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Santa Catalina University
Silenced
I’m not crazy.
My parents had me tested.
And much to their disappointment, my diagnosis set me free from under their oppressive thumb.
Travelling across the world to attend Santa Catalina University with my best – only – friend brings me freedom and happiness…To a point.
What I don’t expect is a mountain of a man to bring silence and calm to my otherwise chaotic brain. Or the love-hate attraction with him and his two best friends. I certainly don’t expect one of my professors to become obsessed with me.
I find myself wrapped up in a dangerous mystery, when girls on campus are dying and my life is in danger because I’m – apparently – not who I thought I was.
Suddenly, I have to rely on these four strangers for protection and answers.
I came to SCU to find my voice, but instead I find myself silenced.
Possibly, for good.
Silenced is a reverse harem romance, meaning our FMC will have more than one love interest and won’t have to choose between them at the end. The SCU series consists of 11 stories all set in the university and shared world, and each can be read independently and in any order. Silenced is the first release and will also form part of a new series.
My parents had me tested.
And much to their disappointment, my diagnosis set me free from under their oppressive thumb.
Travelling across the world to attend Santa Catalina University with my best – only – friend brings me freedom and happiness…To a point.
What I don’t expect is a mountain of a man to bring silence and calm to my otherwise chaotic brain. Or the love-hate attraction with him and his two best friends. I certainly don’t expect one of my professors to become obsessed with me.
I find myself wrapped up in a dangerous mystery, when girls on campus are dying and my life is in danger because I’m – apparently – not who I thought I was.
Suddenly, I have to rely on these four strangers for protection and answers.
I came to SCU to find my voice, but instead I find myself silenced.
Possibly, for good.
Silenced is a reverse harem romance, meaning our FMC will have more than one love interest and won’t have to choose between them at the end. The SCU series consists of 11 stories all set in the university and shared world, and each can be read independently and in any order. Silenced is the first release and will also form part of a new series.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2021
255 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
November 5, 2021
The star
Liked the idea of this book, just not the execution. I'm not understanding why some of these men are treating her so terrible? I mean, they literally treat her bad, while also flirting with her and secretly liking her? This is a whole book on "if the boy is mean, its just because he likes her" b.s. cove and reef are the only normal guys here, the other two are complete worthless psychos. The girls who are being killed look like our H, yet these guys can't put that together? And how many ppl look like our H at the school? Seems legit unbelievable, and this is a fantasy book! I'm also super confused why when our H kisses one of the guys and light bulbs start busting that none of these guys realized this is the star they've been looking for? There is just to many dots and the lines are just not connecting here. Its hard when things are truly and painfully in plain sight and everyone knows what's going on except the books characters.
Liked the idea of this book, just not the execution. I'm not understanding why some of these men are treating her so terrible? I mean, they literally treat her bad, while also flirting with her and secretly liking her? This is a whole book on "if the boy is mean, its just because he likes her" b.s. cove and reef are the only normal guys here, the other two are complete worthless psychos. The girls who are being killed look like our H, yet these guys can't put that together? And how many ppl look like our H at the school? Seems legit unbelievable, and this is a fantasy book! I'm also super confused why when our H kisses one of the guys and light bulbs start busting that none of these guys realized this is the star they've been looking for? There is just to many dots and the lines are just not connecting here. Its hard when things are truly and painfully in plain sight and everyone knows what's going on except the books characters.
December 8, 2022
Not what I thought
I liked the blurb for this book it really pulled me in, but this was not what I thought it'd be at all. First of all they're from a different world.. yeah that wasn't in the blurb.
The blurb also makes it seem like there's a lot more building of relationships with the men... There's not.
Bhodi- We've got one chauvinistic pig that is a complete dick to her and doesn't respect her bodily autonomy. They literally make him come off as some big stupid jerk.
Vance- we've got the teacher that's a complete ahole for no reason and just is pretty darn unredeemable. He grades her paper with 'wtf' and 'fml' what? Completely idiotic, at least have him destroy her with superior intelligence, not this. He's mean, not intelligent, thinks disgusting childish things like 'yeah I know where her mouth can go' just completely unlikable.
Then there's Cove and Reef- Reef speaks to her once, that's it. Cove is the only character that builds any kind of rapport with her.
So here's the blurb :
"What I don’t expect is a mountain of a man to bring silence and calm to my otherwise chaotic brain. Or the love-hate attraction with him and his two best friends. I certainly don’t expect one of my professors to become obsessed with me.
I find myself wrapped up in a dangerous mystery, when girls on campus are dying and my life is in danger because I’m – apparently – not who I thought I was."
*Love-hate attraction between him and his two best friends- She has no idea in this book they even know each other. The author makes it seem Reef and Cove don't even like Bhodi that much. Bhodi is the only one (aside from the prof) with the 'love-hate'. Coves is all positive and Reef and her have no interactions basically.
*One of my professors become obsessed with me- where? When he gives you a bad grade because he's mad he can't 'stick his d***' in her? When he has the whole class laugh and read one of her essays to humiliate her? Being an unredeemable jerk doesn't make him obsessed.
*Wrapped in a dangerous mystery- she has no idea!!! She doesn't care about the murders, she admits to not having a lot of empathy so she doesn't really understand why people are upset some random girls were killed.
*Not who I thought I was- again she's got no idea! Don't put stuff in the blurb that doesn't come to fruition in this book. The fmc thinks at worst shes crazy she thinks she's human until the final page.
This blurb was for a completely different book, a book I wish I could read because it'd be a lot better then whatever this was. This was my first book from this author and it's gonna be my last. I absolutely hated Bhodi and Vance.
I liked the blurb for this book it really pulled me in, but this was not what I thought it'd be at all. First of all they're from a different world.. yeah that wasn't in the blurb.
The blurb also makes it seem like there's a lot more building of relationships with the men... There's not.
Bhodi- We've got one chauvinistic pig that is a complete dick to her and doesn't respect her bodily autonomy. They literally make him come off as some big stupid jerk.
Vance- we've got the teacher that's a complete ahole for no reason and just is pretty darn unredeemable. He grades her paper with 'wtf' and 'fml' what? Completely idiotic, at least have him destroy her with superior intelligence, not this. He's mean, not intelligent, thinks disgusting childish things like 'yeah I know where her mouth can go' just completely unlikable.
Then there's Cove and Reef- Reef speaks to her once, that's it. Cove is the only character that builds any kind of rapport with her.
So here's the blurb :
"What I don’t expect is a mountain of a man to bring silence and calm to my otherwise chaotic brain. Or the love-hate attraction with him and his two best friends. I certainly don’t expect one of my professors to become obsessed with me.
I find myself wrapped up in a dangerous mystery, when girls on campus are dying and my life is in danger because I’m – apparently – not who I thought I was."
*Love-hate attraction between him and his two best friends- She has no idea in this book they even know each other. The author makes it seem Reef and Cove don't even like Bhodi that much. Bhodi is the only one (aside from the prof) with the 'love-hate'. Coves is all positive and Reef and her have no interactions basically.
*One of my professors become obsessed with me- where? When he gives you a bad grade because he's mad he can't 'stick his d***' in her? When he has the whole class laugh and read one of her essays to humiliate her? Being an unredeemable jerk doesn't make him obsessed.
*Wrapped in a dangerous mystery- she has no idea!!! She doesn't care about the murders, she admits to not having a lot of empathy so she doesn't really understand why people are upset some random girls were killed.
*Not who I thought I was- again she's got no idea! Don't put stuff in the blurb that doesn't come to fruition in this book. The fmc thinks at worst shes crazy she thinks she's human until the final page.
This blurb was for a completely different book, a book I wish I could read because it'd be a lot better then whatever this was. This was my first book from this author and it's gonna be my last. I absolutely hated Bhodi and Vance.
November 24, 2021
I picked this up on random, and if it wasn’t so short (160pgs) I probably would have dropped it in the DNF pile. This was a stinker. Which sucks cause the idea wasn’t bad. The execution was horrible.
The fantasy elements read as a sci-fi, the guys read as a bully-romance, the reactions were childish, and everything felt distorted and out of proportion and unrealistic.
I have 15 highlights and annotations, and I could have done more, which is enough of a red flag that this book has some things that made no sense. I turn into a nit picker peer reviewer when my tolerance level disappears and I’m sick of muttering to myself about why something is wrong or doesn’t work.
There was a lot of me asking “why?” In regards to actions and behaviours that I don’t even want to break it down in this review. Most decisions in regards to how this story was constructed made no sense to me. So why even bother listing every single element of this book and why it was poorly done or made no sense.
I reserve one star for books that I find highly offensive or I don’t think should have been published in their current state since 0 stars isn’t a thing. This book is decently written and has a good story idea, it just wasn’t thought out enough in my opinion which merits at least 2 stars. So...
2 stars, 50%, C-
The fantasy elements read as a sci-fi, the guys read as a bully-romance, the reactions were childish, and everything felt distorted and out of proportion and unrealistic.
I have 15 highlights and annotations, and I could have done more, which is enough of a red flag that this book has some things that made no sense. I turn into a nit picker peer reviewer when my tolerance level disappears and I’m sick of muttering to myself about why something is wrong or doesn’t work.
There was a lot of me asking “why?” In regards to actions and behaviours that I don’t even want to break it down in this review. Most decisions in regards to how this story was constructed made no sense to me. So why even bother listing every single element of this book and why it was poorly done or made no sense.
I reserve one star for books that I find highly offensive or I don’t think should have been published in their current state since 0 stars isn’t a thing. This book is decently written and has a good story idea, it just wasn’t thought out enough in my opinion which merits at least 2 stars. So...
2 stars, 50%, C-
March 13, 2022
Good start but…
I guess in my old age I’m getting less and less tolerant because I have a hard time with plot lines where the heroes very purposefully and obviously ignore all the signs pointing to the heroine being THE one person they are looking for. I guess it became one of my pet peeves so I struggled a little with the story here.
I also and maybe even more importantly, didn’t like the guys apart from Cove maybe and possibly Reef but he was basically non existent here so it’s hard to say. But both Vance and Bodhi were arrogant, immature jerks towards the heroine and that annoyed me.
But there are not only negatives to the story. The idea is good and I really liked Marni-Talia. She struggles with the world around here and I long for her to find her place. I’m also intrigued by the villains of the story and the whole Queen thing.
As it’s only book 1, I have hope for this series but I’m not as excited as I thought I would be after waiting so long to read this first one and I would even dare say I’m a bit disappointed (the guys better grovel like their lives depend on it). I still think I’ll give the next book a chance when it comes out.
I guess in my old age I’m getting less and less tolerant because I have a hard time with plot lines where the heroes very purposefully and obviously ignore all the signs pointing to the heroine being THE one person they are looking for. I guess it became one of my pet peeves so I struggled a little with the story here.
I also and maybe even more importantly, didn’t like the guys apart from Cove maybe and possibly Reef but he was basically non existent here so it’s hard to say. But both Vance and Bodhi were arrogant, immature jerks towards the heroine and that annoyed me.
But there are not only negatives to the story. The idea is good and I really liked Marni-Talia. She struggles with the world around here and I long for her to find her place. I’m also intrigued by the villains of the story and the whole Queen thing.
As it’s only book 1, I have hope for this series but I’m not as excited as I thought I would be after waiting so long to read this first one and I would even dare say I’m a bit disappointed (the guys better grovel like their lives depend on it). I still think I’ll give the next book a chance when it comes out.
October 28, 2021
Well Crystal North, you did it again. What I mean by this is because she is so good at being so unpredictable. You think that the story is going in one direction when the brakes get pumped and then thrown off course. So we start of with getting the feel for the main character Malia. So we know that her childhood was bad. Her parents think she is crazy but she isn't. She isn't though. Now she is at SCU and trying to make the best of her college experience. Then we have Vance, Cove, Reef and Bhodi who are hot as all get out. Now there is something different about them. We get some information about why they are different but not the full scope. They are at SCU undercover and looking for the Star. Who is someone who they will gravitate too. Now here is the thing, they don't recognize the pull since they never have experienced it before. There is one girl that they each constantly think about but are so busy trying to find the Shikari who are killing women. Then there is also something going on with Malia, like her being able to hear voices and other things. She is real skittish around a group of people. Each of these men though are hot and cold with Malia but she is relaxed around them. Well except for Vance and Reef. Vance is just being a douche and Reef has yet to meet her. So what is going on? This is definitely a slow burn but the mystery of the story. Since we were left with this huge cliffhanger trying to figure out what will happen next. I cannot wait for the next book.
November 1, 2021
Great start to a new universe
This is a quick read that starts off both a new multi-author shared universe, and a new series from Crystal North. Malia-Tarni - also called Mai-Tai or MT as nicknames - has arrived at the Santa Catalina University from the UK, with her friend, Summer. She has a troubled, abusive past but in her own words, "I’m not crazy. My parents had me tested." So far, so human. Vance, Reef, Cove and Bhodi are posing as a professor and students at the Uni, while in actual fact they're supes on a secret mission. As a first in series, there's a lot of character and world building, especially around how they all relate to each other. I'm looking forward to seeing where they go and finding out more about who and what they all are. I'm also hoping that Summer will be in one of the other SCU books, as it's already implied she's got her own harem, so I'd love to see this timeframe from her pov!
This is a quick read that starts off both a new multi-author shared universe, and a new series from Crystal North. Malia-Tarni - also called Mai-Tai or MT as nicknames - has arrived at the Santa Catalina University from the UK, with her friend, Summer. She has a troubled, abusive past but in her own words, "I’m not crazy. My parents had me tested." So far, so human. Vance, Reef, Cove and Bhodi are posing as a professor and students at the Uni, while in actual fact they're supes on a secret mission. As a first in series, there's a lot of character and world building, especially around how they all relate to each other. I'm looking forward to seeing where they go and finding out more about who and what they all are. I'm also hoping that Summer will be in one of the other SCU books, as it's already implied she's got her own harem, so I'd love to see this timeframe from her pov!
October 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and demolished it within hours. Urgh, need the next book ASAP!
Malia-Tarni and her best friend have both been accepted to college together at Santa Catalina University. Malia Tarni thinks she has a form of autism but in fact she can hear people thoughts. She has trouble in crowds, making friends and is socially awkward. Her saving grace is being in the ocean and surfing. While at SCU she meets four guys who who bring out every emotion from lust to hate. When girls that look like Malia start to get murdered, is she next?
Malia-Tarni and her best friend have both been accepted to college together at Santa Catalina University. Malia Tarni thinks she has a form of autism but in fact she can hear people thoughts. She has trouble in crowds, making friends and is socially awkward. Her saving grace is being in the ocean and surfing. While at SCU she meets four guys who who bring out every emotion from lust to hate. When girls that look like Malia start to get murdered, is she next?
December 12, 2021
I really got stuck into this book. Each page pulls you in deep and doesn't let you go until your hanging off a cliff.
The characters are so well written and I love how strong MT is after everything she's been through. Then the guys well what can I say but they all grow on your pretty quickly but the professor not as much.
As we see them all interact, the story takes some crazy dark turns. When girls start being found dead. Will the guys work out who the star is and stop the killings.
Well you are going to have to pick it up and see, its well worth it .
The characters are so well written and I love how strong MT is after everything she's been through. Then the guys well what can I say but they all grow on your pretty quickly but the professor not as much.
As we see them all interact, the story takes some crazy dark turns. When girls start being found dead. Will the guys work out who the star is and stop the killings.
Well you are going to have to pick it up and see, its well worth it .
January 16, 2022
Really good
This book took me by surprise - I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. Malia is a fantastic character with quirks and facets that make her come to crystal clear clarity. The guys around her are a a bit more obscure, but each are dealing with their own issues and trying to figure out their way in this world. It’s different. At the end we are still not quite sure what is going on, but one thing is very clear - malia isn’t who they finally think she is… she can’t be. So who is she?
This book took me by surprise - I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. Malia is a fantastic character with quirks and facets that make her come to crystal clear clarity. The guys around her are a a bit more obscure, but each are dealing with their own issues and trying to figure out their way in this world. It’s different. At the end we are still not quite sure what is going on, but one thing is very clear - malia isn’t who they finally think she is… she can’t be. So who is she?
November 7, 2021
*WIP Review*
Love the FMC, super intriguing world and plot setup
Slow burn PNR RH, college setting
While not exactly a bully romance, two of the presumed Hs are major a**holes in this first book, and one does bully her, mostly through cutting words, intentionally screwing with her in ways that trigger her anxiety, and public humiliation - I had angry tears on her behalf and was ready to rip his balls off, especially when there's no apparent reason for his cruel actions.
I don't really know what to think of the guys. It's told in Multi-POV, which I love for more depth, connection and understanding of the main characters. I think there's more establishment to do... I don't quite feel any connection with the guys yet. I'm mostly annoyed with them tbh. The highlights for me were the budding connections with Cove and Bhodie through music and surfing. These are the two whom Malia has the most interactions with, aside from the unbearable a**hole of a professor.
This is the first book of new series and has a cliffhanger.
Love the FMC, super intriguing world and plot setup
Slow burn PNR RH, college setting
While not exactly a bully romance, two of the presumed Hs are major a**holes in this first book, and one does bully her, mostly through cutting words, intentionally screwing with her in ways that trigger her anxiety, and public humiliation - I had angry tears on her behalf and was ready to rip his balls off, especially when there's no apparent reason for his cruel actions.
I don't really know what to think of the guys. It's told in Multi-POV, which I love for more depth, connection and understanding of the main characters. I think there's more establishment to do... I don't quite feel any connection with the guys yet. I'm mostly annoyed with them tbh. The highlights for me were the budding connections with Cove and Bhodie through music and surfing. These are the two whom Malia has the most interactions with, aside from the unbearable a**hole of a professor.
This is the first book of new series and has a cliffhanger.
November 16, 2021
I'm conflicted yet again lol.
I feel like I need to preface that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and Malia is a FMC I can 100% say I'm in love with. She's just got a charisma and this way of thinking that draws you in and I can't help but adore her. Her men on the other hand are a little lacking and I'm looking forward to watching their relationship develop and unfold possibly. The only main con I didn't like about the book was that the men somehow didn't connect the dots when it came to her being the star. That's really the only complaint I have about the book itself! This book does end on a cliffhanger which I found to be a little strange since after reading the blurb we learn that the next 9 books are about other groups? While I find the concept for this series intriguing, I am however confused and maybe a little anxious on how this would all come together.
After reading book 1 I'm definitely hooked on Malia's story and will anxiously be awaiting for her 2nd book. I'm also kinda anticipating book 2 in this series to see how this could all possibly tie together.
I feel like I need to preface that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and Malia is a FMC I can 100% say I'm in love with. She's just got a charisma and this way of thinking that draws you in and I can't help but adore her. Her men on the other hand are a little lacking and I'm looking forward to watching their relationship develop and unfold possibly. The only main con I didn't like about the book was that the men somehow didn't connect the dots when it came to her being the star. That's really the only complaint I have about the book itself! This book does end on a cliffhanger which I found to be a little strange since after reading the blurb we learn that the next 9 books are about other groups? While I find the concept for this series intriguing, I am however confused and maybe a little anxious on how this would all come together.
After reading book 1 I'm definitely hooked on Malia's story and will anxiously be awaiting for her 2nd book. I'm also kinda anticipating book 2 in this series to see how this could all possibly tie together.
November 8, 2021
It was interesting, but not what I was expecting. You are introduced to MT (FMC) and she is very different. She is very smart, doesn't like loud noises, strangers, or crowds, and obviously she is very powerful and supernatural, but she doesn't realize what/who she is.
I don't like how her potential harem treat, especially Vance (Prof) and Bodhi, heck even Reef. So basically 3 out of 4 males are crap and not doing well. Cove is the only one that is really doing well.
But I am still on the fence about this book..... so I don't know if I will read the next book or not, still deciding.
Harem: Vance (Professor and a freaking jerk), Bodhi (flirty, hot headed, almost bipolar when it comes to emotions), Reef (don't know much about him), and Cove (surfer, sweet heart, really fond of MT, but wants her selfishly)
The book does have supernatural twist. The guys need better communication and teamwork, and less lies and secrets.
This was a slow burn RH
This review is of my own opinion.
I don't like how her potential harem treat, especially Vance (Prof) and Bodhi, heck even Reef. So basically 3 out of 4 males are crap and not doing well. Cove is the only one that is really doing well.
But I am still on the fence about this book..... so I don't know if I will read the next book or not, still deciding.
Harem: Vance (Professor and a freaking jerk), Bodhi (flirty, hot headed, almost bipolar when it comes to emotions), Reef (don't know much about him), and Cove (surfer, sweet heart, really fond of MT, but wants her selfishly)
The book does have supernatural twist. The guys need better communication and teamwork, and less lies and secrets.
This was a slow burn RH
This review is of my own opinion.
October 17, 2024
Wow! What a great start to a series! A slow burn that doesn’t really seem like it is, paranormal/fantasy, RH book that has so many great things going for it, I hardly know where to start!!
College age, mystery, suspense, romance, sexual tension at its finest.
This book does a fantastic job of introducing the characters and building the story with a great plot line with plenty of interesting twists and turns that keep the pages turning!
I was very caught up in the story and I am very anxious to see what happens next!
College age, mystery, suspense, romance, sexual tension at its finest.
This book does a fantastic job of introducing the characters and building the story with a great plot line with plenty of interesting twists and turns that keep the pages turning!
I was very caught up in the story and I am very anxious to see what happens next!
May 2, 2022
Silenced is fast-paced and being novella-length a pretty quick and easy read. It does suffer in world-building, there are a lot of details we are just left guessing about. It feels like this book can't decide which tropes it wants to fit in with so it's a bit all over the place and the execution is meh. There is potential here but it's hard to say if that potential is going to be realized in the next book.
March 4, 2022
2,5 stars
February 19, 2025
This is the first book of the Santa Catalina University Series and boy does it suck you in! This was originally in a shared world and has grown into its own! I love Malia and I can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the series!
You venture on a journey with Malia and her best friend, Summer, off at University. Malia is hoping for self discovery and boy does really discover a lot! Things get interesting when girls are getting murdered and they just so happen to look just like her…
You also meet Professor Vance, Cove, Bodhi, and Reef. They’re there “undercover” on a mission to find the STAR, that will save not just their world but the human world as well.
Their mission collides with Malia and then boom-cliffhanger! Off to read Endangered next!
You venture on a journey with Malia and her best friend, Summer, off at University. Malia is hoping for self discovery and boy does really discover a lot! Things get interesting when girls are getting murdered and they just so happen to look just like her…
You also meet Professor Vance, Cove, Bodhi, and Reef. They’re there “undercover” on a mission to find the STAR, that will save not just their world but the human world as well.
Their mission collides with Malia and then boom-cliffhanger! Off to read Endangered next!
November 7, 2021
This is only the first book in the Santa Catalina University series, with ten more to come from different authors. From just reading the blurb I was immediately intrigued, but I was surprised to find out while reading that it was a paranormal book. Happily surprised, but regardless, I'd read just about anything by Crystal North.
The fmc, Malia-Tarni aka MT, was probably the best part about this book. I don't think I've read very many books where the main character has autistic-like traits (ie: sensory sensitivities, trouble reading social cues, and lack of a filter when speaking) and that just made me love her even more. North gave us something real in MT, a character that stands out just by being herself.
As for the men in this book, Vance, Cove, Reef, and Bohdi, there's not much good to be said so far about them. Except for Cove. Cove is beyond sweet and nice to MT and shows how much he cares for her without judging her for the way she acts. He goes slowly at a pace she is good with and is considerate about her feelings and needs. We don't get much time with Reef in this book, but I still have him marked on my good list. Now Vance and Bodhi? They infuriated me. Bodhi not as much as Vance because he did show a better side of himself later on in the book. Vance however needs to do some major apologizing and groveling in the next book. I'm not at a point to forgive him.
This book is a slow burn, so if you're expecting tons of steam, you won't get that here. I'm sure it will happen plenty later on in MT's story, but the relationships between her and the guys need a lot of TLC first. Please stick around for the storyline though as it is really interesting with the mystery, murder, and prophecy aspects. Or just stick around for Malia-Tarni because she's pretty awesome. I can't wait to see more of her in the next part of her story.
The fmc, Malia-Tarni aka MT, was probably the best part about this book. I don't think I've read very many books where the main character has autistic-like traits (ie: sensory sensitivities, trouble reading social cues, and lack of a filter when speaking) and that just made me love her even more. North gave us something real in MT, a character that stands out just by being herself.
As for the men in this book, Vance, Cove, Reef, and Bohdi, there's not much good to be said so far about them. Except for Cove. Cove is beyond sweet and nice to MT and shows how much he cares for her without judging her for the way she acts. He goes slowly at a pace she is good with and is considerate about her feelings and needs. We don't get much time with Reef in this book, but I still have him marked on my good list. Now Vance and Bodhi? They infuriated me. Bodhi not as much as Vance because he did show a better side of himself later on in the book. Vance however needs to do some major apologizing and groveling in the next book. I'm not at a point to forgive him.
This book is a slow burn, so if you're expecting tons of steam, you won't get that here. I'm sure it will happen plenty later on in MT's story, but the relationships between her and the guys need a lot of TLC first. Please stick around for the storyline though as it is really interesting with the mystery, murder, and prophecy aspects. Or just stick around for Malia-Tarni because she's pretty awesome. I can't wait to see more of her in the next part of her story.
December 10, 2021
I don’t even know where to start. I managed to finish this book because it’s so short but please don’t waste your time.
Every character is genuinely unbearable. The MC is just all over the place, going from someone who is closed off and “tough” to crying on the spot. She also gives off “I’m not like other girls” vibes.
All of the love interests are dumb, so so dumb. They are on a mission to find “the star”, the girl who can save their world, they have signs to lookout for and yet they ignore everyone they encounter. Oh, girls who look exactly like the MC are being murdered, ignore. They all feel a pull to the MC, ignore. The MC’s name literally translates to ‘star of the sea’, they’re terrible at detective work. Then we have the bullying with no rhyme or reason. I can not stand Vance or Bhodi. Their cruelty to the MC is upsetting and doesn’t even make sense. We get their POVs yet their actions still seem like nonsense. Bhodi also calls women who dye their hair weirdos and when Cove calls him out on it Bhodi refers to him as a snowflake. Who calls people snowflakes unironically? We’re supposed to believe the MC will date these men??
The MC’s “best friend” confuses me. I can’t tell if we’re supposed to like her, if we are, the author did a terrible job writing this character. The MC is diagnosed with autism and things such as crowds can be overwhelming for her. Her “friend” knows this yet forces her to go places without her earbuds and just overall puts her in bad positions. She’s only there to be an annoying plot device to make the MC wear pretty dresses and go to parties. If you want the MC to do those things, just have her do them, you don’t need someone there to force her.
I’ve read some of Crystal North’s other work and can’t believe she wrote this garbage.
Every character is genuinely unbearable. The MC is just all over the place, going from someone who is closed off and “tough” to crying on the spot. She also gives off “I’m not like other girls” vibes.
All of the love interests are dumb, so so dumb. They are on a mission to find “the star”, the girl who can save their world, they have signs to lookout for and yet they ignore everyone they encounter. Oh, girls who look exactly like the MC are being murdered, ignore. They all feel a pull to the MC, ignore. The MC’s name literally translates to ‘star of the sea’, they’re terrible at detective work. Then we have the bullying with no rhyme or reason. I can not stand Vance or Bhodi. Their cruelty to the MC is upsetting and doesn’t even make sense. We get their POVs yet their actions still seem like nonsense. Bhodi also calls women who dye their hair weirdos and when Cove calls him out on it Bhodi refers to him as a snowflake. Who calls people snowflakes unironically? We’re supposed to believe the MC will date these men??
The MC’s “best friend” confuses me. I can’t tell if we’re supposed to like her, if we are, the author did a terrible job writing this character. The MC is diagnosed with autism and things such as crowds can be overwhelming for her. Her “friend” knows this yet forces her to go places without her earbuds and just overall puts her in bad positions. She’s only there to be an annoying plot device to make the MC wear pretty dresses and go to parties. If you want the MC to do those things, just have her do them, you don’t need someone there to force her.
I’ve read some of Crystal North’s other work and can’t believe she wrote this garbage.
October 28, 2024
Malia
This is about college student Malia. She moved to the US from the UK to go to college with her best friend Summer. She has a condition that she doesn’t like people touching her. She got to the states early and she went to this bar where she met a guy. She didn’t look at him but they talked for a bit. She was very uncomfortable with a lot of people around. Her parents always thought she was crazy so they had extensive tests done on her. She met a few people at school Reef,Cove and Bhodi. She really liked Cove. They spent a lot of time together surfing and talking. There were some weird things happening on campus.
This is about college student Malia. She moved to the US from the UK to go to college with her best friend Summer. She has a condition that she doesn’t like people touching her. She got to the states early and she went to this bar where she met a guy. She didn’t look at him but they talked for a bit. She was very uncomfortable with a lot of people around. Her parents always thought she was crazy so they had extensive tests done on her. She met a few people at school Reef,Cove and Bhodi. She really liked Cove. They spent a lot of time together surfing and talking. There were some weird things happening on campus.
October 30, 2021
Book 1 of Santa Catalina Island series.
PNR RH.
Includes - Autistic FMC who’s actually a supernatural, Alphaholes, surfer dudes, prophecy’s, mild bullying, teacher/student,
I knew i was going to love this book from seeing the playlist 😍
Malia and her best friend Summer have moved 5000 miles from their homes in the UK to attend Santa Catalina University (SCU). Our FMC Malia is different and has been diagnosed Autistic when really she experiences a type of sensory overload due to an ability to hear thoughts of those around her. Neglected and abused by her parents Malia will often find peace with her love for music and surfing.
Meanwhile Reef, Bhodi, Cove and Vance (a SCU professor) have been sent to the island with a job to do, Find the Star, protect the Star and save the world. The prophecy says they will all be drawn to the star but when students start being murdered, all of which look similar, they must find the mysterious star before it’s too late.
Fantastic start to new series, I was captivated from start to finish and that cliffhanger came out of nowhere I’m still trying to pick my jaw off the floor.
PNR RH.
Includes - Autistic FMC who’s actually a supernatural, Alphaholes, surfer dudes, prophecy’s, mild bullying, teacher/student,
I knew i was going to love this book from seeing the playlist 😍
Malia and her best friend Summer have moved 5000 miles from their homes in the UK to attend Santa Catalina University (SCU). Our FMC Malia is different and has been diagnosed Autistic when really she experiences a type of sensory overload due to an ability to hear thoughts of those around her. Neglected and abused by her parents Malia will often find peace with her love for music and surfing.
Meanwhile Reef, Bhodi, Cove and Vance (a SCU professor) have been sent to the island with a job to do, Find the Star, protect the Star and save the world. The prophecy says they will all be drawn to the star but when students start being murdered, all of which look similar, they must find the mysterious star before it’s too late.
Fantastic start to new series, I was captivated from start to finish and that cliffhanger came out of nowhere I’m still trying to pick my jaw off the floor.
November 1, 2021
Holy cow what a punch this small book packs. Malia is a character that resonates with me, as a mom of special needs kids. I can see so much of what I’ve dealt with with my kids in her. Her quirks are endearing to me, but most of the public just doesn’t understand. I love her need for music to drown out the chaos around her.
I love the guys, too! Well, most of them. I love how they just accept her, even though she pushes them away every chance she gets. And it’s not something they even understand, they just do it subconsciously. Though, the one guy needs to change his attitude. 😒
This is a super slow burn(nothing more than a few kisses), but considering the size of this book, and the FMC’s history, it’s not surprising. Love the slow burn though.
Story 📖: 5/5
Heat 🔥: 1/5
I love the guys, too! Well, most of them. I love how they just accept her, even though she pushes them away every chance she gets. And it’s not something they even understand, they just do it subconsciously. Though, the one guy needs to change his attitude. 😒
This is a super slow burn(nothing more than a few kisses), but considering the size of this book, and the FMC’s history, it’s not surprising. Love the slow burn though.
Story 📖: 5/5
Heat 🔥: 1/5
February 1, 2022
i liked the heroine and that was it. The plot didn't feel fully developed or precede in a way that makes sense. i pretty much hated all of the love interests except Cove because they were literally assholes. you know where with some books the guy is like an anti-hero or emotionally stunted or whatever? these guys were just plain assholes. I was excited for the neuro atypical rep, but i feel like the love interests handed it really poorly and were rude and antagonizing to her about it. I don't plan to read the next book because i just could never sympathize with a character that purposefully and maliciously treats people like that.
March 15, 2022
Not a good read
I was loving the concept of the story but the actually story is horrible. I ABSOLUTLY hate how the professor treats the MC, and then tries to justify it and he's supposed to be their leader, the "smart one". There are multiple signs the MC is the "star" they are looking for but all four guys ignore it. The "best friend" comes across as a horrible person, which might be the point, but you really can't tell either way. And the MC is "strong", but cries a lot, but stands up for herself at weird times. The entire book is fragmented and doesn't flow and then the author seems to just get sick of writing it and stops.
I was loving the concept of the story but the actually story is horrible. I ABSOLUTLY hate how the professor treats the MC, and then tries to justify it and he's supposed to be their leader, the "smart one". There are multiple signs the MC is the "star" they are looking for but all four guys ignore it. The "best friend" comes across as a horrible person, which might be the point, but you really can't tell either way. And the MC is "strong", but cries a lot, but stands up for herself at weird times. The entire book is fragmented and doesn't flow and then the author seems to just get sick of writing it and stops.
July 26, 2023
Malia, the main female protagonist, traces abroad with her best friend to start at SCU. She can start anew after her parents thought she was crazy. She meets her love interests individually and they don't know that they all met the same woman. But when women who look similar to Malia starts getting murdered, Malia needs to protect herself in case she's the next victim. But the guys are not all what they seems as they are at SCU for a reason. It has a slow-burn romance, but it's impossible to deny the chemistry between them. I can't wait to read the next book!
December 23, 2021
great read
I really enjoyed this book, it has that ‘unknown’ element that keeps you guessing and leaves little bread crumbs throughout. I loved the twists and the characters.
MT is a great character.
Overall a great read, I wish it was longer as I’m so involved and invested into the story - very sad it’s ended.
Overall a great read
I really enjoyed this book, it has that ‘unknown’ element that keeps you guessing and leaves little bread crumbs throughout. I loved the twists and the characters.
MT is a great character.
Overall a great read, I wish it was longer as I’m so involved and invested into the story - very sad it’s ended.
Overall a great read
January 24, 2022
In harem bullying...pass
I absolutely hate when the dudes bully the fmc. Most of the guys are assholes. Only one is nice. This is a horrid story. The professor acts like high school student rather than a grown ass man.
I absolutely hate when the dudes bully the fmc. Most of the guys are assholes. Only one is nice. This is a horrid story. The professor acts like high school student rather than a grown ass man.
January 13, 2022
These men are idiots
Don’t have much more to say. Horrible book. If these guys are the ones who are going to protect the queen, their kingdom is doomed.
Don’t have much more to say. Horrible book. If these guys are the ones who are going to protect the queen, their kingdom is doomed.
August 4, 2024
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: None
Tropes
RH / Why Choose
Paranormal Academy
Secret Identity / Save the World Vibes
Neurodivergent FMC
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers
Student-Teacher taboo
This seems like the beginning to a promising series. I've read one book by Crystal North so far, but really enjoyed it. So, naturally I had to read more, and they are not letting me down. This story stayed true to what I have read by Crystal North in the past. While this story doesn't have much spice in it, it definitely does show promise to come in the next few books in the series. But don't be swayed away for that reason, there is great character development, and a promising plot that is just blossoming.
I like that in this story, the main character is odd in a unique way that makes her stand out in a good way. Malia-Tarni, also known as MT in the story by her best friend, is starting college. She normally isn't good with being outside, crowds, or even people, and who can blame her, but she figures with the help of her best friend, and a few coping mechanisms she's used in the past, she she should be fine. What's she's not expecting is the inexplicable draw that she has for certain young men around the campus.
Reef, Bhodi, Cove, and Vance are all drawn to MT from the beginning, and don't know why initially. They are on a mission to find the star to help them find their queen that went missing a long time ago. They don't immediately connect the dots that MT may be the star, but eventually come to that conclusion once Vance, the leader of sorts in the group gets them all together. They know that have to move quick to save MT before something bad happens to her. Especially since students that resemble her are starting to get attacked or worse.
Spice: None
Tropes
RH / Why Choose
Paranormal Academy
Secret Identity / Save the World Vibes
Neurodivergent FMC
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers
Student-Teacher taboo
This seems like the beginning to a promising series. I've read one book by Crystal North so far, but really enjoyed it. So, naturally I had to read more, and they are not letting me down. This story stayed true to what I have read by Crystal North in the past. While this story doesn't have much spice in it, it definitely does show promise to come in the next few books in the series. But don't be swayed away for that reason, there is great character development, and a promising plot that is just blossoming.
I like that in this story, the main character is odd in a unique way that makes her stand out in a good way. Malia-Tarni, also known as MT in the story by her best friend, is starting college. She normally isn't good with being outside, crowds, or even people, and who can blame her, but she figures with the help of her best friend, and a few coping mechanisms she's used in the past, she she should be fine. What's she's not expecting is the inexplicable draw that she has for certain young men around the campus.
Reef, Bhodi, Cove, and Vance are all drawn to MT from the beginning, and don't know why initially. They are on a mission to find the star to help them find their queen that went missing a long time ago. They don't immediately connect the dots that MT may be the star, but eventually come to that conclusion once Vance, the leader of sorts in the group gets them all together. They know that have to move quick to save MT before something bad happens to her. Especially since students that resemble her are starting to get attacked or worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
I'm usually all for age gap/ teacher-student/mentor-mentee romances, but for the first time i found it very uncomfortable. Probably because the prof. showed no amount of professionalism, he was basically harassed the heroine with no reason, and that was his role, period.
If we ignore this character I enjoyed the book. I loved the playlist, which might be a first, and did listen to it whike reading. The heroine was likable, but sometimes I felt like the author forgot what kind of personality traits or habits she gave her. Still she was fresh, and I hope she keeps being so in the following books. The autism representation is not something I can be judge of, I'm not well versed in this area, but as it's very much possibe that she's not even autistic, only diagnosed because of her paranormal issues, I don't feel the need of serious criticism on that front.
One think I especially enjoyed was Summer's role as bestie. In these kind of novels best friends are there to nod aong every decision the mc makes, give one or two important advice to the h, or show the antithesis of our immersely perfect mc. Summer on the other hand had her own personality, that was very far from Mai-Tai's, alongside her different worldview, she still managed to be a good friend. She did drag her to out of her comfort zone, but was there foe her in case she got overwhelmed, gave her useful advice- which the h didn't want to hear or ignored. They had minor conflicts and their friendship, while had it's flaws, felt realistic. I hope to read more of their dynamics in the coming book.
If we ignore this character I enjoyed the book. I loved the playlist, which might be a first, and did listen to it whike reading. The heroine was likable, but sometimes I felt like the author forgot what kind of personality traits or habits she gave her. Still she was fresh, and I hope she keeps being so in the following books. The autism representation is not something I can be judge of, I'm not well versed in this area, but as it's very much possibe that she's not even autistic, only diagnosed because of her paranormal issues, I don't feel the need of serious criticism on that front.
One think I especially enjoyed was Summer's role as bestie. In these kind of novels best friends are there to nod aong every decision the mc makes, give one or two important advice to the h, or show the antithesis of our immersely perfect mc. Summer on the other hand had her own personality, that was very far from Mai-Tai's, alongside her different worldview, she still managed to be a good friend. She did drag her to out of her comfort zone, but was there foe her in case she got overwhelmed, gave her useful advice- which the h didn't want to hear or ignored. They had minor conflicts and their friendship, while had it's flaws, felt realistic. I hope to read more of their dynamics in the coming book.
October 25, 2021
I really liked this story. Just as Crystal says it's a slow burn RH. We meet Malia-Tarni, who is from the U.K. She's traveled 5000 miles from home to attend SCU with her BF Summer. MT struggles with crowds, new places, people touching her or just people in general. She "adapts" to things by having her earbuds and music to help drown out all the thoughts she hears from those around her. She also uses surfing and the ocean to help calm herself from all of that. MT meets Cove, Bhodi, Reef, and Vance at SCU. Vance is actually one of her professors. The guys all know each other, but they meet MT seperately, and fail to share with each other that they know her for fear that the others will "want her and steal her themselves". It's funny that the guys don't know how to act with her. They each work to get to know her, but kinda suck at it, lol. We get POV's from everyone which is really nice. This story definitely builds up to leave us on crazy huge cliffhanger! I'm super excited to see MT and the guys come together, at least i hope they come together in book 2. There's also a killer Playlist! I'm happy to start this new series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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