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Harper Miller doesn’t want to handle what has happened to her over the past year. Her father left, her mother killed herself, and she still has to be the good girl, the one that doesn’t make waves, who is always nice. But one day, something changes. No, it’s not something. It’s them. Draven, Axel, Jett, and Buck. All of them are dangerous, scary, and most people avoid them at all costs. She knows they’re bad news, but Draven’s not willing to take no for an answer, not from her. For Draven, he and his friends had this idea of finding the one girl that would complete their circle. One girl for all of them. Harper is that one girl, but first she has to go through their initiation to become one of them, to be able to bear their names, and to stand proudly. All they ask is she remain loyal to them and them alone. No squealing to the cops. No backing down. And above all else, no running away. All she has to do is give herself, mind, heart, and body. She can keep her soul. It’s dark anyway, just like theirs.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2019

512 people are currently reading
803 people want to read

About the author

Sam Crescent

547 books5,495 followers
Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

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5 stars
382 (38%)
4 stars
301 (30%)
3 stars
198 (19%)
2 stars
72 (7%)
1 star
44 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa H.
187 reviews951 followers
March 22, 2019
What the F*CK did I just read?

No no just noooo! I’m sorry this just was a total waste of time. Everything about this book from the MC to the storyline was terrible. I see where the author was trying to go... absolutely missed the mark. I kept reading in hopes it would be better. I’m sure you can guess... it didn’t.
Profile Image for queen_of_the_books_18.
887 reviews242 followers
July 16, 2019

Now I really wanted to give this book 5 stars because I LOVED the idea of the story, I really did. I love dark high school romances and throw in reverse harem and you always have a fan in me.

For me initiation started great and at about halfway through things seem to hit a bit of a lull and become quite repetitive.

I loved the storyline and the characters but what did confuse me is that it was a reverse harem- but Harper seems to only really have a relationship with Draven. There are some points she does things with the other 3 but I just didn’t feel like Harper and Axel, Jett and Buck that their relationship really grew enough like it needed to for them to have each other’s backs like they did.

I loved the plot point of Harper being stuck between wanting to fulfil her mums wishes of being a good girl
But at the same time fighting the devil on her shoulder because the boys bought the dark side out of her.

I really think that if book 2 can have more action with all of the guys and more action, fighting and twists and turns then it will definitely be a 5 star rating from me.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,424 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2019
Oh Wow... This was a different side to Sam Crescent, but definitely a good one.
Harper was such confused girl. She was torn between being good and being bad. Being the good girl is what her mother always taught her to be. But what happens when the person who was suppose to care for you and be there for you isn't there anymore. Now she is faced with being on her own, even though her douchebag dad is there. And she has no one in her corner and it seems everything is falling apart. Until the 4 'Kings' of the school started paying her attention.



Feared and probably envied by all Draven, Axel, Buck and Jett are the four who runs the school and people generally do what they say, except for Harper. She is different and she is someone that Draven has been watching for a while, its just now that her mother has passed away it seems that the good girl is ready to be bad.



This story had me from the start, I kept reading because I wanted to find out what the 4's ultimate goal was and if they were really the 'bad-good' guys. But also what was Harper going to do. And then it had awful cliffhanger…. I need to know what's going to happen next, it is going to be intense and hectic....
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
February 24, 2019
Holy smokes!!! This was written by Sam Crescent? It blew me away. Harper just wants to be left alone but she has caught the attention of Draven and his friends...Axel, Jett and Buck. The 4 of them are always together and nobody at school messes with them. I can't say very much because it will give the story away and I don't do things like that. All I can say is yes, this ends with a cliffhanger but the next book is only a couple of weeks away so if you want the whole story, you might wait until part 2 is out. Ms. Crescent has definitely stepped out of her box with this one and I can't wait to read the second book. It's not as dark as some other books I've read but it may have triggers in it so be careful.
Profile Image for Main Energy.
656 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2023
Ive read it in the past.

Im glad shes angry.

Reverse harem. High school. Parent loss.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
540 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2019
Interesting

This book was good, it had a way of being what you expected and what you didn't at the same time. I expected it to be darker, dirtier & grittier; because it was those things but somehow not. I liked the premise of the book, the characters and writing. The only thing I wished we had more of was more group interactions at all levels, as well as more time getting to know all of them individually. But maybe we'll learn more later, I'm hoping we do. So while the ending wasn't unexpected or super horrible it was definitely a cliff hanger. So hot boys, shy good girl who changes and tries figure out who she is while danger & crime lurk everywhere. It was a very interesting & good book can't wait to see what's next would recommend.
Profile Image for Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies).
1,460 reviews72 followers
April 8, 2019
I wanted to give this book 5 stars because the story line was good. It had potential. But I am only giving it 3 stars for 3 reasons:
**SPOILERS**
1. The author didn't do a read through well enough to notice some confusing parts in the book. When Draven took a shower at Harper's, it said he put a towel on. Then he went in her room and started playing with her and it then said he had a hard on in his pants..then went back to him having a towel on after he touched himself. That happened twice actually but the first time she wrote that they were doing 2 different things, I thought it was all in my head.

2. I didn't like the fact that the book focused so much on Harper and Draven when its suppose to be about ALL the guys and her. The guys aren't even allowed to have wives or girlfriends because they all are supposed to only be with and share her, but Draven gets all the good stuff. Even towards the end when they FINALLY initiate her and they all have sex, it ONLY describes her and Draven's sex. The next page goes on to say that night she had sex with all the guys but doesn't explain a single intimate detail...and that is what the entire book is about! Initiating her into the group by sex with all of them..Another thing I am disappointed in is the fact that I am pretty sure all 4 guys were never described in the book. Sometimes Harper will say she is looking into Draven's green eyes but not once was all 4 guys described physically so I had to picture what they looked like in my head. I don't think that has ever happened before while reading. Usually they are always described in the beginning but NONE of the boys were. Do they have blond hair? Brown? Black?

3. At the end when Harper is forced by Draven's dad to leave town, Draven is informed that she "ran away" and he automatically believe his dad! Even though his dad has threatened Harper, tried to get her raped, and constantly warned Draven to let her loose, he assumed his conniving dad was telling the truth and didn't once doubt him!! Even though when Harper "left" they were getting shot at? ...GRR. I did like the story line and it wasn't all bad just mainly those parts I mentioned. If those parts were tweaked, this could be a 5 star book in my opinion. I am going to start Damaged Queen now. I have hopes it will be better 🙂
Profile Image for Tab.
204 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2019
Uh, just no

I should have quit before I got committed to this terribly written story. It was dry. I was intrigued to a point, then just utterly annoyed. It made little sense, and I wish I had never paid the 4.99 for it. Geez, talk about a waste of money.
Be a good girl, no be bad, ooo. Sigh. Lame. I don't understand how the book focuses on just her and Draven, when she is supposed to belong to all of them. It's like the others got Dracen's sloppy seconds, and they are okay with this? Its ridiculous to think that any of them actually care about her. Then the big initiation? Like really? I thought maybe she would have to take care of her own problem, maybe kill someone... but a gangbang? Yeah, cause she's not the only girl to ever do that. Lame. Lots of lame.
Profile Image for Neringa Neringiukas.
1,213 reviews85 followers
March 2, 2019
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect going in. I thought that they will be older and not in school still. Though, I'm not complaining about it.
I'm not sure how I feel about it all. I liked idea of this story. It hooked me. And I loved the guys. All sides of them. And especialy when they always encouraged Harper to be herself, and the hell with the rest.
But Harper on the other hand... I really liked her at the beginning. I thought she had this kinda badass/rebellion vibe. But after the guys stepped into her life, she switched. Reacting like 'a good girl' should to certain situations. I kept wondering, if Harper was meant for the guys. Because sometimes she was too soft. Too naive. Too good girl. And those have no place in the guys world.
And about the reverse harem part. I love reading these type of stories. But I'm not sure about it here. It feels like it wouldn't work between Alex, Buck, Jett, Draven and Harper. They weren't equally invested. The guys made this plan, but one of them have a problem with sharing. If he had a choice, he wouldn't share. And Harper... In other stories, h loves all the guys. For different reasons, but it doesn't mean that she loves any less or more. But Harper seems to have feelings for one guy and the rest is just like friends. Like I said, I love reverse harem, but if they all aren't 100% invested in it emotionally, I prefer no sharing.
But that ending.... I love those moments in a story. Tough, I have to say I'm dissapointed in Draven. For him to believe that easily. I mean, he isn't an idiot, so what the heck?
Can't wait for next book.
Profile Image for Kathy L..
801 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2019
A page-turner for sure! It was hard to put down.
I was absorbed into the story from the start. The story and characters suck you in.
I am still unsure whether I want to call this a reverse harem or not. Four guys and one female. Their friendship is strong, but it still did not feel it was as solid as it should. Harper and Draven were a lot closer than the other three. It made the story seem contradictory. Even though it states that Harper and Draven are closer, it made it seem as though the other three were just tag alongs and not important characters. I was also not a big fan of the ending. It did leave off with a cliffhanger but it just did not feel right.
I am committed to the story. As I mentioned before, I really did like it and enjoyed it, but I am hoping the second book solidifies their bond because I did find it lacking in this one, even though they state otherwise. There is also a mystery going on and I feel things are not what they seem.
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
529 reviews29 followers
May 28, 2019
So this book was a tough one for me, I feel like what it said wasn't what I got.
I expected a really bully romance, which there was a little bit of, and I expected there to be more of scenes where Harper was intimate with the boys, I wanted a true polygamous relationship and I didn't get that, and why I appreciate why that didn't happen, I just feel like I was sold something that wasn't there.
There is a lot of drama in this book and I appreciate that because otherwise it would have been exceptionally dull. I don't always agree with the way that Harper was treated in the beginning but again, I saw the reasoning behind it and understood how it helped build Harper's character so that she could make it through all that she does.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Caroline.
304 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2019
Well, this had promise. Lots of typos/spelling/grammar mistakes. Inconsistencies along the story line as well. I was kind of bored, and to me this wasn’t really that dark. The title is about the initiation, yet when we get to the actual act of it, it is barely a page or two. Kind of a let down. As some other people said, this doesn’t feel like a reverse haram, more like a guy gives his friends permission to have sex with his girl, but only after he has lots of sex with her and they have no one, but they are ok with it....yeah I don’t think so. Still debating if I’m going to read the next one. The two MCs sure caved/gave in awful fast to the dad, when they knew what a POS he is...that could have been fleshed out to be more believable for the storyline.
Profile Image for Cassandra Cobb.
189 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2019
An interesting concept, one that I was intrigued by just from the blurb. While I didn't really know what to expect (having come across this in an RH reader group) I was a little disappointed that we really only got to know one of the male characters. However, in saying that, I really enjoyed the story as a whole. The concept was new and fresh, however it went real quick from bullying Harper to protecting Harper. There is a lot of darkness in this story, but the FMC's personality seems to bring its own brightness to lift the story.

Interesting read, one that sucked me in, but I hope that isn't the end for Harper and the boys.
Profile Image for Lulu Ford.
143 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2019
Loved it.

It took me awhile to buy this book, the price is ridiculous!! So I downloaded the sample, and I was done for.
I enjoyed this story of four boys finding that one girl to really cement their strong friendship and also bring hope to their futures. The need to not be their sadistic Fathers, to change the way their world works. Harper does this for the guys, but it seems like she is really meant to be for one of them. I wish there was more time with all the guys, as I'm not sure how this will all work out for them.
I hated the cliffhanger!! But I guess that is what the author wants as now I have to spend more money getting the second book.
Profile Image for Lisa .
65 reviews
June 15, 2019
Mehh

I haven't written a review in over a year and read several Kindle unlimited romances a month. Some are good, some are just ok. I decided to go out in a limb and but this book because it wasn't on the unlimited list. Big mistake.... The story line is ok but the characters are undeveloped and trite. Nothing about them drew me in. It feels like a rough draft, just robots saying stuff with lots of feelings being explained and repeated over and over but not lived. Totally not worth the money I'm not even interested in the second book. Spoiler: the author doesn't even write in a steamy scene with all four guys, just says it happens.... Really? Oh well.
Profile Image for Maria.
213 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2019
Omg, wow just wow

OMG this book was awesome, like it was so intense and twisting, the plot was amazing, the characters all of them wore just so well put each with such a interesting story and the bond between them so beautiful, honesty I got not complaints about the book it truly was a very good read, loved everything about it, the ending really pissed me of, got really angry and disappointed and Draven actually believed he’s father, which in theory should make book 2 the final book in this series a very interesting story. Can’t wait to read it. A must read guys. Definitely a good book. Read and enjoy an epic ride.
341 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2021
The Initiation

The book was so-so for me. There were parts that intrigued me and and kept me going but also parts that had me almost bored and just wanting it to end. I think some of it was the MC inner dialogue, especially the good girl talks. I also wasn’t sure whether I should be getting attached to all of the guys or just one of them, since it focused so much on her and Draven’s relationship. I’m still not exactly sure how to feel about them all. But it carried enough dark content and the last 10% of the book grabbed my attention so much so, that I now want to read the next book.
1 review1 follower
February 21, 2019
I received this book free to give my honest review! Hmm what can I say about it? That I LOVED it!!
Sam crescent is one of my favourite writers, from start to finished. Harper is the good girl life was torn apart after her mother suicide, forcing her to live with her father and stepmother. Everyone thinks she can stay the good girl. Not for much longer after she catch the eyes of draven and he friends. I’m giving no spoilers away all I can say is bring on part 2 😍😍
Profile Image for Michele.
529 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2019
HOLY CRAP!!! WOW!!! I think this is one of the most edge-of-your-seat kinda book I've read in quite some time. I could not put it down, wanting to know what the heck would happen next. It's definitely one of my favorites from Sam. Even though there is a cliffhanger (and I kinda anticipated, but hoped it didn't happen the way it did), I only have to wait a couple of days to read the next book. Now I can't wait for Damaged Queen.
Profile Image for SansaReads.
618 reviews50 followers
March 6, 2019
This was a pleasant surprise. I didn't anticipate the plot and the angst to be so high but I definitely enjoyed it. I enjoyed the complex characters and the twists and turns. Draven, Axel, Jett, and Buck were definitely not your typical students. They were something else entirely. Harper's switch was a little off for me. She does a 360 and I can understand why, I just preferred it to be more of a transition.
Profile Image for Tricia.
Author 2 books8 followers
March 26, 2019
Omg thank GOD book two is already out, I could not deal if I had found this book prior to its release. Such a great story, I was immediately drawn in . My only problem with this story at all is how quickly Draven thought she betrayed him. For someone that stressed being "all in" and how they would always be each other's, he was quick to cast her aside. I'm already onto book two, so I'm praying that one doesn't leave me with a cliffhanger like this one did!
208 reviews
April 2, 2019
Initiation

This one sat on a verge of being an RH and a single f/m. I wanted it to be Draven and Harper alone, but I love Axel and want to know more about him. I am satisfied with how the author did the scene with the boys and Harper with the initiation. I think to go more into it would take away from her and Draven. In the end Draven must suspect what is going on, or at least a piece of it. Still it makes for a great set up to the next installment.
71 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2025
Harper was a pathetic fmc. I don't know why Axel, Buck, and Jett accepted her into their group. She wasn't remarkable in any way, and it was very apparent that she only viewed them as friends. There was no chemistry. To force this idea that Draven and the guys would "share" her when they were clearly not suited was bizarre, to say the least. I don't even get why Draven found her so fascinating. She was bland, petulant, and neurotic.
Profile Image for Victoria Craig.
496 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2019
Outstanding Read

This book is amazing !! Dark and twisted these boys run this town. They are four friends who trust no one but themselves and each other. They decide they need one girl for all four of them to share so not to be busted apart and feuding like men before them have. Harper is that woman. And as soon as she agrees they will make her their own. Epic read !! 💛
81 reviews
February 28, 2019
Can’t wait for book 2!

This is some of Sam’s best work yet! I love her novels and this is a fantastic semi-reverse harem novel but with a twist about the major heroine Harper and anti-hero Draven. I love the dark and twisted and this falls pretty well inside that realm without being overly gruesome. Can’t wait for book 2!
119 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2019
Liked not love

I liked so much about this story I'm not sure why I didn't love it.. maybe I wanted the guys better develpped.. I didn't feel I knew the other 3 guys.. I also wanted some more aloha male action.. they were a little too wimpy for 4 bad boy killers.. idk something was just missing
Profile Image for Tammy G.
950 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2019
I found The Initiation by Crescent an exciting read. Parts of the storyline were a bit unrealistic but the high happenings throughout this book made me not wanting to put it down. The cliffhanger had me banging my head. What drama to leave us with. I'm on to the next book in the series. Happy Reading!!!
85 reviews
March 2, 2019
Beautifully dark

Loved this! Was dark & a bit twisted but sweet at the same time. Was hooked from the very beginning. Loved Harper, Draven & all the guys. How they were all committed too each other, through all the darkness. Can't wait to read the next part.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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