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Quintessence #1-5

Quintessence

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Sascha Dubois is in trouble ...

She's a housekeeper whose new clients have given her the most scandalous of propositions, and the trouble is, she badly wants to say.... YES

In fact, she's never wanted to say 'yes' more to anything in her life. The temptation Devon, Sawyer, Andrei, Kurt, and Sean present create a craving so strong, Sascha simply can't resist.

She's charmed by them, healed by them, worshipped and protected by them, but will she ever be... LOVED BY THEM?

Note: This novel contains the five books previously published in the Quintessence series.

718 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2018

1541 people are currently reading
1798 people want to read

About the author

Serena Akeroyd

154 books6,241 followers
USA 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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5 stars
1,077 (44%)
4 stars
707 (29%)
3 stars
430 (17%)
2 stars
135 (5%)
1 star
52 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
Profile Image for beth m.
873 reviews
March 7, 2020
Spoiler alert

I need to write in the spoilers to justify my rating. This book was a unique spin that I won’t try to hate on very much.

I wasn’t a fan for how old the men were. If I remember Devon was like 38 the rest were 40s. And then of course they were all 6ft plus, toned and muscular as f bodies, super mega rich, super gifted, large ds, famous -and all conveniently under one roof and all in on the sharing thing. Then of course her nubile self was 26-29 I couldn’t recall, curvy body goddess (although that bit at discussing her boobs as pendulums in one scene was weird and a bit gross). And it just seemed meh. Like cool, you went with a different spin but make the female at least 30s. Or the men in their 30s or late 30s, forty just seems so old to a twenty something. Or make one of them forties. Idk. Then one of them is described as rain man. And I’m sure the author meant the mannerisms but throughout this book it keeps getting brought up that he’s like rain man. she makes him sound super special and that he needs a keeper instead of making him unique but also someone you wouldn’t feel guilty banging because they might not mentally be there and could be some kind of take advantage lawsuit because you went after a special needs person. Idk kinda gross and weird. I wish maybe she meant the character was a lot like Sheldon from Big Bang. As weird as he is, it makes it a little more palatable.

This book was wordy, and not even a good steam wordy but a tell and retell the same plot over and over just tweaking the words. I don’t know how many times we had to rehash some of the same freaking topics and scenarios, especially how many times we had to revisit her concussion and how she got it, was soooo annoying. We all understood why her head hurts why do we have to hear about the why aspect of it over and over and over. Spare me Jesus.

Also this book had steam but it was lackluster and for having such a knack for annoyingly making things wordy and descriptive I didn’t think she did a good job describing the scenes in fact at some points it was a little confusing. I needed more steam and Less hearing how horny she was.

Then there were points in the book you could tell she meant them to be climax points (the baby, the ex, telling her dad her living situation, her adopted status, her injury) and they weren’t your typical “holy crap I need popcorn to keep reading revelations” it was like “oh hey” and then it fell flat. No depth and plot turns just blah.

I will say that at least she made each guy stand out so it was easier to follow. I would have appreciated hat if I was hearing the guy perspective it would’ve started that section with which guys’ head I’m in instead of guessing and wading through.

This was a different book but didn’t give enough about the guys, steam, and even the woman herself l, top that with grammatical errors and this book needs a rewrite.
114 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2019
Sasha

Sasha has had a rough break so far in London, but its starting to look up now that she has a new job.. but did I mention she has 5 stunning handsome bosses. One's that she are drawn to like a moth to a flame. Whatever shall she do?!? Will she cross that line and become more then a home keeper. I mean shes running the household already. Sean, Kurt, Andrei, Sawyer, and Devon are geniuses at the top of their fields. Will Sasha fit into the household as well as she thinks or will the past come back and bit her in the butt. Well I'll guess you'll just have to see. I mean it's a great book, and I'm totally in love with Sasha and her men 🥰
Profile Image for Meka Weaver.
661 reviews14 followers
December 29, 2019
Fantastic just wow

I loved this book. Sascha was an amazing FMC. She was spunky, snarky and completely real. From the start she was one of my favorite FMC! She has alot thrown her way in a short time. But everything just makes her stronger. The guys....Devon, Sawyer. Andrei, Sean and Kurt are all completely perfectly flawed. But together they are fierce.. I loved the growth of not just the relationship but each person too! That's when you know it's a great story when you are so invested in the story you feel like you know these people and are strongly rooting for the small things as well. This story has everything you good want drama, murder plots, romance, heat and really lovely plot. I highly recommend
Profile Image for Katie.
814 reviews16 followers
April 21, 2020
So much love

I adore this series and I'm so excited that I got to read them all together in a collection! Sascha is such a beautiful character and I LOVE the men!! I can't wait to read the next one!!
Profile Image for Wendy Emelianoff.
90 reviews
January 18, 2020
Love that defies modern rules

I loved how the characters had depth to them, their fears and hopes making your heart ache for them. The struggles as she worked her way to loving 5 different men. Men struggling to overcome their fear of loosing her.
It was a compelling story as I read the whole series in a week. Could not put it down.
Profile Image for Brandy Dorsch.
Author 16 books135 followers
December 18, 2019
Love this series

This is one of my favorite series of all time. You can't help but fall in love with all of these men.
301 reviews62 followers
December 18, 2019
Amazing

I love this series so much! To see how their relationships grow over these books is a amazing! Can’t wait to see what the future holds
Profile Image for Christine Greenfield.
52 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2020
Hot and sexy!

I so love Sascha and her five sexy brilliant men! The characters and their stories draw you in hold you tight! This story is hot, sexy and intriguing! Can't wait to read the rest of their take 💗
Profile Image for Rebecca Sebo.
17 reviews
January 22, 2020
Great series!

I've read a lot of reverse harem books but this has been one of the best! It had everything I look for in a series !! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Cynthia Mejia.
328 reviews61 followers
January 3, 2020
This is one of the sexiest books I’ve ever read! First, it was such a good story. Sascha and her men are so incredible. Getting to watch them meet and fall in love was so fantastically done. The characters were developed beautifully and their relationships were so natural and fun. Second, there was such a great subplot to this story. A little mystery and danger surrounding the sexy and sultry love story just made this experience so decadent. The pace was wonderful. Never a chance to get bored. And so rich in its descriptions and characterizations. Even from the beginning, each character was so well developed you could just imagine them in front of you. And the love scenes!!! Oh my!!! They were so hot! I loved every second of this collection. Serena Akeroyd is a masterful storyteller! Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Jacqueline (on brand).
753 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2019
I am a glutton for contemporary RH and this collection of the 1st part of the Quintessence Series had me nonstop reading even when I was supposed to be working! (Shhh don't tell my boss) and I may have stayed up way past midnight.

Choosing a favorite Male Lead in this series is so hard, Serena literally gave almost all my fantasies in each of the guys. In most series, I typically lean towards favoring one Male Lead over another but that is not the case here.

If you love contemporary romance with passion and some suspense that Read this collection! You will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Elise Hargreaves.
687 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2020
A must read for any RH fans!

I feel as though I have been reading this book forever; it was definitely lengthy but more importantly, Serena Akeroyd just had a way of drawing you into the story and trapping you there. This was definitely a RH book with a more serious tone to it but was written with such feeling, it was hard not to feel the connection between each character. Can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Kim.
766 reviews1,893 followers
April 12, 2020
3 stars, 4 maybe? I enjoyed the story, and it was pretty hot at times. The entire “relationship” is a bit ridiculous of course but if you keep in mind what you’re reading and are willing to overlook that part (or at least accept it in some way) then it’s actually not bad at all.
457 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2020


Hers to Keep is a omnibus collection of the first five books in the Quintessence series, a contemporary reverse harem romance.
Sascha is an American living in London. She is hired on as a housekeeper for a houseful of genius men. The men have all been good friends since they met at Oxford, and have (mostly) lives together since then. Turns out, their lives are so woven together that they prefer to not only share the one home, but one partner as well.
I love that the heroes are all late 30s to early 40s. It’s a nice take on the RH romance hero. They are all super successful in their fields. They are the finest examples of hot nerds, and I am here for it.
Sascha is independent and headstrong. Even after she establishes relationships with the men, she refuses to be a “kept” woman. I love that she knows who she is and what she wants, though of course it leads to a bit of drama in the story. Great beginning of this series, and it leaves you wanting to see more of these characters and their journey
Profile Image for Miftahul.
376 reviews206 followers
December 11, 2020
742 pages, 3 days to read, finally dnf at 75%. Huh! This js a age gap reverse harem book where the heroine Sascha is a housekeeper and then falls for her 5 boss but throughout their journey many secrets reveal about her life. Idk how to feel about this book, it was pretty boring and + there is 0 chemistry between Sascha and her harem which adds more to the torture. I kept reading it till 75% cuz the writing style was amazing but other than that it was boring. I mean there is literally no, NO chemistry and idk how in a book, especially reverse harem there is no chemistry between heroine and atleast one of the dude. Its a 700 page book and they started dating from like chapter 3, i mean could they have gone any slower? 🙄 the guys are in their 40s and they are so desperate for a girl it was creepy. I love age gap books and here Sascha is 27 but the relationship between her and the guys are just weird cuz she has to take care of them as if they are babies. I thought i might like this book but it was boring af
26 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2020
Awe Inspiring

I read this entire series when it was first published under a different name. This book is what started my love of the Reverse Harem genre. You can't help but fall in love with the characters and you can't help but live vicariously through Sascha!
I don't often reread books, but I loved this story so much that I just couldn't stop myself. I was just as captivated this time as I was the first time around.
The amount of research and effort that Serena puts into her work makes it completely Awe Inspiring!
This whole series is 100% a MUST READ!!!
Profile Image for Kerry Ann Mullan.
5 reviews
December 29, 2019
Beautiful story-WOW

This isn’t my first time reading these books and it won’t be the last.
This author has a way of writing her leading ladies as strong, sassy, and relatable all at once. I’ve fallen in love with each character and their relationships with each other. They all have such a close bond and you can really see how strong it is when they meet twists in the story. Can’t recommend these books enough.
1,016 reviews
January 9, 2020
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. It is absolutely one of my favorite contemporary RH stories. Sascha has no idea how her life will change when she decides to become the housekeeper for five absolutely delicious men. The love they feel for each other is absolute. There are definitely some challenges along the way. Sascha finds out some huge information about her life and her family. Each of the guys is so different but you can't help but love them all.
Profile Image for Andrea Gorrie.
256 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2019
All the Feels

I’m in love with Sascha, Devon, Sean, Sawyer, Andrei and Kurt. From the first chapter I was sucked into their world. Each of the men and their quirks and kinks. Sascha with her retro vibe and acceptance. This has been so well written, each of the characters fully developed it was easy to picture them all in my head. This would be my perfect reverse harem of men.
Profile Image for Laura.
122 reviews
January 6, 2020
A great contemporary rh

Sascha is such a fun character and is so accepting of all the guys strange quirks. The guys are all successful men in their chosen fields which are a wide variety. I have to admit definitely have a soft spot for Devon but who doesn't?
Once again Serena gives us a great book. This book is the first part of the quintessence series all in one place
Profile Image for Marie Biswell.
46 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2020
This was surprisingly an awesome read, I really loved it and will be reading it again one day soon.
Loved the main character Sascha and her 5 guys.
Loved the twists, the turns and the by-play between all the characters too.
29 reviews
January 7, 2020
Don't expect to sleep...

I honestly couldn't put this series down and had to be pried away from my kindle. I laughed, I giggled, I felt silly happy feeling and I even cried. I don't think any book or series has truly given me call the feels this one has in years.
Profile Image for BOOKLOVER_81.
2,330 reviews86 followers
October 27, 2023
God, this book is wordy 😭😵‍💫 I can't believe how uninteresting this book is. 😳

Sascha (lead character) is just annoying how she talks.. and the guys are just weird 😕 I really, really tired to like this one, but cringed throughout.
Profile Image for Diana.
691 reviews166 followers
July 3, 2021
KU READ

Lovely contemporary Reverse Harem! Serena has me hooked with her books. This is different from what I've read by her thus far. I instantly connected with all characters. I can remember them all LOLOL. I loved their chemistry. It was adorable and quirky, but you are fooled if you think Serena can't make it steamy in an instant. The age gap played a part, but smh the woman behaved more maturely than the men! Loved it. The men cherish her. It was certainly a good decision to read this series although it is very LONG. I care about the characters and I need to know what happens to them!
Profile Image for Abby Huehl.
147 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2020
Why did I wait to read this?

I really have to ask myself what I was thinking waiting to read these books!? This box set encompasses the first 5 books and I have to say the only thing good about waiting to read them is I don't have to wait for more! And the new covers, melt my kindle they are sizzling 🔥❤ beautiful, sexy and a perfect fit for what's underneath 🔥🔥

Five geniuses, one woman, I can't express how much of a turn on intelligence is except Sascha Dubois is living my dream life. Being an American in London who's looking for a new job and landing in one of the best parts of city for a job interview as housekeeper for not one but five geniuses, what's a girl to do? She parks her Caddie and sets their world on fire is what she does! Sascha's sexy retro appearance gets their attention but it's her own intelligence and personality that win her the job. But it's not long before sparks fly between her and her employers.

RH it is but these books aren't just about five men sleeping with one woman. Don't get me wrong, the smexy times are award winning. These men are possessive, alpha, hot as f*ck, and love a woman with curves and definately demonstrate all of that, but there is so much more to their world. Over the course of these books Serena Akeroyd builds a dynamic and complex world with twists I didn't expect. For starters, the men have created their own family. They are a unit and it works best that way. However they are still looking for their missing piece. Previous women have stepped up for that role, but none have ever stayed. Is Sascha their missing puzzle piece? Will she be able to last?

I love how Serena writes. Hers to Keep demonstrates how a relationship like this comes to pass and what it takes to make something like this work. Relationships in general are difficult but an RH relationship take something extra. Prepare for more than just sex, prepare for something complex and beautiful. Sascha is definately Charmed By Them, Healed By Them, Worshipped By Them, Protected By Them, and Loved By Them. But they are Hers to Keep! ❤❤

I highly recommend not waiting to read this and getting to it now!
Profile Image for D.L. Howe.
Author 25 books604 followers
August 8, 2020
Overall very entertaining, I enjoyed getting to know the cast. Hopefully the future storyline will give us more Sean and Kurt because I didn’t get a real feel for their characters.

They keep saying devon is bipolar and that may be the case. But it seems to me he’s high functioning autistic, asbergers at the very least. His honesty is refreshing

The sex with Andrei was very perfunctory, I would’ve expected that more with Devon. I’m not getting a clear sense of any one personality so far. Except for Devon obviously. Sawyer stands out some, I love a grumpy but affectionate man. Sawyer is definitely my favorite. (But as the story progresses the same can be said about Andrei)

Devons poor mother, talk about heartbreaking

The intrigue is pretty good.

Andrei is officially my 2nd favorite. Wooh boy, I’d like to be in a Sawyer/Andrei sandwich.

Man, they all have their moments don’t they? I honestly didn’t think Devon would, but it adds a lovely dimension to his wackiness.

Alright so Devon wasn’t my favorite but as the story progresses I will say he’s growing on me. I think that’s due to him also growing emotionally.

Sawyers mom is a delight.
114 reviews
December 28, 2019
Absolutely Amazing

This is by far one of the best contemporary RH stories I’ve ever read. Sascha won me over immediately. I adore her spunky, fiery personality. And the guys?? They’re spectacular! I love how they’re all easy to differentiate with their unique personalities and preferences. Another plus is their story has no problem keeping your attention the whole time! You never know what’s going to come next!
Profile Image for Calinka.
251 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2020
A big ball of meh.

I wanted a fun, steamy read. What I got was a stilted, wordy and completely no chemistry type of read. Couldn’t connect with any of the characters, didn’t get drawn into the story. It was honestly a lot of hard work reading this book.
Profile Image for Catherine Wilson.
189 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2019
Fantastic!

I absolutely love Sascha and her men. Makes me want to run right out and apply for a housekeeper position in England! LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK!!
66 reviews
January 2, 2020
Amazing!!

Oh my god loved every minute of this book!! I love all the guys! Couldn’t pick a favorite one if you forced me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews

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