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Iris Boys #1-4
Iris Boys Box Set
Normal is relative, not universal. But in one single night, my entire philosophy on "normal" is changed forever.
One near death experience and one suicidal cat later...
Four mysterious men show up on my doorstep. The leader. The suit. The tech guru. The quiet enigma. They're not with the police. They're not even much older than I am. So who the hell are they? Who do they work for and why do they need my help to track down a dangerous thief?
My entire life thus far has been based on survival. If they're willing to lift me out of the gutter, then I guess I've not no choice but to play the part.
*This is a reverse harem title*
*This contains Books 1-4 in the Iris Boys series as well as a secret, never before released after story novella*
One near death experience and one suicidal cat later...
Four mysterious men show up on my doorstep. The leader. The suit. The tech guru. The quiet enigma. They're not with the police. They're not even much older than I am. So who the hell are they? Who do they work for and why do they need my help to track down a dangerous thief?
My entire life thus far has been based on survival. If they're willing to lift me out of the gutter, then I guess I've not no choice but to play the part.
*This is a reverse harem title*
*This contains Books 1-4 in the Iris Boys series as well as a secret, never before released after story novella*
1168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2019
289 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Smoke
71 books2,814 followersLucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 15, 2019
I enjoyed these books, the box set. However, when reading them I felt like I had read them before. Sort of a combination of the Stardust series (Knix: Knox, working for a secret organization that helps people), and a combination of....hmm...Scarlett Haven? I'm not sure what the other books are that the Iris Boys reminds me of, but they felt familiar.
I didn't like all of the books, particularly the ending or the epilogue, but that is just a matter of personal preference. Very decent length, the box set is over 1000 pages.
In my opinion, nothing really original, but still an okay read.
I didn't like all of the books, particularly the ending or the epilogue, but that is just a matter of personal preference. Very decent length, the box set is over 1000 pages.
In my opinion, nothing really original, but still an okay read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2020
I just finished the series and I swear it just gets better and better. It's a must-read and my favorite contemporary RH romance that I've read! Lucy has a way of really making you feel like Harlow's journey could happen in real life!
Harlow is a very sweet, but strong and independent girl. She comes of age in this story and seeing her grow is beautiful. All the guys in the harem are different and each relationship unique. I also love the kind of crime mystery element in each book!
This is a Slow-Medium burn.
Harlow is a very sweet, but strong and independent girl. She comes of age in this story and seeing her grow is beautiful. All the guys in the harem are different and each relationship unique. I also love the kind of crime mystery element in each book!
This is a Slow-Medium burn.
May 11, 2020
Dnf 30%. Urgh. Take it out of my head. I have just lost a lot of brain cells.
January 1, 2021
There are bits of this series that I loved and bits I hated.
What I loved about it was the rich and colourful backdrop for the story. Although the first book is unhurried, it is full to the brim. It combined romance, desire, mystery, action, adventure. The slow burn was intoxicating, for the most part. I really enjoyed the date nights.
What I disliked was
1. The repetitive inner monologues and indecisiveness especially in book 3. In book 3 the seemingly endless loop of thoughts and insecurities were exhausting.
2. The story increasingly becomes more far fetched. More and more it felt like the author relied on cheesy unrealistic Hollywood type fantasy nonsense to save the day or resolve the situation. Everyone arrives in the right place just at the right time. Catching the improbable culprit, just to save him or her from themselves regardless of whether any of the solution actually makes sense. Creating a character with a little kitten than just wants to save the world.
3. The inconsistencies. Harlow is told at the start the Iris selection process is gruelling and training is fierce. It ends up being a trip to a couples retreat and a few sparring sessions with one of the guys. 🤔 Harlow’s told her mom is seriously injured and it sounds like she’s at death’s doorstep. But fear not, it is only a small bump on the head. Mom will be moving to a nice long term care facility which she arranged for herself despite being too mentally unstable most of the time to look after herself. Not to worry about money either as it will be funded despite the fact that they don’t have money for food.
4. Creating the idea of Iris, which had immense potential. Iris could lead to the most interesting experiences and adventures. But Iris is increasingly relegated to the point of irrelevance. It felt like it was under utilised and turned into nothing more than a neighbourhood watch.
5. Harlow is blushing innocence, but has the capacity to keep 5 guys satisfied. Yet she doesn’t think to visit a women’s health clinic for advice on things like birth control. Each sexual encounter is almost exactly the same as well. Seems like there is a step by step instruction guide that each guys follows precisely. They only have 121 encounters as well. Come on! Where is the author’s imagination?
6. Harlow’s jealousy.
Despite a rather long list of bug bears, I was glued to books for the most part. The romance and possibilities kept me wanting to see how the story unfolds.
The omnibus contains book 4.5, but I stopped reading right before the reception when Knix shared bad news in the limo. I then skipped to the end, saw how it unfolded and was happy to draw a line under this series. I am glad I took that approach and personally think it’s original intended ending at the end of book 4 was a better place to call it a day.
What I loved about it was the rich and colourful backdrop for the story. Although the first book is unhurried, it is full to the brim. It combined romance, desire, mystery, action, adventure. The slow burn was intoxicating, for the most part. I really enjoyed the date nights.
What I disliked was
1. The repetitive inner monologues and indecisiveness especially in book 3. In book 3 the seemingly endless loop of thoughts and insecurities were exhausting.
2. The story increasingly becomes more far fetched. More and more it felt like the author relied on cheesy unrealistic Hollywood type fantasy nonsense to save the day or resolve the situation. Everyone arrives in the right place just at the right time. Catching the improbable culprit, just to save him or her from themselves regardless of whether any of the solution actually makes sense. Creating a character with a little kitten than just wants to save the world.
3. The inconsistencies. Harlow is told at the start the Iris selection process is gruelling and training is fierce. It ends up being a trip to a couples retreat and a few sparring sessions with one of the guys. 🤔 Harlow’s told her mom is seriously injured and it sounds like she’s at death’s doorstep. But fear not, it is only a small bump on the head. Mom will be moving to a nice long term care facility which she arranged for herself despite being too mentally unstable most of the time to look after herself. Not to worry about money either as it will be funded despite the fact that they don’t have money for food.
4. Creating the idea of Iris, which had immense potential. Iris could lead to the most interesting experiences and adventures. But Iris is increasingly relegated to the point of irrelevance. It felt like it was under utilised and turned into nothing more than a neighbourhood watch.
5. Harlow is blushing innocence, but has the capacity to keep 5 guys satisfied. Yet she doesn’t think to visit a women’s health clinic for advice on things like birth control. Each sexual encounter is almost exactly the same as well. Seems like there is a step by step instruction guide that each guys follows precisely. They only have 121 encounters as well. Come on! Where is the author’s imagination?
6. Harlow’s jealousy.
Despite a rather long list of bug bears, I was glued to books for the most part. The romance and possibilities kept me wanting to see how the story unfolds.
The omnibus contains book 4.5, but I stopped reading right before the reception when Knix shared bad news in the limo. I then skipped to the end, saw how it unfolded and was happy to draw a line under this series. I am glad I took that approach and personally think it’s original intended ending at the end of book 4 was a better place to call it a day.
October 15, 2021
frustrating
***spoilers***
This has to be one of the most frustrating series I've ever had the displeasure of reading. 2.5 stars - bumped up to 3 for the suspense I guess.
I enjoyed the plot but with over 1000 pages there wasn't much character development. Not super steamy, but it was decent in those parts.
They choose her to be a part of her group and never treat her. As. Part. Of. The. Group.
Wtf is Iris? Was it ever explained? Because no. It wasnt. She was with them for forever then Grayson strolls in and is a part of them within days but after months they're like "sorry, can't tell you!"
Then that ended. I just sort of... blinked. A lot. All righty then.
What even was the plot, really? And what happened to Harlow's dad? And everything with Erika sort of confused the hell out of me. They were best friends their entire lives and then just bounces... after Harlow saved her. I don't know. Frustrating. All of the secrets and she's still working at the diner. Did she ever get paid to be a "part" of Iris? Did she ever complete "training"
In the last book, after what, a year+ of being with Iris she's stupid now? Doesn't know what CCTV is yet was so intelligent and a quick thinker in the first books?
Blah.
***spoilers***
This has to be one of the most frustrating series I've ever had the displeasure of reading. 2.5 stars - bumped up to 3 for the suspense I guess.
I enjoyed the plot but with over 1000 pages there wasn't much character development. Not super steamy, but it was decent in those parts.
They choose her to be a part of her group and never treat her. As. Part. Of. The. Group.
Wtf is Iris? Was it ever explained? Because no. It wasnt. She was with them for forever then Grayson strolls in and is a part of them within days but after months they're like "sorry, can't tell you!"
Then that ended. I just sort of... blinked. A lot. All righty then.
What even was the plot, really? And what happened to Harlow's dad? And everything with Erika sort of confused the hell out of me. They were best friends their entire lives and then just bounces... after Harlow saved her. I don't know. Frustrating. All of the secrets and she's still working at the diner. Did she ever get paid to be a "part" of Iris? Did she ever complete "training"
In the last book, after what, a year+ of being with Iris she's stupid now? Doesn't know what CCTV is yet was so intelligent and a quick thinker in the first books?
Blah.
February 29, 2020
3 ⭐️
(Slight spoiler)
This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author so I didn’t really go into with set expectations. What I found was a fairly solid series with some notable exceptions, the main one being the plot. It was a completely ridiculous. I understand suspending your belief for entertainment but this was pretty hard to swallow. I also found it ridiculously annoying that after reading the series you still don’t know what Iris is or even what they really do other than random pieces that get thrown out. Usually this would make the series a DNF for me, however the strength of the writing and characters that were full of depth pulled me through.
(Slight spoiler)
This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author so I didn’t really go into with set expectations. What I found was a fairly solid series with some notable exceptions, the main one being the plot. It was a completely ridiculous. I understand suspending your belief for entertainment but this was pretty hard to swallow. I also found it ridiculously annoying that after reading the series you still don’t know what Iris is or even what they really do other than random pieces that get thrown out. Usually this would make the series a DNF for me, however the strength of the writing and characters that were full of depth pulled me through.
June 19, 2022
Meh
The books were alright. Even til the end she is still kept in the dark about a lot. She never got training for iris, she got some basic self defense but that was it. I'm not sure why all the guys were obsessed with her. There really wasn't anything special about her. It also annoyed me that she could dance. She was in gymnastics for years but couldn't figure out simple dances. I just don't feel like she grew at all throughout the series. Any high pressure situations she made stupid decisions. I don't really understand why they wanted her in iris.
The books were alright. Even til the end she is still kept in the dark about a lot. She never got training for iris, she got some basic self defense but that was it. I'm not sure why all the guys were obsessed with her. There really wasn't anything special about her. It also annoyed me that she could dance. She was in gymnastics for years but couldn't figure out simple dances. I just don't feel like she grew at all throughout the series. Any high pressure situations she made stupid decisions. I don't really understand why they wanted her in iris.
October 24, 2020
SLOOOWWWWW
This was the slowest burning book I have ever read. It did, at some points have my heart beating like crazy and put me on the edge of my seat but the love portion was slow. I loved the individual characters, I loved some of the different things that happened, but honestly I couldn’t wait for it to finish because I was getting bored and frustrated. I really wanted to love this series, but it just wasn’t for me.
This was the slowest burning book I have ever read. It did, at some points have my heart beating like crazy and put me on the edge of my seat but the love portion was slow. I loved the individual characters, I loved some of the different things that happened, but honestly I couldn’t wait for it to finish because I was getting bored and frustrated. I really wanted to love this series, but it just wasn’t for me.
March 25, 2021
Loved it
This is the first time I have read this author and I will gladly go back and read others by her. This was a great story and I loved every minute of it. Even when I barely slept the past two nights because I couldn’t put the book down. I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
This is the first time I have read this author and I will gladly go back and read others by her. This was a great story and I loved every minute of it. Even when I barely slept the past two nights because I couldn’t put the book down. I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
December 16, 2019
MC learns how to be strong
Harlow grew up quickly taking care of her mom, working to keep their home and going to school full time after her brother abandoned them. She then meets 5 men who help her through the bad and show her how strong is really is. Strong story line that doesn’t get boring!
Harlow grew up quickly taking care of her mom, working to keep their home and going to school full time after her brother abandoned them. She then meets 5 men who help her through the bad and show her how strong is really is. Strong story line that doesn’t get boring!
July 10, 2020
Amazing series
This series and amazing and together as a box set?? count me in I love binge reading. This series was a great and I loved the characters. Sad that it’s come to an end.
This series and amazing and together as a box set?? count me in I love binge reading. This series was a great and I loved the characters. Sad that it’s come to an end.
October 24, 2020
Brilliant!!
WOW!! To me this was a slow burn reverse harem and I loved it! Couldn't put it down. I loved Harlow and her men. The storylines were great and it was emotional right till the last word. Highly recommend.
WOW!! To me this was a slow burn reverse harem and I loved it! Couldn't put it down. I loved Harlow and her men. The storylines were great and it was emotional right till the last word. Highly recommend.
October 2, 2021
Family
When your torn from your home you need to find a new one and these guys couldn’t be stronger. Filled with drama, deceit and death. Together they learn to overcome their fears and themselves a family. RH HEA
When your torn from your home you need to find a new one and these guys couldn’t be stronger. Filled with drama, deceit and death. Together they learn to overcome their fears and themselves a family. RH HEA
April 23, 2024
Safe happy ending
The book series is a slow burn intrigue why choose series . I enjoyed the series but the ending was a bit sad . I don't understand why authors are not using one or more of alternative methods that are available especially to those with money .
The book series is a slow burn intrigue why choose series . I enjoyed the series but the ending was a bit sad . I don't understand why authors are not using one or more of alternative methods that are available especially to those with money .
April 22, 2020
Good
I really enjoyed this book. It is a super slow burn but the story is great. The characters are amazing.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a super slow burn but the story is great. The characters are amazing.
October 19, 2020
This series is awesome and I'm sad that there isn't anymore...I'll miss the characters and the relationship stuff but mostly the story lines were fantastic!
March 1, 2021
Reread in box set.
April 7, 2021
As a whole I did enjoy this series, however I did feel that the story got progressively worse as the books went on, and I didn’t actually finish book 4.5.
January 8, 2022
Iris Boys Box Set
Wonderful set of books about Harlow and her guys! More action than steam but overall a very good set to read.
Wonderful set of books about Harlow and her guys! More action than steam but overall a very good set to read.
December 11, 2019
So. Good.
Holy cow! This series was incredible. I devoured it like a woman starved. It made me laugh and cry and laugh some more. I hope Lucy Smoke puts out a few novellas of this group because I’m not ready to say goodbye
Holy cow! This series was incredible. I devoured it like a woman starved. It made me laugh and cry and laugh some more. I hope Lucy Smoke puts out a few novellas of this group because I’m not ready to say goodbye
October 12, 2021
DNF
I just couldn't couldn't properly to this story and after skipping a lot of chapters, I gave up hope!
I just couldn't couldn't properly to this story and after skipping a lot of chapters, I gave up hope!
November 16, 2020
3.5 stars but will round up to 4 since there was quite a bit that I liked and it largely kept my interest. I'll start with what I liked. I really liked the guys. I thought their personalities were unique and different enough from each other with their own 'voices' in this series. The guys were HOT and protective they were probably the best part. The relationship and character development was fairly well done.
Now on to what I didn't like. The fmc was frustrating to me. Her character is not the worst I have read but I feel like her character fell short of her potential. She started out strong as a survivor of a challenging childhood, having taken care of her sick mom, worked a job to pay their bills and went to school. Based on all that I was expecting her to have a pretty strong backbone and sense of independence and capability but she ended up allowing the guys to treat her like the 'fragile princess' who didn't need to know things and needed to be constantly protected. Sure, she complained about it but she tolerated it for several books. She was offered a chance to resume gymnastics but didn't want to. She was offered a chance to go to college but didn't want to. She had a few moments where she thought of something smart that helped the case her team was working on but in all honesty she didn't really do much or have many aspirations. There really wasn't anything special about her. Also the 'tense' situations they got into weren't really all that tense. It had more of a Jr. Detective feel to it.Ultimately I just wanted more backbone and accomplishment from the fmc and a greater build to the challenges the group faced. I felt like this had the potential to be really good but fell short.
Now on to what I didn't like. The fmc was frustrating to me. Her character is not the worst I have read but I feel like her character fell short of her potential. She started out strong as a survivor of a challenging childhood, having taken care of her sick mom, worked a job to pay their bills and went to school. Based on all that I was expecting her to have a pretty strong backbone and sense of independence and capability but she ended up allowing the guys to treat her like the 'fragile princess' who didn't need to know things and needed to be constantly protected. Sure, she complained about it but she tolerated it for several books. She was offered a chance to resume gymnastics but didn't want to. She was offered a chance to go to college but didn't want to. She had a few moments where she thought of something smart that helped the case her team was working on but in all honesty she didn't really do much or have many aspirations. There really wasn't anything special about her. Also the 'tense' situations they got into weren't really all that tense. It had more of a Jr. Detective feel to it.Ultimately I just wanted more backbone and accomplishment from the fmc and a greater build to the challenges the group faced. I felt like this had the potential to be really good but fell short.
November 3, 2019
Absolutely loved the slow burn of this series. Not gonna lie it was hot hot HOT!!! I almost need a cold shower after I finished. The series wrapped up in a sweet happy ending, but I can’t help wishing there was more to the series. I would love to see the dynamics of other teams. Other than that this series could not have gone any better. Each separate book had enough to make them awesome. Add in the slow burn between Harlow and the boys left me having a very hard time putting it down. Will be reading more by this author for sure.
November 2, 2019
Loved this series! Need more!!!!❤️
October 20, 2019
One of my favorite series!
I have loved these characters since I first read about them years ago. I was so excited to get another look in their lives. This was not the ending I was expecting, but it very much for Harlow and her Iris boys.
I have loved these characters since I first read about them years ago. I was so excited to get another look in their lives. This was not the ending I was expecting, but it very much for Harlow and her Iris boys.
November 26, 2019
A MUST READ
The Iris Boys Series was fantastic! I was skeptical at first, but I tried it because it was recommended by a friend. I could not have been happier. I love Texas, Marx, Knix, Bellamy, Grayson and Harlow! They felt like family!
The Iris Boys Series was fantastic! I was skeptical at first, but I tried it because it was recommended by a friend. I could not have been happier. I love Texas, Marx, Knix, Bellamy, Grayson and Harlow! They felt like family!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews