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Love. Wealth. Success. Gabrielle Johansson has attained all three as one of Los Angeles's most hard-working and successful young, black professionals. In addition to becoming one of LA's best surgeons, she is also engaged to world-renowned artist Damian DuPont. All that seems to change when she gets a phone call that Steve Richardson, beloved friend of the family and father of her childhood best friends, Chris, and Charlie, passed away. Upon her return to rural Pennsylvania, she is overwhelmed with memories of her childhood, family, and friends. In an attempt to rekindle old friendships, Gabrielle is forced to face old, buried feelings for the Richardson brothers and finds herself constantly succumbing to repressed desires.But what are her childhood best friends really hiding? She soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a toxic feud involving intense violence, dishonesty, love, and unthinkable betrayal.***This is the FIRST book in the multi-genre, reverse-harem erotic thriller Marvelous 3 Saga. Gabrielle Johansson is Black Girl Magic personified in the Sons of the Elite Series. Take a ride with Smauggy on this roller-coaster journey and visit her website at SMAUGGY.COM for a full cinematic experience complete with casting and soundtrack.This saga can be read in any series order but the below is Sons of the Elite > NOLA Witches > Anarchists > Death Do Us PartIf you're reading The Marvelous 3 Saga in its entirety, the order is as Damaged > Stuck in the Middle > Man's Weakness > Family Ties > 4Play > Hackers with(out) Remorse > Rise of the Phoenix > Untamed > Rogue Gone Ravage > The Unsettling > The Reckoning
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2020
270 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 24, 2022
I was really out here thinking this was going to be bad based on these reviews and well. They lied. There may be a few plot points that I side eyed but otherwise this is just a good foundational first book in a series. There were some questions you got some answers. But you get to know the characters and considering this is friends to lovers/forbidden relationship then I think the pace is fitting. I think if you read the forward you know exactly what to expect and that’s exactly what you get.
October 24, 2021
This is marketed as a reverse harem and is truly the furthest from that. I’m not sure what in the Wattpad is happening here but please spare yourself.
Want to read
April 9, 2021🎁 The complete Series is FREE on Amazon today (4/9/2021)! 🎁
June 15, 2020
Great start
First found out about this book on Wattpad.And what can I say I’m far from disappointed.Great book.cant wait for part two
First found out about this book on Wattpad.And what can I say I’m far from disappointed.Great book.cant wait for part two
June 20, 2020
I read this book on Wattpad and I had to read it again! I love all of her books!
June 11, 2020
Love this Story.
This is my go-to book when I am having one of those days. You know the kind where you just need to be someone else for awhile. This books makes me feel. Laugh, Cry and get angry. Love the characters and the story. I now have a new favorite author. Can't wait for more of her work.
This is my go-to book when I am having one of those days. You know the kind where you just need to be someone else for awhile. This books makes me feel. Laugh, Cry and get angry. Love the characters and the story. I now have a new favorite author. Can't wait for more of her work.
July 4, 2022
Takes a Bit to Get the Writing Style
*****Spoilers*****
I lost my draft review that was much unfortunately. To sum it up now, the writing style took some time to get used to as it jumps perspectives a lot.
Gabrielle was a chameleon in terms of her personality which made it hard to get a solid read on her throughout the book. Chris and Charlie are brothers and madly in love with their best friend Gabrielle since childhood but agree not to go there because their lives are dangerous. Street cred for both brothers hidden by respectability. When Gabrielle shows back up though, they can't help themselves and Gabs/Chris (no protection) then Gabs/almost her boss Michael, then Chris/his ex Jessica (no protection), Gabs/Charlie, then back to Chris/Gabs (no protection) on the sex rollercoaster. From someone who grew up thinking it's a sin to masturbate, there's no guilt or rumination whatsoever from Gabrielle for going between the men. No problem for me, it just doesn't ring true.
There's also some incorrect word usage, typos, and grammatical errors. There were inconsistencies in character and information and that whole Izzy groupie fan stuff was weird.
Still interested to see what's next though so that's a plus.
*****Spoilers*****
I lost my draft review that was much unfortunately. To sum it up now, the writing style took some time to get used to as it jumps perspectives a lot.
Gabrielle was a chameleon in terms of her personality which made it hard to get a solid read on her throughout the book. Chris and Charlie are brothers and madly in love with their best friend Gabrielle since childhood but agree not to go there because their lives are dangerous. Street cred for both brothers hidden by respectability. When Gabrielle shows back up though, they can't help themselves and Gabs/Chris (no protection) then Gabs/almost her boss Michael, then Chris/his ex Jessica (no protection), Gabs/Charlie, then back to Chris/Gabs (no protection) on the sex rollercoaster. From someone who grew up thinking it's a sin to masturbate, there's no guilt or rumination whatsoever from Gabrielle for going between the men. No problem for me, it just doesn't ring true.
There's also some incorrect word usage, typos, and grammatical errors. There were inconsistencies in character and information and that whole Izzy groupie fan stuff was weird.
Still interested to see what's next though so that's a plus.
May 28, 2021
This is chaotic
I like the characters but having gabby be a neurosurgeon of all things & a whining crying damsel in distress too makes no sense. I have yet to meet a surgeon of any kind that weren't cocky control freaks. Her neediness was cringe. This is the first book I've read by this author. I hope this isn't gonna be the theme for the next installment. The constant crying was tiresome. Yes black women should be able to be more than strong but given her age & profession & her personal traumas, she would have a tougher shell. This crying all over the place & in front of anybody is unrealistic.
I like the characters but having gabby be a neurosurgeon of all things & a whining crying damsel in distress too makes no sense. I have yet to meet a surgeon of any kind that weren't cocky control freaks. Her neediness was cringe. This is the first book I've read by this author. I hope this isn't gonna be the theme for the next installment. The constant crying was tiresome. Yes black women should be able to be more than strong but given her age & profession & her personal traumas, she would have a tougher shell. This crying all over the place & in front of anybody is unrealistic.
December 26, 2022
Ok ready for the next
Gabrielle pretty much coming off as slutty. It seems who ever phallus she seems to be in the presence of at any giving moment her legs seem to fall open. She seems easily manipulated, and controlled. I'm disappointed in that because she's seems well accomplished and smart in her career. But as soon as there's d!ck around she losses all common sense, and it irritating. But so far it's still holding my interest.
Gabrielle pretty much coming off as slutty. It seems who ever phallus she seems to be in the presence of at any giving moment her legs seem to fall open. She seems easily manipulated, and controlled. I'm disappointed in that because she's seems well accomplished and smart in her career. But as soon as there's d!ck around she losses all common sense, and it irritating. But so far it's still holding my interest.
January 24, 2024
This is not a reverse harem. At all. It didn't impede my enjoyment. I love how Smauggy writes, but the tags lied, they lie. Maybe the subsequent books are. Yeah, I can see how I would like that to go down amongst some of the characters.
I was having a good old time reading this book and then frustration kicked in. Frustration for and at Gabrielle; frustration that evil people weren't being punished with a bullet to the head; frustration with Chris for some of his inconsiderate actions; frustration as I felt the mystery behind the Richardson family meant none of my frustrations would be resolved in this book as this is part of a series, baby! NONE of that meant I didn't enjoy myself, unfairly curse out characters for betrayals that weren't technically "betrayals," but in my world, it is damn it! If an author can illicit such strong emotions from me and not make me want to throw my book into the fire, I know I am on to a good thing. It wasn't all eager frustration, I really loved the way the twists kept coming.
I also love, love, love to read black fmc's such as Gabrielle and her friends just being excellent and excelling in their chosen fields. More of this.
My two biggest criticisms were how easily Gabrielle fell for any man that showed her attention. She's so confident in her career but so easily pliable in any man's hands. All he needs to do is be a bit of an arsehole, bite his or her lip, and obnoxiously invade her personal space with his rich man's entitlement for her to start dripping. I just wish she'd stood up for herself a little more, especially with the sexy-arsed Richardson brothers. I don't include her pos fiancé in that; there is no judgement from me there; if you know, then you know.
Also, there was so much lip-biting in this book that I am surprised the characters had any lips left. It was repeated throughout the book, to the point where it began to irk me.
I will be completing the entire series and saga. I thirst so hard to read The Unsettling and The Reckoning which will make no sense unless I read previous books, and I am happy to do so. I'm intrigued to find out where this story leads. I loved the ending. I very much enjoyed my second trip into Smauggy's mind.
I was having a good old time reading this book and then frustration kicked in. Frustration for and at Gabrielle; frustration that evil people weren't being punished with a bullet to the head; frustration with Chris for some of his inconsiderate actions; frustration as I felt the mystery behind the Richardson family meant none of my frustrations would be resolved in this book as this is part of a series, baby! NONE of that meant I didn't enjoy myself, unfairly curse out characters for betrayals that weren't technically "betrayals," but in my world, it is damn it! If an author can illicit such strong emotions from me and not make me want to throw my book into the fire, I know I am on to a good thing. It wasn't all eager frustration, I really loved the way the twists kept coming.
I also love, love, love to read black fmc's such as Gabrielle and her friends just being excellent and excelling in their chosen fields. More of this.
My two biggest criticisms were how easily Gabrielle fell for any man that showed her attention. She's so confident in her career but so easily pliable in any man's hands. All he needs to do is be a bit of an arsehole, bite his or her lip, and obnoxiously invade her personal space with his rich man's entitlement for her to start dripping. I just wish she'd stood up for herself a little more, especially with the sexy-arsed Richardson brothers. I don't include her pos fiancé in that; there is no judgement from me there; if you know, then you know.
Also, there was so much lip-biting in this book that I am surprised the characters had any lips left. It was repeated throughout the book, to the point where it began to irk me.
I will be completing the entire series and saga. I thirst so hard to read The Unsettling and The Reckoning which will make no sense unless I read previous books, and I am happy to do so. I'm intrigued to find out where this story leads. I loved the ending. I very much enjoyed my second trip into Smauggy's mind.
November 30, 2024
Sons of the Elite - Book 1
I usually wait until I finish all the books to write reviews on series, but this time I’m not sure I will make it through the series. This is book 1 of a 4 book arc that is part of a 12 book series. I was excited because from the description the stories are reverse harem (polyamory) with Black woman main characters.
Pros for book 1
- Overall premise is interesting. Childhood friends, two brothers and their best friend, are reunited by a death. The brothers have both been in love with their best friend since they were teenagers.
- The brothers are in a secretive family business and are afraid their love will be in danger if they are in a relationship. They fight against their desire but eventually do give in somewhat.
- Enter in a third man, who falls in love with the MFC. And he’s from a rival family.
Cons for book 1:
- The writer doesn’t know how to build and/or hold suspense. In an effort to build suspense, the writer only succeeds in creating confusion. It’s unclear if the brothers (and their rival) are mafia or something else.
- Characters don’t display or respond with the appropriate emotions and/or reactions to situations. It seems like the writer may be young and inexperienced.
- The word choice and syntax is off. Words with imprecise connotations are misused. Modifiers are mismatched and/or over used.
I am going to start book 2. I hope the writing gets better.
I usually wait until I finish all the books to write reviews on series, but this time I’m not sure I will make it through the series. This is book 1 of a 4 book arc that is part of a 12 book series. I was excited because from the description the stories are reverse harem (polyamory) with Black woman main characters.
Pros for book 1
- Overall premise is interesting. Childhood friends, two brothers and their best friend, are reunited by a death. The brothers have both been in love with their best friend since they were teenagers.
- The brothers are in a secretive family business and are afraid their love will be in danger if they are in a relationship. They fight against their desire but eventually do give in somewhat.
- Enter in a third man, who falls in love with the MFC. And he’s from a rival family.
Cons for book 1:
- The writer doesn’t know how to build and/or hold suspense. In an effort to build suspense, the writer only succeeds in creating confusion. It’s unclear if the brothers (and their rival) are mafia or something else.
- Characters don’t display or respond with the appropriate emotions and/or reactions to situations. It seems like the writer may be young and inexperienced.
- The word choice and syntax is off. Words with imprecise connotations are misused. Modifiers are mismatched and/or over used.
I am going to start book 2. I hope the writing gets better.
January 28, 2022
I’d like to start out saying, that I am making a review for each book in this series. I will be brutally honest without giving much away but I advise that anyone else who is a RH lover, or just loves badass Black women in the spot light, then here’s the warning: Don’t. The first book in this series showcases who Gabrielle Johansson is to Chris, and Charlie Richardson. These characters start out having great development, I love the teasing nature, and the warmth and how Smauggy brings you in with the classic cliche of “brothers in love with the same girl”. She paints a vision of this beautiful Black woman whose a talented Neurosurgeon, ballet dancer, comic nerd, and an endless loving heart. (Which it is nice to finally get some representation for nerdy Black women). Which intrigues you and makes you want to know what it is that Gabrielle and even the brothers are hiding. So, for the first book in this series I’ll admit this was going somewhere and then…
October 21, 2022
This took awhile, but eventually I warmed up to this book. It’s a slow burn meant to be the introduction to a 4 part saga, so keep that in mind if you’re confused halfway through where the “saga” element is. But I think the former reviews speak for themselves, her Wattpad followers seemed to enjoy this. I just wish I was able to enjoy it the same way. From reading her more recent work, I just can’t say that the writing and chemistry between the characters in this book is anywhere near as great (I am still craving what I felt in Malevolence in these other books😅). It has that Wattpad vibe… that’s all you really need to know. I like Gabrielle, Chris, Charlie, the whole gang - but I’ll probably need more convincing later on in the saga that these three (or four if you count mysterious Director Man Mr. Michael Bo?) are meant for each other.
June 30, 2023
3.5 stars. I’m conflicted with my rating. I keep comparing this to her recent work because I read her standalones first then came to her series. Thought this was a good set up for the story but I’m still salty about something’s. I really liked the book but I just didn’t like the random Irish man (lol, I was WHERE HE COME FROM?). I was salty every time she was with Chris, I just find him selfish and am more team Charlie personally. Overall, the story was good. At the end was that a hint of supernatural I was peeping 👀😱. I can’t wait to see how the story progresses. Highly recommend this author, she’s fire 🔥
April 1, 2025
3.5⭐
I liked this one, but you can tell this is early work. I actually like this style of writing, but some extra editing would've improved it. This is nitpicky, but the repeated use of "squeal" and "their eyes bulged" got to me. Especially in the sex scenes bc if my partner squealed during sex I would actually leave.
I'm a little indifferent to the cast so far and I don't really feel anything about any of the relationships. The push and pull got a little annoying bc omg just pick an action.
The spice is generous, but unimaginative.
With all of that said there's so much potential and I'm curious enough about the plot that I'm going to continue the series.
I liked this one, but you can tell this is early work. I actually like this style of writing, but some extra editing would've improved it. This is nitpicky, but the repeated use of "squeal" and "their eyes bulged" got to me. Especially in the sex scenes bc if my partner squealed during sex I would actually leave.
I'm a little indifferent to the cast so far and I don't really feel anything about any of the relationships. The push and pull got a little annoying bc omg just pick an action.
The spice is generous, but unimaginative.
With all of that said there's so much potential and I'm curious enough about the plot that I'm going to continue the series.
October 10, 2021
Damaged
Amazement at the depth portrayed for Chris, Charlie, and Gab’s characters are astounding to say the least.
Being immobile long enough to ensure everyone’s safety and then fun times……
Never read anything from this incredible author but I was enthralled at the first page and just wondering how Gabs will react to Charlie’s last decree (game on probably - challenges are what motivates the three…….
Now, boss man adds a different layer for Gab….
The ex-fiancé is too quiet……
Not knowing or having any idea of the where the continuation leads is a huge rush…..
Amazement at the depth portrayed for Chris, Charlie, and Gab’s characters are astounding to say the least.
Being immobile long enough to ensure everyone’s safety and then fun times……
Never read anything from this incredible author but I was enthralled at the first page and just wondering how Gabs will react to Charlie’s last decree (game on probably - challenges are what motivates the three…….
Now, boss man adds a different layer for Gab….
The ex-fiancé is too quiet……
Not knowing or having any idea of the where the continuation leads is a huge rush…..
July 22, 2025
I’m thinking….
It was a decent read I don’t care for third person though. I love smauggy I’ve read some of her other works so this was an interesting read for me. Not sure how this is reverse harem but hey !! Also she switched between guys too much for me it didn’t feel fleshed out but i guess that happens with friends to lovers you can skip the bs… idk maybe I’ll have to give the second book a chance I just want to read all her books from start to finish. Also the supernatural natural tie… at the end… meh I didn’t even know till
The last chapter like no hints whatsoever
It was a decent read I don’t care for third person though. I love smauggy I’ve read some of her other works so this was an interesting read for me. Not sure how this is reverse harem but hey !! Also she switched between guys too much for me it didn’t feel fleshed out but i guess that happens with friends to lovers you can skip the bs… idk maybe I’ll have to give the second book a chance I just want to read all her books from start to finish. Also the supernatural natural tie… at the end… meh I didn’t even know till
The last chapter like no hints whatsoever
July 30, 2021
Gear Up For A Rollercoaster Ride
I just stumbled across this author by mistake and I'm so glad! This book is building up to a great series. I have a very soft spot for Gabrielle because of her love of fantasy book and comics which not something associated to black women. Most reverse harmens are geared towards Caucasian women so I'm proud that this author is writing about a black character in this genre as there are so few of them. Much appreciated!
I just stumbled across this author by mistake and I'm so glad! This book is building up to a great series. I have a very soft spot for Gabrielle because of her love of fantasy book and comics which not something associated to black women. Most reverse harmens are geared towards Caucasian women so I'm proud that this author is writing about a black character in this genre as there are so few of them. Much appreciated!
February 12, 2022
okay book
I’m always here for a reverse harem. There were some technical issues. I’m assuming the authors use of emojis didn’t transfer over. There were also some grammatical errors. I also wasn’t fond of the bold words to get the point across in quotations.
I love that Gab is a successful doctor. Off the bat, I could tell Damien was abusive. Nothing happened in this book that made me crave for more but my interest is peaked enough to read the next book in the series.
I’m always here for a reverse harem. There were some technical issues. I’m assuming the authors use of emojis didn’t transfer over. There were also some grammatical errors. I also wasn’t fond of the bold words to get the point across in quotations.
I love that Gab is a successful doctor. Off the bat, I could tell Damien was abusive. Nothing happened in this book that made me crave for more but my interest is peaked enough to read the next book in the series.
October 1, 2020
Representation
I followed Smauggy from Wattpad to here and I’m glad to see her books published! This will be my first time reading from the beginning and I really like how the characters are written, even though they seem a bit tropey and cliche, I like seeing a black woman being loved by those around her because you don’t see that in many romance novels. Thank for this!
I followed Smauggy from Wattpad to here and I’m glad to see her books published! This will be my first time reading from the beginning and I really like how the characters are written, even though they seem a bit tropey and cliche, I like seeing a black woman being loved by those around her because you don’t see that in many romance novels. Thank for this!
August 9, 2020
Found on Wattpad.... followed to Amazon!!!
I was lucky enough to read this on Wattpad and was overjoyed to know that could buy on Amazon!!! I am a true day oner for this series and author... I have yet to read a book of hers that I have not fell in love with!!!!
I was lucky enough to read this on Wattpad and was overjoyed to know that could buy on Amazon!!! I am a true day oner for this series and author... I have yet to read a book of hers that I have not fell in love with!!!!
February 26, 2021
A page turner
The narrative is awesome! A complete page turner. There's a of violence, lot's of broken hearts, and toyed emotions. My favorite is the slang, ethnic language. And, professional black women with promising business career in a electronic settings.
The narrative is awesome! A complete page turner. There's a of violence, lot's of broken hearts, and toyed emotions. My favorite is the slang, ethnic language. And, professional black women with promising business career in a electronic settings.
September 26, 2022
Amazing
Found this recommendation on tik tok and I am so glad I did. Who doesn't love a strong black woman but also one who can try and let her guard down to be loved but also take control of her sexuality ! On to the next book.
Found this recommendation on tik tok and I am so glad I did. Who doesn't love a strong black woman but also one who can try and let her guard down to be loved but also take control of her sexuality ! On to the next book.
June 12, 2023
A slow burn in different perspectives
This was a classic slow burn. It was a little confusing at times because of the quick change of point of view. Charlie is my favorite and I want more from him.
This was a classic slow burn. It was a little confusing at times because of the quick change of point of view. Charlie is my favorite and I want more from him.
July 31, 2024
I found out about smuaggy on TikTok and her stories seemed like right up my alley! I was NOT disappointed!! Loved how each character was different and the back stories were well written and executed!
Can’t wait to read the second book 💜
Can’t wait to read the second book 💜
August 7, 2020
Damaged...nicely 🔥🔥🔥🤓👀
I loved ever second of this book. I could not put it down. I bought the rest of the series to see what came next. 🔥🔥🔥🤓😎😉
I loved ever second of this book. I could not put it down. I bought the rest of the series to see what came next. 🔥🔥🔥🤓😎😉
August 8, 2020
Been reading you since wattpad can't wait to continue this journey of your work. I'm addicted lol
March 3, 2022
Oh wow
I am really liking the story. I can't wait to read the next book. Smaguggy got me all in my feelings with this book. I'm in love with these guys!
I am really liking the story. I can't wait to read the next book. Smaguggy got me all in my feelings with this book. I'm in love with these guys!
October 17, 2022
I'm gonna call this series six flags...
Cause the loops and twirls and twists will take you for a ride! Those brothers! The trauma too. Also tw: DA, SA.
Cause the loops and twirls and twists will take you for a ride! Those brothers! The trauma too. Also tw: DA, SA.
July 13, 2023
This is not a reverse harem. The marketing was very misleading. The pacing was weird and the dialogue was cringey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews