What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dark Orchid #1-3
The Dark Orchid Omnibus Edition
A Complete Reverse Harem Trilogy
Power of Lies:
Everyone lies. When working for a sex mage, it's the only way to stay safe.
That's the first thing Jaeda learns when she's named as the Chosen. The mage needs a sacrifice, and she's willing to give it. Maybe too willing. After all, this man is lust incarnate; a woman would have to be insane not to want him, even if he is dangerous.
But desiring someone's body is very different from falling in love. In her line of work, the two must never be confused. She doesn't even know his name! He's simply The Jackal, a terrifyingly powerful sex mage, and she's his altar. Her lust fuels him. He needs it.
And that puts her in control.
Magic of Lust:
The rules of magic are changing, and she's going to make sure they work for her.
Mages are always men. Until her. They harvest the power of simple, primitive emotions. Until her. Jaeda is something new, and the best way to protect herself is to make sure the enemy doesn't have a clue.
That's going to be difficult with an Adevian mage about to take her town.
Shahwa has become her home. A haven of pirates, whores, and vagabonds, this desert oasis is a myth to many and a scourge to the rest, but there's something special about it. It's filled with compassion and made up of people who know exactly what it's like to belong nowhere else.
Now, it's her job to protect them. Hopefully, she won't have to do it alone, because the Jackal still hasn't shown up. She thought what they had was special. Now, she's not so sure, even though her heart says he'll still come. Her mind says she'll save herself either way.
But the Jackal promised her everything, and he meant it. One woman, three men, and they're all bound together by magic. He's not about to let that go.
Together, they have a chance to find happiness, yet before any of that is possible, they have to sort out their own issues. If they can figure out how to do that, then these four have something worth fighting for: each other.
Because what they have is more than just the magic of lust.
Spell of Love:
There's nothing stronger than love, except maybe desperation.
All Jade wanted was her own happily ever after. Unfortunately, it's never that easy. Being a woman and a mage complicates things. Falling for three men at the same time? At least that's working out.
Everything else is a mess.
And it's all the Spider's fault. That man just can't help himself. He wants power, and Xel is the best source he's ever found. To fuel his own addiction, the Spider will destroy everything in his path - including the quiet little village of pirates and whores that Jade has claimed as her own.
But everyone has a price. For Jade and her men, it's the people they care about. For the first time, they've found a family, and the Spider wants to destroy that too. After all, his goal is pain. He doesn't even care whose.
The only way to stop this is to go for the source. If the Sultan is this desperate to have his mage wars, then she'll play. After all, Jade has mastered the one weapon these men won't even consider.
Love - it cuts both ways.
Power of Lies:
Everyone lies. When working for a sex mage, it's the only way to stay safe.
That's the first thing Jaeda learns when she's named as the Chosen. The mage needs a sacrifice, and she's willing to give it. Maybe too willing. After all, this man is lust incarnate; a woman would have to be insane not to want him, even if he is dangerous.
But desiring someone's body is very different from falling in love. In her line of work, the two must never be confused. She doesn't even know his name! He's simply The Jackal, a terrifyingly powerful sex mage, and she's his altar. Her lust fuels him. He needs it.
And that puts her in control.
Magic of Lust:
The rules of magic are changing, and she's going to make sure they work for her.
Mages are always men. Until her. They harvest the power of simple, primitive emotions. Until her. Jaeda is something new, and the best way to protect herself is to make sure the enemy doesn't have a clue.
That's going to be difficult with an Adevian mage about to take her town.
Shahwa has become her home. A haven of pirates, whores, and vagabonds, this desert oasis is a myth to many and a scourge to the rest, but there's something special about it. It's filled with compassion and made up of people who know exactly what it's like to belong nowhere else.
Now, it's her job to protect them. Hopefully, she won't have to do it alone, because the Jackal still hasn't shown up. She thought what they had was special. Now, she's not so sure, even though her heart says he'll still come. Her mind says she'll save herself either way.
But the Jackal promised her everything, and he meant it. One woman, three men, and they're all bound together by magic. He's not about to let that go.
Together, they have a chance to find happiness, yet before any of that is possible, they have to sort out their own issues. If they can figure out how to do that, then these four have something worth fighting for: each other.
Because what they have is more than just the magic of lust.
Spell of Love:
There's nothing stronger than love, except maybe desperation.
All Jade wanted was her own happily ever after. Unfortunately, it's never that easy. Being a woman and a mage complicates things. Falling for three men at the same time? At least that's working out.
Everything else is a mess.
And it's all the Spider's fault. That man just can't help himself. He wants power, and Xel is the best source he's ever found. To fuel his own addiction, the Spider will destroy everything in his path - including the quiet little village of pirates and whores that Jade has claimed as her own.
But everyone has a price. For Jade and her men, it's the people they care about. For the first time, they've found a family, and the Spider wants to destroy that too. After all, his goal is pain. He doesn't even care whose.
The only way to stop this is to go for the source. If the Sultan is this desperate to have his mage wars, then she'll play. After all, Jade has mastered the one weapon these men won't even consider.
Love - it cuts both ways.
1381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2019
663 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 16, 2019
Auryn Hadley has proven to me once again that she is good at creating interesting worlds. One I would have been eager to stay in for a few more books, but... the over use of sex in these books was a major turn off for me. This may not be a problem for some, but it was for me. I felt like I just skimmed through the first half of the second book because of this. Could’ve easily been a 4 or 5 star series if not for this.
I’m sad that I most likely won’t ever come back to these books again, but I will look back on the characters and the world fondly.
I’m sad that I most likely won’t ever come back to these books again, but I will look back on the characters and the world fondly.
October 18, 2019
Steamy Sex scenes - check!
Hot guys- check!
interesting story- check!
Pretty well written - check!
The only thing I was less fond of in this was I hate it when a character is left dangling out in space. I want to now the conclusion of any character that the author took time to develop in the story and that didn't happen here. I am hopeful that there is more in the world she will write. Maybe jump ahead a few year, 10 or so and gives us more for Ashira and her progress.
Hot guys- check!
interesting story- check!
Pretty well written - check!
The only thing I was less fond of in this was I hate it when a character is left dangling out in space. I want to now the conclusion of any character that the author took time to develop in the story and that didn't happen here. I am hopeful that there is more in the world she will write. Maybe jump ahead a few year, 10 or so and gives us more for Ashira and her progress.
January 31, 2021
Good Read
This series is well written and well balanced. The story transitions well between the three books and the author addressed different social issues, biases and the reverse harem masterfully. If you like a realistic depiction of diverse characters, and detailed sexual encounters between men and women and men and men......this series is for you. This is a great introduction to the reverse harem genre. Thanks LeeAnn. I will probably exceed this year's reading goal😉
This series is well written and well balanced. The story transitions well between the three books and the author addressed different social issues, biases and the reverse harem masterfully. If you like a realistic depiction of diverse characters, and detailed sexual encounters between men and women and men and men......this series is for you. This is a great introduction to the reverse harem genre. Thanks LeeAnn. I will probably exceed this year's reading goal😉
Want to read
August 6, 2019🎁 The Dark Orchid Trilogy is FREE on Amazon today (8/6/2019)! 🎁
April 17, 2021
Superb Polyamorous/Reverse Harem Fantasy Series
I’ve reviewed all three books in this trilogy individually before and as can be read, if you choose, I really enjoyed all the books. It’s definitely one of my favourite Reverse Harem series and it’s really more of a Polyamorous series than a Reverse Harem one.
This box set has recently come out and as a subscriber to Auryn Hadley’s newsletter was able to get my hands on the box set at a severe discount on it’s launch day. Of course I got the box set as I’d only read the books on Kindle Unlimited and knew I’d want to re-read them in the future.
I decided to re-read the box set almost straight away and I’m so glad I did. This series is wonderfully written. I love the idea of the gods dying and the magic being passed onto mages over recent years. The system of magic is very clever and well thought out. The magic system sits along side the world building that is Auryn Hadley’s true strength. Her imagination knows no bounds and she is always consistent within her created social, political and magical creations.
The book is about a prostitute, Jaeda. She lived in a town that is being attacked by a mage, to conquer it for his Sultan. She doesn’t know which mage it is but after living through two other such events before landing in this town she’s not keen to go through it again. She is captured and brought before the mage, Lord Jackal, the Lord of Lust. In order to protect a young girl she captures the Lord’s attention and volunteers to be part of a spell that binds the town to the mage. As you can imagine the spell requires her to incite the lust of members of the town.
This spell is the start of Jaeda’s adventures. Her whole life is transformed by that one act of trying to protect a young teen. After meeting the mage she realises that the mage’s are not as all powerful as they would have normal people believe and their lives are dangerous and difficult. Jaeda finds herself befriending the mage and his assistant and they form a tight bond based on acceptance and understanding. They help Jaeda grow into her strength as a woman who owns her own sexuality and uses it.
If you want to know more about the individual books, then you can read the reviews for those books, but I do recommend you buy the box set because these books really shine as a trilogy read back to back. It’s more a story in three parts than three books.
As you can tell from the subject matter, this is a very sexual series, however it is also about love, friendship and community. It’s also about society and the power of the individual. It’s quite a deep set of books so if you are just interested in a smutty read you may feel a little overwhelmed and alternatively if you are interested in a straight fantasy you may find all the sex a bit in your face. If you can accept both sides of the coin you will relish this series as much as I did. It’s a fabulous read that I know I will read again and again.
Reviews of the individual books can be found here:
Power of Lies
Magic of Lust
Spell of Love
I’ve reviewed all three books in this trilogy individually before and as can be read, if you choose, I really enjoyed all the books. It’s definitely one of my favourite Reverse Harem series and it’s really more of a Polyamorous series than a Reverse Harem one.
This box set has recently come out and as a subscriber to Auryn Hadley’s newsletter was able to get my hands on the box set at a severe discount on it’s launch day. Of course I got the box set as I’d only read the books on Kindle Unlimited and knew I’d want to re-read them in the future.
I decided to re-read the box set almost straight away and I’m so glad I did. This series is wonderfully written. I love the idea of the gods dying and the magic being passed onto mages over recent years. The system of magic is very clever and well thought out. The magic system sits along side the world building that is Auryn Hadley’s true strength. Her imagination knows no bounds and she is always consistent within her created social, political and magical creations.
The book is about a prostitute, Jaeda. She lived in a town that is being attacked by a mage, to conquer it for his Sultan. She doesn’t know which mage it is but after living through two other such events before landing in this town she’s not keen to go through it again. She is captured and brought before the mage, Lord Jackal, the Lord of Lust. In order to protect a young girl she captures the Lord’s attention and volunteers to be part of a spell that binds the town to the mage. As you can imagine the spell requires her to incite the lust of members of the town.
This spell is the start of Jaeda’s adventures. Her whole life is transformed by that one act of trying to protect a young teen. After meeting the mage she realises that the mage’s are not as all powerful as they would have normal people believe and their lives are dangerous and difficult. Jaeda finds herself befriending the mage and his assistant and they form a tight bond based on acceptance and understanding. They help Jaeda grow into her strength as a woman who owns her own sexuality and uses it.
If you want to know more about the individual books, then you can read the reviews for those books, but I do recommend you buy the box set because these books really shine as a trilogy read back to back. It’s more a story in three parts than three books.
As you can tell from the subject matter, this is a very sexual series, however it is also about love, friendship and community. It’s also about society and the power of the individual. It’s quite a deep set of books so if you are just interested in a smutty read you may feel a little overwhelmed and alternatively if you are interested in a straight fantasy you may find all the sex a bit in your face. If you can accept both sides of the coin you will relish this series as much as I did. It’s a fabulous read that I know I will read again and again.
Reviews of the individual books can be found here:
Power of Lies
Magic of Lust
Spell of Love
Want to read
July 26, 2025Purchase Amazon August 5, 2019
April 10, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Let’s start with the white elephant that most people have issues with... all the sex scenes.
Were there A LOT? Yes
Were they all necessary to further the story? Absolutely not
Were they all “out of the park” amazing? No, but most were very enjoyable to read.
I think if you’re the kind of person that only appreciates the slow burn build up to an amazing sex scene, this book might not be for you. These characters were 3/4 by their own definitions “whores” so sex is basically old hat for them. The part that I enjoyed was that sex ended up meaning something more than just sex to them all. That’s what I appreciated. It wasn’t sex for the sake of getting off, it was them all learning to love each other, something they were taught never went along with sex.
Addressing the people who all thought the overuse of the word “whore” was basically breaking one of the Ten Commandments... just stop. Full stop. The entire point the author was trying to make was that the word only had the power the characters gave it. None of them thought of the word as a slur. They gave it power. Even the people that did use it as a slur, were put in their place for it. People who were truly offended by it really need to rethink that rhetoric. The more offended you are by it and force it not to be used, the more power you’re giving the word. It shouldn’t be that way, and that’s what the author was trying to prove.
The world building was wonderful. These places and people were colorful (pun intended), and it was something I wholly appreciated because many stories tend to be white washed, stereotypical, and bland. I felt for these characters even though I never personally shared their struggles. That’s the work of an amazing story teller.
The only reason I couldn’t give the full 5 stars was because there were some lulls in the story, some things weren’t totally explained (but the characters didn’t seem to know the answers either, so it wasn’t a huge sticking point), and the “big bad” at the end fell without the fight I was expecting so that was a mild let down.
The ending was beautiful though so that kind of made up for it.
I really, really hope that Aisha gets her own series. I was totally captivated by her character and her relationship with her catalyst Kev. Now THAT is a slow burn I want to see play out and see who else ends up in her harem.
Let’s start with the white elephant that most people have issues with... all the sex scenes.
Were there A LOT? Yes
Were they all necessary to further the story? Absolutely not
Were they all “out of the park” amazing? No, but most were very enjoyable to read.
I think if you’re the kind of person that only appreciates the slow burn build up to an amazing sex scene, this book might not be for you. These characters were 3/4 by their own definitions “whores” so sex is basically old hat for them. The part that I enjoyed was that sex ended up meaning something more than just sex to them all. That’s what I appreciated. It wasn’t sex for the sake of getting off, it was them all learning to love each other, something they were taught never went along with sex.
Addressing the people who all thought the overuse of the word “whore” was basically breaking one of the Ten Commandments... just stop. Full stop. The entire point the author was trying to make was that the word only had the power the characters gave it. None of them thought of the word as a slur. They gave it power. Even the people that did use it as a slur, were put in their place for it. People who were truly offended by it really need to rethink that rhetoric. The more offended you are by it and force it not to be used, the more power you’re giving the word. It shouldn’t be that way, and that’s what the author was trying to prove.
The world building was wonderful. These places and people were colorful (pun intended), and it was something I wholly appreciated because many stories tend to be white washed, stereotypical, and bland. I felt for these characters even though I never personally shared their struggles. That’s the work of an amazing story teller.
The only reason I couldn’t give the full 5 stars was because there were some lulls in the story, some things weren’t totally explained (but the characters didn’t seem to know the answers either, so it wasn’t a huge sticking point), and the “big bad” at the end fell without the fight I was expecting so that was a mild let down.
The ending was beautiful though so that kind of made up for it.
I really, really hope that Aisha gets her own series. I was totally captivated by her character and her relationship with her catalyst Kev. Now THAT is a slow burn I want to see play out and see who else ends up in her harem.
April 30, 2020
Whew! That series was hot and steamy almost from the get-go! (Reader caution – the erotica is explicit, abundant and there are a LOT of male/male scenes throughout this three-novel, complete, reverse harem, fantasy/romance series.)
What I liked:
The characters. They evolved throughout this series – some got more powerful, some gave up power (or the pretense of it) to become better human beings. The heroes were heroic and the villains were villainous – everything I like in a good fantasy romance.
The story. The plot was good and the author (Auryn Hadley) didn’t lose sight of it to explore any odd tangents. There was enough action to move the story forward, but I’m not talking totally about sword and sorcery battles. The discerning reader will realize that the prevalent erotica was more than just gratuitous titillation – those scenes moved the plot forward, as well, and allowed the main characters to evolve.
What I didn’t like:
Not much, really. I was surprised that there wasn’t much that threatened the protagonists – the villains were fairly easily overcome, so the only things the main heroes had to face down were their own fears. There is one torture scene in the first novel that was fairly graphic, so readers who are sensitive to those types of scenes might want to scan or skip forward.
All in all, I liked the series and the only reason I gave it four stars was because I’m just not that into male-on-male erotica. This is my opinion only and even with that type of erotica being prevalent in these novels, I still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to fans of this genre.
What I liked:
The characters. They evolved throughout this series – some got more powerful, some gave up power (or the pretense of it) to become better human beings. The heroes were heroic and the villains were villainous – everything I like in a good fantasy romance.
The story. The plot was good and the author (Auryn Hadley) didn’t lose sight of it to explore any odd tangents. There was enough action to move the story forward, but I’m not talking totally about sword and sorcery battles. The discerning reader will realize that the prevalent erotica was more than just gratuitous titillation – those scenes moved the plot forward, as well, and allowed the main characters to evolve.
What I didn’t like:
Not much, really. I was surprised that there wasn’t much that threatened the protagonists – the villains were fairly easily overcome, so the only things the main heroes had to face down were their own fears. There is one torture scene in the first novel that was fairly graphic, so readers who are sensitive to those types of scenes might want to scan or skip forward.
All in all, I liked the series and the only reason I gave it four stars was because I’m just not that into male-on-male erotica. This is my opinion only and even with that type of erotica being prevalent in these novels, I still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to fans of this genre.
August 11, 2019
When life hands out lemons.....
The Dark Orchid trilogy is a little different. Just when I think things are leveling out, it takes an unexpected twist or dip. Auryn Hadley is a new author to me, but looking at the number of books she has available is a very good thing, because she has serious skills as an author. I can't wait to get into another of her series.
Jaeda is a black prostitute working in a city that has just been taken for the Adevian Empire by the Mage of Lust and his army. She's captured when they sweep the city and is placed in a cell. But when the man inspecting the captives arrives, she steps in front of a young girl, placing herself front and center in his sphere of attention. And to her relief, he notices her, not the girl. But his notice provides her with a new job, one that works well with her profession. Jade is to be the mage's Chosen, the sacrifice on his altar of lust, making magic through sex that he needs to survive and to line the coffers of the Empire. But Jade soon learns the Jackel isn't his own man. He and his catalyst, Treb, are at the mercy of the Spider, another powerful dark mage who tricked and bound him to siphon off his magic. Jade is smart and a survivor, but even she has no protection against what the Spider and his sadist catalyst will do to her to elicit pain, their emotion. Then, the Jackel notices something strange about Jade. She feels magic, her emotion is compassion, and she's the first female mage. For the first time ever, the Jackel has an ace up his sleeve...The Black Orchid.
The Dark Orchid trilogy is a little different. Just when I think things are leveling out, it takes an unexpected twist or dip. Auryn Hadley is a new author to me, but looking at the number of books she has available is a very good thing, because she has serious skills as an author. I can't wait to get into another of her series.
Jaeda is a black prostitute working in a city that has just been taken for the Adevian Empire by the Mage of Lust and his army. She's captured when they sweep the city and is placed in a cell. But when the man inspecting the captives arrives, she steps in front of a young girl, placing herself front and center in his sphere of attention. And to her relief, he notices her, not the girl. But his notice provides her with a new job, one that works well with her profession. Jade is to be the mage's Chosen, the sacrifice on his altar of lust, making magic through sex that he needs to survive and to line the coffers of the Empire. But Jade soon learns the Jackel isn't his own man. He and his catalyst, Treb, are at the mercy of the Spider, another powerful dark mage who tricked and bound him to siphon off his magic. Jade is smart and a survivor, but even she has no protection against what the Spider and his sadist catalyst will do to her to elicit pain, their emotion. Then, the Jackel notices something strange about Jade. She feels magic, her emotion is compassion, and she's the first female mage. For the first time ever, the Jackel has an ace up his sleeve...The Black Orchid.
March 9, 2020
I was hooked from the very first page. And as usual, Auryn did not disappoint!
I love that no matter the series or genre, or level of heat/smut; we *know* there will be a fantastic plot, amazing world building, relatable characters and themes; and of course a big book!
This series is HOTTER than Auryn's other books/series, is a bit darker in places, has sweetness and explores the difference between sex and love.
Jade is a wonderfully confident and kickass character, the men are complex, intense, sweet and easy to fall for.
The main thing I absolutely loved about this series though, apart from the fantastic plot, is that while it has some very HOT scenes (be careful when reading in public! :p ), it's the relationships and the intimacy that I felt really got focused on and made me fall even more in love with these characters. They're all a little flawed, some have baggage, some have insecurities, and some are doing/feeling things for the very first time and feel out of their depth; but they all give the other three something the other two don't and really are the perfect compliment as a foursome. I absolutely love these four characters! <3
I love that no matter the series or genre, or level of heat/smut; we *know* there will be a fantastic plot, amazing world building, relatable characters and themes; and of course a big book!
This series is HOTTER than Auryn's other books/series, is a bit darker in places, has sweetness and explores the difference between sex and love.
Jade is a wonderfully confident and kickass character, the men are complex, intense, sweet and easy to fall for.
The main thing I absolutely loved about this series though, apart from the fantastic plot, is that while it has some very HOT scenes (be careful when reading in public! :p ), it's the relationships and the intimacy that I felt really got focused on and made me fall even more in love with these characters. They're all a little flawed, some have baggage, some have insecurities, and some are doing/feeling things for the very first time and feel out of their depth; but they all give the other three something the other two don't and really are the perfect compliment as a foursome. I absolutely love these four characters! <3
March 20, 2020
Different/very erotic - but not for the faint hearted
The Dark Orchid Trilogy by Auryn Hadley:
****Power of Lies #1: Good series starter
This story is good. But really different, and a bit of a mind stretch... Very erotic with well developed, likable characters with depth, and an interesting storyline. This book kept surprising me with the various twists, and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
****Magic of Lust #2: interesting, overall 3.5 stars
This story was pretty good, but a lot of everyone’s feelings, and prior hang ups. Lots of back and forth about accepting MM relationships, and evolving love and commitment in a MMFM relationship, etc. Finally love, and a promising ending. An interesting storyline.
****Spell of Love #3: overall three and a half stars
A nice wrap up.
The Dark Orchid Trilogy by Auryn Hadley:
****Power of Lies #1: Good series starter
This story is good. But really different, and a bit of a mind stretch... Very erotic with well developed, likable characters with depth, and an interesting storyline. This book kept surprising me with the various twists, and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
****Magic of Lust #2: interesting, overall 3.5 stars
This story was pretty good, but a lot of everyone’s feelings, and prior hang ups. Lots of back and forth about accepting MM relationships, and evolving love and commitment in a MMFM relationship, etc. Finally love, and a promising ending. An interesting storyline.
****Spell of Love #3: overall three and a half stars
A nice wrap up.
December 9, 2020
Best erotica yet!
No spoilers! This was such a thrilling ride! First off, the book cover captured my attention and then the author made sure to keep it. This was unlike any erotica I have read. I appreciated how the author took her time to tell the story. It wasn't rushed, she took her time building each of the main chracters' story and I love her for it. The love and relationship among the main characters was so endearing and i absolutely loved that she didn't shy away from the sex scenes- which I might add were hot and amazing. It was a unique and creative fantasy wrapped up in erotica.The plot, writing, characters were captivating. You gained a fan. I have already read the trilogy with Leylani and Tristan since reading this, and I plan on reading more. Please continue giving us substance and quality, don't do like other workers that rush the story. 😘
No spoilers! This was such a thrilling ride! First off, the book cover captured my attention and then the author made sure to keep it. This was unlike any erotica I have read. I appreciated how the author took her time to tell the story. It wasn't rushed, she took her time building each of the main chracters' story and I love her for it. The love and relationship among the main characters was so endearing and i absolutely loved that she didn't shy away from the sex scenes- which I might add were hot and amazing. It was a unique and creative fantasy wrapped up in erotica.The plot, writing, characters were captivating. You gained a fan. I have already read the trilogy with Leylani and Tristan since reading this, and I plan on reading more. Please continue giving us substance and quality, don't do like other workers that rush the story. 😘
November 14, 2019
4.5 Two parallel stories intertwined
AH has a truly distinct writing style that I love. The reader can count on being engulfed in the storyline. This particular book does come with a warning. One storyline can best be described as soft porn I think it is called. If frequent sex with multiple partners of both sex can be so classified, then readers really have a repetitious banquet. Unfortunate for me in my 7th plus decade it was a bit too frequent. However there was the other storyline which was incredibly compelling. How these characters grow from self absorption to genuine caring and love is well worth a 5 rating and is the cornerstone of AH’s style. Pick this up according to your desires, but I personally really enjoyed this trilogy.
AH has a truly distinct writing style that I love. The reader can count on being engulfed in the storyline. This particular book does come with a warning. One storyline can best be described as soft porn I think it is called. If frequent sex with multiple partners of both sex can be so classified, then readers really have a repetitious banquet. Unfortunate for me in my 7th plus decade it was a bit too frequent. However there was the other storyline which was incredibly compelling. How these characters grow from self absorption to genuine caring and love is well worth a 5 rating and is the cornerstone of AH’s style. Pick this up according to your desires, but I personally really enjoyed this trilogy.
January 13, 2020
Amazing
This series is amazing. The story is really interesting and it's a fun read. If you've read any of this author's books before, you'll like this series. There's a lot more sex in these books than the author's other books but it's doesn't read like that's all it's about. It's an erotic book because there's a lot of sex in a lot of different ways between a group of people. It's not only about the sex though. There's so much sex because it's part of the story, the story isn't a backnote to give a flimsy reason for the sex. This is a series that I'll read again because it's that good.
This series is amazing. The story is really interesting and it's a fun read. If you've read any of this author's books before, you'll like this series. There's a lot more sex in these books than the author's other books but it's doesn't read like that's all it's about. It's an erotic book because there's a lot of sex in a lot of different ways between a group of people. It's not only about the sex though. There's so much sex because it's part of the story, the story isn't a backnote to give a flimsy reason for the sex. This is a series that I'll read again because it's that good.
February 14, 2021
Stopped around 20% of the way through book 2 and dropped.
Book 1 was ok - initially the sex setup seemed really cringey but it got better. The development of the plot was confusing but interesting enough to keep me engaged. The characters were pretty flat initially but got to be fully fleshed farther along in the book.
Book 2 got really boring, really fast. have experienced this issue in pacing before with Hadley's writing, particularly with rise of the Illiri. There's so much focus on character introspection and talking through their complex romantic situation , it feels more like slogging through a word swamp with no direction.
Book 1 was ok - initially the sex setup seemed really cringey but it got better. The development of the plot was confusing but interesting enough to keep me engaged. The characters were pretty flat initially but got to be fully fleshed farther along in the book.
Book 2 got really boring, really fast. have experienced this issue in pacing before with Hadley's writing, particularly with rise of the Illiri. There's so much focus on character introspection and talking through their complex romantic situation , it feels more like slogging through a word swamp with no direction.
October 5, 2019
The Dark Orchid Trilogy - A Magical Mystery Mage Tour
My first time with this author and WOW, I was not disappointed.
The story set a cracking pace as our FMC went from Mage’s magical fuel to friend then lover and finally a wife.
This story has quite a few plot twists and was an easy page turner.
World building was pretty amazing and the characters developed with a healthy dose of heart warming qualities to make this a fabulous Reverse Harem romance! Couldn’t put it down!
I gave it four stars!
My first time with this author and WOW, I was not disappointed.
The story set a cracking pace as our FMC went from Mage’s magical fuel to friend then lover and finally a wife.
This story has quite a few plot twists and was an easy page turner.
World building was pretty amazing and the characters developed with a healthy dose of heart warming qualities to make this a fabulous Reverse Harem romance! Couldn’t put it down!
I gave it four stars!
January 23, 2021
Ok
I liked this series in the beginning. By the end, I felt like there was too much rehashing of the same arguments over and over. And everything was solved with sex. I’m all about some sexy times in books, but it felt like these were 85% sex and 15% storyline. Just not enough character development. By about 80% through the last book, I was having to push myself to finish and doing a lot of skimming. They were well edited — didn’t notice a lot of grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.
Probably won’t read these again, but they were ok for a one time read.
I liked this series in the beginning. By the end, I felt like there was too much rehashing of the same arguments over and over. And everything was solved with sex. I’m all about some sexy times in books, but it felt like these were 85% sex and 15% storyline. Just not enough character development. By about 80% through the last book, I was having to push myself to finish and doing a lot of skimming. They were well edited — didn’t notice a lot of grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.
Probably won’t read these again, but they were ok for a one time read.
January 20, 2022
My new favorite
I loved loved this series. A strong black woman plays our lead, but her life is taboo. As the story goes along, you see her use the fact that she is a woman as power. The book is so 🔥 🥵. Tastefully and descriptively erotic, and before you realize it, you learn something. No matter what your sex is, profession or who you are... only you can control your own destiny.
Highly highly recommend. This book had me up all night reading, and using my hubby to cool off lol. It made me tingle in all the right places.
Get it.. you won't be disappointed
I loved loved this series. A strong black woman plays our lead, but her life is taboo. As the story goes along, you see her use the fact that she is a woman as power. The book is so 🔥 🥵. Tastefully and descriptively erotic, and before you realize it, you learn something. No matter what your sex is, profession or who you are... only you can control your own destiny.
Highly highly recommend. This book had me up all night reading, and using my hubby to cool off lol. It made me tingle in all the right places.
Get it.. you won't be disappointed
October 15, 2019
3.5 stars
There were times that I just had to take a break from reading this trilogy.
The first book was okay, it was a little slow for me and I had to put it down and come back to it later. I would have liked to get Xel's POV, may have given a different feel to the story's first book.
Books 2&3 were far better more action, and characters development, but then the author added to many POV of minor characters.
But in general it was a good trilogy
There were times that I just had to take a break from reading this trilogy.
The first book was okay, it was a little slow for me and I had to put it down and come back to it later. I would have liked to get Xel's POV, may have given a different feel to the story's first book.
Books 2&3 were far better more action, and characters development, but then the author added to many POV of minor characters.
But in general it was a good trilogy
April 14, 2020
Good premise, a bit repetitive
While I have yet to complete the trilogy, the plot, characters and thought process it must have taken for this world-building are all fascinating and could very well lead to an incredible series. The fact that Jadea is a whore, wants everyone else to know that she’s a whore, and is fine with her taboo and criticized profession gets repetitively beat over our heads and will hopefully trickle off since everyone should get the point by now.
While I have yet to complete the trilogy, the plot, characters and thought process it must have taken for this world-building are all fascinating and could very well lead to an incredible series. The fact that Jadea is a whore, wants everyone else to know that she’s a whore, and is fine with her taboo and criticized profession gets repetitively beat over our heads and will hopefully trickle off since everyone should get the point by now.
May 25, 2020
Lies, Lust, and Love
Lies helped them stay alive, lust helped them make magic, and love tied it all together. This trilogy was so bomb. Jade grew into more than she ever thought she’d be, after all she was just a whore. Xel’s whole life changed. This journey was super sexy with a lot of emotions, and the best outcome. I love stories that make you want to read them over and over; and this is definitely one of them.
Lies helped them stay alive, lust helped them make magic, and love tied it all together. This trilogy was so bomb. Jade grew into more than she ever thought she’d be, after all she was just a whore. Xel’s whole life changed. This journey was super sexy with a lot of emotions, and the best outcome. I love stories that make you want to read them over and over; and this is definitely one of them.
August 10, 2020
Delicious
I loved every book of the series except for the end part of the last book. The writer is great at writing about sensitive subjects without being preachy. I especially loved how she defined lust versus love and empty sex versus deep relationships. Plus the sex scenes are hot. The only weak part are the battle scenes. Thankfully not gory but still kind of pollyanna like.
I loved every book of the series except for the end part of the last book. The writer is great at writing about sensitive subjects without being preachy. I especially loved how she defined lust versus love and empty sex versus deep relationships. Plus the sex scenes are hot. The only weak part are the battle scenes. Thankfully not gory but still kind of pollyanna like.
June 13, 2024
💞Read the books💞
I loved these books. Auryn has done it again!
Her ability to write these amazing books amaze me. She consistently writes about a very strong female character and the people involved in her life and love from those around her.
Her incredible world building consistently blows me away. I have read several of her series and I am a big fan. And to my next one ....
💞READ THE BOOKS💞
I loved these books. Auryn has done it again!
Her ability to write these amazing books amaze me. She consistently writes about a very strong female character and the people involved in her life and love from those around her.
Her incredible world building consistently blows me away. I have read several of her series and I am a big fan. And to my next one ....
💞READ THE BOOKS💞
August 7, 2019
Excellent
Loved the story and because it was all three books, I got to read the whole story. Not a book for anyone under 18 or even 80. Lol. Lots of sex scenes but the story itself balanced it out. I really enjoyed all three books and I guess I have been living in a cave all my life. Read the book. You may learn things also. :)
Loved the story and because it was all three books, I got to read the whole story. Not a book for anyone under 18 or even 80. Lol. Lots of sex scenes but the story itself balanced it out. I really enjoyed all three books and I guess I have been living in a cave all my life. Read the book. You may learn things also. :)
August 18, 2019
Amazing
I had heard a lot of this series and I decided to go with it. I am so glad I did.
The storyline was amazing, it pulls you in. The rough times all of the characters have been through makes you fall in love with each one a little more as the story progresses.
The sexy time scenes were amazing and well written.
This is definitely an author I will read again!
I had heard a lot of this series and I decided to go with it. I am so glad I did.
The storyline was amazing, it pulls you in. The rough times all of the characters have been through makes you fall in love with each one a little more as the story progresses.
The sexy time scenes were amazing and well written.
This is definitely an author I will read again!
Read
September 23, 2019Amazing
Gritty, raw, and awesome! I didn't want to put it down. Jade is a wonderfully strong character, both mentally and physically. Xel and Treb and Civian surprised me with how supportive they ended up being. Ok, well Civian, not much of a surprise but still loved him. Lots and lots of steamy sexy scenes and action combined to make one amazing read. Definitely recommend!
Gritty, raw, and awesome! I didn't want to put it down. Jade is a wonderfully strong character, both mentally and physically. Xel and Treb and Civian surprised me with how supportive they ended up being. Ok, well Civian, not much of a surprise but still loved him. Lots and lots of steamy sexy scenes and action combined to make one amazing read. Definitely recommend!
November 16, 2019
DNF10%- it’s pretty hot. I like the guys. Jaeda is ok. Her all of a sudden knowledge in handling the political plotting is a bit out there. She’s kind of “hard” - I guess as a prostitute she’d have to become like that. For me, I think liking the MC is crucial in me liking the book.if I’m lukewarm, as in this case, I really don’t care how it works out. Stopping for now- may try again later.
November 21, 2019
Much more than a reverse harem
I enjoyed this series. It was loaded with sex positivity and at the core of it recognizing yourself enough to know your limits and what you consider right from wrong.
Overall, I’m kinda more interested in the new series that was introduced at the end of this one.
I enjoyed this series. It was loaded with sex positivity and at the core of it recognizing yourself enough to know your limits and what you consider right from wrong.
Overall, I’m kinda more interested in the new series that was introduced at the end of this one.
December 24, 2019
What a steamy RH!
Wow!! Hard to put down! This series I really wanted to read start to finish. They were a couple of “OMG it’s 2am I gotta stop reading moments”! I stayed up way too late cause I just did not want to put the books down at all. Loved it! Definitely if you like RH you should read this series.
Wow!! Hard to put down! This series I really wanted to read start to finish. They were a couple of “OMG it’s 2am I gotta stop reading moments”! I stayed up way too late cause I just did not want to put the books down at all. Loved it! Definitely if you like RH you should read this series.
December 26, 2019
Love this trilogy!
Wow this book was HOT! It gave so much to the reader--from lust to love to passion to action and satisfaction. Jade was an amazing character and you will love her strength and yearning to protect what is hers. And her men are SEXY! I love the world created with the mages. I will definitely be rereading this series soon!
Wow this book was HOT! It gave so much to the reader--from lust to love to passion to action and satisfaction. Jade was an amazing character and you will love her strength and yearning to protect what is hers. And her men are SEXY! I love the world created with the mages. I will definitely be rereading this series soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews