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Fire & Brimstone #2
Sacrifice
Human—Angel—Nephilim. How can Riley fit in anywhere when he doesn’t know who or what he is?
With his mysterious heritage shrouded in shadow, Riley Shepard struggles with his identity, his confusing sexuality, and the prohibited—but deepening—feelings for his guardian angels. Questions remain unanswered. His Guardians harbor secrets. And danger lurks just out of sight.
When disaster strikes, Riley must make a choice that will change everything. But will his sacrifice destroy the life he’s built? Will there be anything left when the dust settles?
To him, it makes no difference. Because for them, it is worth the risk.
***Sacrifice is the second book in the slow burn harem/poly romance series, Fire & Brimstone, featuring hurt/comfort, temptingly sexy guardian angels, forbidden love, and an unlikely hero who discovers what it means to be free. Book 2 is open-ended (no cliffhangers!), but the series will be HEA, I promise. For trigger warnings, see the author's note.***
With his mysterious heritage shrouded in shadow, Riley Shepard struggles with his identity, his confusing sexuality, and the prohibited—but deepening—feelings for his guardian angels. Questions remain unanswered. His Guardians harbor secrets. And danger lurks just out of sight.
When disaster strikes, Riley must make a choice that will change everything. But will his sacrifice destroy the life he’s built? Will there be anything left when the dust settles?
To him, it makes no difference. Because for them, it is worth the risk.
***Sacrifice is the second book in the slow burn harem/poly romance series, Fire & Brimstone, featuring hurt/comfort, temptingly sexy guardian angels, forbidden love, and an unlikely hero who discovers what it means to be free. Book 2 is open-ended (no cliffhangers!), but the series will be HEA, I promise. For trigger warnings, see the author's note.***
430 pages, ebook
First published April 5, 2020
163 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Nik Knight
30 books595 followersNik Knight (they/them) is a born and bred Hoosier living in a top-secret location in Europe. They are a single parent to two wonderful gremlins, and they write love in all its forms.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
August 14, 2025
✅ Pace
✅ Quick read
✅ Angels and Demons
✅ More magic and fighting
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of rape and torture (more graphic and detailed than in the first book), past abuse, self-punishment, character making themselves throwing up, homophobic characters and slurs
3.5 stars
Ok, I will start by saying that I did enjoy this book overall, but on the other hand, many things were slightly annoying.
This book is basically about Riley living with his three guardians now, and walking around the apartment in too-big clothes because he apparently can’t dress in his own clothes anymore when he is with them. Some training to try to figure out what is the extent of his powers and some “mystery” near the end about his ancestry, because Riley is so much more than he appears to be. A lot of sexual innuendos that either made the guardians blush (they blushed so many times!) or that flew over Riley’s head because he’s too naïve to understand them, and more sexual tension because Riley has this “je ne sais quoi” that makes him irresistible even though they literally watched him grow up and he’s still behaving in a very juvenile manner when it comes to relationships.
Once again, while this is a fast-paced and easy read, the plot is not the most elaborate or engaging. This book focuses more on Riley dealing with his sexual awakening and the dynamic between him, Noel, Jai, and Gideon, but plotwise, not much happens until the last 30%-40%. Most of the secondary characters from the first book are not even part of this sequel, and if they are, it’s only as props to help Riley get into or out of certain situations, or to add some “drama”. The last 30% were very good though so if the third book follows in the footsteps of this one, there is hope yet that this series will stop being an “okay/good” one and become a “good/addictive” one… Because I’ve heard so much about it, but I honestly don’t get the hype. It’s good, but it’s not amazing or out of this world when it comes to the story.
Once I accepted that Noel and Jai would act like teenagers/young adults instead of centuries-old “typical” angels, it was easier to enjoy the relationship aspect of this book. The dynamic between Riley, Noel, and Jai starts to change more in this book, and as they say, the lines are getting blurred. Jai and Noel feel some degree of attraction toward Riley, and it’s more than just physical attraction, which is unacceptable for them considering that he is their ward. Riley also feels attracted to the gorgeous angels, and poor him, he was already struggling with his sexuality in the first book because he had no idea if he was attracted to men or not, now he has to deal with the physical aspect of it, meaning having hard-ons and wanting to kiss people.
(On a side note; I feel that Noel weeps and cries wayyyy too easily. Every time something happens he cries, weeps, or sobs... I would say I hope it gets better in the next book, but seeing how this one ended, I do not have much hope for that aspect of Noel...)
If I’ve come to terms with the fact that Noel and Jai are behaving like teenagers, it is harder to accept when it comes to the Archangel Council. We heard about them more in this book, and they are this almighty council that rules all angels (or at least all guardians), but once we finally got to meet them, instead of being those scary and super-powerful angels, they also behaved like immature children. Gabriel was screaming and throwing tantrums, Raphael seemed to only care about the next drama piece that would entertain him, and Michael was trying to keep things moving, but for most of the time they were in the story, they were just insulting and pushing each other. It is hard to take them seriously as political leaders and maybe even as a threat to Noel, Jai, and Gideon’s relationship with Riley when they behave like that and I really hope that it will change in the next book, or that I will not have to see them again, because they were so disappointing!
At least Riley’s character developed in the right direction. He is still very naïve and childlike at times because of his sheltered (and fucked-up) upbringing, but he is starting to grow a spine and be able to stand for himself. He was even able to say “no” a few times and argue with his guardians, so there is hope that he will stop being a weeping doormat and become a more interesting character.
There are some new secondary characters, probably to replace the human ones since we do not need them anymore in Riley’s life, and I have to say that I did like Beau a lot. He seemed to be a little too stereotypical to my taste at first, and I was afraid that he would just be this glittery and flashy queer sidepiece that is only brought out when we need a slumber party scene or a pedicure/deep talk moment, but he ended up being a nice character that I would like to see more in the next book.
Overall, while I complained about many things, I am still involved enough in this series to read the third book. The books are quick reads, and I am really hoping that the end of this book will set the tone for the rest of the series, that we will focus more on politics and fighting against demons instead of just following Riley while he is going to college and wandering around the apartment with the hot guardian while feeling jealous that Jai and Noel have a life and might date or have sex with other people.
1. Revelations ⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Quick read
✅ Angels and Demons
✅ More magic and fighting
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of rape and torture (more graphic and detailed than in the first book), past abuse, self-punishment, character making themselves throwing up, homophobic characters and slurs
3.5 stars
Ok, I will start by saying that I did enjoy this book overall, but on the other hand, many things were slightly annoying.
This book is basically about Riley living with his three guardians now, and walking around the apartment in too-big clothes because he apparently can’t dress in his own clothes anymore when he is with them. Some training to try to figure out what is the extent of his powers and some “mystery” near the end about his ancestry, because Riley is so much more than he appears to be. A lot of sexual innuendos that either made the guardians blush (they blushed so many times!) or that flew over Riley’s head because he’s too naïve to understand them, and more sexual tension because Riley has this “je ne sais quoi” that makes him irresistible even though they literally watched him grow up and he’s still behaving in a very juvenile manner when it comes to relationships.
Once again, while this is a fast-paced and easy read, the plot is not the most elaborate or engaging. This book focuses more on Riley dealing with his sexual awakening and the dynamic between him, Noel, Jai, and Gideon, but plotwise, not much happens until the last 30%-40%. Most of the secondary characters from the first book are not even part of this sequel, and if they are, it’s only as props to help Riley get into or out of certain situations, or to add some “drama”. The last 30% were very good though so if the third book follows in the footsteps of this one, there is hope yet that this series will stop being an “okay/good” one and become a “good/addictive” one… Because I’ve heard so much about it, but I honestly don’t get the hype. It’s good, but it’s not amazing or out of this world when it comes to the story.
Once I accepted that Noel and Jai would act like teenagers/young adults instead of centuries-old “typical” angels, it was easier to enjoy the relationship aspect of this book. The dynamic between Riley, Noel, and Jai starts to change more in this book, and as they say, the lines are getting blurred. Jai and Noel feel some degree of attraction toward Riley, and it’s more than just physical attraction, which is unacceptable for them considering that he is their ward. Riley also feels attracted to the gorgeous angels, and poor him, he was already struggling with his sexuality in the first book because he had no idea if he was attracted to men or not, now he has to deal with the physical aspect of it, meaning having hard-ons and wanting to kiss people.
(On a side note; I feel that Noel weeps and cries wayyyy too easily. Every time something happens he cries, weeps, or sobs... I would say I hope it gets better in the next book, but seeing how this one ended, I do not have much hope for that aspect of Noel...)
If I’ve come to terms with the fact that Noel and Jai are behaving like teenagers, it is harder to accept when it comes to the Archangel Council. We heard about them more in this book, and they are this almighty council that rules all angels (or at least all guardians), but once we finally got to meet them, instead of being those scary and super-powerful angels, they also behaved like immature children. Gabriel was screaming and throwing tantrums, Raphael seemed to only care about the next drama piece that would entertain him, and Michael was trying to keep things moving, but for most of the time they were in the story, they were just insulting and pushing each other. It is hard to take them seriously as political leaders and maybe even as a threat to Noel, Jai, and Gideon’s relationship with Riley when they behave like that and I really hope that it will change in the next book, or that I will not have to see them again, because they were so disappointing!
Danny burst into laughter. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh, but—Riley, you’re so clueless.”
At least Riley’s character developed in the right direction. He is still very naïve and childlike at times because of his sheltered (and fucked-up) upbringing, but he is starting to grow a spine and be able to stand for himself. He was even able to say “no” a few times and argue with his guardians, so there is hope that he will stop being a weeping doormat and become a more interesting character.
There are some new secondary characters, probably to replace the human ones since we do not need them anymore in Riley’s life, and I have to say that I did like Beau a lot. He seemed to be a little too stereotypical to my taste at first, and I was afraid that he would just be this glittery and flashy queer sidepiece that is only brought out when we need a slumber party scene or a pedicure/deep talk moment, but he ended up being a nice character that I would like to see more in the next book.
Overall, while I complained about many things, I am still involved enough in this series to read the third book. The books are quick reads, and I am really hoping that the end of this book will set the tone for the rest of the series, that we will focus more on politics and fighting against demons instead of just following Riley while he is going to college and wandering around the apartment with the hot guardian while feeling jealous that Jai and Noel have a life and might date or have sex with other people.
1. Revelations ⭐⭐⭐.5
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August 16, 2021
More!!
Our luscious MC is finally asking questions
His guardian angels are giving answers
They are also getting closer
To him
They are fighting
For him
Because of him
Finally we get physical!!! ❤️❤️
You may have guessed the reason why our MC needs his guardian angels
It was obvious in the first book
You were right
If you hadn’t guessed, the big reveal is here
And it’s one that involves creatures from everywhere
I’m really enjoying the SLOW BURN of this RH
And am very intrigued with how our asexual guardian will be incorporated.
Sumptuous narration by Kirt Graves! Yum!
Our luscious MC is finally asking questions
His guardian angels are giving answers
They are also getting closer
To him
They are fighting
For him
Because of him
Finally we get physical!!! ❤️❤️
You may have guessed the reason why our MC needs his guardian angels
It was obvious in the first book
You were right
If you hadn’t guessed, the big reveal is here
And it’s one that involves creatures from everywhere
I’m really enjoying the SLOW BURN of this RH
And am very intrigued with how our asexual guardian will be incorporated.
Sumptuous narration by Kirt Graves! Yum!
May 6, 2022
ahhh okay so this series continues to surprise and scare me. we'll get back to the scared part but this one, like the last, was super interesting and had me totally engrossed to the point that i forgot anything else existed.
so wow where do i start? i especially loved the book after the initial 50% when Beau and Xavier were introduced, and when Gabriel, Michael and Raphael were also bought into the mix. Michael and Raphael were a blast and Gabriel omg i loved when Michael pushed Gabriel off the podium like wtf i love it. while Gabriel was an asshole, he was amazing entertainment so not gonna complain.
i loved how Gideon was starting to come around with Riley and how there was romance blossoming even if it was killed in the end by saying that nothing would ever happen and that they'd just need to forget it but oh well its not like its really gonna happen
anyway, after the last book, where i also mentioned in my review that i wanted Noel to kiss Riley, well i was fairly sure that Jai would do it first even though thats not what i wanted. and guess what? i was right. Jai kissed Riley first.
but then Noel kissed Riley, then Noel was taken away and tortured and Jai kissed Riley again. yes that was literally all the romance in the book. three kisses. not sure i was a fan of that.
but i loved the action and the new revelations about Riley and how everything was handled in the end. while a lot of characters were introduced, it didn't feel crowded and i managed to remember each of their names which is very rare since i can't even manage to remember the names of the mc's from a simple romance book.
anyway, this series continues to surprise me in a good way and i love it. the romance aspect honestly scares me bc i know its gonna break too many hearts but knowing its gonna be ending with a hea is honestly the only thing that me keeps me going.
overall, it was an amazing read and i can't wait for the next one!
_______________________________
#1 Revelations ★★★★
_______________________________
read #1: may 31, 2021
read #2: may 5, 2022
_______________________________
so in my first review i mentioned that i wanted noel to kiss riley first and not jai? well obviously i wasn't in the right head space then bc omg jai and riley are chef's kiss. love love love jai and i cannot wait to read more ab him
so wow where do i start? i especially loved the book after the initial 50% when Beau and Xavier were introduced, and when Gabriel, Michael and Raphael were also bought into the mix. Michael and Raphael were a blast and Gabriel omg i loved when Michael pushed Gabriel off the podium like wtf i love it. while Gabriel was an asshole, he was amazing entertainment so not gonna complain.
i loved how Gideon was starting to come around with Riley and how there was romance blossoming even if it was killed in the end by saying that nothing would ever happen and that they'd just need to forget it but oh well its not like its really gonna happen
anyway, after the last book, where i also mentioned in my review that i wanted Noel to kiss Riley, well i was fairly sure that Jai would do it first even though thats not what i wanted. and guess what? i was right. Jai kissed Riley first.
but then Noel kissed Riley, then Noel was taken away and tortured and Jai kissed Riley again. yes that was literally all the romance in the book. three kisses. not sure i was a fan of that.
but i loved the action and the new revelations about Riley and how everything was handled in the end. while a lot of characters were introduced, it didn't feel crowded and i managed to remember each of their names which is very rare since i can't even manage to remember the names of the mc's from a simple romance book.
anyway, this series continues to surprise me in a good way and i love it. the romance aspect honestly scares me bc i know its gonna break too many hearts but knowing its gonna be ending with a hea is honestly the only thing that me keeps me going.
overall, it was an amazing read and i can't wait for the next one!
_______________________________
#1 Revelations ★★★★
_______________________________
read #1: may 31, 2021
read #2: may 5, 2022
_______________________________
so in my first review i mentioned that i wanted noel to kiss riley first and not jai? well obviously i wasn't in the right head space then bc omg jai and riley are chef's kiss. love love love jai and i cannot wait to read more ab him
May 21, 2023
The plot thickens, and the action scenes get more gory. Which is good.
While the first book was a bit to clean/YA for me, we now have Riley coming to terms with what (and whom) he wants, and while we don’t really get more than a few heated glances and kisses, the sexual tension between him and Jai and Noel (and even reluctant Gideon) is palpable. But the focus in this book isn’t about the smut we all love to read about, it’s about Riley slowly losing his naïve innocence and finally standing up to those who bully him, or only treat him as a child.
Still, in some scenes it’s difficult to remember that he’s not 12, but 19, especially as he talks about the other younger (looking) characters as “boys” and keeps cuddling and nuzzling and being carried around by them. But I’m confident he’ll get there eventually 😅
What’s a bit… well. I guess “annoying” is a bit harsh, but I’ll take the term for now: seeing all the angels (with the exception of Gideon and Michael. And Lucifer.) behave like a bunch of teenage brats with too much power. The angel realm is painted as very similar to the earthly one, with the bonus of teleportation and throwing fireballs at each other - they even have a hospital where they treat injured angels. Like… why? Why can they heal each other in the mortal realm, but not in Utopia? And why, of all things, do we have Archangels like Gabriel and his wretched apprentice behave like a brat throwing tantrums?
Also: while I get why Riley behaves the way he does ( Miss Janet really fucked him up badly…), I should really count the times he’s saying/crying/sobbing “I’m sorry” 🙄 (Just checked. It’s 86 times. 86!!!)
As for the plot: I obviously kind of guessed correctly what the real parentage of Riley is about, so his powers didn’t come as a surprise. What happened to Noel broke my heart, and I loved seeing how close he and Jai are.
Another side character I loved is Beau - I hope we’ll get to see more of him.
The book is difficult to rate - some parts were 5 star worthy, others almost made me angry because of how stupidly the characters acted. Considering I’ve been more than invested in it though, and given the - again - brilliant narration by Kirt Graves, I’ll rate it with 4 stars.
I’ll definitely continue the series, but I feel like taking a break for a week or two before I dive into it again.
While the first book was a bit to clean/YA for me, we now have Riley coming to terms with what (and whom) he wants, and while we don’t really get more than a few heated glances and kisses, the sexual tension between him and Jai and Noel (and even reluctant Gideon) is palpable. But the focus in this book isn’t about the smut we all love to read about, it’s about Riley slowly losing his naïve innocence and finally standing up to those who bully him, or only treat him as a child.
Still, in some scenes it’s difficult to remember that he’s not 12, but 19, especially as he talks about the other younger (looking) characters as “boys” and keeps cuddling and nuzzling and being carried around by them. But I’m confident he’ll get there eventually 😅
What’s a bit… well. I guess “annoying” is a bit harsh, but I’ll take the term for now: seeing all the angels (with the exception of Gideon and Michael. And Lucifer.) behave like a bunch of teenage brats with too much power. The angel realm is painted as very similar to the earthly one, with the bonus of teleportation and throwing fireballs at each other - they even have a hospital where they treat injured angels. Like… why? Why can they heal each other in the mortal realm, but not in Utopia? And why, of all things, do we have Archangels like Gabriel and his wretched apprentice behave like a brat throwing tantrums?
Also: while I get why Riley behaves the way he does ( Miss Janet really fucked him up badly…), I should really count the times he’s saying/crying/sobbing “I’m sorry” 🙄 (Just checked. It’s 86 times. 86!!!)
As for the plot: I obviously kind of guessed correctly what the real parentage of Riley is about, so his powers didn’t come as a surprise. What happened to Noel broke my heart, and I loved seeing how close he and Jai are.
Another side character I loved is Beau - I hope we’ll get to see more of him.
The book is difficult to rate - some parts were 5 star worthy, others almost made me angry because of how stupidly the characters acted. Considering I’ve been more than invested in it though, and given the - again - brilliant narration by Kirt Graves, I’ll rate it with 4 stars.
I’ll definitely continue the series, but I feel like taking a break for a week or two before I dive into it again.
August 20, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
I am enjoying this series so freaking much and all I want to do is continue with book 3 immediately. It's heavy (check the content warnings), it's full of action, self-discovery, family, budding romances and so much more.
All of the forehead kisses and cuddles are getting me through the angst and heavy stuff. The fact that everyone (except for Gideon) are so tactile is the cutest thing ever, and I hope that never stops.
I still love Riley so much, and I'm excited to see his continued development. I appreciate that everything is happening slowly, because he has a lot of issues and trauma to work through. There are also several new side characters introduced in this, and although I sided with Riley early on in wanting to claw Beau's eyes out, I ended up enjoying his character a lot. I can see him being a great addition to the series long-term.
Noel is the most precious character and he goes through it in this book. I just want him to be safe and happy.
I don't dislike Jai, but my god he is so rough and dumb sometimes, lol. Thankfully he is also a sweetie, protective and possessive. Gideon is still a gentle giant, and I'm looking forward to learning more about him.
Can't wait to continue.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Slow burn
Eventual poly
Guardian angels
Size difference
Gentle giant
Past trauma
Found family
Jealousy
Sexual awakening
Overarching mystery plot
Rescue mission
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
MC vomiting/purging as self-punishment/self harm
Details of past emotional, verbal, psychological and physical abuse by foster parent (MC victim)
Alcohol consumption
Severe feelings of shame related to sexuality and attraction
References to past sexual and physical abuse of MC's foster parent (no details)
Mentions of domestic abuse (love interest, past)
Use of homophobic slur against MC
MC verbally and physically abused by foster parent (on page)
On-page intoxication (love interest)
Religious trauma
Vomiting
Injured MCs
Love interest tortured off page
LI raped and sexually assaulted off page (few details)
Detailed injuries from off-page torture
Gun violence
On-page murder of bad guys
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Noel goes on dates with awful ex -- doesn't come home at night. Riley going on unintentional date with Danny (thinks it's just dinner with a friend) with a kiss at the end, which he doesn't enjoy. Jai brings home a hookup, kissing and groping him where Riley can see. Jai kicks the hookup out before it goes any further. All of this happens before anything romantic happens between MCs, beyond repressed feelings.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single (3rd in prologue and epilogue, from LIs)
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: Eventual poly
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 19 and several centuries
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 328
Happy ending: No
“You stay; I stay,” I said as tears poured down my cheeks. “It’s how it works. That’s how it’s always worked.”
I’d never thought I was a cruel person. But maybe we all were, deep down. Beneath the masks and false pretenses, we were all malicious, selfish creatures bent on draining everything around us until we were bloated and sick, but never satisfied. Maybe wickedness was ingrained in our bones.
He didn’t care for me the way I cared for him, but he still loved me in his own way. I had to believe it could be enough.
“There’s a difference between loving someone who’s broken and loving someone who enjoys breaking you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I am enjoying this series so freaking much and all I want to do is continue with book 3 immediately. It's heavy (check the content warnings), it's full of action, self-discovery, family, budding romances and so much more.
All of the forehead kisses and cuddles are getting me through the angst and heavy stuff. The fact that everyone (except for Gideon) are so tactile is the cutest thing ever, and I hope that never stops.
I still love Riley so much, and I'm excited to see his continued development. I appreciate that everything is happening slowly, because he has a lot of issues and trauma to work through. There are also several new side characters introduced in this, and although I sided with Riley early on in wanting to claw Beau's eyes out, I ended up enjoying his character a lot. I can see him being a great addition to the series long-term.
Noel is the most precious character and he goes through it in this book. I just want him to be safe and happy.
I don't dislike Jai, but my god he is so rough and dumb sometimes, lol. Thankfully he is also a sweetie, protective and possessive. Gideon is still a gentle giant, and I'm looking forward to learning more about him.
Can't wait to continue.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Slow burn
Eventual poly
Guardian angels
Size difference
Gentle giant
Past trauma
Found family
Jealousy
Sexual awakening
Overarching mystery plot
Rescue mission
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
MC vomiting/purging as self-punishment/self harm
Details of past emotional, verbal, psychological and physical abuse by foster parent (MC victim)
Alcohol consumption
Severe feelings of shame related to sexuality and attraction
References to past sexual and physical abuse of MC's foster parent (no details)
Mentions of domestic abuse (love interest, past)
Use of homophobic slur against MC
MC verbally and physically abused by foster parent (on page)
On-page intoxication (love interest)
Religious trauma
Vomiting
Injured MCs
Love interest tortured off page
LI raped and sexually assaulted off page (few details)
Detailed injuries from off-page torture
Gun violence
On-page murder of bad guys
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Noel goes on dates with awful ex -- doesn't come home at night. Riley going on unintentional date with Danny (thinks it's just dinner with a friend) with a kiss at the end, which he doesn't enjoy. Jai brings home a hookup, kissing and groping him where Riley can see. Jai kicks the hookup out before it goes any further. All of this happens before anything romantic happens between MCs, beyond repressed feelings.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single (3rd in prologue and epilogue, from LIs)
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: Eventual poly
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 19 and several centuries
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 328
Happy ending: No
“You stay; I stay,” I said as tears poured down my cheeks. “It’s how it works. That’s how it’s always worked.”
I’d never thought I was a cruel person. But maybe we all were, deep down. Beneath the masks and false pretenses, we were all malicious, selfish creatures bent on draining everything around us until we were bloated and sick, but never satisfied. Maybe wickedness was ingrained in our bones.
He didn’t care for me the way I cared for him, but he still loved me in his own way. I had to believe it could be enough.
“There’s a difference between loving someone who’s broken and loving someone who enjoys breaking you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
May 27, 2021
3.5
While in book 1 it was the beginning I was moaning about, here it's the ending, but first it was fun to watch how the family dynamic of Riley and his angels evolves, how the lines start to blur while Riley doesn't know how to deal with his awakening sexuality. I already accepted that angels are not different from humans, just more powerful and better looking and it's kind of refreshing to see them act like teenager or young twenty-somethings. Wouldn't make much of a story if they behave like one expects of guarding angels or millennia old beings (still have to find a story that really cares about what it means to live such a long time). Let's see Jai and Noel more like winged body guard apprentices, regardless what the author implies otherwise. That way it makes sense that they quite often care more about their own issues than the safety of their ward which eventually leads to the
assault, the kidnapping and the rescue operation while Gideon has to deal with political ramifications in Utopia.
It's what happens after the rescue that starts my unease with this series. While I'm completely okay with guardian angels acting like college kids, I can't accept that the Archangel council is doing the same. The hard won balance of the story is tipping again. Gabriel throwing a tantrum while Rafael seems to care more about the next diversion? No one cares about the torture victim in their midst and only calling for a doctor casually? How can I take the threat of a war or obvious political machinations seriously when this is the head of the administrative?! Lucifer and his princes of Hell might not be better but at least they wrap themselves in vagueness and terrifying politeness. Hope book 3 finds a better balance again.
While in book 1 it was the beginning I was moaning about, here it's the ending, but first it was fun to watch how the family dynamic of Riley and his angels evolves, how the lines start to blur while Riley doesn't know how to deal with his awakening sexuality. I already accepted that angels are not different from humans, just more powerful and better looking and it's kind of refreshing to see them act like teenager or young twenty-somethings. Wouldn't make much of a story if they behave like one expects of guarding angels or millennia old beings (still have to find a story that really cares about what it means to live such a long time). Let's see Jai and Noel more like winged body guard apprentices, regardless what the author implies otherwise. That way it makes sense that they quite often care more about their own issues than the safety of their ward which eventually leads to the
assault, the kidnapping and the rescue operation while Gideon has to deal with political ramifications in Utopia.
It's what happens after the rescue that starts my unease with this series. While I'm completely okay with guardian angels acting like college kids, I can't accept that the Archangel council is doing the same. The hard won balance of the story is tipping again. Gabriel throwing a tantrum while Rafael seems to care more about the next diversion? No one cares about the torture victim in their midst and only calling for a doctor casually? How can I take the threat of a war or obvious political machinations seriously when this is the head of the administrative?! Lucifer and his princes of Hell might not be better but at least they wrap themselves in vagueness and terrifying politeness. Hope book 3 finds a better balance again.
June 22, 2023
Reread/listen: June 2023
Okay.. after reading this and then reading reviews for the future books I am just tossing the towel like I did last time. I just can’t with this group of characters. Yes at times I really was hooked and others I wanted to smack them all in the face because they needed to communicate normally but we all know it can’t be that easy haha
But in reality I can’t do 4 more books of this shit haha.
The audiobook was good but didn’t entice me enough to continue haha
3 stars: January 2021
Pretty good more action in this one which kept me engaged... I am not sure if I will continue but we will see. Some of the characters choices they are making I am not a fan of and they are being dumb...
Okay.. after reading this and then reading reviews for the future books I am just tossing the towel like I did last time. I just can’t with this group of characters. Yes at times I really was hooked and others I wanted to smack them all in the face because they needed to communicate normally but we all know it can’t be that easy haha
But in reality I can’t do 4 more books of this shit haha.
The audiobook was good but didn’t entice me enough to continue haha
3 stars: January 2021
Pretty good more action in this one which kept me engaged... I am not sure if I will continue but we will see. Some of the characters choices they are making I am not a fan of and they are being dumb...
October 4, 2020
I was so intrigued and engrossed in this incredible book. Honestly, I was at the author's mercy because I would read anything she wrote and accepted it wholeheartedly, regardless of how dark and cruel. It was that good, and kept getting better and better.
It's wonderfully packed with engaging storyline and sophisticated philosophy and life lessons. Here are some appitizers.
...............
Every power can be used for good and for evil. That choice lies within the hands of the wielder.
................
Your (sexual) orientation doesn’t have to define you. It’s simply a piece to the whole.
Yes, it was a piece of me, an important piece, but it wasn’t the whole picture. It didn’t have to change who I was. I could still be Riley. It was all I wanted, really
...............
Earth to Quaint, OH! you know, forbidden love always tastes heavenly and smells divine with promising sweetness and thrilling experience.
................
Riley was everything Jai wanted but couldn’t have. And Jai had never been one to fight too hard against temptation. There was something about forbidden fruit which made it that much more alluring, that much more irresistible. It was why Eve ate the apple in the first place, after all. But the truth of the matter remained: Riley was off limits. Not allowed. A no-go. Forbidden. Too bad only the very best things in life were.
................
SO FAR SO DIVINE.
PERFECT ANGST.
RIGHT AMOUNT OF SLOW BURN.
DELICIOUS GLIMPSE OF JEALOUSY AND POSSESSIVENESS.
SO PERFECTLY IMPERFECT ANGELS.
OUR INSECURE AND DEMURE RILEY.
look no further.
Here is your perfect therapy session.
It's wonderfully packed with engaging storyline and sophisticated philosophy and life lessons. Here are some appitizers.
...............
Every power can be used for good and for evil. That choice lies within the hands of the wielder.
................
Your (sexual) orientation doesn’t have to define you. It’s simply a piece to the whole.
Yes, it was a piece of me, an important piece, but it wasn’t the whole picture. It didn’t have to change who I was. I could still be Riley. It was all I wanted, really
...............
Earth to Quaint, OH! you know, forbidden love always tastes heavenly and smells divine with promising sweetness and thrilling experience.
................
Riley was everything Jai wanted but couldn’t have. And Jai had never been one to fight too hard against temptation. There was something about forbidden fruit which made it that much more alluring, that much more irresistible. It was why Eve ate the apple in the first place, after all. But the truth of the matter remained: Riley was off limits. Not allowed. A no-go. Forbidden. Too bad only the very best things in life were.
................
SO FAR SO DIVINE.
PERFECT ANGST.
RIGHT AMOUNT OF SLOW BURN.
DELICIOUS GLIMPSE OF JEALOUSY AND POSSESSIVENESS.
SO PERFECTLY IMPERFECT ANGELS.
OUR INSECURE AND DEMURE RILEY.
look no further.
Here is your perfect therapy session.
November 27, 2025
5⭐️ I flew through this book. So much action, suspense, and twists. I’m impressed by the writing and world-building.
I would call this medium-dark fantasy. Angels/demons, hurt/comfort, coming-of-age, found family that is ever-so-slowly developing into a harem—poly?—romance.
So far, just a lot of sexual tension and jealousy/possessiveness.
I would call this medium-dark fantasy. Angels/demons, hurt/comfort, coming-of-age, found family that is ever-so-slowly developing into a harem—poly?—romance.
So far, just a lot of sexual tension and jealousy/possessiveness.
November 13, 2023
4,5 gwiazdki
Przeczytałam ten tom w jeden dzień, ale musiałam zrobić sobie przerwę, żeby naładować energię przed tym emocjonalnym rollercoasterem. Dawno już żadna seria tak mnie nie poruszyła.
Dom drugi kontynuuje to, co działo się w tomie pierwszym, więc jeśli ktoś chce zapoznać się z serią, to trzeba ją czytać po kolei. Inaczej będzie ciężko docenić wewnętrzną drogę, jaką przeszli wszyscy bohaterowie.
Przeczytałam ten tom w jeden dzień, ale musiałam zrobić sobie przerwę, żeby naładować energię przed tym emocjonalnym rollercoasterem. Dawno już żadna seria tak mnie nie poruszyła.
Dom drugi kontynuuje to, co działo się w tomie pierwszym, więc jeśli ktoś chce zapoznać się z serią, to trzeba ją czytać po kolei. Inaczej będzie ciężko docenić wewnętrzną drogę, jaką przeszli wszyscy bohaterowie.
February 2, 2024
This is the second book in an all male revere harem series and it absolutely must be read in order or you’ll be totally lost. I had to take a break after book 1 before reading this one just because book 1 was incredibly angsty to me. Book 2 didn’t have the same type of angst but had just as much which scares me as I’ve heard the first two are the least angsty in the series!! I listened to the audiobook again and absolutely love the narrator!
Riley is starting to come into his own and discover himself and what he does and doesn’t want in this story and I love watching his journey. We got a little bit of spice in this one (like a teeny tiny bit) which again still makes sense for Riley. I do look forward to more spice in future books in the series as the tension and the little bit we saw here was amazing!
I really love his three angels and honestly there’s not one I love more than the others. A lot of times I’ll have a fav in the harem but these three are all so great and bring such different things to Riley that I couldn’t choose!
I am super excited to continue the story and find out what happens next for these boys. See if I can handle the apparent terrible angst!
Riley is starting to come into his own and discover himself and what he does and doesn’t want in this story and I love watching his journey. We got a little bit of spice in this one (like a teeny tiny bit) which again still makes sense for Riley. I do look forward to more spice in future books in the series as the tension and the little bit we saw here was amazing!
I really love his three angels and honestly there’s not one I love more than the others. A lot of times I’ll have a fav in the harem but these three are all so great and bring such different things to Riley that I couldn’t choose!
I am super excited to continue the story and find out what happens next for these boys. See if I can handle the apparent terrible angst!
November 29, 2022
Tags: part of a series, college, guardian angels, polycule, innocent MC, slow burn
I’m getting more invested in this series with this second book. The sexual tension ramped up quite a bit. Still a plot focused slow burn though - Riley is extremely innocent to the point of annoying at times. The plot thickens, but sooo much is still left unsaid. I really like the use of distinctive scents for each of the angels, and the way we’re starting to explore Riley’s magic and darker half.
Onward…
I’m getting more invested in this series with this second book. The sexual tension ramped up quite a bit. Still a plot focused slow burn though - Riley is extremely innocent to the point of annoying at times. The plot thickens, but sooo much is still left unsaid. I really like the use of distinctive scents for each of the angels, and the way we’re starting to explore Riley’s magic and darker half.
Onward…
June 9, 2024
3.25/5.
I'm not surprised by the turn of events. It all seems a bit too predictable.
But who am I kidding? I’m very much invested now.
I'm not surprised by the turn of events. It all seems a bit too predictable.
But who am I kidding? I’m very much invested now.
November 28, 2021
Prefacing this review by saying this series must be read in order... but oh my Lord am I gutted. This book was an emotional rollercoaster, I am as confused, torn-up, heartbroken as Riley. This story continues to be delicious slow burn, both in terms of the romance and the secrets.
Riley is finally discovering who he is; the power he has lurking within, a power that enthralls and terrifies him. I loved how he grew throughout this book. He is finding his sexuality, understanding attraction, and finally losing some of the shame and guilt Ms. Janet abused into him. I can already tell that Riley is going to be a force to be reckoned with once he completely comes into his own. Over the course of this story, he falls more and more for each of his guardians.
Sweet Noel and rough Jai put my heart through the ringer this story. Their bond seems fractured and damaged as they both vie for Riley attention while trying to deny their feelings. I don't want to spoil anything but I was not prepared for the plot twists this book had! Gideon remained the steadfast constant but even he shows some vulnerability in this book. There is obviously something bigger at play here and there is some suspicious activity happening, in heaven and in h*ll. The only question is, who can this ragtag team truly trust?
We are introduced to some secondary characters who definitely added some much needed comic relief. Beau is amazing, I wanted to hate him but similar to Riley, by the end of the book, I adored this quirky fire-cracker. Michael and Raphael causing mischief, which I can't wait to see how their support plays out in the upcoming books. And lets not forget Xavier, who teaches our precious, innocent Riley how to wield a weapon. I just adored all the additions to this story, except Gabriel and Malachi...they can die in a dumpster fire like the trash they are.
Riley is finally discovering who he is; the power he has lurking within, a power that enthralls and terrifies him. I loved how he grew throughout this book. He is finding his sexuality, understanding attraction, and finally losing some of the shame and guilt Ms. Janet abused into him. I can already tell that Riley is going to be a force to be reckoned with once he completely comes into his own. Over the course of this story, he falls more and more for each of his guardians.
Sweet Noel and rough Jai put my heart through the ringer this story. Their bond seems fractured and damaged as they both vie for Riley attention while trying to deny their feelings. I don't want to spoil anything but I was not prepared for the plot twists this book had! Gideon remained the steadfast constant but even he shows some vulnerability in this book. There is obviously something bigger at play here and there is some suspicious activity happening, in heaven and in h*ll. The only question is, who can this ragtag team truly trust?
We are introduced to some secondary characters who definitely added some much needed comic relief. Beau is amazing, I wanted to hate him but similar to Riley, by the end of the book, I adored this quirky fire-cracker. Michael and Raphael causing mischief, which I can't wait to see how their support plays out in the upcoming books. And lets not forget Xavier, who teaches our precious, innocent Riley how to wield a weapon. I just adored all the additions to this story, except Gabriel and Malachi...they can die in a dumpster fire like the trash they are.
Read
November 3, 2025A Joyfully Jay review.
Story: 4⭐️
Audio: 4.75⭐️
"Sacrifice" is the second book in a six-book series where each installment (or scroll) is a continuation of a story following the same main characters. It is not a standalone, and this review contains some spoilers for Revelations.
In the month since Riley’s heavenly powers were discovered, Riley has actually been living a pretty normal life. He’s acquired a new friend and a smart phone (learning the fun of emojis), and threats (human or supernatural) have been absent; as Christmas break approaches, his major concern is doing well on his final exams. Now living with his Guardians, Riley fully embraces them as his family and center of his world—learning about his angel heritage; watching movies; training with them daily to strengthen his mental, physical, and metaphysical control; and planning his first Christmas celebration. With the affection, comfort, security, and normalcy his Guardians provide, Riley’s also slowly dismantling Ms. Janet’s indoctrination and punishing himself less for perceived wrongdoings—a blessing since all this freedom from fear and anxiety has left plenty of mental space for Riley to obsess about reflect on his growing attraction for his angels. Jai and Noel’s free-flowing affection and hugs, and Gideon’s treasured praise and rare smiles light up Riley’s heart, and every day he uncovers a new layer of physical awareness and desire. Having never been attracted to anyone before and now only to his Guardians, Riley cycles between confusion, guilt, frustration, and unwarranted possessiveness.
Unbeknownst to Riley, Jai and Noel are trapped in a similar cycle, but in place of confusion is the bone deep knowledge of the illicitness of their desire—a desire that if acted upon could make them anathema in the eyes of their fellow angels and their ruling body, the Council, who have been keeping a more watchful eye on Gideon and his Secondaries. The extra scrutiny adds to Gideon’s unease and tension, but between the decades of Nephilim abductions, Riley’s suspiciously missing genealogy records, and his cherubic ally, Xavier’s, interest in the sacred scrolls, Gideon’s not sure who he can trust. As tensions within their “fucked-up family” explode into chaos, the inherent threat the Council’s poses is only surpassed by the danger Riley and his Others’ devolving restraint on their emotions places them in. When sacrifice becomes the only way to save their fractured family, Riley must dig deep, stand up for himself and his angels, and face the darkness he fears will consume everything he cherishes, including his soul.
As scroll two of six and basically a snapshot of a short span of time in the development of the characters and their relationships, "Sacrifice "earns the subtitle ‘Hormonal, Hot Mess Dumpster Fire: When Angels Go Wild.’ Like Revelation, it’s still a character-driven story, but with Riley having 24/7 access to his angels during their emotional crises, his perspective includes more sides to the Guardians’ personalities and their own fallibilities…and boy are they fallible. With the central conflict being the impossibility of the youngins’ intimate feelings and Riley being better protected (theoretically), there’s less damseling and action in the story. For the most part, the biggest danger to Riley is Noel and Jai. They’ve either never had to deal with such deep, emotional conflict or they’ve handled it this poorly in the past. Either way Jai and Noel suck at emotional maturity and the fallout from their behavior runs the gamut from WTH to demotion to meter maid imminent.
"Sacrifice’s" prologue picks up after Gideon leaves to meet his Fallen contact, Tabitha, with the POV shifting from Gideon to Noel. After relaying the information he received from Tabitha, Gideon addresses his most pressing concern—the way Jai and Noel dote on Riley and the need for better boundaries between them all. Initially hurt and affronted by Gideon’s implication that his Secondaries want to bone their ward, Noel reluctantly admits that their attachment to Riley is deeper and more personal than normal, but he’s still hopeful that Riley’s incorporation into the family won’t make waves. After all, “they [are] the strongest Guardian team in a hundred years. What could one little Nephilim do in the face of that?”
Apparently their twinky, innocent Nephilim’s presence can do A LOT in a month’s time. While Riley’s late-onset teenage angst stage is expected, I never thought to see it in centuries-old angels, and it is a gloriously painful train wreck. Riley is still Riley, so sweet summer child that he is, he has no idea when people are interested in him romantically, but Jai and Noel are very much aware and try to internalize the unfamiliar jealously and powerful attraction to their ward. Having grown emotionally distant in some ways, neither Other thinks to confide in his pair, instead channeling their angel angst into ways similar to their natures—Noel tries to be positive and encouraging to Riley while giving in to his self-destructive side and returning to an abusive partner, and Jai, already hurt and pissed by Noel’s actions, doubles down on his aggressive, impulsiveness and lashes out…mostly at Riley.
But Riley trusts his Others’ care for him implicitly and has gotten much better at not taking their (mostly Jai’s) shit. He may still get upset and cry, but he calls them on it and eventually exposes their truths. As Gideon is preoccupied with figuring out Riley’s lineage to better understand the demonic and heavenly interest in his ward and keep him safe, he ends up one the receiving end of a lot of Riley’s tears, constantly asking “what happened” and being infuriated with and disappointed in his Secondaries. Still, I honestly have no idea how Gideon wasn’t drowned beneath the rising tide of hormones and subsequent fuckery that overwhelmed their household in a matter of days. I was actually almost relieved when the baddies showed up…until I wasn’t. While the Other pair did need a come to Jesus talk about letting their feelings interfere with their duties, the punishment is brutal.
There’s some serious consequences and revelations for everyone, and all the book’s rising tension, upheaval, and emotional explosions are handled deftly by narrator Kirt Graves. I’m once again delighted by how well Graves conveys the duality of many of Riley’s emotions—from deferent defiance and shy boldness to timid bravery, Graves nails them all. Riley’s voice requires a skilled touch to portray the character’s smothered, but burgeoning personality, as well as make his continued struggles with self-worth and insecurity relatable and sympathetic. Although Riley is the most complex to voice, Graves gives all the characters the same attention, managing to express major aspects of their personalities that the text gives or implies in their voices. I’ve gotten quite used to Gideon’s calm, deliberate tone that only gives the barest hint of deeper feelings (even when upset or shaken), so hearing Graves lean in to Gideon’s increasing sass, frustration, and then explosion of temper is an audio highlight for me.
Though not quite what I expected, "Sacrifice" is a compelling story that strapped me into the emotional roller-coaster the characters are riding, making me want to hug, smack, maim, and sob all over them from one moment to the next. As the Guardians have said many times, they’re imperfect parts of a dysfunctional family but are imperfectly perfect for Riley, and I can’t wait to hear how he continues to remake their bonds. If you haven’t listened to Revelations, I highly recommend that you do, so you can jump right into "Sacrifice".
Story: 4⭐️
Audio: 4.75⭐️
"Sacrifice" is the second book in a six-book series where each installment (or scroll) is a continuation of a story following the same main characters. It is not a standalone, and this review contains some spoilers for Revelations.
In the month since Riley’s heavenly powers were discovered, Riley has actually been living a pretty normal life. He’s acquired a new friend and a smart phone (learning the fun of emojis), and threats (human or supernatural) have been absent; as Christmas break approaches, his major concern is doing well on his final exams. Now living with his Guardians, Riley fully embraces them as his family and center of his world—learning about his angel heritage; watching movies; training with them daily to strengthen his mental, physical, and metaphysical control; and planning his first Christmas celebration. With the affection, comfort, security, and normalcy his Guardians provide, Riley’s also slowly dismantling Ms. Janet’s indoctrination and punishing himself less for perceived wrongdoings—a blessing since all this freedom from fear and anxiety has left plenty of mental space for Riley to obsess about reflect on his growing attraction for his angels. Jai and Noel’s free-flowing affection and hugs, and Gideon’s treasured praise and rare smiles light up Riley’s heart, and every day he uncovers a new layer of physical awareness and desire. Having never been attracted to anyone before and now only to his Guardians, Riley cycles between confusion, guilt, frustration, and unwarranted possessiveness.
Unbeknownst to Riley, Jai and Noel are trapped in a similar cycle, but in place of confusion is the bone deep knowledge of the illicitness of their desire—a desire that if acted upon could make them anathema in the eyes of their fellow angels and their ruling body, the Council, who have been keeping a more watchful eye on Gideon and his Secondaries. The extra scrutiny adds to Gideon’s unease and tension, but between the decades of Nephilim abductions, Riley’s suspiciously missing genealogy records, and his cherubic ally, Xavier’s, interest in the sacred scrolls, Gideon’s not sure who he can trust. As tensions within their “fucked-up family” explode into chaos, the inherent threat the Council’s poses is only surpassed by the danger Riley and his Others’ devolving restraint on their emotions places them in. When sacrifice becomes the only way to save their fractured family, Riley must dig deep, stand up for himself and his angels, and face the darkness he fears will consume everything he cherishes, including his soul.
As scroll two of six and basically a snapshot of a short span of time in the development of the characters and their relationships, "Sacrifice "earns the subtitle ‘Hormonal, Hot Mess Dumpster Fire: When Angels Go Wild.’ Like Revelation, it’s still a character-driven story, but with Riley having 24/7 access to his angels during their emotional crises, his perspective includes more sides to the Guardians’ personalities and their own fallibilities…and boy are they fallible. With the central conflict being the impossibility of the youngins’ intimate feelings and Riley being better protected (theoretically), there’s less damseling and action in the story. For the most part, the biggest danger to Riley is Noel and Jai. They’ve either never had to deal with such deep, emotional conflict or they’ve handled it this poorly in the past. Either way Jai and Noel suck at emotional maturity and the fallout from their behavior runs the gamut from WTH to demotion to meter maid imminent.
"Sacrifice’s" prologue picks up after Gideon leaves to meet his Fallen contact, Tabitha, with the POV shifting from Gideon to Noel. After relaying the information he received from Tabitha, Gideon addresses his most pressing concern—the way Jai and Noel dote on Riley and the need for better boundaries between them all. Initially hurt and affronted by Gideon’s implication that his Secondaries want to bone their ward, Noel reluctantly admits that their attachment to Riley is deeper and more personal than normal, but he’s still hopeful that Riley’s incorporation into the family won’t make waves. After all, “they [are] the strongest Guardian team in a hundred years. What could one little Nephilim do in the face of that?”
Apparently their twinky, innocent Nephilim’s presence can do A LOT in a month’s time. While Riley’s late-onset teenage angst stage is expected, I never thought to see it in centuries-old angels, and it is a gloriously painful train wreck. Riley is still Riley, so sweet summer child that he is, he has no idea when people are interested in him romantically, but Jai and Noel are very much aware and try to internalize the unfamiliar jealously and powerful attraction to their ward. Having grown emotionally distant in some ways, neither Other thinks to confide in his pair, instead channeling their angel angst into ways similar to their natures—Noel tries to be positive and encouraging to Riley while giving in to his self-destructive side and returning to an abusive partner, and Jai, already hurt and pissed by Noel’s actions, doubles down on his aggressive, impulsiveness and lashes out…mostly at Riley.
But Riley trusts his Others’ care for him implicitly and has gotten much better at not taking their (mostly Jai’s) shit. He may still get upset and cry, but he calls them on it and eventually exposes their truths. As Gideon is preoccupied with figuring out Riley’s lineage to better understand the demonic and heavenly interest in his ward and keep him safe, he ends up one the receiving end of a lot of Riley’s tears, constantly asking “what happened” and being infuriated with and disappointed in his Secondaries. Still, I honestly have no idea how Gideon wasn’t drowned beneath the rising tide of hormones and subsequent fuckery that overwhelmed their household in a matter of days. I was actually almost relieved when the baddies showed up…until I wasn’t. While the Other pair did need a come to Jesus talk about letting their feelings interfere with their duties, the punishment is brutal.
There’s some serious consequences and revelations for everyone, and all the book’s rising tension, upheaval, and emotional explosions are handled deftly by narrator Kirt Graves. I’m once again delighted by how well Graves conveys the duality of many of Riley’s emotions—from deferent defiance and shy boldness to timid bravery, Graves nails them all. Riley’s voice requires a skilled touch to portray the character’s smothered, but burgeoning personality, as well as make his continued struggles with self-worth and insecurity relatable and sympathetic. Although Riley is the most complex to voice, Graves gives all the characters the same attention, managing to express major aspects of their personalities that the text gives or implies in their voices. I’ve gotten quite used to Gideon’s calm, deliberate tone that only gives the barest hint of deeper feelings (even when upset or shaken), so hearing Graves lean in to Gideon’s increasing sass, frustration, and then explosion of temper is an audio highlight for me.
Though not quite what I expected, "Sacrifice" is a compelling story that strapped me into the emotional roller-coaster the characters are riding, making me want to hug, smack, maim, and sob all over them from one moment to the next. As the Guardians have said many times, they’re imperfect parts of a dysfunctional family but are imperfectly perfect for Riley, and I can’t wait to hear how he continues to remake their bonds. If you haven’t listened to Revelations, I highly recommend that you do, so you can jump right into "Sacrifice".
July 2, 2022
Я ненавижу эту книгу
September 19, 2023
Oh wow. Shit just got DARK.
The first book did not prepare me enough. This one's far more descriptive, brutal and violent. It broke my heart. The second book definitely showcased how far Jai and Noel's connection go. And yes, I am crossing my fingers—hell I am BEGGING—for it to turn romantic very VERY soon. And speaking of romantic....
"There was something about forbidden fruit which made it that much more alluring, that much more irresistable. It was why Eve ate the apple in the first place, after all."
There was definitely progress on the romance department, a little progress lol. Our dearest Riley was starting to question things about himself, Ms. Janet, and his angels. And I LOVE self-discovery stories, albeit slow like Riley's.
Nothing much to say, except this one's darker than I had initially anticipated. Not much words from me at the moment, but I am not less entertained. In fact, I am getting attached. And yes I am head over heels for Jairus.
Onto the next!
The first book did not prepare me enough. This one's far more descriptive, brutal and violent. It broke my heart. The second book definitely showcased how far Jai and Noel's connection go. And yes, I am crossing my fingers—hell I am BEGGING—for it to turn romantic very VERY soon. And speaking of romantic....
"There was something about forbidden fruit which made it that much more alluring, that much more irresistable. It was why Eve ate the apple in the first place, after all."
There was definitely progress on the romance department, a little progress lol. Our dearest Riley was starting to question things about himself, Ms. Janet, and his angels. And I LOVE self-discovery stories, albeit slow like Riley's.
Nothing much to say, except this one's darker than I had initially anticipated. Not much words from me at the moment, but I am not less entertained. In fact, I am getting attached. And yes I am head over heels for Jairus.
Onto the next!
April 12, 2020
this was a good addition to this series.. i cant wait to see where it will go after this.. it was well written. good characters and an enjoyable plot. i liked it alot
April 10, 2020
Sacrifice: Fire and Brimstone Scroll 2 by Nikole Knight is the second instalment in her fantasy series. Filled once again with friends, family, and love, this book shows the important sacrifices we must make for those we hold dear.
The second instalment showcases Riley’s journey as he tries to navigate and learn the new powers that have manifested into his life. However, things become complicated for Riley when his perplexing feelings for his angels become even more perplexed.
For me, Sacrifice was all about building the platonic/romantic relationship between Riley and the other characters. We see a real development between Riley and Danny as they explore the bounds of their friendship and what exactly they mean to each other. I feel this exploration between the pair was well embedded and had a nice flow in the overall story and seems like a vital aspect for future relationship development between Riley and his three guardian angels. If you’re captured by a consistent and well thought out character development, then it’s definitely worthwhile to continue reading into Riley’s story.
Like the first instalment of the series, Sacrifice is a slow burner in terms of the characters relationships and the fantasy plotline. The first half of the book has a more direct focus on building the characters relationships with one another, while the second half of the book focuses more on the fantasy side. The second half of the book is definitely more action-packed than the first half, but I feel both sections are both as equally as important in building the overall Fire and Brimstone series.
Sacrifice has pretty consistent themes to the first instalment such as Riely’s anxiety and the question of sexuality. However, Sacrifice also brings in some new themes such as molestation and rape, one of which is pretty significant. These themes can be quite triggering so I advise reading this book with caution if these themes would affect you in any negative way. The book also has a trigger warning at the begging of the book for this.
Overall, Sacrifice was a good read for me. The characters development was kept natural and flowed nicely with the story. The overall plot was enough to keep you satisfied but also intriguing at the same time. Once again Nikole Knight has written a lovely book that in my opinion is definitely worth reading. I will most certainly read the third book.
It is important to note that I am an ARC reader, however, my review is fair and honest with no clouding of bias.
The second instalment showcases Riley’s journey as he tries to navigate and learn the new powers that have manifested into his life. However, things become complicated for Riley when his perplexing feelings for his angels become even more perplexed.
For me, Sacrifice was all about building the platonic/romantic relationship between Riley and the other characters. We see a real development between Riley and Danny as they explore the bounds of their friendship and what exactly they mean to each other. I feel this exploration between the pair was well embedded and had a nice flow in the overall story and seems like a vital aspect for future relationship development between Riley and his three guardian angels. If you’re captured by a consistent and well thought out character development, then it’s definitely worthwhile to continue reading into Riley’s story.
Like the first instalment of the series, Sacrifice is a slow burner in terms of the characters relationships and the fantasy plotline. The first half of the book has a more direct focus on building the characters relationships with one another, while the second half of the book focuses more on the fantasy side. The second half of the book is definitely more action-packed than the first half, but I feel both sections are both as equally as important in building the overall Fire and Brimstone series.
Sacrifice has pretty consistent themes to the first instalment such as Riely’s anxiety and the question of sexuality. However, Sacrifice also brings in some new themes such as molestation and rape, one of which is pretty significant. These themes can be quite triggering so I advise reading this book with caution if these themes would affect you in any negative way. The book also has a trigger warning at the begging of the book for this.
Overall, Sacrifice was a good read for me. The characters development was kept natural and flowed nicely with the story. The overall plot was enough to keep you satisfied but also intriguing at the same time. Once again Nikole Knight has written a lovely book that in my opinion is definitely worth reading. I will most certainly read the third book.
It is important to note that I am an ARC reader, however, my review is fair and honest with no clouding of bias.
June 16, 2024
Género: Romance, Fantasía y Boys Love
Puntuación: 4🌟
𝕽𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖞 𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖎́𝖆 𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖑𝖔 𝖖𝖚𝖊 𝖑𝖆 𝖚𝖓𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖆𝖉 𝖑𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖆, 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖔 𝖓𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖆 𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖘𝖔́ 𝖖𝖚𝖊 𝖍𝖆𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖆 𝖆́𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖘 ¿𝕷𝖊𝖘 𝖈𝖚𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖔 𝖚𝖓 𝖕𝖔𝖈𝖔?
🪶 «Sacrificio» es el segundo libro de la saga 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜 𝑑𝑒 𝐴𝑧𝑢𝑓𝑟𝑒 𝑦 𝐹𝑢𝑒𝑔𝑜. Un romance M/M/M/M a fuego muy lento😏🔥, con ángeles guardianes que nos recuerdan a dioses griegos, despertar sexual, salud mental y todo un mundo de fantasía creado en base a Ángeles y Demonios.
🪶Quiero comenzar esta reseña diciendo que la autora me debe un psicólogo 🤣🤣🤣 Vale es mentira. Pero si con la primera entrega reí bastante, está me ha tenido sufriendo desde el prólogo ¡Joder! Bravo la autora que me ha hecho sufrir y querer seguir leyendo sin parar. Terminé el libro en un día.
🪶Conoceremos un poco más a nuestros cuatro protagonistas y, aunque la historia es contada en su mayoría en primera persona por Riley, presenta los prólogos y epilogos con los puntos de vista de los ángeles. Este intercambio nos permite conocerlos un poco más.
🪶Me gusta que los ángeles no sean perfectos, sino que están lleno de emociones y ellos también sienten y cometen errores. Este libro ha Sido para conocer más a Noel y a Jai.
🪶Aunque Riley sigue siendo muy inocente, presenta grandes avances en sus pensamientos y emociones. Lo vemos más decidido y valiente.
🪶Le agradezco de corazón a la traductora por haber mantenido los términos con los que los angeles llaman a Riley. Creo que los apodos son sumamente tiernos y le dan más significado a su vínculo.
🪶si hay algo que les puedo asegurar es que los libros siempre les dejarán con ganas de más. Ya yo muero de deseos de conocer la siguiente historia😭
Puntuación: 4🌟
𝕽𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖞 𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖎́𝖆 𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖑𝖔 𝖖𝖚𝖊 𝖑𝖆 𝖚𝖓𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖆𝖉 𝖑𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖆, 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖔 𝖓𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖆 𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖘𝖔́ 𝖖𝖚𝖊 𝖍𝖆𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖆 𝖆́𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖘 ¿𝕷𝖊𝖘 𝖈𝖚𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖔 𝖚𝖓 𝖕𝖔𝖈𝖔?
🪶 «Sacrificio» es el segundo libro de la saga 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜 𝑑𝑒 𝐴𝑧𝑢𝑓𝑟𝑒 𝑦 𝐹𝑢𝑒𝑔𝑜. Un romance M/M/M/M a fuego muy lento😏🔥, con ángeles guardianes que nos recuerdan a dioses griegos, despertar sexual, salud mental y todo un mundo de fantasía creado en base a Ángeles y Demonios.
🪶Quiero comenzar esta reseña diciendo que la autora me debe un psicólogo 🤣🤣🤣 Vale es mentira. Pero si con la primera entrega reí bastante, está me ha tenido sufriendo desde el prólogo ¡Joder! Bravo la autora que me ha hecho sufrir y querer seguir leyendo sin parar. Terminé el libro en un día.
🪶Conoceremos un poco más a nuestros cuatro protagonistas y, aunque la historia es contada en su mayoría en primera persona por Riley, presenta los prólogos y epilogos con los puntos de vista de los ángeles. Este intercambio nos permite conocerlos un poco más.
🪶Me gusta que los ángeles no sean perfectos, sino que están lleno de emociones y ellos también sienten y cometen errores. Este libro ha Sido para conocer más a Noel y a Jai.
🪶Aunque Riley sigue siendo muy inocente, presenta grandes avances en sus pensamientos y emociones. Lo vemos más decidido y valiente.
🪶Le agradezco de corazón a la traductora por haber mantenido los términos con los que los angeles llaman a Riley. Creo que los apodos son sumamente tiernos y le dan más significado a su vínculo.
🪶si hay algo que les puedo asegurar es que los libros siempre les dejarán con ganas de más. Ya yo muero de deseos de conocer la siguiente historia😭
April 6, 2020
This second book in the series was just as good as, if not better than, the first. The author is definitely proving her writing chops to me. She knows her characters and stays true to them through the whole story. There is nothing jarring or anything that rings untrue about the way these characters are portrayed. The slow burn element is still present in this installment, but the UST is off the charts between the main quartet and is a realistic development of Riley's growing understanding of himself and the maturity we gain as we progress through our new adulthood.
The one quibble I have with the first two books in the series is the lack of nuance in some of the events and most of the secondary characters. The nice characters are 2D and forgettable and the mean characters are like caricatures, just very over the top villain-y and not very believable. Everything in this story is very black or white, good or bad, and there's just no subtlety or shading in the writing. As a reader, I don't need everything laid out for me so neatly and I definitely don't need to be hit over the head with a sledgehammer to get the point. With the startling revelation of Riley's true parentage at the end of this book, I hope the author will consider exploring the idea that most of the choices we make in life are not actually just black and white or right and wrong in the next book. 4 to 4.5 stars
Triggers: Off page assault/non-con
This book is not a standalone and can't be read on its own or out of order
The one quibble I have with the first two books in the series is the lack of nuance in some of the events and most of the secondary characters. The nice characters are 2D and forgettable and the mean characters are like caricatures, just very over the top villain-y and not very believable. Everything in this story is very black or white, good or bad, and there's just no subtlety or shading in the writing. As a reader, I don't need everything laid out for me so neatly and I definitely don't need to be hit over the head with a sledgehammer to get the point. With the startling revelation of Riley's true parentage at the end of this book, I hope the author will consider exploring the idea that most of the choices we make in life are not actually just black and white or right and wrong in the next book. 4 to 4.5 stars
Triggers: Off page assault/non-con
This book is not a standalone and can't be read on its own or out of order
October 11, 2020
Is angst porn a word? It should be a word, because this book was very much torture porn (only with angst instead of torture...though torture is included 🙃)...
There's a thing such as too much angst and the line was imo clearly crossed here.
This was all hurt and no comfort.
I'd advise the reader to read the author's note very carefully and consider whether you can really stomach it. Technically it happened offscreen but there were enough implications that it still made me nauseous.
Apparently, book 5 is even worse, so I'm not sure if I'm going to continue with this series...
It's a shame, I really liked book 1 but I have the feeling the author is just going to put the main characters through a lot more trauma for angst's sake.
Edit: Yup, I took a peek at book 5 to read the author's note and I'm noping out. I would not have started the series if I'd known the author was going to go down that way 😬
There's a thing such as too much angst and the line was imo clearly crossed here.
This was all hurt and no comfort.
I'd advise the reader to read the author's note very carefully and consider whether you can really stomach it. Technically it happened offscreen but there were enough implications that it still made me nauseous.
Apparently, book 5 is even worse, so I'm not sure if I'm going to continue with this series...
It's a shame, I really liked book 1 but I have the feeling the author is just going to put the main characters through a lot more trauma for angst's sake.
Edit: Yup, I took a peek at book 5 to read the author's note and I'm noping out. I would not have started the series if I'd known the author was going to go down that way 😬
August 16, 2021
Just when I have finally caught my breath from the first book, I step into the exhilaration of this one. Nikole Night…you are a sorceress with your storytelling and Sacrifice is no exception. It’s not a happy read/listen or even necessarily a fun one…it’s an important one though. If you are looking for a happily ever after, look elsewhere. We continue on Riley’s journey in finding his own strength and identity…and his path is just getting more dark and complex. His guardian angels come in closer and their collective process towards acknowledging and exploring their feelings and developing relationship left me listening to the Audible version well after I should have been asleep many nights. There is more “global” world-building. I have a massive soft spot for Jai and I was so angry at Noel for his decision but I got it. It showed his flaws and broken parts. You have to read this…trigger warning on abusive parent though.
April 8, 2020
Another masterpiece.
If you read this book, you are in for a treat and an emotional rollercoaster. What started as a tale of romance and mystery takes a much darker turn in the second book and I love it. It is as addicting to read as the first book.
After the little mystery about Riley revealed at the end of the last book, Riley tries to figure out his newfound identity and the powers coming with it. At the same time, he struggles with his sexuality and attraction. All of this is beautiful writing and you can feel Riley's emotions coming to life. But not only Riley comes to life, but his Guardians also; flaws and all.
Also, slowly but surely, this book expands the worlds around the characters. Keeping the mystery it still gives glimpses of what's to come in the future. It is an experience for sure.
One last thing. The author created one of the best and love confessions of all time. I genuinely cried. So keep your tissues ready for page 132.
If you read this book, you are in for a treat and an emotional rollercoaster. What started as a tale of romance and mystery takes a much darker turn in the second book and I love it. It is as addicting to read as the first book.
After the little mystery about Riley revealed at the end of the last book, Riley tries to figure out his newfound identity and the powers coming with it. At the same time, he struggles with his sexuality and attraction. All of this is beautiful writing and you can feel Riley's emotions coming to life. But not only Riley comes to life, but his Guardians also; flaws and all.
Also, slowly but surely, this book expands the worlds around the characters. Keeping the mystery it still gives glimpses of what's to come in the future. It is an experience for sure.
One last thing. The author created one of the best and love confessions of all time. I genuinely cried. So keep your tissues ready for page 132.
February 9, 2023
This push and pull is at the same time annoying me and holding me under. And idk, hospitals in heaven? And why couldn’t Jai heal Noel at least a little bit? He did that to Riley - at a cost, of course, but they were already in heaven. I still don’t get how the physiology works as well, especially as to why are Fallens and Angels so different that they can’t have kids together. Maybe the next books will be more enlightening.
Of course as I am still prone to continuing the series, the author writes quite well, although it does read like bad YA at times.
Of course as I am still prone to continuing the series, the author writes quite well, although it does read like bad YA at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Sacrifice is the second book in a six-book series where each installment (or scroll) is a continuation of a story following the same main characters. It is not a standalone, and this review contains some spoilers for Revelations.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Sacrifice is the second book in a six-book series where each installment (or scroll) is a continuation of a story following the same main characters. It is not a standalone, and this review contains some spoilers for Revelations.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
March 17, 2025
HOLY FRESH HELL
THIS BOOK WAS THE DEFINITION OF OUTSTANDING
ANANSNSKAJKSANKAMSMDD
I HAVE NO WORDS
I’m obsessed
I’m ravenous
I’m on my knees begging for more
Seriously one of the best books I’ve read in a long time
I’m in awe
I’m in shock
I’m floating through a sea of emotions and feelings I can’t even comprehend right now
This series is my new religion
And I’m bowing down to its maker
Nik Knight you are my god
Thank you for creating this fucking masterpiece it’s everything
THIS BOOK WAS THE DEFINITION OF OUTSTANDING
ANANSNSKAJKSANKAMSMDD
I HAVE NO WORDS
I’m obsessed
I’m ravenous
I’m on my knees begging for more
Seriously one of the best books I’ve read in a long time
I’m in awe
I’m in shock
I’m floating through a sea of emotions and feelings I can’t even comprehend right now
This series is my new religion
And I’m bowing down to its maker
Nik Knight you are my god
Thank you for creating this fucking masterpiece it’s everything
April 5, 2023
How was I supposed to put this down? Riley is still everything, I loved getting more Gideon in this book and Jai and Noel have a hold on my heart I can't explain it. This book had my heart racing the entire book and honestly I thought at one point my heart was only to implode because things were happening and I WAS NOT OK!! I am both excited and scared to jump into book three haha.
April 13, 2020
Great Read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters and storyline were awesome. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters and storyline were awesome. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
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