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Four Point Universe #12
Solanum
When Caroline Donovan and Nora Brody are assigned to the same unit of the FBI, they become fast friends. As they navigate through their careers, the connection they share changes and grows along with them. Their unique challenges, and favorite kinks, entangle them in ways neither expected.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2021
About the author
Max Ellendale
34 books327 followersMax grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 17, 2021
Sweet Caroline...
As expected, another awesome look into the friends and family of the Four Point universe. Caroline and Nora's story, finally! Loved it, through the good, bad and ugly it was an amazing journey with two characters that have been on rollercoaster of emotion.
It like getting punched in the face emotionally, but then you get wrapped up in warmth and comfort and love. Probably why I keep coming back for more. Well done Max!
As expected, another awesome look into the friends and family of the Four Point universe. Caroline and Nora's story, finally! Loved it, through the good, bad and ugly it was an amazing journey with two characters that have been on rollercoaster of emotion.
It like getting punched in the face emotionally, but then you get wrapped up in warmth and comfort and love. Probably why I keep coming back for more. Well done Max!
May 20, 2021
When you think it can't get any better than the last one, Ellendale does it again!
Nora and Caroline are one of my favorites right up there with Sali and Maggie, and to see their story so beautifully told, interwoven with all of the other stories that I love was a privilege. That's how I always feel when reading Ellendale, that I'm lucky to see inside this amazing universe she created.
Thank you! All of the stars!
Nora and Caroline are one of my favorites right up there with Sali and Maggie, and to see their story so beautifully told, interwoven with all of the other stories that I love was a privilege. That's how I always feel when reading Ellendale, that I'm lucky to see inside this amazing universe she created.
Thank you! All of the stars!
December 18, 2022
Wow
I am in love. This was like a deeper picture of all things that happened before. Very amazing, I must say. I longed for a book about Caroline and Nora and I have finally read it and I am utterly delighted.
The emotional range was amazing as always. And I love this circle of family and friendship, it brings me joy.
I am in love. This was like a deeper picture of all things that happened before. Very amazing, I must say. I longed for a book about Caroline and Nora and I have finally read it and I am utterly delighted.
The emotional range was amazing as always. And I love this circle of family and friendship, it brings me joy.
August 31, 2024
Well, this is from my TBR shelves and I absolutely love it. Though I'll admit, since I didn't realize it was part of a series I read it as a stand alone. Max does such a great writing job, that placing all the friends was no problem. This is so HOT! Caroline and Nora are so in love and fit together perfectly. This is a FAVORITE! Worth more than 5 stars!
May 20, 2021
Bravo Max Ellendale for a fantastic story!
Can Max Ellendale get any better? Yes, she can! Solanum is an exhilarating rollercoaster of a book. The writing is solid and at times elegant. Elllendale’s cast of strong female characters are present and entertaining as always. The story of Nora and Caroline is a beautiful tale of love and trust. I couldn’t put this book down and was sad to see it end. I will be reading this again along with the rest of the Four Point universe books. Bravo and thank you Max!
Can Max Ellendale get any better? Yes, she can! Solanum is an exhilarating rollercoaster of a book. The writing is solid and at times elegant. Elllendale’s cast of strong female characters are present and entertaining as always. The story of Nora and Caroline is a beautiful tale of love and trust. I couldn’t put this book down and was sad to see it end. I will be reading this again along with the rest of the Four Point universe books. Bravo and thank you Max!
May 18, 2021
Solanum brings richness to the Trilogy and Four Point Universe. The glimpses of Caroline and Nora in previous books in the series were always very intriguing and sparked the desire for readers to seek an in-depth look into their relationship.
This book unknowingly hit me on a deeper level…taking me by surprise (I was excited for all the sex!). I still haven’t fully processed everything. All of my thoughts and feelings are a mess and I’m struggling to verbalize what I experienced through this astonishing well written story. I mean the character development alone is genius…throw in everything else… Masterpiece!
Seeing Nora through the eyes of Caroline (the sexy Domme) as Caroline supported the healing process Nora was going through was fascinating. We saw Nora’s struggle through the eyes of her friends in previous books, but it hit on a deeper level seeing it through the eyes of her lover.
One of my favorite aspects was seeing Anita and Samirah from Caroline’s perspective. As soon as I finished Solanum I revisited Anita’s story to satisfy my need to experience the fullness of the friendship bond between Anita & Nora. I highly recommend reading the whole series because once you do you’ll find yourself longing to go back and reread.
This book unknowingly hit me on a deeper level…taking me by surprise (I was excited for all the sex!). I still haven’t fully processed everything. All of my thoughts and feelings are a mess and I’m struggling to verbalize what I experienced through this astonishing well written story. I mean the character development alone is genius…throw in everything else… Masterpiece!
Seeing Nora through the eyes of Caroline (the sexy Domme) as Caroline supported the healing process Nora was going through was fascinating. We saw Nora’s struggle through the eyes of her friends in previous books, but it hit on a deeper level seeing it through the eyes of her lover.
One of my favorite aspects was seeing Anita and Samirah from Caroline’s perspective. As soon as I finished Solanum I revisited Anita’s story to satisfy my need to experience the fullness of the friendship bond between Anita & Nora. I highly recommend reading the whole series because once you do you’ll find yourself longing to go back and reread.
May 19, 2021
Everything I've been waiting for!!!
This book is not a stand alone. It would be confusing if you haven't read any of the books leading to it as it crossed a handful of years of time quite rapidly.
That said, for those of us following these books already, this is a long awaited story. We've all known Nora and Caroline for years and have been impatiently waiting for their beautiful kinky story of to unfold in detail. We've seen them in the periphery, being lovable, and sometimes a bit shocking. We've wondered how they got together, what brought them to each other.
When I realized the book I'd downloaded without hesitation when I saw Ellendale's name was *this* story, I literally screamed in excitement.
It's everything we wanted. Lots of feeling, Nora and Caroline on center stage, and a LOT of kink told from the tops/Dom's perspective, which isn't super common and is very needed.
I loved every second of this novel.
This book is not a stand alone. It would be confusing if you haven't read any of the books leading to it as it crossed a handful of years of time quite rapidly.
That said, for those of us following these books already, this is a long awaited story. We've all known Nora and Caroline for years and have been impatiently waiting for their beautiful kinky story of to unfold in detail. We've seen them in the periphery, being lovable, and sometimes a bit shocking. We've wondered how they got together, what brought them to each other.
When I realized the book I'd downloaded without hesitation when I saw Ellendale's name was *this* story, I literally screamed in excitement.
It's everything we wanted. Lots of feeling, Nora and Caroline on center stage, and a LOT of kink told from the tops/Dom's perspective, which isn't super common and is very needed.
I loved every second of this novel.
May 21, 2021
Solanum (Nightshade)
This is the story of Caroline and Nora from the Four Point Universe. This couple have been mentioned in a number of the books and I always wondered about their back story. This fills in all the gaps. There are a number of previous characters which we have all loved who come into this book. Sali, Maggie and Anita play central roles. The story is told from Caroline’s point of view which is great as she always comes across as grumpy or sullen so it allows us readers to see under the skin as it were. If you don’t like sex this book is not for you as sex is the third main character and is essential to the relationship between Caroline and Nora.
Max pulls together all the many loose ends in this the twelfth novel of the series. I would not say this is a stand alone as you need to have read at least half of the previous works in this universe. That said it’s a dam good read but not for reading in public.
This is the story of Caroline and Nora from the Four Point Universe. This couple have been mentioned in a number of the books and I always wondered about their back story. This fills in all the gaps. There are a number of previous characters which we have all loved who come into this book. Sali, Maggie and Anita play central roles. The story is told from Caroline’s point of view which is great as she always comes across as grumpy or sullen so it allows us readers to see under the skin as it were. If you don’t like sex this book is not for you as sex is the third main character and is essential to the relationship between Caroline and Nora.
Max pulls together all the many loose ends in this the twelfth novel of the series. I would not say this is a stand alone as you need to have read at least half of the previous works in this universe. That said it’s a dam good read but not for reading in public.
May 19, 2021
I'm a big fan of this series and can't choose my favourite but this one is special for me because of my love for Nora and Caroline since book one. Their story is so touching and beautiful. I loved how caring and tender Caroline was for her Kitten. How much Nora trusted her and how they both grown and healed together.
And sex.. lots of sex... Hot hot hot sex!
Totally recommend it, even as standalone but to really enjoy it read all of this series.
Can't wait for next one from Max. Never stop writing, please!
And sex.. lots of sex... Hot hot hot sex!
Totally recommend it, even as standalone but to really enjoy it read all of this series.
Can't wait for next one from Max. Never stop writing, please!
May 19, 2021
This is the best one yet.
May 19, 2021
Absolutely loved Nora and Caroline's story and adored it being in Caroline's pov. Wondeful job as usual. Loved their chenistry from their first time and Caroline giving in. Fantastic job portraying both of them and weaving in the others we all hve come to love. Amazing job at the bedroom scenes. Very well written
Can't wait to read more from this author
Can't wait to read more from this author
May 20, 2021
Awesome book
Great addition to the series and what a wonderful telling of Caroline and Nora’s story. I highly recommend this book and it will be a wonderful reread for me in the future.
Great addition to the series and what a wonderful telling of Caroline and Nora’s story. I highly recommend this book and it will be a wonderful reread for me in the future.
May 21, 2021
Beautiful journey
Fans of Max Ellendale are well aquatinted with Caroline & Nora. Solanum does a great job of filling in the blanks, including Caroline’s back story. As always, Ellendale takes her readers on a beautiful journey through emotions.
Fans of Max Ellendale are well aquatinted with Caroline & Nora. Solanum does a great job of filling in the blanks, including Caroline’s back story. As always, Ellendale takes her readers on a beautiful journey through emotions.
May 23, 2021
3.5 ⭐
June 5, 2021
Finally.....Nora and Caroline's story. This was every bit as good as I'd hoped. The author has done this story real justice. These characters have been one of the pairings that weave in and out of the other books in both the Four Point Trilogy and the accompanying series set in the Four Point Universe.
This book is set across a number of years and looks at events that readers are already aware of, but from a different perspective. I'd often found Caroline abrasive and brash and never fully warmed to her, but this book fleshes her out and gives context and nuance to her character, and her utmost devotion to Nora is heartwarming to read.
As with other books there's a darkness with serious issues including a kidnapping, references to sexual trauma, abusive and neglectful childhoods, but there's also love and levity provided by Sali and Maggie. Ellendale is superb at writing trauma and healing in such a moving way. A fantastic read that I couldn't put down.
This book is set across a number of years and looks at events that readers are already aware of, but from a different perspective. I'd often found Caroline abrasive and brash and never fully warmed to her, but this book fleshes her out and gives context and nuance to her character, and her utmost devotion to Nora is heartwarming to read.
As with other books there's a darkness with serious issues including a kidnapping, references to sexual trauma, abusive and neglectful childhoods, but there's also love and levity provided by Sali and Maggie. Ellendale is superb at writing trauma and healing in such a moving way. A fantastic read that I couldn't put down.
June 17, 2021
It's everything & then some!!
Oh, what a delicious gift this book is!! Its the story of Nora & Caroline —FINALLY!!! & it's so awesome because we see so many scenes from the entire Four Points Universe saga, with them being there from just about the beginning, right along with Sali & Maggie & main characters in this whole series, but this time with their perspectives, perceptions & personalities telling the tale.
I hope I'm wrong, but there's just something in the way this story was told that kinda gave me that "the series finale" type of feeling… I love these characters more than some of my real family & friends & I'd hate to not have them anymore, but if this must be the end, seriously, it couldn’t have been done better!
Oh, what a delicious gift this book is!! Its the story of Nora & Caroline —FINALLY!!! & it's so awesome because we see so many scenes from the entire Four Points Universe saga, with them being there from just about the beginning, right along with Sali & Maggie & main characters in this whole series, but this time with their perspectives, perceptions & personalities telling the tale.
I hope I'm wrong, but there's just something in the way this story was told that kinda gave me that "the series finale" type of feeling… I love these characters more than some of my real family & friends & I'd hate to not have them anymore, but if this must be the end, seriously, it couldn’t have been done better!
May 21, 2021
Awesome book
You can see the love that Caroline has for Nora from the beginning. Unable to have a relationship was hard on both of them. Caroline's love for Nora really showed once Nora was found. She decade herself to take care of Nora with the help of friends that became family. Nora a delicate flower always wanted Caroline. It hurt when they splint. Nora put all her trust in Caroline and the Millers. Anitia Is the main person that everyone trust. A beautiful love story between to lovely women trying to make a life together
You can see the love that Caroline has for Nora from the beginning. Unable to have a relationship was hard on both of them. Caroline's love for Nora really showed once Nora was found. She decade herself to take care of Nora with the help of friends that became family. Nora a delicate flower always wanted Caroline. It hurt when they splint. Nora put all her trust in Caroline and the Millers. Anitia Is the main person that everyone trust. A beautiful love story between to lovely women trying to make a life together
July 1, 2021
Finally! Nora and Caroline are so hot!
I didn’t think that you would write it but you did. The story of Nora and Caroline was definitely worth the wait. Now I’m probably going to have to go back and re-read a couple of books from before with this new perspective of Nora and Caroline.
I waited to read this because I knew that it would be over too soon. Your putting-together-of-words talent continues to amaze and entertain. I’m looking forward to what’s next…. 5 ⭐️ and A+
I didn’t think that you would write it but you did. The story of Nora and Caroline was definitely worth the wait. Now I’m probably going to have to go back and re-read a couple of books from before with this new perspective of Nora and Caroline.
I waited to read this because I knew that it would be over too soon. Your putting-together-of-words talent continues to amaze and entertain. I’m looking forward to what’s next…. 5 ⭐️ and A+
June 9, 2021
Kinky & Romantic
Another brilliant book in this outstanding series. Caroline & Nora's unique story of friendship, sex, heartache and love.
All the usual four point characters are in attendance and it all adds up to a really enjoyable read.
Another brilliant book in this outstanding series. Caroline & Nora's unique story of friendship, sex, heartache and love.
All the usual four point characters are in attendance and it all adds up to a really enjoyable read.
June 30, 2021
Well worth it
This story truly ties everything together thus far. Not to mention the kinky hit factor. Max sure knows how to word a steamy scene. Nora and Caroline are so in tuned that the beginning breaks your heart but elates you in the end.
This story truly ties everything together thus far. Not to mention the kinky hit factor. Max sure knows how to word a steamy scene. Nora and Caroline are so in tuned that the beginning breaks your heart but elates you in the end.
December 15, 2022
I have enjoyed this whole series. The characters are engaging and watching them grow a community through terrible troubles is really heartening. The docs and cops characters ensure there is enough external drama and the variety of sexual interests keep the romances hot.
April 19, 2024
Nightshade
Dr. Nora Brody, psychologist and FBI agent and analyst, is a brilliant woman. Her supervisor Caroline Donovan, Agent, linguist and Domme, and best friend are very attracted to each other. This is their story and their journey to their forever. Great series.
Dr. Nora Brody, psychologist and FBI agent and analyst, is a brilliant woman. Her supervisor Caroline Donovan, Agent, linguist and Domme, and best friend are very attracted to each other. This is their story and their journey to their forever. Great series.
May 28, 2021
Light BDSM
Just like the rest of the series, great characters that you get to know in depth and hate to see the book end.
Just like the rest of the series, great characters that you get to know in depth and hate to see the book end.
June 9, 2021
WOW!
Well, I don’t think you “read” Solanum. It’s more like it absorbs you. You are carried into its world. Lots of sex, BDSM, love and friendships.
Well, I don’t think you “read” Solanum. It’s more like it absorbs you. You are carried into its world. Lots of sex, BDSM, love and friendships.
June 20, 2021
Love this series but feel like one of Jordan’s hookup charts at the beginning would have been helpful. I enjoyed the kinky stuff too.
July 5, 2021
Done perfectly. This was the story we've been waiting for.
December 16, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. Being able to witness Caroline’s and Nora character development was beautiful. This book not only was about romantic love but there was so many intertwined themes showcased in this book such as: LGBTQIA+ dynamics and fluidity, complexity is work dynamics, vulnerability, deep presence and compassion between main character as well as their close nit circle of friends.
I also genuinely appreciate the grace Nora’s friends gave her after what happened to her. *light spoiler* How Caroline, Anita, Maggie, Sal and others tried listening to her and pay close attention to her body language as he healed emotionally and physically. Caroline confiding in Sal and Sam about how Nora’s healing was coming along and the conversations on how each person processes trauma differently.
I have not read any other books (yet) 😏 in this series so I don’t know the full background about Car and Nora in other books..in saying that I do appreciate the author giving some insight and context throughout the book that touched on their own personal past and work relationships. I did not feel that I was missing out on anything or that I had to read the previous books in the series.
Definitely recommend this book!
I also genuinely appreciate the grace Nora’s friends gave her after what happened to her. *light spoiler* How Caroline, Anita, Maggie, Sal and others tried listening to her and pay close attention to her body language as he healed emotionally and physically. Caroline confiding in Sal and Sam about how Nora’s healing was coming along and the conversations on how each person processes trauma differently.
I have not read any other books (yet) 😏 in this series so I don’t know the full background about Car and Nora in other books..in saying that I do appreciate the author giving some insight and context throughout the book that touched on their own personal past and work relationships. I did not feel that I was missing out on anything or that I had to read the previous books in the series.
Definitely recommend this book!
January 21, 2025
better and better
“Anita” started the spinoff series with a bang, and became a standout in the series. My next favorite was “Mercy” which just … it was emotionally gripping.
But this one … it grabbed you and took you along from fear and emotional wreakage through all the knitting together of Norah’s healing with the love and understanding of Caroline and their growing familial ties with Sali and the rest of their friends.
With every struggle you could see the bonds building with Caroline, as well as with their chosen family. This story is told from Caroline’s perspective, and it begins before the original Four Point series and spans several years in the Universe series timeline.
“Anita” started the spinoff series with a bang, and became a standout in the series. My next favorite was “Mercy” which just … it was emotionally gripping.
But this one … it grabbed you and took you along from fear and emotional wreakage through all the knitting together of Norah’s healing with the love and understanding of Caroline and their growing familial ties with Sali and the rest of their friends.
With every struggle you could see the bonds building with Caroline, as well as with their chosen family. This story is told from Caroline’s perspective, and it begins before the original Four Point series and spans several years in the Universe series timeline.
December 27, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book and it did not pull me in as any other. I felt it was too much mix of action and sometimes I got lost who was where (work related). Friends and home life was pretty good situated. It did not grab my attention as I though it would.
June 6, 2021
I was expecting more story vs all the hot sex scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews