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Eden Academy #1

Rebels and Runaways

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Welcome to Eden Academy. Safe haven. Melting pot of preternatural beings from shifters to extraordinary humans.

Carmen had been attending Eden Prep since before she knew her multiplication tables, and she was ready to graduate, do her time at the Academy and then get the hell out of dodge. She was sick of having a best friend who still saw her as a little kid despite the fact she was seventeen. She was sick of her Alpha older brother telling her what to do. She was sick of always being compared to Enit, her omega and incomparable littermate.

The only place she felt free was fighting, and if her parents knew that? They'd kick her ass and keep her locked up in the tiny town of Dark River forever. Well, except her dad X. Carmen was pretty sure he'd be proud that she could kick ass.

Carmen needed to get out into the world and live life on her own terms. But the last months of her senior year bring more surprises than she expected. A fiery runaway with a quick smile and even quicker hands. Not to mention the arrival of a boy, no a man, with dark eyes and an even darker past.

Hell, maybe Eden was living up to its name after all.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2021

626 people are currently reading
1373 people want to read

About the author

Grace McGinty

64 books2,197 followers
When I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.

Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.

Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?

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5 stars
1,083 (53%)
4 stars
626 (31%)
3 stars
237 (11%)
2 stars
52 (2%)
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20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for KLynn.
1,511 reviews27 followers
March 1, 2021
Dnf 50% (just wasn't doing it for me)

Things I liked:
The MFC was written really well
I liked the family loyalty and dynamic

Thing I didn't like:
The m/m relationships felt a little too much like cheating to me. For me to enjoy m/m in a romance it needs to revolve around the female
From what I read, the storyline was a little week (jmo)

Introspection: in the prequel to this book I didn't mind the m/m at all, but I think it's because their relationship was already established before they met the MFC and therefore didn't go down the cheating lane for me.
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,533 reviews310 followers
October 16, 2022
This was a pretty fun and straightforward RH read that I really just picked up for a challenge. I’ve had this author in my TBR for awhile and I’ll be checking out more of her stories after this, it was a really enjoyable read. Rebels and Runaways features heroine Carmen who is such a badass. She was so easy to love and root for. It certainly helped that she’s a bit crazy and wild. She’s extremely protective over those she cares about and she’s more likely to be in a full out brawl than she is a lame girl fight. Carmen has sadly not been sheltered from the dark sides of the world but refuses to let her past hold her back. There is a bit of dark elements in the book such as abuse and slavery so do be warned. Other than a threat to one of her mates the content of the story is pretty lighthearted though once Carmen starts claiming her mates things certainly heat up. While the book does leave us on a cliffy, it’s more an intro to her sister’s story which is next. In that respect this kinda feels like it ends on a HEA or at the very least a HFN for this group. I’ll certainly be reading the next one but I like that I can give s9methknf else a go and come back to this. For some reason I also have a feeling Carmen’s brother is or will be getting a story at some point and as of now there’s only the two books out. Time will tell I guess. Overall I really enjoyed this. Carmen was by far the best part but I loved the shifter world and community they lived in as well. She also collected mates of all varieties and I loved how they were all some different type of supernatural beings.
31 reviews
February 5, 2021
This book proves Grace McGinty is the absolute master (mistress?) of crossover series and Easter eggs! She has created such intricate worlds in her PNR series and standalones, and they come together memorably in Rebels and Runaways.

Carmen is a badass who often adopts a fists first, questions later approach. I sometimes find the tough, ballsy FMCs end up irritating, but in this case, Carmen's written with so much heart and generosity of character that she's genuinely likeable. I loved that the Academy students are aged 18-22 (slightly more palatable for me compared to young Academy) and man, those guys are delicious.

The storyline was full of action, steam and sweetness, and I swear I squee-d every time characters from a different series or standalone popped in! Can't wait for the second book in Eden Academy - it can't come fast enough.
Profile Image for Krissreads.
904 reviews34 followers
October 16, 2024
4/5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️

——• 🖤

This isn’t what I expected at all to be honest but I loved it nonetheless. Watching Carman come into herself after being the 5 year old who was rescued from the black market was a beautiful thing as she is now an independent and strong woman. Her relationship with Bobby was undeniable from the start and seeing how Sammie and Flint came into the mix was seamless, they were perfect for both Carmen and Bobby. Monster on the other hand was completely different and I can’t say I liked the introduction very much. His character was broken and sad, yet so beautiful but I feel like we didn’t get a chance to really get to know him or his actual story.

The overall storyline was great as always and the plot having more of a sole focus on Flints issue with escaping his old “owner” because he was willing do anything to get him back. Everything was going good but the ending just wasn’t long enough because we weren’t able to fully understand the pack dynamic and see how they all worked together or how their relationship fully evolved. I mean we didn’t even get to see Carmen actually accept the bond mating with either Bobby or Monster, like what the fuck is that shit!?

I don’t know what will come in Enit’s book, maybe we will see more but I don’t know if I want to read it because it just doesn’t seem to be my thing but never say never…

In the mean time I’m going back to finish book 4 in the Dark River Days which is 15 years after the fact (Carmen was 5ish) and will run in this timeline. We might even get more on these guys, who knows!

——• 🖤

Carman 🐺 A Wolf shifter (beta)
Bobby 🐆 A Leopard shifter - The Alpha Heir
Sammie 🐆 Human turned Jaguar Shifter
Flint 🔥🦇 A Dijin (some fire man with bat wings)
Monster 🐺💀 A wolf shifter turned to a Wendigo

——• 🖤

🔥Series Reading Order🔥

💚 Eden Academy Book 0.5 - The Lost and the Hunted (Did not read)

🖤 Dark River Days Book 1 - Newly Undead in Dark River

💚 Eden Academy Book 0.6 - Heart of the Hounded (Did not read)

🖤 Dark River Days Book 2 - Happily Undead in Dark River

🖤 Dark River Days Book 3 - Pleasantly Undead in Dark River

💚 Eden Academy Book 1 - Rebels and Runaways
👆🏼The shifter pup's books👇🏼
💚 Eden Academy Book 2 - Sweethearts and Savages

🧡 Shadow Bred Series Books 1 to 3 - Manix, Frenzy and Feral (Did not read)

🖤 Dark River Days Book 4 - Seductively Undead in Dark River

🧡 Shadow Bred Series Book 4 - Crave (Did not read)

There are more books to read between DRD book 3 and DRD book 4 as it's placed 15 years after the end of book 3 but they’re not really my cup of tea... However I reallllllly advise you to read the DRD series as they were all 5⭐️ books for me!
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
February 8, 2021
This book was so freaking amazing. We get to see everyone and we get little nuggets all the way across the board answering so many questions. We get to see the characters as parents and how they are with the kids and how things are being ran.

First and foremost Carmen is one badass babe with one of the purest freaking hearts ever. I know she has the darkness in her that still tries to consume her but she doesn’t let it. She literally wants to save and see everyone happy. She is feisty, funny, strong and independent but you get to see that amazing softness when it comes to her men and her siblings really all of her family in general. She is a fierce protector.

Now on to the these fine men of hers lord help us all! Bobby, Sammie, Flint and Monster are straight sex on a stick!!! They all care so much for Carmen and would lay down their lives in an instant to protect her. All they want is for her to be happy and you can honestly see how happy she is when they are all with her...

Carmen’s story was great and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Natasha.
414 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2021
“You should head back to class. I will see you at home this evening. I believe that X is cooking some kind of roast beef thing. We’ll have a talk about your propensity for violence later. I have pointers.”

Wow this book was really fabulous! So if you have read Grace’s other paranormal books, all of the cameos and literary easter eggs in this book will make you internally fan girl scream! I mean who doesn’t want to know how Raine’s mates are as fathers? X and Lucius as Dads? It’s everything you were hoping for! And who hasn’t thought about how great an X and Goliath meeting would be? Then read this book to find out! You won’t be disappointed! Whilst this story focuses on Carmen and her reverse harem, all of the other characters shine just as brightly in this story too.

As this Book 1 of the Eden Academy series, and cross over of all Grace’s current paranormal series, I would recommend reading them all, if you get the chance. It’s well worth the time investment, if you enjoy paranormal romance, especially the reverse harem genre. There is a time jump from all of the other books to the start of this one, but adds to the enjoyment knowing the backgrounds of the characters. This story has a very solid storyline in its own right, but ends on quite the cliffhanger, so my advice is to preorder Sweethearts and Savages as soon as possible!

Grace has built an amazing world and characters that you can fall in love with, wish you were friends with, and add to your own book boyfriend reverse harem.

Thank you Grace for gifting a copy of the story. I’m voluntarily reviewing and giving an unbiased opinion of an eARC.
Profile Image for Gen.
23 reviews
February 13, 2025
DNF 65%

This book was an experience… and not the good kind. The female lead? Imagine a toddler throwing a tantrum—except she’s also permanently horny, tragically stupid, and makes life choices that would make a reality TV contestant look like a Nobel laureate. Every decision felt like watching someone set their own house on fire and then complain about the smoke.

And the love interests? No better. They buzzed around the heroine like a swarm of intoxicated bees, hopelessly devoted to their unhinged queen. No brain, no logic—just blind, unquestioning obsession. Their love wasn’t just instant; it was as if Cupid, in a fit of impatience, ditched his bow and went full barbarian, ramming his love arrows straight into a places where the sun doesn't shine.... Passion? Hardly. It was more like a supernatural case of collective brain rot.... but that's okayyyy ....

finally why not conclude this beautiful text by ttalking about the plot?? The plot? Yeah you know that thing that the writer lost in the chaos. The characters? Even more lost. Reading this felt less like an escape and more like being locked in a car with a broken GPS and a driver who refuses to ask for directions. Would not recommend—unless you enjoy frustration, secondhand embarrassment, and watching common sense get publicly executed...
Profile Image for Belle .
609 reviews45 followers
February 14, 2021
Loved this start to the series! I’m enjoying the hell out of this world this author has created. The characters are fun and distinct.

Carmen was a fierce FMC. There was a bit of instalove with Flint and Sammie, but it played out well. I wish I had seen a bit more of her backstory with Bobby. She’s a virgin, and he was keeping their fated mate bond from her. I wanted to see a little more flashbacks, but honestly it probably wouldn’t have fit into the plot.

I loved the addition of Monster. I love a good psycho, and I loved that Lucius loved him lol. Also, seeing Raine and her guys was great. I hope to see more of them in Enit’s book! And I need more of Christopher! They were all cute pups and seeing them grown is great.

I can’t wait for book 2, especially after that cliffhanger! I also actually liked that despite the insta attraction with the guys and the mates thing, Carmen still wants to take it somewhat slow before actually being mated. I enjoyed that and I hope we get to see more of them later on.
Profile Image for Wendy.
186 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2021
Love!

Again, you must dive into this world! I love a great series with characters that move through all the books so you can see them grow. A must read!
Profile Image for vxhexn reads.
527 reviews168 followers
February 16, 2021
I’ll never get enough of Grace’s writing. And this story does not disappoint. It was like a huge family reunion bringing together all the characters we have come to love from Grace’s stories. I laughed, I cried, I had to stop to fan myself from the steam coming off the pages. There’s the rollercoaster of emotions that keep you on the edge of your seat thirsting for more.

In Lost and the Hunted: Eden Academy book 0 we met the benefactors and co-founders of Eden Academy. In Heart of the Hounded: Eden Academy book 0.5 we got to know the other co-founders of the academy. Now we get to experience the school fully established after 10+ years.

The triplets from the Dark River Days series: Christopher, Carmen, and Enit hold a large focus in this book. But overall it’s Carmen’s harem that steals the show.

As a beta, Carmen has always felt like the forgotten sibling. Not dominant enough to be an Alpha and not submissive enough to be an Omega. In her own words “I was just a boring old beta. We didn’t even get capitalization. A default setting. Run of the mill, everyday, nothin’ special, beta.” Yet the fire within her is fierce. Trained to fight, she thrives on the violence and bloodshed. She’s quick to anger and extremely protective of those she loves.

Her harem is a collection of mismatched personalities. Bobby is her frenemy. Having grown up together they fight as hard and they love. Sammie, from the Damnation MC series, is a human and like catnip to Carmen. He’s the temptation she cannot deny and the teacher she shouldn’t pursue. Then there’s Flint who is a djinn/ifrit. He’s suffered immensely in his short life and the kinship he and Carmen share links them at a deeper level then mere attraction.

Honestly it couldn’t have said it better Carmen, so here’s her eloquent words: “Surely no. Surely, I hadn’t been that good in a past life that the Fates would grant me three bisexual boyfriends. Three hot bi boyfriends who also thought the other ones were hot. No one was that lucky.” This girl struck gold with her men and I couldn’t be more jealous!!

And there’s a surprise addition to her harem towards the end of the book that I didn’t expect. He’s another one with a devastating story to tell and Carmen’s who grounds him and makes him feel safe.

Oh yeah and frustrating as it is, in true Grace fashion, we have a cliffhanger at the end of this story.


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𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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Profile Image for Jen.
1,642 reviews
February 3, 2021
Omg,Omg,Omg!!!!! This was crazy insane!! I so need book 2 like right freakin now!

It took me awhile to read due to the very inconvenient migraine I was gifted with last night but it was soooo worth the pain. My heart just broke in a million pieces for Flint and Monster. I needed to hug each of them.
Carmen is such a spitfire. I think I like her better than Raine. I don’t want to give too much away since I was blessed with an advanced copy from Grace. Let me just say...you totally need to read this book!
Profile Image for Nicole Hale.
965 reviews28 followers
February 13, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grace did an absolutely amazing job with this one. I knew when I read the blurb that o had to have it.

Carmen the FMC is amazing. Flint, Monster, Sammy and Bobby might be one of my favorites harems ever.

Ummmm I need book 2 I need to know what happens next!!! So good
Profile Image for Duchessbookworm.
1,306 reviews43 followers
October 5, 2021
4.5 stars

This is the ultimate cross over. Carmen is such a spitfire and I love it. This book was funny at times. Every entertaining. Also I read this in one day!





There is a little more MM since almost all her guys are bi. I really liked it, but just a little FYI for the rest of you.
Profile Image for literaryobsessed_.
539 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2021
THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED

*internal screaming* this book is amazing. Not only does it cross so many other stories giving us just juicy little throw backs and nods it also develops these characters in ways no one was expecting.
Our FMC is Carmen or Mouse, who gets her nickname because she doesnt talk and shes as quiet as a mouse. This is who we know her as a child. Now that shes all grown up she is a badass who can take care of herself and her pack. She is a product of her raising and its beautiful to see her grow from all the trauma she went through.
Bobby is such a sweet character, protective, and the best friend type. Total throw back to other characters while still being completely unique. He also stands up for mouse and supports her even when he doesnt agree with her.
*squeee* we get to catch up with Sammie again and my my has he grown up. It is crazy to see him as the adult of the pack.
The 2 new members of our harem perfectly round out our pack and complement each of the members of the pack.
The plot in this book is insane! On the edge of my seat couldn't put it down from beginning to end! And that cliffhanger????? My heart hurts.

On a side note it is so cool to see the gang from Dark River Days as parents and how they interact with grown children.
Profile Image for Roxy Cunliffe.
82 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2021
Omg Grace why did u do this to me this book is fricken amazing it kept me on my toes and I could not put it down amazing storyline amazing characters and now I'm casually hanging iver the cliff waiting for the next book 100% recommended
Profile Image for Alesha Anset.
164 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2021
Great book ♥️♥️♥️

With reading dark river and serendipity first to get a feel for the characters more.

Another stunner from grace, I enjoyed this and might be one of my favs from her to date. I loved the characters in this and their journey in this book is worth the read.

20/10 from me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shelley.
537 reviews10 followers
July 23, 2022
Too YA for my taste. But good overall
Profile Image for ✧ FLINN ✧ (Semi-Hiatus).
562 reviews118 followers
September 23, 2022
This is a Dark River Days Spin-off and it was just okay.

I was very glad to see all my fave characters a couple of years later (even if they were only side characters in here) but tbh I'm not impressed by this book.

3 stars
Profile Image for Dila.
138 reviews6 followers
Read
January 17, 2024
dnf @40% - the writing is meh and I‘m not feeling any of the connections between people. also, where‘s the plot?
Profile Image for Sam&Dean.
966 reviews20 followers
June 8, 2024
Dang! I was super excited about this book/ series and it was just an all around disappointment. I am so bummed! I love this author and this huge paranormal world she created. This book should have been a culmination of all the characters from several series finally coming together but it just wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough of anything that usually makes a Grace McGinty book so fantastic.

This book starts out strong and we get to see several past families showing up to drop their kids off at school. I loved that it started at Beatrice’s restaurant in Dark River, the perfect place for past main characters to bump into each other. At this point I almost stopped to reread the damnation/ redeemable series since it’s been so long, but that’s a lot of books, so I forged on.

We get thrown into the thick of things pretty quick as we find out what Carmen has been up to since she was dropped off in Dark River as a scared and traumatized child who didn’t even speak. She has dealt with that past through pain as we see her deeply immersed in an underground fight club. Slowly we get to meet her mates and see the instant attraction she has with each one. Then the book putters out and things fall apart.

The middle of the book, while the relationships build, is so darn slow and NOTHING happens. We see Sammie go for a run and bump into Lincoln (Lost & Hunted- Eden Prequel) and he invites Sammie to dinner to meet the only other “vanilla humans” at Eden. Guess what? We never see Linc or his family again. We were left hanging at the end of their story as Celeste goes into labor and WE STILL NEVER MEET THAT CUB or even get a name. And why don’t we see them in school? At least meeting Madoc and Attica, who I assume would be close in age. Total missed opportunity…. But this book is focused on its main love interests, I get it, so we move on….

Time passes as Carmen gets to know some of her mates and I gotta admit most of her inner dialogue is pretty funny. Her excitement over all her guys being bisexual is palpable and I’m as excited as she is to see them together. BUT WE NEVER DO!!
An occasional kiss is the most we really ever get between the guys even though at some point it mentions they are f**king. We’ve gotten this in every book so far so I don’t know why the author shies away from the opportunity to show intimacy among the new pack. In fact the spice in this book is so freaking low, we never even see Carmen do more that kiss one of her mates. Seriously??? Not only does nothing happen in the middle of the book, plot wise, but we miss out on the smut as well? Really?? What was the point?

We don’t see or hear much from the main baddie Rook for most of the book which is also where it falls apart plot-wise. We KNOW FOR A FACT that Rook is close to Eden since he is trying to get Flint back. BUT NO ONE CAN FIND HIM? Not even Lucius, who easily infiltrates black market trades? Azar is even mentioned raiding facilities in New York, thousands of miles away, looking for Rook. But no one goes back to the fight club, the trailer Flint was living, or asks Rat, the fight club leader? And don’t get me started on Carmen’s random 4th mate, whom we EVER ONLY SEE THOUGH A CHAIN-LINK FENCE???!?! I mean, this guy has the most interesting story of everyone in the ENTIRE book and we never even learn about it? Why did he become Wendigo? What about Hew and Wati? I mean that story practically deserved its own book but we barely get the basics instead.

Also why was Rook obsessed with getting Flint back when had control of so many other fighters? Flint could have died in the ring at any point and Rook wouldn’t have cared. And that violent ending? Completely unnecessary to nearly kill off 5 main characters! And Sammie conveniently becomes immortal with no difficulty in what feels like a quick afterthought. We don’t even see any of the rescued children again (another huge missed opportunity to see them join Eden/ become side characters).

One last complaint about so-called fated-mate and best friend Bobby?? It eludes to him sleeping his way through Eden and Niso while cock blocking Candace? His fated mate right in front of him and he doesn’t even take her to prom or try to make a move, even once she’s an adult? Not until she finds someone else? Nah man, that guy is just a fu**boy alphahole.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,091 reviews120 followers
February 28, 2021
Totally loved this

I absolutely loved this! I love this entire world setting, love this next generation! The storyline! This author just does it for me. Can we just point out how awesome this beta wolf is! My favorite reads are anything to do with wolfs/shifters/lycan ect, but you rarely ever get a book about betas. They seem to always fall as nothing special category, and it was nice to see that that wasn't the case here. I loved our fmc, she was definitely crazy, strong, and loyal. Her men! I loved each and everyone of them, I can't even pick a favorite because they we're pretty much all equally great. This story was amazing! And I'm so excited to read more on this world and the rest of this next generation crew.
369 reviews6 followers
April 1, 2023
Such a disappointment on the smutt-o-meter. She's got 3 bi and 1 straight mates & rarely takes advantage of them? We never get to experience or witness the benefits of having mates that are also attracted to each other? How can the story end unbonded with no group loving in a RH?! Especially when we were teased with an orgy reference 100 times.
The storyline is fine. There's a bunch of plot holes and questions left unanswered.
All the drama happens at once - like everything comes crashing down on every single person in the book within 3 chapters. It goes from nothing to too much.
Profile Image for Allons-y.
238 reviews45 followers
March 7, 2021
*2.75*
This book gave off a very young vibe. Almost immature but with a bunch of smut...
It took me a while to read it because I didn't really care what happened next.. I may be in a bit of a slump 🤔😒
39 reviews
April 6, 2021
YES!

You know when you have your favourite tropes? The ones that keep you going back to the same thing over and over again to re-live something but totally different at the same time? Well those are the same things I did I loved to stick to the same constant when reading my little romance books 😏 ......so when I was recommended this book by a fellow book reader because I was in a book slump and just wasn’t feeling the repetitive drawl like i usually did, I took a chance and found myself going to Amazon and downloading me a copy. Now I went in blind I didn’t read the description, I didn’t ask what it was about I just gave it a download and hoped for the best.

When reading the first chapter I was stuck Carmine not only grabbed my attention but she ripped it from my grasp and told me to “fight her” for it . I fell in love with her bras, sassy fast witted self. She’s everything in a heroine that I’d ever want. How shocked was I when I realised this was a shifter book? Now I’ve read these and I love the whole fated mates/rejected mates thing but I’d never read a mixture of PNR entities! This was entirely new to me and let’s be honest I didn’t think I would stick to it because of that but I did.

Let’s get to the part when I discovered this was not only a shifter romance but a reverse harem ! Like wtf?! I can honestly say I’ve read one series that was a reverse harem and although I really did adore it, I felt like it wasn’t for me I was more into the whole possessive “you Jane, me Tarzan” type of girl but this one I could definitely lump in the must read pile because it is such a good read. I will go on to read about Enit because the entire group has stolen my attention and I need to devour more ! It’s a pity that I didn’t know there were more books before this one so now I have to read the lot before this one but hey I guess it’s a job worth doing 😏

Anyway I know this review wasn’t much about the book but more about what I felt about it but hey it’s my review and that’s how I’m gonna remember it, so bite me. Have fun guys oh and thanks to that chick off Facebook for the recommendation it was a fun ride .....

Until next time ....💋
1,028 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2025
The problem with working through an author's shared universe one-by-one, is that their shortcomings become glaringly obvious -- in this author's case, that is balance or lack of it.

First we have Bobby, the childhood best friend and fated mate. He's had years to grow his love for her, so I have no complaints here.

Next, there's Flint, who met Carmen in the fighting ring. Carmen vaguely noticed he was attractive, but there was no big moment of her just knowing. Yet after rescuing him from Djinn slavery, there were no moments of awkwardness, or trying to define what they were to each other. He was just her insta-boyfriend. No conversation needed.

I expected to love Sammie. He was such a brave and solemn little cutie in Damnation MC. And I didn't not like him. He did all the right things, and fit in perfectly with Carmen and the other guys. But there was no tension or build-up. There was no growing respect for Carmen or relationship development. It was insta-love the moment their eyes met. Not even a supernatural element pulling them together.

And finally, there's Monster. I found him so mysterious and intriguing, and still do, because the author gave us nothing. I wanted to watch Carmen's feelings slowly morph from pity to affection to desire and then love, but he was tacked on so late the game, that all we got was a vague impression that their romance would start eventually. That's not how this is supposed to work.

So many of this authors books feel rushed and unfinished at the end. Problems remain unsolved, questions remain unanswered, and we aren't left with the confidence that the relationships in question can last and grow. Additionally, people read romance to get their fix of romantic tension dopamine, and this author's book leave me feeling deprived.
879 reviews18 followers
July 10, 2025
Spoilers ahead.


So lately I have gone on some pretty long rants about books and that is not great to read so I am trying out some headers!

FMC:
I liked and disliked Mouse. First I think I was annoyed a little with her nickname mostly because is just felt bleh to me, but that isn't a reason to dislike a character! I liked her strong willed nature and her strength to back it up, but as always with that character there were times I rolled my eyes and almost skipped paragraphs because stubborn and head strong can also mean pretty annoying. Other than that I liked her, liked her story a lot and just wished we got to know her a little better than this girl who floats through life causing chaos in her wake. I wanted more depth to her, maybe a little vulnerability

MMC:
I don't feel like any of them got fair time if that makes sense. Maybe it's because they are all crammed in this book or just the lack of any real back story for anyone except Flint. I also didn't mind the whole everyone is dating everyone but I wish we also got more one on one time to develop their relationship rather than they are fated the end.

plot:
I felt lost with all these extra families and add ins that everyone acts like we should know the entire family tree. It made the plot more complicated than it needed to be. Then at the end of the day the only plot was this one bad guy and it fell super flat for me.


Overall:
I think this was a good bare bones for a book but lacked depth and connection to the characters and what was going on around them. It was faster paced with relationships and we jump right into them being together as a group but miss any sort of tension or build up that makes the book worth it.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,882 reviews54 followers
February 24, 2023
Carmen and her littermates attended Eden Prep for years and are now beginning Eden Prep. Hopefully, that means a little more freedom. She's ready to be out of the shadow of her overprotective Alpha brother and her way to too perfect Omega sister. As a beta, Carmen has never felt special. The only place she stands out is in a fight ring. That all changes. Suddenly, she's caught the eyes of more than one new guy, and her best friend. Now if she can keep them all alive.

I have not read the Dark River stories, so I went into this without any world-building or character history. I will give it the benefit of doubt and assume having read in order would have helped even if it wasn't necessary because this felt underdeveloped. The story, characters, and relationships felt rushed. Other than that, I had a couple of issues with these particular characters. Bobby was her fated mate. A fact he had known for years. A fact he kept hidden from her for years. While he dated other girls in front of her. There was no evidence he would have told her when he finally did if he didn't see he was losing her to the others. She got mad AND got over it within the same chapter. I did not. This deserved more attention and explanation. Then there's Monster who was described pretty much as the main character in a horror movie in his first scene. Considering his other character traits and dietary requirements, I would have loved for him to have a more flattering description, so I could see the appeal. Finally, 3 of the 4 guys are bi and never get a scene? Why bother?? I did enjoy the book but with a few tweaks, I could have enjoyed it much more. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Leia.
255 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2021
Grace McGinty has built an astounding world full of suspense and intrigue.
Eden Academy dives further into the already fascinating world of angels, shifters, vampires, and a host of other paranormal creatures that all co-exist.

I've devoured her books and was anxiously awaiting Rebels and Runaways. It didn't disappoint at all. Fast paced and packed with action, adventure, and love - this book kicked off what is sure to be an amazing series.

Though this book can be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning with Hell's Redemption: The Complete Series Boxset and following the suggested reading order from her website. It brings such depth to the story and every book leading up to Eden Academy is a fantastic read.

Rebels and Runaways, like all of Grace's books, features a strong willed, intelligent, capable heroine who cements the story. Though all of the men in this book are fantastic, I love the way that they compliment the heroine without overpowering or running all over her. The support and love that is created between the harem is beautiful.

I cannot recommend these books enough, and I know that I will be rereading them for years to come.
Profile Image for Mom Reads Romance.
718 reviews27 followers
December 15, 2022
Well damn. This was a great book! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

The academy at the center of this story is host to adult supernatural students (18&up) so at least we aren’t dealing with overly mature teens. 🙄

And the fmc Carmen (one of Raven’s adopted triplet wolfs) is oddly mature even tho she is hot headed, she still comes across as complex. Not just looking for punches, even tho she clearly needs to fight and bleed. Thankfully she also doesn’t come across as an idiot. 🤡🥴

Let’s all thank Grace M, the author, for that shizz. 👏🏼👏🏼

The different men surrounding her are all interesting on their own and don’t feel like a click and paste poly harem thanggg🤭

Again. TYVM GM👏🏼👏🏼

There isn’t a ton of MM or MMF and tbh it was not a spicy read to me. But. Maybe I am just used to high amounts of spice and this one is medium? Maybe? Meh-don’t take my word on any of this bc I can’t be trusted. 🫣😂

I liked the balance of smexy times to actual story. ✅

And the story sucked me in. 🌪️

I have been frustrated with my reading picks lately so this shook me out of my DNF habit. 🚫💯

You might wanna read the Dead River books but tbh I only read the first one and thanks to good writing, I didn’t feel like I missed anything much.
MY ONLY REASON FOR DOCKING STARS
⭐️
The one really shitty thing about this book is the lack of a true ending. So I hope this chick wraps all this shizz up bc otherwise it does feel unfinished
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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