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Four Point Universe #7
Nocere
Introverted Rosie is held near and dear in the hearts of all her friends in their Mermaid Pod. However, she has a difficult time accepting their love and support until she meets Samirah. The bold and brazen anesthesiologist's direct attention turns Rosie's quiet world upside-down. Their lives start to change as they begin opening up, sharing their experiences, and leaning into each other. Haunted by pasts laden with harm, Rosie and Sam ache to find light in a world they've grown to fear.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2020
43 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Max Ellendale
33 books318 followersMax grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 4, 2020
It took me a while to finish this, I just couldn't get into the story. It fell quite short of my expectations considering how great the previous books have been to read. It's not the BDSM 'cause I think with the right author, those scenes are can be very exciting.
Both main characters really weren't winning me over. It all just felt a little off to me.
Both main characters really weren't winning me over. It all just felt a little off to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
Loved how long and entertaining this book was!
Caroline and Nora were my favorite couple and I want to so bad read about them. Caroline is just so funny and entertaining. Really enjoyed the story and loved that it was really long, even though I hoped it was longer lol!
Caroline and Nora were my favorite couple and I want to so bad read about them. Caroline is just so funny and entertaining. Really enjoyed the story and loved that it was really long, even though I hoped it was longer lol!
April 16, 2020
It was such a wonderful read! Had me hooked from the beginning and I loved the MCs and their relationship, so now I can only hope for a follow up. It was everything I love in a pure lesbian romance - emotional, heartbreaking, sentimental, mushy, funny, hot and sexy with some light BDSM flavor. Another great work by Max Ellendale.
May 20, 2020
Warning….This might end up being a long review because I have a lot to say!
I want to start out by saying that Max Ellendale is #1 on my favorite author list and here’s why:
1. She does an amazing job with writing in the first person point of view. I wasn’t really a fan of first person but she has definitely changed that for me. She has a way of connecting you to the main character that honestly leaves me speechless. I have an INFJ personality type and I’m all about depth, authenticity and connecting. Max hits all of those marks perfectly. Everytime I finish one of her books I’m completely satisfied with the depth of the story, the authenticity of the characters and their story/relationships and connecting on so many different levels...it’s beyond amazing!
2. The characters are amazing! Each one has their own unique personality that makes you fall in love with them! For example Ainsley made a huge impact in this story and she wasn’t even one of the main characters. I literally highlighted a few of the scenes with her in it. I don’t highlight in books...that says a lot! I also fell in love with Rebecca! Her mantra and advice throughout was amazing and really impacted me. I loved the relationship between Rosie and Rebecca it’s so sweet and inspiring. The love and protection coming from Rebecca melted me.
3. The Universe she’s created is fantastic! I love that so many characters make reappearances from her previous books so you get a taste of their life without a full sequel. I’m usually a fan of sequels and series but having new characters with bits of scenes mixed in with previous characters is very satisfying!
4. Hello Book covers! Victoria Miller does an amazing job creating a visual preview of the story. And they’re absolutely gorgeous!
5. I love how every story Max writes impacts me in some way. Some stories I relate to certain characters, some to the situations that happen, and some to hopes I have for my own future. It’s beautiful watching the journey of each character as they develop, grow and heal (physically, emotionally and within the heart).
Now let’s dive into Nocere…
Being an introvert myself I related to Rosie a lot and enjoyed watching her story unfold. I have some of the same struggles she has/had so it was nice to see how she improved or overcame some things. Large gatherings are not my favorite and it was interesting to see how she reacted in those scenes because I did/do a lot of the same things she did. Does that make sense? Hope so...moving on…
If I summed up this story in one word I would probably go with: Sexy. There were a lot of intense and emotional scenes, but wow there’s a lot of sexy situations. I was surprised to discover that I was really excited for the light BDSM scenes. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Max did an amazing job with putting situations on the table, making invitations, setting boundaries and making sure everything was consensual. Bravo Max! I’m definitely open to seeing more BDSM within the stories I read, because I enjoy the aspect of trust, deeper intimacy and pleasure that develops between the couple.
There were so many “Aww” moments, interesting things that happened and tons of affection/romance. When I finished reading I was left feeling completely satisfied, excited for what’s to come and another Max Ellendale book was added to my reread list.
Definitely worth the time to read/reread!
I want to start out by saying that Max Ellendale is #1 on my favorite author list and here’s why:
1. She does an amazing job with writing in the first person point of view. I wasn’t really a fan of first person but she has definitely changed that for me. She has a way of connecting you to the main character that honestly leaves me speechless. I have an INFJ personality type and I’m all about depth, authenticity and connecting. Max hits all of those marks perfectly. Everytime I finish one of her books I’m completely satisfied with the depth of the story, the authenticity of the characters and their story/relationships and connecting on so many different levels...it’s beyond amazing!
2. The characters are amazing! Each one has their own unique personality that makes you fall in love with them! For example Ainsley made a huge impact in this story and she wasn’t even one of the main characters. I literally highlighted a few of the scenes with her in it. I don’t highlight in books...that says a lot! I also fell in love with Rebecca! Her mantra and advice throughout was amazing and really impacted me. I loved the relationship between Rosie and Rebecca it’s so sweet and inspiring. The love and protection coming from Rebecca melted me.
3. The Universe she’s created is fantastic! I love that so many characters make reappearances from her previous books so you get a taste of their life without a full sequel. I’m usually a fan of sequels and series but having new characters with bits of scenes mixed in with previous characters is very satisfying!
4. Hello Book covers! Victoria Miller does an amazing job creating a visual preview of the story. And they’re absolutely gorgeous!
5. I love how every story Max writes impacts me in some way. Some stories I relate to certain characters, some to the situations that happen, and some to hopes I have for my own future. It’s beautiful watching the journey of each character as they develop, grow and heal (physically, emotionally and within the heart).
Now let’s dive into Nocere…
Being an introvert myself I related to Rosie a lot and enjoyed watching her story unfold. I have some of the same struggles she has/had so it was nice to see how she improved or overcame some things. Large gatherings are not my favorite and it was interesting to see how she reacted in those scenes because I did/do a lot of the same things she did. Does that make sense? Hope so...moving on…
If I summed up this story in one word I would probably go with: Sexy. There were a lot of intense and emotional scenes, but wow there’s a lot of sexy situations. I was surprised to discover that I was really excited for the light BDSM scenes. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Max did an amazing job with putting situations on the table, making invitations, setting boundaries and making sure everything was consensual. Bravo Max! I’m definitely open to seeing more BDSM within the stories I read, because I enjoy the aspect of trust, deeper intimacy and pleasure that develops between the couple.
There were so many “Aww” moments, interesting things that happened and tons of affection/romance. When I finished reading I was left feeling completely satisfied, excited for what’s to come and another Max Ellendale book was added to my reread list.
Definitely worth the time to read/reread!
May 1, 2020
Definitely read this book!
Another wonderful story from the Four Point universe. The story of Rose and Sami is interwoven with characters from this universe and I enjoyed getting reacquainted with some of my favorites. The author does not disappoint and I look forward to reading more.
Another wonderful story from the Four Point universe. The story of Rose and Sami is interwoven with characters from this universe and I enjoyed getting reacquainted with some of my favorites. The author does not disappoint and I look forward to reading more.
May 11, 2020
Another slam dunk!
Max Ellendale never disappoints! One of the things I enjoy about all her books, including this one, is that they don't follow the usual format for romance. Meet cute, misunderstandings, small ups and downs, things get good, then everything that can go wrong does at precisely 80% into the book, then all is resolved neatly.
Instead we get a more realistic story line, the ups and downs are sometimes simultaneous, the characters are complex and diversely imperfect. Sure, it qualifies as romance because there's an underlying romantic theme, but this book and all the others also deal with healing from trauma, facing ones inner demons, and learning to be come more functional as adults who positively impact society. While those themes are relatively common in romance, particularly romance featuring lots of cops and docs, those themes are usually secondary to the romance, where as in Ellendale's books it's all interwoven so expertly it would be impossible to separate. Life and love (not just romantic love) interact and merge, and these books all do a brilliant job of it.
I liked the clean elements of kink and age regression, I liked seeing the relationship develop overtime, and I liked getting to revisit characters I love from the Four Point Universe.
Max Ellendale never disappoints! One of the things I enjoy about all her books, including this one, is that they don't follow the usual format for romance. Meet cute, misunderstandings, small ups and downs, things get good, then everything that can go wrong does at precisely 80% into the book, then all is resolved neatly.
Instead we get a more realistic story line, the ups and downs are sometimes simultaneous, the characters are complex and diversely imperfect. Sure, it qualifies as romance because there's an underlying romantic theme, but this book and all the others also deal with healing from trauma, facing ones inner demons, and learning to be come more functional as adults who positively impact society. While those themes are relatively common in romance, particularly romance featuring lots of cops and docs, those themes are usually secondary to the romance, where as in Ellendale's books it's all interwoven so expertly it would be impossible to separate. Life and love (not just romantic love) interact and merge, and these books all do a brilliant job of it.
I liked the clean elements of kink and age regression, I liked seeing the relationship develop overtime, and I liked getting to revisit characters I love from the Four Point Universe.
August 27, 2023
4.5
i would marry everyone in this universe
i would marry everyone in this universe
May 13, 2020
This book has several reasons to be noteworthy besides being another of Ellendale’s best books. The continuity’s linking the books of the four point universe is astounding and this story continues in that world. The main characters are themselves psychologically scared beyond anything any normal person should be but they carry this within themselves until they find each other. In the beginning we meet Rose who comes across as a nervous, anxious introvert. The story is written from Roses point of view, so the reader sees the world through her eyes. The meeting of Rose with Samirah is one any of us may experience, an unexpected guest at a friends dinner party.
It is obvious in this story Ellendale uses her extensive knowledge of psychology to weave a sad, but loving tale. There are some steamy love scenes as we have come to expect from this author and some involve BDSM. That aside the author treats the topic with respect and consent between the participants.
If you love reading Ellendale’s work then you will not be disappointed. If this is the first you are looking to read then it is a stand alone but there are many characters from previous books which may intrigue you and make you want to read the previous books.
It is obvious in this story Ellendale uses her extensive knowledge of psychology to weave a sad, but loving tale. There are some steamy love scenes as we have come to expect from this author and some involve BDSM. That aside the author treats the topic with respect and consent between the participants.
If you love reading Ellendale’s work then you will not be disappointed. If this is the first you are looking to read then it is a stand alone but there are many characters from previous books which may intrigue you and make you want to read the previous books.
April 25, 2020
Another excellent read from one of my favourite authors. As another reviewer has noted, it was great to revisit some of the couples from the author's Four Point and Mermaid books, which makes me feel like I'm catching up with old friends. It was heartwarming to watch Rosie and Sami learn to trust each other and peel away some of the layers of hurt and past experiences that help the reader understand the essence of their personalities, and to watch them grow in each other's love and nurture.
April 21, 2020
Is this the end or a new beginning?
I love, love, love this series especially now that the Four Points crew and the Mermaid Pod are together at last. I’m hoping that the plan is that they will all play a part in catching the next Big Bad. Rosie and Sami are a welcome addition to the group and it was nice checking in on the other girls. I’m looking forward to the next episode. Sail says, “Keep writing!”
I love, love, love this series especially now that the Four Points crew and the Mermaid Pod are together at last. I’m hoping that the plan is that they will all play a part in catching the next Big Bad. Rosie and Sami are a welcome addition to the group and it was nice checking in on the other girls. I’m looking forward to the next episode. Sail says, “Keep writing!”
March 27, 2021
Loved Sam and Rosie. It was interesting to see their connection and sharing their past pain. They were both complex characters that were well developed and easy to love. I was rooting for them from the beginning. I also loved getting glimpses into the other loveable characters from the four point world. Excellent job as always and can't wait for the next book
June 20, 2020
Another Max Ellendale stand alone lesbian romance!
I'm a huge fan and avid reader of this writer's books. The Four Point universe world building has become huge and it's populated with an impressive group of lesbians. Newcomers Samirah Flynn and Rosie Bryant share a separate history filled with pain and betrayal, but together they create a wondrous path to healing and love.
I happily plowed through the first half of Nocere, then I slammed on the brakes when Rosie and Sami agreed to a BDSM scene with Nora and Caroline. These characters were crucial to the Four Point trilogy and make a habit of reappearing in other novels. I tried to continue reading several times, but I'd get to the same scene and quit again. Finally, I mapped out where the short scene began and where it ended a few pages later. After I let myself skip a couple of pages, I kept reading until I was finished. Like nearly every other Max Ellendale novel, Nocere is part of my collection. I know that I'll reread it sooner rather than later.
Ellendale's Moonflower is the next book that I'm going to read so the rereading will just have to wait.
I'm a huge fan and avid reader of this writer's books. The Four Point universe world building has become huge and it's populated with an impressive group of lesbians. Newcomers Samirah Flynn and Rosie Bryant share a separate history filled with pain and betrayal, but together they create a wondrous path to healing and love.
I happily plowed through the first half of Nocere, then I slammed on the brakes when Rosie and Sami agreed to a BDSM scene with Nora and Caroline. These characters were crucial to the Four Point trilogy and make a habit of reappearing in other novels. I tried to continue reading several times, but I'd get to the same scene and quit again. Finally, I mapped out where the short scene began and where it ended a few pages later. After I let myself skip a couple of pages, I kept reading until I was finished. Like nearly every other Max Ellendale novel, Nocere is part of my collection. I know that I'll reread it sooner rather than later.
Ellendale's Moonflower is the next book that I'm going to read so the rereading will just have to wait.
September 3, 2022
Rosie and I just clicked from page one. I got her, I identified with her, and I immediately cared about her - I needed to see how her story played out. I loved the pairing of her and Sam, with their histories and backstories making their romance not just compelling but significant. I identified very strongly with Rose, but it was Sam's story - and her place within Muslim culture - that I found most fascinating.
The contrast between Sam and Caroline, two very different types of strong, dominant women who bring out complete opposite reactions in Rosie was one of my favorite aspects of the story and showed some real insight into the power-exchange. I struggled a bit with the central BDSM scene, knowing how uncomfortable I'd be in such a situation, but I appreciated Sam's playful, caring nature and recognized the power of limits in making Rosie feel safe.
Oh, and the last paragraph (at least, before the epilogue)? That went straight to the heart . . . absolutely my kind of journey, my kind of happily ever after.
The contrast between Sam and Caroline, two very different types of strong, dominant women who bring out complete opposite reactions in Rosie was one of my favorite aspects of the story and showed some real insight into the power-exchange. I struggled a bit with the central BDSM scene, knowing how uncomfortable I'd be in such a situation, but I appreciated Sam's playful, caring nature and recognized the power of limits in making Rosie feel safe.
Oh, and the last paragraph (at least, before the epilogue)? That went straight to the heart . . . absolutely my kind of journey, my kind of happily ever after.
May 22, 2020
The Pod grows again!!
“It isn't easy for any marginalized group. Being gay, a woman, a person of color, and Muslim—that's a quartet that not many of us can understand,”
“Primum non nocere”
–“First do no harm”
“I found myself able to do more, less anxious, and caring more. Everything in my life has seemed lighter and brighter with you in it."
+ • + • + • +
The Mermaid Pod of the Wildrose/Four Point Universe introduces new characters & couples that intersects with the Four Points Series' family clique in this sexy, supportive, sensitive, strong & successful story about scars, sharing & survivors— & scenes. A great addition to an incredible series & awesome literary universe.
“It isn't easy for any marginalized group. Being gay, a woman, a person of color, and Muslim—that's a quartet that not many of us can understand,”
“Primum non nocere”
–“First do no harm”
“I found myself able to do more, less anxious, and caring more. Everything in my life has seemed lighter and brighter with you in it."
+ • + • + • +
The Mermaid Pod of the Wildrose/Four Point Universe introduces new characters & couples that intersects with the Four Points Series' family clique in this sexy, supportive, sensitive, strong & successful story about scars, sharing & survivors— & scenes. A great addition to an incredible series & awesome literary universe.
July 3, 2020
I loved the first 30% of the book but to 50% of the book I stopped reading .. i was really excited for the book because i love a light bdsm and a really good chemistry but the chemistry here it just didn’t reach to my heart I don’t know maybe because I’m very monogamous and I don’t like when the main characters share their BDSM scenes with other characters it just really shut me off .. I would liked if both characters did all their BDSM scenes alone ..
May 29, 2021
Excellent!
I really love and enjoy this series in general, this book is the best so far. Both Samirah and Rosie are beautiful, complicated and lovable characters that have been through so much and just settled in my heart with ease. LOVE the steamy scenes (wish there were more 😉), and the way the bdsm elements truly integrated with the characters' psyche and story.
I really love and enjoy this series in general, this book is the best so far. Both Samirah and Rosie are beautiful, complicated and lovable characters that have been through so much and just settled in my heart with ease. LOVE the steamy scenes (wish there were more 😉), and the way the bdsm elements truly integrated with the characters' psyche and story.
June 13, 2021
Content is a little kinky, but the characters are an interesting dynamic. I didn’t relate to Rosie as much as I would have liked. It’s always good to learn about different aspects of lesbian lives, and this story does a fairly good job of mingling past and present characters interwoven as per usual while adding another dimension.
September 17, 2020
Wow, this one has a lot of drama yet a lot of understanding and love. It is very positive to cancel the negative main characters had to overcome. I loved the main connection between mcs. Very good book.
May 16, 2023
Another good one
I really had a hard time putting this one down. It kept me going wanting to know the story that these two are sharing and bringing back characters from other books and the beginning characters. love it!
I really had a hard time putting this one down. It kept me going wanting to know the story that these two are sharing and bringing back characters from other books and the beginning characters. love it!
September 15, 2023
I'll say it over and over. This series keeps getting better and better! The characters in Nocere had so much depth, and Sam is totally swoon-worthy. The added scenes with my favourite - Sali James - was icing on such a delicious, yet angsty romance story. Well done!
April 12, 2024
First Do No Harm
Being a data analyst in the police department was a fulfilling job for Rosie. Whe she met Sami they conflicted but soon they became friends. As two women who had been traumatised by life they connected and bonded. A romantic thriller.
Being a data analyst in the police department was a fulfilling job for Rosie. Whe she met Sami they conflicted but soon they became friends. As two women who had been traumatised by life they connected and bonded. A romantic thriller.
May 25, 2020
I like the circle of friends in these books. But the rough sex is too much for me.
August 31, 2020
Moving forward despite your past.
I'm diving deep into the world of Jordan's Mermaid Pod on to the next one.
BSDM
Triggers: child abuse, trafficking, sexual assault
I'm diving deep into the world of Jordan's Mermaid Pod on to the next one.
BSDM
Triggers: child abuse, trafficking, sexual assault
September 17, 2020
Wow another fantastic storyline
Wow what another heartfelt storyline loved it so captivating loved this book it had really sad parts but the love shined through congratulations
Wow what another heartfelt storyline loved it so captivating loved this book it had really sad parts but the love shined through congratulations
December 19, 2020
Max Ellendale did a great job writing about the after effects on children that are sex trafficked. As well as a adult rape survivor. Hard book to read depending on ones triggers.
November 3, 2021
A Heart Connection
With this story comes a lot of pain. I love tracing through their fragile mindset. Sam and Rosie have a great relationship that grows.
With this story comes a lot of pain. I love tracing through their fragile mindset. Sam and Rosie have a great relationship that grows.
August 16, 2022
Love it
I gave 5 stars because I couldn't put it down it made me laugh it made me cry it made me think and it kept me up all night can't wait to read the next book.
I gave 5 stars because I couldn't put it down it made me laugh it made me cry it made me think and it kept me up all night can't wait to read the next book.
April 29, 2021
Great characters, lots of overcoming trauma
CW: past sexual assault and child abuse
2021 Goldie Finalist, good read with some very sexy parts. But also heavy on overcoming past trauma with the help of supportive partners.
First I'd read in this series. I'm sure there was lots of backstory for side characters, but I got on just fine just jumping in here.
CW: past sexual assault and child abuse
2021 Goldie Finalist, good read with some very sexy parts. But also heavy on overcoming past trauma with the help of supportive partners.
First I'd read in this series. I'm sure there was lots of backstory for side characters, but I got on just fine just jumping in here.
December 4, 2023
Loved it! Another brilliant story from this author. MC’s are wonderful together, perfectly matched. Some sad parts which may be triggers for some people but handled very well. Cuteness on overdrive and enough hot sex to make anyone blush. I can’t wait for the next book from this world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews