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Moriarty's Men #1
A Study in Seduction
One female criminal genius. Three brilliant, passionate detectives who stand in her way. Let the seduction begin...
My family expected me to play sacrificial lamb for their supernatural cult. Through a desperate bargain with a demonic fiend, I escaped—into a criminal underworld that saw me as easy prey.
I’ve proven them wrong a thousand times over. These days, what I want, I get, by whatever means necessary.
Now my fiendish friend is coming to collect its fee: my soul. I don't intend to pay. Unfortunately, the key to my freedom lies just beyond my reach. To steal it before my time runs out, I’ll need to con the finest investigative minds in London into executing a perilous heist.
Sherlock Holmes. John Watson. Garrett Lestrade. Each at the top of their game; each with a weakness I can exploit. Each so passionate both in the field and between the sheets. I answer to no one and I left my conscience behind years ago, but the more time I spend with them, the more the edges of my steeled heart soften.
We could rule the world if we worked together. But these men will never see the real me as anything but a villain. When the chips are down, I have to betray them—or I’ll lose myself to a greater horror than they could believe exists.
*What if the infamous Professor Moriarty was a woman—and she met Sherlock Holmes and his colleagues as young men? Wits clash and sparks fly in Moriarty’s Men, a modern paranormal spin on the classic characters. This reverse harem series comes with fast-burn steam, a slow-burn romance where the main character doesn’t have to choose, and M/M themes.*
Warning: Heroine of extremely questionable morality.
My family expected me to play sacrificial lamb for their supernatural cult. Through a desperate bargain with a demonic fiend, I escaped—into a criminal underworld that saw me as easy prey.
I’ve proven them wrong a thousand times over. These days, what I want, I get, by whatever means necessary.
Now my fiendish friend is coming to collect its fee: my soul. I don't intend to pay. Unfortunately, the key to my freedom lies just beyond my reach. To steal it before my time runs out, I’ll need to con the finest investigative minds in London into executing a perilous heist.
Sherlock Holmes. John Watson. Garrett Lestrade. Each at the top of their game; each with a weakness I can exploit. Each so passionate both in the field and between the sheets. I answer to no one and I left my conscience behind years ago, but the more time I spend with them, the more the edges of my steeled heart soften.
We could rule the world if we worked together. But these men will never see the real me as anything but a villain. When the chips are down, I have to betray them—or I’ll lose myself to a greater horror than they could believe exists.
*What if the infamous Professor Moriarty was a woman—and she met Sherlock Holmes and his colleagues as young men? Wits clash and sparks fly in Moriarty’s Men, a modern paranormal spin on the classic characters. This reverse harem series comes with fast-burn steam, a slow-burn romance where the main character doesn’t have to choose, and M/M themes.*
Warning: Heroine of extremely questionable morality.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2019
About the author
Eva Chase
141 books4,134 followersEva Chase is an Amazon bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She grew up on a steady diet of magic, mayhem, and romantic angst, and brings plenty of all three to her stories. But no need to fear the dreaded love triangle—her heroines never have to choose.
Eva's best-known series are Flirting with Monsters, Royals of Villain Academy, and Bound to the Fae. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her family and one velcro-like cat. Visit her online at https://www.evachase.com
Eva's best-known series are Flirting with Monsters, Royals of Villain Academy, and Bound to the Fae. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her family and one velcro-like cat. Visit her online at https://www.evachase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 5, 2020
My review for this book disappeared. That sucks.
What it basically said was that I enjoyed it. It was easy for me to accept their characters as what they were based on the BBC show Sherlock which I loved. Sherlock was the one that always dealt with logic, John Watson was there to drag him out of his head and Lestrade just wanted to solve his cases without the theatrics of Holmes.
I loved Moriarty, I liked the way she played with these intelligent men, especially Sherlock. The paranormal aspect didn't really play a part in it, it was just something to get them together but it was still enjoyable.
I had seen a review that said the book was too clinical and I agree. Again, I feel like if anyone watches the BBC show it would be easy to sort of fit these characters into the show.
I gave this five stars because it was dual POVs and MM interaction.
What it basically said was that I enjoyed it. It was easy for me to accept their characters as what they were based on the BBC show Sherlock which I loved. Sherlock was the one that always dealt with logic, John Watson was there to drag him out of his head and Lestrade just wanted to solve his cases without the theatrics of Holmes.
I loved Moriarty, I liked the way she played with these intelligent men, especially Sherlock. The paranormal aspect didn't really play a part in it, it was just something to get them together but it was still enjoyable.
I had seen a review that said the book was too clinical and I agree. Again, I feel like if anyone watches the BBC show it would be easy to sort of fit these characters into the show.
I gave this five stars because it was dual POVs and MM interaction.
May 9, 2020
When I started the Looking Glass series by Eva Chase it was love at first sight. I loved the world, the characters and the way the story was written. And one of the series she recommended to read next was this one. She promised me a lot of plotting and planning and of course, a main character who was not a nice and good girl. We are talking Moriarty here after all. And ever since I've been excited to start this series.
Rightly so it seems! I opened the book and started reading and once more it was love at first sight. The first thing that caught my attention was the combination of writing style, atmosphere and setting. The books are set in modern times, and yet the writing style creates an atmosphere that really connects with the Sherlock Holmes books and vibe. The way they talked, the way the world was described. If the USB drives and phones weren't mentioned, I would have believed it was set years and years ago. And yet it never felt odd or weird or wrong.
I also really enjoyed the plot and the slight bit of supernatural that was twirled into it. The supernatural was small and subtle, only showing up once in a while, but never taking over. However, it gave the story just that little bit extra and upped the stakes. Not that the plot wouldn't have been fine without them. The plotting, scheming, planning and heisting was already very delicious on its own, especially because all character were observant and intelligent.
Which is the most amazing thing of this book: The intelligent characters. Intelligence is such a huge turn on! I fell in love with all the guys and I loved Jemma an awful lot too! Watching them learning about each other by simply watching and asking all the right questions and pushing all the right buttons was so delightful! No stupid for the sake of drama, no missing obvious clues and no refusing to make obvious connections. The plot was created BECAUSE the characters were smart and therefore outsmarting each other.
I'm so looking forward to next week already! This is gonna be one of my new favorites! I feel it!
Rightly so it seems! I opened the book and started reading and once more it was love at first sight. The first thing that caught my attention was the combination of writing style, atmosphere and setting. The books are set in modern times, and yet the writing style creates an atmosphere that really connects with the Sherlock Holmes books and vibe. The way they talked, the way the world was described. If the USB drives and phones weren't mentioned, I would have believed it was set years and years ago. And yet it never felt odd or weird or wrong.
I also really enjoyed the plot and the slight bit of supernatural that was twirled into it. The supernatural was small and subtle, only showing up once in a while, but never taking over. However, it gave the story just that little bit extra and upped the stakes. Not that the plot wouldn't have been fine without them. The plotting, scheming, planning and heisting was already very delicious on its own, especially because all character were observant and intelligent.
Which is the most amazing thing of this book: The intelligent characters. Intelligence is such a huge turn on! I fell in love with all the guys and I loved Jemma an awful lot too! Watching them learning about each other by simply watching and asking all the right questions and pushing all the right buttons was so delightful! No stupid for the sake of drama, no missing obvious clues and no refusing to make obvious connections. The plot was created BECAUSE the characters were smart and therefore outsmarting each other.
I'm so looking forward to next week already! This is gonna be one of my new favorites! I feel it!
August 24, 2019
3-3.5 stars. Listened to this via Audible.. Despite the audio making the characters and even the plot a little on the clinical side.. it actually didn't lessen my enjoyment of this book really. I would even venture as far to say maybe the author meant everything to sound so clinical, giving it a "logic above all else" type feel. It fit right in with the Sherlock Holmes reinvention. I have to say this type of cleverness is one of my favorite things to read about. When you have characters that are so far ahead of everyone else they might as well be in a different dimension its just really entertaining to watch it all play out. Add in a tiny bit of supernatural flair with all the amazing parts of Sherlock Holmes and his eidetic memory as well as genius problems solving and you get this book.. oh and some smut.. thrown some of that in as well lol. I feel like, this being a reinvention, that maybe the author took a little less time building the world which would have been fine except for that supernatural concept thrown in there. That part of the story would have fit and meshed a little better for me if we had been given a little bit better supernatural world building and backstory.
Jemma our FMC is the reinvented professor Moriarty. She takes on Sherlock Holmes and co in a devious and downright stunning plan, in order to free her soul from the clutches of demons. She doesn't need Sherlock and his men to save her in the conventional way though.. oh no. Through a brilliant and elaborate scheme she seduces and throws up the deuces all the while playing the men against each other in order to achieve her goals... The artifact she needs to keep her safe from the evil chasing her constantly.. and in the end the bad guy is caught.. or maybe not?
It was an entertaining start to the series. I will say I kind of wish that Jemma wasn't soooo clinical in her ministrations. I mean she is brilliant and all but dang.. that girl can play dirty too.. I don't know whether to hate her, be jealous, or love her to pieces... Maybe I feel a little of all 3 lol.
Jemma our FMC is the reinvented professor Moriarty. She takes on Sherlock Holmes and co in a devious and downright stunning plan, in order to free her soul from the clutches of demons. She doesn't need Sherlock and his men to save her in the conventional way though.. oh no. Through a brilliant and elaborate scheme she seduces and throws up the deuces all the while playing the men against each other in order to achieve her goals... The artifact she needs to keep her safe from the evil chasing her constantly.. and in the end the bad guy is caught.. or maybe not?
It was an entertaining start to the series. I will say I kind of wish that Jemma wasn't soooo clinical in her ministrations. I mean she is brilliant and all but dang.. that girl can play dirty too.. I don't know whether to hate her, be jealous, or love her to pieces... Maybe I feel a little of all 3 lol.
March 27, 2020
Book: A Study in Seduction
Author: Eva Chase
Type: First book in Moriarty's Men
Genre: Fantasy Reverse Harem
POV: Multiple (First Person)
Rating: 4 Stars!
I’d locked eyes with a lot of men over the years. I’d told lies to nearly all of them. But something about this man, in this moment, brought out an impulse to offer him an answer as close to the truth as I was capable of.
“And you’re still here even though you know what I am. A liar. A villain. A murderer.” “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Bash said. “I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
A Study in Seduction was a fun and unique read. Eva Chase had us rooting for Moriarty, who we are conditioned to believe is evil. But Jemma was a refreshing change. She was cunning, manipulative, brilliant and tough. There was no doubt that she was in charge the whole time. The book's packed full of action and mystery, betrayal and humor, with a twist of paranormal.
She sucked in a sharp breath, somehow looking fiercer than most of the soldiers I’d faced off against even in her loose sleepshirt and leggings.
While the story kept me on edge and jittery, it was a tad bit boring. I'm not rushing to read the next book.
“Are you all right?” he asked. He clearly was. His eyes were sparkling, elation emanating from every inch of his body. He’d enjoyed that fight for his life. John Watson was an adorable sick fuck, and I liked it.
Author: Eva Chase
Type: First book in Moriarty's Men
Genre: Fantasy Reverse Harem
POV: Multiple (First Person)
Rating: 4 Stars!
I’d locked eyes with a lot of men over the years. I’d told lies to nearly all of them. But something about this man, in this moment, brought out an impulse to offer him an answer as close to the truth as I was capable of.
“And you’re still here even though you know what I am. A liar. A villain. A murderer.” “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Bash said. “I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
A Study in Seduction was a fun and unique read. Eva Chase had us rooting for Moriarty, who we are conditioned to believe is evil. But Jemma was a refreshing change. She was cunning, manipulative, brilliant and tough. There was no doubt that she was in charge the whole time. The book's packed full of action and mystery, betrayal and humor, with a twist of paranormal.
She sucked in a sharp breath, somehow looking fiercer than most of the soldiers I’d faced off against even in her loose sleepshirt and leggings.
While the story kept me on edge and jittery, it was a tad bit boring. I'm not rushing to read the next book.
“Are you all right?” he asked. He clearly was. His eyes were sparkling, elation emanating from every inch of his body. He’d enjoyed that fight for his life. John Watson was an adorable sick fuck, and I liked it.
May 7, 2022
I have such conflicted feelings over A STUDY IN SEDUCTION because while I liked the writing "voice" and the heist was interesting, the romance just didn't do it for me. The description promised a paranormal Sherlock Holmes retelling with "fast-burn steam, [and] a slow-burn romance" but the retelling part was the only thing that actually panned out. The paranormal aspects were pretty minimal and not explained all that well. I often forgot the book was even supposed to be paranormal.
As for the romance, it just isn't there and I don't believe that Jemma, our female Moriarty, is actually interested in and attracted to the guys. While I appreciated Jemma's wits, smarts, and how she was always thinking 3 steps ahead, I didn't enjoy the way she toyed with the emotions of Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, and Garret Lestrade. Every single interaction Gemma has with the men is planned and with the intention of furthering her goals and this includes the sex she has with each man individually. Because of this, the sex scenes felt so clinical and manipulative and not very sexy at all. Jemma's only purpose is to use sex to make the men invested in her and the only time there's any real intimacy is when she has sex with her friend and colleague Bash. While the men aren't in love with Jemma there's definitely some feelings starting to develop and Jemma encourages this through lies, manipulation, and in one case a promise of more sex.
While there's a cliffhanger ending and lots of things left unresolved I don't plan to read the rest of the series though I am going to try something else by the author.
Content Warning: cliffhanger ending; gore; one mention of an MC who occasionally injects cocaine to clear their head
As for the romance, it just isn't there and I don't believe that Jemma, our female Moriarty, is actually interested in and attracted to the guys. While I appreciated Jemma's wits, smarts, and how she was always thinking 3 steps ahead, I didn't enjoy the way she toyed with the emotions of Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, and Garret Lestrade. Every single interaction Gemma has with the men is planned and with the intention of furthering her goals and this includes the sex she has with each man individually. Because of this, the sex scenes felt so clinical and manipulative and not very sexy at all. Jemma's only purpose is to use sex to make the men invested in her and the only time there's any real intimacy is when she has sex with her friend and colleague Bash. While the men aren't in love with Jemma there's definitely some feelings starting to develop and Jemma encourages this through lies, manipulation, and in one case a promise of more sex.
While there's a cliffhanger ending and lots of things left unresolved I don't plan to read the rest of the series though I am going to try something else by the author.
Content Warning: cliffhanger ending; gore; one mention of an MC who occasionally injects cocaine to clear their head
June 3, 2020
This is not my usual type of read, but I figured with all the lockdown madness going on, I may as well use the opportunity to push the boat out into unfamiliar waters, and so I raided my wife's collection!
One of the main reasons I chose this is because I am a huge fan of the Conan Doyle Holmes stories, and I get the impression that Eva Chase is as well. If not, she has certainly done her homework, as the characters are very well written and fleshed out.
There is also an intriguing supernatural element to the story, almost Lovecraftian in its premise, and I found that this too was very well executed, and felt very much an integral part of the novel and not just a lazy bolt-on idea.
Having never read any erotica before, I cannot compare this to any others - but the scenes in this book are well written without being overtly crude or cringeworthy.
Overal, it was an interesting read that pays homage to the Holmes legacy and presents some very well written ideas of its own.
One of the main reasons I chose this is because I am a huge fan of the Conan Doyle Holmes stories, and I get the impression that Eva Chase is as well. If not, she has certainly done her homework, as the characters are very well written and fleshed out.
There is also an intriguing supernatural element to the story, almost Lovecraftian in its premise, and I found that this too was very well executed, and felt very much an integral part of the novel and not just a lazy bolt-on idea.
Having never read any erotica before, I cannot compare this to any others - but the scenes in this book are well written without being overtly crude or cringeworthy.
Overal, it was an interesting read that pays homage to the Holmes legacy and presents some very well written ideas of its own.
April 19, 2020
My New Obsession
I literally just finished one of her series and loved it so much...I doubted she could top that. Well I was wrong! This book was so good I read it in record time and I am so excited to devour the rest of this series. A spectacular Sherlock Holmes retelling!
I literally just finished one of her series and loved it so much...I doubted she could top that. Well I was wrong! This book was so good I read it in record time and I am so excited to devour the rest of this series. A spectacular Sherlock Holmes retelling!
March 20, 2019
A Study in Seduction is a fun, different look at the world of Sherlock Holmes. We get to see what the men of Sherlock- the great investigator himself, Watson, and Lestrade are like through the eyes of one incredibly cunning and devious female- Chase's take on the well-known Moriarty.
Despite the traits that could be taken as a negative: her deviousness and manipulative ways, I honestly think Jemma is one of my favorite FMCs so far from any of Chase's worlds. She's wonderfully intelligent, and I love to see the way she figures out complex problems and how to manage these three men who don't have a reputation for being very manageable.
Even though she's taking a bit of the "villainous" route to getting what she wants, Chase is developing a backstory for her that makes her more sympathetic, that shows me she might enjoy being the most bad*ss female in the room, but there's also some trauma that has helped to shape her into who she is. I think there's a lot of room for more redeeming qualities to continue poking through, and we get some great glimpses of how Sherlock and the others are cracking through the exterior disguise she's created.
Now, I am not a Sherlock aficionado. My knowledge/exposure if pretty much thanks to the BBC show, so there might be gaps in what I know versus the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. That being said, I liked Chase's portrayals of the men. I think she nailed Sherlock's inquisitive view of the world, his quick boredom with the ordinary, and his fear-like habit of shying away from the emotional. Watson's thirst for adventure and adrenaline as well as his genuine affection for his best friend. Lestrade was the least interesting, for me, but that's more my personal preference rather than any reflection on how Chase shaped the character. His thirst to prove himself and his thinly-veiled jealousy of Sherlock's brilliance are clearly conveyed, and I'm interested to see how that will continue to shape his interactions with the men and Jemma in book two.
Overall, A Study in Seduction was a book that I greatly enjoyed. I love the combat of wills and intelligence that unfold between the characters. We also get some s*xy playtime, so, if you're looking for action, you'll definitely find some here. There's also a little bit of M/M and hopefully more to come. Personally, I enjoy that aspect in RH stories, and I feel like it's just been so speculated on in the Sherlockian fandom that it just had to happen. Definitely recommend others check it out!!!
Despite the traits that could be taken as a negative: her deviousness and manipulative ways, I honestly think Jemma is one of my favorite FMCs so far from any of Chase's worlds. She's wonderfully intelligent, and I love to see the way she figures out complex problems and how to manage these three men who don't have a reputation for being very manageable.
Even though she's taking a bit of the "villainous" route to getting what she wants, Chase is developing a backstory for her that makes her more sympathetic, that shows me she might enjoy being the most bad*ss female in the room, but there's also some trauma that has helped to shape her into who she is. I think there's a lot of room for more redeeming qualities to continue poking through, and we get some great glimpses of how Sherlock and the others are cracking through the exterior disguise she's created.
Now, I am not a Sherlock aficionado. My knowledge/exposure if pretty much thanks to the BBC show, so there might be gaps in what I know versus the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. That being said, I liked Chase's portrayals of the men. I think she nailed Sherlock's inquisitive view of the world, his quick boredom with the ordinary, and his fear-like habit of shying away from the emotional. Watson's thirst for adventure and adrenaline as well as his genuine affection for his best friend. Lestrade was the least interesting, for me, but that's more my personal preference rather than any reflection on how Chase shaped the character. His thirst to prove himself and his thinly-veiled jealousy of Sherlock's brilliance are clearly conveyed, and I'm interested to see how that will continue to shape his interactions with the men and Jemma in book two.
Overall, A Study in Seduction was a book that I greatly enjoyed. I love the combat of wills and intelligence that unfold between the characters. We also get some s*xy playtime, so, if you're looking for action, you'll definitely find some here. There's also a little bit of M/M and hopefully more to come. Personally, I enjoy that aspect in RH stories, and I feel like it's just been so speculated on in the Sherlockian fandom that it just had to happen. Definitely recommend others check it out!!!
August 25, 2019
This book was so much fun! I loved seeing Mori play the Sherlock gang. I'd get concerned they were getting close to discovering her secret only for Mori's POV to come back and she is practically cackling from how well her plan is working out.
The way all the guys are portrayed is really fun and the twist with Sherlock and John is awesome, in my opinion.
The way all the guys are portrayed is really fun and the twist with Sherlock and John is awesome, in my opinion.
September 9, 2020
I enjoyed how this was both romantica AND a slow burn romance at the same time. This author does that blend so well. And the paranormal aspects were fascinating and creepy as HELL!
I'm rooting for Jemma and admire her for what she's done and what she's doing. And I love ALL the guys; they're unique, sexy in their own ways and lovable.
I really like how this book presented a moral dilemma, and then followed through with the spirit of the law and the greater good instead of getting technical and destructively holier-than-thou, and so ruining additional hundreds of lives that could have been saved.
My favorite part in the Sherlock and Jhon relationship yumminess. I love the chemistry between those two in regular het times so I'm in heaven over them in this book. I look forward to reading more on them all.
I'm rooting for Jemma and admire her for what she's done and what she's doing. And I love ALL the guys; they're unique, sexy in their own ways and lovable.
I really like how this book presented a moral dilemma, and then followed through with the spirit of the law and the greater good instead of getting technical and destructively holier-than-thou, and so ruining additional hundreds of lives that could have been saved.
My favorite part in the Sherlock and Jhon relationship yumminess. I love the chemistry between those two in regular het times so I'm in heaven over them in this book. I look forward to reading more on them all.
March 2, 2025
While this was an intriguing book, it also felt like it was being recited from a college psychology textbook, in a bad way. Keep in mind I am consuming this via Audible and considering the rest of the series is not available (despite the books’ conclusion 6 years ago). While the premise and last 25% has me intrigued to want to continue the series, the way that the first 75% of the book came off as super clinical and void of emotion from the FMC, it doesn’t make me upset the rest of the series isn’t available on audio and I will leave this series here.
… I think this is a first where I’m not upset that I am curious enough to consider continuing the series, but totally ok with letting it go based on the fact that my favorite format doesn’t have the rest of the series available for consumption. And TBH, if it was available in the future, I’d likely pass. (It’s a “you snooze you lose” case for me)
… I think this is a first where I’m not upset that I am curious enough to consider continuing the series, but totally ok with letting it go based on the fact that my favorite format doesn’t have the rest of the series available for consumption. And TBH, if it was available in the future, I’d likely pass. (It’s a “you snooze you lose” case for me)
March 19, 2021
This was...interesting. I liked the concept and the characters well enough, though I would have preferred for them both to have been developed a tad more. It felt less like deception-deception and more like "how many of these guys can I bang"; I understand that she was seducing them but even still, I felt like it was lacking. Idk, I just thought this could have been **better**. Oh well. I won't be carrying on with this series but I did enjoy this installment well enough on it's own (the paranormal element felt incredible out of place though).
August 7, 2020
Well Done Eva Chase!
So good! I love Sherlock and Moriarty in any rendition but this was especially good. I love that we get a different view and take on what she can really be, mix in the paranormal with their mysteries, deception and entertaining mischief and it turns into one hell of a story that you don't want to end. I loved it and can't wait to read more!
So good! I love Sherlock and Moriarty in any rendition but this was especially good. I love that we get a different view and take on what she can really be, mix in the paranormal with their mysteries, deception and entertaining mischief and it turns into one hell of a story that you don't want to end. I loved it and can't wait to read more!
May 2, 2025
Interesting take on Holmes and Moriarty legend. Jemma is definitely good at seduction and deception. I wasn't the biggest fan of how she played with each mans emotions. She is super smart and good at what she does but I struggled to like her through a lot of the book. The things she does makes her seem very cold and detached. The love scences were decent but didn't add much to the story. I may pick up the next book to see what happens next after that ending.
skimmed
February 16, 2020I tend to skim this genre - reverse haram - I’m intrigued by the idea, but have never really found one I’ve liked.
April 19, 2019
A Study in Seduction is a fun, different look at the world of Sherlock Holmes. We get to see what the men of Sherlock- the great investigator himself, Watson, and Lestrade are like through the eyes of one incredibly cunning and devious female- Chase's take on the well-known Moriarty.
Despite the traits that could be taken as a negative: her deviousness and manipulative ways, I honestly think Jemma is one of my favorite FMCs so far from any of Chase's worlds. She's wonderfully intelligent, and I love to see the way she figures out complex problems and how to manage these three men who don't have a reputation for being very manageable.
Even though she's taking a bit of the "villainous" route to getting what she wants, Chase is developing a backstory for her that makes her more sympathetic, that shows me she might enjoy being the most bad*ss female in the room, but there's also some trauma that has helped to shape her into who she is. I think there's a lot of room for more redeeming qualities to continue poking through, and we get some great glimpses of how Sherlock and the others are cracking through the exterior disguise she's created.
Now, I am not a Sherlock aficionado. My knowledge/exposure if pretty much thanks to the BBC show, so there might be gaps in what I know versus the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. That being said, I liked Chase's portrayals of the men. I think she nailed Sherlock's inquisitive view of the world, his quick boredom with the ordinary, and his fear-like habit of shying away from the emotional. Watson's thirst for adventure and adrenaline as well as his genuine affection for his best friend. Lestrade was the least interesting, for me, but that's more my personal preference rather than any reflection on how Chase shaped the character. His thirst to prove himself and his thinly-veiled jealousy of Sherlock's brilliance are clearly conveyed, and I'm interested to see how that will continue to shape his interactions with the men and Jemma in book two.
Overall, A Study in Seduction was a book that I greatly enjoyed. I love the combat of wills and intelligence that unfold between the characters. We also get some s*xy playtime, so, if you're looking for action, you'll definitely find some here. There's also a little bit of M/M and hopefully more to come. Personally, I enjoy that aspect in RH stories, and I feel like it's just been so speculated on in the Sherlockian fandom that it just had to happen. Definitely recommend others check it out!!!
Despite the traits that could be taken as a negative: her deviousness and manipulative ways, I honestly think Jemma is one of my favorite FMCs so far from any of Chase's worlds. She's wonderfully intelligent, and I love to see the way she figures out complex problems and how to manage these three men who don't have a reputation for being very manageable.
Even though she's taking a bit of the "villainous" route to getting what she wants, Chase is developing a backstory for her that makes her more sympathetic, that shows me she might enjoy being the most bad*ss female in the room, but there's also some trauma that has helped to shape her into who she is. I think there's a lot of room for more redeeming qualities to continue poking through, and we get some great glimpses of how Sherlock and the others are cracking through the exterior disguise she's created.
Now, I am not a Sherlock aficionado. My knowledge/exposure if pretty much thanks to the BBC show, so there might be gaps in what I know versus the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. That being said, I liked Chase's portrayals of the men. I think she nailed Sherlock's inquisitive view of the world, his quick boredom with the ordinary, and his fear-like habit of shying away from the emotional. Watson's thirst for adventure and adrenaline as well as his genuine affection for his best friend. Lestrade was the least interesting, for me, but that's more my personal preference rather than any reflection on how Chase shaped the character. His thirst to prove himself and his thinly-veiled jealousy of Sherlock's brilliance are clearly conveyed, and I'm interested to see how that will continue to shape his interactions with the men and Jemma in book two.
Overall, A Study in Seduction was a book that I greatly enjoyed. I love the combat of wills and intelligence that unfold between the characters. We also get some s*xy playtime, so, if you're looking for action, you'll definitely find some here. There's also a little bit of M/M and hopefully more to come. Personally, I enjoy that aspect in RH stories, and I feel like it's just been so speculated on in the Sherlockian fandom that it just had to happen. Definitely recommend others check it out!!!
August 7, 2019
This was a pretty big standard 3 star read for me.
While there were some things I enjoyed the concept of, namely having a female MC as the sort of bad guy, who weaves a Web of deception around everyone, and the idea of the Sherlock Holmes characters was fun, I wasn't really feeling this one, as if there was something missing.
Mainly for me it was any sort of character development. I found the men to be cardboard cut outs, particularly Sherlock, with no depth and whole Jemma was a bit more fleshed out, I felt it was very superficially. As a result I didn't really find myself caring much what happened to them. The general plot of setting up the robbery was okay, bit not massively interesting either. I also wish the ostuation with the Shrouded Ones had been properly 3xplained or developed.
It still might be worth giving this a try, as the concept is good, and it might just be a personal thing for me with this author's writing style, as I had similar issues with a previous first book on a series of her's.
While there were some things I enjoyed the concept of, namely having a female MC as the sort of bad guy, who weaves a Web of deception around everyone, and the idea of the Sherlock Holmes characters was fun, I wasn't really feeling this one, as if there was something missing.
Mainly for me it was any sort of character development. I found the men to be cardboard cut outs, particularly Sherlock, with no depth and whole Jemma was a bit more fleshed out, I felt it was very superficially. As a result I didn't really find myself caring much what happened to them. The general plot of setting up the robbery was okay, bit not massively interesting either. I also wish the ostuation with the Shrouded Ones had been properly 3xplained or developed.
It still might be worth giving this a try, as the concept is good, and it might just be a personal thing for me with this author's writing style, as I had similar issues with a previous first book on a series of her's.
February 22, 2021
Okay I was intrigued by the concept of this book, and it had real potential in the beginning but then it just got so BORING...so much talking about some made up case and then there’s some weird ghost thing haunting her? I don’t get it.
Aaaannd then she starts “seducing” the men, starting with the most low hanging fruit. I was hoping for a Rh romance novel that truly had a brilliant minded female lead for once. But, sadly, I was just as manipulated by Jemma as the three men she has her sights set on. The “steamy” scene was not steamy, it was lukewarm at best and it lacked any kind of build up or emotional connection. It was just awkward.
And how is this a Rh when the guys aren’t really aware of their involvement at first?
I don’t know, maybe it gets better, but I just read the first “steamy scene” and it was so boring and lackluster I fell asleep shortly after.
It was almost a winner, though. So close.
Aaaannd then she starts “seducing” the men, starting with the most low hanging fruit. I was hoping for a Rh romance novel that truly had a brilliant minded female lead for once. But, sadly, I was just as manipulated by Jemma as the three men she has her sights set on. The “steamy” scene was not steamy, it was lukewarm at best and it lacked any kind of build up or emotional connection. It was just awkward.
And how is this a Rh when the guys aren’t really aware of their involvement at first?
I don’t know, maybe it gets better, but I just read the first “steamy scene” and it was so boring and lackluster I fell asleep shortly after.
It was almost a winner, though. So close.
March 28, 2019
Nicely played. I’ve been looking forward to this one since I came across it on Amazon on my usual RH hunt and a sneak peak in the last Valkyrie book. A female Moriarty with Sherlock and friends. The story itself is a bit slow with the cat and mouse game being laid out but pretty much everything is there, crime, drama, very subtle romance and a dangerous woman outsmarting three of the best. I liked how tailored to each character the sex scenes were. Looking forward to the next one. Favourite character was Bash. At some points the MC did come across as overly arrogant which was a little annoying but got used to it and well yeah baddie.
- Multiple POVs
- Four guys
- MC isn’t a damsel in distress
- MC is a villain mastermind
- Supernatural element
- No insta-love
- Multiple POVs
- Four guys
- MC isn’t a damsel in distress
- MC is a villain mastermind
- Supernatural element
- No insta-love
July 5, 2019
"The game is afoot!"
As a huge fan of all things Sherlock Holmes, I'm sold. This awesome Study in Seduction had me flipping pages faster than Holmes solves conundrums. I mean, really, this book had it all:
✓ A well-spun and intriguing plot, without a harsh cliffhanger.
✓ A strong FMC that's one step ahead of everyone.
✓ Old familiar characters with new twists.
✓ Sexy scenes that actually advance the story and aren't just meant as fluff material.
✓ Seduction! Action! Deduction! Err.. I mean, deducing!
✓ A paranormal aspect that isn't very deeply explored yet, so more to come, perhaps..?
Can't wait to read about how the story continues. So now, on to the next one!
As a huge fan of all things Sherlock Holmes, I'm sold. This awesome Study in Seduction had me flipping pages faster than Holmes solves conundrums. I mean, really, this book had it all:
✓ A well-spun and intriguing plot, without a harsh cliffhanger.
✓ A strong FMC that's one step ahead of everyone.
✓ Old familiar characters with new twists.
✓ Sexy scenes that actually advance the story and aren't just meant as fluff material.
✓ Seduction! Action! Deduction! Err.. I mean, deducing!
✓ A paranormal aspect that isn't very deeply explored yet, so more to come, perhaps..?
Can't wait to read about how the story continues. So now, on to the next one!
October 24, 2019
Reread: 5 stars. Buddy read with Tosha
added-it
February 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/21/2021)! 🎁
March 23, 2019
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
I love mystery television, I mean those Hallmark Movie Mysteries are addicting. But those are not my first reference or favorite for mystery just my latest. My favorite reference is Sherlock Holmes, I love the Sherlock movies with Robert Downey Jr. and the television series Elementary starring Johnny Lee Miller.
Eva Chase is one of my favorite reverse harem (why choose) authors and I was extremely excited to find out that she was writing a series that center on Jemma Moriarty and her guys which include Holmes and Watson. In Elementary Moriarty was a female love interest for Holmes as well so yes I was every excited over a mystery surrounding a main character who is a popular characters adversary who no one really writes that much about. Then add in a paranormal/ supernatural twist and I am totally in, I mean you can't get much better than that.
A Study in Seduction is the first book in the Moriarty's Men series and it was so good. Jemma is such a strong, confident character that is a genius as well as manipulative, cunning, crime boss. Jemma is a complex character that of course had a tragic childhood the turned her into the person she is today. While Jemma isn't the good guy she also isn't necessarily bad, she just works outside the law and if you know anything about Sherlock he doesn't necessarily follows the law himself.
The relationships in this book are so complex already and that is before Jemma shows up. The trio of men John Watson, Sherlock Holmes and Garrett Lestrade have a complicated relationship and all three have their own personal issues. However when Jemma does arrive (and manipulates things from the very beginning) she helps them understand each other a little better and work closer together.
If you want the steamy parts of the story you don't have to wait long, things get there pretty fast but Eva promises a slow-burn romance and I cannot wait to see how that turns out because Jemma doesn't really seem like the romance type, I don't know who our trio is going to win her over but I am waiting to find out, also how can someone as smart and controlling as Jemma deal with any relationship.
A Study in Seduction was so good I loved every second of it and was on edge for the last little bit of the book. With the cliffhanger ending I am looking forward to see how Jemma handles what's thrown at her next and how the guys handle what Jemma throws at them. Looks like Holmes has met his match.
August 2, 2019
Surprisingly great and twisty in the best ways
Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I loved this book. I haven’t read crime/mystery/etc books before. Might not have done this one, if not for the crazy paranormal twist, and the promise of sexy times with THE Sherlock Holmes from a FEMALE Moriarty. [Which, btw, didn’t disappoint.] The sex scenes with the other three were just as great, in their unique ways. I’m not sure this qualifies as a reverse harem; really, she just sleeps around, using sex as a tool, and while the scenes were hot, the author succeeded in making them feel that way, too. Plus, she only did it once with each guy. Maybe that’s just genre ignorance on my part, or maybe it gets more ‘harem’ in later books. DON’T LET THAT DETER YOU. I devoured this entire book in one day. Jemma was so calculating and scarily intelligent. Each thought and clue placed just so our hapless heroes “made” each decision themselves. It took some mental gymnastics on my part to get over the fact I *knew* from the beginning she was manipulating them, and this wasn’t going to be a typical romance (hiya—hardcore happy-happy-feels-feels fan, here) but I couldn’t be more pleased that I gave a book a chance. Super fun, super twisty, super engaging. I loved the interactions, so, so much. Of the male POV chapters, I’d have to say Sherlock’s was the best. Though, I loved Lestrade’s as well. I personally didn’t have any issues with him, his thought processes, or anything of the sort as I saw in some amazon reviews. I was 100% invested in all of them, to be honest, and totally ship an entire HEA with all of them. Amazingly woven plot. Five glorious stars all day.
Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I loved this book. I haven’t read crime/mystery/etc books before. Might not have done this one, if not for the crazy paranormal twist, and the promise of sexy times with THE Sherlock Holmes from a FEMALE Moriarty. [Which, btw, didn’t disappoint.] The sex scenes with the other three were just as great, in their unique ways. I’m not sure this qualifies as a reverse harem; really, she just sleeps around, using sex as a tool, and while the scenes were hot, the author succeeded in making them feel that way, too. Plus, she only did it once with each guy. Maybe that’s just genre ignorance on my part, or maybe it gets more ‘harem’ in later books. DON’T LET THAT DETER YOU. I devoured this entire book in one day. Jemma was so calculating and scarily intelligent. Each thought and clue placed just so our hapless heroes “made” each decision themselves. It took some mental gymnastics on my part to get over the fact I *knew* from the beginning she was manipulating them, and this wasn’t going to be a typical romance (hiya—hardcore happy-happy-feels-feels fan, here) but I couldn’t be more pleased that I gave a book a chance. Super fun, super twisty, super engaging. I loved the interactions, so, so much. Of the male POV chapters, I’d have to say Sherlock’s was the best. Though, I loved Lestrade’s as well. I personally didn’t have any issues with him, his thought processes, or anything of the sort as I saw in some amazon reviews. I was 100% invested in all of them, to be honest, and totally ship an entire HEA with all of them. Amazingly woven plot. Five glorious stars all day.
April 23, 2019
I love everything Sherlock Homes, from the old school novels to the modern day movies and shows. This book has completely changed the way I think of the Sherlock universe.
The biggest change that Ms. Chase brings to the series is the main character Jemma Moriarty. In the original tales, this would make her Sherlock's greatest adversary, but not in this book. Instead, there is chemistry and intrigue. Sherlock is curious about Jemma and finds himself pleased and slightly confused by his reactions.
John Watson is such a sweet man in this book as well. And I absolutely love that he is an adrenaline junky, though not something he would admit to. Jemma pegs him as such immediately, and caters to that specific need quite thoroughly. And .
Garrett Lestrade isn't what I expected in this story. I'm still not quite what to make of the man. (Jury is still out on that, folks.)
Also, Bash. Yeah, I'm already kind of in love with the hit-man.
And finally, the heroine herself, Jemma Moriarty. But she's not exactly a hero at all, is she? She's an anti-hero, working the criminal industry like a fine-tuned violin and excelling at what she does. Her connections with a certain cult has put her in more danger than the trio above knows. And they dance to her tune as well. She doesn't show them her true self, but in bits and pieces.
This book was such an awesome ride. The secrets and intrigue flavored with chemistry and lust.
Can't wait for more!
The biggest change that Ms. Chase brings to the series is the main character Jemma Moriarty. In the original tales, this would make her Sherlock's greatest adversary, but not in this book. Instead, there is chemistry and intrigue. Sherlock is curious about Jemma and finds himself pleased and slightly confused by his reactions.
John Watson is such a sweet man in this book as well. And I absolutely love that he is an adrenaline junky, though not something he would admit to. Jemma pegs him as such immediately, and caters to that specific need quite thoroughly. And .
Garrett Lestrade isn't what I expected in this story. I'm still not quite what to make of the man. (Jury is still out on that, folks.)
Also, Bash. Yeah, I'm already kind of in love with the hit-man.
And finally, the heroine herself, Jemma Moriarty. But she's not exactly a hero at all, is she? She's an anti-hero, working the criminal industry like a fine-tuned violin and excelling at what she does. Her connections with a certain cult has put her in more danger than the trio above knows. And they dance to her tune as well. She doesn't show them her true self, but in bits and pieces.
This book was such an awesome ride. The secrets and intrigue flavored with chemistry and lust.
Can't wait for more!
March 20, 2019
Jemma Moriarty's family assumed she would give in to a supernatural cult they were in but she escaped with the help of a demon - now she is a criminal genius who gets what she wants doing whatever is necessary. As the time nears for the demon to collect the fee for his help she needs to steal the key to her freedom - however, she'll need the help of Sherlock Holmes. John Watson. Garrett Lestrade (all at the top of their game) to pull off a heist to get it. So she decides to exploit their weaknesses and utilise their field passion in the sheets to get their help. As she spends more time with them she can feel her heart weakening but knows she can't fail at this. She knows they could rule the world together but she knows she needs to disappear at the end of the heist. Will she get away with this?
I liked this twist on the Sherlock Holmes stories. It has the potential to be a reverse harem as well as there are M:M themes. I enjoyed the story but I do admit to being increasingly annoyed with Jemma and the way she used sex to play the guys in the story - I just hope in later books in the series she gets to treat them a little better. Well written it was enjoyable and easy to understand.
I liked this twist on the Sherlock Holmes stories. It has the potential to be a reverse harem as well as there are M:M themes. I enjoyed the story but I do admit to being increasingly annoyed with Jemma and the way she used sex to play the guys in the story - I just hope in later books in the series she gets to treat them a little better. Well written it was enjoyable and easy to understand.
April 11, 2019
I thought this was a great take on the Sherlock Holmes story, it was unique in its own but the characters were who we know and love at the same time.
My only thing was I had trouble at first not picturing Benjamin Cucumber and his gang. So I had to look up some guys on Pinterest who I wanted to see as the characters (close to the descriptions) to really get their image stuck in my head so every time they talked or came up I would make sure to look at the pic first that helped me make it into its own story. Or else id probably have trouble and pictured the older guys from the show which I didn't want to do. ( I was a big fan of the Sherlock show so that's why I had this issue, if you've never really watched it you might not have that problem)
I also liked the take on Moriarty, she was played really well, only thing that had me iffy about was
I really want to pick up the next one immediately! I'm glad it comes out later in April
My only thing was I had trouble at first not picturing Benjamin Cucumber and his gang. So I had to look up some guys on Pinterest who I wanted to see as the characters (close to the descriptions) to really get their image stuck in my head so every time they talked or came up I would make sure to look at the pic first that helped me make it into its own story. Or else id probably have trouble and pictured the older guys from the show which I didn't want to do. ( I was a big fan of the Sherlock show so that's why I had this issue, if you've never really watched it you might not have that problem)
I also liked the take on Moriarty, she was played really well, only thing that had me iffy about was
I really want to pick up the next one immediately! I'm glad it comes out later in April
June 26, 2019
I like Sherlock stories and movies so I thought I'd love this, especially since I loved this same author's Wonderland series so much.
However, the plot was very, very, painfully slow. It took the whole book for Moriarty to get Sherlock, Watson, and Lestrade to pull off one simple heist. Seriously, that heist should have taken up maybe three chapters.
There should have been way more build up of the paranormal stuff that was mostly in the background and never even really explained. Even the true, hidden purpose of the heist was danced around with no full explanations given. Why did Moriarty need that object, and how does it work, and what is the point of everything she finagled?
It also had very little believable motivation for the characters to get together. Moriarty had the characters get together, but there was no build up and no heat.
I keep going back and forth between 2 stars and 3, so for now I'm going to give 3 just because I liked the author's other series so much. Maybe I'll even check out the next Sherlock book just to see if everything builds up better. Sometimes the first book in a series isn't as strong as the rest of the series.
However, the plot was very, very, painfully slow. It took the whole book for Moriarty to get Sherlock, Watson, and Lestrade to pull off one simple heist. Seriously, that heist should have taken up maybe three chapters.
There should have been way more build up of the paranormal stuff that was mostly in the background and never even really explained. Even the true, hidden purpose of the heist was danced around with no full explanations given. Why did Moriarty need that object, and how does it work, and what is the point of everything she finagled?
It also had very little believable motivation for the characters to get together. Moriarty had the characters get together, but there was no build up and no heat.
I keep going back and forth between 2 stars and 3, so for now I'm going to give 3 just because I liked the author's other series so much. Maybe I'll even check out the next Sherlock book just to see if everything builds up better. Sometimes the first book in a series isn't as strong as the rest of the series.
December 7, 2020
A good - and I mean good - Sherlock fanfic with reverse harem? Don’t mind if I do.
Every character was on point to my impressions of the BBC Sherlock - the ones whose seasons are like 3 episodes long and it takes forever to get the next season? Yeah. It took little to no effort to imagine the actors saying these lines and going through these motions.
Do I love that there was a Johnlock moment? Why, yes I do! Do I love their reactions to this moment? Emphatically yes.
Do I love that Moriarty is a girl to, what, make Johnlock mean more and make all three men sleeping with her be more easily believable? No.
Do I like that a woman got a leg up over three men to successfully steal something that will save her life? Mmmyes I do. But was it necessary for her to be Moriarty when canonically there is Irene Adler?
Why change Moriarty to a woman? Why not make it MMMMM? Because there is a smaller readership? Tsk.
In the end it didn’t detract enough from the well written story with a sympathetic bad ‘guy’ main character for me to stop reading. Instead I will 100% be devouring the rest of the series!
Every character was on point to my impressions of the BBC Sherlock - the ones whose seasons are like 3 episodes long and it takes forever to get the next season? Yeah. It took little to no effort to imagine the actors saying these lines and going through these motions.
Do I love that there was a Johnlock moment? Why, yes I do! Do I love their reactions to this moment? Emphatically yes.
Do I love that Moriarty is a girl to, what, make Johnlock mean more and make all three men sleeping with her be more easily believable? No.
Do I like that a woman got a leg up over three men to successfully steal something that will save her life? Mmmyes I do. But was it necessary for her to be Moriarty when canonically there is Irene Adler?
Why change Moriarty to a woman? Why not make it MMMMM? Because there is a smaller readership? Tsk.
In the end it didn’t detract enough from the well written story with a sympathetic bad ‘guy’ main character for me to stop reading. Instead I will 100% be devouring the rest of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
This was a modern take on a Sherlock Holmes mystery that was soley engineered by the female villain. This was well plotted out and executed with attention to even the tiniest of detail. While I find Jemma brilliant and deeply driven, she is not the most likable MC ever. But... She has had to be tough to stay one step ahead of her greatest foe. She has a reason to lie and skew things into her favor. Her henchman is extremely interesting and entertaining and I am so glad that he exists as he adds such a beautiful and human element to Jemma's world. This author's versions of Sherlock, John and Garrett are intriguing. We saw some jealousy and how using that can drive each of the men just a tad. I am not a fan at all of M/M action. This was not the cringiest scene written, but it does lead to the imagination of just what Ms. Chase may have in store for this series. I loved how this concluded! The game is very truly afoot!
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