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ELODIE
Everyone fears them.
Except for me.
The kings who rule Grove Academy don’t scare me, not with their gentle touches, sweet words, and smiles reserved only for me. But maybe...
Maybe I should be scared.
THE KINGS
We watch her. Protect her. Love her.
There’s a word for people like us—psychopaths.
But how can we be psychopaths, when we protect the one person who deserves it? Someone so sweet and innocent, she’s completely oblivious to the horrors plaguing our elite town?
The cops call us serial killers.
We call ourselves hers.
This is a dark reverse harem romance with secret societies, dangerous cults, serial killers, and a sweet girl planted smack dab in the middle of it all.
Everyone fears them.
Except for me.
The kings who rule Grove Academy don’t scare me, not with their gentle touches, sweet words, and smiles reserved only for me. But maybe...
Maybe I should be scared.
THE KINGS
We watch her. Protect her. Love her.
There’s a word for people like us—psychopaths.
But how can we be psychopaths, when we protect the one person who deserves it? Someone so sweet and innocent, she’s completely oblivious to the horrors plaguing our elite town?
The cops call us serial killers.
We call ourselves hers.
This is a dark reverse harem romance with secret societies, dangerous cults, serial killers, and a sweet girl planted smack dab in the middle of it all.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2021
2256 people are currently reading
3093 people want to read
About the author
Katie May
99 books2,649 followersKatie May is a romance writer of numerous genres! She writes everything from horror to fantasy to contemporary. #whychoose
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
October 12, 2021
I feel disappointed. They may be serial killers but... if felt like little kids running around. I mean, they try but the h gets zero protection in the end. I'm also tired of the "miscommunication" plot to justify slow burn romance.
dnf
November 19, 2021I probably missed the best part or at least the potential for a great series.
But I had to drop it.
The boys were idiots and it was seriously painful to be in Ellie's head.
But I had to drop it.
The boys were idiots and it was seriously painful to be in Ellie's head.
October 15, 2021
I’m disappointed, I wanted to love this book but I just couldn’t.
The boys spent the whole book talking about protecting Ellie, how they are never going to let anything happen to her, how everyone it’s so scared of them and then she’s kidnapped four times when they are supposedly watching her, it’s ridiculous.
The whole writing too was kind of awkward, a lot of weird comparisons and the annoying use of female and male, pleaaaase this is a contemporary, no one talks like this in real life.
I actually kind of liked Ellie, she’s strong without being an ass kicking woman but also she wasn’t too naive and dumb, it’s definitely going to be interesting when she founds out the boys secrets
The boys too were nice, Katie always manage to create characters that have different personalities and aren’t carbon copies of one another, the brand of crazy she brings to them it’s always interesting, I just really wished they would talk less and show more.
Hopefully the second book’s going to be better.
The boys spent the whole book talking about protecting Ellie, how they are never going to let anything happen to her, how everyone it’s so scared of them and then she’s kidnapped four times when they are supposedly watching her, it’s ridiculous.
The whole writing too was kind of awkward, a lot of weird comparisons and the annoying use of female and male, pleaaaase this is a contemporary, no one talks like this in real life.
I actually kind of liked Ellie, she’s strong without being an ass kicking woman but also she wasn’t too naive and dumb, it’s definitely going to be interesting when she founds out the boys secrets
The boys too were nice, Katie always manage to create characters that have different personalities and aren’t carbon copies of one another, the brand of crazy she brings to them it’s always interesting, I just really wished they would talk less and show more.
Hopefully the second book’s going to be better.
October 25, 2021
I was disappointed
I did not love this book. In fact I considered not finishing it. The problem wasn't the violence, killing or torture. The problem is that all of the main characters are so incredibly stupid that it was painful to read, and making the main characters stupid is a pet hate of mine.
Let's discuss Ellie. Naive gullible Ellie. Every single time her gut tells her something isn't right, she completely disregards it. No matter what evidence is around her, she deliberately puts her head in the sand, and she literally denied the possibility of the guys knowing anything so many times it was repetitive and annoying.
Now the guys ... they were pretty pathetic. The book actually starts with them killing and dismembering some guy, they constantly talk about keeping Ellie safe and how they can't live without. In the meantime, they've basically messed her up emotionally for years, hiding everything from her, keeping distance from her while supposedly killing for her. Meanwhile, she has no self esteem, and one of them actively has her believing he hates her. Every interaction between them and her is painful. Even when they know she's in danger, they still won't admit they know anything.
The main female character and her ignorance of the guys feelings is reminiscent of The Shadows of Wildberry Lane series by M. Sinclair as well as the Untouchable series by Heather Long. So while this book has serial killer suitors, I kind of felt I'd already read this FMC, right down to the developing eating disorder.
Lastly, this story didn't feel that well developed. It doesn't explain how the guys got into killing or why they thought it would help her. The book felt like it had major events, and then it's like "one week later", or "one month later". I do think there was a lot of
potential but I struggled to connect with the characters and the storyline.
I did not love this book. In fact I considered not finishing it. The problem wasn't the violence, killing or torture. The problem is that all of the main characters are so incredibly stupid that it was painful to read, and making the main characters stupid is a pet hate of mine.
Let's discuss Ellie. Naive gullible Ellie. Every single time her gut tells her something isn't right, she completely disregards it. No matter what evidence is around her, she deliberately puts her head in the sand, and she literally denied the possibility of the guys knowing anything so many times it was repetitive and annoying.
Now the guys ... they were pretty pathetic. The book actually starts with them killing and dismembering some guy, they constantly talk about keeping Ellie safe and how they can't live without. In the meantime, they've basically messed her up emotionally for years, hiding everything from her, keeping distance from her while supposedly killing for her. Meanwhile, she has no self esteem, and one of them actively has her believing he hates her. Every interaction between them and her is painful. Even when they know she's in danger, they still won't admit they know anything.
The main female character and her ignorance of the guys feelings is reminiscent of The Shadows of Wildberry Lane series by M. Sinclair as well as the Untouchable series by Heather Long. So while this book has serial killer suitors, I kind of felt I'd already read this FMC, right down to the developing eating disorder.
Lastly, this story didn't feel that well developed. It doesn't explain how the guys got into killing or why they thought it would help her. The book felt like it had major events, and then it's like "one week later", or "one month later". I do think there was a lot of
potential but I struggled to connect with the characters and the storyline.
December 7, 2022
I just can't!
I can't stand it when I expected one thing and get something totally wrong and different! I was expecting to fall in love with this series but I seriously hated how the author portrayed the FMC as weak and naive.. Ugh! 😫.. So at this point even thou this book left off on a cliffhanger I just don't seem to care to see where this story goes... 🙄Bye!
Overall Rating:
3 ~ It Was A Okay Read!
I can't stand it when I expected one thing and get something totally wrong and different! I was expecting to fall in love with this series but I seriously hated how the author portrayed the FMC as weak and naive.. Ugh! 😫.. So at this point even thou this book left off on a cliffhanger I just don't seem to care to see where this story goes... 🙄Bye!
Overall Rating:
3 ~ It Was A Okay Read!
October 20, 2021
Meh
I’m honestly still as confused now upon finishing as I was at the beginning. Why are they serial killers? How did they get that way? Who do they kill? How have they not gotten caught? What is POP exactly? You get snippets of backstory but not enough to really explain what’s going on. Ellie seems totally clueless and I didn’t see any growth in her as the story went on. The idea is intriguing but the execution was lacking. It almost felt like an outline of a story, but the author didn’t feel like filling in the details.
Also, guaranteed Ellie’s brother is the “clean up crew” guy. There’s no way he isn’t aware of the guys Ellie claims to be “best friends” with.
I’m honestly still as confused now upon finishing as I was at the beginning. Why are they serial killers? How did they get that way? Who do they kill? How have they not gotten caught? What is POP exactly? You get snippets of backstory but not enough to really explain what’s going on. Ellie seems totally clueless and I didn’t see any growth in her as the story went on. The idea is intriguing but the execution was lacking. It almost felt like an outline of a story, but the author didn’t feel like filling in the details.
Also, guaranteed Ellie’s brother is the “clean up crew” guy. There’s no way he isn’t aware of the guys Ellie claims to be “best friends” with.
July 4, 2024
These guys are good at three things: 1) killing people, 2) torturing people, and 3) letting the love of their lives, aka their best friend, get kidnapped multiple times.
October 15, 2021
Mania is EVERYTHING! I love RH, academy, serial killers, psychos, secret societies, and this book has it all. It is a slow burn and the harem is absolutely in love with Ellie, but she is completely clueless.
Ellie has been through a lot. She has tried to stay invisible, but she begins to realize that people know who she is and it is all because of Mania. Mania is Ryker, Zane, Landon, Beckett and Dominic. They are vigilante serial killers and I absolutely love all of them.
I have laughed (Zane, loooove him and he's absolutely hilarious), I have been on the edge of my seat (especially during during trials) and I have felt for Ellie and the them. The guys all have their own backstories, some more tragic than others.
I could not put this book down. I LOVED it. It's action packed. I was on the edge of my seat not knowing when POP was going to appear. The trials are insane and a bit of a headspin. I was SHOCKED by the end. I was not expecting that and now I'm hanging off a cliff anxiously awaiting Psychotic. Bring. It. On!
Ellie has been through a lot. She has tried to stay invisible, but she begins to realize that people know who she is and it is all because of Mania. Mania is Ryker, Zane, Landon, Beckett and Dominic. They are vigilante serial killers and I absolutely love all of them.
I have laughed (Zane, loooove him and he's absolutely hilarious), I have been on the edge of my seat (especially during during trials) and I have felt for Ellie and the them. The guys all have their own backstories, some more tragic than others.
I could not put this book down. I LOVED it. It's action packed. I was on the edge of my seat not knowing when POP was going to appear. The trials are insane and a bit of a headspin. I was SHOCKED by the end. I was not expecting that and now I'm hanging off a cliff anxiously awaiting Psychotic. Bring. It. On!
October 25, 2021
This was an interesting start to the series. It's definitely got a horror/gothic/mystery feel to it. Ellie is sweet, naive but strong and an easy character to like. She sort of reminds me of Maya from the Reborn series. Anyway, it's clearly going to be a slow-burn type of series as she's friends with all of the Hs, but not much has developed further than that. Clearly there are feelings and each of the Hs are unique and very interesting.
As expected, this ends on quite a cliffhanger and leaves me curious enough to see how things will progress. Definitely recommend if you're looking to start a darker (not bully) romance.
As expected, this ends on quite a cliffhanger and leaves me curious enough to see how things will progress. Definitely recommend if you're looking to start a darker (not bully) romance.
September 7, 2022
Well...that was slightly disappointing. I read this based on a short IG ad blurb and it didn't live up to what I wanted. I wanted more - more sexual tension and more dialogue between our FMC and all the MMCs. Yes, this is slow burn, but Ellie, the FMC, had no clue about the guys' feelings towards her and continued to deny that they could have feelings. Dumb. This plot is out there. There would have been enough to work with without adding the element of a secret society. Since it ends on a cliffhanger, I feel compelled to continue to book 2. I am interested to see how the relationship dynamics unfold vs the plot.
March 6, 2022
"I may have been her shadow, but that's because she is my light." 🖤
Before reading this I saw alot of 3 star reviews or less... all saying the same thing...
You have to take this book as it is, the author doesnt deceive you. If you read the authors note at the front, it's a slow burn reverse harem. Therefore if you are looking for immediate, hot steamy romance then this isnt the book for you. Again, if you are looking for a kickass, take no shit heroine then this isnt the book for you. I've seen alot of reviews saying how naive she is.. yes, read the authors note at the beginning! She hasn't mislead you, it states that she is very naive and innocent. She has been locked away by her protective brother and friends. She is completely oblivious to the horrors of the world! So dont be surprised when she is exactly that! I even had to remind myself that a couple of times.
I personally went into this book looking for exactly that, serial killer Alpha's with a sweet innocent heroine who grows over time to be stronger. I wanted them to be big protective monsters who guard her with their lives.. which yes, we got the monster side and them stating they would sacrifice themselves for her BUT she got kidnapped...alot... none of the times did they manage to protect her or rescue her. Our girl Ellie took it all on and helped herself. Which in a sense im like yes Ellie, you've got this girl! She was worried about getting her "sweet" boys in danger.. like I said, very naive 😂 but this is mainly due to all of the secrets kept between her and the guys. All trying to protect the other!
There are laugh out loud moments, especially between the guys with the pranks and back and fourth banter. I Iove that all the guys have their own personalities and their own reasons for worshipping Ellie.
"She doesn't even know the power she has over us, that she has an entire pack of monsters at her beck and call, ready to burn down the world if she asked us to."
I would reccomend this book for people starting out with reverse harem, and if you like the whole secret society, trials/tasks tropes. Also if you like the quiet, nerdy, innocent FMC. ❤
Before reading this I saw alot of 3 star reviews or less... all saying the same thing...
You have to take this book as it is, the author doesnt deceive you. If you read the authors note at the front, it's a slow burn reverse harem. Therefore if you are looking for immediate, hot steamy romance then this isnt the book for you. Again, if you are looking for a kickass, take no shit heroine then this isnt the book for you. I've seen alot of reviews saying how naive she is.. yes, read the authors note at the beginning! She hasn't mislead you, it states that she is very naive and innocent. She has been locked away by her protective brother and friends. She is completely oblivious to the horrors of the world! So dont be surprised when she is exactly that! I even had to remind myself that a couple of times.
I personally went into this book looking for exactly that, serial killer Alpha's with a sweet innocent heroine who grows over time to be stronger. I wanted them to be big protective monsters who guard her with their lives.. which yes, we got the monster side and them stating they would sacrifice themselves for her BUT she got kidnapped...alot... none of the times did they manage to protect her or rescue her. Our girl Ellie took it all on and helped herself. Which in a sense im like yes Ellie, you've got this girl! She was worried about getting her "sweet" boys in danger.. like I said, very naive 😂 but this is mainly due to all of the secrets kept between her and the guys. All trying to protect the other!
There are laugh out loud moments, especially between the guys with the pranks and back and fourth banter. I Iove that all the guys have their own personalities and their own reasons for worshipping Ellie.
"She doesn't even know the power she has over us, that she has an entire pack of monsters at her beck and call, ready to burn down the world if she asked us to."
I would reccomend this book for people starting out with reverse harem, and if you like the whole secret society, trials/tasks tropes. Also if you like the quiet, nerdy, innocent FMC. ❤
October 13, 2021
Okay so first i am sad to say that i got disappointed, my expectations was more than this. I felt like they where going around each other, not going further in their suppose friendship or relationship. At first i was alright or could understand why they hide so much stuff from the heroin Ellie , but when it came to a point in that book that it was time to fucking reveal something! They still kept quite.... I was hurting that they did not even sit with her to eat lunch with in school, i mean yeah i get that you wanna protect your girl but it´s not gonna help her.
Zane was so similar to Rion in "Blindly indicted" series, they could have been twins, the same goofballs that likes to prank people running their mouths off and joking about dicks and stuff, lol.
The ending makes me want to read the next book, i still probably would have continued reading it tho. I have my faith left that Katie will write this series better
Zane was so similar to Rion in "Blindly indicted" series, they could have been twins, the same goofballs that likes to prank people running their mouths off and joking about dicks and stuff, lol.
The ending makes me want to read the next book, i still probably would have continued reading it tho. I have my faith left that Katie will write this series better
October 15, 2021
Eh.
I know it's fiction and all, but I just found it so hard to suspend disbelief when reading this. These guys are supposed to be 17 year olds? And they're also supposed to be psychotic serial killers? 5 of them? And no one notices? I just. No.
I know it's fiction and all, but I just found it so hard to suspend disbelief when reading this. These guys are supposed to be 17 year olds? And they're also supposed to be psychotic serial killers? 5 of them? And no one notices? I just. No.
June 16, 2022
There are authors that just work for me. Authors that write the way I like to read. Authors caring as much about emotions and feelings and hurt and love and building up as I do. Authors knowing what kind of characters I like, both sweet and psychotic and preferable combined in one character. Authors who never let me down, no matter what they write, no matter if it's my kink or not. Katie May is one of those authors for me.
This book was everything I had hoped it would be, even though I usually don't read much contemporary. I loved the secret society and I'm loving it even more now I've reached the cliffhanger. I can't wait to dive into the next book and to get some more answers and probably also a lot more questions. The stakes are clearly very high in this book and therefore I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat, glued to the pages.
I also really loved the guys in this book! Yes, they were psychotic, they weren't afraid of murder or torture. The entire school was terrified of them, and with reason. However, they also had other sides. They were protective, funny, caring and they were the kind of guys doing everything for their sweet girl. Don't get me wrong, I love the sweet guys, but it's very powerful when guys love you that much that they literally kill everyone harming and hurting you.
And the heroine in this book was so sweet and innocent and lovely! At times she's a little naive. Since we know much more about what's going on I sometimes had to remind myself that things really aren't that obvious if you have no idea what's going on. However, she was so easy to like and love and I also liked how much of myself I could recognize in her! The glasses, the love for reading and music, the innocence. I can't wait to dive into the next book!
This book was everything I had hoped it would be, even though I usually don't read much contemporary. I loved the secret society and I'm loving it even more now I've reached the cliffhanger. I can't wait to dive into the next book and to get some more answers and probably also a lot more questions. The stakes are clearly very high in this book and therefore I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat, glued to the pages.
I also really loved the guys in this book! Yes, they were psychotic, they weren't afraid of murder or torture. The entire school was terrified of them, and with reason. However, they also had other sides. They were protective, funny, caring and they were the kind of guys doing everything for their sweet girl. Don't get me wrong, I love the sweet guys, but it's very powerful when guys love you that much that they literally kill everyone harming and hurting you.
And the heroine in this book was so sweet and innocent and lovely! At times she's a little naive. Since we know much more about what's going on I sometimes had to remind myself that things really aren't that obvious if you have no idea what's going on. However, she was so easy to like and love and I also liked how much of myself I could recognize in her! The glasses, the love for reading and music, the innocence. I can't wait to dive into the next book!
January 7, 2022
Speechless.. that’s what I am right now. That cliffhanger was pure torture.
This books is different and in a lot of ways the same. I’m honestly not sure how to describe it without spoiling it. Let me just say that Landon, Zane, Dominic, Beckett, and Ryker are all obsessed with our fmc Ellie. They’re psychotic to everyone, but Ellie. This book has a little bit of a mafia vibe with a secret society added in the mix. There are lies, secrets, some angst, and even some funny moments that will make you laugh out loud.
The biggest thing that I loved with this book is that all of the guys (and the fmc) are virgins. I’m not a huge fan of the virgin trope, but if it’s all of them? Then sign me up!
If you like your guys psychotic, possessive, and totally obsessed with their girl- then this is the book for you!
This books is different and in a lot of ways the same. I’m honestly not sure how to describe it without spoiling it. Let me just say that Landon, Zane, Dominic, Beckett, and Ryker are all obsessed with our fmc Ellie. They’re psychotic to everyone, but Ellie. This book has a little bit of a mafia vibe with a secret society added in the mix. There are lies, secrets, some angst, and even some funny moments that will make you laugh out loud.
The biggest thing that I loved with this book is that all of the guys (and the fmc) are virgins. I’m not a huge fan of the virgin trope, but if it’s all of them? Then sign me up!
If you like your guys psychotic, possessive, and totally obsessed with their girl- then this is the book for you!
October 14, 2021
This book draws you in and has you holding your breath for more! Katie May should put on her crown because I’m officially addicted to these Men! That ending though… way to rip out my heart and leave me numb on the floor. I NEED the next book ASAP! I cannot wait to dive deeper with these men and their personalities! I love when authors put RH books into the RH book I’m reading! This book isn’t as spicy as I normally like to read but you can tell this series will get there. The men and their dirty comments and thoughts just make me so excited for what is to come! But I’m also terrified after that ending.. I need to know!! Dom, come give me your hoody because I need it to cuddle and recover!!
March 28, 2025
I wanted to like this, and it has potential but didn’t quite hit it for me. I feel like the boys are not really helpful and you don’t know enough about them all by the end of the first book to grip you.
October 13, 2021
MOREEE PLEASEEEEE
OKAYYYYYYY this book was EVERYTHING. Gah I absolutely flew right through this in one sitting. Now I am mad at myself for reading it so fast. Multiple POV slow burn reverse harem.
I LOL’ed a lot during this book. So much happens, it was a whirlwind.
Elle the sweet and naive FMC, I loved her.
The guys of Mania YES PLEASE. I will take every single one. Overprotective and obsessed with the FMC. I loved their friendship.
I NEED MORE
OKAYYYYYYY this book was EVERYTHING. Gah I absolutely flew right through this in one sitting. Now I am mad at myself for reading it so fast. Multiple POV slow burn reverse harem.
I LOL’ed a lot during this book. So much happens, it was a whirlwind.
Elle the sweet and naive FMC, I loved her.
The guys of Mania YES PLEASE. I will take every single one. Overprotective and obsessed with the FMC. I loved their friendship.
I NEED MORE
October 13, 2021
Loved
Katie may this book was wowwwww.
I loved this book alot I love Zane Omg that boy made me laugh far too much for such a book as this.
Ellie Omg bless her I just wanted to hug her and hide her in my wardrobe so she won't get hurt.
Cannot wait for book 2 now as the cliffhanger was painful to read and defo not happy about it lol
Katie may this book was wowwwww.
I loved this book alot I love Zane Omg that boy made me laugh far too much for such a book as this.
Ellie Omg bless her I just wanted to hug her and hide her in my wardrobe so she won't get hurt.
Cannot wait for book 2 now as the cliffhanger was painful to read and defo not happy about it lol
October 14, 2021
Omg
Katie may does it again!! I swear you got me sweating like 3 books at the same time Katie!! Awesome book and story. Love the guys and the other characters. Just read it already!!
Katie may does it again!! I swear you got me sweating like 3 books at the same time Katie!! Awesome book and story. Love the guys and the other characters. Just read it already!!
February 21, 2023
This series was blah. Slow, hard to like FMC. Skimmed a lot just to get thru the series. Already forgetting plot and characters a day later.
February 28, 2024
I really wanted to like this. The first third of the book is nothing but these guys talking about how obsessed they are with the FMC. It's way overdone. We get it. You love her. Even though she doesn't know it & she thinks most of them simply tolerate her. She has no friends except these 5 guys but they keep her at an arm's length and pretty much keep all the secrets from her. She really doesn't know anything about them.
Then, they're supposed to be these badass psychopathic serial killers but they keep NOT protecting the girl. She just keeps getting kidnapped. They supposedly have this amazing network of associates and the bad guys supposedly fear them, but they never use their network when the girl goes missing. The first time the girls gets kidnapped, they flat out KNOW 1 of the people responsible. A girl came to their room to purposely distract them and even taunted them about it saying "it's too late" and what do they do....NOTHING! They just let her go. "She said she doesn't know anything" Bull.Ish! The guys refuse to communicate with her at all and then expect her to trust them and talk to them about what's happening with her?! It makes no sense, and just comes across as completely unrealistic.
Also, how many bad things have to happen to you, how many times do you have to get kidnapped before you stop ignoring the bad feelings you get assuming that you're being paranoid? If you've been kidnapped several times by a cult who says you've got x tasks to complete and then randomly you feel like somebody's watching you.... They probably are!
I'm 80% through and she's been kidnapped 3x so far and released because she completed the tasks given. (They make it sound like she might die if she doesn't complete the tasks ? But not sure) They guys have done absolutely nothing to help or protect her. The only thing the do is give her sweatshirts and granola bars, lie to her and keep secrets. She has done everything herself.
Then, they're supposed to be these badass psychopathic serial killers but they keep NOT protecting the girl. She just keeps getting kidnapped. They supposedly have this amazing network of associates and the bad guys supposedly fear them, but they never use their network when the girl goes missing. The first time the girls gets kidnapped, they flat out KNOW 1 of the people responsible. A girl came to their room to purposely distract them and even taunted them about it saying "it's too late" and what do they do....NOTHING! They just let her go. "She said she doesn't know anything" Bull.Ish! The guys refuse to communicate with her at all and then expect her to trust them and talk to them about what's happening with her?! It makes no sense, and just comes across as completely unrealistic.
Also, how many bad things have to happen to you, how many times do you have to get kidnapped before you stop ignoring the bad feelings you get assuming that you're being paranoid? If you've been kidnapped several times by a cult who says you've got x tasks to complete and then randomly you feel like somebody's watching you.... They probably are!
I'm 80% through and she's been kidnapped 3x so far and released because she completed the tasks given. (They make it sound like she might die if she doesn't complete the tasks ? But not sure) They guys have done absolutely nothing to help or protect her. The only thing the do is give her sweatshirts and granola bars, lie to her and keep secrets. She has done everything herself.
December 16, 2021
DNF at 30%.
I really wanted to get into this book. Serial killing MMCs who are obsessed with their girl? Hell yeah. But sadly, beyond the idea and the MMCs inner monologue towards the FMC, there wasn’t too much I could enjoy.
The first problem I ran into was the setting. The academy is a high school, but the author doesn’t consider it NA, which leads to a huge issue: their ages. They aren’t discussed. Senior year just started, so it’s possible they are 18, but it’s never explicitly stated.
But even if they are, that’s very young (too young IMO) for them to have been killing *for years* and having established an army of sorts. (Just set it in college, it would solve so much!!)
Another related issue (at least I think it’s because of their ages), is all the MCs continually referring to women as “females”. I think it’s to not call them girls, which would imply them being underage, and not women because it would make them seem old(?). And it’s not only once or twice, but seemingly as often as possible. (One time, she meets a classmate, and it’s described as “a blonde female walked up to us”. The “female” could have been left out altogether. It’s truly infuriating.)
I quit when it happened twice in one page, in a flashback, where one of the MMCs first notices “a blonde female” (the FMC). They are playing on a slide and don’t seem older than ten at the most, so what kept the author from calling her a girl??
Second, where the academy is. Again, it isn’t stated explicitly, which in itself I don’t mind at all. But it seems to be very rural, as one of the MMCs has a farm that borders it, and the only fancy restaurant is a few towns over.
The book starts with them murdering a man on said farm who apparently has a history of domestic abuse against his wife and kids, and they send her a letter saying he ran away with his mistress. Okay, but doesn’t he have a job? Wouldn’t she report him missing, or at least go after child support?
And this is only one in a long line of victims, so I can’t see how no one would have noticed the disappearances of so many people in such a small community. (And they all have to be local, because the reason given for killing them is to protect the FMC.)
Third, the FMC. My god, the FMC. She moves into the dorms of the academy her senior year, but she’s attended this school all 3 years before that. And yet, she doesn’t know anybody in her class, except her lab partner and the MMCs.
And no, it’s not that she isn’t friends with them, but she literally has never seen these people before. The explanation is her having been in a fog of grief because her parents died five years earlier.
Of course people grieve differently, but not to notice a single one of your classmates in three years, when her parents deaths occurred two years before even starting at this school?
I think the author did this to have her meet her new roommates, classmates and antagonists for the first time for the reader, but it just makes her seem like an idiot. (Especially when everybody at school knows who she is.)
She is also *very* naive, so naive it borders on stupid, to a degree I really couldn’t empathize with. (“Ooh, this boy hates me so much, but every time he sees me, he gives me his hoodie”)
I wanted to like this book. I really did. And if it weren’t for the male perspectives, I wouldn’t have gotten past the first few pages. But my suspension of disbelief sadly only goes so far.
I really wanted to get into this book. Serial killing MMCs who are obsessed with their girl? Hell yeah. But sadly, beyond the idea and the MMCs inner monologue towards the FMC, there wasn’t too much I could enjoy.
The first problem I ran into was the setting. The academy is a high school, but the author doesn’t consider it NA, which leads to a huge issue: their ages. They aren’t discussed. Senior year just started, so it’s possible they are 18, but it’s never explicitly stated.
But even if they are, that’s very young (too young IMO) for them to have been killing *for years* and having established an army of sorts. (Just set it in college, it would solve so much!!)
Another related issue (at least I think it’s because of their ages), is all the MCs continually referring to women as “females”. I think it’s to not call them girls, which would imply them being underage, and not women because it would make them seem old(?). And it’s not only once or twice, but seemingly as often as possible. (One time, she meets a classmate, and it’s described as “a blonde female walked up to us”. The “female” could have been left out altogether. It’s truly infuriating.)
I quit when it happened twice in one page, in a flashback, where one of the MMCs first notices “a blonde female” (the FMC). They are playing on a slide and don’t seem older than ten at the most, so what kept the author from calling her a girl??
Second, where the academy is. Again, it isn’t stated explicitly, which in itself I don’t mind at all. But it seems to be very rural, as one of the MMCs has a farm that borders it, and the only fancy restaurant is a few towns over.
The book starts with them murdering a man on said farm who apparently has a history of domestic abuse against his wife and kids, and they send her a letter saying he ran away with his mistress. Okay, but doesn’t he have a job? Wouldn’t she report him missing, or at least go after child support?
And this is only one in a long line of victims, so I can’t see how no one would have noticed the disappearances of so many people in such a small community. (And they all have to be local, because the reason given for killing them is to protect the FMC.)
Third, the FMC. My god, the FMC. She moves into the dorms of the academy her senior year, but she’s attended this school all 3 years before that. And yet, she doesn’t know anybody in her class, except her lab partner and the MMCs.
And no, it’s not that she isn’t friends with them, but she literally has never seen these people before. The explanation is her having been in a fog of grief because her parents died five years earlier.
Of course people grieve differently, but not to notice a single one of your classmates in three years, when her parents deaths occurred two years before even starting at this school?
I think the author did this to have her meet her new roommates, classmates and antagonists for the first time for the reader, but it just makes her seem like an idiot. (Especially when everybody at school knows who she is.)
She is also *very* naive, so naive it borders on stupid, to a degree I really couldn’t empathize with. (“Ooh, this boy hates me so much, but every time he sees me, he gives me his hoodie”)
I wanted to like this book. I really did. And if it weren’t for the male perspectives, I wouldn’t have gotten past the first few pages. But my suspension of disbelief sadly only goes so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2023
Meh
I had a hard time reviewing this book because it left me with mixed emotions.
The characters were well developed. Its not easy to develop five MMC's and the author did a really good job of giving each of them distinguishable traits. I appreciated the warning at the start of the story that Ellie, the MFC, was going to start out weak and naive because that's exactly what she was, though she did gain a tiny bit of strength as the book progressed. I however don't understand why each MMC is so in love with her. There was nothing in the story that explained their obsessions and nothing described about her character that made her standout or overly likeable. I also don't think this story should have an RH label because absolutely NOTHING romantically happens between the MMC's and Ellie. Literally NOTHING! If you're looking for a dark, spicy story this is definitely not it. The spice level is zero.
I found the idea of the plot interesting, and appreciated some twists and turns, but I also found some things to be contradictory. I don't understand how Ellie could possibly be kidnapped from right under their noses so many times. The whole purpose of Mania is to protect Ellie. There are five of them, not to mention their extended resources that they boast about, and yet she's kidnapped while they're watching her or even worse plucked right out of their possession. It made Mania seem far less powerful or intimidating.
Its rare that I tackle a series that's spread out over multiple books, and on the rare occasion that I do I never start until the entire series is available. When this popped up as a Kindle suggestion I was intrigued. It showed 4 book covers and I made the mistake of thinking it was a completed series. Now that I know its not I will put it on my TBR and maybe come back to it once the series is complete. This first one just wasn't intriguing enough to make me feel like I need to start book 2 right away.
I had a hard time reviewing this book because it left me with mixed emotions.
The characters were well developed. Its not easy to develop five MMC's and the author did a really good job of giving each of them distinguishable traits. I appreciated the warning at the start of the story that Ellie, the MFC, was going to start out weak and naive because that's exactly what she was, though she did gain a tiny bit of strength as the book progressed. I however don't understand why each MMC is so in love with her. There was nothing in the story that explained their obsessions and nothing described about her character that made her standout or overly likeable. I also don't think this story should have an RH label because absolutely NOTHING romantically happens between the MMC's and Ellie. Literally NOTHING! If you're looking for a dark, spicy story this is definitely not it. The spice level is zero.
I found the idea of the plot interesting, and appreciated some twists and turns, but I also found some things to be contradictory. I don't understand how Ellie could possibly be kidnapped from right under their noses so many times. The whole purpose of Mania is to protect Ellie. There are five of them, not to mention their extended resources that they boast about, and yet she's kidnapped while they're watching her or even worse plucked right out of their possession. It made Mania seem far less powerful or intimidating.
Its rare that I tackle a series that's spread out over multiple books, and on the rare occasion that I do I never start until the entire series is available. When this popped up as a Kindle suggestion I was intrigued. It showed 4 book covers and I made the mistake of thinking it was a completed series. Now that I know its not I will put it on my TBR and maybe come back to it once the series is complete. This first one just wasn't intriguing enough to make me feel like I need to start book 2 right away.
October 15, 2021
Ellie has been pretty sheltered. Her parents died years ago and she was raised by her brother. Her 5 best friends - the Mania guys are obsessed with her and serial killers. She’s fairly oblivious to what they are doing, even when they tell her. The guys are each psychotic in their own way but they own it - and it’s pretty entertaining - especially Zane’s modified lyrics. The book club scene is hilarious - I loved it so much. The story does end with a cliffy, it sounds like book 2 will be out yet this year - so yay! I can’t wait :)
July 22, 2024
Unfortunately, this book was fucking trash in my opinion.
The whole POP storyline was so damn stupid and I had zero interest in it while reading the book. I found my self skipping over those parts.
The only interesting part about the book were the leading men. Unfortunately there was no steamy parts at all. This was not a slow burn. This was an absolute no burn.
And where the stories going I don’t see that changing anytime soon which is just tedious in my opinion.
Another thing I can’t stand about Katie the writer, is that she’s absolutely obsessed with everything anus, ass, anal. And not in a hot way. No, in an annoying and juvenile way that she makes all her straight male characters have to be obsessed with sexual gay innuendos non-freaking stop. It’s so beyond juvenile and annoying and she literally does it in every single book of hers that I just know that she has some type of a weird obsession with it herself.
I’m a grown ass woman who’s known so many straight men over her entire lifetime and there’s not ever been one that constantly is making gay innuendo remarks to their straight friends. It’s just so dumb.
The whole POP storyline was so damn stupid and I had zero interest in it while reading the book. I found my self skipping over those parts.
The only interesting part about the book were the leading men. Unfortunately there was no steamy parts at all. This was not a slow burn. This was an absolute no burn.
And where the stories going I don’t see that changing anytime soon which is just tedious in my opinion.
Another thing I can’t stand about Katie the writer, is that she’s absolutely obsessed with everything anus, ass, anal. And not in a hot way. No, in an annoying and juvenile way that she makes all her straight male characters have to be obsessed with sexual gay innuendos non-freaking stop. It’s so beyond juvenile and annoying and she literally does it in every single book of hers that I just know that she has some type of a weird obsession with it herself.
I’m a grown ass woman who’s known so many straight men over her entire lifetime and there’s not ever been one that constantly is making gay innuendo remarks to their straight friends. It’s just so dumb.
March 4, 2022
enjoyed
I really enjoyed this read. It was great and o love the characters. Tho I want to smack the boys upside there heads. This cliff hanger was so mean I can’t wait for the next book.
I really enjoyed this read. It was great and o love the characters. Tho I want to smack the boys upside there heads. This cliff hanger was so mean I can’t wait for the next book.
March 22, 2024
Zane’s crazy ass salvaged this. Way too many mismatched metaphors in the writing. Your heart’s dropping your bile is rising your skin is crawling a scream is trapped in your throat heart battering against your ribs. All at the same time? Sounds more like you need a medic than anything poetic.
.
.
July 23, 2022
Mania is where it’s at
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett are The Kings of Grove Academy, but to others they are known as Mania, these five boys have a secret, one so deep and dark, for each have a certain skill set, one that ensures that those who do wrong are punished, the victim’s protected, but the one person that has power over them is Ellie, the one girl they are all in love with doesn’t realise that she has an entire pack of monsters at her beck and call, ready to burn down the world if she asked them to.
When Ellie returns to Grove Academy, after the death of her parents, she’s ready to spread her wings and live a life of normalcy, her brother Fischer, ever so protective does all he can to ensure she has a smooth transition, for he has given her the life she deserves.
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett are shocked to see her, with what they know, they are fearful of her return and what lays ahead, not only for the Culling but the Paragons of Prosperity.
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett form their own relationships with Ellie, each having their own dynamics with her. With everything going on, they make time to have fun, pulling pranks, in the ensuing chaos and darkness.
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett are obsessive, controlling and protective of Ellie, everything they do for her it to ensure she is protected and safe, inserting themselves into every aspect of her life, instilling ground rules that she blatantly ignores which only angers them more, having them upping there security measures on her.
But for Ellie it’s not fun and games until she is chosen, forced to participate in a game, run by a secret society, where she is subjected to three gruelling tasks, The Divine One playing on her weaknesses, should she fail, there a consequences for those she loves, consequences she’ll pay at all costs.
Ellie is struggling, what she’s seen, heard and endured, is hurting her, she’s in a dark place, and she fears disclosing the truth of what she knows to Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett will hurt them more, yet she doesn’t realise they are working alongside her, to keep her safe from harm, and they will not accept failure as an option, yet they are conflicted with sharing the truth with Ellie, yet the only thing hurting them, is Ellie lying to them, that is one thing they cannot handle, yet seeing the strength and resilience that she has, they believe she is better off.
As Ellie completes her gruelling tasks, she makes shocking discoveries, not knowing what to believe that what she is seeing is either her imagination or reality, learning shocking truths about her parents deaths, what is at stake, of the inevitable, when she is made to be sacrificed, only someone else is sacrificed in her place, to enacting something that she isn’t capable of committing, in defence to save herself, only to be thrusted into the unknown, not knowing what is going to happen next.
This story is told from different POV, it will take you on a wild ride, having you turn page after page. This book had me from beginning to end, it told a telling story, this author definitely knows how to write.
This book contains triggers, please heed them. This book has it all slow burn romance, dark humour, roller coaster of emotions, drama, action, unrequited love, loyalty, acceptance, jealousy, madness, mayhem, intrigue, revenge, vengeance, violence, adrenaline seeking suspense, twists, turns, truths.
Reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters, the author delving into the pasts of our male leads and as the story unfolds the readers see the development and growth from the characters singularly and together.
Onto book two….
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett are The Kings of Grove Academy, but to others they are known as Mania, these five boys have a secret, one so deep and dark, for each have a certain skill set, one that ensures that those who do wrong are punished, the victim’s protected, but the one person that has power over them is Ellie, the one girl they are all in love with doesn’t realise that she has an entire pack of monsters at her beck and call, ready to burn down the world if she asked them to.
When Ellie returns to Grove Academy, after the death of her parents, she’s ready to spread her wings and live a life of normalcy, her brother Fischer, ever so protective does all he can to ensure she has a smooth transition, for he has given her the life she deserves.
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett are shocked to see her, with what they know, they are fearful of her return and what lays ahead, not only for the Culling but the Paragons of Prosperity.
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett form their own relationships with Ellie, each having their own dynamics with her. With everything going on, they make time to have fun, pulling pranks, in the ensuing chaos and darkness.
Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett are obsessive, controlling and protective of Ellie, everything they do for her it to ensure she is protected and safe, inserting themselves into every aspect of her life, instilling ground rules that she blatantly ignores which only angers them more, having them upping there security measures on her.
But for Ellie it’s not fun and games until she is chosen, forced to participate in a game, run by a secret society, where she is subjected to three gruelling tasks, The Divine One playing on her weaknesses, should she fail, there a consequences for those she loves, consequences she’ll pay at all costs.
Ellie is struggling, what she’s seen, heard and endured, is hurting her, she’s in a dark place, and she fears disclosing the truth of what she knows to Landon, Dominic, Zane, Ryker and Beckett will hurt them more, yet she doesn’t realise they are working alongside her, to keep her safe from harm, and they will not accept failure as an option, yet they are conflicted with sharing the truth with Ellie, yet the only thing hurting them, is Ellie lying to them, that is one thing they cannot handle, yet seeing the strength and resilience that she has, they believe she is better off.
As Ellie completes her gruelling tasks, she makes shocking discoveries, not knowing what to believe that what she is seeing is either her imagination or reality, learning shocking truths about her parents deaths, what is at stake, of the inevitable, when she is made to be sacrificed, only someone else is sacrificed in her place, to enacting something that she isn’t capable of committing, in defence to save herself, only to be thrusted into the unknown, not knowing what is going to happen next.
This story is told from different POV, it will take you on a wild ride, having you turn page after page. This book had me from beginning to end, it told a telling story, this author definitely knows how to write.
This book contains triggers, please heed them. This book has it all slow burn romance, dark humour, roller coaster of emotions, drama, action, unrequited love, loyalty, acceptance, jealousy, madness, mayhem, intrigue, revenge, vengeance, violence, adrenaline seeking suspense, twists, turns, truths.
Reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters, the author delving into the pasts of our male leads and as the story unfolds the readers see the development and growth from the characters singularly and together.
Onto book two….
May 17, 2023
I loved this book from the FIRST chapter. Usually, I need a few chapters to entice me, but this hooked me in right away. I found it really easy and fun to read.
This is a reverse harem/why choose, but IT IS a slow burn. She only does one thing with one of the guys. The five guys are: Landon, the leader of the group. Zane, the funny/insane one (reminds me of Sin from Darkmore Penitentiary by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti). Beckett, the charming British guy. Ryker, the one who hides in the shadows and is ruthless. And Dominic, the tough guy who has a secret teddy bear interior. All five are obsessed with the FMC, Ellie. The guys are technically serial killers, but in my book serial killers murder innocents, but these guys don't. So, to me, they're good guys with psychotic tendencies. They are a formidable group known as Mania in their high school. This book reminds me of Crew from A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime (since he was obsessed with Wren for years) and Zade Meadows (since they all stalk her). Ellie, the FMC is very innocent and naive, she's literally been in a bubble, but the author says she does get stronger, so hold through if you don't like that type of FMC. I've already started the second book, and I can say she does get stronger and puts the guys in their place, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
This book is mainly about the five guys being utterly obsessed with Ellie, but rather than hiding in the shadows, they've been her friend for years. They are her only friends, initially, and is unaware of how the rest of the school views them, and she's oblivious as to how they feel about her. They have been protecting her from a secret society/cult in their school, until one day they can't protect her anymore.
Something I really loved in this book is some of the guys have insinuated that they saved some of their firsts for Ellie. Like how cute is that!! Landon always carries food for her since she forgets to eat, and Dominic always puts his hoodie on her when she's cold since she forgets to wear a sweater. There's even a moment where Ryker tells her he wants to read her book (which is a reverse harem book) and discuss it after like a book club!! I really liked this book, and I can't wait to see how the plot progresses along with Ellie personality, and her relationship with the guys.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
-Zane dances on the balls of his feet around Simon's corpse, singing an off-key version of "It's Raining Men" but swapping "men" for "heads."
-"We're a fucked up bunch with absolutely nothing in common except for one thing— her .
The reason we live and breathe. The reason we hunt the shadows so she can bask in the light." (Landon)
-"Even after all of these years, that smile never fails to make my stomach muscles tighten and my pulse skitter like a hummingbird, all of my anger and pain leeching away. I can die a happy man just to know that fucking smile will remain on her face." (Landon)
-"She's sunlight breaking through the clouds in my life, providing color and warmth to a monotonously gray world. Is there anything I won't do for that woman? Bloody hell. I can't deny her anything. If she were to ask for my hand, I would cut if off with a contented smile. I'd bleed for her and do so happily." (Beckett)
-"I'm gonna wrap you up in bubble wrap, hide you under my floorboards, and never let you go."
"That would be kidnapping, Zane."
"Now you're getting it, princesa."
-"His presence always gives me that airy feeling, as if I'm floating high above my body, watching the world through rose-tinted glass. Everything is beautiful when I'm with him, even things I once found ugly." (Ellie about Beckett)
-"Fuck, can't she see that she owns me? That I'm her monster to unleash on the world? This woman is the only person I give a damn about, the only person in the world who truly matters." (Ryker)
- I wiped the dirt off her glasses with my polo shirt before sliding the glasses back onto her face.
"There. Now you can see clearly."
And surprisingly enough, I could see her clearly too for the first time in my life. (Dominic)
This is a reverse harem/why choose, but IT IS a slow burn. She only does one thing with one of the guys. The five guys are: Landon, the leader of the group. Zane, the funny/insane one (reminds me of Sin from Darkmore Penitentiary by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti). Beckett, the charming British guy. Ryker, the one who hides in the shadows and is ruthless. And Dominic, the tough guy who has a secret teddy bear interior. All five are obsessed with the FMC, Ellie. The guys are technically serial killers, but in my book serial killers murder innocents, but these guys don't. So, to me, they're good guys with psychotic tendencies. They are a formidable group known as Mania in their high school. This book reminds me of Crew from A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime (since he was obsessed with Wren for years) and Zade Meadows (since they all stalk her). Ellie, the FMC is very innocent and naive, she's literally been in a bubble, but the author says she does get stronger, so hold through if you don't like that type of FMC. I've already started the second book, and I can say she does get stronger and puts the guys in their place, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
This book is mainly about the five guys being utterly obsessed with Ellie, but rather than hiding in the shadows, they've been her friend for years. They are her only friends, initially, and is unaware of how the rest of the school views them, and she's oblivious as to how they feel about her. They have been protecting her from a secret society/cult in their school, until one day they can't protect her anymore.
Something I really loved in this book is some of the guys have insinuated that they saved some of their firsts for Ellie. Like how cute is that!! Landon always carries food for her since she forgets to eat, and Dominic always puts his hoodie on her when she's cold since she forgets to wear a sweater. There's even a moment where Ryker tells her he wants to read her book (which is a reverse harem book) and discuss it after like a book club!! I really liked this book, and I can't wait to see how the plot progresses along with Ellie personality, and her relationship with the guys.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
-Zane dances on the balls of his feet around Simon's corpse, singing an off-key version of "It's Raining Men" but swapping "men" for "heads."
-"We're a fucked up bunch with absolutely nothing in common except for one thing— her .
The reason we live and breathe. The reason we hunt the shadows so she can bask in the light." (Landon)
-"Even after all of these years, that smile never fails to make my stomach muscles tighten and my pulse skitter like a hummingbird, all of my anger and pain leeching away. I can die a happy man just to know that fucking smile will remain on her face." (Landon)
-"She's sunlight breaking through the clouds in my life, providing color and warmth to a monotonously gray world. Is there anything I won't do for that woman? Bloody hell. I can't deny her anything. If she were to ask for my hand, I would cut if off with a contented smile. I'd bleed for her and do so happily." (Beckett)
-"I'm gonna wrap you up in bubble wrap, hide you under my floorboards, and never let you go."
"That would be kidnapping, Zane."
"Now you're getting it, princesa."
-"His presence always gives me that airy feeling, as if I'm floating high above my body, watching the world through rose-tinted glass. Everything is beautiful when I'm with him, even things I once found ugly." (Ellie about Beckett)
-"Fuck, can't she see that she owns me? That I'm her monster to unleash on the world? This woman is the only person I give a damn about, the only person in the world who truly matters." (Ryker)
- I wiped the dirt off her glasses with my polo shirt before sliding the glasses back onto her face.
"There. Now you can see clearly."
And surprisingly enough, I could see her clearly too for the first time in my life. (Dominic)
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