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The Path of Temptation #3
The Games We Play
We're tempted to play games, thinking they will give us more power - but that only works if we win.
After spending the holidays with my guardian's family, it seems that everyone in the temple has the wrong idea. The Baron isn't my patron. He's not even a friend. In truth, I hate the man.
But the rumor mill is strong, and jealousy is running rampant.
This is all just one more excuse for my instructors to hold me back, lower my grades, and try to force me to choose one path. I can't! My god needs me to save him, and the Path of Temptation gives me the power to do that.
Except that I'm drowning in the pressure, feeling like I'm failing my god. I need to make people believe in him, but how can I do that when I can't believe in myself? All these mind games are starting to pile up, and it's tearing me apart.
But Zeal is getting stronger.
That's enough to keep me going. No matter how hard they try to push me down, I'll just keep fighting back, learning to play this game better each time. I will not become the victim here, because I'm not doing this alone. My lovers will always stand with me.
But this is not a game.
If we fail, we'll lose everything -
Including each other.
Possible Triggers: Discussions of rape and assault, domestic violence, bullying, harassment, consensual pain and battery, minor violence, and more.
The Path of Temptation series features a strong woman and the men who love her. Graphic language, adult situations, and potentially triggering violence that are suitable for a mature audience are included.
This is a love story, but sometimes love comes with a price.
After spending the holidays with my guardian's family, it seems that everyone in the temple has the wrong idea. The Baron isn't my patron. He's not even a friend. In truth, I hate the man.
But the rumor mill is strong, and jealousy is running rampant.
This is all just one more excuse for my instructors to hold me back, lower my grades, and try to force me to choose one path. I can't! My god needs me to save him, and the Path of Temptation gives me the power to do that.
Except that I'm drowning in the pressure, feeling like I'm failing my god. I need to make people believe in him, but how can I do that when I can't believe in myself? All these mind games are starting to pile up, and it's tearing me apart.
But Zeal is getting stronger.
That's enough to keep me going. No matter how hard they try to push me down, I'll just keep fighting back, learning to play this game better each time. I will not become the victim here, because I'm not doing this alone. My lovers will always stand with me.
But this is not a game.
If we fail, we'll lose everything -
Including each other.
Possible Triggers: Discussions of rape and assault, domestic violence, bullying, harassment, consensual pain and battery, minor violence, and more.
The Path of Temptation series features a strong woman and the men who love her. Graphic language, adult situations, and potentially triggering violence that are suitable for a mature audience are included.
This is a love story, but sometimes love comes with a price.
604 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2021
378 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 23, 2021
DNF @ 51%
I loved the first couple of books in the series. I thought it was an interesting concept and was intrigued by the story.
I think the main reason why I stopped reading this one book was because I wasn’t feeling engaged by the story anymore. The pace slowed down quite a bit. I know I only read half the book, but the half I did read I thought focused on the inner struggles of the characters (Ela accepting himself, Nari’s worry over failing Zeal).
Which I understand is necessary to character development, but my issue was it felt a bit repetitive. Nari would discuss something with Ela, then would discuss that conversation with Talin whilst Ela discussed it with Wraythe and then they would swap and finally they would all discussed it together. Only for it to beginning again but with other people involved. This description might not be accurate, but is the best way I have of explaining how it felt to me.
Another thing that added to this feeling of repetitiveness was the fact that we kept being reminded of how the characters are linked to each other. In all honesty, I find this really helpful when the characters are first mentioned in the current book as I don’t always remember from one book to the next. But it felt to me like we were reminded a few times in this book.
I went from fully engaged, to sometimes skimming, to letting a few days pass in between reads, to feeling like I was forcing myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Auryn. I think she is exceptionally talented at world building. You can tell how much work and prep goes into her books. But I have learned that no matter how much we love an author sometimes we just cannot connect to one book. So whilst I don’t think I’ll be finishing this series, I know I will be back for the next one.
I loved the first couple of books in the series. I thought it was an interesting concept and was intrigued by the story.
I think the main reason why I stopped reading this one book was because I wasn’t feeling engaged by the story anymore. The pace slowed down quite a bit. I know I only read half the book, but the half I did read I thought focused on the inner struggles of the characters (Ela accepting himself, Nari’s worry over failing Zeal).
Which I understand is necessary to character development, but my issue was it felt a bit repetitive. Nari would discuss something with Ela, then would discuss that conversation with Talin whilst Ela discussed it with Wraythe and then they would swap and finally they would all discussed it together. Only for it to beginning again but with other people involved. This description might not be accurate, but is the best way I have of explaining how it felt to me.
Another thing that added to this feeling of repetitiveness was the fact that we kept being reminded of how the characters are linked to each other. In all honesty, I find this really helpful when the characters are first mentioned in the current book as I don’t always remember from one book to the next. But it felt to me like we were reminded a few times in this book.
I went from fully engaged, to sometimes skimming, to letting a few days pass in between reads, to feeling like I was forcing myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Auryn. I think she is exceptionally talented at world building. You can tell how much work and prep goes into her books. But I have learned that no matter how much we love an author sometimes we just cannot connect to one book. So whilst I don’t think I’ll be finishing this series, I know I will be back for the next one.
December 7, 2021
I. NEED. MORE.
Give me more. Please. By Zeal's name, I'm begging you, Hadley, give me more.
These are the only two thoughts that are running through my mind as I finally sit down to make this review. Often, when I find books I'm interested in, I devour them in one to two sittings. If I'm really, really interested, I reread.
And with this series? I'm in love.
There's no doubt in my mind that this book and this entire series will be five stars all the way through. Hadley would have to kill off Nari to make me drop my rating any lower than "my mind has been blown six ways to Sunday in the best fucking way possible." It's creative. It's ingenious. The characters are so real, so deep, so well thought through - this is honestly my favorite series written by Hadley, and I've read all of The Demon's Muse and the Gamer Girls collaboration with Kitty Cox.
There's a trend I've noticed I gravitate to when it comes to different books and movies. I love watching as different experiences and situations push a certain group of people to find love, comfort, affection and so on amongst each other. I love seeing their bonds as family grow through combined loss, suffering, and happiness, and it's definitely what attracted me first to the RH genre and is what's kept me here. Along with the hot sex, of course, but it's a fact all the same.
Auryn's captured that ideology perfectly here. If I was to say what is my favorite thing about this series, it'd be the fact that the characters find love at its truest form and hold onto it with both hands. That they're so real, so vulnerable with each other, and allow each other the room to grow.
Simultaneously, I love how Auryn has made it so their backgrounds truly do affect the way their characters act as people and interact with each other. I love seeing the temple's influence on Ela, Nari, Wraythe, and Anver in terms of how free and vulnerable they are with their love. I love seeing how Talin's backstory as the Baron's son/brother not only adds to his usefulness when it comes to fighting their battles against all those who wish to knock them down, but how it's made him somewhat arrogant and stubborn.
Seeing Zeal's growth as a god and male in general has been truly something to watch. Ghale and Oryll's downfall has made my dark, fucked up little heart so much happier. Truthfully, I love so much about this book that it's tough to put in words.
It's precious. It's beautiful. It's everything I knew I needed and didn't know I wanted. Thank you, Hadley, for once again gracing us with yet another novel that will always have a special place in my heart.
******
Also, one quick question: does anyone know where I can ask to receive ARCs from Hadley in the future? I'd absolutely be honored to, but I don't really know where I should sign up.
Give me more. Please. By Zeal's name, I'm begging you, Hadley, give me more.
These are the only two thoughts that are running through my mind as I finally sit down to make this review. Often, when I find books I'm interested in, I devour them in one to two sittings. If I'm really, really interested, I reread.
And with this series? I'm in love.
There's no doubt in my mind that this book and this entire series will be five stars all the way through. Hadley would have to kill off Nari to make me drop my rating any lower than "my mind has been blown six ways to Sunday in the best fucking way possible." It's creative. It's ingenious. The characters are so real, so deep, so well thought through - this is honestly my favorite series written by Hadley, and I've read all of The Demon's Muse and the Gamer Girls collaboration with Kitty Cox.
There's a trend I've noticed I gravitate to when it comes to different books and movies. I love watching as different experiences and situations push a certain group of people to find love, comfort, affection and so on amongst each other. I love seeing their bonds as family grow through combined loss, suffering, and happiness, and it's definitely what attracted me first to the RH genre and is what's kept me here. Along with the hot sex, of course, but it's a fact all the same.
Auryn's captured that ideology perfectly here. If I was to say what is my favorite thing about this series, it'd be the fact that the characters find love at its truest form and hold onto it with both hands. That they're so real, so vulnerable with each other, and allow each other the room to grow.
Simultaneously, I love how Auryn has made it so their backgrounds truly do affect the way their characters act as people and interact with each other. I love seeing the temple's influence on Ela, Nari, Wraythe, and Anver in terms of how free and vulnerable they are with their love. I love seeing how Talin's backstory as the Baron's son/brother not only adds to his usefulness when it comes to fighting their battles against all those who wish to knock them down, but how it's made him somewhat arrogant and stubborn.
Seeing Zeal's growth as a god and male in general has been truly something to watch. Ghale and Oryll's downfall has made my dark, fucked up little heart so much happier. Truthfully, I love so much about this book that it's tough to put in words.
It's precious. It's beautiful. It's everything I knew I needed and didn't know I wanted. Thank you, Hadley, for once again gracing us with yet another novel that will always have a special place in my heart.
******
Also, one quick question: does anyone know where I can ask to receive ARCs from Hadley in the future? I'd absolutely be honored to, but I don't really know where I should sign up.
July 12, 2022
I don't have much to really say about book 3 only that it was better than book 2... For some impossible reason, I can't seem to stop reading this series even though this author tends to be long-winded and repetitive about the same things over and over again while using different POVs from other supporting characters... I mean come on Auryn, we got it the last 3 or 4 times you said it jeesh...🙄... Well, I'm going to park that thought right here... So off to book 4..🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
August 23, 2024
August 2024
Kindle edition
Ugh, Oryll was a dick. Ghale wasn't much better, except for the Anver bit. The group is stronger and so is Zeal. Yay for Anver being back, but unfortunately still leashed to Tish. I was curious why the bully was so quiet. Poor Anver. I liked how everyone rallied around and the reactions to seeing Zeal. After Ghale got his ass kicked with the rest, I'm surprised he still couldn't see them. Looking forward to what this new priest can do. Exams, exams and more tests with corrupt instructors. Osas was sweet and I liked Faylie. Something tells me things are only going to get harder. Looking forward to the next one.
Kindle edition
Ugh, Oryll was a dick. Ghale wasn't much better, except for the Anver bit. The group is stronger and so is Zeal. Yay for Anver being back, but unfortunately still leashed to Tish. I was curious why the bully was so quiet. Poor Anver. I liked how everyone rallied around and the reactions to seeing Zeal. After Ghale got his ass kicked with the rest, I'm surprised he still couldn't see them. Looking forward to what this new priest can do. Exams, exams and more tests with corrupt instructors. Osas was sweet and I liked Faylie. Something tells me things are only going to get harder. Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2022
This book was a bit more interesting which made me speed through it instead of dnf'ing it.
Points to Auryn for doing a massive amount of "homework" for all the sexual stuff, scenes and scenarios.
Points for creativity in the school, classes and sessions. Whew! Hot and yet very educational.
I really started to get invested in this story when the session with Nari and Talin goes horribly wrong. And its weird, I do feel like I am learning about domination, control, and all kinds of other things in a very clinical way. Teach us Auryn!
There are still the repetitive conversations to slog through but there is some very creative and informative as well as entertaining content here!
And adding more thoughts as I continue this series: I appreciate that there is no deception or lying between the love interests. At least at this point in the story. They may have long bouts of repetitive conversations but they are honest and I like that!
Points to Auryn for doing a massive amount of "homework" for all the sexual stuff, scenes and scenarios.
Points for creativity in the school, classes and sessions. Whew! Hot and yet very educational.
I really started to get invested in this story when the session with Nari and Talin goes horribly wrong. And its weird, I do feel like I am learning about domination, control, and all kinds of other things in a very clinical way. Teach us Auryn!
There are still the repetitive conversations to slog through but there is some very creative and informative as well as entertaining content here!
And adding more thoughts as I continue this series: I appreciate that there is no deception or lying between the love interests. At least at this point in the story. They may have long bouts of repetitive conversations but they are honest and I like that!
August 3, 2021
Another brilliant installment to this amazingly unique RH romance. I’m obsessed with this world that Auryn has created. Nari and her friends continue with their studies but have to contend with unhappy and jealous peers and instructors. Nari forges ahead with strength and grace and her loves by her side. I enjoyed the multi-POV and diving deeper into Ela’s character especially. This is such an original, brilliantly written story and I can’t wait for more!
August 19, 2021
Initiates
This book is the third in a five-book fantasy series. The previous books need to be read in order to understand the contents of this book.
This book is all about the second part of the main characters' first year of their Initiate years. Nari and Talin return from the Darkest Day festivities at his brother, the Baron of Temptation’s, Residence. The visit wasn’t much fun because the Baron is a very unpleasant man. However, the visit seemed to shine a spotlight on Nari, with the rumour mill going overtime assuming the visit was about Nari instead of Talin. The only good thing to come out of the visit was Maela, the Baron’s wife, reaching out tentatively in friendship to Nari.
Everyone seems to have stepped up their game to force Nari to declare a single Path or to cause her to step down a Path by failing her courses. The pressure is causing her to doubt herself and her ability to succeed in saving Zeal and his brothers and sisters from disappearing completely. Her lovers all want to protect her from the stress and try to find ways to help.
In this book, we get more insight into some of the other Paths, in particular the Path of Obligation. Nari is being exposed to different people around the Temple and spreading her belief in Zeal and the evidence of his existence is worn on her skin. More people are being swayed towards belief in his existence because of her role as his Voice. Still, Nari and her lovers are all being forced to play politics and are being manipulated by those in power far too much.
This book is fantastic. It’s full of emotion, politics and passion. The world-building for the series becomes richer and more detailed as we learn more about Zeal and his siblings. The education of the Initiates becomes more complete and through that education, we get a picture of what it will be like for the students after they become fully-fledged priests and priestesses.
The plot is carefully constructed, as always, to build tension and weave information around the emotions that keep you captivated. Throw in the politics and the passion and you have a winning formula for an incredible book within an amazing series. There is a lot more sex in this book, not only between the main group but as part of their training so there are scenes with people outside the romantic core that surround Nari. This is expected and is warned about early in the series, so it shouldn’t be any big surprise at this stage.
One of the things I really love about this series is the focus on love being many things to different people. There is the love of the parent or mentor, the love of friends and confidants, romantic love, passionate love, the love of brothers-in-arms and the love of their god. There are so many types of love in this book, some even overlap, but it is the thread that runs throughout the series. There is a bond created by love that is stronger than anything their opponents can throw at them.
When I finished this book, I almost want to read it all over again to see the fine nuances that I know this author placed in this book. Whenever I re-read a book by Auryn Hadley I always find more the second or third time around. This book will be no exception as there is such richness in the details of plot, emotions and background. I hate that I have to wait another few months for the next book, but at least it’s up for pre-order!
This book is the third in a five-book fantasy series. The previous books need to be read in order to understand the contents of this book.
This book is all about the second part of the main characters' first year of their Initiate years. Nari and Talin return from the Darkest Day festivities at his brother, the Baron of Temptation’s, Residence. The visit wasn’t much fun because the Baron is a very unpleasant man. However, the visit seemed to shine a spotlight on Nari, with the rumour mill going overtime assuming the visit was about Nari instead of Talin. The only good thing to come out of the visit was Maela, the Baron’s wife, reaching out tentatively in friendship to Nari.
Everyone seems to have stepped up their game to force Nari to declare a single Path or to cause her to step down a Path by failing her courses. The pressure is causing her to doubt herself and her ability to succeed in saving Zeal and his brothers and sisters from disappearing completely. Her lovers all want to protect her from the stress and try to find ways to help.
In this book, we get more insight into some of the other Paths, in particular the Path of Obligation. Nari is being exposed to different people around the Temple and spreading her belief in Zeal and the evidence of his existence is worn on her skin. More people are being swayed towards belief in his existence because of her role as his Voice. Still, Nari and her lovers are all being forced to play politics and are being manipulated by those in power far too much.
This book is fantastic. It’s full of emotion, politics and passion. The world-building for the series becomes richer and more detailed as we learn more about Zeal and his siblings. The education of the Initiates becomes more complete and through that education, we get a picture of what it will be like for the students after they become fully-fledged priests and priestesses.
The plot is carefully constructed, as always, to build tension and weave information around the emotions that keep you captivated. Throw in the politics and the passion and you have a winning formula for an incredible book within an amazing series. There is a lot more sex in this book, not only between the main group but as part of their training so there are scenes with people outside the romantic core that surround Nari. This is expected and is warned about early in the series, so it shouldn’t be any big surprise at this stage.
One of the things I really love about this series is the focus on love being many things to different people. There is the love of the parent or mentor, the love of friends and confidants, romantic love, passionate love, the love of brothers-in-arms and the love of their god. There are so many types of love in this book, some even overlap, but it is the thread that runs throughout the series. There is a bond created by love that is stronger than anything their opponents can throw at them.
When I finished this book, I almost want to read it all over again to see the fine nuances that I know this author placed in this book. Whenever I re-read a book by Auryn Hadley I always find more the second or third time around. This book will be no exception as there is such richness in the details of plot, emotions and background. I hate that I have to wait another few months for the next book, but at least it’s up for pre-order!
October 20, 2021
It's going soooo sllloooowwwwlllyyyy....
I'm at 37% and really close to DNF.
It's going in circle, the same things happend and are said again and again...
If I can make it to the end, it's gonna be a 2 stars max...
4 people to make 1 pie? in one year? seriously? multiple time because it's sooo hard to make, and they still manage to forget the sugar??
So finlly, generous 2 strs because I mde it to the end, with a lot of skipping mind you.
You can write a book as thick as a dictionnary, if it's to copie/paste the same things over and over agin, I don't see the point.
I'm at 37% and really close to DNF.
It's going in circle, the same things happend and are said again and again...
If I can make it to the end, it's gonna be a 2 stars max...
4 people to make 1 pie? in one year? seriously? multiple time because it's sooo hard to make, and they still manage to forget the sugar??
So finlly, generous 2 strs because I mde it to the end, with a lot of skipping mind you.
You can write a book as thick as a dictionnary, if it's to copie/paste the same things over and over agin, I don't see the point.
July 14, 2021
Fantastic!! I received an ARC of the book and I was in a bad book rut when it came. I had started and put down five books, most that were continuations of series I’ve read and enjoyed. I couldn’t get into any of them. Then “The Games we Play” came. I had NO trouble getting right into it!
I liked this even more than the second in the series and I REALLY like that. Nari and the boys are growing up and growing more powerful and I love the way the overall story is heading.
I liked this even more than the second in the series and I REALLY like that. Nari and the boys are growing up and growing more powerful and I love the way the overall story is heading.
July 18, 2021
One of my current fav series
I absolutely love this series and this book didn’t disappoint!! It was a bit slower than the other books but it also had moments that made my heart race or made me laugh silly.
I absolutely love this series and this book didn’t disappoint!! It was a bit slower than the other books but it also had moments that made my heart race or made me laugh silly.
August 28, 2025
I don’t really know how to rate this because the writing is not very good and the story is so repetitive it’s almost exhausting. That being said… I kept putting it down to DNF it and then thought about it so much that I had to come back. So, I’m torn lol.
October 5, 2021
so freaking good
I am so in love with this series I cannot get enough, I finished it in one day! I can’t wait for the next release
I am so in love with this series I cannot get enough, I finished it in one day! I can’t wait for the next release
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January 21, 2025Anver from The Path of Temptation is asexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
November 28, 2022
Finishing her first year as initiate is her biggest challenge yet. But changing the system doesn't happen easily nor quickly.
November 26, 2025
Amazing as usual
I'm upset that it's over already! Another brilliant installment. I can honestly say that I haven't read another series that has this kind of steam. Every scene is purposeful. It's more than just gratification, it moves the plot, it develops the characters and it makes the reader explore just as the characters are. Absolutely incredible.
I'm upset that it's over already! Another brilliant installment. I can honestly say that I haven't read another series that has this kind of steam. Every scene is purposeful. It's more than just gratification, it moves the plot, it develops the characters and it makes the reader explore just as the characters are. Absolutely incredible.
February 8, 2022
Super repetitive
I enjoy this series but Nari and her men have become so repetitive that I've been skipping entire pages to avoid hearing about being a goddess of temptation for the millionth time. It does nothing to move the story along and it just drags out every chapter.
I enjoy this series but Nari and her men have become so repetitive that I've been skipping entire pages to avoid hearing about being a goddess of temptation for the millionth time. It does nothing to move the story along and it just drags out every chapter.
January 24, 2025
The last book I reviewed was book one so this is just a combination of both. I’m giving it 2.5 stars because I’m very engaged in this story. In spite of not really wanting to be at times. I tend to hyperfocus on book series needing to have closure even if I probably should DNF. The plot of these books is so unique and interesting to me it keeps me going. I’m very much intrigued by Zeal and this somewhat slow burn he has going with the fmc has me flipping pages begging to finally get a spicy scene.
All of that being said something really gets under my skin about this book & that’s the improper terms the author used. I mentioned in my first review that this is not a reverse harem. It’s a poly romance. The two often get confused so that part doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that it’s not mentioned ahead of time that they have an open relationship. I like mm & poly relationships but I honestly wouldn’t have read this book if I knew just how open their relationship was. I certainly am not closed minded about it but it’s just not for me. It took me some time to work through being attached to these characters and them going outside of the group on a regular basis and sleeping with others. (Potential spoilers from here on)
On top of that there was a scene where they slept with an enemy. It was supposed to be some big revenge moment but she left satisfied and finally got to screw the one person she’s always wanted and I don’t count that as her getting what she actually deserved. While many people enjoy open relationships it’s not for me. Emotionally I would not thrive in that dynamic and it has forced me to keep some distance between myself and the mmc’s while reading so that I don’t end up too attached. I know that sounds silly but it’s true. If they just were doing it for assignments and as their duty I’d be totally fine but the doing it for fun part gets to me.
Aside from that the author is still over explaining and repeating things. I’m so exhausted because they have so many of the same talks. Nari still begs people to tell her what to do on her path. People still try to get her to choose. Ela still is worried he will go to far. Anver is still sorry from his betrayal as a child. They will talk about this stuff 50 times in each book.
I do love the guys. I complained that they didn’t each seem unique enough in the first book but they seem more like they have their own individual personality now. I absolutely adore how Wraythe is only for Nari and he’s pretty much my safe space in these books. Like at least I know he won’t try to sleep with someone else. If he does I might lose my mind 😩 his relationship with the guys is the best and so freaking wholesome.
One more thing, it’s strange because this author seems very respectful and open minded about sex but the way BDSM is represented really bothers me. It seems the author is pushing this narrative that love cannot be apart of that dynamic. Every scene Ela does is because of his rage. Rage has absolutely NO place in BDSM. He says he can’t do the things he wishes because he loves Nari too much to hurt her. It’s as if he sees his submissives as an object only & I don’t just mean he’s treating them like one in the scene. He doesn’t see them as a person or really see their submission as a gift. He treated his instructor horribly during their sessions. Pushing a submissive to change their hard limits during a session is a terrible and irresponsible thing to do. Yet it seemed it was bragged about as if he was so convincing and seductive. Oh yeah, ANDDDD the author wanted us to feel bad for the guy who almost killed Nari and her guardian because he was a Sadist that hadn’t been trained properly and had no control 🙄 It’s talked about as if the Sadist or Dominant is some out of control super violent individual and we are supposed to feel bad he’s dead because he was never taught correctly. Dude was still a human being & knew better and no one who gets so overcome by rage that he almost kills someone has any business even learning BDSM. He gets no pass from me.
I’m stopping this ramble. I will continue to the next book because I’m invested. There may come a point where I get so tired of rereading the same thing and DNF but I’m going to try one more book & pray to Zeal that it’s less repetitive. 🫠
All of that being said something really gets under my skin about this book & that’s the improper terms the author used. I mentioned in my first review that this is not a reverse harem. It’s a poly romance. The two often get confused so that part doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that it’s not mentioned ahead of time that they have an open relationship. I like mm & poly relationships but I honestly wouldn’t have read this book if I knew just how open their relationship was. I certainly am not closed minded about it but it’s just not for me. It took me some time to work through being attached to these characters and them going outside of the group on a regular basis and sleeping with others. (Potential spoilers from here on)
On top of that there was a scene where they slept with an enemy. It was supposed to be some big revenge moment but she left satisfied and finally got to screw the one person she’s always wanted and I don’t count that as her getting what she actually deserved. While many people enjoy open relationships it’s not for me. Emotionally I would not thrive in that dynamic and it has forced me to keep some distance between myself and the mmc’s while reading so that I don’t end up too attached. I know that sounds silly but it’s true. If they just were doing it for assignments and as their duty I’d be totally fine but the doing it for fun part gets to me.
Aside from that the author is still over explaining and repeating things. I’m so exhausted because they have so many of the same talks. Nari still begs people to tell her what to do on her path. People still try to get her to choose. Ela still is worried he will go to far. Anver is still sorry from his betrayal as a child. They will talk about this stuff 50 times in each book.
I do love the guys. I complained that they didn’t each seem unique enough in the first book but they seem more like they have their own individual personality now. I absolutely adore how Wraythe is only for Nari and he’s pretty much my safe space in these books. Like at least I know he won’t try to sleep with someone else. If he does I might lose my mind 😩 his relationship with the guys is the best and so freaking wholesome.
One more thing, it’s strange because this author seems very respectful and open minded about sex but the way BDSM is represented really bothers me. It seems the author is pushing this narrative that love cannot be apart of that dynamic. Every scene Ela does is because of his rage. Rage has absolutely NO place in BDSM. He says he can’t do the things he wishes because he loves Nari too much to hurt her. It’s as if he sees his submissives as an object only & I don’t just mean he’s treating them like one in the scene. He doesn’t see them as a person or really see their submission as a gift. He treated his instructor horribly during their sessions. Pushing a submissive to change their hard limits during a session is a terrible and irresponsible thing to do. Yet it seemed it was bragged about as if he was so convincing and seductive. Oh yeah, ANDDDD the author wanted us to feel bad for the guy who almost killed Nari and her guardian because he was a Sadist that hadn’t been trained properly and had no control 🙄 It’s talked about as if the Sadist or Dominant is some out of control super violent individual and we are supposed to feel bad he’s dead because he was never taught correctly. Dude was still a human being & knew better and no one who gets so overcome by rage that he almost kills someone has any business even learning BDSM. He gets no pass from me.
I’m stopping this ramble. I will continue to the next book because I’m invested. There may come a point where I get so tired of rereading the same thing and DNF but I’m going to try one more book & pray to Zeal that it’s less repetitive. 🫠
April 2, 2023
This book is intense!
We get the second half of the first initiate year for Nari and her guys in this book. As you can well imagine, the further into forging the Path of Temptation Nari and her family get, the more struggles they have to face. We’re also seeing events progress through many more POVs, which helps so much with that immersive feel that this series has had.
We get to see the struggles and insecurities that all of these characters have and be with them as they learn and grow in their roles. This is the book where we finally see Nari taking the reins of the path Zeal gave her, but getting to that point is an uphill battle where they’re all fighting for every step forward.
We do however start to see the effects of the work Nari and her family have been doing. More people are starting to believe in Zeal, and as a result he has more power and influence than he has in a very long time.
We get a small glimpse into the fact that Nari isn’t just supposed to save Zeal and bring back Temptation to its God and not the people in charge. In an infinitesimally small way we see that the claims the other gods have on Nari by virtue of her birth, are starting to be used and taken advantage of.
This is the darkest book of the series so far and I would be mindful of the triggers that are mentioned at the beginning of the book. Even as games are played, the desperation to see Nari fail has vastly intensified. They try hard to break her and her guys and I felt vindicated by the time the book was over.
I’m anxious to see how Nari’s second year as an initiate goes. How will they overcome future obstacles and how will they support one another and their God?
I also recommend the audiobook. Kasi Hollowell and Aaron Shedlock do a superb job bringing this story to life.
We get the second half of the first initiate year for Nari and her guys in this book. As you can well imagine, the further into forging the Path of Temptation Nari and her family get, the more struggles they have to face. We’re also seeing events progress through many more POVs, which helps so much with that immersive feel that this series has had.
We get to see the struggles and insecurities that all of these characters have and be with them as they learn and grow in their roles. This is the book where we finally see Nari taking the reins of the path Zeal gave her, but getting to that point is an uphill battle where they’re all fighting for every step forward.
We do however start to see the effects of the work Nari and her family have been doing. More people are starting to believe in Zeal, and as a result he has more power and influence than he has in a very long time.
We get a small glimpse into the fact that Nari isn’t just supposed to save Zeal and bring back Temptation to its God and not the people in charge. In an infinitesimally small way we see that the claims the other gods have on Nari by virtue of her birth, are starting to be used and taken advantage of.
This is the darkest book of the series so far and I would be mindful of the triggers that are mentioned at the beginning of the book. Even as games are played, the desperation to see Nari fail has vastly intensified. They try hard to break her and her guys and I felt vindicated by the time the book was over.
I’m anxious to see how Nari’s second year as an initiate goes. How will they overcome future obstacles and how will they support one another and their God?
I also recommend the audiobook. Kasi Hollowell and Aaron Shedlock do a superb job bringing this story to life.
August 11, 2022
So. Many. Words.
Another reviewer mentioned the needlessly repetitious conversations, monologues, and international dialogues, and I have to agree. 20% of this book could have been shaved with judicious editing and the book would have been far stronger.
The tedium of re-reading the same worries over and over is exacerbated by each character having the same "voice". The similar "voices" issue has been a personal pet peeve since the beginning of the series, but became beyond annoying in book three. It's the author's job to differentiate characters beyond just their appearance - that means she needs to be intentional about word choice and cadence to help the reader identify each character through dialogue and achieve full immersion in the story. Auryn Hadley hasn't achieved that here, so I felt like I was reading the longest, internalized, stream-of-consciousness writing exercise on the planet. It was brain-melting.
So why 4 stars instead of 2 or 3? Because the story is still interesting. I think this book had a better plot than book 2, because there's more conflict, more challenges, and the group finally gets to learn to stretch their legs and function as a team, rather than as disparate parts. There's more development of Anver, more development of Ela (once you wade through all the WORDS), and lots of development for Nari. I'm looking forward to the next book and I'm looking forward to seeing if the author continues to grow and excel in her craft.
Another reviewer mentioned the needlessly repetitious conversations, monologues, and international dialogues, and I have to agree. 20% of this book could have been shaved with judicious editing and the book would have been far stronger.
The tedium of re-reading the same worries over and over is exacerbated by each character having the same "voice". The similar "voices" issue has been a personal pet peeve since the beginning of the series, but became beyond annoying in book three. It's the author's job to differentiate characters beyond just their appearance - that means she needs to be intentional about word choice and cadence to help the reader identify each character through dialogue and achieve full immersion in the story. Auryn Hadley hasn't achieved that here, so I felt like I was reading the longest, internalized, stream-of-consciousness writing exercise on the planet. It was brain-melting.
So why 4 stars instead of 2 or 3? Because the story is still interesting. I think this book had a better plot than book 2, because there's more conflict, more challenges, and the group finally gets to learn to stretch their legs and function as a team, rather than as disparate parts. There's more development of Anver, more development of Ela (once you wade through all the WORDS), and lots of development for Nari. I'm looking forward to the next book and I'm looking forward to seeing if the author continues to grow and excel in her craft.
April 1, 2025
These books are getting longer and longer... The plot is still good but it's moving at a snail's pace at times. I can't really get why the fmc was such a pushover in this book. She has a god at her side, but still keeps her head down till the very end of the book. Also, I'm not a big fan of teachers being bullies and nothing getting done about it. I do like that it's the group against the world in a way, but they still gather help from people around them.
One more thing that I like a lot about this book. The spice that includes aftercare! *chef's kiss* There is also so much intimacy beyond the sextual aspect of their relationship. In this book we got a lot more chapters from the men's perspectives and that was a big plus. They are all so protective of each other without being possessive.
If only there were less epiphany moments about their "path". When you have so many conversations and discussions on the same subject, you can just gradually get to the point without having a huge AHA moment and then explain yet again the whole issue and the conclusion.
On another note, the covers are definitely not to my liking and maybe why I took my time starting this series. The audiobooks on another hand are great and getting better the more we get to listen to Aaron Shedlock. Kasi Hollowell also does a great job. Just like every other dual narration audiobook - this could've been sooo much better as duet.
One more thing that I like a lot about this book. The spice that includes aftercare! *chef's kiss* There is also so much intimacy beyond the sextual aspect of their relationship. In this book we got a lot more chapters from the men's perspectives and that was a big plus. They are all so protective of each other without being possessive.
If only there were less epiphany moments about their "path". When you have so many conversations and discussions on the same subject, you can just gradually get to the point without having a huge AHA moment and then explain yet again the whole issue and the conclusion.
On another note, the covers are definitely not to my liking and maybe why I took my time starting this series. The audiobooks on another hand are great and getting better the more we get to listen to Aaron Shedlock. Kasi Hollowell also does a great job. Just like every other dual narration audiobook - this could've been sooo much better as duet.
June 20, 2024
These are getting really repetitive, though ironically enough, it's not the sex that's repetitive. The author seems to be able to come up with a neverending assortment of scenes, but I guess she also has so many characters to work with and no kink seems off limits. (This seems like a good time to warn people that all of the explicit scenes in this book involve BDSM, and it's fairly violent, enough so that people should check the content warnings.). The overarching "save the faith" plot better speed up. Three books of kinky courtesan boarding school is starting to feel dragged out, exacerbated by people talking about their feelings often and in a drawn out fashion, which is great in real life, but it doesn't make for super entertaining reading. That said, though, the best parts of the book, in my opinion are the friendships (and I'm not just saying that in the way people joke that they read Playboy for the articles) and the asexual representation. Although these books are obviously not meant to be taken super seriously, there is an awkward friction between the teenage worry of passing finals...and the finals being public sexual bondage.
July 18, 2021
This has become one of my absolute fave series of all time!! Not to mention fave harem!! And each book is better than the one before.
This book picks up where book 2 left off, covering the rest of the year as first year initiates, and everything just kinda ramps up.
The bonds between Nari & her guys just keeps growing stronger, as do their friendships with others such as Anver. Ela really delves into his role and becomes more confident in himself and his darkness.
Nari learns more about the other paths, mainly Obligation in this one, finding how far resentment of her has spread and how much work there will be for fixing things in the Temple.
Faith in Zeal is slowly spreading, and we see a bit more of the other gods and Temples.
Hatred and resentment is still very much alive, not just in students, and starts to get dangerous.
I just can't get enough of the fantastic and unique worldbuilding, storyline and characters; and the relationship/bond/romance/love between the main characters is just magic.
Can't recommend highly enough, and can't wait for more in this series!
This book picks up where book 2 left off, covering the rest of the year as first year initiates, and everything just kinda ramps up.
The bonds between Nari & her guys just keeps growing stronger, as do their friendships with others such as Anver. Ela really delves into his role and becomes more confident in himself and his darkness.
Nari learns more about the other paths, mainly Obligation in this one, finding how far resentment of her has spread and how much work there will be for fixing things in the Temple.
Faith in Zeal is slowly spreading, and we see a bit more of the other gods and Temples.
Hatred and resentment is still very much alive, not just in students, and starts to get dangerous.
I just can't get enough of the fantastic and unique worldbuilding, storyline and characters; and the relationship/bond/romance/love between the main characters is just magic.
Can't recommend highly enough, and can't wait for more in this series!
September 29, 2021
THAT was amazing
Although this story really reminds me of that Black Orchid series, especially with the Quad and struggling with what roles were meant to fill in people’s lives and how that clashes with our own internal desires.
I really felt with Nari and there was soooooo much growth and loads of little things were addressed.
I wasn’t really fond of the religious allegory of blind faith in a supreme being vs the vessels that Being uses, but it really works here.
Although the sex scenes are long and drawn out, under the guise of it being a part of her education, I really took a moment of pause just to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the world the author created. We weren’t bogged down with, does it look right or too many internal struggles to come to terms with their preferences. The author gave us characters who were taught repeatedly that their bodies were vessels to do their God’s work as long as they gave clear consent and could ultimately enjoy it. Everyone in this got a time to shine and it made for a very well rounded story.
Although this story really reminds me of that Black Orchid series, especially with the Quad and struggling with what roles were meant to fill in people’s lives and how that clashes with our own internal desires.
I really felt with Nari and there was soooooo much growth and loads of little things were addressed.
I wasn’t really fond of the religious allegory of blind faith in a supreme being vs the vessels that Being uses, but it really works here.
Although the sex scenes are long and drawn out, under the guise of it being a part of her education, I really took a moment of pause just to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the world the author created. We weren’t bogged down with, does it look right or too many internal struggles to come to terms with their preferences. The author gave us characters who were taught repeatedly that their bodies were vessels to do their God’s work as long as they gave clear consent and could ultimately enjoy it. Everyone in this got a time to shine and it made for a very well rounded story.
December 7, 2021
Do you know who Ela reminds me of? Daemon from The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness.
I get why some people are saying that these books are too long or wordy, personally, I DON’T CARE. I want MORE even. For those of us that have read a couple of other books from this author, we are A-okay with this writing style. Auryn Hadley, explains the relationships of her characters, she delves into what makes them what they are so that by the last book, your heart and soul has been seduced into fearing to let them go.
I get why some people are saying that these books are too long or wordy, personally, I DON’T CARE. I want MORE even. For those of us that have read a couple of other books from this author, we are A-okay with this writing style. Auryn Hadley, explains the relationships of her characters, she delves into what makes them what they are so that by the last book, your heart and soul has been seduced into fearing to let them go.
June 6, 2022
This happens with every single series that I’ve read from this author. The third book is ALWAYS a filler. This wouldn’t be a bad thing if it wasn’t filled with repetitive dialogue. The same conversations are held A BILLION TIMES. FMC will discuss something, almost word for word, with like 6 different characters. But the author doesn’t just allude to this - it’s written out in it’s entirety every time. You can skip over 3/4ths this book and not miss a thing. It’s so painful.
I do like the overall character development in this book. There was growth. Since it was a filler there was no real story progression.
I’m actually unsure if I’ll continue with this series….and this author. They’re books are always filled up with repetitive dialogue. Always. Right from book one with book three always the worst. That might be to some peoples liking but it just drags the story and annoys me.
I do like the overall character development in this book. There was growth. Since it was a filler there was no real story progression.
I’m actually unsure if I’ll continue with this series….and this author. They’re books are always filled up with repetitive dialogue. Always. Right from book one with book three always the worst. That might be to some peoples liking but it just drags the story and annoys me.
October 19, 2025
I thought I'd be sick of being in the same temple for 3 books (or more) in a row but genuinely still entertained. The setting feels familiar but I'm not tired of it yet. Our main character is really going through it and has a huge hill to climb. First step first actually convincing people she's following her path as she's meant to (while also figuring out the path herself). This was very good. I continue to love how this series covers consent and self-discovery (spicy and non-spicy); the discussion of it is very healthy and normalizes being confused/trying new things. And also taking time to figure things out.
I'm very curious where things are headed from here, there's a good bit of drama in this and I'm wondering how that will affect the story as a whole. Definitely moving to book 4 because I'm invested.
I'm very curious where things are headed from here, there's a good bit of drama in this and I'm wondering how that will affect the story as a whole. Definitely moving to book 4 because I'm invested.
July 21, 2021
I love this series!
Wow! Amazing! I am enjoying this series completely. I can't wait until the next book is out!. This story line is completely different from any other book, it's erotic and suspenseful. I've enjoyed them growing up, their friendship growing stronger, their love is boundless and am glad Anver is back in the group with many more becoming believers in their God. Things are changing and they are getting stronger. It was a wonderful book and ending to this year in school. I can't wait until the next book. This is a series and you need to read the books in order. Each book ends nicely with no cliffhanger ( kinda like Harry Potter) but erotic and for adults. So good!!! Love this series.
Wow! Amazing! I am enjoying this series completely. I can't wait until the next book is out!. This story line is completely different from any other book, it's erotic and suspenseful. I've enjoyed them growing up, their friendship growing stronger, their love is boundless and am glad Anver is back in the group with many more becoming believers in their God. Things are changing and they are getting stronger. It was a wonderful book and ending to this year in school. I can't wait until the next book. This is a series and you need to read the books in order. Each book ends nicely with no cliffhanger ( kinda like Harry Potter) but erotic and for adults. So good!!! Love this series.
July 17, 2021
Hands down my favorite
I read the book within 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down! I don’t know what it is about this series and the authors writing style but it just sucks you in, makes you emotionally invested in the characters! My chest was tight, I had tears, I laughed and I felt frustration for the characters. I never have an issue getting into a book, it might take time depending on the story but with this series I found myself instantly caught in it. I will be rereading this for a LONG time. I haven’t loved a story or author this much since I was 13 and read PC Cast for the first time. I can’t wait to read more work from her
I read the book within 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down! I don’t know what it is about this series and the authors writing style but it just sucks you in, makes you emotionally invested in the characters! My chest was tight, I had tears, I laughed and I felt frustration for the characters. I never have an issue getting into a book, it might take time depending on the story but with this series I found myself instantly caught in it. I will be rereading this for a LONG time. I haven’t loved a story or author this much since I was 13 and read PC Cast for the first time. I can’t wait to read more work from her
July 23, 2021
This series has turned into one of my all time favorites. Everything about this series is amazing. The characters, the world building and the plot. These books are massive and I binge read them when they come out. I can’t put them down. This book was no different! The characters have their flaws but it is their flaws you fall in love with. You also fall in love with the connection each of these characters have with each other. The loyalty they have for each other and also the support and love between all of them. On top of that this world Auryn has created is phenomenal. You want to live in this world and talk to the gods. The next book can’t come soon enough!
August 8, 2021
Unique and unlike any other
This series only gets better and better. Auryn is such a talented writer, and her world building and character development is perfect every single time. This book is unique and so good. This author's writing style is some of the best. Her characters are unique and go through real life situations, and the storylines are always unlike anything I've ever read. I can't recommend and talk about this book more. If you haven't delved into the world of the Path of Temptations 0
series, I highly recommend you so. If you have never read an Auryn Hadley book, this is a great series to start with.
This series only gets better and better. Auryn is such a talented writer, and her world building and character development is perfect every single time. This book is unique and so good. This author's writing style is some of the best. Her characters are unique and go through real life situations, and the storylines are always unlike anything I've ever read. I can't recommend and talk about this book more. If you haven't delved into the world of the Path of Temptations 0
series, I highly recommend you so. If you have never read an Auryn Hadley book, this is a great series to start with.
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