lot of these romance books because the writing style is just too middle school fan fic. The imagery is forced, the jokes fall flat, and the characters are indistinguishable. NOT IN THIS BOOK. The main character was well written, and her quirk of burning in the sun was a new plot point I hadn't seen elsewhere. It goes without saying I love the guys too. The plot is meh, very twilight, but that's fine. It's definitely a slow burn, but how can the main character be missing how much those guys like-like her... Can't wait for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2018
I don't even know how to review this book...The story was great....the writing was...different lol. Silly and over dramatic...It was like ready a SUPER cheesy lifetime movie. What also didn't help was the audio narration lol, oh mygoodness, granted I'm sure she did the best she could with what she had to work with but she was just as overly dramatic. This book had me laughing and it was NOT a comedy lol the lines are sooooo cheesy you can't help it.
I have book 2...I haven't started it yet because book 1 was so painful lol I need a break. However I do like the story outline...vampires with a dark past. Cannot stand the MC...
I have book 2...I haven't started it yet because book 1 was so painful lol I need a break. However I do like the story outline...vampires with a dark past. Cannot stand the MC...
November 23, 2017
Great begining to the series (though I still have no clue why the series is called Midnight's Crown). The book is in third person which I normally hate but this time it works. Different POVs also help a lot in understanding characters' motivations. Original take on vampirism, quite a lot of medical stuff but the author managed to make it natural and not overly scientific. Briar is truly likeable and it makes sense why the four 'brothers' are so smitten.
The only thing that I did not like was the bad guy's name Asher. I really like the name and had difficulty picturing Asher as someone evil.
The only thing that I did not like was the bad guy's name Asher. I really like the name and had difficulty picturing Asher as someone evil.
November 10, 2017
Wow
Wow i loved this book. It was a great setup for an epic series. Briar is great. The guys are great. Asher is evil. And yeah stop procrastinating and read this already
Wow i loved this book. It was a great setup for an epic series. Briar is great. The guys are great. Asher is evil. And yeah stop procrastinating and read this already
November 28, 2017
3.5 stars
April 17, 2021
very below average, the plot is weak and the main character is so boring she makes it very hard to enjoy.
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