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There’s something just slightly more terrifying than dark magic.

And that’s going home.

The beautiful coastal village is too small and it’s impossible to hide when you’re a target. They know I’m different. They knew when I was a young girl and they know now. They’re just waiting for the proof. They’re all waiting for me to screw up like I always do.

What they don’t know is, I’m not staying. I’ll take my scowling shifters—hopefully before they literally rip into one of the many hateful villagers—and I’ll find the Solstice Queen.

I’ll find that mysteriously dangerous mage again if it’s the last thing I do.

This is book four in a Reverse Harem series containing M/M themes. Recommended for readers 18 and over.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2019

634 people are currently reading
512 people want to read

About the author

A.K. Koonce

104 books883 followers
A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀.
306 reviews1,150 followers
June 24, 2024
Arlow, Rime, Chaos, Kain and Sinister

dammnnnn, that reverse harem coming along nicely

description

But good god, I wish the heroine would get a brain and the plot would get a clue

description

This series started out hella cute and fun! But now I just feel like the world isn’t fitting for the formidable characters in it

There isn't nearly enough traveling outside into the world to see the other magics. The whole series we are stuck inside small villages or inside castles. Its BORING.

Arlow isn't able to showcase her magical beast training which would be EXTREMELY handy when building an army. And the dragons gotta hide their abilities 80% of the time to build boats ??? are you fucking kidding me?”

Imagine these funny awesome characters on an actual real adventure, it would be epic

“Nice sailing, Captain.” Rime dusts his jeans off as he stands.
Ah, what if longer then a second passed and they didn’t antagonize each other? The world may never know.”


.. also why are all the women characters really selfish and shitty to each other?? Can we get one positive female relationship, please?

If you're bored and just wanna laugh at some ridiculous hot dragon shifter shenanigans then I'd recommend trying it out. Because it definitely made me laugh and made me want more. But I never got more. It would've been great if each book built a stronger plot to give the characters more opportunities to bond and work together. But the series is more about hot sex, sass comments, and.... yah no thats about it
Profile Image for Al *the semi serial series skipper*.
1,659 reviews854 followers
May 7, 2019
So I think I've figured out what was bugging me in the first book, it's that nothing happens at all. This book was about nothing. They are in a harem and that's it,it's almost boring but somehow it is riveting. The characters are all lackluster, there is no plot until the very end and the writing is so-so. The only thing saving this book is the sex and MM romance if not I would have chucked it.

Good thing it's free.
Profile Image for Camila.
326 reviews278 followers
March 7, 2019
I’m about as impressed as anyone when they find out there’s ANOTHER Spider-Man movie coming out.

*yawn*

[Contains mild spoilers]

Was this one better than the last installlent?

eh.

It started that way, and then rolled downhill from there.

A shitty ending, really.

Let’s be honest. SHE SUMMONS THE DAMN BITCH AND TECHNICALLY ARLOW HOLDS ALL THE CARDS in the summoning right??? She’s only there to fulfill Arrie’s question.. SOOO WHYYY DOES RIME STEP UP TO HER and weirdly latches on I mean he coulda let go when the queen started to fade or Arlow could have pulled him back I mean...????

I know it had to happen to further the flimsy plot that’s being held together by Sin’s giant dick, but it just made zero sense. Next time come up with a situation that is more plausible.

In this book we get Surprised Arlow + Unsure Arlow all in one.
Hurray.

It’s like everything is a damn shock to her.
Omg they blew up the ship???
Omg I hurt this girl because I had to kill her mom???
Omg the queen knew Kreedence???

IT’S NOT A FUCKING PUZZLE ARLOW WHY CAN’T YOU LISTEN TO YOUR FUCKING MATES YOU GULLIBLE SWINE??

I am heavily annoyed with Arlow.

But never annoyed with Rime.
Oh Rime.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I NEEEEED you.

Rime + Sin??? FUCK YES.
I am frantically fanning myself hoping for more of that FIRE-ness.

Truly in love.

ALSO, why is Kain gone for like half the book???

I’m reading the last book only for the men. That’s it.
Arlow needs to grow a damn brain.
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,064 reviews171 followers
May 27, 2020
The book started well enough but I lost interest 91% in as for the ending... Well, it was shit. 1.5 stars

I don’t think I’ll continue the series
Profile Image for ROMEOISNOTFUNNY.
823 reviews14 followers
May 30, 2024
Book 4, and I just realised I am devourering this series. It's just so easy to get into.

It's not dark fantasy in the way most of the MCs come from loving families, and two have been physically or sexual groomed, then abused.. oh, and let's not forget the homophobic bullying by the ex and the demon being cursed by his brother. But...I've read darker.

This has a balance of dark torment and endless surviving angst, with a drop of finding happiness within their bonding group and family, to a dollop of smex steam smut FM, MFM, MM, MMFM. Yea had to walk in the rain a bit to cool off after the boat scene. Now that was hot, still a little flat on other smutty scenes, like hot, but the heat was just out of grasp hot. Anywayssss.....

Witty, fast pace, great banter, strong chemistry RH, dragon shifter, mage, and demon romance. With timber cutting action, and words that paint a lovely image of very tasty moments.

Book 4 ends in a cliffhanger, and it's a heart aching one. There is no Bobble the fish or Aggie antics sadly, but it's too fast-paced for that. This is a task to fulfil and survive book.

My favourite quote (may not be accurate word from word)
Arlow and Sin: "So you wanted our first time to be with Chaos, Kane and Rimmes?
*My heart trembles weaker as he nods*
That's the sweetest fucking thing anyone's ever said to me!"
Awww a incident prone "innocent" girl after my own heart.

3.8 stars
Profile Image for Christy Bailey.
663 reviews24 followers
May 3, 2019
Another great book in this amazing series! I love all the laughs along with the serious! Great characters with a great story line!
Profile Image for Shamell Klinger.
144 reviews18 followers
July 7, 2023
It's getting real good

Fantastic! I just love the way Arlow's mind works, her personal thoughts are hilarious. The 4 boys are as sexy as ever. I just know the final book book will be even better
Profile Image for Kristin Brown.
48 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2019
I've been waiting for more Sinister, and it didn't disappoint! This book is the final calm before the storm, you could feel all the build up for the conclusion coming next. I really loved the mermaids in this, they were my favorite part! The cliffhanger has me on edge for the finale, I honestly didn't see that coming!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
305 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2019
Awesome

I almost can't take it anymore there is just so much going on that my emotions are all over the place with every twist and turn I am on to the last one asap!!
Profile Image for Erica Smith.
16 reviews
February 27, 2020
Too soon!!

So, the book is getting super good but there's a chunk towards the end that just jumps to the juicy part. And while normally I would gladly enjoy this it hurts not to know what happened to get to said juicy part. So many questions, is there much room for all the answers?
Profile Image for BloodyKelpie.
368 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2020
Oh my fuc*ing Goddess!! Hahaha guys .... the sex... I’m new in this M/M thing but I confess I started the series because was a RH with dragons duh! And the warning about M/M themes ? This intrigued me sooo I starter and damn me !!!that was sooooo hot !! I was blushing like a virgin the whole time but for gods sake that scene ... woah hahahah I loved everything, the plot is sooo cool , and the guys ? I love each one of them and I really like the way Arlow see things , like the love between Chaos and Rime , damn girl she’s so open minded !! And that made me think , about all the things society make us think about what is right or wrong but that really doesn’t matter. In the beginning I was like “wow so weird but okay ” but after ? I was like “damn this is so fuc*ing hot !!! I want to try and why I thought this was weird ?” So yeah this really get me hahaha but I confess all the previous books had some scenes and all but when the things really happened ( if you can understand me ) in this book ? Damn me I stoped reading and the images in my head ? Damn I was blushing so hard I thought I was going to die hahaha but I liked so much !! And the cliffhanger in the end ? Aaaaaaaah soooo good .
Profile Image for Denisa.
1,381 reviews332 followers
October 13, 2021
This was a really fast read, so at least I didn't have time to get too bored.

Better than the previous one. Not by a lot, but eh.
1,258 reviews
July 20, 2021
Wow....just wow!!! I am so glad this series is already done because if it hadn't been I would have been PISSED at that cliffhanger hahaha. I understand where AK Koonce was coming from buuuuuut dang. I really was not happy with a certain villain (go figure haha) and am so glad my Scribd membership didnt cut me off from book 5 because I NEED TO KNOW what happens to one of these scrumptious and stubborn men of Arlow's. Ok, backing up from that cliffy, I liked how we get to see where Arlow grew up, in contrast to where Rain and Chaos grew up in book 3. I enjoyed her parents (her mom seems amazing and her dad is a typical dad haha). I thought it was funny how the guys were able to do all the chores work so quickly haha. Like Arlow shouldn't have been so surprised, they are supernaturals through and through haha. I thought the island was super creepy and AK did an amazing job with the baddies protecting it. I was disappointed by the mage on the island, we shall see if they redeem themselves after The Solstice's Queen's big plans. I won't say anymore, don't want to ruin anything, but be ready to want to read/listen to book 5 right away. You have been warned muahaha.

For narration, no additional comments from me. I thought the baddy supernatural creatures were done really well, their accent/inflections were very good. I thought the emotions Sin went through was palpable. I loved the group moments, they were hot but very intimate and special. And loved Arlow's mindspeak with Kain and how they freaked each other out (and the sorta sexting/mindsex haha). Kelsey did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I great improvement from book 1 in my opinion 😊
Profile Image for Kaylee.
88 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
Oof this one was packed full of emotions and heartfelt moments I was starting to think I couldn’t take it anymore, and then the ending was written to simply stomp on my poor grieving heart. I enjoy this plot and storyline and these characters so much, I love seeing not just Arlow grow but all of the guys too. It was nice to meet her parents but it was so sad when they had to run away.

I knew that summoning the solstice queen was a BAD idea I was literally screaming it at the book while reading. Kain is literally the only person with a brain cell so of course he asks the old lady mage on the island if summoning the solstice queen is dangerous and of course she said no biggie my guy don’t event worry about it. Except it was a big biggie because the bitch was able to use magic to kidnap Arlow and Rime on her way back right after dropping the “I’m actually your birth mother” bomb… girl what the hell now is not the time

Arlow better smooth talk (lie) her way out of this situation quick but I’m not seeing how she is going to outsmart the solstice queen that is wiser and more powerful than her. What a cruel woman, i hope Arlow beats her ass good for messing with my boy Rime, he doesn’t deserve this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Samantha Holly.
331 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2021
This wasn't as good as the previous books. I felt it lacked sustenance but the ending finished on the most perfect cliffhanger.

Arlow and her mates (Chaos, Kain, Rime & Sinister) return to Warf - her hometown; the one place she loved as much as she was judged for what she is. She reconnects with her mother and father and she fulfils her promise to Linden to build a fleet of ships (with a little help from her Demon)!

Once again, small "incidents " happen as they always do with Arlow around. The town's scandalmonger creating more trouble to stir the fear of the villagers ensuring Arlow is the outcast she's always been. With four exceptions: her mates.

There are a few laughs but this book focuses on Arlow becoming more aware of who she needs to be and what the previous five years has done to her esteem. I believe the next book "Reigning " will entail Arlow coming into her own (also the title of the book helped confirm this theory)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lanie.
25 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2025
---

**Book Title:** [sustaining]
**Author:** [koonce, A.K]
**Rating:** [5/5]

---
**Review:**

Can we talk about how well paced this book was?? Don’t even get me started on the smut scenes. I’m becoming more & more in love with the characters, especially rime & sin.

Their relationship is a perfect match & in this book, we see more bonding & new obstacles. Arlow is very strong, yet she can be soft in this book I feel it shows both sides of that. I love how equally protective they are of each other!

**Who I Didn’t Like:**

Molly.

**Overall Thoughts:**
This book met my expectations & I would recommend this book the most out of the series aside from the others. I’m most definitely moving towards the next book & i can’t wait to see how things unfold. If you’re into dragon shifter, fantasy, magic, reverse harem & protective hero’s book. This is what you’re looking for!


5 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
Writing is average. Story line is addicting. There are a lot of grammatical errors and missing words throughout the book which is honestly pretty annoying. She also doesn't do a great job of describing things in enough detail. I find myself having to read certain sections a few times to visualize how something happened. Over all, the writing just felt rushed, like the author was trying to meet a deadline and didn't bother double checking the work for errors. The adult scenes are pretty hot and heavy and definitely made me have to put down the book a few times! I'm really only continuing to read it because I want to know what happens with Low at the end of this journey, the story line is pretty addicting.
Profile Image for Mel G.
380 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2021
“You will be the hardest to break but the easiest to love. The worst to lose”

Another fun and speedy read for this series!
We were blessed with some very hot and steamy moments, some emotional ones, and some crazy revelations.

Finally!
Some major progression with Sin, ugh he is to die for honestly! And that boat scene with Rime and Chaos was like, the most delicious thing ever.
Also, the telepathy sex between Kain and Low was different and the perfect progression to their slow-burn thing they have going. I was truly fanning myself.

We actually got a bit of a cliffhanger with this one, leaving us to wonder what will happen with Rime; I’m also itching for Kain and Arlow to jump each other, that needs to happen like ASAP.

~ 3.5 stars ~
58 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2019
Shifters, mermaids and mages

Arlow is back in her home village and it’s reassuring that her parents welcome her back. But the village still remembers the strange little girl that accidents happen around. Her shifter mates know nothing of living in hiding so she knows their time at home is limited.

I love all the creatures presented in this series such as the dark and malicious mermaids. They’re more the mermaids sailors tell each other of beautiful women that pull you to your death.

The sex scenes between Arlow and her men just keep getting steamier and I know it’s only a matter of time before they all join in on one sinfully wonderful night.
Profile Image for Jocelyn LeDonne.
437 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
Oh Lort this was phenomenal! This has to be my favorite in the series so far. Arlow and her mates journey so far is heartbreaking(especially at the end) in some ways but their relationships carry a strength all their own. Sinister oh man Sin so fricking hot *swoons a little*. I'm so glad they finally got their moment. Rime, that last chapter broke my heart. The Solstice queen is kind of scary just saying. Lots of things revealed but lots of things still in limbo. I need to know how it is all going to end. My main question is will Arlow save them all? I can't wait for Reining!
Profile Image for Mary.
517 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2019
When the fight with the celestial mage got out of hand Arlow took the guys without even thinking to her homeland. But the people of her town don't like her or the guys there. Arlow and the guys need to make the ships for the king she owes the prince for his kindness. Trying to seek out answers on why the celestial mage needs her she tries to find another mage and she discovers other creatures in the process. Not only does she find out what the celestial mage needs but she also discovers the truth about one of her dragons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
August 12, 2020
Not bad

So I stepped away from this series after book 3 because I just couldn’t stay focused. I gave myself some time away and figured I could come back to it with a fresh mind. Unfortunately, that didn’t change things for me. While the writing and the story is done well, I just couldn’t keep myself focused. I just kept losing interest and I don’t have a reason why. Since it’s a personal opinion, I am not going to slam the author or the book with a scathing review. Like I said, the story seemed to flow well without inconsistencies or many grammatical errors.
Profile Image for Leanne Clugston.
26 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2019
Wow, where do I start? AK Koonce has done it again with the amazing continuation in the saga of Arlow, Rime, Chaos, Kain and Sinister. Loved every second of it, devoured it in one sitting and now I’m counting the days until the final part is out in April. Several twists in the tale that I didn’t see coming, and I can’t wait to find out more about. You need to get this series, you won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Betteroffwithbooks.
921 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2019
One of my favorite series!

This is hands down one of my favorite series. Ak Koonce has a way of immersing you in her writing. So much so that you feel like you are there. I feel Arlow’s pain and the love from her mates. I don’t know if I can wait 2 months for the next book! I’m dying to find out what happens. Not to mention, I need Kain and Arlow to finally get together! I have been waiting so long I can’t take it!!
Profile Image for J.M..
975 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2019




No spoilers of any kind included.
So all I’m going to say about this book is that it was fantastic!
Just like the three books before this one it pulls you in and won’t release you until you get to the end of the story.
So yep I do recommend this book but if you haven’t read the first three books in this series then I highly suggest that you do that way you don’t get confused as to what’s happening and who’s who.
276 reviews
March 1, 2019
Must Read!

After fleeing from the shifter down after being accused of murdering the alpha’s daughter, Arlow goes home. Time for the guys to meet Arlie’s parents and her dad is not happy. The guys and Arlow work on building the ships Arlow owes the prince. Things between Arlow and Sinister are heating up. In this book focused on Sinister and Arlow’s relationship. This is an absolute must read. I love Sinister and how hilarious this book is. Can’t wait for the last book
61 reviews
March 6, 2019
I don't start a reading a book set it unless all books in the series are released. I've no patience to wait on the true end of an adventure. This series seemed complete until out just wasn't. All 5/5 books clearly shown. Only release date of 5th way into the future. Pfft.
A great read until then.
The last time this happened i didn't read another book for 2 years. I
Still for those with more patience than I, a brilliant story so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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