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Quintessence #5
Loved by Them
This Reverse Harem Romance is the final part in the QUINTESSENCE series.
DEVON
Devon’s a mathematician.
Unlike his brothers--by choice, if not blood--his genius puts him on the kooky side of intelligent. So much so, their household of five was born back when the guys met in college. Four men shielding the one in their midst whose brilliance could change the world, in turn altering their lives forever.
For all that Devon’s genius astonishes the biggest brains on the planet on a regular basis, with intelligence services like MI6 having him on speed dial, Devon’s not totally hapless.
He knows what he wants and when he wants it.
More importantly, he knows who he wants.
Sascha Dubois.
Or is that Eloisa Jacobie?
He doesn’t care about names, he just knows Sascha’s theirs.
She was born for them. Made for them. Why else would he learn to tango?
When Sascha’s secrets are revealed to the world, she and her men have to learn to roll with the punches of that new existence. And there’s oh, about a billion new problems rearing their ugly head. If anything could knock them off course, it’s the unknown. The chaos of which can drive Devon to the brink of mental collapse.
With the men to support him and Sascha at his back, Devon, however, is stronger than ever. But in this household of six, Sascha’s the most important member.
Well, until said household houses seven, that is.
Amid the craziness of a secret past, Sascha could flounder and fall. But with the men she loves keeping her on the straight and narrow, even when her life is turning into an obstacle course, Sascha knows she can handle anything. Even a flirtatious dance instructor with eyes on her lover.
In the face of that, what’s a murder plot that’s three decades in the making?
Find out what happens to Sascha, Sean, Kurt, Sawyer, Andrei, and Devon in this, the final part of the Quintessence series, Loved by Them.
Book Five of the Quintessence series!
DEVON
Devon’s a mathematician.
Unlike his brothers--by choice, if not blood--his genius puts him on the kooky side of intelligent. So much so, their household of five was born back when the guys met in college. Four men shielding the one in their midst whose brilliance could change the world, in turn altering their lives forever.
For all that Devon’s genius astonishes the biggest brains on the planet on a regular basis, with intelligence services like MI6 having him on speed dial, Devon’s not totally hapless.
He knows what he wants and when he wants it.
More importantly, he knows who he wants.
Sascha Dubois.
Or is that Eloisa Jacobie?
He doesn’t care about names, he just knows Sascha’s theirs.
She was born for them. Made for them. Why else would he learn to tango?
When Sascha’s secrets are revealed to the world, she and her men have to learn to roll with the punches of that new existence. And there’s oh, about a billion new problems rearing their ugly head. If anything could knock them off course, it’s the unknown. The chaos of which can drive Devon to the brink of mental collapse.
With the men to support him and Sascha at his back, Devon, however, is stronger than ever. But in this household of six, Sascha’s the most important member.
Well, until said household houses seven, that is.
Amid the craziness of a secret past, Sascha could flounder and fall. But with the men she loves keeping her on the straight and narrow, even when her life is turning into an obstacle course, Sascha knows she can handle anything. Even a flirtatious dance instructor with eyes on her lover.
In the face of that, what’s a murder plot that’s three decades in the making?
Find out what happens to Sascha, Sean, Kurt, Sawyer, Andrei, and Devon in this, the final part of the Quintessence series, Loved by Them.
Book Five of the Quintessence series!
215 pages, ebook
First published April 12, 2018
179 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Serena Akeroyd
154 books6,233 followersUSA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe.
Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.
She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family.
In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. HEA guaranteed!
When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring.
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Newsletter
Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.
She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family.
In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. HEA guaranteed!
When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring.
Follow me on Amazon :
Serena Akeroyd
Follow me on Facebook :
Serena Akeroyd Author
Follow me on Instagram :
@serena_akeroyd
Follow me on Bookbub
Serena Akeroyd
Fly into the weird by joining my readers’ group on FB:
Serena Akeroyd's Divas
Follow me on Twitter :
@serenaakeroyd
Want to get my latest news? Sign up for my newsletter:
Newsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
April 29, 2018
3.5 stars
Well, on balance, I really enjoyed this series. Enough that I am kind of floating in QUINTESSENCE headspace still and am struggling to clear my head enough to write a coherent review.
Book 5 was both my favorite and one of my least favorite of the series.
On the positive side:
This book allowed us into Devon’s head with multiple POV scenes from his perspective. And that was wacky and wonderful – just like Devon himself. One of the best, most flawed and wonderful characters I’ve read in ages. He may require a permanent spot in my harem.
The wrap-up for this lovely story was sweet and heartwarming and very feel-good. And we did get to experience one interesting and hot foursome. I was actually a bit disappointed there wasn’t a little more loving in this book. Sascha was finally given the all-clear by the doctor, and yet there was less going on now than there had been when she was injured.
But the conclusion was satisfying and sweet.
On the negative front:
This book was strangely wandering. I’m not sure there was much in the way of plot here. It was closer in feel to the first book – all about the relationships and emotion. Which was great in book 1, but here it was less satisfying – mostly because Sascha was an angsty, dithering twit numerous times. It’s hard to enjoy a slow ramble through a building relationship and strengthening feelings, when the MC is making silly decisions and her emotions are all over the place.
And I honestly don't get what Sascha was stewing about for most of the first half of this book. Her reaction and wallowing seemed outsized for what occurred. Learning about her background and that someone was trying to kill her shouldn't impact who she was now or her current relationships. And her father is still her father. The only thing that seems to merit any of her angst was maybe, just maybe, that everything was plastered all over the news. But even then, her reaction just didn't fit. It felt contrived.
I also feel like the pacing was flawed in this book. It didn't build to a climax near the end, instead spending far too much time wandering around anticlimactically examining feelings . As well as waffling around Sascha's STILL unresolved issues with their relationship. I would have preferred a tighter structure to this book - a more straightforward, gradually building trip to their happily-ever-after.
All of that being said, I really did love this series, and it may go on my faves list as something that I really enjoy re-reading when I need a change-of-pace between more typical reads.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
84% - *grin*
“She liked this position. Liked being shoved up against walls as their c*cks burrowed into her stomach, their hips pinning her in place.”
80% - Why on earth is she lying AGAIN!? When she KNOWS the truth will come out no matter what very soon?? See...this is what bothers me most in this last book or two of QUINTESSENCE - that there is suddenly such ridiculous illogic from characters who have been all about the practicality and logic thus far.
“Plus, it’s way too early for me to be thinking of something like that. We’ve only been together less than a year.”
May God have mercy on her for lying.
73% - Did I mention that most of the family we are introduced to in this series are awesome!? Sawyer’s mum is a hoot:
“I love the lad like he were my own, but Devon’s got more PhDs than Alphabet Soup and he can barely survive the week without one of you telling him to get dressed, to eat, or to sleep.”
70% - Uh…an omnipotent blackhead?! And some strange sentence structure there.
“The clang of doors shutting and being locked—some with honest to God keys, others with automatic locks that clicked into place when a black bubble of a camera, which eyed the world in here like it was an omnipotent blackhead, deigned it—had her jolting each time.”
68% - Again, continuity issue. Because I don't think they are 8-9" heels! If Sascha is 5'8" and Devon is around 6'5" that is, as was mentioned earlier.
“On her feet, she wore heels that would put her more substantial frame at the same height as him.”
68% - Continuity issue again...first it was a black skirt and now it is a black sheath dress? I guess the sheath dress does have a skirt, but it is a strange way to phrase it, so it seems more like a continuity thing.
63% - Gah! Why are we on this now? Own it, Sascha! Stop the bloody stupid angsting. This just doesn't fit the character.
“I did that with my dad in the house,” she confessed on a low whisper. “I-I mustn’t have any shame.”
59% - Ugh...why did the author have to add this?! Not a fan of this being added to make the HEA work :/
55% - What's with the condom suddenly? Hasn't been used up until now, not even when they had only known one another for a short while. And what's with all the "too big" protesting? This is far from their first time. (This is all explained later, but it is just awkward and threw me out of the story)
“…already sheathed in a condom he must have grabbed from his desk drawer.”
49% - Awesome! This totally cracked me up.
“Don’t worry. I won’t hold it against you. Our kids will have some cool genes in them, otherwise there’s no hope for them at all.”
She froze in his lap. “Kids?”
He stared at her. “Yeah. Kids.”
Kurt snorted. “You look like a deer in the headlights, Sascha.”
“I feel like one,” she said hoarsely, and before Devon could say another word, grabbed the banana bread and shoved it in his mouth.
Whole.
It was either chew or choke.
But it silenced him.
For the moment.
29% - Whiny wench. Cut it out! Get over it already. I mean, who is the right mind is gonna complain about suddenly being a billionaire? If you don’t want to use the money, there are plenty of things you can do with it, or just let it sit there, just in case. Ridiculous angst here.
“Because I’m suddenly a fucking billionaire, Sean. How the fuck am I supposed to react? How are you supposed to?” She fisted her hands. “I want things to be how they were.”
27% - I am getting really, really irritated by Sascha's reactions to what is going on. It is ridiculously over-the-top and so not in keeping with her character. It is a bunch of worthless angst that is killing this otherwise great book for me.
So much of what had happened to her recently, as well as right at the beginning of her life, was encapsulated by a numbness deep inside her. It wasn’t overtaking her. Not yet. She believed it couldn’t, wouldn’t because of the men she had in her life. But the emptiness in her core was disturbing her because she’d never felt like this before.
25% - Ah, and there is the rather flimsy reasoning for the driver turning himself in. A little contrived, but at least there was a logic at play.
“For a lighter sentence,” Sean told her softly. “He handed himself in after the accident because Elizabeth doesn’t handle mistakes well. His hurting and not killing Sascha had him fearing for his own life.”
15% - Again, not a fit with the timeline. If the RSVP to the gala is what triggered everything, then why did Sascha get run down days before? Clearly something is off continuity-wise here.
“Louisa helped. She’s the elder child. Seems she remembered your being born. When the security team sent your picture as part of the updated guest list to the event…”
“So, Devon was right. That did trigger everything?”
15% - So Elizabeth Jacobie had been sleeping with the guy Sascha's whole life? And he was the one she paid to run Sascha down? If they were that close, why the hell would he have gone in and confessed to the police? It makes NO sense.
“The guy Elizabeth Jacobie hired to run you down… With her. Together. In the act, as it were.” He blew out a breath. “Proof that the drugs she’d been dosing your parents with were paid for by her. Stuff like that.”
13.0% - There is no "downwind" indoors. That is silly. There is no wind. *sigh* Oh, and Sascha is really being a twit.
11.0% - Yep that was predictable! And heavily foreshadowed since something like that hadn't been mentioned before the charm bracelet.
9.0% - Wonderful metaphor!
Devon’s brain was like the Victoria sponge cake. Layers within layers. Each one individually processing a subject that mattered. The thickness of the layer represented how much attention he gave something.
6.0% - Oh wow. That was awesome! The best reaction by an author to an MC making a stupid decision. All. The. Feels.
6.0% - LMAO! And there it is...finally some acknowledgement that they never leave the goshdarn house!
3.0% - Did I mention I love Devon? He is just too adorable.
1.0% - Sigh...and this is starting with the most moronic decision of the entire series. Not a good sign.
Well, on balance, I really enjoyed this series. Enough that I am kind of floating in QUINTESSENCE headspace still and am struggling to clear my head enough to write a coherent review.
Book 5 was both my favorite and one of my least favorite of the series.
On the positive side:
This book allowed us into Devon’s head with multiple POV scenes from his perspective. And that was wacky and wonderful – just like Devon himself. One of the best, most flawed and wonderful characters I’ve read in ages. He may require a permanent spot in my harem.
The wrap-up for this lovely story was sweet and heartwarming and very feel-good. And we did get to experience one interesting and hot foursome. I was actually a bit disappointed there wasn’t a little more loving in this book. Sascha was finally given the all-clear by the doctor, and yet there was less going on now than there had been when she was injured.
But the conclusion was satisfying and sweet.
On the negative front:
This book was strangely wandering. I’m not sure there was much in the way of plot here. It was closer in feel to the first book – all about the relationships and emotion. Which was great in book 1, but here it was less satisfying – mostly because Sascha was an angsty, dithering twit numerous times. It’s hard to enjoy a slow ramble through a building relationship and strengthening feelings, when the MC is making silly decisions and her emotions are all over the place.
And I honestly don't get what Sascha was stewing about for most of the first half of this book. Her reaction and wallowing seemed outsized for what occurred. Learning about her background and that someone was trying to kill her shouldn't impact who she was now or her current relationships. And her father is still her father. The only thing that seems to merit any of her angst was maybe, just maybe, that everything was plastered all over the news. But even then, her reaction just didn't fit. It felt contrived.
I also feel like the pacing was flawed in this book. It didn't build to a climax near the end, instead spending far too much time wandering around anticlimactically examining feelings . As well as waffling around Sascha's STILL unresolved issues with their relationship. I would have preferred a tighter structure to this book - a more straightforward, gradually building trip to their happily-ever-after.
All of that being said, I really did love this series, and it may go on my faves list as something that I really enjoy re-reading when I need a change-of-pace between more typical reads.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
84% - *grin*
“She liked this position. Liked being shoved up against walls as their c*cks burrowed into her stomach, their hips pinning her in place.”
80% - Why on earth is she lying AGAIN!? When she KNOWS the truth will come out no matter what very soon?? See...this is what bothers me most in this last book or two of QUINTESSENCE - that there is suddenly such ridiculous illogic from characters who have been all about the practicality and logic thus far.
“Plus, it’s way too early for me to be thinking of something like that. We’ve only been together less than a year.”
May God have mercy on her for lying.
73% - Did I mention that most of the family we are introduced to in this series are awesome!? Sawyer’s mum is a hoot:
“I love the lad like he were my own, but Devon’s got more PhDs than Alphabet Soup and he can barely survive the week without one of you telling him to get dressed, to eat, or to sleep.”
70% - Uh…an omnipotent blackhead?! And some strange sentence structure there.
“The clang of doors shutting and being locked—some with honest to God keys, others with automatic locks that clicked into place when a black bubble of a camera, which eyed the world in here like it was an omnipotent blackhead, deigned it—had her jolting each time.”
68% - Again, continuity issue. Because I don't think they are 8-9" heels! If Sascha is 5'8" and Devon is around 6'5" that is, as was mentioned earlier.
“On her feet, she wore heels that would put her more substantial frame at the same height as him.”
68% - Continuity issue again...first it was a black skirt and now it is a black sheath dress? I guess the sheath dress does have a skirt, but it is a strange way to phrase it, so it seems more like a continuity thing.
63% - Gah! Why are we on this now? Own it, Sascha! Stop the bloody stupid angsting. This just doesn't fit the character.
“I did that with my dad in the house,” she confessed on a low whisper. “I-I mustn’t have any shame.”
59% - Ugh...why did the author have to add this?! Not a fan of this being added to make the HEA work :/
55% - What's with the condom suddenly? Hasn't been used up until now, not even when they had only known one another for a short while. And what's with all the "too big" protesting? This is far from their first time. (This is all explained later, but it is just awkward and threw me out of the story)
“…already sheathed in a condom he must have grabbed from his desk drawer.”
49% - Awesome! This totally cracked me up.
“Don’t worry. I won’t hold it against you. Our kids will have some cool genes in them, otherwise there’s no hope for them at all.”
She froze in his lap. “Kids?”
He stared at her. “Yeah. Kids.”
Kurt snorted. “You look like a deer in the headlights, Sascha.”
“I feel like one,” she said hoarsely, and before Devon could say another word, grabbed the banana bread and shoved it in his mouth.
Whole.
It was either chew or choke.
But it silenced him.
For the moment.
29% - Whiny wench. Cut it out! Get over it already. I mean, who is the right mind is gonna complain about suddenly being a billionaire? If you don’t want to use the money, there are plenty of things you can do with it, or just let it sit there, just in case. Ridiculous angst here.
“Because I’m suddenly a fucking billionaire, Sean. How the fuck am I supposed to react? How are you supposed to?” She fisted her hands. “I want things to be how they were.”
27% - I am getting really, really irritated by Sascha's reactions to what is going on. It is ridiculously over-the-top and so not in keeping with her character. It is a bunch of worthless angst that is killing this otherwise great book for me.
So much of what had happened to her recently, as well as right at the beginning of her life, was encapsulated by a numbness deep inside her. It wasn’t overtaking her. Not yet. She believed it couldn’t, wouldn’t because of the men she had in her life. But the emptiness in her core was disturbing her because she’d never felt like this before.
25% - Ah, and there is the rather flimsy reasoning for the driver turning himself in. A little contrived, but at least there was a logic at play.
“For a lighter sentence,” Sean told her softly. “He handed himself in after the accident because Elizabeth doesn’t handle mistakes well. His hurting and not killing Sascha had him fearing for his own life.”
15% - Again, not a fit with the timeline. If the RSVP to the gala is what triggered everything, then why did Sascha get run down days before? Clearly something is off continuity-wise here.
“Louisa helped. She’s the elder child. Seems she remembered your being born. When the security team sent your picture as part of the updated guest list to the event…”
“So, Devon was right. That did trigger everything?”
15% - So Elizabeth Jacobie had been sleeping with the guy Sascha's whole life? And he was the one she paid to run Sascha down? If they were that close, why the hell would he have gone in and confessed to the police? It makes NO sense.
“The guy Elizabeth Jacobie hired to run you down… With her. Together. In the act, as it were.” He blew out a breath. “Proof that the drugs she’d been dosing your parents with were paid for by her. Stuff like that.”
13.0% - There is no "downwind" indoors. That is silly. There is no wind. *sigh* Oh, and Sascha is really being a twit.
11.0% - Yep that was predictable! And heavily foreshadowed since something like that hadn't been mentioned before the charm bracelet.
9.0% - Wonderful metaphor!
Devon’s brain was like the Victoria sponge cake. Layers within layers. Each one individually processing a subject that mattered. The thickness of the layer represented how much attention he gave something.
6.0% - Oh wow. That was awesome! The best reaction by an author to an MC making a stupid decision. All. The. Feels.
6.0% - LMAO! And there it is...finally some acknowledgement that they never leave the goshdarn house!
3.0% - Did I mention I love Devon? He is just too adorable.
1.0% - Sigh...and this is starting with the most moronic decision of the entire series. Not a good sign.
May 29, 2019
i did not even realize i didn't review this book. and honestly i wont anyways because where's the fun in that? all you need to know is that -
1. there's smut
2. there's kink
3. there's emotion
4. and hot ass men
what more do you want?
May 1, 2018
Rating : 3.5 stars
Disappointed in the last book.
Being Devon's book, I expected more. But then again, if you're not Devon, it's probably impossible to be in his head.
But the Quintessence series was a refreshing and entertaining series overall.
Disappointed in the last book.
Being Devon's book, I expected more. But then again, if you're not Devon, it's probably impossible to be in his head.
But the Quintessence series was a refreshing and entertaining series overall.
Read
September 20, 2018Great ending to the series . Can't wait for the next book in the series. Yes there is one more !!!!
Read
July 3, 2021I'm posting my rating and review in the collection book !
December 22, 2025
Loved By Them is the powerful and beautiful conclusion to the Quintessence series. It's the culmination of all the stress, danger and threats to Sascha, and what she and her men make of the life they are building together. It's strong, emotional and sexy.
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this book to see how everything ends for Sascha and her men. I know it's only been a week between each release of the books in the series (and by the way, thank you for doing that Ms Akeroyd, I know it can't have been easy on you) but I feel like I've been reading through each book to get to the end and Sascha's happy ever after. It's unconventional but it fits and it works for them. I adored the concept of "love" and "home" that Ms Akeroyd wove into the story and what it meant for them to be together as a unit.
Sascha is dealing with a lot at the moment. The threat to her life, the stunning discovery of her past and who she is, and what that entails, along with a little surprise when she visits the doctor. The foundations of her life have been shaken and she can be forgiven for having the wobbles and needing to hide and wallow a little bit to find her footing. It's fortunate that she's got her men to support and love her, each one bringing their own special perspective to the situation and helping her gain perspective into her situation.
Since this is the last book in the series, I feel I can finally say that I have loved the perspectives of every single one of the men in each of the books, starting with Sean, to Kurt, Sawyer, Andrei and now, Devon. Each man is unique and Ms Akeroyd does a superb job of developing their characters so that we got to know them as individuals with all their strengths and weaknesses. I fell in love with everyone of them as I got to know them over the course of the five books in the series.
I realise a reverse harem story might not be for everyone and this one is particularly steamy (which I loved). However, beyond the fact that it's a lot of men with one woman, it's a wonderful character sketch of people who come together and find love and home with each other. How they live, how they interact, why they love and stay together. I can't say I'm an expert in the reverse harem sub-genre, I haven't read that many of them, but I think of all the ones I've read, Ms Akeroyd's series stands out in its skillful handling of the characters and their relationships. I never wanted this series to end because I'm so in love with all of them. But I'm glad it ended in a place where they all found their happy.
Thank you for such a wonderful series, Ms Akeroyd. Your writing has gained you a fan for life in me. Whatever you write, I'll read.
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this book to see how everything ends for Sascha and her men. I know it's only been a week between each release of the books in the series (and by the way, thank you for doing that Ms Akeroyd, I know it can't have been easy on you) but I feel like I've been reading through each book to get to the end and Sascha's happy ever after. It's unconventional but it fits and it works for them. I adored the concept of "love" and "home" that Ms Akeroyd wove into the story and what it meant for them to be together as a unit.
Sascha is dealing with a lot at the moment. The threat to her life, the stunning discovery of her past and who she is, and what that entails, along with a little surprise when she visits the doctor. The foundations of her life have been shaken and she can be forgiven for having the wobbles and needing to hide and wallow a little bit to find her footing. It's fortunate that she's got her men to support and love her, each one bringing their own special perspective to the situation and helping her gain perspective into her situation.
Since this is the last book in the series, I feel I can finally say that I have loved the perspectives of every single one of the men in each of the books, starting with Sean, to Kurt, Sawyer, Andrei and now, Devon. Each man is unique and Ms Akeroyd does a superb job of developing their characters so that we got to know them as individuals with all their strengths and weaknesses. I fell in love with everyone of them as I got to know them over the course of the five books in the series.
I realise a reverse harem story might not be for everyone and this one is particularly steamy (which I loved). However, beyond the fact that it's a lot of men with one woman, it's a wonderful character sketch of people who come together and find love and home with each other. How they live, how they interact, why they love and stay together. I can't say I'm an expert in the reverse harem sub-genre, I haven't read that many of them, but I think of all the ones I've read, Ms Akeroyd's series stands out in its skillful handling of the characters and their relationships. I never wanted this series to end because I'm so in love with all of them. But I'm glad it ended in a place where they all found their happy.
Thank you for such a wonderful series, Ms Akeroyd. Your writing has gained you a fan for life in me. Whatever you write, I'll read.
April 14, 2019
These series was perfectly fine, but I was disappointed that elements of the plot were built up so much only do have also sub par ending
June 10, 2020
Notes:
Concepts of the characters were fun but the actual writing & plot line were not great. I read the blurbs and reviews for the rest of the series. I'll quit here because I have zero desire to read another series & be upset that the potential for the concepts are not reached within the completed work.
Concepts of the characters were fun but the actual writing & plot line were not great. I read the blurbs and reviews for the rest of the series. I'll quit here because I have zero desire to read another series & be upset that the potential for the concepts are not reached within the completed work.
February 5, 2021
For once there wasn’t a cliffhanger!!!
July 12, 2019
Definitely the most ridiculous books I have ever read that weren’t blatantly terrible (I’m looking at you, Tomato Rhapsody.) I just can’t go forward though. I’m calling it at five. I need something that isn’t the nutritional equivalent of rock candy.
April 14, 2018
Love!!
Absolutely fantastic series. From beginning to end I was hooked. What’s not to love though? Five hot men and one lucky lady. Can’t wait for more from this author!
Absolutely fantastic series. From beginning to end I was hooked. What’s not to love though? Five hot men and one lucky lady. Can’t wait for more from this author!
July 9, 2018
Conclusion, devon is my fave. He's so fun in a unique way
February 28, 2023
2.5 stars
- Heroine: Sascha
- Harem: Sean, Sawyer, Kurt, Andrei, Devon
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Sascha, Devon)
- Book Playlist (Reverse Harem Romance Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
After Sascha finds out her true identity and the motivations behind the Jacobies trying to kill her, everything comes to a head. Elizabeth and Louise Jacobie are arrested, and Sascha learns of the incredible wealth she has now inherited.
As she comes to terms with the major changes in her life, her and the guys are settling into their relationship. They are working through internal struggles and trying to figure out how they all fit together.
In the end, their love for each other is what really matters. No matter what life throws at them, they will get through it together.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This one was a bit of a disappointment for me. The plot arc for the first five books (Sascha being targeted) was wrapped up in the first couple of pages. Then the rest of the book was just…well, no real story or plot at all.
I was also not a fan of Sascha’s character in this book. I’ve liked her a lot in the previous books, but her usual confidence and charm was overshadowed by her whininess and insecurities.
After finding out she inherited billions of dollars from her birth parents she enters a state of depression. Because…”I’m a billionaire now! Waaa!! It’s so horrible”. Honestly, this is how she feels about it. She’s mad she has money. And she’s constantly calling it “blood money” despite the fact that it’s not. In fact, it’s rightfully her money by inheritance so how is that blood money? I didn’t get her “woe is me” mentality at all. This entire series she has been targeted and found out her birth parents weren’t the ones who raised her. And she has coped with it all. But what ultimately set her off was inheriting billions of dollars? Seriously? No person would react this way.
I also found Devon’s POVs hard to read. Since this is the book with his POVs, we got a lot of them. I’ve never been much of a fan of Devon. I’m not a big fan of overly-literal heroes. He’s very much a rain man type of character and I find it hard to connect with him.
Also, if this book isn’t going to have much plot, there should have been way more sex to make up for it. There was hardly any. And I think it’s strange that Kurt has in fact never had penetrative sex on page with her at all. The scene we did get was really hot though, especially the dual blow job. Yas! But with no plot I expected more sex.
Then there’s the accidental pregnancy, which I am not a fan of. And she doesn’t even break the news to them on page! How did they react? I didn’t like this.
Overall I was pretty disappointed in this installment. It didn’t have much plot, hardly enough sex (in my opinion), and Sascha was really annoying in this one. I’ll still read on in the series, but I’m gonna take a little break first before the next set.
- Heroine: Sascha
- Harem: Sean, Sawyer, Kurt, Andrei, Devon
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Sascha, Devon)
- Book Playlist (Reverse Harem Romance Playlist)
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SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
After Sascha finds out her true identity and the motivations behind the Jacobies trying to kill her, everything comes to a head. Elizabeth and Louise Jacobie are arrested, and Sascha learns of the incredible wealth she has now inherited.
As she comes to terms with the major changes in her life, her and the guys are settling into their relationship. They are working through internal struggles and trying to figure out how they all fit together.
In the end, their love for each other is what really matters. No matter what life throws at them, they will get through it together.
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REVIEW:
This one was a bit of a disappointment for me. The plot arc for the first five books (Sascha being targeted) was wrapped up in the first couple of pages. Then the rest of the book was just…well, no real story or plot at all.
I was also not a fan of Sascha’s character in this book. I’ve liked her a lot in the previous books, but her usual confidence and charm was overshadowed by her whininess and insecurities.
After finding out she inherited billions of dollars from her birth parents she enters a state of depression. Because…”I’m a billionaire now! Waaa!! It’s so horrible”. Honestly, this is how she feels about it. She’s mad she has money. And she’s constantly calling it “blood money” despite the fact that it’s not. In fact, it’s rightfully her money by inheritance so how is that blood money? I didn’t get her “woe is me” mentality at all. This entire series she has been targeted and found out her birth parents weren’t the ones who raised her. And she has coped with it all. But what ultimately set her off was inheriting billions of dollars? Seriously? No person would react this way.
I also found Devon’s POVs hard to read. Since this is the book with his POVs, we got a lot of them. I’ve never been much of a fan of Devon. I’m not a big fan of overly-literal heroes. He’s very much a rain man type of character and I find it hard to connect with him.
Also, if this book isn’t going to have much plot, there should have been way more sex to make up for it. There was hardly any. And I think it’s strange that Kurt has in fact never had penetrative sex on page with her at all. The scene we did get was really hot though, especially the dual blow job. Yas! But with no plot I expected more sex.
Then there’s the accidental pregnancy, which I am not a fan of. And she doesn’t even break the news to them on page! How did they react? I didn’t like this.
Overall I was pretty disappointed in this installment. It didn’t have much plot, hardly enough sex (in my opinion), and Sascha was really annoying in this one. I’ll still read on in the series, but I’m gonna take a little break first before the next set.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 13, 2019This series was great !!!
This series was great! I definitely enjoyed each character no one forgotten. And the cliffhanger were intense. Lucky for me all the books have been published. And yes I want to read more of this group
This series was great! I definitely enjoyed each character no one forgotten. And the cliffhanger were intense. Lucky for me all the books have been published. And yes I want to read more of this group
July 27, 2019
3.5 stars
Stopping here because...RH series should NOT be 9-10 books long. This is the end of the primary storyline.
Stopping here because...RH series should NOT be 9-10 books long. This is the end of the primary storyline.
July 26, 2022
*️⃣
Quintessence 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣
➡️ Review ▶️ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
⏩
The Quintessence Universe
➡️ https://serenaakeroyd.com/my-books/th...
➡️ https://www.goodreads.com/series/2287...
Quintessence 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣➡️ Review ▶️ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
⏩
The Quintessence Universe
➡️ https://serenaakeroyd.com/my-books/th...
➡️ https://www.goodreads.com/series/2287...
April 25, 2018
Sascha's life has been turned upside down. Her parents, her nationality, even her name are different than she believed. With that knowledge comes the answer to who wants to kill her along with a fortune and unwanted infamy. She's thrown for a loop and then some but her men are there every step of the way, supporting, protecting, and loving her. The surprises don't end there, however, as Sascha is given a most unexpected gift, one that should make everyone in the house smile.
Loved By Them is the conclusion to the Quintessence series. I admit that I was disappointed by parts of the book. To be more specific, by one person in the book. I understand that Sascha was stunned by everything but her behavior was not what I expected. Shutting down, binge eating, distancing herself from the guys is not what a self-proclaimed strong female would do. Yes, facts were different than she thought but nothing truly changed except her bank account. Wallowing is not a good look! Then instead of trying to get to know Edward, who was innocent of everything, she was nasty and rude. Finally, she fell back into self-doubt about the relationship and her place with the guys. This struck me as immature; no emotional growth. In or out! She's not the only one risking her heart and reputation. However, she does benefit the most. I'm sure others will have more sympathy for her than I do but this all rubbed me the wrong way. I have no complaints about the guys. They were supportive, sexy, generous. By words and deeds, they proved themselves over and over.
Quintessence was as basic of an RH as one could ask for. Uncomplicated premise, straightforward goal. I would have loved for it to have more depth; at times it felt rushed, but it was an entertaining serial. I loved the geniuses. I felt cheated at the end because I definitely wanted more. It would have been great to spend time in the household without visitors, drama, medical issues. Normal interactions, everyday life is always the best. I do hope that the author revisits this group. A holiday story or maybe an arrival? I would love either.
Loved By Them is the conclusion to the Quintessence series. I admit that I was disappointed by parts of the book. To be more specific, by one person in the book. I understand that Sascha was stunned by everything but her behavior was not what I expected. Shutting down, binge eating, distancing herself from the guys is not what a self-proclaimed strong female would do. Yes, facts were different than she thought but nothing truly changed except her bank account. Wallowing is not a good look! Then instead of trying to get to know Edward, who was innocent of everything, she was nasty and rude. Finally, she fell back into self-doubt about the relationship and her place with the guys. This struck me as immature; no emotional growth. In or out! She's not the only one risking her heart and reputation. However, she does benefit the most. I'm sure others will have more sympathy for her than I do but this all rubbed me the wrong way. I have no complaints about the guys. They were supportive, sexy, generous. By words and deeds, they proved themselves over and over.
Quintessence was as basic of an RH as one could ask for. Uncomplicated premise, straightforward goal. I would have loved for it to have more depth; at times it felt rushed, but it was an entertaining serial. I loved the geniuses. I felt cheated at the end because I definitely wanted more. It would have been great to spend time in the household without visitors, drama, medical issues. Normal interactions, everyday life is always the best. I do hope that the author revisits this group. A holiday story or maybe an arrival? I would love either.
April 24, 2018
SPOILERS :
This was a nice ending to a pretty sweet book. I really enjoyed reading them, I mean what is not to love about it, 1 woman and 5 guys who pretty much dote on her from the beginning. The only thing that started to annoy me a little was the fact that Sascha kept needing the reassurance, that she was it for them.
I loved loved Devon, he really made the book for me, and I love that we got to go into his mind a little and how he processed things. Him needing reassurance that she stayed and wouldn't leave made perfect sense. I also loved the guys dynamic and the slapping balls in face made me laugh out loud.
Why I found it a nice ending and not a great or perfect one was the fact that it ended abruptly, I loved how the went to Russia to meet Andrei's granddad and that all the guys were there when they got back to the hotel room, but the baby issue, it lacked for me, Instead of just Devon's later talk about it, I would have loved to see there reactions and also I would have loved to read about how they raised the child and especially Devon. For me that would have been a perfect ending. I do hope there will be another book as she hinted that she might do a Christmas special if readers where interested, and I hope we get to maybe see some timejumps from baby to toddler and how the guys experienced it.
This was a nice ending to a pretty sweet book. I really enjoyed reading them, I mean what is not to love about it, 1 woman and 5 guys who pretty much dote on her from the beginning. The only thing that started to annoy me a little was the fact that Sascha kept needing the reassurance, that she was it for them.
I loved loved Devon, he really made the book for me, and I love that we got to go into his mind a little and how he processed things. Him needing reassurance that she stayed and wouldn't leave made perfect sense. I also loved the guys dynamic and the slapping balls in face made me laugh out loud.
Why I found it a nice ending and not a great or perfect one was the fact that it ended abruptly, I loved how the went to Russia to meet Andrei's granddad and that all the guys were there when they got back to the hotel room, but the baby issue, it lacked for me, Instead of just Devon's later talk about it, I would have loved to see there reactions and also I would have loved to read about how they raised the child and especially Devon. For me that would have been a perfect ending. I do hope there will be another book as she hinted that she might do a Christmas special if readers where interested, and I hope we get to maybe see some timejumps from baby to toddler and how the guys experienced it.
April 23, 2018
Great series
This was a wonderful read that I highly recommend. The plot was original (something that's becoming a rarity in the RH genre lately) and the characters were likable.
That said, I have a few complaints. While I saw a great deal of character growth with the men, I felt Sascha essentially ended the series in the same mindset as she started. She constantly needed reassurance from the men. Her whole pouting jag really annoyed me in the 4th book. The writing was as timed more tell than show and entire chucks of the text were spent over describing places and things that had little to do with the plot. The writing also felt pretentious at times, though I'll admit that the pretentious air seemed to fit with the men.
I know I have a number of complaints, but did actually enjoy this series. The plot was engaging. I loved the men and their character developments. I really felt like I knew each and every one of them by the end. The sex was hot and was actually part.of the plot, not just use as a gimmick as so many writers have begun to do lately.
Aside from a few critiques I highly recommend this series and I'll be looking for more from this author.
This was a wonderful read that I highly recommend. The plot was original (something that's becoming a rarity in the RH genre lately) and the characters were likable.
That said, I have a few complaints. While I saw a great deal of character growth with the men, I felt Sascha essentially ended the series in the same mindset as she started. She constantly needed reassurance from the men. Her whole pouting jag really annoyed me in the 4th book. The writing was as timed more tell than show and entire chucks of the text were spent over describing places and things that had little to do with the plot. The writing also felt pretentious at times, though I'll admit that the pretentious air seemed to fit with the men.
I know I have a number of complaints, but did actually enjoy this series. The plot was engaging. I loved the men and their character developments. I really felt like I knew each and every one of them by the end. The sex was hot and was actually part.of the plot, not just use as a gimmick as so many writers have begun to do lately.
Aside from a few critiques I highly recommend this series and I'll be looking for more from this author.
April 24, 2021
Book 5 of 5
This was my first series by the author and although I liked it I just found it to be a bit anti-climatic.
All the characters were uniquely different and well written I just didn't understand why the FMC had to be so much younger than the guys; it was referenced in the beginning but then became a complete non-issue, she honestly could have been early 30's and it wouldn't have changed anything. Also Devon, sweet but hapless Devon, at times I felt so sorry for him as it seemed like the other guys, who are supposedly his friends, were laughing at him.
There are a number of big reveals (cliff hangers) that fell a bit flat; they could have shaken things up a bit but I felt they were wasted opportunities to bring real drama and tension.
All in all in was quite a wordy story, the steamy moments were great when they happened but were few and far between; it was actually a lot of sitting around the kitchen, office(s) having discussions and re-hashing things we already knew.
This was my first series by the author and although I liked it I just found it to be a bit anti-climatic.
All the characters were uniquely different and well written I just didn't understand why the FMC had to be so much younger than the guys; it was referenced in the beginning but then became a complete non-issue, she honestly could have been early 30's and it wouldn't have changed anything. Also Devon, sweet but hapless Devon, at times I felt so sorry for him as it seemed like the other guys, who are supposedly his friends, were laughing at him.
There are a number of big reveals (cliff hangers) that fell a bit flat; they could have shaken things up a bit but I felt they were wasted opportunities to bring real drama and tension.
All in all in was quite a wordy story, the steamy moments were great when they happened but were few and far between; it was actually a lot of sitting around the kitchen, office(s) having discussions and re-hashing things we already knew.
April 24, 2018
2.75 Stars
I had to finish this series as to see how it turned out. I am not one to quit even though I feel these books have been somewhat mediocre. I feel that this story over the course could have been better, it has so much potential, but I feel like something was missing in a way.
I loved all the men, especially Devon and I really liked how Serena saved him for last. Devon is just really special, so special in a way that he tugs at your heart to love him so much.
I really wanted Sascha to have more of a backbone against the men of the house, fight a little more, but it never happened. Also, the story just ended when she revealed the big news. With all their quirks, and the news, I would have loved to see another book or at least a couple more chapters pertaining to this new development. That would have made for interesting material to read.
I had to finish this series as to see how it turned out. I am not one to quit even though I feel these books have been somewhat mediocre. I feel that this story over the course could have been better, it has so much potential, but I feel like something was missing in a way.
I loved all the men, especially Devon and I really liked how Serena saved him for last. Devon is just really special, so special in a way that he tugs at your heart to love him so much.
I really wanted Sascha to have more of a backbone against the men of the house, fight a little more, but it never happened. Also, the story just ended when she revealed the big news. With all their quirks, and the news, I would have loved to see another book or at least a couple more chapters pertaining to this new development. That would have made for interesting material to read.
July 3, 2018
Review for the whole series. I liked it! It was a solid contemporary reverse harem romance. However, this genre is HARD. So hard to pull off. And while I liked all the boys it didn't quite there. Some of the plot twists were too much of a coincidence to be believable. Not all the boys had equal import or time in the story (Kurt gets the shaft a bit here). Plot points didn't tie together in a satisfying way sometimes or things got repeated a lot. Yes... we know Sean's office is the place you all meet. Yes... we know Sean is the de facto leader of the group. I read these straight through so I felt like I was being reminded of things too often, something that the serial format suffers from.
So... I'll give it a 3.5 rounded down and look forward to more from this writer.
So... I'll give it a 3.5 rounded down and look forward to more from this writer.
November 9, 2018
Wow! What a series!
I really enjoyed this read. For those who find technical errors annoying, I didn't notice many. Some formatting issues with paragraph starts are really all that come to mind. Character development is fantastic. I feel like I know each of them so well. The MC's story ia very well told, and I was actually surprised by a lot of the twists and turns. Story is told 3rd person but as if they are in the mind of our MC and occasionally shifting to one of the men (different man per book). Obviously RH. There is a lot of dark history in these guys but I love how their pasts flesh them out. I didn't sit down today with the intention of reading all 5 installations but I couldn't stop!
I really enjoyed this read. For those who find technical errors annoying, I didn't notice many. Some formatting issues with paragraph starts are really all that come to mind. Character development is fantastic. I feel like I know each of them so well. The MC's story ia very well told, and I was actually surprised by a lot of the twists and turns. Story is told 3rd person but as if they are in the mind of our MC and occasionally shifting to one of the men (different man per book). Obviously RH. There is a lot of dark history in these guys but I love how their pasts flesh them out. I didn't sit down today with the intention of reading all 5 installations but I couldn't stop!
October 3, 2018
I mean the series wasn’t....bad....but.... was not wonderful either. While a couple of the guys were refreshing (Devon for sure) the others were meh. Grammatical errors were a minimum which was nice. For a modern RH it was good, overall though I felt there just wasn’t much to it. No real substance or anything.
I don’t know, maybe it was just me. All I can say is I’d read a different series from this author, because she has serious potential. I just didn’t feel this particular series for some reason. Another plus, so far she’s the only author who’s done a modern RH that I’ve actually finished.
I don’t know, maybe it was just me. All I can say is I’d read a different series from this author, because she has serious potential. I just didn’t feel this particular series for some reason. Another plus, so far she’s the only author who’s done a modern RH that I’ve actually finished.
April 12, 2018
A fantastic finish to the series
This book is a great finish to the series, the editing is great, the mysteries and relationships are all wrapped up great, and there are no lingering plot holes or unanswered questions left. There are some steamy sex scenes and a some funny and realistic scenes too. My favorite is how realistic the author was about what happens when you've sunk into a three day depression veg on the couch (yes you do stink, lol). This book is awesome if you haven't started them yet plan to binge them all and stay up late into the night.
This book is a great finish to the series, the editing is great, the mysteries and relationships are all wrapped up great, and there are no lingering plot holes or unanswered questions left. There are some steamy sex scenes and a some funny and realistic scenes too. My favorite is how realistic the author was about what happens when you've sunk into a three day depression veg on the couch (yes you do stink, lol). This book is awesome if you haven't started them yet plan to binge them all and stay up late into the night.
June 3, 2018
Disappointed. SPOILERS
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! It goes into details for all characters and just everything was perfect. BUT.... you don't get into the guys reactions to finding out about the baby after the character waiting days to tell the guys!!!! Soooooooooo disappointed! It was just a let down. No proposal or epilogue with that in there. At least have a glance into the future!! After having all the trouble they had and not have reactions from all the guys to a pregnancy that WILL tie them together for eternity and take away the doubt of her possibly leaving. Ugh!
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! It goes into details for all characters and just everything was perfect. BUT.... you don't get into the guys reactions to finding out about the baby after the character waiting days to tell the guys!!!! Soooooooooo disappointed! It was just a let down. No proposal or epilogue with that in there. At least have a glance into the future!! After having all the trouble they had and not have reactions from all the guys to a pregnancy that WILL tie them together for eternity and take away the doubt of her possibly leaving. Ugh!
July 26, 2018
I was waiting for another book by Ms. Akeroyd to come out so I decided to try this series! I’m so glad I did! I finished all 5 books in a matter of days.
This was a wonderful series and I loved the way all the guys treated Sascha. Each man had individual ways of showing her he loved her. I don’t think I have a favorite, they were all so wonderful, but I don’t think I’d have the patience or humor to deal with Devon every day.
After all the cliffhangers in the other books, I’m so glad Sascha and the guys got their HEA!
This was a wonderful series and I loved the way all the guys treated Sascha. Each man had individual ways of showing her he loved her. I don’t think I have a favorite, they were all so wonderful, but I don’t think I’d have the patience or humor to deal with Devon every day.
After all the cliffhangers in the other books, I’m so glad Sascha and the guys got their HEA!
May 7, 2019
So much love
Aww I'm so happy and pleased with how The first half of The series panned out. I'm glad it didn't end on a cliffhanger and I'm looking forward to seeing how they continue their relationship and how dynamics may change. I would have loved more of the guys pov at the end but I'm hoping that will come in the sequel. It was nice though hearing how accepting Devon was and how it eased his worries. I have a special place in my heart for Devon that's just something about him that makes you want to protect him.
Aww I'm so happy and pleased with how The first half of The series panned out. I'm glad it didn't end on a cliffhanger and I'm looking forward to seeing how they continue their relationship and how dynamics may change. I would have loved more of the guys pov at the end but I'm hoping that will come in the sequel. It was nice though hearing how accepting Devon was and how it eased his worries. I have a special place in my heart for Devon that's just something about him that makes you want to protect him.
January 5, 2024
I am so attached to this series.
And unfortunately, this book had the same narrative noise as one before... Where it seemed like too many narratives were firing off at once, so it was hard to follow whose inner thought process we were supposed to be listening too.
I still love the series however and I am going to read the suggested reading order... So apparently there is something about a veronica next? Who knows but, I hope the little surprise that Devon already loves so much will be safe... If you know, you know... Off to read the spinoff!
And unfortunately, this book had the same narrative noise as one before... Where it seemed like too many narratives were firing off at once, so it was hard to follow whose inner thought process we were supposed to be listening too.
I still love the series however and I am going to read the suggested reading order... So apparently there is something about a veronica next? Who knows but, I hope the little surprise that Devon already loves so much will be safe... If you know, you know... Off to read the spinoff!
April 15, 2018
Loved them all!
Well written, character driven, happily ever after (in book 5 anyhow! Lol) beautiful romance. Although not a normal situation, Ms. Akeroyd made me feel as if I knew all the characters involved, and because of that, I totally got it.
The unexpected humor in the books had me laughing out loud! And there were places where I cried. Gotta love books that generate emotions! Great Job.
I totally recommend this serial!
Well written, character driven, happily ever after (in book 5 anyhow! Lol) beautiful romance. Although not a normal situation, Ms. Akeroyd made me feel as if I knew all the characters involved, and because of that, I totally got it.
The unexpected humor in the books had me laughing out loud! And there were places where I cried. Gotta love books that generate emotions! Great Job.
I totally recommend this serial!
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