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Arcane Mage #1
Chaotic
Battle Mage or Magical Engineer?
Easy choice, right?
Engineer. Obviously.
I'm Charisma Carter, tech genius and nerd extraordinaire.
I actually used to be Charisma Silverstorm, member of one of the six elite Arcane Families, until my family shunned me when I turned 18 because my magic wasn't strong enough.
However, where I lack in magic I more than make up for with the tech I develop, if I do say so myself.
Apparently, I'm not the only one.
From the minute I received my diploma as a magical engineer, it seems like my world has turned upside down.
Now members of all six families are competing to get me to work for them.
They're willing to use anything, from bribes to charm.
It's not enough that the heirs to Arcane are walking sex gods, they also have a lot of money and exceptional magical skills.
As our paths intertwine,
I have to try to stay true to who I am, who I've always been, and not succumb to their charms.
But how can a girl resist when the future she always dreamed of is right at her fingertips?
Authors Note: This book is a reverse harem romance intended for adult audiences. It's the first book of a series and it contains adult language and sexual themes that are not suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.
Easy choice, right?
Engineer. Obviously.
I'm Charisma Carter, tech genius and nerd extraordinaire.
I actually used to be Charisma Silverstorm, member of one of the six elite Arcane Families, until my family shunned me when I turned 18 because my magic wasn't strong enough.
However, where I lack in magic I more than make up for with the tech I develop, if I do say so myself.
Apparently, I'm not the only one.
From the minute I received my diploma as a magical engineer, it seems like my world has turned upside down.
Now members of all six families are competing to get me to work for them.
They're willing to use anything, from bribes to charm.
It's not enough that the heirs to Arcane are walking sex gods, they also have a lot of money and exceptional magical skills.
As our paths intertwine,
I have to try to stay true to who I am, who I've always been, and not succumb to their charms.
But how can a girl resist when the future she always dreamed of is right at her fingertips?
Authors Note: This book is a reverse harem romance intended for adult audiences. It's the first book of a series and it contains adult language and sexual themes that are not suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.
244 pages, ebook
First published July 9, 2020
1706 people are currently reading
3130 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Snow
25 books520 followersA scientist at heart, T.S. Snow lives in a land far far away, secluded from most authors and readers (rumor has it that if you open your wardrobe you can find her hiding in there trying to take a nap). T.S. has a thirst for learning new languages, even if she is mostly worried about finding out new curse words in them. She has an amazing support system that include a loving boyfriend, her family, friends and her loyal - if completely lazy - dog. When she's not writing, T.S. can often be found causing complete chaos with her friends on social media, inhaling unhealthy amounts of coffee, or napping. Mostly napping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews
August 6, 2020
Merrily she tropes along
This book reads like it was written by a man.
In the first 10% of the book, the female protagonist falls down 4 times. It’s okay, though, because she’s not like other girls (she’s better). She’s beautiful (she doesn’t know it). She’s a genius (she doesn’t believe it). All of her hobbies, including her area of academic study, are things she likes to do with dudes. All of her friends are bros. Everyone envies her and even though she’s a millionaire bazillionaire from the best family, she did it all on her own.
This book reads like it was written by a man.
In the first 10% of the book, the female protagonist falls down 4 times. It’s okay, though, because she’s not like other girls (she’s better). She’s beautiful (she doesn’t know it). She’s a genius (she doesn’t believe it). All of her hobbies, including her area of academic study, are things she likes to do with dudes. All of her friends are bros. Everyone envies her and even though she’s a millionaire bazillionaire from the best family, she did it all on her own.
August 2, 2020
4 🔥 stars
Note to author:
WHAT
THE
ACTUAL
FUCK
You can not leave me with that fucking cliffhanger!!! I need the second book immediately!
Note to author:
WHAT
THE
ACTUAL
FUCK
You can not leave me with that fucking cliffhanger!!! I need the second book immediately!
Read
July 30, 2020The worldbuilding here is so cool but the execution on those cool ideas is so terrible. The heroine, Charisma, lives in a world where all magic is manipulated via a handheld computer instead of a wand. She's only got a small amount of personal magic so she's learned to code these computers, METS, in order to compensate. Very cool.
We also learn that power in this magical world is concentrated in six leading families, each with a hereditary magical speciality. Charisma was born into one such family but disinherited for being magically weak* and over the course of this book she comes into contact with the heirs to four other families, who are her love interests. The fifth love interest is a bit more of a mystery.
Romance-wise this is all fairly standard but here's where I started to get mad. Charisma seems furious that the six families have a stranglehold on power. She hates the way that she was treated and explains that her goal is to avoid all six families because it's dangerous to get involved when they're all primed to chew outsiders up and spit them right back out.
The conflict would be compelling if it was just about her getting sucked in despite knowing better.
It's not. The conflict here largely revolves around the Rebellion. The Rebellion wants to democratize. There is some rhetoric about how these rebels say they want equality but really they want power for themselves. I'm sorry but when I read a book in 2020 about fighting rebels in order to preserve the established hereditary aristocracy I... uh. I stop rooting for the heroes.
Because it turns out that Charisma, who introduces herself as a lazy slob who spends a good chunk of her day playing video games, is also graduating from college. In addition to video games and coursework (she graduates with honors, which we are told is very rare), she has also had time to become (a) a successful small business owner who makes enough money to fund both her education and her fairly lavish lifestyle and (b) a magical cop. Basically, if you count gaming as one, she has four full-time jobs.**
A magical cop, you say? Yep. She works for the CIA of magic. And she's not an intern or a lab whiz, she's the equivalent of Bond's Q. So even though she hates the six families, even though she has had plenty of personal experience with how toxic they are, as the magical CIA's top tech guru she is 100% dedicated to fighting the Rebellion. That's her main mission in Chaotic. Identifying and eliminating rebels.
You might be reading this and thinking, "OK, that's not great, but I'm here for the reverse harem romance and the five sexy guys. Maybe that part's good?" -- It's fine, I guess? Most of the guys encounter Charisma in a professional context and quickly decide that while her tech skills are interesting they really want to bang her. The writing is generally rushed so their POVs consist largely of exposition mixed with mental lusting. There's not a lot of effort devoted to presenting each of the guys as a distinct individual with unique traits or goals.
Long story short: I skimmed a lot and I won't be continuing with the series.
*We later learn that the heads of these families can be challenged to a duel at any time and will lose their leadership position if they lose the duel, which makes the heir's power really important. But we also learn that the families aren't obliged to choose their oldest/only child as their heir. We meet heirs who will inherit despite having older but less powerful siblings. So Charisma's parents are uniquely cruel and short-sighted.
**She is also an accomplished duelist and is a master of two (2!!) martial arts. She is a better duelist than all the battle mages who went to school for dueling, even though her diet consists largely of pizza and coffee and she has four full time jobs.
We also learn that power in this magical world is concentrated in six leading families, each with a hereditary magical speciality. Charisma was born into one such family but disinherited for being magically weak* and over the course of this book she comes into contact with the heirs to four other families, who are her love interests. The fifth love interest is a bit more of a mystery.
Romance-wise this is all fairly standard but here's where I started to get mad. Charisma seems furious that the six families have a stranglehold on power. She hates the way that she was treated and explains that her goal is to avoid all six families because it's dangerous to get involved when they're all primed to chew outsiders up and spit them right back out.
The conflict would be compelling if it was just about her getting sucked in despite knowing better.
It's not. The conflict here largely revolves around the Rebellion. The Rebellion wants to democratize. There is some rhetoric about how these rebels say they want equality but really they want power for themselves. I'm sorry but when I read a book in 2020 about fighting rebels in order to preserve the established hereditary aristocracy I... uh. I stop rooting for the heroes.
Because it turns out that Charisma, who introduces herself as a lazy slob who spends a good chunk of her day playing video games, is also graduating from college. In addition to video games and coursework (she graduates with honors, which we are told is very rare), she has also had time to become (a) a successful small business owner who makes enough money to fund both her education and her fairly lavish lifestyle and (b) a magical cop. Basically, if you count gaming as one, she has four full-time jobs.**
A magical cop, you say? Yep. She works for the CIA of magic. And she's not an intern or a lab whiz, she's the equivalent of Bond's Q. So even though she hates the six families, even though she has had plenty of personal experience with how toxic they are, as the magical CIA's top tech guru she is 100% dedicated to fighting the Rebellion. That's her main mission in Chaotic. Identifying and eliminating rebels.
You might be reading this and thinking, "OK, that's not great, but I'm here for the reverse harem romance and the five sexy guys. Maybe that part's good?" -- It's fine, I guess? Most of the guys encounter Charisma in a professional context and quickly decide that while her tech skills are interesting they really want to bang her. The writing is generally rushed so their POVs consist largely of exposition mixed with mental lusting. There's not a lot of effort devoted to presenting each of the guys as a distinct individual with unique traits or goals.
Long story short: I skimmed a lot and I won't be continuing with the series.
*We later learn that the heads of these families can be challenged to a duel at any time and will lose their leadership position if they lose the duel, which makes the heir's power really important. But we also learn that the families aren't obliged to choose their oldest/only child as their heir. We meet heirs who will inherit despite having older but less powerful siblings. So Charisma's parents are uniquely cruel and short-sighted.
**She is also an accomplished duelist and is a master of two (2!!) martial arts. She is a better duelist than all the battle mages who went to school for dueling, even though her diet consists largely of pizza and coffee and she has four full time jobs.
August 3, 2021
Rating: 3.5 stars (4.5 without the stupid end)
I really, really, really enjoyed the book. Chaotic was riding the clichés and hyper original at the same time. It was fun, exciting, and steamy, with an overly clumsy yet supra badass heroine.
But for the love of God, even if you say it had to happen, the book could have gone without the cliffhanger. And my rating just dropped a star because of it.
> No MM
> No FF
> Five guys?
> Multiple POVs
> Who falls first?
Trigger warning:
Magical terrorism, some violence.
I really, really, really enjoyed the book. Chaotic was riding the clichés and hyper original at the same time. It was fun, exciting, and steamy, with an overly clumsy yet supra badass heroine.
But for the love of God, even if you say it had to happen, the book could have gone without the cliffhanger. And my rating just dropped a star because of it.
> No MM
> No FF
> Five guys?
> Multiple POVs
> Who falls first?
Trigger warning:
Magical terrorism, some violence.
July 8, 2020
Holy bleep what a rush. I loved every single second of this book and cannot wait for the next one. Outstanding work miss Snow. Ps Blaze and Bast are mine.
did-not-finish
October 13, 2022DNF at 47%. I can’t read this book anymore. I am just cringing left and right. I want to like it because the idea is intriguing. You can see what I thought through my updates on this book. But, I am ending when she is forcefully kissed to “shut her up“. And he kissed her because she wasn’t a guy. If she was a guy, he would’ve punched her. I just can’t. And this is after weirdly cringey inner dialogue about each other’s sexiness.
She’s not like other girls. She is amazing and technologically savvy and can beat a dude in a duel with no problems! She’s shy but she’s also part of a secret spy organization.
No.
She’s not like other girls. She is amazing and technologically savvy and can beat a dude in a duel with no problems! She’s shy but she’s also part of a secret spy organization.
No.
August 27, 2022
I am the audience this book aimed for: nerdy women who enjoy videogames, silly shirts and little social interaction. And it’s exactly because of this that this series annoyed me to no end – because everything Charisma says and does feels like a gross mockery of me and my hobbies, all turned up to eleven for the sake of sheer nerd girl fetishism.
I use this word deliberately, because that’s just what charisma is: a nerd’s walking wet dream. She is a super hot martial artist expert, but literally cannot walk a straight line without stumbling and landing in men’s laps. She can spend literal days gaming, eating shitty snacks and not showering, but still has flawless hair and skin. She is a genius, graduating with honors and having a super special, top position in the magical FBI – but she is such a ditz she doesn’t even realize how smart she is.
She is so absent-minded, in fact, she often opens the door completely nude because she simply forgot to put clothes on, tee-hee! And when she remembers to wear them, said clothes are of course full of classic nerdy references the text is only happy to explain, while reminding us Charisma would is SO bad at people, she’s a mailbox opossum and would much prefer to be left in her mailbox than socializing, omg.
The way the author hammers on Charisma’s fucking nerdiness is so ham-fisted it failed to create a rounded character, instead settling for the most basic dream nerdy gf stereotype ever dreamed in the world's dankest basement. As another reviewer put is, this book feels as if it was written by a man.
It goes beyond Charisma’s entire existence – most of the men are impossible to like because besides poor, absent Bastille the others are just different flavors of asshole. Their interest in Charisma is entirely colored by their desire to fuck her or use her knowledge to increase their own power. It’s gross. But so is Charisma herself, whose grand plans of vengeance are cheerfully put aside the moment she can get some dick, all in a span of a couple of hours.
If the book was limited to these issues I would probably be less angry about it. Bad books with bad characters are a dime a dozen, but fact is I loved the world around the cast in this series. The magic system, the society – it’s such an interesting setting I genuinely want to learn more of, and I hate that it is wasted with this cast of characters and the shit writing that rules their existence.
In conclusion: This is the first book I read by this author and I'm probably not gonna touch anything else by her any time soon. I am a perpetual victim of the sunken cost fallacy, unable to leave a book unfinished, no matter how shit. However, this series did it. I had 4 hours to go in the second audiobook but I would genuinely rather watch paint dry.
But hey, at least the narrator was good.
I use this word deliberately, because that’s just what charisma is: a nerd’s walking wet dream. She is a super hot martial artist expert, but literally cannot walk a straight line without stumbling and landing in men’s laps. She can spend literal days gaming, eating shitty snacks and not showering, but still has flawless hair and skin. She is a genius, graduating with honors and having a super special, top position in the magical FBI – but she is such a ditz she doesn’t even realize how smart she is.
She is so absent-minded, in fact, she often opens the door completely nude because she simply forgot to put clothes on, tee-hee! And when she remembers to wear them, said clothes are of course full of classic nerdy references the text is only happy to explain, while reminding us Charisma would is SO bad at people, she’s a mailbox opossum and would much prefer to be left in her mailbox than socializing, omg.
The way the author hammers on Charisma’s fucking nerdiness is so ham-fisted it failed to create a rounded character, instead settling for the most basic dream nerdy gf stereotype ever dreamed in the world's dankest basement. As another reviewer put is, this book feels as if it was written by a man.
It goes beyond Charisma’s entire existence – most of the men are impossible to like because besides poor, absent Bastille the others are just different flavors of asshole. Their interest in Charisma is entirely colored by their desire to fuck her or use her knowledge to increase their own power. It’s gross. But so is Charisma herself, whose grand plans of vengeance are cheerfully put aside the moment she can get some dick, all in a span of a couple of hours.
If the book was limited to these issues I would probably be less angry about it. Bad books with bad characters are a dime a dozen, but fact is I loved the world around the cast in this series. The magic system, the society – it’s such an interesting setting I genuinely want to learn more of, and I hate that it is wasted with this cast of characters and the shit writing that rules their existence.
In conclusion: This is the first book I read by this author and I'm probably not gonna touch anything else by her any time soon. I am a perpetual victim of the sunken cost fallacy, unable to leave a book unfinished, no matter how shit. However, this series did it. I had 4 hours to go in the second audiobook but I would genuinely rather watch paint dry.
But hey, at least the narrator was good.
August 18, 2020
All in all I did really like this one.
Plus- loved the world building! I really like all of the magic and technology coming together seamlessly to create this fantastic blend- and I'm really excited to see where the story goes on that front.
But.... I don't know if I'm loving Char's spastic persona at the moment. Some people might not mind, but I don't find it all that quirky or cute that the h is constantly forgetting her pants, or opening the door naked, or literally not being able to walk on her own feet. I don't see why writing Char as being clumsy needs to feel like a personality trait. Ya know?
This is only a few examples, but-I mean you get the gist.
Also, how old are these characters? Char is 23 and some of the guys older- but the writing feels YA-in that there are raging labidos, sex on le brain, and not being able to think of this hot guy or that hot guy every second (even when theres dangerous and important issues going on in the story.)
But thats pretty par for the course in RH when you have so many hot men, and so little time...
Speaking of men--at this point I can say I'm interested in everyone's backstory and what they got going on...But def not Logan.
He's not my cuppa tea, and reading his POV's is actually bleh for me.
*whispers* More like he's the biggest tool.
JkJk...but really- I think because he's hot were meant to look at his actions as sexy?
But if I were in a business meeting- or this guy was trying to hire me for a business venture- but didn't like the fact that I was babbling and instead decided 'Hmm yes, I don't like that she's talking so much so I'm going to kiss her out of no where so she'll shut up. Good idea!'
I would have slapped him and told him to take a hike- and if he wasn't hot to the h-that would be sexual harassment because he didn't exactly ask for consent- and they never even talked about an attraction bt them.... Eh whatever. Just not feeling his entitlement.
But despite my complaints I will read the next one bc Holy Cliffhanger Batman! I need to know what happens next!! I recommend if you have KU.
Plus- loved the world building! I really like all of the magic and technology coming together seamlessly to create this fantastic blend- and I'm really excited to see where the story goes on that front.
But.... I don't know if I'm loving Char's spastic persona at the moment. Some people might not mind, but I don't find it all that quirky or cute that the h is constantly forgetting her pants, or opening the door naked, or literally not being able to walk on her own feet. I don't see why writing Char as being clumsy needs to feel like a personality trait. Ya know?
"I headed to the stairs as fast as I could and I almost made it to the right row before the steps attacked me and I tripped."
"...hopeless as walking up two flights of stairs without tripping or injuring myself, that would be great."
"Unfortunately I still hadn’t managed to create a code for gracefulness."
"By some miracle, I managed to not trip on my way up the stairs"
"If I was ever made president of anything, I would banish stairs for eternity."
"...somehow miraculously not falling to my demise"
"Why was walking so hard? I'd been doing it for twenty three years!"
This is only a few examples, but-I mean you get the gist.
Also, how old are these characters? Char is 23 and some of the guys older- but the writing feels YA-in that there are raging labidos, sex on le brain, and not being able to think of this hot guy or that hot guy every second (even when theres dangerous and important issues going on in the story.)
But thats pretty par for the course in RH when you have so many hot men, and so little time...
Speaking of men--at this point I can say I'm interested in everyone's backstory and what they got going on...But def not Logan.
He's not my cuppa tea, and reading his POV's is actually bleh for me.
"There were so many better things for her to do with that mouth of hers than to keep babbling."
"I sighed but followed after her, appreciating the view. It would've been better if she had remained naked, but a man had to make do with the tools he had in hand. And I had the biggest tool."
*whispers* More like he's the biggest tool.
JkJk...but really- I think because he's hot were meant to look at his actions as sexy?
But if I were in a business meeting- or this guy was trying to hire me for a business venture- but didn't like the fact that I was babbling and instead decided 'Hmm yes, I don't like that she's talking so much so I'm going to kiss her out of no where so she'll shut up. Good idea!'
I would have slapped him and told him to take a hike- and if he wasn't hot to the h-that would be sexual harassment because he didn't exactly ask for consent- and they never even talked about an attraction bt them.... Eh whatever. Just not feeling his entitlement.
But despite my complaints I will read the next one bc Holy Cliffhanger Batman! I need to know what happens next!! I recommend if you have KU.
August 28, 2020
DNF so stupid and juvenile
September 7, 2020
Pages: 244
My rating: 3.5
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Charisma, Blaze, Andres, Logan, Bastille, Theo
The title fits the FMC! At the Beginning I was a little bit bored and also FMC was very chaotic, which was strange for a pretty organised person like me. But I got used to her and I actually enjoyed it. Charisma is a very focused person, when she is working as tech marge. Her Job is also her passion, so naturally she is very good at it. But outside her passion she is everything, sometimes weak, other times strong, the opposite of focused and pretty chaotic. But that’s one point that I really loved, that the author showed a person can have different sides and it is fine. The MC’s seem to be Blaze, Andres, Logan, Bastille and Theo. But there might be more???
Bastille is her long time best friend. But they never met IRL. Theo is her Ex. The other guys are sons of prestigious marge families. All of them are battle marges.
Theo, Blaze and Andres are in College with her. But they don’t interact there. All know Charisma and her background story, but they did not expect her to be a top notch tech marge. It’s pretty difficult to write more about the characters without giving away to much of the story.
So my conclusion is that I had trouble with reading the book at the beginning, but then it got to me and at the end I was hooked. The ending is an awful cliffhanger and the wait till the next book is long als it will come out at the end of November, two and a half month from now.
October 15, 2020
Mini Review:
Pros -
I'm intrigued the world-building and the six Arcana houses, including the now hidden Necromancer line
Charisma is funny - and, although sometimes her stumbling and awkwardness is overdone to the lengths of my patience - it was fun being in her head for the most part
I like she has different identities/roles
Cons -
When the play by numbers chapter POV change went to random males it didn't work. Definitely tell instead of show, too rushed on cheesy sex thoughts, too much instalust and unrealistic "longing", it grew tiresome and mainly ruined the story for me
Differences between the powers at this point are confusing
There is a cliffhanger right at the end that's reminiscent of TV shows, which I hate
Pros -
I'm intrigued the world-building and the six Arcana houses, including the now hidden Necromancer line
Charisma is funny - and, although sometimes her stumbling and awkwardness is overdone to the lengths of my patience - it was fun being in her head for the most part
I like she has different identities/roles
Cons -
When the play by numbers chapter POV change went to random males it didn't work. Definitely tell instead of show, too rushed on cheesy sex thoughts, too much instalust and unrealistic "longing", it grew tiresome and mainly ruined the story for me
Differences between the powers at this point are confusing
There is a cliffhanger right at the end that's reminiscent of TV shows, which I hate
August 9, 2020
RTC...I need time to put my thoughts into words.
August 11, 2020
We may well have a 4.5 stars here people, and for a new RH series no less!
There was something very enjoyable about this book.
Charisma (who calls herself Char) is a completely amazing magic tech genius, gamer geek, with a huge dose of clumsiness and social awkwardness. Although she was raised as the daughter on one of the big magic families, she was cast out and abandoned at 18 when her magic was confirmed as weak. But Char has built her life back up and has a reputation for being the best of the best when it comes to magic tech, something all the powerful Mages want to enhance their power. Once she graduates and is now allowed to legally sell her products, it doesn't take long for osme of the heirs of the other magical families to come sniffing around...and of course they're all handsome, or this wouldn't be a RH.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this. But there were a couple of things that jarred me out of the story.
Char is incredibly clumsy and awkward. On one level this makes her endearing and is a refreshing change from the super perfect heroines, but I felt like it was sometimes a bit too exaggerated in places, so got a bit annoying.
Also, despite being clumsy, socially awkward and not very powerful with her magic, Char also still manages to be a bit of a special snowflake. She's a tech genius, kick ass at computer games, has sold her own tech for years illegally under a psudo name, knows town different types of martial arts, her magic tech can take down the heirs and she is a high up agent in their magic equivilant of the CIA. On many ways I has respect for her, as she had to fend for herself after being abandoned by her family, but it also was a bit incongruous at the same time. Add to this the fact that all four of the heirs, reluctantly or not, have the hots for her, plus a mysterious guy she has known for years online, and she the fact that she is totally gorgeous in an effortless way, makes her just a bit over the top.
While I feel like I'm making a big deal over this, I don't want it to detract from the fact that I thought this was an excellent RH and I think all of my friends should try it. But this is why it was a 4 star and not a 5 star read for me.
There was something very enjoyable about this book.
Charisma (who calls herself Char) is a completely amazing magic tech genius, gamer geek, with a huge dose of clumsiness and social awkwardness. Although she was raised as the daughter on one of the big magic families, she was cast out and abandoned at 18 when her magic was confirmed as weak. But Char has built her life back up and has a reputation for being the best of the best when it comes to magic tech, something all the powerful Mages want to enhance their power. Once she graduates and is now allowed to legally sell her products, it doesn't take long for osme of the heirs of the other magical families to come sniffing around...and of course they're all handsome, or this wouldn't be a RH.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this. But there were a couple of things that jarred me out of the story.
Char is incredibly clumsy and awkward. On one level this makes her endearing and is a refreshing change from the super perfect heroines, but I felt like it was sometimes a bit too exaggerated in places, so got a bit annoying.
Also, despite being clumsy, socially awkward and not very powerful with her magic, Char also still manages to be a bit of a special snowflake. She's a tech genius, kick ass at computer games, has sold her own tech for years illegally under a psudo name, knows town different types of martial arts, her magic tech can take down the heirs and she is a high up agent in their magic equivilant of the CIA. On many ways I has respect for her, as she had to fend for herself after being abandoned by her family, but it also was a bit incongruous at the same time. Add to this the fact that all four of the heirs, reluctantly or not, have the hots for her, plus a mysterious guy she has known for years online, and she the fact that she is totally gorgeous in an effortless way, makes her just a bit over the top.
While I feel like I'm making a big deal over this, I don't want it to detract from the fact that I thought this was an excellent RH and I think all of my friends should try it. But this is why it was a 4 star and not a 5 star read for me.
March 25, 2022
Charisma was a bit exaggerated character: she was so clumsy that it started to feel unbelievable. Men were just extremely sexy but we got to know almost nothing else about them. Characters should have been more fleshed out.
I really loved magic in this book, it was quite cool. But worldbuilding was almost non-existent. For example even information if there is also normal people take long to get.
There wasn't really a plot at all, this book's only purpose was to lead to the next book. The next one might be better thinking about this but this should have had a plot on it's own as well.
I really loved magic in this book, it was quite cool. But worldbuilding was almost non-existent. For example even information if there is also normal people take long to get.
There wasn't really a plot at all, this book's only purpose was to lead to the next book. The next one might be better thinking about this but this should have had a plot on it's own as well.
July 9, 2020
Awesome read
Where do I even begin about this book? I feel like I need to completely fangirl over it since I loved it that much. I'm pretty sure I'm completely in love with Charisma - she's this super intelligent, sassy, 100% akward, can't walk in a straight line nerd girl. For someone with her social akwardness Charisma is surprisingly bada$$ and it's so hard not to like her. For all of her lack of social skills Charisma has the smarts and focus when it comes to her job which is when everyone else gets to see a different side of her. She's endearing and sweet and has been let down and disappointed by her own family in the worst way. Because of this she's an exception in their society - a member of one of the 5 head families that refuses to work any of them. Ironically they all want her to work for them badly although she's been shunned by them. Enter the men in her life that are pursuing her each for their own purposes. Logan is the Nightshade heir, older than the others and he wants only the best working for him. When he meets Charisma he believes he's been played about her reputation but she keeps managing to surprise him at every turn. Blaze completely distrusts Charisma at first glance. He believes she a secret spy for her family that disowned her. As he gets to know her he realizes just how wrong he was about her and finds himself falling for her but he needs to protect his family and they need a new magical engineer badly...Then there's Theo, her ex who turned his back on her when she was disowned, yet has turned into her stalker. Andres is another heir trying to protect his family who's had a secret crush on Charisma for years. And finally there's Bastille, Charisma's bestie and gaming buddy who is in love with her but he harbors a secret that may end their relationship before it even begins.
In this book the only 2 guys we get to know well are Logan and Blaze with glimpses of the others but it sets quote the stage for the story arc. The book itself was well written with differing POVs and it was honestly very hard to put down. The story entangles you in its web from the beginning and I found the world it's set in rather unique. The characters themselves draw you in with a strong FMC that's also relatable and guys you definitely want to get to know. It ends on a cliffhanger and it is a biggie but I've never minded cliffies and I applaud the author cause if after that end you don't pick up book 2 to know what happens...well there's something wrong with you.
All in all I loved it. T.S. Snow is a new to me author and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Where do I even begin about this book? I feel like I need to completely fangirl over it since I loved it that much. I'm pretty sure I'm completely in love with Charisma - she's this super intelligent, sassy, 100% akward, can't walk in a straight line nerd girl. For someone with her social akwardness Charisma is surprisingly bada$$ and it's so hard not to like her. For all of her lack of social skills Charisma has the smarts and focus when it comes to her job which is when everyone else gets to see a different side of her. She's endearing and sweet and has been let down and disappointed by her own family in the worst way. Because of this she's an exception in their society - a member of one of the 5 head families that refuses to work any of them. Ironically they all want her to work for them badly although she's been shunned by them. Enter the men in her life that are pursuing her each for their own purposes. Logan is the Nightshade heir, older than the others and he wants only the best working for him. When he meets Charisma he believes he's been played about her reputation but she keeps managing to surprise him at every turn. Blaze completely distrusts Charisma at first glance. He believes she a secret spy for her family that disowned her. As he gets to know her he realizes just how wrong he was about her and finds himself falling for her but he needs to protect his family and they need a new magical engineer badly...Then there's Theo, her ex who turned his back on her when she was disowned, yet has turned into her stalker. Andres is another heir trying to protect his family who's had a secret crush on Charisma for years. And finally there's Bastille, Charisma's bestie and gaming buddy who is in love with her but he harbors a secret that may end their relationship before it even begins.
In this book the only 2 guys we get to know well are Logan and Blaze with glimpses of the others but it sets quote the stage for the story arc. The book itself was well written with differing POVs and it was honestly very hard to put down. The story entangles you in its web from the beginning and I found the world it's set in rather unique. The characters themselves draw you in with a strong FMC that's also relatable and guys you definitely want to get to know. It ends on a cliffhanger and it is a biggie but I've never minded cliffies and I applaud the author cause if after that end you don't pick up book 2 to know what happens...well there's something wrong with you.
All in all I loved it. T.S. Snow is a new to me author and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 30, 2020
Offical stars 3.7/ 5 I wanna give it more but It’s tropey trope mctroperson ...
Oooo mixed feelings !!! *** SPOILERS AHEAD 18+ content ! You have been warned !!!!****
MC- apparent wicked tech genius but with what seems like ADHD and very very poor spacial awareness. Which I’m kinda here for but T the time time. Trope city. I’m amazing sparkle evil cool cute genius but also a total innocent *laughs in pixie dream girl style * ... it’s been done.
Ok so we have the presented harem
Logan - rich spoilt dominant who is a bit of a sexual predator and makes the repeated comment about her lips are only good for sucking him off 🤨🤨🤨🤨
Baz- video game BFF kinda love of her life boy with a DARK secret 🥰🥰🥰
Agent Muscles - the one she is actually f*cking. Not sure how I feel about him... he kinda seemed like a douche canoe
Creepy stalker ex - ewwww let it go slime ball.
The cute cafe boy with the illusions
In saying this, I kinda enjoyed it. I’m going to read the next one.. ... yep that about sums it up.
Oooo mixed feelings !!! *** SPOILERS AHEAD 18+ content ! You have been warned !!!!****
MC- apparent wicked tech genius but with what seems like ADHD and very very poor spacial awareness. Which I’m kinda here for but T the time time. Trope city. I’m amazing sparkle evil cool cute genius but also a total innocent *laughs in pixie dream girl style * ... it’s been done.
Ok so we have the presented harem
Logan - rich spoilt dominant who is a bit of a sexual predator and makes the repeated comment about her lips are only good for sucking him off 🤨🤨🤨🤨
Baz- video game BFF kinda love of her life boy with a DARK secret 🥰🥰🥰
Agent Muscles - the one she is actually f*cking. Not sure how I feel about him... he kinda seemed like a douche canoe
Creepy stalker ex - ewwww let it go slime ball.
The cute cafe boy with the illusions
In saying this, I kinda enjoyed it. I’m going to read the next one.. ... yep that about sums it up.
April 23, 2021
GAh ... I like the world set-up, I like the snark & her fashion choices.
But the people in it. ><
If she wasn't SO OBVIOUSLY a Mary Sue ... the whole prep to the harem build ... I mean ... the language is just so crude & pretty juvenile?
Still mildly curious after the cliff hanger & if revenge will be found ... may go to Book 2 if on K.U.
But the people in it. ><
If she wasn't SO OBVIOUSLY a Mary Sue ... the whole prep to the harem build ... I mean ... the language is just so crude & pretty juvenile?
Still mildly curious after the cliff hanger & if revenge will be found ... may go to Book 2 if on K.U.
September 10, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 ⭐️
Great book. Couldn’t put it down! I wish they had developed the characters a bit more, but I figure they will in upcoming books. A fun, fast read. The main character is a bit of a special snowflake, but all in all pretty likable. The harem is still being formed and it is pretty slow going, in a good way. She already has a sexual relationship with one of the guys, but no real relationship per-se with any of them. Looking forward to how the relationships and story progresses, can't wait for the next book.
Great book. Couldn’t put it down! I wish they had developed the characters a bit more, but I figure they will in upcoming books. A fun, fast read. The main character is a bit of a special snowflake, but all in all pretty likable. The harem is still being formed and it is pretty slow going, in a good way. She already has a sexual relationship with one of the guys, but no real relationship per-se with any of them. Looking forward to how the relationships and story progresses, can't wait for the next book.
June 24, 2021
3.5 stars
April 6, 2021
Solid 4.5 Stars!
July 25, 2020
She's the 90's rom-com nerd who never gets the makeover...but she doesn't need it.
Charisma is a lot of fun, honestly. In some ways, she's very different from a lot of the RH FMCs out there because I haven't read many where they go FULL NERD with video games, a lot of science, obsessive worship of skilled tech creators, and putting things like cleanliness and personal care (like remembering to wear pants) on the backburner because her mind is a bit brilliant and always lost in something else. I like that Snow has created a character that'll satisfy the readers who want a smart girl that doesn't mind being smart and has even made a success of herself because of her brains.
Even better, she doesn't lose out on some of the typical tradeoffs for being so smart. Yes, she is 100% socially awkward, but she also has a commanding and poised professional side of herself, and she's got a healthy (and sometimes very funny) interest in s*x, so she didn't have to lose her sensuality just because she's also wickedly intelligent.
The guys are an interesting mix so far. One thing that we're getting with this series (at least using book one as a starting indicator) is a different dynamic and pace for each man. There is steamy fun in Chaotic, but not all relationships are developed equally. Personally, I don't mind that because it feels natural to me, but just a heads up for readers who like the harem to be featured equally. Right now, we get one guy she's super emotionally comfortable with, one guy she's got a physical relationship with, one she's totally on the outs with, and two that are sort of on the periphery in a more neutral kind of place. So, I'm super curious how the guys might catch up to/overtake each other in different ways when we get into book two.
My one issue was that aside from the interpersonal skills/family issues, it kind of seems like Char can do everything. She can fight, she's s*xy, she's smart, she's witty, she's high in demand (not just in terms of the harem), and she's got a high-powered position (won't say more so I don't spoil things). It almost felt like she could be a little bit more flawed, but this is definitely not a diehard issue for me.
Okay, I lied, there's one other thing. Fair warning to people who are incensed by this: this IS a cliffhanger. Not a little cliffhanger like she goes out for ice cream but you don't know if she gets chocolate or vanilla. It's a big cliffhanger. That's not a star off for me, but I want to forewarn picky readers so that they don't read book one and then smack the rating down because they would've waited to read it if they'd known about the cliffhanger.
Overall, Chaotic drew me right in, and I was disappointed when it ended faster than I would've liked, which isn't something I say about everything that I read. It made me literally laugh out loud, and I appreciated that the plot was interesting and had a good grasp of pacing. Definitely looking forward to book two.
Charisma is a lot of fun, honestly. In some ways, she's very different from a lot of the RH FMCs out there because I haven't read many where they go FULL NERD with video games, a lot of science, obsessive worship of skilled tech creators, and putting things like cleanliness and personal care (like remembering to wear pants) on the backburner because her mind is a bit brilliant and always lost in something else. I like that Snow has created a character that'll satisfy the readers who want a smart girl that doesn't mind being smart and has even made a success of herself because of her brains.
Even better, she doesn't lose out on some of the typical tradeoffs for being so smart. Yes, she is 100% socially awkward, but she also has a commanding and poised professional side of herself, and she's got a healthy (and sometimes very funny) interest in s*x, so she didn't have to lose her sensuality just because she's also wickedly intelligent.
The guys are an interesting mix so far. One thing that we're getting with this series (at least using book one as a starting indicator) is a different dynamic and pace for each man. There is steamy fun in Chaotic, but not all relationships are developed equally. Personally, I don't mind that because it feels natural to me, but just a heads up for readers who like the harem to be featured equally. Right now, we get one guy she's super emotionally comfortable with, one guy she's got a physical relationship with, one she's totally on the outs with, and two that are sort of on the periphery in a more neutral kind of place. So, I'm super curious how the guys might catch up to/overtake each other in different ways when we get into book two.
My one issue was that aside from the interpersonal skills/family issues, it kind of seems like Char can do everything. She can fight, she's s*xy, she's smart, she's witty, she's high in demand (not just in terms of the harem), and she's got a high-powered position (won't say more so I don't spoil things). It almost felt like she could be a little bit more flawed, but this is definitely not a diehard issue for me.
Okay, I lied, there's one other thing. Fair warning to people who are incensed by this: this IS a cliffhanger. Not a little cliffhanger like she goes out for ice cream but you don't know if she gets chocolate or vanilla. It's a big cliffhanger. That's not a star off for me, but I want to forewarn picky readers so that they don't read book one and then smack the rating down because they would've waited to read it if they'd known about the cliffhanger.
Overall, Chaotic drew me right in, and I was disappointed when it ended faster than I would've liked, which isn't something I say about everything that I read. It made me literally laugh out loud, and I appreciated that the plot was interesting and had a good grasp of pacing. Definitely looking forward to book two.
July 18, 2020
i have work shortly so i’m going to bullet my thoughts & will come back later and reformat.
Likes:
- characters were consistent
- Fmc was super funny and authentic. seemed like a real person, anxiety was written very realistically and naturally
- i’m a sucker for friends to lovers & enemies to lovers and a book with both? sign me up
- multi pov
- alludes to possibly second chance romance trope as well? im hooked.
- fantastic writing & story flow
- her relationship with christian and sydney
- super powerful FMC who is not without faults? love it
honestly i could go on and on
(mild & vague spoilers blow)
Dislikes: (tbh they’re not really dislikes per say, but notes)
- i would’ve liked to see more about her relationship with annie, and i hope this comes into play in the next book. why does what has happened to her fuel Char’s need for revenge (besides the fact that it was cruel and messed up?) it’s only lightly touched on and would’ve liked more depth.
- i wanted more details from Theos perpective, or even lingering affection shown for her in other ways. is he an obsessive stalker because he’s messed in the head or because he honestly loves her, wants her back and is protective of her? I could see it going either way (him being a part of the harem or him being an antagonist) Which in all honestly is probably the authors intention but I would’ve liked some more information about their relationship and such.
- also, really am not looking forward to the Cara/Logan drama. ick. i’m sure the author will do it well but i’m not really a fan of the OW/ Mean Girl Tropes. Also i’m not so sure how i feel about logan. his ego is too big for his body.
Will I be continuing this series? Absolutely! I’ll also be telling all my book friends about it because i seriously enjoyed it.
Likes:
- characters were consistent
- Fmc was super funny and authentic. seemed like a real person, anxiety was written very realistically and naturally
- i’m a sucker for friends to lovers & enemies to lovers and a book with both? sign me up
- multi pov
- alludes to possibly second chance romance trope as well? im hooked.
- fantastic writing & story flow
- her relationship with christian and sydney
- super powerful FMC who is not without faults? love it
honestly i could go on and on
(mild & vague spoilers blow)
Dislikes: (tbh they’re not really dislikes per say, but notes)
- i would’ve liked to see more about her relationship with annie, and i hope this comes into play in the next book. why does what has happened to her fuel Char’s need for revenge (besides the fact that it was cruel and messed up?) it’s only lightly touched on and would’ve liked more depth.
- i wanted more details from Theos perpective, or even lingering affection shown for her in other ways. is he an obsessive stalker because he’s messed in the head or because he honestly loves her, wants her back and is protective of her? I could see it going either way (him being a part of the harem or him being an antagonist) Which in all honestly is probably the authors intention but I would’ve liked some more information about their relationship and such.
- also, really am not looking forward to the Cara/Logan drama. ick. i’m sure the author will do it well but i’m not really a fan of the OW/ Mean Girl Tropes. Also i’m not so sure how i feel about logan. his ego is too big for his body.
Will I be continuing this series? Absolutely! I’ll also be telling all my book friends about it because i seriously enjoyed it.
August 1, 2022
Gah! Cliffhangers but really good.
Man Charisma totally has to have ADHD lol she does all the classic things women can do who have ADHD but also has some of the things that are common with boys. I’d know as someone newly diagnosed. Anywho that’s why Charisma seems to bounce from idea to idea, tripping and falling, and talking fast. I love it. This is totally my speed, her demeanor and feelings I totally resonate with and really come through to me with the writing.
I’m excited to see where this goes, I really wish it was a bit longer just bc it’s so good. I like all the guys, except Theo, he’s sus to me. I know Bastille, now that Theo told us what he is, is of a faction that isn’t good, but I suspect HE isn’t part of it, or much like herself it’s his parents who are part of it or some such thing.
One thing that stood out though was Blaze’s sudden change of thoughts regarding Charisma and I couldn’t figure out how he went from suspecting her of being shady to bedding her. I felt like a missed a part.
I can’t stand her parents. They suck.
This cliffhanger though. That was crazy. Excited to see where book 2 takes us.
Man Charisma totally has to have ADHD lol she does all the classic things women can do who have ADHD but also has some of the things that are common with boys. I’d know as someone newly diagnosed. Anywho that’s why Charisma seems to bounce from idea to idea, tripping and falling, and talking fast. I love it. This is totally my speed, her demeanor and feelings I totally resonate with and really come through to me with the writing.
I’m excited to see where this goes, I really wish it was a bit longer just bc it’s so good. I like all the guys, except Theo, he’s sus to me. I know Bastille, now that Theo told us what he is, is of a faction that isn’t good, but I suspect HE isn’t part of it, or much like herself it’s his parents who are part of it or some such thing.
One thing that stood out though was Blaze’s sudden change of thoughts regarding Charisma and I couldn’t figure out how he went from suspecting her of being shady to bedding her. I felt like a missed a part.
I can’t stand her parents. They suck.
This cliffhanger though. That was crazy. Excited to see where book 2 takes us.
March 1, 2021
Quirky FMC
I had just a tiny bit of a hard time getting started on this book, mainly in connecting with Charisma (fmc). I loved her humor. Her inner monologue had me literally laughing out loud several times and I really like that she is not a badass battle mage but rather the super tech geek. What I struggled to connect with was her sort of multiple personalities where she was at times confused, lost in her head, bumbling, and insecure and then she would flip and show confidence and spirit. It's fine for her to have all the emotions but the dichotomy between her various behaviors was jarring and hard to transition between. It pulled me out of the story each time she went into this stuttering, spaced out behavior. In any case, once I got a bit further in, that lessened somewhat, and by then I was hooked on all her different interactions with the various Arcane heirs and the chaos of her life right now. This book couldn't have a better title! That ending though... All I can say is that I'm glad book two is already out.
I had just a tiny bit of a hard time getting started on this book, mainly in connecting with Charisma (fmc). I loved her humor. Her inner monologue had me literally laughing out loud several times and I really like that she is not a badass battle mage but rather the super tech geek. What I struggled to connect with was her sort of multiple personalities where she was at times confused, lost in her head, bumbling, and insecure and then she would flip and show confidence and spirit. It's fine for her to have all the emotions but the dichotomy between her various behaviors was jarring and hard to transition between. It pulled me out of the story each time she went into this stuttering, spaced out behavior. In any case, once I got a bit further in, that lessened somewhat, and by then I was hooked on all her different interactions with the various Arcane heirs and the chaos of her life right now. This book couldn't have a better title! That ending though... All I can say is that I'm glad book two is already out.
September 8, 2021
An incredibly annoying main character. In the first chapter she brags twice about ignoring a friend who is talking. His voice is sexy, so that's all she cares about, not what he has to say. She has a giant bathroom with separate soaking tub and shower with dual heads, but she's a disinherited underdog struggling to get by until graduation. She's so clumsy that she has at least 5 accidents in two chapters, but she can game, type, and "practice martial arts" just fine. In one of her accidents, she trips and pulls a guy's pants down while trying catch herself. People can see him, but not her. She goes on and on about how humiliated she is and how she should just die now and end her misery. Not a single thought spared to be sympathetic to the guy she pantsed, instead she thinks he's weird because he yelps like a girl when it happens. She's embarrassed, humiliated, desperate, etc. every other page, but her drama is way out of proportion to what happened. She just tripped, why is that the end of the world?!
April 21, 2022
I would’ve enjoyed this more if Charisma was not annoying 😭
July 21, 2020
Not ok
Nope I’m not ok right now seriously HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME! On another note fanfreakinamazing! Like wow I’m seriously gonna go run and read your other book because I need more right this second!
Nope I’m not ok right now seriously HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME! On another note fanfreakinamazing! Like wow I’m seriously gonna go run and read your other book because I need more right this second!
December 16, 2022
I think...
I think maybe I've found a new author to follow... I must say I was thoroughly entertain by the 1 st book of this series.. I can't wait to see what book two unfolds.
Overall Rating
4.5 ~ A Very Good Read
I think maybe I've found a new author to follow... I must say I was thoroughly entertain by the 1 st book of this series.. I can't wait to see what book two unfolds.
Overall Rating
4.5 ~ A Very Good Read
June 1, 2025
i'm not sure about this one. 50%of the book is just the main character being ✨️quicky✨️ and so not powerful but really smart so that no one can beat her in a duel and she's so average looking that all the major heirs want her...
meeeeh
the plot is intriguing though.
meeeeh
the plot is intriguing though.
March 30, 2025
4.1 super digestible and readable but a little corny
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