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Biomystic Security #2
Magical Temptations
Dr. Laila Porter has successfully kept Cyril Shanton alive. Now it's time to learn that when a dragon wants something, they get it, and Shanton wants Laila. The dragon has uncovered an old cave system, and he needs Laila's expertise to get through the dangerous traps safely because he wants what the traps protect. With time running out, Laila, Davies, Rhett, and Venni have to traipse through the dangerous tunnels with Shanton and his team. While trying to stay alive, Laila learns about her origins, about who she is, and where she came from. She's gone over a million different scenarios of her past, but none of them comes close to the truth. The guys will have to prove to Laila that they're with her, no matter what, and no matter who her ancestors are.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2018
269 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 5, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
Identification: Dr. Laila Porter
Age: 19
Profession: Labbie at Biomystic Security
Mission: Help one of the last existing dragon gets his hands on an artifact
Non Official Identity: Dr. Indiana Laila Jones
So far, each book could be read as a different level for a video game, or maybe a combination of Mission Impossible and Tomb Raider movies. The books are really slow burn, as they each follow the current mission, but really entertaining even though the riddles are always cracked by sheer power. Dr. Laila Porter is ridiculously overpowered, her men are having hard times protecting her.
I really wonder what the next book has in store for me.
Identification: Dr. Laila Porter
Age: 19
Profession: Labbie at Biomystic Security
Mission: Help one of the last existing dragon gets his hands on an artifact
Non Official Identity: Dr. Indiana Laila Jones
So far, each book could be read as a different level for a video game, or maybe a combination of Mission Impossible and Tomb Raider movies. The books are really slow burn, as they each follow the current mission, but really entertaining even though the riddles are always cracked by sheer power. Dr. Laila Porter is ridiculously overpowered, her men are having hard times protecting her.
I really wonder what the next book has in store for me.
September 1, 2025
I like everything about the series. And Jaliza A. Burwell writes great books.
September 20, 2019
Ok first of all the is a 2.5 for me, but we can't do half stars and I just couldn't give it a three. Burwell has such a good idea with this series but it was incredibly disappointing to see her jam square peg scenes into the round hole story without stopping to see if it made any sense. Everything from here on is a spoiler.
First you have the FMC being sent out into the field on an assignment, but it is totally normal for a scientist who only does lab work to have to do field work and then act like it is her butt to the client and this is just the same old same old b.s. you put up with from clients. That made no sense. There should have been more push back from her and her boss/guys. The dragon should have showed up insisting she was there (because they did need her) her boss said no, the boss and the guys start arguing with the dragon and then the FMC taking the job to keep the piece.
Second even if they needed her for her abilities ir made zero sense that she, with literally no field experience, was put in charge to lead the expedition. She should not have been the one calling the shots and running the show. Also, if you are going on a spelunking expedition you wear specialized clothing and equipment not your old gross clothes because you "might" get dirty. While we are on the whole spelunking portion of this 1) continuity matters. If she sets down her bag and then teleport out of a room without picking it back up she can't just have the bag again, and 2) you have to make sure the story makes sense. If they are charging through to catch someone who can't be more than a few hours ahead they are sure stopping to rest a LOY, and if it is almost impossible for this TEAM od elite persons to make it to the final prize you have to explain how a team of two made it and how the single guy thought he was going to be able to get back out again.
Three, there was absolutely no reason the FMC to remain at the camp when they were back out. Their contracted job was over. She was free to go. She shouldn't have just caved and said I'll be there. This was a missed opportunity for her to say no, storm off towards her tent, and then have a touching, vulnerable moment with the dragon where he tells her someone he cares about has been cursed and he needs this fair to have it lifted.
Fourth, you have got to be kidding me, an elf was on sight to make them all formal clothes so they can go out dress in gowns with heels and suits in the middle.of the forest and out of no where be like yeah we talked and we all want to date you, it's cool right? Oh and let's go skinny dipping now. That is one of the worst harem creation scenes I have read, and I've read a lot. It was so out of place in the story both with the formal dinner in the middle.of the woods and that the FMC was barely just thinking of these guys as friends but now she is claiming them for life? Come on!
Fifth, and then there are children living at this TEMPORARY encampment to recover an arecholcial artifact that is also a weapon of mass destruct who wouldn't bring their kid to that! Oh wait, literally everyone. It was just dropped in so FMC could have her speech about innocent people getting caught in the middle of two sides fighting. You can't just drop things into a story where they have no place.being to make a scene you want to have happen happen. At least set it uo that the native tribe was all with you and mention seeing the children and moms BEFORE they go underground spelunking so that you don't have this forced awkward scene.
I really enjoyed the first book and the first half of this book was ok but the second half just really wasn't professionally done and needs some serious reworking.
First you have the FMC being sent out into the field on an assignment, but it is totally normal for a scientist who only does lab work to have to do field work and then act like it is her butt to the client and this is just the same old same old b.s. you put up with from clients. That made no sense. There should have been more push back from her and her boss/guys. The dragon should have showed up insisting she was there (because they did need her) her boss said no, the boss and the guys start arguing with the dragon and then the FMC taking the job to keep the piece.
Second even if they needed her for her abilities ir made zero sense that she, with literally no field experience, was put in charge to lead the expedition. She should not have been the one calling the shots and running the show. Also, if you are going on a spelunking expedition you wear specialized clothing and equipment not your old gross clothes because you "might" get dirty. While we are on the whole spelunking portion of this 1) continuity matters. If she sets down her bag and then teleport out of a room without picking it back up she can't just have the bag again, and 2) you have to make sure the story makes sense. If they are charging through to catch someone who can't be more than a few hours ahead they are sure stopping to rest a LOY, and if it is almost impossible for this TEAM od elite persons to make it to the final prize you have to explain how a team of two made it and how the single guy thought he was going to be able to get back out again.
Three, there was absolutely no reason the FMC to remain at the camp when they were back out. Their contracted job was over. She was free to go. She shouldn't have just caved and said I'll be there. This was a missed opportunity for her to say no, storm off towards her tent, and then have a touching, vulnerable moment with the dragon where he tells her someone he cares about has been cursed and he needs this fair to have it lifted.
Fourth, you have got to be kidding me, an elf was on sight to make them all formal clothes so they can go out dress in gowns with heels and suits in the middle.of the forest and out of no where be like yeah we talked and we all want to date you, it's cool right? Oh and let's go skinny dipping now. That is one of the worst harem creation scenes I have read, and I've read a lot. It was so out of place in the story both with the formal dinner in the middle.of the woods and that the FMC was barely just thinking of these guys as friends but now she is claiming them for life? Come on!
Fifth, and then there are children living at this TEMPORARY encampment to recover an arecholcial artifact that is also a weapon of mass destruct who wouldn't bring their kid to that! Oh wait, literally everyone. It was just dropped in so FMC could have her speech about innocent people getting caught in the middle of two sides fighting. You can't just drop things into a story where they have no place.being to make a scene you want to have happen happen. At least set it uo that the native tribe was all with you and mention seeing the children and moms BEFORE they go underground spelunking so that you don't have this forced awkward scene.
I really enjoyed the first book and the first half of this book was ok but the second half just really wasn't professionally done and needs some serious reworking.
January 17, 2024
I think this is gonna be a thing - a new "mission" for each book. Once again a little drawn out, and maybe a little too many repetitions, but not enough to make it annoying. I'm honestly not thrilled about Cyril, I don't think he deserves her, but I really hope the author doesn't make it too easy for him. The best thing about the book is still Laila, and I can't wait to follow her with all the new changes going on.
January 26, 2020
Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed with this one for a number of reasons:
1. No world-building. We keep getting drips and drabs of information that let us know the characters are living in a completely different world - the West hasn't been settled; hell, America is barely settled; this Chaos war, etc. - but the amount of knowledge we have about the world they live in fills a thimble. I just cannot picture this world, because I haven't been given enough information to understand it.
2. The creation of the harem comes completely out of nowhere. So the first book starts with Laila basically perving on every man she meets, and it is clear that they each find her attractive as well. The author is also clearly trying to make Laila a sex-positive character, because she is all about getting what she needs when she needs it in one-night stands and not feeling guilty about it (and good for her), but then is weirdly dancing around any intimacy with people Laila is attracted towards. The author explains it through fear of emotional intimacy, but then, of course, there is one conversation about dating five men, and suddenly Laila is over those fears and she's all in. What? It just doesn't make sense. This acceptance, of course, is conveniently precipitated by a conversation with the woman in the caves who tells Laila that she should date multiple men just to set the stage for her acceptance.
3. There is a lack of explanation of events that occur in this book. Lots of plot threads just left dangling.
4. The 'date' they go on while in the forest is absolutely ridiculous. They are in the wild, which they already know is dangerous. So, of course, they get dressed in fancy clothes and decide to have a picnic in the middle of the wild forest. Oh, and then go skinny dipping without knowing what may be in the water. Brilliant.
5. As another reviewer mentioned, this is a dangerous excavation.
6. Again, lack of resolution.
7. How incredibly pretentious is Laila that she always has to introduce herself as Dr. Laila Porter? It is so unlikable that she is constantly shoving that in people's faces. Most of the time, people with doctorates aren't actually going around doing that, especially in situations where their credentials are already known and obvious.
8. The same poor spelling, grammar, and proofing from the first book is present in this one as well.
I'm going to stop there. It's too bad, because I think the premise is cool - I like the idea of a badass female scientist working for a security firm and making the world a safer place, but I don't think this series is for me.
1. No world-building. We keep getting drips and drabs of information that let us know the characters are living in a completely different world - the West hasn't been settled; hell, America is barely settled; this Chaos war, etc. - but the amount of knowledge we have about the world they live in fills a thimble. I just cannot picture this world, because I haven't been given enough information to understand it.
2. The creation of the harem comes completely out of nowhere. So the first book starts with Laila basically perving on every man she meets, and it is clear that they each find her attractive as well. The author is also clearly trying to make Laila a sex-positive character, because she is all about getting what she needs when she needs it in one-night stands and not feeling guilty about it (and good for her), but then is weirdly dancing around any intimacy with people Laila is attracted towards. The author explains it through fear of emotional intimacy, but then, of course, there is one conversation about dating five men, and suddenly Laila is over those fears and she's all in. What? It just doesn't make sense. This acceptance, of course, is conveniently precipitated by a conversation with the woman in the caves who tells Laila that she should date multiple men just to set the stage for her acceptance.
3. There is a lack of explanation of events that occur in this book. Lots of plot threads just left dangling.
4. The 'date' they go on while in the forest is absolutely ridiculous. They are in the wild, which they already know is dangerous. So, of course, they get dressed in fancy clothes and decide to have a picnic in the middle of the wild forest. Oh, and then go skinny dipping without knowing what may be in the water. Brilliant.
5. As another reviewer mentioned, this is a dangerous excavation.
6. Again, lack of resolution.
7. How incredibly pretentious is Laila that she always has to introduce herself as Dr. Laila Porter? It is so unlikable that she is constantly shoving that in people's faces. Most of the time, people with doctorates aren't actually going around doing that, especially in situations where their credentials are already known and obvious.
8. The same poor spelling, grammar, and proofing from the first book is present in this one as well.
I'm going to stop there. It's too bad, because I think the premise is cool - I like the idea of a badass female scientist working for a security firm and making the world a safer place, but I don't think this series is for me.
January 9, 2019
Magically Delicious Wow!
Damn, I'm so sucked into learning more about Laila and the guys, her past, all the connections...the possibilities are endless with this series! I loved how masterfully the author wove this complex story and such layered characters! This world these characters inhabit has so much potential for so many plots and subplots. The chemistry sizzles between Laila and her potential love interests, but they aren't the central focus of the story thus far. Yes, they are the nucleus, but the author artfully weaves a fantastical world around them that you get lost in the story, lose yourself in the pages. I grew and learned along with the characters and though there are no cliffhangers per se, there is still so much to discover, so much more to see with the relationships, as well! I'm not looking forward to waiting to continue this awesome series, but I definitely know it is worth the agonizing wait! 😉
Damn, I'm so sucked into learning more about Laila and the guys, her past, all the connections...the possibilities are endless with this series! I loved how masterfully the author wove this complex story and such layered characters! This world these characters inhabit has so much potential for so many plots and subplots. The chemistry sizzles between Laila and her potential love interests, but they aren't the central focus of the story thus far. Yes, they are the nucleus, but the author artfully weaves a fantastical world around them that you get lost in the story, lose yourself in the pages. I grew and learned along with the characters and though there are no cliffhangers per se, there is still so much to discover, so much more to see with the relationships, as well! I'm not looking forward to waiting to continue this awesome series, but I definitely know it is worth the agonizing wait! 😉
December 9, 2018
Again, interesting premise and some good world building, but typos and overused words detracted. Also, as far as romance goes it really only pops up at the conclusion and was just too much. 6 or 7 dudes is just ridiculous and felt shoehorned in.
May 5, 2020
I read this entire 5-volume series during the pandemic/quarantine of 2020 (still going on, at this review's writing, May, 2020) Since I don't read a lot these days, and almost never finish a book, much a series, I wish I could say my perseverance was due to great writing, characters or plot.... But, no. Mostly, curiosity and boredom.
Since this is the final book of this author's first series, and she is young, I will be gentle. BUT, there are numerous editing/proofreading/formatting problems with this and every volume in this series. Plus, it's not actually a "series," by my definition. The entire series, with the exception of the final Epilogue, takes place within one calendar year. That makes it a stand-alone novel, IMO, and it should have been published that way.
She also added a Volume 2.5, which I did read, and that was even shorter than the others and just as mediocre. Sheesh.
But, since it is a 'series," my review of Volume I is: good start, mediocre set-up and not-credible back-stories. Two-dimensional characters almost uniformly, except for the one-D characters and the MC.
Dr. Laila Porter (see other reviews for summaries; I don't bother, here) has more depth than any other characters, and I did find her interesting. However, there are so many holes in the world-building here that I can't even get started. I suspended my disbelief and just went along for the ride.
Then, there is the whole polyamory/"reverse harem" aspect, with which I am not the least bit familiar as a writing genre. Is it? The online definition of this term fits this use: "A 'reverse harem' includes three or more characters who potentially show romantic interest in a female protagonist....A genre in manga and anime." BUT, that is NOT what a females-comprised "harem" is, so why the use of that term? And, this is not "manga" or "anime," so, I'm baffled.
I do like some Urban Fantasy and some Paranormal genre books, and this is both, IMO, with a lot of Romance/sex thrown in (somewhat gratuitously, it seems to me, and characters are having sexual fantasies/thoughts and conversations way too often (e.g., in the middle of a battle, injury recovery, kidnapping, etc.). There were many things I did like about this book, and it was free, so I bought the other ebooks and continued (since each Volume read like about 4 -8 chapters of a regular novel).
She added an additional "volume," 2.5, from the POVs/backstories for each of the male "harem" characters. Not very well-done at all. Later Volumes in this 'series" are interesting, but even more mediocre
If you're bored, if you like graphic interspecies but heterosexual and mostly vanilla sex, if you like descriptions of "magic," "power," shapeshifters, vampires, and witches, etc.,and a strong, smart, but impulsive and adolescent (actually ad behaviorally/emotionally) cis-gender female MC you'll like this just fine.
(See first volume's review for "shelves" categories I chose.)
Since this is the final book of this author's first series, and she is young, I will be gentle. BUT, there are numerous editing/proofreading/formatting problems with this and every volume in this series. Plus, it's not actually a "series," by my definition. The entire series, with the exception of the final Epilogue, takes place within one calendar year. That makes it a stand-alone novel, IMO, and it should have been published that way.
She also added a Volume 2.5, which I did read, and that was even shorter than the others and just as mediocre. Sheesh.
But, since it is a 'series," my review of Volume I is: good start, mediocre set-up and not-credible back-stories. Two-dimensional characters almost uniformly, except for the one-D characters and the MC.
Dr. Laila Porter (see other reviews for summaries; I don't bother, here) has more depth than any other characters, and I did find her interesting. However, there are so many holes in the world-building here that I can't even get started. I suspended my disbelief and just went along for the ride.
Then, there is the whole polyamory/"reverse harem" aspect, with which I am not the least bit familiar as a writing genre. Is it? The online definition of this term fits this use: "A 'reverse harem' includes three or more characters who potentially show romantic interest in a female protagonist....A genre in manga and anime." BUT, that is NOT what a females-comprised "harem" is, so why the use of that term? And, this is not "manga" or "anime," so, I'm baffled.
I do like some Urban Fantasy and some Paranormal genre books, and this is both, IMO, with a lot of Romance/sex thrown in (somewhat gratuitously, it seems to me, and characters are having sexual fantasies/thoughts and conversations way too often (e.g., in the middle of a battle, injury recovery, kidnapping, etc.). There were many things I did like about this book, and it was free, so I bought the other ebooks and continued (since each Volume read like about 4 -8 chapters of a regular novel).
She added an additional "volume," 2.5, from the POVs/backstories for each of the male "harem" characters. Not very well-done at all. Later Volumes in this 'series" are interesting, but even more mediocre
If you're bored, if you like graphic interspecies but heterosexual and mostly vanilla sex, if you like descriptions of "magic," "power," shapeshifters, vampires, and witches, etc.,and a strong, smart, but impulsive and adolescent (actually ad behaviorally/emotionally) cis-gender female MC you'll like this just fine.
(See first volume's review for "shelves" categories I chose.)
February 26, 2019
Please keep the pure greatness that is this series and I may very well have a new favorite haha...no but seriously.
So the second installment is most definitely even better than the first one. And that's saying a lot because Magical Intentions catch me easily and swiftly. And I think the reason why I think this read is even better is because Magical Temptations is much spicier and has more, like, attitude (but in a positive way).
And when I say spicier, I mean that both the story and the characters are obviously more seasoned this time around. That is, the potential and substance of each one of them are tapped and tested here through the wild adventure with the dragon and his staff.
Sure, what they have done during the first book is pure hard work, but is still on a familiar social environment and semi-safe work place. But in this one, the characters are in a foreign area; wild and heavily restricted at the same time. Plus, they are not only in need of being wary against intruders and enemies. Since they are with the dragon and his staff, they need to play well with them, too.
But, as I have expected from Laila, she flourished from this experience. First of all, her networking skills broadened. Not only she has grown so fond of and friendly with the heroes (like joking around with them and being able to express herself more openly with them), but she also proved her opposers wrong throughout the job. It amuses me to no end how she rolls with the snide remarks fromassholes others. Second, Laila continues to inspire awe from me through her mental strengths. As in the way she strategizes, the way she considers different scenarios and always delivers distinct perspective. She really is amazing period.
Third, the author also briefly touched the subject about the heroine's origin. Very unfortunately with Laila though...she may or may not be thinking how her, origins, can go fuck themselves and/or shove it where the sun doesn't shine. At least, that's the general idea. And by origins, I mean both the literal ones like her and the history behind her being thrown and abadoned since birth. So yeah, fun times. Not.
Last but def not the least, yesss-and I mean YAY-Laila's budding romance with the guys. Of fucking course, all she needed was clear and direct sign from the heroes, i.e. them asking her out on dates. Lolololol. Side note: there was something so seamless the way the author brought the heroine and the heroes together to a mutual agreement, to a romantic connection. And I dig that, I really do.
Which brings me to another important point: the characterization of the guys. Their feelings, their sentiments and even their brief histories have really built something more substantial development for them. I think this is pretty much the only aspect from book 1 that I asked for.
So the second installment is most definitely even better than the first one. And that's saying a lot because Magical Intentions catch me easily and swiftly. And I think the reason why I think this read is even better is because Magical Temptations is much spicier and has more, like, attitude (but in a positive way).
And when I say spicier, I mean that both the story and the characters are obviously more seasoned this time around. That is, the potential and substance of each one of them are tapped and tested here through the wild adventure with the dragon and his staff.
Sure, what they have done during the first book is pure hard work, but is still on a familiar social environment and semi-safe work place. But in this one, the characters are in a foreign area; wild and heavily restricted at the same time. Plus, they are not only in need of being wary against intruders and enemies. Since they are with the dragon and his staff, they need to play well with them, too.
But, as I have expected from Laila, she flourished from this experience. First of all, her networking skills broadened. Not only she has grown so fond of and friendly with the heroes (like joking around with them and being able to express herself more openly with them), but she also proved her opposers wrong throughout the job. It amuses me to no end how she rolls with the snide remarks from
Third, the author also briefly touched the subject about the heroine's origin. Very unfortunately with Laila though...she may or may not be thinking how her, origins, can go fuck themselves and/or shove it where the sun doesn't shine. At least, that's the general idea. And by origins, I mean both the literal ones like her and the history behind her being thrown and abadoned since birth. So yeah, fun times. Not.
Last but def not the least, yesss-and I mean YAY-Laila's budding romance with the guys. Of fucking course, all she needed was clear and direct sign from the heroes, i.e. them asking her out on dates. Lolololol. Side note: there was something so seamless the way the author brought the heroine and the heroes together to a mutual agreement, to a romantic connection. And I dig that, I really do.
Which brings me to another important point: the characterization of the guys. Their feelings, their sentiments and even their brief histories have really built something more substantial development for them. I think this is pretty much the only aspect from book 1 that I asked for.
August 4, 2023
Enjoyable
Magical Temptations is a nice second book in the Biomystic Security Series. There is plenty of adventure as Laila is recruited/hired by Shanton to lead an important expedition to retrieve a very important artifact. Laila’s “team” goes with her, including the owner of the company Lombardi, who is clearly interested in Laila in a “more than just an employer, employee, situation, :) during the course of the book we learn that Laila’s entire team, including her boss, and the dragon Shanton, all want to date her and get to know her better.
It was nice that this second book delved a little further into Laila’s connections with her potential men, because up until now she was a very solitary person.
During the expedition the entire team, including Laila and Lombardi almost die, at least once, but they all push forth, determined to find the artifact that Shanton desperately needs to make a bargain/trade with The Elementalists (some of the most powerful beings ever to walk the Earth).
Suffice to say, Laila comes through, and the artifact is recovered. In doing so, a great mystery is revealed. It turns out that Laila is a Elementalist, and that is one of the reasons she has SO MUCH MAGICAL POWER! They Elementalist want Laila to stay with them and learn to harness and grow her power. But Laila, having seen the “evil” they are capable of wants no part of them. She turns her back on them and returns to her job with her team and her boss, who all remind her that they’re romantically interested in her and are ready to set up dates right away to see if the relationship can progress from friends to lovers.
This book was pretty action packed and fun. The writing was very well done, and the characters pretty cool — you even get to learn a little bit more about them, and their perspective histories.
Again, it’s VERY, VERY TAME in the “sexual-romance” department. Don’t expect any “steamy scenes.” Seriously, don’t. They’re none of those in this book (somehow I think this series may be devoid of any steamy scenes). It’s really just a lovely look at how Laila’s harem builds up their nerve to ask her out on dates and tell her that they’re romantically interested in her, without anything happening or progressing in the romance department.
That being said, it’s a good follow up book to book one. And hopefully somewhere down the line we get to see the romance in the romance part of the reverse harem. I’m crossing my fingers.
Magical Temptations is a nice second book in the Biomystic Security Series. There is plenty of adventure as Laila is recruited/hired by Shanton to lead an important expedition to retrieve a very important artifact. Laila’s “team” goes with her, including the owner of the company Lombardi, who is clearly interested in Laila in a “more than just an employer, employee, situation, :) during the course of the book we learn that Laila’s entire team, including her boss, and the dragon Shanton, all want to date her and get to know her better.
It was nice that this second book delved a little further into Laila’s connections with her potential men, because up until now she was a very solitary person.
During the expedition the entire team, including Laila and Lombardi almost die, at least once, but they all push forth, determined to find the artifact that Shanton desperately needs to make a bargain/trade with The Elementalists (some of the most powerful beings ever to walk the Earth).
Suffice to say, Laila comes through, and the artifact is recovered. In doing so, a great mystery is revealed. It turns out that Laila is a Elementalist, and that is one of the reasons she has SO MUCH MAGICAL POWER! They Elementalist want Laila to stay with them and learn to harness and grow her power. But Laila, having seen the “evil” they are capable of wants no part of them. She turns her back on them and returns to her job with her team and her boss, who all remind her that they’re romantically interested in her and are ready to set up dates right away to see if the relationship can progress from friends to lovers.
This book was pretty action packed and fun. The writing was very well done, and the characters pretty cool — you even get to learn a little bit more about them, and their perspective histories.
Again, it’s VERY, VERY TAME in the “sexual-romance” department. Don’t expect any “steamy scenes.” Seriously, don’t. They’re none of those in this book (somehow I think this series may be devoid of any steamy scenes). It’s really just a lovely look at how Laila’s harem builds up their nerve to ask her out on dates and tell her that they’re romantically interested in her, without anything happening or progressing in the romance department.
That being said, it’s a good follow up book to book one. And hopefully somewhere down the line we get to see the romance in the romance part of the reverse harem. I’m crossing my fingers.
March 2, 2019
One of my favorite things about this series is that it is primarily about the adventure. The author does a deep dive into the case(s) Laila and the other Biomystic Security employees are working on, and I find the work they do very interesting. From the beginning, certain aspects of Laila's personality have rubbed me a teeny bit wrong, and I was very pleased at a certain point when Shanton said some things to her that I had already been thinking. This may sound like a negative, but I actually mean it to be a positive - Laila is a unique heroine in the current spectrum of reverse harem (RH) books, and I like that there are things about her I dislike, just as you would with people in real life.
As with the first book, this one needs a thorough proofread for both outright errors and for sentences that could be worded a little more cleanly for smoother reading. In terms of the actual romance/RH...it amounts to less than ten percent of the book/series, which might not be what some people are looking for, but I'm okay with because I enjoy the adventure so much, and I love a slow burn in general. I don't have a super strong sense of all of the heroes, why they all are into Laila, or even why she cares about them as much as she states she does, since they haven't spent enough time together (when not in their work capacities) on page to support those feelings. There have been some telling vs. showing sentences addressing their getting to know each other, but the readers haven't experienced that as much as I prefer in my romances. There is a note at the back announcing a book 2.5 that states it is about the guys and how they came to want Laila, so I am looking forward to reading that to get some more insight. Both it and book three are now out, and I will be reading them directly - I'm intrigued by what we learned about Laila in this book and curious what their next big adventure will be - hopefully Shanton will be involved, as well as Lombardi!
3.5 Stars
As with the first book, this one needs a thorough proofread for both outright errors and for sentences that could be worded a little more cleanly for smoother reading. In terms of the actual romance/RH...it amounts to less than ten percent of the book/series, which might not be what some people are looking for, but I'm okay with because I enjoy the adventure so much, and I love a slow burn in general. I don't have a super strong sense of all of the heroes, why they all are into Laila, or even why she cares about them as much as she states she does, since they haven't spent enough time together (when not in their work capacities) on page to support those feelings. There have been some telling vs. showing sentences addressing their getting to know each other, but the readers haven't experienced that as much as I prefer in my romances. There is a note at the back announcing a book 2.5 that states it is about the guys and how they came to want Laila, so I am looking forward to reading that to get some more insight. Both it and book three are now out, and I will be reading them directly - I'm intrigued by what we learned about Laila in this book and curious what their next big adventure will be - hopefully Shanton will be involved, as well as Lombardi!
3.5 Stars
September 17, 2021
This series has so much potential but there is just too many small things adding up that are ruining it. My review for the first book was so optimistic. I love the idea of a slow burn and was looking forward to relationships that build up naturally. I thought I was getting that with this series but, this book has proven me wrong. Everything is going in a nice orderly, natural way when all of a sudden the author decides to drop the dreaded "we all talked about this without you and have decided we all want a relationship with you". I abhor it when authors do that. So there goes the slow burn part and any hopes of a believable relationship progression.
My next beef is with the small details. Pretty sure the FMC was 5'7" in the last book but now she's 5'8". Then we have some serious character interactions and scenarios that make no sense. First, we have the dragon guy act like a complete ass to the FMC telling her to stop making everything about her when the situation definitely called for her to have some right to a breakdown. He's a total fuckface to her but then when she goes to leave he's all charming like "Thanks for the date" and she gets embarrassed and shit? Like, are we NOT going to address the fact he was actually out of line with her? While the group was going through the gauntlet there was a part where they needed both magic and energy to move the maze piece or w/e and he stood there expecting her to use both. She even states that it looked like he expected her to have use of both...and that tells us that he suspected she was this Elementalist or w/e....but guess what? That never gets addressed. Information is just dropped randomly but never picked back up again.
I liked the excitement of the story and the idea of the gauntlet was great but there were just too many things not explained and other things that didn't any sense. I'm going to continue to the next book and hope for an improvement but this one was seriously disappointing.
My next beef is with the small details. Pretty sure the FMC was 5'7" in the last book but now she's 5'8". Then we have some serious character interactions and scenarios that make no sense. First, we have the dragon guy act like a complete ass to the FMC telling her to stop making everything about her when the situation definitely called for her to have some right to a breakdown. He's a total fuckface to her but then when she goes to leave he's all charming like "Thanks for the date" and she gets embarrassed and shit? Like, are we NOT going to address the fact he was actually out of line with her? While the group was going through the gauntlet there was a part where they needed both magic and energy to move the maze piece or w/e and he stood there expecting her to use both. She even states that it looked like he expected her to have use of both...and that tells us that he suspected she was this Elementalist or w/e....but guess what? That never gets addressed. Information is just dropped randomly but never picked back up again.
I liked the excitement of the story and the idea of the gauntlet was great but there were just too many things not explained and other things that didn't any sense. I'm going to continue to the next book and hope for an improvement but this one was seriously disappointing.
March 4, 2019
The slow burning Reverse Harem builds
Once again, I loved this book. This book is the second in the series and follows on straight away after the 1st in the series. Laila made such a good impression on the dragon that Shanton requests that she be brought onboard his team that is going through an archeological dig to obtain an artefact left by the Elementalists, a powerful race of magicians who have disappeared several thousand years before.
Unable to say no to a dragon Laila goes along with three of her favourite men. Coming out of her lab stretches what Laila has to cope with magically and emotionally, as physical and magical trials are inflicted on the party trying to obtain the artefact.
This book explains more about the magic of this world along with exploring more about the nature of Laila’s own history. She also comes closer to understanding her feelings about the men who surround her.
This is a very slow burning RH, but I like that it’s not an insta-love/lust situation. Laila has known these men for around 5-6 months and the men have all known each other much longer. Laila isn’t very in touch with her feelings and hasn’t much experience in connecting on a level that isn’t physical or superficial. This is why the slow moving aspect of the RH makes sense.
Once again, I loved this book. This book is the second in the series and follows on straight away after the 1st in the series. Laila made such a good impression on the dragon that Shanton requests that she be brought onboard his team that is going through an archeological dig to obtain an artefact left by the Elementalists, a powerful race of magicians who have disappeared several thousand years before.
Unable to say no to a dragon Laila goes along with three of her favourite men. Coming out of her lab stretches what Laila has to cope with magically and emotionally, as physical and magical trials are inflicted on the party trying to obtain the artefact.
This book explains more about the magic of this world along with exploring more about the nature of Laila’s own history. She also comes closer to understanding her feelings about the men who surround her.
This is a very slow burning RH, but I like that it’s not an insta-love/lust situation. Laila has known these men for around 5-6 months and the men have all known each other much longer. Laila isn’t very in touch with her feelings and hasn’t much experience in connecting on a level that isn’t physical or superficial. This is why the slow moving aspect of the RH makes sense.
May 19, 2020
First I'm pretty sure she grew an inch between books. Next it skeeves me out the way everyone keeps emphasizing her age. Based on description the youngest of the 7 men pursuing her is in his mid to late 20s and the oldest has an age measured in centuries but there's this constant reminder that she's 19. My daughter is 19 and I would not be okay with a man pushing 30 pursuing her. Also this girl has way too much history and way too much past to be 19. It doesn't fit at all with the character created.
Next its becoming clear that Shanton is meant to be part of this business and I don't like him. I don't feel like she's being a brat by choosing not to be around people. The man regularly exploited her throughout this book and called her a brat if she tried to resist. He used her as a bargaining chip. That's not sexy and I'm not sure I'll be comfortable continuing with the series if he's part of the mix. Also he's not the only one that I felt went the wrong side of harsh. Additionally the protective often comes across as overbearing, controlling and almost parent like. None of that is cool from a potential partner.
I liked the first book much better than this one and while it's been spelled out who she's going to end up with I'm not sure I'm interested in continuing with the series.
Next its becoming clear that Shanton is meant to be part of this business and I don't like him. I don't feel like she's being a brat by choosing not to be around people. The man regularly exploited her throughout this book and called her a brat if she tried to resist. He used her as a bargaining chip. That's not sexy and I'm not sure I'll be comfortable continuing with the series if he's part of the mix. Also he's not the only one that I felt went the wrong side of harsh. Additionally the protective often comes across as overbearing, controlling and almost parent like. None of that is cool from a potential partner.
I liked the first book much better than this one and while it's been spelled out who she's going to end up with I'm not sure I'm interested in continuing with the series.
October 30, 2020
Much better than the previous book but still needs some editing
This book was much better than the previous book. There were a lot more emotional components to this story, but also a lot going on too.
Laila gets contracted to help the dragon locate an artifact that has been booby trapped which seems to be, now thanks to her last assignment, part of her speciality. So she and her team go.
A lot happens a lot of working through puzzles, a lot of trap moving and such. We still had some telling but this one definitely felt like it showed more. Still not as much dialogue as I’d like but definitely an improvement from the last book.
I’m not entirely sure why almost all the men around Laila are interested in her. I don’t know if thats by design or if it’s convenience. I’m hoping this will expand. All of the men have expressed they want a date with Laila, but only 3 I think have expressly committed. Not too much happened on the relationship front but it’s moving fast enough for me to stay interested.
It seems the book is more about the assignments than the relationships so once you realize that your expectations lower.
I’m definitely going on to the next book.
This book was much better than the previous book. There were a lot more emotional components to this story, but also a lot going on too.
Laila gets contracted to help the dragon locate an artifact that has been booby trapped which seems to be, now thanks to her last assignment, part of her speciality. So she and her team go.
A lot happens a lot of working through puzzles, a lot of trap moving and such. We still had some telling but this one definitely felt like it showed more. Still not as much dialogue as I’d like but definitely an improvement from the last book.
I’m not entirely sure why almost all the men around Laila are interested in her. I don’t know if thats by design or if it’s convenience. I’m hoping this will expand. All of the men have expressed they want a date with Laila, but only 3 I think have expressly committed. Not too much happened on the relationship front but it’s moving fast enough for me to stay interested.
It seems the book is more about the assignments than the relationships so once you realize that your expectations lower.
I’m definitely going on to the next book.
December 14, 2021
The Biomystic Security series is a finished series, and because I really enjoyed it I decided to read the entire series before writing my reviews (without spoilers, no worries). This is a single POV series, with an exception for book 2.5 that is written from the men's perspective. The relationships know a slow burn.
Dr. Laila Porter is a magical genius, but also a young woman with a difficult past and plenty of trust issues. I liked to read about her personal growth throughout this series and see her men help her to find ways to heal. This is a mixed harem, both in species as in personalities, and all these men add something important to their relationships. I enjoyed the action that is the most important part of every book; it is always fun to read about the bad guys eating dust.
Laila is still a young woman, and you can't escape that fact while reading. Personally I liked it because it felt closer to reality, but I know a young fmc isn't for everyone. But if you like plenty of action, a little bit of laughter, and a young woman growing up and finding her own place, than I highly suggest reading this series.
Dr. Laila Porter is a magical genius, but also a young woman with a difficult past and plenty of trust issues. I liked to read about her personal growth throughout this series and see her men help her to find ways to heal. This is a mixed harem, both in species as in personalities, and all these men add something important to their relationships. I enjoyed the action that is the most important part of every book; it is always fun to read about the bad guys eating dust.
Laila is still a young woman, and you can't escape that fact while reading. Personally I liked it because it felt closer to reality, but I know a young fmc isn't for everyone. But if you like plenty of action, a little bit of laughter, and a young woman growing up and finding her own place, than I highly suggest reading this series.
December 4, 2022
this one was really exciting, i barely put it down.
i am annoyed, though, that shanton chastised her in front of everyone, made her feel humiliated, told her to behave (in a super condescending way), and then afterwards he's like "this has been a good date" and kissed her cheek. uhm he's the one who pulled the whole "im in charge" thing and chastised her, it's either THAT or they're dating, he can't have it both ways.
i got so annoyed with him. and she was just flustered, like idk why she didn't tell him that that wasn't a date, it was fucking mandatory for her to be there because she works for the company and he's the client??
i wanted him to apologize to her and grovel. even if he wasn't interested in her in a romantic sense, it wouldn't have been okay to humiliate her in front of her and his teams like that. i really don't like him right now.
i am annoyed, though, that shanton chastised her in front of everyone, made her feel humiliated, told her to behave (in a super condescending way), and then afterwards he's like "this has been a good date" and kissed her cheek. uhm he's the one who pulled the whole "im in charge" thing and chastised her, it's either THAT or they're dating, he can't have it both ways.
i got so annoyed with him. and she was just flustered, like idk why she didn't tell him that that wasn't a date, it was fucking mandatory for her to be there because she works for the company and he's the client??
i wanted him to apologize to her and grovel. even if he wasn't interested in her in a romantic sense, it wouldn't have been okay to humiliate her in front of her and his teams like that. i really don't like him right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2019
Awesome Sequel
In this sequel, Laila is forced out of her lab and even out of the city on an assignment for Cyril Shanton. With her are Davies, Venni and Rhett. There's more action in this book than the first book and I enjoyed it even more. I like that the men make their intentions clear and Laila agrees to move forward. It won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to seeing how things move along.
The biggest thing that happens is that Laila learns about where she comes from. She doesn't want anything to do with it, though. I have a feeling she won't be able to avoid it for long no matter what she wants.
In this sequel, Laila is forced out of her lab and even out of the city on an assignment for Cyril Shanton. With her are Davies, Venni and Rhett. There's more action in this book than the first book and I enjoyed it even more. I like that the men make their intentions clear and Laila agrees to move forward. It won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to seeing how things move along.
The biggest thing that happens is that Laila learns about where she comes from. She doesn't want anything to do with it, though. I have a feeling she won't be able to avoid it for long no matter what she wants.
November 27, 2022
I did like the first book who i thought was an introduction but no same dynamics...
I did'nt understood at all why a researcher is become Indiana Jones, lead a team ???! (she has never done any field work), lead even the dragon and all men seems to fall for her.
Moreover she's full of contradition : sometimes a brillant and cold woman, others seeming like a crying child (in the middle of work... in front of everyone)
And it's a RH so i expected more romance but the guys aren't developped at all and the romance doesn't seems attraying...
(ps : it's my personnal review and i'm french so sorry for the mistakes)
I did'nt understood at all why a researcher is become Indiana Jones, lead a team ???! (she has never done any field work), lead even the dragon and all men seems to fall for her.
Moreover she's full of contradition : sometimes a brillant and cold woman, others seeming like a crying child (in the middle of work... in front of everyone)
And it's a RH so i expected more romance but the guys aren't developped at all and the romance doesn't seems attraying...
(ps : it's my personnal review and i'm french so sorry for the mistakes)
January 17, 2019
So glad I found this
I was in a slump. I couldn’t find anything I wanted to read. I’d seen this series come up on kindle several times but as a kindle unlimited member I wasn’t sure about spending the money. I am so glad I did. This hit all my favorite things about paranormal romance. It has a fantastic lead female who is good on her own and only becomes better with her men. I really enjoy this slow burn. It’s nice to get to know the characters without an instant relationship or in this case relationships. Yay for this series!!
I was in a slump. I couldn’t find anything I wanted to read. I’d seen this series come up on kindle several times but as a kindle unlimited member I wasn’t sure about spending the money. I am so glad I did. This hit all my favorite things about paranormal romance. It has a fantastic lead female who is good on her own and only becomes better with her men. I really enjoy this slow burn. It’s nice to get to know the characters without an instant relationship or in this case relationships. Yay for this series!!
January 29, 2022
Well, this was an adventure.
Found this to be more action packed than book one, and even though I wanted to give a few characters a kick in the butt at times, I enjoyed this much more. Laila is only 19 yet seems to be much more mature than that, so I get surprised every now and then when she actually acts like a typical teen/young adult. This story sees us meeting new characters, and Laila gets an unexpected companion. This is a reread for me, and it was just as entertaining second time round.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Found this to be more action packed than book one, and even though I wanted to give a few characters a kick in the butt at times, I enjoyed this much more. Laila is only 19 yet seems to be much more mature than that, so I get surprised every now and then when she actually acts like a typical teen/young adult. This story sees us meeting new characters, and Laila gets an unexpected companion. This is a reread for me, and it was just as entertaining second time round.
3.5 stars ⭐️
October 22, 2018
Loved it. More Please.
Paranormal. Rh. 7? Guys. Hellhound. Dragon shifter. 2 humans. Wolf shifter. Tiger shifter. Vampire. Magic\Engery manipulator heroine. Shanton gives BSM security a job of helping find an elemental artifact buried miles underground. Wanting Laila to handle disabling traps and such. Loved it. Want more. This one is a good balance of action and relationships. The boys also make their intentions clear as well. 😍 Still loving the series.
Paranormal. Rh. 7? Guys. Hellhound. Dragon shifter. 2 humans. Wolf shifter. Tiger shifter. Vampire. Magic\Engery manipulator heroine. Shanton gives BSM security a job of helping find an elemental artifact buried miles underground. Wanting Laila to handle disabling traps and such. Loved it. Want more. This one is a good balance of action and relationships. The boys also make their intentions clear as well. 😍 Still loving the series.
November 28, 2018
Would have been 5 stars but shantons attitude at the end were he told laila "not to be a little b****" and that "the universe doesn't revolve around her" that made me not want to rate the book so high but I enjoyed it. Laila basically saved all his teams lives and gave him the artifact on a silver platter only to have him ungrateful and rude and make her go to the meeting with the connections..... It made me dislike him. Otherwise I enjoyed the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
I really love this series! It one of the few that can keep me interested even when romance the isn’t thick. Yet there is still a promise of some fun to come! I cant wait for the next installment! I was so into the story that any grammar flaws (which others hinted at? I never saw any) were completely missed. Honestly an error every here and there is perfectly acceptable and expected!Especially in a self published authors book. Love this series so much! So worth a sleepless night!!
July 20, 2019
Fun!!
I am really enjoying watching Laila’s story unfold, along with the maturity in which she - and all those involved - tackle the confusing question of dating and relationships. One thing though, was NO ONE surprised as to what she IS? No one? It was said, confronted, and.... bam.... accepted. No shock, no awe. The only one who really reacts is Laila, and we only know that because it’s from her POV!
I am really enjoying watching Laila’s story unfold, along with the maturity in which she - and all those involved - tackle the confusing question of dating and relationships. One thing though, was NO ONE surprised as to what she IS? No one? It was said, confronted, and.... bam.... accepted. No shock, no awe. The only one who really reacts is Laila, and we only know that because it’s from her POV!
January 31, 2022
Too many relationship promises
The story could have done without all the IOU dates. Too many men with little connection. I like Rhett he I think got the most character depth but was then cast aside for Davvies. (Insert shrug emoji here)
Focus needs to be on one love interest at a time with a greater development in character and depth of connection.
It's a super slow burn romance, 2 books in and the water is still tepid at best. Sigh....on to book three.
The story could have done without all the IOU dates. Too many men with little connection. I like Rhett he I think got the most character depth but was then cast aside for Davvies. (Insert shrug emoji here)
Focus needs to be on one love interest at a time with a greater development in character and depth of connection.
It's a super slow burn romance, 2 books in and the water is still tepid at best. Sigh....on to book three.
January 6, 2025
This book was okay. I definitely preferred the first one more. Some of the conversations felt a little rough and garbled at times. I think it was too many people to keep up with during the expedition. There were also parts of the writing I had to reread multiple times as the English wasn’t making sense to me. There’s still a lot of setting up character relationships in the book and some felt a little forced.
October 31, 2018
LOVED
Sooo I am in 💘 with Laila and her men sound absolutely delicious!!!! This series is addictive, I basically spent all of my free time today reading and yearn for more, that the book had not ended!! I can't believe book 3won't be out till next winter though!!!! Wish I had it now!!!!
Sooo I am in 💘 with Laila and her men sound absolutely delicious!!!! This series is addictive, I basically spent all of my free time today reading and yearn for more, that the book had not ended!! I can't believe book 3won't be out till next winter though!!!! Wish I had it now!!!!
January 9, 2019
Great series
Laila is young and just joined the security company a couple months ago. After traipsing through the wilds to recover an artifact, she learns a lot about herself and who she could be. When the men in her life confess to having feelings for her, what will she do? I can't wait for the next book!
Laila is young and just joined the security company a couple months ago. After traipsing through the wilds to recover an artifact, she learns a lot about herself and who she could be. When the men in her life confess to having feelings for her, what will she do? I can't wait for the next book!
February 28, 2019
My thoughts as I read this :
"Even better than the first one!!!
OMG I cannot read these fast enough.
But when I finish it will be over . . . then bookhangover . . .
But book 3 is out OMG read read read!!
But then that will be over and I'll be bereft.
But it's so good I can't stop!!!"
So yeah. This is a great series.
"Even better than the first one!!!
OMG I cannot read these fast enough.
But when I finish it will be over . . . then bookhangover . . .
But book 3 is out OMG read read read!!
But then that will be over and I'll be bereft.
But it's so good I can't stop!!!"
So yeah. This is a great series.
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