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Grey Wolfe Empire #1
Throwaway Prince
Once upon a time, a ruthless virgin mafia Don spirited away three reluctant lovers.
.
The captive bookworm princess …
The enslaved billionaire heir …
The obsessed and loyal assassin …
.
He dressed them up in pretty clothes, collared them, kept them.
At his feet.
In his bed.
Trapped in his castle on the hill.
.
He’s shackled to the throne of the city’s underground, Lord of the Grey Wolfe Mafia.
She’s chained to him, but the hearts of these men are bound to her.
Their tale could end in happily ever after … or it could climax dressed in blood.
.
One woman, three men, a love story.
.
*This is a contemporary reverse harem romance, meaning one girl and three male love interests. The series includes M/M scenes, dubcon, and poetic kink, all wrapped in the guise of a modern-day fairy tale.
.
The captive bookworm princess …
The enslaved billionaire heir …
The obsessed and loyal assassin …
.
He dressed them up in pretty clothes, collared them, kept them.
At his feet.
In his bed.
Trapped in his castle on the hill.
.
He’s shackled to the throne of the city’s underground, Lord of the Grey Wolfe Mafia.
She’s chained to him, but the hearts of these men are bound to her.
Their tale could end in happily ever after … or it could climax dressed in blood.
.
One woman, three men, a love story.
.
*This is a contemporary reverse harem romance, meaning one girl and three male love interests. The series includes M/M scenes, dubcon, and poetic kink, all wrapped in the guise of a modern-day fairy tale.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2022
645 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Stunich
186 books14.4k followersC.M. Stunich is a self-admitted bibliophile with a love for exotic teas and a whole host of characters who live full time inside the strange, swirling vortex of her thoughts. Some folks might call this crazy, but Caitlin Morgan doesn't mind - especially considering she has to write biographies in the third person. Oh, and half the host of characters in her head are searing hot bad boys with dirty mouths and skillful hands (among other things). If being crazy means hanging out with them everyday, C.M. has decided to have herself committed.
She hates tapioca pudding, loves to binge on cheesy horror movies, and is a slave to many cats. When she's not vacuuming fur off of her couch, C.M. can be found with her nose buried in a book or her eyes glued to a computer screen. She's the author of over thirty novels - romance, new adult, fantasy, and young adult included. Please, come and join her inside her crazy. There's a heck of a lot to do there.
Oh, and Caitlin loves to chat (incessantly), so feel free to e-mail her, send her a Facebook message, or put up smoke signals. She's already looking forward to it.
Stalk me, please!
www.cmstunich.com
www.facebook.com/cmstunichauthor
www.twitter.com/CMStunich
I'm also on Goodreads, Spotify, Google +, Instagram, and Pinterest.
She hates tapioca pudding, loves to binge on cheesy horror movies, and is a slave to many cats. When she's not vacuuming fur off of her couch, C.M. can be found with her nose buried in a book or her eyes glued to a computer screen. She's the author of over thirty novels - romance, new adult, fantasy, and young adult included. Please, come and join her inside her crazy. There's a heck of a lot to do there.
Oh, and Caitlin loves to chat (incessantly), so feel free to e-mail her, send her a Facebook message, or put up smoke signals. She's already looking forward to it.
Stalk me, please!
www.cmstunich.com
www.facebook.com/cmstunichauthor
www.twitter.com/CMStunich
I'm also on Goodreads, Spotify, Google +, Instagram, and Pinterest.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
August 13, 2022
mistakes
In all honesty, I couldn't finish this book. I hadn't read a C.M. Stunich book in a while, but I decided to give this one a chance out of nostalgia of reading her older books. I know C.M. Stunich is the holy grail in the genre of RH but this story was just horrific.
There’s a difference between dark romance and this book. Grey is straight up unlikable and seems like a scorned man, lashing out at everyone else because he lost the girl. I can’t claim this book to be a romance because all the supposed love interests are being abused by Grey (killing someone's family and expecting them to have intercourse with you is a wild premise that I can't get behind). Not to mention the trigger list should include non-con because I didn’t sign up to read a sex scene where Grey literally violates Peyton's consent despite her continuously refusing his advances.
There's also something to be said about how RH novels have decided that borderline consent issues (and not addressing them) are somehow under the guise of dark romance and not just giving characters traumas that never are fully addressed...
In all honesty, I couldn't finish this book. I hadn't read a C.M. Stunich book in a while, but I decided to give this one a chance out of nostalgia of reading her older books. I know C.M. Stunich is the holy grail in the genre of RH but this story was just horrific.
There’s a difference between dark romance and this book. Grey is straight up unlikable and seems like a scorned man, lashing out at everyone else because he lost the girl. I can’t claim this book to be a romance because all the supposed love interests are being abused by Grey (killing someone's family and expecting them to have intercourse with you is a wild premise that I can't get behind). Not to mention the trigger list should include non-con because I didn’t sign up to read a sex scene where Grey literally violates Peyton's consent despite her continuously refusing his advances.
There's also something to be said about how RH novels have decided that borderline consent issues (and not addressing them) are somehow under the guise of dark romance and not just giving characters traumas that never are fully addressed...
June 21, 2022
Disappointing
I am a huge CM Stunich fan. I have read all of her books and loved them dearly. This book just doesn’t hit like her other books do. It’s confusing and Grey is disturbing and not in a good way. It was hard to complete this book as I could not connect to any of the characters or the story line.
I am a huge CM Stunich fan. I have read all of her books and loved them dearly. This book just doesn’t hit like her other books do. It’s confusing and Grey is disturbing and not in a good way. It was hard to complete this book as I could not connect to any of the characters or the story line.
June 29, 2022
This book has ticked all my hidden little dark correct boxes
June 16, 2022
I am a sucker for CM Stunich, i have read more than half of her books and that´s a lot. I loved Gidgets trilogy, death by daybreak series. And her men ofc, it was in that series we first gets introduced to Grey which is on this cover and i would say the main characters. This is a first for me, usually when it´s mm i am not the biggest fan but i can read it. I enjoyed the guys chemistry and "romance" more than with the Peyton Drake, i felt like she was in the way sometimes. She was just a bit dull and basic, and it was not better when i felt like Gidget who is the total opposite and she is more wild and outgoing ya know
June 19, 2022
Grey Wolfe 1
What a deliciously dark book. I read people give the author a hard time over this and since I love her I immediately grabbed this book. It’s dar, gritty and can definitely have triggers for some. There’s non con galore yet the characters are all attracted to this devilish don. He’s a unique mixture of layers that are very interesting. He’s taken what he wants and has zero shame over it. I think that’s why I like him. I hope CM disregards the negative nellys and sticks with her muse, her muse is always giving us fantastic stories. Don’t like MM? Don’t read this plain and simple. Me? Bring it on Gaston!
What a deliciously dark book. I read people give the author a hard time over this and since I love her I immediately grabbed this book. It’s dar, gritty and can definitely have triggers for some. There’s non con galore yet the characters are all attracted to this devilish don. He’s a unique mixture of layers that are very interesting. He’s taken what he wants and has zero shame over it. I think that’s why I like him. I hope CM disregards the negative nellys and sticks with her muse, her muse is always giving us fantastic stories. Don’t like MM? Don’t read this plain and simple. Me? Bring it on Gaston!
July 14, 2022
Main Characters with low self esteem
The female main character in this book had such low self esteem that it made me angry. Her husband was literally raping her and she somehow started having feeling for me. She is not a good example of a strong female character you want to root for.
The female main character in this book had such low self esteem that it made me angry. Her husband was literally raping her and she somehow started having feeling for me. She is not a good example of a strong female character you want to root for.
August 4, 2022
I need this right now so bad. But I know once I read this I'll be mad all over again because the rest of the series wouldn't be out.
IT'S A VICIOUS CYCLE AND I HATE IT.
IT'S A VICIOUS CYCLE AND I HATE IT.
July 12, 2022
The author needs an education on what rape is. The trigger warnings in the begining of the book say nothing about the repeated rape the FMC ensures. It's evidently "dubcon". The FMC even calls out Grey about said rape and he just blows it off. This is a book about how men justify rape saying she wanted it; she was wet; she liked it just because she had an orgasm does not mean it wasn't rape. Disgusting.
Want to read
February 12, 2022PLEASE, PLEASE tell me this story is about Gidget finally letting Grey into her harem!!!!! He belongs there IMO.
June 24, 2022
Not a reverse harem- everything revolves around the dude. He’s in love with some other chick. FMC is stupid and submissive.
October 26, 2022
I loved grey in the death by daybreak series but here he's a whiny petulant boy man who had zero qualities to make me want him. Gross.
June 17, 2022
Throwaway Prince 🤴
Boy oh boy oh boy... I did not see Grey being like this. Taking what and whoever he chooses. He's definitely changed from the teen boy he was, to this man who is in charge of his own life. I really had no expectations, but it was quite the oh moment with him when I began this. Of course he wouldn't be the same boy having gone through what he did at the hands of his mother and father. That shiet can change a person. I actually liked and enjoyed this Grey 😬. He's just a guy desperately wanting people to love and be loved back by. He chose these people and yeah he might be a little wild in how he's trying to ensnare them but at least he's trying to reward and spoil them while "punishing" them, lol. OMG I can't wait til Peyton finally learns the truth about her brother. It's obvious her mother sucks and she knew that. But the brother is gonna be what breaks her. Poor Peyton 🤦♀️ girl has a high seggs drive that she'd rather believe she's being drugged in some way. I can kind of see why she would believe that, but she needs to get her head out of her butt, lol. Man the other two have really been put through it. I'm really hoping for Grey to get what he wants with them. A family and lovers. To everyone who's complaining about the MM and no warnings...You really can only blame yourselves for that one. Take the time to read past the blurbs for those warnings and the type of story it will be and stop whining because you didn't pay attention 🤦♀️. I can get down with legit complaints but it irks me to no end when readers wanna bash something they blantly disregarded. Anyway... this was an excellent read for me and I can not wait to see how that minor cliffhanger (shocking right😳, they're usually 🤯🤣) ends in Well - Kept Royals a modern day fairytale. 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!!
Boy oh boy oh boy... I did not see Grey being like this. Taking what and whoever he chooses. He's definitely changed from the teen boy he was, to this man who is in charge of his own life. I really had no expectations, but it was quite the oh moment with him when I began this. Of course he wouldn't be the same boy having gone through what he did at the hands of his mother and father. That shiet can change a person. I actually liked and enjoyed this Grey 😬. He's just a guy desperately wanting people to love and be loved back by. He chose these people and yeah he might be a little wild in how he's trying to ensnare them but at least he's trying to reward and spoil them while "punishing" them, lol. OMG I can't wait til Peyton finally learns the truth about her brother. It's obvious her mother sucks and she knew that. But the brother is gonna be what breaks her. Poor Peyton 🤦♀️ girl has a high seggs drive that she'd rather believe she's being drugged in some way. I can kind of see why she would believe that, but she needs to get her head out of her butt, lol. Man the other two have really been put through it. I'm really hoping for Grey to get what he wants with them. A family and lovers. To everyone who's complaining about the MM and no warnings...You really can only blame yourselves for that one. Take the time to read past the blurbs for those warnings and the type of story it will be and stop whining because you didn't pay attention 🤦♀️. I can get down with legit complaints but it irks me to no end when readers wanna bash something they blantly disregarded. Anyway... this was an excellent read for me and I can not wait to see how that minor cliffhanger (shocking right😳, they're usually 🤯🤣) ends in Well - Kept Royals a modern day fairytale. 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!!
February 21, 2023
Nope, not even a little
Disappointed to say the least. This is the first of this author's books I have absolutely loathed. While I appreciate the creativity, skill of the writing, and the way the words flowed, I found the characters created as well as the plot, repulsive.
For the most part, it's simply the story of a self-indulgent, petulant and caviling male anti-hero who can't handle rejection. Unfortunately, despite the draw of the good girl/bad boy trope in which the bad-boy is supposed to be bad to everyone EXCEPT the good girl, there was nothing romantic or sex worthy about Grey, who spent the majority of the book whining about how terrible his parents were, how unloved, and alternately abused and neglected he was despite his incredibly self-indulgent and spoiled lifestyle prior to killing his father. The crux of his issue is that he's a prime example of man-babies who cannot accept rejection, can't stand to be told "no," and so refuse to be even vaguely human with anyone because the one person he fell in love with didn't fall at his feet the minute he wanted her.
As a consequence, Grey spends the book punishing the world for not getting what/who he wanted when he wanted it (Gidget), while repeatedly displaying a eye-rolling level of transference by constantly referring to everyone else as "spoiled brats," when in all actuality that's what HE is. Before I was even a third of the way through the book, Grey reminded me of all of those school shooters, stalkers, and rapists who whine and cry about how terrible his family/the world has treated them as a rationalization for why they are ENTITLED to the love interest they want and shouldn't have to deal with rejection or hearing the word "no." Grey's constant whining about rejection and needless vicious cruelty toward the female lead and the two male love interests took all enjoyment out of the storyline for me, and left me with the opinion that he was irredeemable: let's face it kidnapping, the murder of her sister, forced marriage, repeated drugging, mental and emotional abuse (just plain gaslighting), sexual assault, and repeated rape are NOT redeemable acts.
I disliked the female lead rationalizing herself INTO going along with Grey's gaslighting, not listening to Reign and returning to the party. Stupid, stupid pathetic twit, there's no "beauty" in allowing someone to degrade, humiliate, demean and abuse you, NONE. That isn't "surrender' it's lack of loyalty and intellect to remember the unforgivable, unredeemable things he's done and being controlled by her genitals rather than her brain cells. It is her foolish insecurities making her believe she doesn't deserve better, and her family's neglect making it easier for her to fall into Grey's gaslit trap for fear of the prospect of trying to stand on her own after the guy she's decided to "surrender" to killed the only family members who cared about her, and that he colluded with those who set her up.
Before I had to suffer through the disloyal, inconstant female lead falling for the man who sexually assaulted her, murdered her beloved father and the only sibling that treated her like a human, and forced her to watch the sexual assaults of the two other captives, I felt if this had been the first book I encountered by this author, it would have been the last. It got worse after finishing this -- I respected this author for her apparent stance on right to consent, but I don't believe I can ever trust this author again: this is NOT dub-con, there is NO consent anywhere in this story. NONE. There is NO walking back the things Grey, the piece of trash, has done, and rape is no basis for a marriage, it's Stockholm syndrome. Consent can't truly be given after he's forced her to experience the execution of her father and sister even if she couldn't see it clearly for lack of her glasses. What a frustrating and pathetic (seriously, falling in love with your family annihilator and rapist? I don't think so) plot line about a man-baby killing, raping, and abusing his way through the world because he didn't get his way by getting Gidget, and because mom and dad were crud parents. Grey Wolfe isn't a romantic anti-hero, the character is a repulsive portrayal of an abusive subhuman being and I am NOT entertained.
Disappointed to say the least. This is the first of this author's books I have absolutely loathed. While I appreciate the creativity, skill of the writing, and the way the words flowed, I found the characters created as well as the plot, repulsive.
For the most part, it's simply the story of a self-indulgent, petulant and caviling male anti-hero who can't handle rejection. Unfortunately, despite the draw of the good girl/bad boy trope in which the bad-boy is supposed to be bad to everyone EXCEPT the good girl, there was nothing romantic or sex worthy about Grey, who spent the majority of the book whining about how terrible his parents were, how unloved, and alternately abused and neglected he was despite his incredibly self-indulgent and spoiled lifestyle prior to killing his father. The crux of his issue is that he's a prime example of man-babies who cannot accept rejection, can't stand to be told "no," and so refuse to be even vaguely human with anyone because the one person he fell in love with didn't fall at his feet the minute he wanted her.
As a consequence, Grey spends the book punishing the world for not getting what/who he wanted when he wanted it (Gidget), while repeatedly displaying a eye-rolling level of transference by constantly referring to everyone else as "spoiled brats," when in all actuality that's what HE is. Before I was even a third of the way through the book, Grey reminded me of all of those school shooters, stalkers, and rapists who whine and cry about how terrible his family/the world has treated them as a rationalization for why they are ENTITLED to the love interest they want and shouldn't have to deal with rejection or hearing the word "no." Grey's constant whining about rejection and needless vicious cruelty toward the female lead and the two male love interests took all enjoyment out of the storyline for me, and left me with the opinion that he was irredeemable: let's face it kidnapping, the murder of her sister, forced marriage, repeated drugging, mental and emotional abuse (just plain gaslighting), sexual assault, and repeated rape are NOT redeemable acts.
I disliked the female lead rationalizing herself INTO going along with Grey's gaslighting, not listening to Reign and returning to the party. Stupid, stupid pathetic twit, there's no "beauty" in allowing someone to degrade, humiliate, demean and abuse you, NONE. That isn't "surrender' it's lack of loyalty and intellect to remember the unforgivable, unredeemable things he's done and being controlled by her genitals rather than her brain cells. It is her foolish insecurities making her believe she doesn't deserve better, and her family's neglect making it easier for her to fall into Grey's gaslit trap for fear of the prospect of trying to stand on her own after the guy she's decided to "surrender" to killed the only family members who cared about her, and that he colluded with those who set her up.
Before I had to suffer through the disloyal, inconstant female lead falling for the man who sexually assaulted her, murdered her beloved father and the only sibling that treated her like a human, and forced her to watch the sexual assaults of the two other captives, I felt if this had been the first book I encountered by this author, it would have been the last. It got worse after finishing this -- I respected this author for her apparent stance on right to consent, but I don't believe I can ever trust this author again: this is NOT dub-con, there is NO consent anywhere in this story. NONE. There is NO walking back the things Grey, the piece of trash, has done, and rape is no basis for a marriage, it's Stockholm syndrome. Consent can't truly be given after he's forced her to experience the execution of her father and sister even if she couldn't see it clearly for lack of her glasses. What a frustrating and pathetic (seriously, falling in love with your family annihilator and rapist? I don't think so) plot line about a man-baby killing, raping, and abusing his way through the world because he didn't get his way by getting Gidget, and because mom and dad were crud parents. Grey Wolfe isn't a romantic anti-hero, the character is a repulsive portrayal of an abusive subhuman being and I am NOT entertained.
June 27, 2022
DNF. I did not like this book at all.
July 2, 2022
I Give this Book a 5/5 Star Rating, Seriously a Great Read!
Cliffhanger(?): YES!!! 😍
Relationship Type: It’s complicated 😆
M/M(?): Yes!! I can’t wait for more in-depth scenes!🥵
What is in Book 1 is hot, but I Can’t wait to see how hot it will be in Book 2!
Slow burn(?): Yes, and right so! Plus I’m a sucker for them! 😍
Heat: 4/5
Romance: Not there yet 😂
Dark(?): 2.5-3/5, it’s possible that it may be darker for other readers.
Pacing: seriously very good pacing, Slow-Mid.
Predictability: 0/5
Drama: 3.5/5
Suspense: I mean… that cliffhanger! 4/5
This is my first time doing a buddy read, and this book was a fantastic choice! This was a mail biting read, and a really good take on Beauty and the Beast.
It’s a slow build up, really is like a roller coaster, anticipation throughout is really high and is never a let down.
I kept watching the percentage as I read the book, never wanting this to end!!
I hope this series doesn’t end soon! I eagerly await Book 2!! 🥰
Cliffhanger(?): YES!!! 😍
Relationship Type: It’s complicated 😆
M/M(?): Yes!! I can’t wait for more in-depth scenes!🥵
What is in Book 1 is hot, but I Can’t wait to see how hot it will be in Book 2!
Slow burn(?): Yes, and right so! Plus I’m a sucker for them! 😍
Heat: 4/5
Romance: Not there yet 😂
Dark(?): 2.5-3/5, it’s possible that it may be darker for other readers.
Pacing: seriously very good pacing, Slow-Mid.
Predictability: 0/5
Drama: 3.5/5
Suspense: I mean… that cliffhanger! 4/5
This is my first time doing a buddy read, and this book was a fantastic choice! This was a mail biting read, and a really good take on Beauty and the Beast.
It’s a slow build up, really is like a roller coaster, anticipation throughout is really high and is never a let down.
I kept watching the percentage as I read the book, never wanting this to end!!
I hope this series doesn’t end soon! I eagerly await Book 2!! 🥰
July 8, 2022
I don’t like giving below 3 star rating and I really really tried with this book but no I can’t give it more than 2.
I had high hopes for Grey’s story but I just don’t like it.
I particularly don’t like the forced nature or the relationships the kidnapping, the fact that a woman is under treat of pregnancy when she has not consented to it and actively begs for it not to happen.
I seriously hope the series continues in a much much better way but this book was a huge disappointment for me.
I love the author and I respect the creative choices she makes and while this book is a no for me I am sure many people will love it
I had high hopes for Grey’s story but I just don’t like it.
I particularly don’t like the forced nature or the relationships the kidnapping, the fact that a woman is under treat of pregnancy when she has not consented to it and actively begs for it not to happen.
I seriously hope the series continues in a much much better way but this book was a huge disappointment for me.
I love the author and I respect the creative choices she makes and while this book is a no for me I am sure many people will love it
October 16, 2022
4 stars. Simply explanation, I am a perv 😂 other explanation about the book. Not a lot has been written about the backgrounds of the characters. That is why I didn't fully connected with them. Overall it was okay but like I said, I am a perv. The sex chapters were good.
June 20, 2022
Such an amazing book. Loved everything about. The characters were awesome. Can't wait to read the next book in this series
July 6, 2022
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
July 30, 2022
I wanted to like it but…
I don’t yet. Maybe more of the story will help but I’m not hooked. I sometimes like the anti hero and there are details of Greys story that I want to know more about but his and Peyton’s relationship is not coming together.
I’ll probably give the next book a chance but I thought I’d like the story more then I do.
I don’t yet. Maybe more of the story will help but I’m not hooked. I sometimes like the anti hero and there are details of Greys story that I want to know more about but his and Peyton’s relationship is not coming together.
I’ll probably give the next book a chance but I thought I’d like the story more then I do.
June 17, 2022
Rating: 3.5
I was quite impressed by this book, I don't like M/M and I wasn't bothered by it here, I actually enjoyed it, and I guess that is because Grey is an awesome character, he's the soul of this book, the FMC was bland and I got irritated with her "he's drugging me", that she kept repeating, just grow a spine and own your feelings.
Reign is quite an enigma still and Mazzic's arc is well thought and I can't wait for his development.
I feel like this book shouldn't be marketed as RH, but a polyamory, because Grey is definitely the middle of the group, and I quite liked it, again Peyton needs to own her feelings before she can form a harem for her.
It's a well written book, I will even say that it is CM's best book, the story flows right and I couldn't put it down.
Here hoping that CM doesn't go the same route as her other series and fills the next books with political crap that no one wants to read about, or it'll be hypocritical since we're reading about Mafia and spoiled people.
I was quite impressed by this book, I don't like M/M and I wasn't bothered by it here, I actually enjoyed it, and I guess that is because Grey is an awesome character, he's the soul of this book, the FMC was bland and I got irritated with her "he's drugging me", that she kept repeating, just grow a spine and own your feelings.
Reign is quite an enigma still and Mazzic's arc is well thought and I can't wait for his development.
I feel like this book shouldn't be marketed as RH, but a polyamory, because Grey is definitely the middle of the group, and I quite liked it, again Peyton needs to own her feelings before she can form a harem for her.
It's a well written book, I will even say that it is CM's best book, the story flows right and I couldn't put it down.
Here hoping that CM doesn't go the same route as her other series and fills the next books with political crap that no one wants to read about, or it'll be hypocritical since we're reading about Mafia and spoiled people.
November 6, 2022
Idk what the f*ck I just read but no. Just no. Rape needs a clear warning idfk what the author was thinking. Maybe she wasn't
July 12, 2022
6/5⭐ Throwaway Prince
This was an extra star read for me. I really enjoyed this story and thought Cm Stunich did a wonderful job crafting the characters in the story. This place takes place 7 years after see Grey Wolf in the death by Daybreak series however you do not need to read that series in order to read this by any means.
It took me a minute to recognize Grey and get reacquainted with him being 7 years in the future but the more I read the more I saw the same Grey. The more the story made sense for the character that we'd met back then. I think it's absolutely brilliant. If you enjoy some D/s Grey is fire as a D. This is a reverse Harem tale told from multiple povs. It feels like the main characters really are gray and Peyton are FMC. It kind of feels like it's both their harems but it really works. But that does not mean Peyton comes around right away. She has a realistic reaction and struggle to the situation. The beauty of reverse Harem is characters can come to things in their own time. And the Playboy character I thought was written really wonderfully wasn't my favorite at first and I don't think he was supposed to be tell you really got into the depths of him and you started to see what Grey and what Payton had seen bits of and alluded to the grey really sees he chose all these people for a reason and by the end I really liked his character a lot. I also see Grey Vision even more so than what you initially think it is. Like I said it's really written brilliantly and beautifully. And I think it's the perfect captive Mafia D/s themes book. The more I read the more I really fell in love with the story and I just definitely highly recommend this book and going into it with an open mind. It has mm that works really well it's really well done. But you still have Rh where you won't feel like anyone's put above fmc. Definitely poetic ... spice and every thing nice we shall say. Definitely Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes and even references to it and I think it's really well done. Again beware of triggers if you're not a fan of D/s themes. And some dubious situations. I
thought it was a great balance of story and these themes and how it Works overall. You know what is the captive Mafia forced marriage with a lot of twists. I just highly highly recommend it read it for yourself I don't give too much away
This was an extra star read for me. I really enjoyed this story and thought Cm Stunich did a wonderful job crafting the characters in the story. This place takes place 7 years after see Grey Wolf in the death by Daybreak series however you do not need to read that series in order to read this by any means.
It took me a minute to recognize Grey and get reacquainted with him being 7 years in the future but the more I read the more I saw the same Grey. The more the story made sense for the character that we'd met back then. I think it's absolutely brilliant. If you enjoy some D/s Grey is fire as a D. This is a reverse Harem tale told from multiple povs. It feels like the main characters really are gray and Peyton are FMC. It kind of feels like it's both their harems but it really works. But that does not mean Peyton comes around right away. She has a realistic reaction and struggle to the situation. The beauty of reverse Harem is characters can come to things in their own time. And the Playboy character I thought was written really wonderfully wasn't my favorite at first and I don't think he was supposed to be tell you really got into the depths of him and you started to see what Grey and what Payton had seen bits of and alluded to the grey really sees he chose all these people for a reason and by the end I really liked his character a lot. I also see Grey Vision even more so than what you initially think it is. Like I said it's really written brilliantly and beautifully. And I think it's the perfect captive Mafia D/s themes book. The more I read the more I really fell in love with the story and I just definitely highly recommend this book and going into it with an open mind. It has mm that works really well it's really well done. But you still have Rh where you won't feel like anyone's put above fmc. Definitely poetic ... spice and every thing nice we shall say. Definitely Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes and even references to it and I think it's really well done. Again beware of triggers if you're not a fan of D/s themes. And some dubious situations. I
thought it was a great balance of story and these themes and how it Works overall. You know what is the captive Mafia forced marriage with a lot of twists. I just highly highly recommend it read it for yourself I don't give too much away
November 7, 2022
here’s the thing…
I’ve been trying to write a review and rate this book since it came out.
I think my biggest issue with this book is that at the beginning it claims there is dub con in the trigger warning. I wouldn’t call the majority of this content dub con, I’d call it non con. I’m fine with both dub con and non con, but if there’s a trigger warning for dub con only to find something that is non con made me struggle with the book.
If one character is forced to take a mind altering substance - especially one that enhances their sex drive - they cannot consent. That isn’t dubious consent. That’s non consent. (It’s non consent even if they consent to taking the drug.)
A woman saying no to sex only to feel conflicted during sex - isn’t dub con. It’s non con.
The last group scene is something I would consider dub con instead of non con, where the fmc wants something to not happen/happen is the most dub con it gets, but even then I’m unsure. If people are being held against their will, they can’t really consent in general due to the power imbalance until they chose to stay there instead of leaving.
That aside - I really loved this book. I love the MMFM dynamic and I really like how instead of the men going to the woman, it’s one of the men who brought the four of them together. Which is different. The relationship growth between the men and the woman is well done. And I love the relationship growth between the men.
The writing style of a contemporary setting with a fairytale style is … unique. I do like it.
And I really need the next book now.
I’ve been trying to write a review and rate this book since it came out.
I think my biggest issue with this book is that at the beginning it claims there is dub con in the trigger warning. I wouldn’t call the majority of this content dub con, I’d call it non con. I’m fine with both dub con and non con, but if there’s a trigger warning for dub con only to find something that is non con made me struggle with the book.
If one character is forced to take a mind altering substance - especially one that enhances their sex drive - they cannot consent. That isn’t dubious consent. That’s non consent. (It’s non consent even if they consent to taking the drug.)
A woman saying no to sex only to feel conflicted during sex - isn’t dub con. It’s non con.
The last group scene is something I would consider dub con instead of non con, where the fmc wants something to not happen/happen is the most dub con it gets, but even then I’m unsure. If people are being held against their will, they can’t really consent in general due to the power imbalance until they chose to stay there instead of leaving.
That aside - I really loved this book. I love the MMFM dynamic and I really like how instead of the men going to the woman, it’s one of the men who brought the four of them together. Which is different. The relationship growth between the men and the woman is well done. And I love the relationship growth between the men.
The writing style of a contemporary setting with a fairytale style is … unique. I do like it.
And I really need the next book now.
March 31, 2023
Undecided
I delayed reading this book because I know how long the wait is between books with this author. I truly wish she'd stick to standalones, but she apparently has no other setting other than 4+ books to a series. Alas, she has hooked me despite my grumblings. The only things I haven't read are her paranormal stories. She truly is one of my favorites in the RH genre. But, for the first time, I have finished one of her book 1 in a series and I'm not sure if I care when she publishes book 2. I realize that in this world, seven years has passed since we've last seen Grey, and people change- evolve. But for me, the changes in Grey are too drastic, too stark a contrast to how he was depicted before. I mean, he is seven years older, but not in his sexual experiences. So for him to cum in so cold and harsh and without any kind of actual respect towards his intended lovers... its just not inkeeping with the Grey weve known. For this kind of a relationship to evolve into something that all four will be happy with, it could never start where it has. So, I'm not sold. Not often do you start a booking liking the MC and loathe his smug ass by the 5th chapter. Not one time in this entire first book has he shown one redeemable quality.
So I guess, I should be relieved for once as I'm not on pins and needles waiting a C.M. Stunich book 2.
I delayed reading this book because I know how long the wait is between books with this author. I truly wish she'd stick to standalones, but she apparently has no other setting other than 4+ books to a series. Alas, she has hooked me despite my grumblings. The only things I haven't read are her paranormal stories. She truly is one of my favorites in the RH genre. But, for the first time, I have finished one of her book 1 in a series and I'm not sure if I care when she publishes book 2. I realize that in this world, seven years has passed since we've last seen Grey, and people change- evolve. But for me, the changes in Grey are too drastic, too stark a contrast to how he was depicted before. I mean, he is seven years older, but not in his sexual experiences. So for him to cum in so cold and harsh and without any kind of actual respect towards his intended lovers... its just not inkeeping with the Grey weve known. For this kind of a relationship to evolve into something that all four will be happy with, it could never start where it has. So, I'm not sold. Not often do you start a booking liking the MC and loathe his smug ass by the 5th chapter. Not one time in this entire first book has he shown one redeemable quality.
So I guess, I should be relieved for once as I'm not on pins and needles waiting a C.M. Stunich book 2.
February 7, 2026
First, I will admit that I liked the book. I like dark books, and the plot of this one was unique in terms of most mafia romances I've read. That being said, I wouldn't really consider this a romance or even a reverse harem for that matter.
I will start off by saying that other than the book being mostly in her pov, I wouldn't really consider Peyton the main character in this story. That role goes to Grey Wolfe (Yes, that's his name..)
Without spoilers, this man basically kidnaps Peyton and 2 other men to play house with him in his mansion. Why? Because he's lonely and loves some other woman who doesn't want him. Not a reverse harem. More like a... nonconsensual poly relationship?? Any sex scenes between the characters are basically coerced, so if dubcon (maybe even noncon?) is not your book thing then skip this book.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, and it doesn't look like the author is making a sequel. If the author had of made the story like 10% longer, they would have been able to wrap up the whole thing 🫠 The plot of the story peaked my interest, and I found myself engrossed in the story, but a few major points (on top of the cliffhanger ending) kind of ruined this book at the end for me.
I will start off by saying that other than the book being mostly in her pov, I wouldn't really consider Peyton the main character in this story. That role goes to Grey Wolfe (Yes, that's his name..)
Without spoilers, this man basically kidnaps Peyton and 2 other men to play house with him in his mansion. Why? Because he's lonely and loves some other woman who doesn't want him. Not a reverse harem. More like a... nonconsensual poly relationship?? Any sex scenes between the characters are basically coerced, so if dubcon (maybe even noncon?) is not your book thing then skip this book.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, and it doesn't look like the author is making a sequel. If the author had of made the story like 10% longer, they would have been able to wrap up the whole thing 🫠 The plot of the story peaked my interest, and I found myself engrossed in the story, but a few major points (on top of the cliffhanger ending) kind of ruined this book at the end for me.
October 22, 2022
Strong 4.5
I have a love/hate relationship with this author. I haven't read anything from her in about 2yrs... Anyway, the cover got me.
I loved the departure from Stunich's stereotypical bad=ss heroine. It was nice to see a sheltered "princess" that ACTUALLY had the qualities of one who was spoiled and kept away from the realities of life (naive, almost completely ignorant, etc)
The world building was a tad weird since it's supposed to be modern day, but had the feel of *once upon a time* but it wasn't weird enough to really take away from the story imo like I've seen a few reviews say.
Love Grey, Peyton is crazy. He's perfect. Reign is a gem. Can't stand Mazz... kinda want him to go away or just remain a servant till the end of time.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. Enjoyed it enough to possibly start following and buying from this author again if she follows through and releases the second book. I think this book shows her growth in her ability to be able to write a different type of female as opposed to her usual same ole same ole unrealistically bad=ss female leads.
I have a love/hate relationship with this author. I haven't read anything from her in about 2yrs... Anyway, the cover got me.
I loved the departure from Stunich's stereotypical bad=ss heroine. It was nice to see a sheltered "princess" that ACTUALLY had the qualities of one who was spoiled and kept away from the realities of life (naive, almost completely ignorant, etc)
The world building was a tad weird since it's supposed to be modern day, but had the feel of *once upon a time* but it wasn't weird enough to really take away from the story imo like I've seen a few reviews say.
Love Grey, Peyton is crazy. He's perfect. Reign is a gem. Can't stand Mazz... kinda want him to go away or just remain a servant till the end of time.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. Enjoyed it enough to possibly start following and buying from this author again if she follows through and releases the second book. I think this book shows her growth in her ability to be able to write a different type of female as opposed to her usual same ole same ole unrealistically bad=ss female leads.
December 22, 2022
I wish I had waited until the series was complete.
Warning — in case you missed the trigger warnings or ignore that, go back and make sure this book isn't outside your wheelhouse.
Yes, there is M/M.... and it's pretty hot at times. Yes, there is non/con and dub/con. No, this isn't like many of C.M. Stunich's more widely read RH series. You have been warned. It is DARK.
The author is the queen of cliffhangers. I wish I had waited until the series was complete, only because I am impatient and like to read straight through. I know dangle on the cliff with thousands of others waiting to find what Peyton does.
You might want to read the Death By Daybreak Motorcyle Club series first. I didn't, and I feel like that was mistake. Grey appears in that one, and I think I missed some vital background that might make him less of a douche.
The writing is wonderful even if the content is hard at times. The author has never let me down and even though I found the book disturbing, I have to give a book that makes me feel this much 5 stars.
Warning — in case you missed the trigger warnings or ignore that, go back and make sure this book isn't outside your wheelhouse.
Yes, there is M/M.... and it's pretty hot at times. Yes, there is non/con and dub/con. No, this isn't like many of C.M. Stunich's more widely read RH series. You have been warned. It is DARK.
The author is the queen of cliffhangers. I wish I had waited until the series was complete, only because I am impatient and like to read straight through. I know dangle on the cliff with thousands of others waiting to find what Peyton does.
You might want to read the Death By Daybreak Motorcyle Club series first. I didn't, and I feel like that was mistake. Grey appears in that one, and I think I missed some vital background that might make him less of a douche.
The writing is wonderful even if the content is hard at times. The author has never let me down and even though I found the book disturbing, I have to give a book that makes me feel this much 5 stars.
June 24, 2022
*Reverse Harem (although comes across more of a polyamory),
*Dub-con - (medium scale, if you have triggers I would avoid)
*Modern Contemporary
In a nutshell - Grey Wolfe (the ‘I’ll take what I want’ Mafia Don with a fear of being alone) kidnaps Peyton Drake (The not so innocent book worm, after being unknowingly betrayed by her brother) along with Mazzik Gold (the spoilt promiscuous playboy) and Reign Trovato (the Drakes bodyguard who’s unsure of his sexuality) and holds them captive.
The storyline development - Outside of the dub-con scenes there is a small-medium narrative. The book storyline tends to fit around the sexualised scenes rather then the storyline is it’s own, featuring sexualised scenes.
What I liked - The book is very well written and the characters had some development throughout. I also enjoyed the storyline as a whole and potentially where it could go in book two.
What I didn’t like - Peyton (female lead) appearing to be in a constant state of arousal.
*Dub-con - (medium scale, if you have triggers I would avoid)
*Modern Contemporary
In a nutshell - Grey Wolfe (the ‘I’ll take what I want’ Mafia Don with a fear of being alone) kidnaps Peyton Drake (The not so innocent book worm, after being unknowingly betrayed by her brother) along with Mazzik Gold (the spoilt promiscuous playboy) and Reign Trovato (the Drakes bodyguard who’s unsure of his sexuality) and holds them captive.
The storyline development - Outside of the dub-con scenes there is a small-medium narrative. The book storyline tends to fit around the sexualised scenes rather then the storyline is it’s own, featuring sexualised scenes.
What I liked - The book is very well written and the characters had some development throughout. I also enjoyed the storyline as a whole and potentially where it could go in book two.
What I didn’t like - Peyton (female lead) appearing to be in a constant state of arousal.
February 17, 2025
Interesting development...
Gah, I really don't care for Peyton. She was a somewhat interesting character at the beginning, but that eventually devolves into a petulant girl who relies on everyone else. She relies on Reign to save her and blames her own desires on the drugs. I understand why she's that way, but it's annoying. Mazzik is a spoiled brat. Surpise nobody loves him. Reign is sad and abandoned. NOW, with that being said this story becomes enthralling. Grey is a lonely mafia don. So, he has power and can pretty much do whatever he wants, but he wants love like Gidge has. Unconditional. He comes off as forceful and cruel (realistically, he is, but Stockholm Syndrome and all that), but I think when he finds the people who love him for him he will bend over backwards for them. I am interested to read about their personal growth and relationship development. You catch glimpses of it towards the end, but I think we're in for a wild ride with this one...
Gah, I really don't care for Peyton. She was a somewhat interesting character at the beginning, but that eventually devolves into a petulant girl who relies on everyone else. She relies on Reign to save her and blames her own desires on the drugs. I understand why she's that way, but it's annoying. Mazzik is a spoiled brat. Surpise nobody loves him. Reign is sad and abandoned. NOW, with that being said this story becomes enthralling. Grey is a lonely mafia don. So, he has power and can pretty much do whatever he wants, but he wants love like Gidge has. Unconditional. He comes off as forceful and cruel (realistically, he is, but Stockholm Syndrome and all that), but I think when he finds the people who love him for him he will bend over backwards for them. I am interested to read about their personal growth and relationship development. You catch glimpses of it towards the end, but I think we're in for a wild ride with this one...
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