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Sabine Valley #1
Abel
Seven Brothers. Seven Brides. A revenge seven years in the making.
Eight years ago, my family was betrayed by those closest to us. Now we’re back in Sabine Valley, staging our return during the feast of Lammas, where I step into the ring and ensure we’re given what we’re owed. Who we’re owed.
Our enemies send their seven best warriors against me. With each victory, I win a Bride for each of my brothers. And for me? I’m saving the best for last. My Bride is Harlow, the woman claimed by the man I used to call friend—the one responsible for our exile. Eli.
And if Eli has a problem with it? Well, then I’ll take him as my Bride, too. All the better to enact my revenge…and bring Sabine Valley to its knees.
The Paine brothers are back, and we’re here to stay.
Eight years ago, my family was betrayed by those closest to us. Now we’re back in Sabine Valley, staging our return during the feast of Lammas, where I step into the ring and ensure we’re given what we’re owed. Who we’re owed.
Our enemies send their seven best warriors against me. With each victory, I win a Bride for each of my brothers. And for me? I’m saving the best for last. My Bride is Harlow, the woman claimed by the man I used to call friend—the one responsible for our exile. Eli.
And if Eli has a problem with it? Well, then I’ll take him as my Bride, too. All the better to enact my revenge…and bring Sabine Valley to its knees.
The Paine brothers are back, and we’re here to stay.
8 pages, Audiobook
First published December 8, 2020
403 people are currently reading
7617 people want to read
About the author
Katee Robert
172 books36.5k followersKatee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 626 reviews
October 23, 2022
3-3.5 STARS
"Intentions don't matter; actions do."
I'm grumbling a bit while writing this review, because I wanted to love it so much more than I actually did, but most of the reasons seem to be personal preference over actual discrepancies, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
I absolutely love how the author creates worlds that we can escape into that express queerness on a spectrum, rather than clunky, rigid titles dubbed to characters as an afterthought. The relationship at the focal point of Abel is a polyamorous triad, meaning that the three characters are equally involved with each other on a sexual level, as opposed to being connected via a pivot character. The transition between Abel and his former best friend/now turned enemy Eli becoming lovers is angsty, but we also get to witness Harlow's relationship with Eli rekindled, while viewing a new relationship between her and Abel. The steamy scenes in this novel are an 11/10, and if you are here for the smut, my friends, look no further.
"He's a monster, but he's a monster with a code."
My issues really stem from wanting more from the plot itself. We are immediately dropped in what feels like the middle of a scene from the second quarter of a story, and we are given very little world building into the setting and very little insight into a large cast of characters. I especially wanted more backstory on Harlow, as there were large chunks of her past that felt missing and I deemed necessary for further connection to her character, and there is a plot device used near the end that I felt was predictable, yet unnecessary. Overall, an enjoyable, quick read, and I look forward to seeing if there is more depth added to this world in the next installment.
"Intentions don't matter; actions do."
I'm grumbling a bit while writing this review, because I wanted to love it so much more than I actually did, but most of the reasons seem to be personal preference over actual discrepancies, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
I absolutely love how the author creates worlds that we can escape into that express queerness on a spectrum, rather than clunky, rigid titles dubbed to characters as an afterthought. The relationship at the focal point of Abel is a polyamorous triad, meaning that the three characters are equally involved with each other on a sexual level, as opposed to being connected via a pivot character. The transition between Abel and his former best friend/now turned enemy Eli becoming lovers is angsty, but we also get to witness Harlow's relationship with Eli rekindled, while viewing a new relationship between her and Abel. The steamy scenes in this novel are an 11/10, and if you are here for the smut, my friends, look no further.
"He's a monster, but he's a monster with a code."
My issues really stem from wanting more from the plot itself. We are immediately dropped in what feels like the middle of a scene from the second quarter of a story, and we are given very little world building into the setting and very little insight into a large cast of characters. I especially wanted more backstory on Harlow, as there were large chunks of her past that felt missing and I deemed necessary for further connection to her character, and there is a plot device used near the end that I felt was predictable, yet unnecessary. Overall, an enjoyable, quick read, and I look forward to seeing if there is more depth added to this world in the next installment.
January 7, 2021
3.5 STARS
Oh.
My.
OVARIES.
Dis. Book.
If you're looking for some trope candy, how about a sinfully sexy mix of revenge, marriage for convenience, and enemies to lovers? And did I mention it's an MMF? Because GAH.
The second I saw Katee post about this series, I was instantly drooling. 7 Brothers set for revenge after their faction betrayed them. A little pagan, a little mystery, a lot of revenge and sexy times to be had. Now admittedly, I could have used a little more background on the universe here. Perhaps a little more development on the brothers past? I was confused on all the different factions at first and what differentiates a mystic from a radar? But I ultimately began to get the gist of it. I also got a little confused trying to wrap my mind around all of the characters, because there's a bit of a data dump with this.
The romance was SO good. It was insanely hot with just the right touch of angsty feels and I was so here for it. The push and pull between these three was delicious. Hawlow and Eli have the angst of a relationship that's falling apart because Eli just doesn't see Harlow for who she really is. Then there's the hate lust between Eli and Abel who used to be best friends until Eli's father murdered Abel's father and ran the brothers out. Abel is set on revenge, even if it means keeping his enemies close. When he wins his battle, not only does he choose Harlow as a Bride, but Eli as well. To say that these three have some unresolved issues is an understatement. But I loved the development of their relationship.
While I felt like we got a lot of development for Eli and Abel, it was a little lacking with Harlow. We hear about her difficult past, we never learn what it was. Perhaps that's going to be revealed in the future books? I hope so because I was so intrigued by her character.
If you're looking for a crackilicious read with plenty of sizzling hot scenes, you've found your next read.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
They look like mine.
Oh.
My.
OVARIES.
Dis. Book.
If you're looking for some trope candy, how about a sinfully sexy mix of revenge, marriage for convenience, and enemies to lovers? And did I mention it's an MMF? Because GAH.
The second I saw Katee post about this series, I was instantly drooling. 7 Brothers set for revenge after their faction betrayed them. A little pagan, a little mystery, a lot of revenge and sexy times to be had. Now admittedly, I could have used a little more background on the universe here. Perhaps a little more development on the brothers past? I was confused on all the different factions at first and what differentiates a mystic from a radar? But I ultimately began to get the gist of it. I also got a little confused trying to wrap my mind around all of the characters, because there's a bit of a data dump with this.
The romance was SO good. It was insanely hot with just the right touch of angsty feels and I was so here for it. The push and pull between these three was delicious. Hawlow and Eli have the angst of a relationship that's falling apart because Eli just doesn't see Harlow for who she really is. Then there's the hate lust between Eli and Abel who used to be best friends until Eli's father murdered Abel's father and ran the brothers out. Abel is set on revenge, even if it means keeping his enemies close. When he wins his battle, not only does he choose Harlow as a Bride, but Eli as well. To say that these three have some unresolved issues is an understatement. But I loved the development of their relationship.
While I felt like we got a lot of development for Eli and Abel, it was a little lacking with Harlow. We hear about her difficult past, we never learn what it was. Perhaps that's going to be revealed in the future books? I hope so because I was so intrigued by her character.
If you're looking for a crackilicious read with plenty of sizzling hot scenes, you've found your next read.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 19, 2021
This was so, so good. This is the third book of Katee Robert's I've read, and while I did enjoy the other two very much, neither of them "clicked" with me 100%. Abel, however, had me from start to finish, fully invested and desperate to know what was happening next.
In the beginning of the book, the story had me fully engrossed (as well as Abel's character - I'm such a sucker for the stoic, angry hard-ass who secretly has the heart of a teddy bear), even though I wasn't sure how I would feel about the throuple at the heart of the romance. I loved Abel from page 1, and quickly fell for Harlow, too, but Eli left me with mixed feelings for a long time; that said, Katee Robert knows how to write a damn redemption arc, and even when I wasn't sure if I could ship him with the other two, I never found myself bored by his chapters because his internal monologue was so interesting.
All of that aside, by somewhere around the 70% mark, I was cheering so hard for these three to get their HEA! Especially Abel, who honestly just deserves all of the best in the world, and I'll hear no arguments. I haven't read a lot of polyamorous romance stories, but this is easily my favorite throuple portrayal I've read. These three fit so damn well together, and it's clear as day that there's no imbalance - each of them needs and cherishes the others equally, and it's really stunning. ♥
I'm a little bit nervous about continuing the series because I know some of the other brothers are in some seemingly unrequited-love situations, and those are always a bit harder for me to read, but I loved Abel so much that I have no choice but to put my faith in Katee Robert and see what happens next!
He grins, a fierce expression that’s part challenge and part amusement. “I see what she is, Eli. She’s not the princess.” He leans forward, dark eyes intent. “She’s just like us. Not the hero. Not the knight or the princess or whatever the fuck other box you can think up to shove her into. She’s the fucking dragon you think to protect her against. Really, someone needs to protect you from her."
In the beginning of the book, the story had me fully engrossed (as well as Abel's character - I'm such a sucker for the stoic, angry hard-ass who secretly has the heart of a teddy bear), even though I wasn't sure how I would feel about the throuple at the heart of the romance. I loved Abel from page 1, and quickly fell for Harlow, too, but Eli left me with mixed feelings for a long time; that said, Katee Robert knows how to write a damn redemption arc, and even when I wasn't sure if I could ship him with the other two, I never found myself bored by his chapters because his internal monologue was so interesting.
All of that aside, by somewhere around the 70% mark, I was cheering so hard for these three to get their HEA! Especially Abel, who honestly just deserves all of the best in the world, and I'll hear no arguments. I haven't read a lot of polyamorous romance stories, but this is easily my favorite throuple portrayal I've read. These three fit so damn well together, and it's clear as day that there's no imbalance - each of them needs and cherishes the others equally, and it's really stunning. ♥
I'm a little bit nervous about continuing the series because I know some of the other brothers are in some seemingly unrequited-love situations, and those are always a bit harder for me to read, but I loved Abel so much that I have no choice but to put my faith in Katee Robert and see what happens next!
October 22, 2022
I just found the romance sub-genre that’s perfect for me.
✨Horny Disaster Bisexuals in Love✨
The premise of this story needs your total suspension of disbelief. Poof! Just let it flow and enjoy the ridiculous ride. The characters are all great, the romance is a long orgy session, sprinkled with some cheesy feelings. What else do you need?
I wish the general plot was developed more but I understand this is the first in a 7 books series. Overall, this delivered what promised and some more.
✨Horny Disaster Bisexuals in Love✨
The premise of this story needs your total suspension of disbelief. Poof! Just let it flow and enjoy the ridiculous ride. The characters are all great, the romance is a long orgy session, sprinkled with some cheesy feelings. What else do you need?
I wish the general plot was developed more but I understand this is the first in a 7 books series. Overall, this delivered what promised and some more.
January 16, 2022
3.7 stars. I liked it more than to give it a 3.5 stars but not enough for a whole 4 stars. I liked the romances and the smut, Katee Robert definitely knows how to write those. The plot was good to but not my favorite. I found myself not being as engaged to the story and had a hard time getting invested after putting it down but overall I liked it and very intrigued to read more of the series!
January 17, 2021
2 so much lost potential stars
Menage romances are my guilty pleasures, but damn if they're hard to be done right. And sadly, Abel too, failed me.
Abel, our namesake, was your cliched strong, big alpha male, who takes over Harlow, a case study in forced feminism gone wrong, and Eli, the only character I liked, and who was a lost potential that the author just didn't bother exploring deeper.
I'm kinda disappointed, but honestly, I rarely ever have much hopes for menages having anything but a coaster of tropes for characters, and in that respect, Abel was no different.
Menage romances are my guilty pleasures, but damn if they're hard to be done right. And sadly, Abel too, failed me.
Abel, our namesake, was your cliched strong, big alpha male, who takes over Harlow, a case study in forced feminism gone wrong, and Eli, the only character I liked, and who was a lost potential that the author just didn't bother exploring deeper.
I'm kinda disappointed, but honestly, I rarely ever have much hopes for menages having anything but a coaster of tropes for characters, and in that respect, Abel was no different.
November 13, 2020
So happy to be starting this new series. The premise is so awesome and I am so excited to learn more about all the brothers and their Brides.
Abel, Harlow, and Eli were snarky, troubles, and sexy as hell. I love each dynamic their trio has and I am always here for some sexy menage. Katee Robert was actually my intro to Menage back in the day.
My only real downside is that this Sabine Valley and the factions and set up could have used a prologue setting it up. Especially since its so important to all 7 books. I just don't have a great sense of how the politics are build and such.
But man, I'm ready for more! (Also, you teased me with pegging, Katee!!! Don't be cruel!)
4.25/5 stars for me.
Abel, Harlow, and Eli were snarky, troubles, and sexy as hell. I love each dynamic their trio has and I am always here for some sexy menage. Katee Robert was actually my intro to Menage back in the day.
My only real downside is that this Sabine Valley and the factions and set up could have used a prologue setting it up. Especially since its so important to all 7 books. I just don't have a great sense of how the politics are build and such.
But man, I'm ready for more! (Also, you teased me with pegging, Katee!!! Don't be cruel!)
4.25/5 stars for me.
December 28, 2020
dnf @ 53%
the concept was really interesting but none of the characters grabbed my attention. At the beginning I got really into it but felt my attention slip.
I have to start putting books down when I feel slumps coming and not force myself to finish them just for the sake of finishing them.
Arc provided by the author_
the concept was really interesting but none of the characters grabbed my attention. At the beginning I got really into it but felt my attention slip.
I have to start putting books down when I feel slumps coming and not force myself to finish them just for the sake of finishing them.
Arc provided by the author_
December 3, 2020
I just finished reading this book as I'm writing this review and I just can't stop smiling. After having read eight books of Katee Robert in 2020 I didn't think she could surprise me anymore but that's exactly what she did with this new upcoming one. There are no words for how much I loved it and I consider it my favorite books of hers now. Just wow!
Abel is the first book in a new series called Sabine Valley. I believe it's a spin-off to her Wicked Villains series but you can definitely read it without having read those (although I don't know why you'd want to because that series is awesome as well). Each book in the Sabine Valley series will feature a different Paine brother and this was Abel's book.
The book starts out with the seven Paine brothers coming back to Sabine Valley after being in exile for eight years. The first thing Abel does is win fights against seven of Sabine Valley's best warriors and win a Bride for each of his brothers and for himself too. It was the only way to gain back some of the power that they lost years ago.
Katee Robert is the queen of tropes, let me tell you. She convinced me of that already with all her previous books that I've read. And it's definitely no different with this one. There's enemies to lovers, MMF, forced marriage, hate fucking and I was here for all of it. Everything about the romance between Abel, Harlow and Eli was nothing less than delicious. I loved these three characters so much. Together as well as solo.
My favorite character, though, was Harlow. Just like the writer who created her she was a fucking queen. I can't even explain properly how awesome that I think she is. You just have to read this book, I guess. What I can say is that she was just made for Abel and Eli. More than once she proved to be the perfect woman to make those two men lay aside their complicated history and I just know she'll hold them all together.
I also enjoyed the little appearances of the other brothers and their Brides. It makes me super excited for all of their stories and I can say that I'm 100% looking forward to Broderick's books.
Abel is the first book in a new series called Sabine Valley. I believe it's a spin-off to her Wicked Villains series but you can definitely read it without having read those (although I don't know why you'd want to because that series is awesome as well). Each book in the Sabine Valley series will feature a different Paine brother and this was Abel's book.
The book starts out with the seven Paine brothers coming back to Sabine Valley after being in exile for eight years. The first thing Abel does is win fights against seven of Sabine Valley's best warriors and win a Bride for each of his brothers and for himself too. It was the only way to gain back some of the power that they lost years ago.
Katee Robert is the queen of tropes, let me tell you. She convinced me of that already with all her previous books that I've read. And it's definitely no different with this one. There's enemies to lovers, MMF, forced marriage, hate fucking and I was here for all of it. Everything about the romance between Abel, Harlow and Eli was nothing less than delicious. I loved these three characters so much. Together as well as solo.
My favorite character, though, was Harlow. Just like the writer who created her she was a fucking queen. I can't even explain properly how awesome that I think she is. You just have to read this book, I guess. What I can say is that she was just made for Abel and Eli. More than once she proved to be the perfect woman to make those two men lay aside their complicated history and I just know she'll hold them all together.
I also enjoyed the little appearances of the other brothers and their Brides. It makes me super excited for all of their stories and I can say that I'm 100% looking forward to Broderick's books.
March 29, 2021
Still honestly stuck between 4 and 5 stars because it was that damn sexy and amazingly good
I went into this book knowing completely nothing and I am glad I did because it surprised me to see a polyamorous relationship in a dystopian, romance book for once. This book was so uniquely done. I love the word I LOVEEE the characters. (ESPICALLY THOSE PAINE BROTHERS).
This book was about Abel, Eli, and Harlow struggling to work together and trust one another to take over Sabine Valley the correct way as Kings and Queen. Not to mention this book almost made me cry so bump you Katee Robert for making me cry. (I mean that in a joking matter lol)
Definitely would recommend to those who love romance and does not mind the long sex scenes (they are very steamy too), the emotional issues, and like polyamorous relationships like I do. XD
I went into this book knowing completely nothing and I am glad I did because it surprised me to see a polyamorous relationship in a dystopian, romance book for once. This book was so uniquely done. I love the word I LOVEEE the characters. (ESPICALLY THOSE PAINE BROTHERS).
This book was about Abel, Eli, and Harlow struggling to work together and trust one another to take over Sabine Valley the correct way as Kings and Queen. Not to mention this book almost made me cry so bump you Katee Robert for making me cry. (I mean that in a joking matter lol)
Definitely would recommend to those who love romance and does not mind the long sex scenes (they are very steamy too), the emotional issues, and like polyamorous relationships like I do. XD
April 14, 2023
3.5 stars
This was such a delicious read. There wasn’t much of world building or character development(esp. for Harlow) going on here but the chemistry and romance was super intense and scorching hot.
This was such a delicious read. There wasn’t much of world building or character development(esp. for Harlow) going on here but the chemistry and romance was super intense and scorching hot.
January 16, 2021
3.5 stars to my first katee robert's ménage story
the only two problems i had with this one were the lack of world-building and the rushed character development. we are thrown into this story with no context whatsoever as to what the hell is going on, and after finishing it i still have no idea if this book was supposed to be a fantasy, dystopian, post-apocalyptic or what, because most of the times it read like those genres. but then there would be mentions of hollywood and actors and it threw me completely out of the loop. i still don't understand what this world is supposed to be and i wish katee would have spared a couple of sentences explaining it a little bit.
as to the characters i felt like everything flew by so fast? i know this book is kinda short but in almost 300 pages you'd expect some kind of slow development, especially from abel who spent 8 years thinking his best friend betrayed him. so how come he instantly trusts a total stranger like harlow? it made no sense how easy he would let her in on his plans, imo. his relationship with said ex best-friend was what made the story for me, because it doesn't get any better than former best friends who stopped being so because of a betrayal. the sexual tension that comes from it? unmatched. so i was here for every single interaction abel and eli had, which for me was the most interesting thing out of this book. sorry to harlow, but there's just something about having all that history and baggage with someone who knew you since you were a kid that is impossible to compete with. again, i think abel's forgiveness came too fast from someone who literally spent almost a decade harboring a grudge against eli. i wanted more grovelling from eli or more second-guessing from abel.
i'm totally down for this series and reading about every brother's story and the next one's going to be a MFF with friends to lovers and enemies to lovers, can you hear me squealing???? april can't come fast enough
the only two problems i had with this one were the lack of world-building and the rushed character development. we are thrown into this story with no context whatsoever as to what the hell is going on, and after finishing it i still have no idea if this book was supposed to be a fantasy, dystopian, post-apocalyptic or what, because most of the times it read like those genres. but then there would be mentions of hollywood and actors and it threw me completely out of the loop. i still don't understand what this world is supposed to be and i wish katee would have spared a couple of sentences explaining it a little bit.
as to the characters i felt like everything flew by so fast? i know this book is kinda short but in almost 300 pages you'd expect some kind of slow development, especially from abel who spent 8 years thinking his best friend betrayed him. so how come he instantly trusts a total stranger like harlow? it made no sense how easy he would let her in on his plans, imo. his relationship with said ex best-friend was what made the story for me, because it doesn't get any better than former best friends who stopped being so because of a betrayal. the sexual tension that comes from it? unmatched. so i was here for every single interaction abel and eli had, which for me was the most interesting thing out of this book. sorry to harlow, but there's just something about having all that history and baggage with someone who knew you since you were a kid that is impossible to compete with. again, i think abel's forgiveness came too fast from someone who literally spent almost a decade harboring a grudge against eli. i wanted more grovelling from eli or more second-guessing from abel.
i'm totally down for this series and reading about every brother's story and the next one's going to be a MFF with friends to lovers and enemies to lovers, can you hear me squealing???? april can't come fast enough
May 29, 2021
I can already tell this series is everything I’ve ever wanted. 🔥
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October 22, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ Great start to what could be an amazing series.
Abel and his seven brothers make their way back to Sabine Valley after eight years in exile. Eli is the current leader of one of the three factions… the one that should have belonged to Abel had not Eli betrayed their 28 year-long friendship. Now, after competing in the Lammas for brides for each one of his brothers, Abel claims Eli’s girl, Harlow, as his bride – and Eli makes the mistake of risking his faction and himself to “safe” her.
Hands down my favourite thing about this book was the chemistry between Harlow and Abel. I loved them. Their almost instant connection, even if there's certainty animosity there, was so entertaining to read. I love the “you’re just as twisted as me, you just don’t know it yet” trope. I love when we see heroines fight to get out of the shells they have been pushed into and break free. I don’t think Eli did enough grovelling I wanted verbal grovelling. I wanted little actions here and there… Just seeing actual regret from him, but the entire book he goes on about how intentions don’t matter, only facts and he used that as an excuse to not explain to Abel his version of the night Eli’s father decided to attack and kill most of Abel’s family and his people.
The world building is interesting, if a bit underdeveloped, and the whole concept of 'brides' is not my favourite, mainly because I think there is surely a better term for it since there were both men and women being taken as 'brides'. I do know, however, that this world is connected to the Wicked Villains Series one, which is so fun. I want to read Cohen’s story so badly because I think that’s the one that connects the two of them! I just love Katee Robert’s books, but as always, her endings leave something to be desire – always too abrupt and rushed. I know that it’s because she writes several epilogues later and shares them his her fans… I’m just not convinced I like it all that much.
I am a complete sucker for MMF romances so this was just a delight. I'm here for the bi representation all day, any day!
3.5 / 5⭐️
June 17, 2021
The first installment in Katee Robert's new Sabine Valley series did not disappoint! We follow seven brothers who come back to the city they were raised to reclaim the leadership of the clan that was taken from them. Each brother handfasts a different important figure for a year, as part of ancient tradition, and things ensue from there. Abel, the oldest brother, is the first story in this series. He chooses Harlow, the wife to Eli, his childhood best friend (or maybe something more...?). The three of them orbit around one another as Abel and his brother's figure out re-establishing leadership in their sector of the valley. I really loved how this book showcased Harlow and Eli's broken relationship, and how Abel was able to smooth out the issues between them and complete the throuple. Robert's books always have a great balance of steam, emotional turmoil, and plot, and this book lived up to everything I was looking for! Looking forward to continuing on with the series and reading about all of the other brothers' stories.
January 4, 2023
3.75 stars I love the friends to enemies to lovers dynamic between Abel and Eli and the enemies to lovers arc for Abel and Harlow. However, it wagged in the middle, the world building was confusing and underdeveloped.
June 27, 2022
I received this as an ARC from the author
dnf @ 34%
I am so upset that I didn't like this and I am again so frustrated at the same time. I really was trying to push through but the more I got into this book the more I was disliking it. My biggest gripe was Eli. I fxcking hated Eli. He is one of the worst characters I have had to read about and the fact that he has his own chapters really made it worse. I hated how he basically belittled Harlow and smothered her and constantly was trying to protect her and treated her as this fragile thing even though Harlow is constantly telling him to stop and like he just thinks he so amazing and that only he can do it. He just ignores what she is saying all the time and is so stubborn and refuses to acknowledge anything he does wrong or if he fucks thing because he is so damn prideful. It's so frustrating and then how he is treating the whole Abel situation? I literally just want to fight him. And he is pretty much the reason why I can't do it. Even the sex scenes weren't doing it for me which is so upsetting because Katee Robert is the queen of smut but whenever I encountered a sex scene I was unbothered or I was just grossed out. Everything from the sex scenes to the relationship just felt so forced. I also am a little confused about the whole setting and politics and that might be something that explores a little more but I think this should have been developed a little bit at the beginning instead of just throwing people in it.
I think Harlow and Abel are strong characters and I think if it was just the two, I would have made it through, but Eli literally ruined this for me, and I don't see him being redeemable especially since this book is so short and he literally has made no progress.
Super sad I didn't like this but I would rather stop and want to read then push through and get into a reading slump
dnf @ 34%
I am so upset that I didn't like this and I am again so frustrated at the same time. I really was trying to push through but the more I got into this book the more I was disliking it. My biggest gripe was Eli. I fxcking hated Eli. He is one of the worst characters I have had to read about and the fact that he has his own chapters really made it worse. I hated how he basically belittled Harlow and smothered her and constantly was trying to protect her and treated her as this fragile thing even though Harlow is constantly telling him to stop and like he just thinks he so amazing and that only he can do it. He just ignores what she is saying all the time and is so stubborn and refuses to acknowledge anything he does wrong or if he fucks thing because he is so damn prideful. It's so frustrating and then how he is treating the whole Abel situation? I literally just want to fight him. And he is pretty much the reason why I can't do it. Even the sex scenes weren't doing it for me which is so upsetting because Katee Robert is the queen of smut but whenever I encountered a sex scene I was unbothered or I was just grossed out. Everything from the sex scenes to the relationship just felt so forced. I also am a little confused about the whole setting and politics and that might be something that explores a little more but I think this should have been developed a little bit at the beginning instead of just throwing people in it.
I think Harlow and Abel are strong characters and I think if it was just the two, I would have made it through, but Eli literally ruined this for me, and I don't see him being redeemable especially since this book is so short and he literally has made no progress.
Super sad I didn't like this but I would rather stop and want to read then push through and get into a reading slump
March 13, 2021
I don't usually read menage, but this was really well done. I liked that we joined in the middle of the action and it was very fast paced. I also really like the set up for the next books. The structure of the families interested me and I can see how Robert is building the different dynamics.
I liked the trio in this, however, I really feel like character development needed some work. Particularly, I wanted to know more about Harlow. Though Harlow is present for much of the book I felt that it focused mostly on the dynamic between Abel and Eli.
Overall, this felt well done and I would read the rest of the series.
To be clear: this is an erotic romance with mature themes and violence.
I liked the trio in this, however, I really feel like character development needed some work. Particularly, I wanted to know more about Harlow. Though Harlow is present for much of the book I felt that it focused mostly on the dynamic between Abel and Eli.
Overall, this felt well done and I would read the rest of the series.
To be clear: this is an erotic romance with mature themes and violence.
March 9, 2021
what a wild ride!!
i went into this with zero expectations and ended up enjoying this way more than i thought i would. the heroine, harlow, was so fierce and amazing and i LOVED HER. all the dynamics between eli, abel and her were *chef‘s kiss* and i love where their relationship ended up.
if you‘re into menage/poly romance with a little bit of a twist, you should definitely give this one a go!! can‘t wait to read about all the other paine brothers :)
i went into this with zero expectations and ended up enjoying this way more than i thought i would. the heroine, harlow, was so fierce and amazing and i LOVED HER. all the dynamics between eli, abel and her were *chef‘s kiss* and i love where their relationship ended up.
if you‘re into menage/poly romance with a little bit of a twist, you should definitely give this one a go!! can‘t wait to read about all the other paine brothers :)
Read
August 13, 2021мне трудно поставить оценку сему произведению, так как я прочитала только его часть и ту против своей воли
история такова, что я начала очень хайповых этим летом "Неоновых Богов" того же автора, и каким то чудом (вот так вот качать файлы с непроверенных сайтов) после пары глав началась рандомная история совсем других героев
к слову, поняла я это не очень быстро, поэтому знаю о книге достаточно, чтобы не хотеть читать продолжение этого грандиознейшего опуса
*SPOILERS*
если я поражалась с безумия Пенелопы Дуглас во время чтения "Доверия", то тут я вдвойне охуевала
казалось бы, да, ничего особенного по меркам нашего времени, но вот вам основной сюжет
главный чел, aka название книги, за какой то там проступок или предательство, выбираете ваш вариант, берет в плен? своего лучшего друга, на которого у него до этого вставал, но они ж друзья, низя низя, и его жену, и по очереди ебет их на глазах у друг друга, параллельно все делают вид жертв обстоятельств, но в душе наслаждаются этими невероятными оргиями. а ну и на фоне какой то там сюжет еще есть
спасибо за внимание
история такова, что я начала очень хайповых этим летом "Неоновых Богов" того же автора, и каким то чудом (вот так вот качать файлы с непроверенных сайтов) после пары глав началась рандомная история совсем других героев
к слову, поняла я это не очень быстро, поэтому знаю о книге достаточно, чтобы не хотеть читать продолжение этого грандиознейшего опуса
*SPOILERS*
если я поражалась с безумия Пенелопы Дуглас во время чтения "Доверия", то тут я вдвойне охуевала
казалось бы, да, ничего особенного по меркам нашего времени, но вот вам основной сюжет
главный чел, aka название книги, за какой то там проступок или предательство, выбираете ваш вариант, берет в плен? своего лучшего друга, на которого у него до этого вставал, но они ж друзья, низя низя, и его жену, и по очереди ебет их на глазах у друг друга, параллельно все делают вид жертв обстоятельств, но в душе наслаждаются этими невероятными оргиями. а ну и на фоне какой то там сюжет еще есть
спасибо за внимание
March 14, 2022
so. hello everyone. here i am back to reading erotica, a genre i do not enjoy, simply because katee's books genuinely fascinate me.
to be clear: i have nothing about erotica. i just don't feel anything when reading sex scenes, i don't care about them. if i want to read smut, i go to ao3. that being said, i do think the sex is well written here, just to talk about that part here and be done with it. i think the scenes are fine, i think they make sense where they are, they didn't feel too forced (maybe at least the first ones. the first ones maybe fell a little in the 'i'm generating this whole situation so these characters can bang each other', but at least once they were done they felt natural that they were happening). so again, it's not that i have anything about erotica as a genre. i genuinely think that these books are good if that's something you're into, i just don't care about it.
you might ask yourself then why i'm reading these in that case - a reasonable question. well, you see, the plot sounds fascinating to me! so here i am. i'm gonna talk about the plot from now on. before that though, i feel like this book maybe had less sex scenes than wicked villains? maybe. i'm not sure though because it for sure had quite a lot of sex, so i don't know if it's just that i was distracted enough with the plot that i devoured it.
now! plot! here's the thing: if katee robert wanted to write a 500 pages long book i'd most likely read it no questions asked. i like her plot ideas, truly. the only problem i have with these books is that they are very short, so there's... well, no time to develop anything. we're rushing through the whole thing which makes me so sad because there's just so much potential. like, listen to this idea: 'seven brothers escape after an assasination attempt against them that kills their father, and they lose everything. they spend eight years on exile until they finally return to claim back their territory and take their revenge on those who turned against them' (and well, you know, the bride thing i'm leaving out. let's leave that aside for a hot second okay? we'll talk about it later)
doesn't that sound extremely cool? it sounds super cool! to finish the spoiler free part, as far as characters go i enjoyed them all, even if again, i think that had we had more time with them i would have truly loved them. i liked abel most of all, but eli was unlikable for most of the book, and again there was barely any time for me to start changing my mind about him. harlow was fine as well, but she has very little development. she's a fine character though, i don't even think she's flat, i just, didn't care that much for her, she didn't feel as interesting because she felt little explored to be honest, which sounds weird because she's one third of the narrators. but again, it's not that she changes much through the book and the whole 'i care about my people and will not be an oath breaker' can only take me so far. abel had all the baggage from the past, and you know, he was darker, which yeah it worked in his favor. if i have less time, that kind of thing works for being interesting for only two hundred pages, you know. relationships... they were fine. i don't know how much to say without getting into spoilers, there was one that seemed way more interesting but again: i think it would have been far better with more development. the other... three i'm thinking about are just fine. they were okay, they worked.
to conclude before i move on to the spoiler part: the book has a super interesting plot, but it's too short to really devel into it as i feel like it deserves, and barely anything happens in terms of overarching plot. it's mostly the romantic and character's relationship, but somehow that manages to feel rushed as well. was i invested? yeah. and like i said in an update while i was reading, i'm also far too cynical for the little time to work for me. i cannot possibly believe that two day can make anything too deep happen between two particular characters, so that part didn't work for me. at the end of the day, though, if you're searching for sex scenes and a side of plot so it's not just that, this book works great. if you're like me reading the wrong genre, well, that's on us, isn't it? i'm well aware that i like political driven books, i was aware what i was getting with this book. i can't help but feel a little let down just because the plot sounds so interesting to me that i would love for it to be explored more, but i also knew full well what i was getting here.
(maybe the overarching plot will happen throughout the whole seven books, but to be honest? i can't help but wish this book in particular was longer just because abel was so fascinating to me that i already mourn not having his povs. cohen sounded super interesting though, so i do for sure want to read his book more than anyone's else. again, it sounds unfair why i'm disappointed because i got just what i expected and i cannot possibly be disappointed over not getting a huge political dive when i saw the length of the book and knew what the genre was, and i had read the wicked villains series. i'm not saying i'm being rational! it's just what it is)
now SPOILERS! for this part there's spoilers.
i straight up want to discuss everything so please don't read any further if you want to read the book. now, what i left out in the plot up there was the whole bride things. this book is a retelling of seven brides for seven brides for seven brothers. i haven't seen that movie, i've read the synopsis, but i haven't seen it. not my thing. what happens here is that when the seven brothers return, they challenge the territory leaders from sabine valley to seven fights - each fight won meant a brother choosing a 'bride' (which basically means having them basically married for a year, but after that they could go their separate ways. it was an ancient practice to keep the peace), with abel fighting for all his brothers, and winning all fights. now, i will admit, the whole thing makes me a lil bit sick in the stomach, i won't lie. i can deal with it for the most part because some of the brides chosen were heirs to territories or the sort and also these peoples are, y'know, murderers, but i'm not fond of the whole coercion thing. still, i powered through that like fine, whatever, i am a twenty two year old who can read darker books, we are fine.
so they have their brides, with abel claiming for himself eli's girlfriend. now, abel as i said is the oldest of the paine brothers and the leader. who is eli? well, eli was his best friend. before eli's father set on fire the paine's house, killed the father, forty of their people and attempted to kill the brothers. they ran, however, as i said, living in exile during eight years. if i'm not mistaken, abel is 36 during this book and the fire happened when he was 28. adults, everyone involved here. after that, they hunted the brothers but never found them. in the meantime eli's father ran the territory for three years, before eli murdered him and became the leader himself. as you can imagine, abel is a little bit pissed off that his ex-best friend (and the guy he was also attracted to and wanted to sleep with) was apparently involved with this betrayal. so when he has to choose his bride, as the synopsis says, he chooses his girfriend for himself.
now, i won't bore you with the details of what happens next. as i said, somehow this book managed to make very little move in terms of overarching plot (see: the paine brothers reclaiming their territory) and also managed to make the romance feel rushed (personal opinion obviously. i feel like that's obvious, but just in case). abel sleeps with both his brides. they realize they have feelings for each other. abel meets with some families from the territory (that's literally one of the two things that happen for the territory plot. see why i'm sad.) more sex. more sex. abel and eli finally talk. also that last scene.
now, apparently eli didn't know about the fire. he did know about the plan to kill abel's father and because he was a monster but still his father, he wanted to spare abel the job of killing him, which was what abel had planned to do in the next year. except, you know, abel wanted to rule the territory with eli by his side. he didn't know about the fire, though, and he spent the years disrupting the hunts for the paine brothers to avoid them getting found, and then took control of the faction, and made a lot of the changes he and abel had talked about and decided together.
now, here's the thing: the betrayal is still huge here. i haven't touched harlow but i will when i'm finished with these two, but i do find eli and abel a lot more interesting just for the messy history between them, the betryal and the trust for before, and the hurt that comes from losing that. even if eli didn't know of the fire, he didn't try to contact them for eight years. and while it's true that he couldn't have shown up where they were even after eli's father was dead, he didn't even try to send a message and do something. but because of the little time, abel ends up basically forgiving him after only a couple days, after a few hours of listening to his story.
i also have a small problem with eli's character in that, there's too much of 'saying and not showing'. we're told that he's deadly, and incredibly smart, that he almost always wins. except we don't see anything of that. i don't mind that much that he spends most of the book being annoying and not admitting he's on the wrong: i think that's more than fine so that at the end when he does there's growth or whatever. i wanted to punch him in the face, but that's fine! because that's how he's supposed to be. my issue really comes from not showing his supposed intelligence (the way he acts in the finale scene is just jumping straight into the problem. he doesn't resolve it being cunning, or manipulative, and while it's all very emotional and a tense moment, it's directly against what he was supposed to be as a character. which you can say that shows how desperate he feels but it felt like there was not one moment where we see him being smart despite being told he is. we know he took control of the faction, but nothing from the present) and the quick way that his and abel's relationship advances.
still, before they get to that point, their relationship is the most interesting to me because of how tense the whole thing was. there was so much baggage and so much history there, that i believed the attraction and the tension between them.
when it came to harlow and abel... not so much. they are fine, don't get me wrong. but they have known each other for two days. there's not even much i can say about them: they are alright. she wants to be an equal partner and he offers her that. she's just kinda boring to me. i only really found her interesting when she talked to the two other brides and when she renegotiated the deal at the end just in case. nothing against her during the rest of the book, she was fine, but nothing amazing that kept my attention. and again as far as she and abel goes, it was fine, but with them meeting literally two days ago and immediately falling for one another... i cannot bring myself to care beyond that.
as far as eli and harlow went, again, they were fine. i cared more here, not as much as him and abel, but more for sure because again: past history shared. again, the forgiving felt a little bit too soon for my taste, he spent like half the book not admitting he was in the wrong and after one conversation she was basically 'ok let's get back into a relationship i love you' (maybe two conversations. i feel like it was one though). and lastly eli/harlow/abel... again, it was fine? again. too soon for my taste because it involves too soon eli/harlow and abel/eli resolving their issues. the second one is really the biggest issue though, because eli/harlow's problems were less big. then again, i'm comparing it to attempted murder of abel's whole family. in 'normal couple' metrics their problems were big enough, but, you know.
lastly, the ending? eli jumping to save abel? it felt a little bit rushed, it felt like 'okay we need to round up and close here everyone!'
i'm well aware i ranted for hundreds of words by now, but overall i did like this book. i didn't make a mistake when i chose three stars. i'm just a little bit sad because i feel like a premise like this one, with the baggage the characters carried, if it had had more development, it could have been so great. it could have been so amazing. but the book is not long, and a bunch of the time is reserved for sex, so everything manages to feel rushed while barely advancing the overarching plot.
i still find these books fascinating though. i love the plot, and i loved abel as a character for the most part even if i feel like the forgiveness part needed a lot more development and i know for sure i want to continue the series. i really want to jump into the next one, but cohen is not out yet so maybe i should space them a little bit. hm. i'll see how to continue it.
-
rtc. listen. listen i know. but yeah i wanna write about this book. my first reaction was to just review it with ‘i dont wanna talk about it’ but i do as soon as i get back home.
to be clear: i have nothing about erotica. i just don't feel anything when reading sex scenes, i don't care about them. if i want to read smut, i go to ao3. that being said, i do think the sex is well written here, just to talk about that part here and be done with it. i think the scenes are fine, i think they make sense where they are, they didn't feel too forced (maybe at least the first ones. the first ones maybe fell a little in the 'i'm generating this whole situation so these characters can bang each other', but at least once they were done they felt natural that they were happening). so again, it's not that i have anything about erotica as a genre. i genuinely think that these books are good if that's something you're into, i just don't care about it.
you might ask yourself then why i'm reading these in that case - a reasonable question. well, you see, the plot sounds fascinating to me! so here i am. i'm gonna talk about the plot from now on. before that though, i feel like this book maybe had less sex scenes than wicked villains? maybe. i'm not sure though because it for sure had quite a lot of sex, so i don't know if it's just that i was distracted enough with the plot that i devoured it.
now! plot! here's the thing: if katee robert wanted to write a 500 pages long book i'd most likely read it no questions asked. i like her plot ideas, truly. the only problem i have with these books is that they are very short, so there's... well, no time to develop anything. we're rushing through the whole thing which makes me so sad because there's just so much potential. like, listen to this idea: 'seven brothers escape after an assasination attempt against them that kills their father, and they lose everything. they spend eight years on exile until they finally return to claim back their territory and take their revenge on those who turned against them' (and well, you know, the bride thing i'm leaving out. let's leave that aside for a hot second okay? we'll talk about it later)
doesn't that sound extremely cool? it sounds super cool! to finish the spoiler free part, as far as characters go i enjoyed them all, even if again, i think that had we had more time with them i would have truly loved them. i liked abel most of all, but eli was unlikable for most of the book, and again there was barely any time for me to start changing my mind about him. harlow was fine as well, but she has very little development. she's a fine character though, i don't even think she's flat, i just, didn't care that much for her, she didn't feel as interesting because she felt little explored to be honest, which sounds weird because she's one third of the narrators. but again, it's not that she changes much through the book and the whole 'i care about my people and will not be an oath breaker' can only take me so far. abel had all the baggage from the past, and you know, he was darker, which yeah it worked in his favor. if i have less time, that kind of thing works for being interesting for only two hundred pages, you know. relationships... they were fine. i don't know how much to say without getting into spoilers, there was one that seemed way more interesting but again: i think it would have been far better with more development. the other... three i'm thinking about are just fine. they were okay, they worked.
to conclude before i move on to the spoiler part: the book has a super interesting plot, but it's too short to really devel into it as i feel like it deserves, and barely anything happens in terms of overarching plot. it's mostly the romantic and character's relationship, but somehow that manages to feel rushed as well. was i invested? yeah. and like i said in an update while i was reading, i'm also far too cynical for the little time to work for me. i cannot possibly believe that two day can make anything too deep happen between two particular characters, so that part didn't work for me. at the end of the day, though, if you're searching for sex scenes and a side of plot so it's not just that, this book works great. if you're like me reading the wrong genre, well, that's on us, isn't it? i'm well aware that i like political driven books, i was aware what i was getting with this book. i can't help but feel a little let down just because the plot sounds so interesting to me that i would love for it to be explored more, but i also knew full well what i was getting here.
(maybe the overarching plot will happen throughout the whole seven books, but to be honest? i can't help but wish this book in particular was longer just because abel was so fascinating to me that i already mourn not having his povs. cohen sounded super interesting though, so i do for sure want to read his book more than anyone's else. again, it sounds unfair why i'm disappointed because i got just what i expected and i cannot possibly be disappointed over not getting a huge political dive when i saw the length of the book and knew what the genre was, and i had read the wicked villains series. i'm not saying i'm being rational! it's just what it is)
now SPOILERS! for this part there's spoilers.
i straight up want to discuss everything so please don't read any further if you want to read the book. now, what i left out in the plot up there was the whole bride things. this book is a retelling of seven brides for seven brides for seven brothers. i haven't seen that movie, i've read the synopsis, but i haven't seen it. not my thing. what happens here is that when the seven brothers return, they challenge the territory leaders from sabine valley to seven fights - each fight won meant a brother choosing a 'bride' (which basically means having them basically married for a year, but after that they could go their separate ways. it was an ancient practice to keep the peace), with abel fighting for all his brothers, and winning all fights. now, i will admit, the whole thing makes me a lil bit sick in the stomach, i won't lie. i can deal with it for the most part because some of the brides chosen were heirs to territories or the sort and also these peoples are, y'know, murderers, but i'm not fond of the whole coercion thing. still, i powered through that like fine, whatever, i am a twenty two year old who can read darker books, we are fine.
so they have their brides, with abel claiming for himself eli's girlfriend. now, abel as i said is the oldest of the paine brothers and the leader. who is eli? well, eli was his best friend. before eli's father set on fire the paine's house, killed the father, forty of their people and attempted to kill the brothers. they ran, however, as i said, living in exile during eight years. if i'm not mistaken, abel is 36 during this book and the fire happened when he was 28. adults, everyone involved here. after that, they hunted the brothers but never found them. in the meantime eli's father ran the territory for three years, before eli murdered him and became the leader himself. as you can imagine, abel is a little bit pissed off that his ex-best friend (and the guy he was also attracted to and wanted to sleep with) was apparently involved with this betrayal. so when he has to choose his bride, as the synopsis says, he chooses his girfriend for himself.
now, i won't bore you with the details of what happens next. as i said, somehow this book managed to make very little move in terms of overarching plot (see: the paine brothers reclaiming their territory) and also managed to make the romance feel rushed (personal opinion obviously. i feel like that's obvious, but just in case). abel sleeps with both his brides. they realize they have feelings for each other. abel meets with some families from the territory (that's literally one of the two things that happen for the territory plot. see why i'm sad.) more sex. more sex. abel and eli finally talk. also that last scene.
now, apparently eli didn't know about the fire. he did know about the plan to kill abel's father and because he was a monster but still his father, he wanted to spare abel the job of killing him, which was what abel had planned to do in the next year. except, you know, abel wanted to rule the territory with eli by his side. he didn't know about the fire, though, and he spent the years disrupting the hunts for the paine brothers to avoid them getting found, and then took control of the faction, and made a lot of the changes he and abel had talked about and decided together.
now, here's the thing: the betrayal is still huge here. i haven't touched harlow but i will when i'm finished with these two, but i do find eli and abel a lot more interesting just for the messy history between them, the betryal and the trust for before, and the hurt that comes from losing that. even if eli didn't know of the fire, he didn't try to contact them for eight years. and while it's true that he couldn't have shown up where they were even after eli's father was dead, he didn't even try to send a message and do something. but because of the little time, abel ends up basically forgiving him after only a couple days, after a few hours of listening to his story.
i also have a small problem with eli's character in that, there's too much of 'saying and not showing'. we're told that he's deadly, and incredibly smart, that he almost always wins. except we don't see anything of that. i don't mind that much that he spends most of the book being annoying and not admitting he's on the wrong: i think that's more than fine so that at the end when he does there's growth or whatever. i wanted to punch him in the face, but that's fine! because that's how he's supposed to be. my issue really comes from not showing his supposed intelligence (the way he acts in the finale scene is just jumping straight into the problem. he doesn't resolve it being cunning, or manipulative, and while it's all very emotional and a tense moment, it's directly against what he was supposed to be as a character. which you can say that shows how desperate he feels but it felt like there was not one moment where we see him being smart despite being told he is. we know he took control of the faction, but nothing from the present) and the quick way that his and abel's relationship advances.
still, before they get to that point, their relationship is the most interesting to me because of how tense the whole thing was. there was so much baggage and so much history there, that i believed the attraction and the tension between them.
when it came to harlow and abel... not so much. they are fine, don't get me wrong. but they have known each other for two days. there's not even much i can say about them: they are alright. she wants to be an equal partner and he offers her that. she's just kinda boring to me. i only really found her interesting when she talked to the two other brides and when she renegotiated the deal at the end just in case. nothing against her during the rest of the book, she was fine, but nothing amazing that kept my attention. and again as far as she and abel goes, it was fine, but with them meeting literally two days ago and immediately falling for one another... i cannot bring myself to care beyond that.
as far as eli and harlow went, again, they were fine. i cared more here, not as much as him and abel, but more for sure because again: past history shared. again, the forgiving felt a little bit too soon for my taste, he spent like half the book not admitting he was in the wrong and after one conversation she was basically 'ok let's get back into a relationship i love you' (maybe two conversations. i feel like it was one though). and lastly eli/harlow/abel... again, it was fine? again. too soon for my taste because it involves too soon eli/harlow and abel/eli resolving their issues. the second one is really the biggest issue though, because eli/harlow's problems were less big. then again, i'm comparing it to attempted murder of abel's whole family. in 'normal couple' metrics their problems were big enough, but, you know.
lastly, the ending? eli jumping to save abel? it felt a little bit rushed, it felt like 'okay we need to round up and close here everyone!'
i'm well aware i ranted for hundreds of words by now, but overall i did like this book. i didn't make a mistake when i chose three stars. i'm just a little bit sad because i feel like a premise like this one, with the baggage the characters carried, if it had had more development, it could have been so great. it could have been so amazing. but the book is not long, and a bunch of the time is reserved for sex, so everything manages to feel rushed while barely advancing the overarching plot.
i still find these books fascinating though. i love the plot, and i loved abel as a character for the most part even if i feel like the forgiveness part needed a lot more development and i know for sure i want to continue the series. i really want to jump into the next one, but cohen is not out yet so maybe i should space them a little bit. hm. i'll see how to continue it.
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rtc. listen. listen i know. but yeah i wanna write about this book. my first reaction was to just review it with ‘i dont wanna talk about it’ but i do as soon as i get back home.
January 27, 2021
3.5 rounded up for GR
Katee Robert’s new Sabine Valley series is a Seven Brides for Seven Brothers retelling with menage, revenge and danger. Abel is the first book and a friends to enemies to lovers with some dirty hate sex.
Abel left Sabine Valley eight years ago when his father and people were murdered by Eli’s family. Now he is back and wants revenge by taking Eli’s Bride, Harlow, but he wants Eli too. Once he wins them in a fight, he takes over their faction but has to convince them both he wants what is best for the faction as well as his feelings for them.
As with most of Katee Robert’s book, I loved the sex! She can write a sex scene like no other and I am here for it! The emotion that Abel felt for Eli, even when they were kids, provided such an unfulfilled longing. How Abel sees Harlow as the intelligent partner she could be instead of fragile as Eli did, it gave Harlow so much more purpose and dimension.
It’s not that I didn’t like this book, I did like it and I will read the next ones. There is just a lot of characters and world building with the different factions. It introduces the other six bothers and their Brides plus the backstory of the Paine brothers and how they were exiled. All that drama took a backseat to Eli, Abel and Harlow’s relationship and I enjoy more relationship than info dumping. Then, one character threatened to peg another, but it never happened, that made me sad, don’t tease me with a peg!
Katee Robert’s new Sabine Valley series is a Seven Brides for Seven Brothers retelling with menage, revenge and danger. Abel is the first book and a friends to enemies to lovers with some dirty hate sex.
Abel left Sabine Valley eight years ago when his father and people were murdered by Eli’s family. Now he is back and wants revenge by taking Eli’s Bride, Harlow, but he wants Eli too. Once he wins them in a fight, he takes over their faction but has to convince them both he wants what is best for the faction as well as his feelings for them.
As with most of Katee Robert’s book, I loved the sex! She can write a sex scene like no other and I am here for it! The emotion that Abel felt for Eli, even when they were kids, provided such an unfulfilled longing. How Abel sees Harlow as the intelligent partner she could be instead of fragile as Eli did, it gave Harlow so much more purpose and dimension.
It’s not that I didn’t like this book, I did like it and I will read the next ones. There is just a lot of characters and world building with the different factions. It introduces the other six bothers and their Brides plus the backstory of the Paine brothers and how they were exiled. All that drama took a backseat to Eli, Abel and Harlow’s relationship and I enjoy more relationship than info dumping. Then, one character threatened to peg another, but it never happened, that made me sad, don’t tease me with a peg!
January 5, 2021
First of all thank you Katee for providing me with an ARC!!
This is the first book in the Sabine Valley series, and in each book we follow one of the seven Paine brothers.
We start of with Abel, the oldest.
I love a good "enemies to lovers", but "former best friends to enemies to lovers through a marriage" just hits different. But not only do we get this, we also got "lovers to sort of hating each other to lovers" and "strangers to sort of enemies to lovers"
The dynamic between Abel, Harlow and Eli was so good. There was so much tension, lust and distrust.
I also loved the setting, I can't wait to learn more about the different factions in this city in future books.
Remember this is a spicy series, so keep that in mind if you consider reading it.
As someone who loves the spice, this was great. Katee knows how to write a good scene and she always delivers!
And now it's time to wait until April for Broderick, the second book.
This is the first book in the Sabine Valley series, and in each book we follow one of the seven Paine brothers.
We start of with Abel, the oldest.
I love a good "enemies to lovers", but "former best friends to enemies to lovers through a marriage" just hits different. But not only do we get this, we also got "lovers to sort of hating each other to lovers" and "strangers to sort of enemies to lovers"
The dynamic between Abel, Harlow and Eli was so good. There was so much tension, lust and distrust.
I also loved the setting, I can't wait to learn more about the different factions in this city in future books.
Remember this is a spicy series, so keep that in mind if you consider reading it.
As someone who loves the spice, this was great. Katee knows how to write a good scene and she always delivers!
And now it's time to wait until April for Broderick, the second book.
March 27, 2021
True Rating: 4.25 stars
I love this new world Robert has created here, and I have the feeling the next installment is going to break it open further.
Abel, Eli, and Harlow are all fantastic characters, who are clearly individuals with their own histories and problems to bring into a relationship with one person, let alone 2.
The way that communication became a focus was lovely, and the steamy scenes were great, and easy to keep track of! Can't wait for Broderick!!
I love this new world Robert has created here, and I have the feeling the next installment is going to break it open further.
Abel, Eli, and Harlow are all fantastic characters, who are clearly individuals with their own histories and problems to bring into a relationship with one person, let alone 2.
The way that communication became a focus was lovely, and the steamy scenes were great, and easy to keep track of! Can't wait for Broderick!!
November 15, 2021
The plot was ridiculous but the romance was hot so idgaf. It's a mmf polyamorous relationship that has both a second chance romance and a friends to enemies to lovers romance; two of my fav tropes. I'm glad this didn't disappoint because I had a feeling I would like it and I def wanna read the rest of the Paine brothers' books.
May 4, 2023
The amount of petty,vengeance, betrayal and underhanded scheming that went on in this book is on brand for me. I really liked both Abel and Harlow. As for Eli....I don't hate him but he worked every ounce of my nerves majority of the book. I guess he redeemed himself in the end or whatever 🙄. Either way this was a pretty good MMF poly book.
Read
January 9, 20213.5/5
I wasn't sure if this would be for me but I can never resist a Katee Robert book. I loved Abel and Harlow as characters, but Eli was a bit tougher. The world was also a bit fuzzy for me, personally, but who am I kidding? I'm not reading these books for the world building.
November 21, 2020
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Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review
In true Katee Robert style, she once again delivers a very steamy book that develops a very personal and open relationship between the characters. We follow the first of 7 brothers in a series that follows them as they try to reclaim their territory. I'm very excited to keep reading the series and highly recommend you check it out as well because the first book is very promising.
We follow Abel, Harlow and Eli as they try to adapt to this jew environment in which the Paine Brothers are back in command and they have to work together. It was really cute to see how they balanced each other out and really cared for each other. It has a little bit of action, serious conversation moments and lots of sexy scenes that all around made this book an entertaining read.
Highly recommend this book and adding the second one to my TBR
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review
In true Katee Robert style, she once again delivers a very steamy book that develops a very personal and open relationship between the characters. We follow the first of 7 brothers in a series that follows them as they try to reclaim their territory. I'm very excited to keep reading the series and highly recommend you check it out as well because the first book is very promising.
We follow Abel, Harlow and Eli as they try to adapt to this jew environment in which the Paine Brothers are back in command and they have to work together. It was really cute to see how they balanced each other out and really cared for each other. It has a little bit of action, serious conversation moments and lots of sexy scenes that all around made this book an entertaining read.
Highly recommend this book and adding the second one to my TBR
November 22, 2025
2nd read 2025
3 stars ✨
didnt like it much the second time around im so sad
1st read 2024
3.25 stars ✨
If there’s one Katee Robert does it’s deliVERRRRR
I loved the premise, I loved the characters, I loved smut but I wish the plot didn’t drag and the end didn’t turn around as quickly as it did. Granted, the plot will continue over the next book but something fell short and I always feel this with katee’s books. Some times I wish she would take a chance and do something different, push herself out of her comfort zone but I will stick with her until that day comes
3 stars ✨
didnt like it much the second time around im so sad
1st read 2024
3.25 stars ✨
If there’s one Katee Robert does it’s deliVERRRRR
I loved the premise, I loved the characters, I loved smut but I wish the plot didn’t drag and the end didn’t turn around as quickly as it did. Granted, the plot will continue over the next book but something fell short and I always feel this with katee’s books. Some times I wish she would take a chance and do something different, push herself out of her comfort zone but I will stick with her until that day comes
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