What do you think?
Rate this book
Tarot Academy #1
Spells of Iron and Bone
*** College academy reverse harem ***
In a world where magick is a capital crime, Death Row witches don’t get second chances.
So when I’m framed for murder and a sexy, devious mental magicks professor shows up to bargain for my freedom, my bullshit detector goes on high alert.
Never trust the Academy.
Two decades ago, his illustrious employers branded my mother a heretic. Now those same witches apparently think Mom’s Tarot prophecies hold the key to stopping unspeakable horrors—and they need me to decipher them.
Betray my late mother’s memory… or face the executioner. My choice.
The verdict?
Grab your grimoires, girls. School’s back in session.
All I have to do now is master the magick I’ve suppressed for twenty-three years, decode Mom’s doomsday prophecies, outwit a mean-girl coven that puts the psycho in psychic, and avoid falling into bed with three seriously overprotective, infuriatingly-hot mages (four if we’re counting that naughty mental magicks professor).
I’ve totally got this. Right?
SPELLS OF IRON AND BONE is the first book in the Tarot Academy series, a university-aged reverse harem academy romance featuring Sarah Piper’s signature blend of Tarot, magick, heart-pounding supernatural suspense, and a badass witch who always gets what she wants, especially when it comes to her men…
Excerpt:
“I’m not the gentle, cuddle-for-hours-afterward type,” he says. “You should probably know that going in.”
“You make it sound like you’re a—”
“Yes.” His eyes go fiery hot, and he wraps a hand around my throat, squeezing just enough to get my attention. There’s no more teasing now, only heat. Only passion. Only a promise my core is begging him to keep. Brushing a thumb across my lips, he whispers, “That’s exactly what I am, and you’d do well to remember it.”
I force out a laugh, but instead of the cool nonchalance I’m going for, it comes out wobbly and faint. “Um… Am I going to need a safe word for this?”
Unfazed as ever, he slides his hand down my backside and grips my thigh, hitching my leg up around his hip. His thick length presses against me, and I let out an involuntary gasp.
I hate that my body wants him so badly. Needs him so badly.
“Safe word?” His molten gaze sweeps down to my mouth, and he leans in close, the rasp of his breath teasing my lips with a gentle caress that belies his bruising grip on my thigh. “It’s cute you think you’ll still be able to form words while I’m touching you.”
What readers love about Tarot Academy:
★★★★★ “What a fantastic dark sexy book!”
★★★★★ “Stevie and her guys are absolutely enthralling!
★★★★★ “I truly was hooked by this book! I love Tarot and magic and this whole world!”
500 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2019
3036 people are currently reading
6041 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Piper
32 books1,031 followersSarah Piper is a witchy, Tarot-card-slinging paranormal romance and urban fantasy author. Through her signature brew of dark magic, heart-pounding suspense, and steamy romance, Sarah promises a sexy, supernatural escape into a world where the magic is real, the monsters are sinfully hot, and the witches always get their magically-ever-afters.
Readers have dubbed her work “super sexy,” “imaginative and original,” “off-the-walls good,” and “delightfully wicked in the best ways,” a quote Sarah hopes will appear on her tombstone.
Originally from New York, Sarah now makes her home in northern Colorado with her husband (though that changes frequently) (the location, not the husband), where she spends her days sleeping like a vampire and her nights writing books, casting spells, gazing at the moon, playing with her ever-expanding collection of Tarot cards, binge-watching Supernatural (Team Dean!), and obsessing over the best way to brew a cup of tea.
You can find her online at SarahPiperBooks.com and in her Facebook readers group, Sarah Piper's Sassy Witches.
Readers have dubbed her work “super sexy,” “imaginative and original,” “off-the-walls good,” and “delightfully wicked in the best ways,” a quote Sarah hopes will appear on her tombstone.
Originally from New York, Sarah now makes her home in northern Colorado with her husband (though that changes frequently) (the location, not the husband), where she spends her days sleeping like a vampire and her nights writing books, casting spells, gazing at the moon, playing with her ever-expanding collection of Tarot cards, binge-watching Supernatural (Team Dean!), and obsessing over the best way to brew a cup of tea.
You can find her online at SarahPiperBooks.com and in her Facebook readers group, Sarah Piper's Sassy Witches.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
May 22, 2020
For the first 50 or even 60 % I quite enjoyed this book, those first part was a solid 3.5 or even 4 star rating. Their were definitely some eye roll moments, and I just tired of the super special snowflake theme, but the beginning was promising and I thought I would get a good development for the heroine, since we get a few hints, that she indeed has some backbone and just needs to grow a little into her skin.
But then the mood completely shifted, the heroine dumbed down and was basically nothing more but a brainless pussy that wanted to get laid, let herself be treated like shit, whined about it and every positive feeling I had for her was snuffed out continually.
So, she discovers the four men in her life, basically know a ton about her, keep secrets from her, despite asking her all the time to trust her, treat her like shit, play mind games or manipulate, and she basically just whines about why the boys in her life are so mean to her?
For a short, short, short moment, when she discovered that they were in a brotherhood and keeping things from her, I thought she decided to be smart enough, to go smart about her knowledge and try and find out more, but she basically just sticks her head into the sand, confronts one of the guys, looses badly, cries. But still wants to bang them all the time and doesn’t care about shit?
She is 23, not 16, she had absolutely NO brains, ignored everything, from signs, to actual behaviour, to warnings to whatever, had no pride and behaved like a hormonal teen all the time.
That wasn’t all that bothered me, the strange tarot magic system could have been interesting, but didn’t grip me, perhaps I would have to read more, but I am definitely not going to continue the series. Then the whole world building was lacking, the bullying scene happened, an than was never mentioned again, she went off to parties like normal, the characterization of her harem was really vague and blurry, but the most disappointing the indeed turned out to be the pathetic and weak heroine.
It was such a shame, because it started relay intriguing and then spiraled and spiraled and spiraled Faster into the “garbage” abyss than I could think “damn, ya basic”.
At the end there was a spot on citation from the antagonist, who was lame as fuck by the way, but at this point I didn’t even bother anymore, who said something like “Stupid fucking kids, always thinking with your libido...” and .... yes. But they aren’t kids, they are grown ups, young but that just doesn’t justify how fucking stupid they are. All of them and I simply can’t get over it.
But then the mood completely shifted, the heroine dumbed down and was basically nothing more but a brainless pussy that wanted to get laid, let herself be treated like shit, whined about it and every positive feeling I had for her was snuffed out continually.
So, she discovers the four men in her life, basically know a ton about her, keep secrets from her, despite asking her all the time to trust her, treat her like shit, play mind games or manipulate, and she basically just whines about why the boys in her life are so mean to her?
For a short, short, short moment, when she discovered that they were in a brotherhood and keeping things from her, I thought she decided to be smart enough, to go smart about her knowledge and try and find out more, but she basically just sticks her head into the sand, confronts one of the guys, looses badly, cries. But still wants to bang them all the time and doesn’t care about shit?
She is 23, not 16, she had absolutely NO brains, ignored everything, from signs, to actual behaviour, to warnings to whatever, had no pride and behaved like a hormonal teen all the time.
That wasn’t all that bothered me, the strange tarot magic system could have been interesting, but didn’t grip me, perhaps I would have to read more, but I am definitely not going to continue the series. Then the whole world building was lacking, the bullying scene happened, an than was never mentioned again, she went off to parties like normal, the characterization of her harem was really vague and blurry, but the most disappointing the indeed turned out to be the pathetic and weak heroine.
It was such a shame, because it started relay intriguing and then spiraled and spiraled and spiraled Faster into the “garbage” abyss than I could think “damn, ya basic”.
At the end there was a spot on citation from the antagonist, who was lame as fuck by the way, but at this point I didn’t even bother anymore, who said something like “Stupid fucking kids, always thinking with your libido...” and .... yes. But they aren’t kids, they are grown ups, young but that just doesn’t justify how fucking stupid they are. All of them and I simply can’t get over it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2020
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I got from it:
1. I want to read more;
2. I want to try the author's first series.
Spells of Iron and Bones was quite the fascinating read. It had about everything I look for in RH: good writing, an endearing heroine, a compelling story, plenty of sexual tension and actual friendship.
Between the charismatic main character, the tea brewing, the Tarot mythology that I know nothing about and the slowly unraveling mystery that turns to be one of the most well thought plot I came across in the genre in a while, it was more than easy to become quickly captivated. Add to that make out sessions in a magical library and you have me sold.
Now I just have to find out if the second book is as good as the first!
What I got from it:
1. I want to read more;
2. I want to try the author's first series.
Spells of Iron and Bones was quite the fascinating read. It had about everything I look for in RH: good writing, an endearing heroine, a compelling story, plenty of sexual tension and actual friendship.
Between the charismatic main character, the tea brewing, the Tarot mythology that I know nothing about and the slowly unraveling mystery that turns to be one of the most well thought plot I came across in the genre in a while, it was more than easy to become quickly captivated. Add to that make out sessions in a magical library and you have me sold.
Now I just have to find out if the second book is as good as the first!
July 29, 2021
4.5 stars.
Oh my. Great world building, a magical school, witches and mages with elemental powers, reverse harem, and lots of steam! So so good.
Oh my. Great world building, a magical school, witches and mages with elemental powers, reverse harem, and lots of steam! So so good.
March 26, 2020
Complex explanations of magic and tarot bog down what should be an airy academy book. Add in a blink-and-you’ll forget-her MC, and this book is the perfect remedy for those looking for a cure for sleep deprivation.
It should have been a coming-of-age book, because in spite of the Mc being 23 years old, her mindset about herself and her magic is a lot younger. I wish the author had spend more time helping us get to know Star, because I couldn’t tell you much about her personality aside from her likes and dislikes (tea, rock climbing are likes ....and that’s all I can recall). Star is just big personality blob with no clear defining characteristics. What’s her struggle? It’s not her attitudes about magic, because clearly she wants to learn it though she feels guilty bc mom and dad told her “no!!! No magic!! Magic baaaaaddd!!” She’s not all too self conflicted about the guys, even though 3 out of the 4 have lied to her and thus treated her like a child the entire book.
In fact, only when she got in deep, life altering shit did they spill the beans...sorta. If I were her, I would be extremely distrustful. I’d be angry. I’d pair up with whoever was willing to teach me my magic, even the Claire’s, but certainly not the guys who treated me like a big old dummie with tits. NOPE.
Either Star is a magic bad ass or she’s a bad ass in training. Why isn’t she learning her elemental work? Why isn’t she yelling at the guys? Why isn’t she angry at her parents for keeping this essential part of who she is to themselves?!? Geez this conflict writes itself, but instead we get hours in a library and magic owls popping out of her ass when shit really goes down. Oh, and she makes a lot of tea.
I was hoping for so much more, and while this is well written is just so poorly planned and plotted, I don’t think I’ll be going forward.
It should have been a coming-of-age book, because in spite of the Mc being 23 years old, her mindset about herself and her magic is a lot younger. I wish the author had spend more time helping us get to know Star, because I couldn’t tell you much about her personality aside from her likes and dislikes (tea, rock climbing are likes ....and that’s all I can recall). Star is just big personality blob with no clear defining characteristics. What’s her struggle? It’s not her attitudes about magic, because clearly she wants to learn it though she feels guilty bc mom and dad told her “no!!! No magic!! Magic baaaaaddd!!” She’s not all too self conflicted about the guys, even though 3 out of the 4 have lied to her and thus treated her like a child the entire book.
In fact, only when she got in deep, life altering shit did they spill the beans...sorta. If I were her, I would be extremely distrustful. I’d be angry. I’d pair up with whoever was willing to teach me my magic, even the Claire’s, but certainly not the guys who treated me like a big old dummie with tits. NOPE.
Either Star is a magic bad ass or she’s a bad ass in training. Why isn’t she learning her elemental work? Why isn’t she yelling at the guys? Why isn’t she angry at her parents for keeping this essential part of who she is to themselves?!? Geez this conflict writes itself, but instead we get hours in a library and magic owls popping out of her ass when shit really goes down. Oh, and she makes a lot of tea.
I was hoping for so much more, and while this is well written is just so poorly planned and plotted, I don’t think I’ll be going forward.
October 24, 2021
A girl whose parents have always restricted her from magic, told her magic is a curse, and banned her from attending the famous magic academy that they once were part of; is presented with a situation where her only choice is to attend the magic academy or stay in prison and enentually be hung to death. In the school she has to interpret the prophecies her mother had made when she was alive lest witches shall be targeted and hung. The only obstacle in her path are the four handsome mages whom she acknowledges as dangerous but cannot resist.
An intriguing fantasy read, first in a series, not gonna lie I kept pondering about it when I wasn't reading it. The plot won't let me focus on any other book for a while and I am going to continue the series. Even though half of the time I kept on thinking, "Starla get a grip on your hormones and focus on the problems at hand woman!" XD
4.25 rating (am being critical lol cuz it's not a 5 star read but still the enjoyability of the read is 99% there)
An intriguing fantasy read, first in a series, not gonna lie I kept pondering about it when I wasn't reading it. The plot won't let me focus on any other book for a while and I am going to continue the series. Even though half of the time I kept on thinking, "Starla get a grip on your hormones and focus on the problems at hand woman!" XD
4.25 rating (am being critical lol cuz it's not a 5 star read but still the enjoyability of the read is 99% there)
June 11, 2022
★★★★
____________
Oh, this was so much better than what I was expecting. I thought it would be just a brainless reverse harem, but it ended up being much more, there is a nice story going on and the relationship between all the characters is developing in a steady manner. Nice!
March 10, 2024
This book was a DNF for me. It started out promising but a few chapters in it felt like the author was struggling with the character development. The main character quickly went from interesting to vapid and the supporting characters all seemed to be created simply to be inexplicably enamored of her. Building a magical community around the Tarot was a really cool idea, too bad the story fell so short that it became painful to read.
August 7, 2022
A special snowflake with FOUR love interests? Spare me. As much as I love Harry Potter and all things magical, I always seem to hate witch books. Too much new age goddess BS for me. Didn’t feel connected to any of the characters and it seems like this series is headed towards her being with multiple dudes. One book of this is quite enough for me.
September 3, 2024
4.5 stars
I want to say this is a slow burn rh romance, but that's not quite right. She jumps into this flirty relationship with some of the harem, but not all. So slow for some, but bangs one and kisses another? Also, this may also be an age gap? What is great is that even with that bit of uncertainty, I really didn't care because I was enjoying the story so much. Moving on to the second quickly.
I want to say this is a slow burn rh romance, but that's not quite right. She jumps into this flirty relationship with some of the harem, but not all. So slow for some, but bangs one and kisses another? Also, this may also be an age gap? What is great is that even with that bit of uncertainty, I really didn't care because I was enjoying the story so much. Moving on to the second quickly.
January 9, 2023
While heroine Stevie may not be the quintessential lead she does follow in the path of other RH MCs who lack little to any common sense. Sure she may not let her hormones overtake her body but she’s still her own worst enemy 9 times out of 10 and does go Gaga when the guys are around. Their behaviors are very high school and I really wished she showed more backbone around them. Stevie does speak her mind for the most part but she still lets the people in her life treat her like crap. She has a rather fun and imaginative perception of life so her POVs were at least interesting and heavy on the sarcasm. One thing she can’t do is keep a secret and it’s honestly going to be her downfall. Outwardly she’s resistant to letting people in but sometimes in the moment she just gets too overwhelmed and shares far too much. She’s thrust into this new world though it doesn’t take her long to adapt. Her history leaves her kind of eager to learn and while a little cliche of her to be this rare affinity blessed savior, I can’t say I’m not curious where her powers will take her or how they’ll come in handy. As a rarity in the magical world she’s also treated a lot nicer than other first year students so I’m sure that helps feeling more at home lol.
A decent amount of time does pass throughout the book/semester making parts drag a bit and I wasn’t a fan of some of the guys. Swear they’re moodier and clueless when it comes to her than they were during puberty. The romance was kind of on the slower side at least when it comes to actual emotions and attachments. Don’t get me wrong the hormones are off the charts and she hooks up with at least one of them but it’s all lust cause none of them have their heads on straight. Hated how they kept secrets and just let her flounder in the magical world. Personally I saw it as more dangerous for her than anything. It was not cool of them to leave her in the dark about anything-especially since they were so hot and cold with her she’s constantly getting burned. The audio was decent but not gonna lie having characters named Stevie and Ani, with both male and female narrators reading both parts really threw me. It took a while to get it straight in my head that’s for sure. Not a horrible academy read but feel like it was mostly buildup-but buildup to what I don’t know so I guess we’ll see 🤷🏼♀️
A decent amount of time does pass throughout the book/semester making parts drag a bit and I wasn’t a fan of some of the guys. Swear they’re moodier and clueless when it comes to her than they were during puberty. The romance was kind of on the slower side at least when it comes to actual emotions and attachments. Don’t get me wrong the hormones are off the charts and she hooks up with at least one of them but it’s all lust cause none of them have their heads on straight. Hated how they kept secrets and just let her flounder in the magical world. Personally I saw it as more dangerous for her than anything. It was not cool of them to leave her in the dark about anything-especially since they were so hot and cold with her she’s constantly getting burned. The audio was decent but not gonna lie having characters named Stevie and Ani, with both male and female narrators reading both parts really threw me. It took a while to get it straight in my head that’s for sure. Not a horrible academy read but feel like it was mostly buildup-but buildup to what I don’t know so I guess we’ll see 🤷🏼♀️
March 15, 2021
Really good opening to this series. The prophecies are really well thought and there’s a lot of potential in what’s to come. Loved the heroine’s sense of humor as well as her connection to all the guys. I will definitely read/listen to the next book !
September 17, 2020
3 stars..
I am apparently getting really picky these days...which SUCKS.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, up until the 80% and then I started to lose interest.... I couldn't say why.
I also felt no love connection between Stevie and Ani (Ansel) mainly due to the fact that he was rarely in any scenes. Baz, Kirin and Cass you could feel the sexual tension and their relaitonship with Stevie blooming from the beginning.. but Ansel just felt like a character the author threw in and forgot about.
I also learned that when there are spells/riddles in rhyme in fantasy books, and the main character has to decode them, I feel like an utter idiot. The main character will be like of course it has to mean this because of "A, B and C" While I sit there and am like, no, I don't see that. That happened a few times in this book, but I let it go because I was interested in what was going to happen next.
I am still debating on whether I will continue with the series or not.. lets get real if I am debating it, it probably won't happen.
I am apparently getting really picky these days...which SUCKS.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, up until the 80% and then I started to lose interest.... I couldn't say why.
I also felt no love connection between Stevie and Ani (Ansel) mainly due to the fact that he was rarely in any scenes. Baz, Kirin and Cass you could feel the sexual tension and their relaitonship with Stevie blooming from the beginning.. but Ansel just felt like a character the author threw in and forgot about.
I also learned that when there are spells/riddles in rhyme in fantasy books, and the main character has to decode them, I feel like an utter idiot. The main character will be like of course it has to mean this because of "A, B and C" While I sit there and am like, no, I don't see that. That happened a few times in this book, but I let it go because I was interested in what was going to happen next.
I am still debating on whether I will continue with the series or not.. lets get real if I am debating it, it probably won't happen.
November 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Starla was trying to keep her craft and her past undercover. But when her ex come back into town it takes a magical twist!
The magic/tarot that takes place was so exciting to read! The characters are easy to fall for. The world building was amazing and easy to keep up with.
Spice was minimal nothing wild. I will definitely be finishing this series.
Good job Mz. Sarah Piper! This was a fun exciting adventure you took me on!
The magic/tarot that takes place was so exciting to read! The characters are easy to fall for. The world building was amazing and easy to keep up with.
Spice was minimal nothing wild. I will definitely be finishing this series.
Good job Mz. Sarah Piper! This was a fun exciting adventure you took me on!
July 22, 2021
This is like if a fantasy YA novel met a mildly spicy RH novel. Honestly, I’m living for it. I love the setup, love the characters and their development so far, the plot is super interesting, and it’s got just enough fantasy elements to keep me guessing! Saw the twist coming at the end but it doesn’t bother me one bit or detract from the overall story!!
August 19, 2024
This is a short review about the five book series Tarot Academy.
I liked the plot in this series. It had enough twists and turns to keep my attention through the whole series. The heroine is endearing, the story compelling and there is real friendship and a lot of good time between the heroine and her harem.
I want to read more of Sarah's series and lucky for me, there is another one in my audiobook subscription.
I liked the plot in this series. It had enough twists and turns to keep my attention through the whole series. The heroine is endearing, the story compelling and there is real friendship and a lot of good time between the heroine and her harem.
I want to read more of Sarah's series and lucky for me, there is another one in my audiobook subscription.
January 11, 2024
strong quirky millenial core but i ate this shit up
points off for moaning at mashed potatoes
points off for moaning at mashed potatoes
February 25, 2022
Rated 3.5
April 3, 2021
I enjoyed the story and loved the main character. But I didn't like the sexual tension that was happening between all the males. A bit annoying. Otherwise, it was lots of fun.
January 7, 2025
I am having a rough go of it this week with books. 2025 has not been my year. Spoilers.
I want to say I think the author had a good baseline idea. Academy, magic system, a ton of possible plot line intrigue with secrets etc. Then decided to do the reverse harem and fell into some pretty common pitfalls of this genre and lost everyone's interest.
Let's start with our main character. She starts off with some promise and some back bone but as soon as she is faced with any romantic conflicts she folds. She lets others treat her poorly and lie and she barely bats an eye. It takes her from a possible strong lead to a seemingly much younger character who bases too many decisions and life experience around men. If she was a younger character I could maybe see that, but she was a 23 year old business owner whose parents had died when she was 18. That girl was grown up enough to make decisions not based on her sex drive, which is why I label this as the first casualty of the RH style book. Let's move to the next one: insecure idiotic men.
What is happening. Every male lead in this book is wishy washy and backs out of any kind of feeling or follow up on whether or not to be with her. We have one guy with a non girlfriend girlfriend but has no problem messing around with our main characters mind right. We have other spineless men who want her but can't admit it. We have the stereotype of the professor who of course can't be with her. I just wanted one winner out of this group. Usually in the RH I read we have one or two of the harem that really pull you through the other ones shitty behaviors and make you want a future for them. I don't have that here. Which is a huge reason I couldn't get into the romance aspect of this book. It just wasn't there.
I don't think I will be moving in and I wish the best for those of you that do. I was bored, skimmed more than I'd like to admit at the end and could not get myself invested. I think the Author needed either have a complicated plot line or complicated relationships attempting to make both almost impossible to navigate makes this a hard and non enjoyable read overall
I want to say I think the author had a good baseline idea. Academy, magic system, a ton of possible plot line intrigue with secrets etc. Then decided to do the reverse harem and fell into some pretty common pitfalls of this genre and lost everyone's interest.
Let's start with our main character. She starts off with some promise and some back bone but as soon as she is faced with any romantic conflicts she folds. She lets others treat her poorly and lie and she barely bats an eye. It takes her from a possible strong lead to a seemingly much younger character who bases too many decisions and life experience around men. If she was a younger character I could maybe see that, but she was a 23 year old business owner whose parents had died when she was 18. That girl was grown up enough to make decisions not based on her sex drive, which is why I label this as the first casualty of the RH style book. Let's move to the next one: insecure idiotic men.
What is happening. Every male lead in this book is wishy washy and backs out of any kind of feeling or follow up on whether or not to be with her. We have one guy with a non girlfriend girlfriend but has no problem messing around with our main characters mind right. We have other spineless men who want her but can't admit it. We have the stereotype of the professor who of course can't be with her. I just wanted one winner out of this group. Usually in the RH I read we have one or two of the harem that really pull you through the other ones shitty behaviors and make you want a future for them. I don't have that here. Which is a huge reason I couldn't get into the romance aspect of this book. It just wasn't there.
I don't think I will be moving in and I wish the best for those of you that do. I was bored, skimmed more than I'd like to admit at the end and could not get myself invested. I think the Author needed either have a complicated plot line or complicated relationships attempting to make both almost impossible to navigate makes this a hard and non enjoyable read overall
June 25, 2024
Undecided
I’m confused about how to rate this book… On one hand, it was exciting and fun, and I enjoyed the story. On the other hand, I’m confused AF, and there are major information gaps and unanswered questions. I’m not even sure what’s happening in the book right now. I don't feel like I'll be able to adequately rate it until I finish the series.
As a side note, I’m a little disgruntled at how wishwashy the guys are and how forgiving Stevie (FMC) is about it. The one guy went down on her and then ran away while her pants were still down. He proceeded to avoid her for two weeks and didn’t give her any type of reasonable explanation. Stevie just accepted this, and apparently, all is well now…WTF?
The other guy got hot and heavy with her; they almost had sex, and then he also avoided her for a month while playing boyfriend to another girl. Again, no explanation. Apparently, he doesn’t need to explain, he just needs to fuck her so she forgives him…don’t worry though, he’s still ‘with’ the other girl.
Finally, there is the professor, who is also messing with Stevie, and the last guy, who is secretly pining for her but won't do anything about it.
I’m confused about how to rate this book… On one hand, it was exciting and fun, and I enjoyed the story. On the other hand, I’m confused AF, and there are major information gaps and unanswered questions. I’m not even sure what’s happening in the book right now. I don't feel like I'll be able to adequately rate it until I finish the series.
As a side note, I’m a little disgruntled at how wishwashy the guys are and how forgiving Stevie (FMC) is about it. The one guy went down on her and then ran away while her pants were still down. He proceeded to avoid her for two weeks and didn’t give her any type of reasonable explanation. Stevie just accepted this, and apparently, all is well now…WTF?
The other guy got hot and heavy with her; they almost had sex, and then he also avoided her for a month while playing boyfriend to another girl. Again, no explanation. Apparently, he doesn’t need to explain, he just needs to fuck her so she forgives him…don’t worry though, he’s still ‘with’ the other girl.
Finally, there is the professor, who is also messing with Stevie, and the last guy, who is secretly pining for her but won't do anything about it.
March 26, 2020
It was okay...
The approach to magic, with the use of the deck, is very unique and the mythology that Ms. Piper has created is intriguing. But for me, the plotline was slow and an afterthought. She took so much of her time explaining this world that she forgot about character development and moving things forward. Yes, this is the first book and laying the groundwork needed to happen. But... I didn't feel connected to any of the guys or their mission. I didn't feel like I had a stake in it. I liked Stevie and felt for her to a point. It's the connection I am missing. Connecting with the guys in RH's is very easy for me. So the fact that that was missing just emphasizes the lack of development.
I will continue with this series. But I will be going through the audio vertions to ensure that I can push past the slow progress. Heres hoping it picks up. There is so much potential.
The approach to magic, with the use of the deck, is very unique and the mythology that Ms. Piper has created is intriguing. But for me, the plotline was slow and an afterthought. She took so much of her time explaining this world that she forgot about character development and moving things forward. Yes, this is the first book and laying the groundwork needed to happen. But... I didn't feel connected to any of the guys or their mission. I didn't feel like I had a stake in it. I liked Stevie and felt for her to a point. It's the connection I am missing. Connecting with the guys in RH's is very easy for me. So the fact that that was missing just emphasizes the lack of development.
I will continue with this series. But I will be going through the audio vertions to ensure that I can push past the slow progress. Heres hoping it picks up. There is so much potential.
May 17, 2023
Reverse Harem Roll Call!
We have the Boy Next Door (tm), we have the brooding sex-god with a tortured past, we have the innocent one, and the authority figure.
It's almost impressive how that formula just like...doesn't change. They kept the mould for these guys.
Of all RHs I've read, this one isn't the worst but it's not the best either. Far from it. I usually like fast paced, but there's a difference between fast paced and neck breaking. I feel like I somehow missed like 50% of this book but I remember it all, it's just that the important details are so hilariously minute and barely mentioned so you really have to hope for the best. It's not bad. It just could be better.
We have the Boy Next Door (tm), we have the brooding sex-god with a tortured past, we have the innocent one, and the authority figure.
It's almost impressive how that formula just like...doesn't change. They kept the mould for these guys.
Of all RHs I've read, this one isn't the worst but it's not the best either. Far from it. I usually like fast paced, but there's a difference between fast paced and neck breaking. I feel like I somehow missed like 50% of this book but I remember it all, it's just that the important details are so hilariously minute and barely mentioned so you really have to hope for the best. It's not bad. It just could be better.
April 17, 2020
The best part was learning more about tarot reading and the owl was a nice touch. The worst part was that all her relationships were just so artificial. She just came off as wishy washy, horny and sad. Yummm, forearm porn.... Attack! But then she only wants sex with people she doesn't like, except when Kilian says he is falling for her... Attack!
Also, every other time she acquired knowledge she held some back, though it never did her any good because she would still immediately expose it, but when she discovers the holy grail she divulged all even after being warned repeatedly. Sheesh.
Also, every other time she acquired knowledge she held some back, though it never did her any good because she would still immediately expose it, but when she discovers the holy grail she divulged all even after being warned repeatedly. Sheesh.
dnf
June 19, 2022okay so my fault for just delving into a book without reading the blurb cause it says student teacher relationship and no i don’t like that. he is in his forties and she early twenties and her teacher but they’re flirting?? like this should be cute i think but i cant get over the age/him being her teacher akhas
so
dnfed at twenty one percent
so
dnfed at twenty one percent
Read
February 19, 2024Unsure how to rate this one.
I really enjoyed Stevie as a character. I didn't like the men very much. Too hot and cold for me. I also hate when the men have 'secrets' that are way too 'secret' and 'important' to tell the female lead.
The plot was also pretty predictable. That ending? The most predictable part of the whole book.
I really enjoyed Stevie as a character. I didn't like the men very much. Too hot and cold for me. I also hate when the men have 'secrets' that are way too 'secret' and 'important' to tell the female lead.
The plot was also pretty predictable. That ending? The most predictable part of the whole book.
August 21, 2024
DNF the FMC is the stereotypical annoying nervous/chatty girl who doesn’t think before she speaks and shares personal information/weird ways of cursing, that is common in a lot of these books. She feels very copy and paste. I typically don’t enjoy those characters very much, so I just gave up on the book really early on.
July 30, 2022
I hate stories where secrets are kept from the MC because it's 'safer' for them (probably because of some deep-seated issues I should talk to a therapist about).
May 22, 2021
Really like this book. I loved the way it was setup the main characters' backstory was great which speaks to her trouble after loosing her parents. Also loved how she and her friend were coping with at their teashop where she is really good. Also like how tarot cards keep appearing at cirtical times with imporant messages she must figure out. It also showed how things can go wrong when we do stuff we love. And how we have to adapt and overcome.
Basically her life is turned upside down after the climb she is falsely arrested and imprison were she is treated in humanely an insulted by guards and other prisoners.
Her life changes again when her lawyer and a parton from the coffeee shop who are mages break her out from prison along the way she has an option to part ways with her rescuer but she decides against it. Show how Help can come from unlikely sources or when we give up.
She goes to the academy she wanted to go the one which alinated her parents. After having learned she is the only one who deciver her mothers profecies turns out her mother could see the past also predict the future based on visions.
She sets the Headmistress straight about her parents. It is revealed she has rare abililities. She makes a few friends and continue with her mission.
It is revealed that the so called grave keepers which are 5 guys she has met on campus two even saved her are keeping massive secrets from her which could change everything. She finds out and decided its best to keep some from them as well. Things come to a head when dreams she are having seem real and as things begin to unravel she recieves a text Carly who tells her to get out of the library.
She is then kidnapped by the Professor Phaines who was working with the enemy steals some of her mothers books but also preforms a spell trying to get her to reveal information about the location of magical atrifacts. The guys show up guided by her owl but phaines escapes. They eventually end up spilling some secrets and she joins them.
This book has some life lessons in it not if it was intentional or not.
Basically her life is turned upside down after the climb she is falsely arrested and imprison were she is treated in humanely an insulted by guards and other prisoners.
Her life changes again when her lawyer and a parton from the coffeee shop who are mages break her out from prison along the way she has an option to part ways with her rescuer but she decides against it. Show how Help can come from unlikely sources or when we give up.
She goes to the academy she wanted to go the one which alinated her parents. After having learned she is the only one who deciver her mothers profecies turns out her mother could see the past also predict the future based on visions.
She sets the Headmistress straight about her parents. It is revealed she has rare abililities. She makes a few friends and continue with her mission.
It is revealed that the so called grave keepers which are 5 guys she has met on campus two even saved her are keeping massive secrets from her which could change everything. She finds out and decided its best to keep some from them as well. Things come to a head when dreams she are having seem real and as things begin to unravel she recieves a text Carly who tells her to get out of the library.
She is then kidnapped by the Professor Phaines who was working with the enemy steals some of her mothers books but also preforms a spell trying to get her to reveal information about the location of magical atrifacts. The guys show up guided by her owl but phaines escapes. They eventually end up spilling some secrets and she joins them.
This book has some life lessons in it not if it was intentional or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
Stevie is just trying to make it on her own. Her parents passed tragically and left her with a cozy tea shop and more questions than she’d care to admit. She has a desire to learn about her magic, but resists the urge out of respect to her late parents’ wishes. But her magic doesn’t want to be hidden.
I both like and dislike this book. It’s very interesting. The plot and mystery are intriguing, but it’s a bit messy. At times, there is a lack of information for the reader, like the characters had a secret meeting and left the reader out only to randomly insert information as if the reader already knows. I love the use of the Tarot cards and how they tie in with some people on a very personal basis. I did see the plot twist coming, but it was well written and still shocking in the moment.
I would have enjoyed the book so much more if it was a YA and the academy was a high school. The maturity level of Stevie and the other characters her age is that of a high school student. And the school has “mean girl” clicks and the feel of a high school boarding school.
The author tried so hard to make it a spicy book, but it’s so cringy and forced. I love a good spicy book, but this was not it. I would have preferred no spice and maybe just a little flirting.
🚨SPOILER🚨
I just about screamed when she gets captured and the guy is literally cutting her to pieces and she’s like “hmm, how do I get myself out of this predicament?” like it’s just another weeknight. Girl, he’s literally sacrificing you!!
Stevie is just trying to make it on her own. Her parents passed tragically and left her with a cozy tea shop and more questions than she’d care to admit. She has a desire to learn about her magic, but resists the urge out of respect to her late parents’ wishes. But her magic doesn’t want to be hidden.
I both like and dislike this book. It’s very interesting. The plot and mystery are intriguing, but it’s a bit messy. At times, there is a lack of information for the reader, like the characters had a secret meeting and left the reader out only to randomly insert information as if the reader already knows. I love the use of the Tarot cards and how they tie in with some people on a very personal basis. I did see the plot twist coming, but it was well written and still shocking in the moment.
I would have enjoyed the book so much more if it was a YA and the academy was a high school. The maturity level of Stevie and the other characters her age is that of a high school student. And the school has “mean girl” clicks and the feel of a high school boarding school.
The author tried so hard to make it a spicy book, but it’s so cringy and forced. I love a good spicy book, but this was not it. I would have preferred no spice and maybe just a little flirting.
🚨SPOILER🚨
I just about screamed when she gets captured and the guy is literally cutting her to pieces and she’s like “hmm, how do I get myself out of this predicament?” like it’s just another weeknight. Girl, he’s literally sacrificing you!!
April 1, 2025
Actually 3.5 ⭐️
Read in one go {❌️}
Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶🌶.5
Banter 😂😂😂
Love-interests 🍆🦋🍆
No third act break-up - ahh complicated
Ow / om drama - no ? Yes ? Again complicated
⚠️ :
✔️🆗️❌️:
I really enjoyed it! It is confusing at times, but the banter and Stevie as the MC, makes up for it. I'm not too sure about the main love interests yet, there is potential, but keeping secrets kinda makes it hard to connect to someone.
💬:
Author not followed
Read in one go {❌️}
Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶🌶.5
Banter 😂😂😂
Love-interests 🍆🦋🍆
No third act break-up - ahh complicated
Ow / om drama - no ? Yes ? Again complicated
⚠️ :
✔️🆗️❌️:
I really enjoyed it! It is confusing at times, but the banter and Stevie as the MC, makes up for it. I'm not too sure about the main love interests yet, there is potential, but keeping secrets kinda makes it hard to connect to someone.
💬:
Author not followed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews