Typhon

The Order of the Cronus Series #1

by M.E. Clayton

Do secret societies really exist?

The Order of the Cronus does, and as an organization that has stood the test of time, it made a person question what exactly it took to make something like that happen.

Stone
Reputed to love a good confrontation, Stone Lexington was no stranger to always ending up the victor, no matter what it was that he wanted. Born into privilege, wealth, power, and status, Stone’s future had already been laid out for him since before he could walk. More than capable of being one of the few men that ruled the world, Stone was more than ready for what awaited him next.

With only one more year left at Hales University, all that Stone had to do was make it through his senior year without any scandals, drama, or disasters. Those requirements were a condition of his initiation into The Order of the Cronus, and the organization was very unforgiving when it came to mistakes. Only the best of the best would become members, something that Stone knew well.

However, that was all before Rylee Madden came into the picture.

Rylee
With her entire future ahead of her, Rylee Madden was ready to rock the hell out of her senior year at Hales University. Since Rylee’s parents were advocates for education, she’d always known that college would be a part of her future, Hales University being one of the best in the nation. Intelligent, driven, and a bit stubborn, Rylee had been raised to face every challenge that came her way.

Prepared to make the most of her final year of college, Rylee had no complaints. Determined to make her parents proud, Rylee had it all in the bag. Between her best friend, the slew of gorgeous guys walking around campus, and the relief of knowing that her dreams were within reach, nothing could get her down. Like always, Rylee had it all under control.

However, that was all before she found herself answering a mysterious text, changing her life forever.

When secret societies really do exist…
Stone Lexington had been prepared to do things his way, but when Rylee Madden slams into his life, everything changes, and The Order isn’t happy about it.

Rylee Madden had not been prepared for Stone Lexington, or the madness that came with him, but no of that matters when she’s faced with the biggest decision of her life.

Together, Stone and Rylee find themselves the center of some very dangerous attention, but that doesn’t stop them from doing everything necessary to win at all costs.

Genres: New Adult, Dark, Contemporary Romance

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2022

About the author

There's not much to add to my bio, I'm pretty boring...LOL. My favorite thing is to read and, last year, I decided to trade in some of those reading hours and try my hand at writing. The experience has been one of the best things I could have ever embarked upon. It's turned into a hobby that is fun and thoroughly enjoyable. When I'm not reading or writing, I'm spending time with my family or friends.

Reviews

[Melluvsbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hot Mess of a SUPER instalove book, with a moron “badass” heroine and a weirdo creep of a hero.

I have enjoyed this author’s books in the past, but this one was not good. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I was kinda wondering if she intended for this to be a rom-com, because it was comedy gold. 😬🥴

Not one single aspect of this book made any damn sense. 🤷🏼‍♀️


My face during this whole book:




The *highlight* was when our brainiac “kickass” heroine deep-throats the hero’s c*ck as a form of revenge.
👀 Against HIM. 🙈🤣
👀 She sure showed that asshole. 🤡 👍🏻

🙃💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

I can’t even.



Bottom Line? *A Lot* like The Ritual (which was a MESS) but with less logic, less likable characters, and less sex. No connection, no relationship development, and no romance. Yes. It was THAT bad. ⭐️ Because he wasn’t even jealous/possessive. 🤷🏼‍♀️




⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️

- no cheating or sharing

- OW drama - the h thinks she walks in on the H with OW, but the OW is actually there for his roommate - also the h’s roommate wants the H and meddles to break them up

- OM drama - other guy in the hero’s Glorified Frat likes the h too… and he makes trouble

- no dubcon - she's blackmailed into being his "fiance" and marrying him, but there's no sexual force of any kind.

- neither MC is a virgin - both are experienced and have fairly frequent casual sex with OP before meeting each other but no intimacy with anyone else on page. - although she does get all misty-eyed and waxes poetic about giving the “gift of her virginity” to her not-really-boyfriend in High School —- and the H reminisces several times (once while his d*ck is the h’s mouth) about all the mind-blowing bj’s he’s received from randoms over the years. 🥺🥺🥺 How ROMANTIC! 😍

- condom usage is mixed - not really a discussion.

- rough sex, throat grabbing, humiliation, marking etc (all stuff I normally love… but was not hot in this context 🤷🏼‍♀️)

- there is a scene were they watch an MFM dp - sorta dubcon, but not really. (I mean… I PERSONALLY felt a little violated because the scene is written so badly, but the girl involved was into it. 🤷🏼‍♀️)

- the insta-est instalove. The author tells you several times that it’s NOT, for some bizarre reason, but it absolutely IS. 🤷🏼‍♀️

- less of an HEA and more of a shrug and “FINE” 🥴

[Hey Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this but I didn't like this book either 🤔 well, let me rephrase that. I loved some things but other things just rubbed me the wrong way.

I loved the ott, jp, Insta love from first collison because I love shirt like that. I loved how he knew from first run in that she was it for him and was all in. I luuuuuuuurrrrrrrrve that junk!

What I didn't like......I know me claytons Hs never really grovel when they mess up but this guy says sorry out of one side of his mouth and then buckles down and makes the girls life a living he'll when she doesn't do what he tells her to do 😬😬😬 it just left a bad taste in my mouth when he didn't really seem to even try to understand and show remorse you know? He basically threatens her with her family's wellbeing and that makes her say yes to marriage to him. This is not love. 🤷😕

But I finished! And ya know I dnf left and right 😂😐

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

devoted H/ secret society/ quick read/ unsatisfying end

This is a good classic ME CLAYTON as in, it has the “Instalove”, the H sees the h and BOOM she is his. I loved the cool secret society vibe here. Riley is basically manipulated into signing a contract into an arranged marriage with Stone.

-OTT H… there isn’t a lot of JP moments but he’s def an alpha type that I love that ME writes.
-The h was a sweetie from a good family whose on the right path who accidentally bumps into Stone and it kinda just sets her on a new course lol. She is smart and has some sense so she isn’t just bulldozed.
-The side characters were intriguing and I’m interested to read more about them.
-Two smexy scenes that are yummy
-the writing is really good. This author often has me shopped early on
-Quick read
-I always enjoy her books bc her Hs are often very aggressive and steamrolling and i love it! I did enjoy stone and I liked these characters are younger than her usuals (besides her HS series) .
-No really OM/OW drama…


-The story is quick which isn’t a good thing for me. ME Clayton writes good stories and they often feel like their kinda just ended… I wish she’d take more time and just write us longer books or duets to give one of the couples more storyline and detail. Like this one. Just after the main drama… theirs not really any grovel but a make up scene and right after .. EPILOGUE… but the betrayal still isn’t solved which I’m guessing will be the main story arc of this series which must be interconnected BUT.. the next book is another couple sooo we don’t get more on this couple and it kinda sucks and really just makes me feel unsatisfied. That’s my biggest issue with this author. I don’t mind paying for her books but USUALLY, after book 1 each book gets shorter and shorter& the quick books often feel unsatisfying when it hits the ends 😢 I know she hobby writes but PLEASSEEEEEE ME CLAYTON GIVE US ONE LONGERRRRR 🙌🏻

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25✯

°Non virgin MCs
°Switching POVs
°Both are 22 y/o
°Neither with others after meeting officially
°Immature MCs
°OW (h's roommate) and OM drama (not exes) - they sent texts to the hero pretending to be the heroine telling him that she was going to fuck random guys and get all that dick out of her system before the wedding, the hero of course lost his shit and broke up with her without asking her about the texts
°No cheating or intimate scenes with OP
°She pushed him away
°The MCs were "forced" to watch a threesome
°HFN it's their wedding day
~*~*~*~*~*

Excerpts:

**********

I’ve been balls-deep in a few females before, and I hadn’t felt an ounce with them of what had coursed through my blood from just having my arm wrapped around Rylee’s body. I’ve had girls swallow me whole before, but I’d forgotten about them the second my pants were zipped back up. Yet, I’ve been thinking of Rylee almost non-stop since Monday. That meant something.

**********

Dark sapphire eyes were looking up at me and I knew her face. I didn’t know her, but I’ve seen her around campus from time to time. I’d never really paid her much mind, but that was because I hadn’t sought out any females. My future has always taken precedence over pussy, so I partook when I was in need, and that was about it.

**********

I didn’t think she’d buy into the whole ‘love at first sight’ possibility, especially since it wasn’t. I’ve seen Rylee around campus and in town before. Hales University was big, but not that big. So, I’ve seen her around, and this was definitely not a ‘love at first sight’ situation, which was just really powerful lust in disguise. This was something different. Something inherently bigger and more prevailing.

**********

I was going strictly off my emotions here, and that was unheard of. I’ve never been fanciful, and I’ve always placed logic above emotion. However, what I felt for Rylee wasn’t a fluke. From the second she walked into this room, that electrical simmering I had felt in my blood when I’d run into her on Monday was still there. I felt her. And while my mind needed to figure out why-because I was all about analytical thinking-my body wanted her to the point of pain.

**********

“It’s not love at first sight,” I replied. “I’ve seen her around before.” His brows shot up questioning. “Love at first touch? First conversation? First trampling?” “Maybe it’s not love at first anything,” I said, testing how well he knew me. This time, his snort could probably be heard out on the street. A bit theatrical, but probably warranted, considering. “Girls have been doing everything in the book to get you interested or keep you interested in them for longer than one night, Stone,” he said drolly. “And I’ve never seen you show any girl any kind of interest like this before. If it’s not love, then I don’t know what it is.” He pretty much confirmed what I’d already been thinking.

**********

The three guys I’ve slept with since going here had done their best to fulfill me sexually, but either our interest hadn’t panned out or our personalities. Thankfully, my virginity had gone to Dale Century during our summer before he’d left for the Army, and I’d left for Hales. He’d been my high school boyfriend-on and off for two years before we’d parted ways for good. It had been sweet and perfect, and that gift had belonged to Dale. He’d been a great guy and friend throughout it all, even during our off times.

**********

“So, why me?” “Because you crashed into me, and holding you in my arms, I felt more than just my dick getting hard,” I told her truthfully. “All those girls, all those tricks they used, all those games they played, and you did nothing but smack into me. You did nothing to entice me, yet you felt like a goddamn lightning bolt to my chest.” I made sure to hold her gaze as I added, “I felt more during that brief encounter with you in my arms than I ever have in bed with another girl.”

**********

I couldn’t imagine what was going to happen to me once I slid inside her body. And I was going to. There was no doubt about it. I was going to do whatever it took to get Rylee to marry me. The contract notwithstanding, I wanted Rylee to more than marry me. I wanted her to want me the way I wanted her. I wanted her to love me, too, if possible.

**********

“You’re going to be the most amazing thing that’s ever going to happen to me. I just know it.” My heart started beating in a rapid tattoo of unexpected emotion. “You’re gorgeous, filthy rich, powerful, and part of a secret organization that’s going to help you rule the world.” I let out a sad laugh. “I’m going to be the least amazing thing about your life, Stone.”

**********

Whenever Rylee was near, my body craved her like it knew that she was my mate, and my mate for life. The feeling was animalistic, and if Rylee had any idea of the things that I wanted to do to her, she’d run for the sake of her sanity. And even though she had requested space, I still made random appearances throughout the day on campus. There were still a few people who refused to believe that I was dating Rylee, much less engaged to her, and that wasn’t working for me. I wanted every swinging dick in town to know that Rylee belonged to me, and only me. Especially, that slimy fuck Remington.

**********

“You’re the hottest fuck I’ve ever had my dick inside, Rylee.”

**********

I thought nothing could make me feel lower than Stone fucking me, believing I was a slut, then throwing me out with extra strips of condoms. I thought nothing could humiliate me more than showing up at Kincaid’s and spilling my shame in front of her and Saxton, two virtual strangers. I thought nothing could hurt me more than the desolate feeling of loneliness that had me crying for my family until I had fallen asleep. But this? Stone showing up, casually asking to talk while I was at my worst, put all those earlier feelings to shame. I couldn’t even articulate what I was feeling, looking at him now. Still, no matter what I was feeling, weakness wasn’t one of them.

**********

With the girl pressed up against me, my knees almost gave out with relief that Rylee was willing to forgive me for what I’d done to her. I knew she was doing it primarily for her family’s sake, but I’d take it. Anything to have her. And while I was prepared to fight dirty, I didn’t want Rylee hating me for the life of our marriage. I loved my parents individually, but I didn’t want a marriage like theirs. I didn’t want a cold business partner. I wanted a wife. I wanted a wife who respected me and loved me enough to put up with my bullshit. I wanted a wife who loved me enough to give me children and was still with me to enjoy our grandchildren. I wanted forever with Rylee.

**********

Motherfucker. People really didn’t realize how different sex was when it was with someone you care about versus a hookup, but it was. Rylee’s lips wrapped around my cock was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before, and I’ve had some spectacular blowjobs in my life. But this? This blew everything I’ve ever experienced before Rylee out of the water.

**********

“Even as much as I wanted to hate you last night, you were still the hottest fuck I’ve ever had. Your pussy was still the tightest thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of sliding inside.”

**********

Stone wasn’t the first guy to ever kiss me or put his hands on me. He wasn’t the first guy to ever see me naked. He wasn’t the first guy to feel my breasts or go down on me. And he wasn’t the first guy I’ve ever slept with. However, he felt like it. The chemistry that was blinding my common sense made me feel as if Stone Lexington was my first everything.

**********

“I’m sorry that I didn’t trust you,” I answered. “I’m sorry that I let jealousy and insecurity get the best of me.” A lone tear escaped, but Rylee quickly wiped it away. “I’m sorry that I ruined our first time together. And if it’s any consolation, that regret will eat away at me for the rest of my fucking life.”

[LaBlue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another intense story by Ms Clayton. Other reviewers stated that the MMC was too much and left them with a bad taste, I however didn’t see any of that. While I never felt the love from the FMC in this story like I have from all her others I did feel that the MMC was less detrimental then all her other male leads. All he did was insult and use her in private in his confrontation whereas mostly all the others did public displays of humiliation. So as far as I’m concerned he was fine.

The order stuff is stupid as the FMC states in the story. It isn’t very complex as an “order” of this nature should be. It comes off as more of a wish giver for rich people which honestly I couldn’t care less about. Being filthy rich and still wanting favors for free is unappealing to me. I’m not a fan of the uber rich in general. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The story was finally getting somewhere when it was all of a sudden over. The enemy was never handled but as this is an interconnected series I image it will get resolved somewhere in the end. Still, it was too short and I’m not a fan of plots that drag for more than one book.

I did like this book. I will probably reread this book. And that is my definition of a good book. Enjoy.

[Half.sassed.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Loved this book so much. Stone Lexington falls in love with Rylee Madden at first sight. Not many authors can do this well, but this one was perfect. Their story is the first in an interconnected series. Stone is a complex character that will do anything to get his girl.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

When he threatened to destroy the h and her family saying it was love, it was too much. And she agreed not cause she forgave him but really because she was afraid:(( Not my cuppa

[c a r í · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surely has been written for leisure. It has flaws yet is still a fun read.

[Payal - A Bookaholic's Musings · Rating 5 out of 5]

STONE and RYLEE

I knew I was definitely going to read this book, because, well, it was written by M.E. Clayton.
The blurb does not disappoint and I cannot wait to read this book.

I've read plenty of insta-love books, but there's something about the way M.E. Clayton describes the first meeting that cannot be matched.

"All thoughts came to halt as a body crashed into me, and I was certain I would never be the same again. As a matter of fact, I knew it."

"The energy sizzling beneath the surface of my skin was not my imagination. The blood rushing through my ears was not a casual reaction. The pressure in my chest was not normal."

This book is a roller coaster... I mean...
The emotions I'm feeling at the moment...
The anger, the sex, the heartbreak, this is new age insta-love...

Just wow!

And her revenge!! (it was a befitting revenge for what he did to her... I mean why cant guys just talk before reacting and assuming)
OMFG... I loved her in that moment...
The way she threw all his words back at him... that was a moment in reading I will never forget...
The heroine is a badass who doesn't hesitate to give it back and in an epic way!

Stone is a complex hero, and not a bully (well, initially he wasn't).
He knows what he has with the heroine is special and he will not give it up, no matter what. He will destroy her if she is not with him.

“I fell in love with you the day you crashed into me. But if I can’t have you, then I will bring your world crashing down around you until you are as miserable as I am.”

She was his "maybe once" and he would do anything to have her, be it blackmail or destroy her

Well, as it is very well written in the book

“If it doesn’t make you feel like you’re going insane, it’s not love.”

Only someone you love can frustrate you, irritate you, and make you hate them enough to want to kill them
And the sex scenes are so steamy and downright sinful!!

With love at first sight, secret societies and some great side characters, it's a ride you will love...

It's the first book in a series with a continuing plot in the background to each couple and you should definitely go and read it

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The whole series has been in my TBR file since their release date, and had I known how enjoyable they were, I’d have read them weeks ago.

Yes, there were grammar issues and typos. Yes, a few sentences could have benefited from a bit of rewording or a simple adjustment of word placement to improve the flow. For me, these issues were few and minor. (I’ve certainly read…or tried to read…much worse.) I felt the plot and characters were strong enough to compensate for these minor errors and typos. I give the author many kudos for her Author’s Note in which she acknowledges her weaknesses and cautioning the reader in advance.

I also loved the characters. Yes, they occasionally displayed tendencies toward behavior more suited to immature, juvenile high-schoolers. But, the focus characters were all college seniors at roughly 21/22 years old. They’re not that far out of high school, so I felt their attitudes and actions were well-suited to the book’s premise. I don’t think the storyline would feel as authentic with characters with solid maturity levels.

Speaking of the premise: love, jealousy, intrigue, betrayal, the mystique of a secret society. Seriously, what’s not to love?

The pacing was very well done. It was quick without feeling like I was missing something. I just finished book 2, and they were each a single day’s read for me.

Honestly, the worst things I have to say about the series so far is book 2 had a few more grammatical issues and typos than the first book (again, not enough to over-shadow the characters and storyline), and the end of book 2 felt a bit rushed.

[NateSanti · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was about a secret society and a support system during senior year. There wasn’t a single
paragraph of the girls supporting or helping the guys in or at school. Nothing showing any viable reason for the whole premise of the story.

The secret society was one were you could break contracts… who knew. So it was really just a club, not even a boys club, just a club, nothing scary about it.

The H would be like “I’m never letter you go” then 3 pages later be like “get out slut, I never want to see you again”… makes believing “I’m never letting you go” hard to believe 🥴

Story had the same cliché girl is so jealous she wants to break up the main couple at the risk of losing everything. I’m sorry, what the hell! I’ve meet some jealous stupid girls in my day, but they were never willing to lose everything, like they had a life before the guy they were lusting after, this unrealistic trope just needs to stop.

I liked the heroine and I liked Kincaid, and yes I will read Kincaid’s story when it comes out. I like black haired main females, I’m so tired of blonde hair blue eyes, so I enjoyed this aspect of the story.

I think this could have been an amazing story. It needed to be darker if we are dealing with a secret society and no I don’t mean throw in a random rape and call it dark. I mean the actions of the main male and the rules of the secret society needed to reflect the reason secret societies exist. This secret society was just an underground study group. Calling in favors and having an awesome senior year is called being a brother/sister in a fraternity/sorority, if you are not doing illegal, unhinged shit, what was the point of the secret society 🙄

[Cindy Vernon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Love ME Clayton's books, but this series was not my favorite. I read the entire series and I am still confused on what exactly this secret society does and what benefit does anyone get from it as they all come from super wealthy and powerful families. Anyway, it's the initiation day and each of the members are males and have to bring a woman with them who will help keep them on the straight and narrow but it cannot be a woman they have or will have a relationship with unless they have a "hera" contract. Stone has decided to buck tradition and not have a sponsor until her runs into Rylee and shows his creepy stalker vibe (not hot alpha possessive vibe) and coerces her into attending the initiation and introduces her as his "hera" or wife. Another one of the initiates has the hots for Rylee and is super pissed.

This is a really short story and each of the stories in the series connect to one overall story but the premise is weak which makes the stories weak.

[Mary Cerda · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!! I have been extremely busy lately so this is the first book of M.E. Clayton's I've gotten to read in the last 5 months and of course I was sucked in after the 2nd chapter. She is such a great writer, in a few words I believe I know the characters and can't wait to read more. I did not put the book down till I was finished...needless to say I was pretty tired the next day but it was so worth it. Can't wait to start the second book tonight...Ill get plenty of sleep when I'm dead. Don't miss out on another of M.E. Claytons books!!!

[Elise Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I want my own Stone now!

This book has everything I look for in a Secret Society read . Powerful and ruthless men, very hot and very steamy love scenes. Strong women that have a bond with the other strong women in the order and the intrigue! Oh yes! It even has a back stabbing friend you just want to see horrible things happen to her because she messed with Rylee and she’s going to kick her butt! It has a HEA but ends in a cliffhanger. M.E. Clayton is a very talented author and I’m always happy I chose to read this series! You’ll love it!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

great quick insta love

This has most everything you want in a romance, insta connection turned love, secret society, and spicy scenes. Not to divulge too much but I enjoyed Stone and Rylee neither were typical characters, rylee had a backbone and Stone was not the cruel bully type, well initially. I’ve read this author before and I’ve seen in other reviews that grammar has been an issue but I truly feel she’s improved with this book. Definitely recommend.

[nancy brune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typhon

Great story, awesome characters. Rylee was fantastic, strong willed, taking no s..t. I really liked Stone, but I equally disliked him. The ending was abrupt, but I hope they aren't finished with Rylee and Stone's story in the next book. Fantastic read and now on to the next!

[Romana Navy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

I love M E Clayton's books! This story was well written and thought out! Had the almighty alphahole and the mouthy, rebellion FMC, and explosions happens! Can't wait for the next one!

[Kristina Tejada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such chemistry

I loved the main couple. The chemistry between them is so hot. I really enjoyed the main heroine because she was strong and stood up for herself. I only wished the author allowed for more exploration into their passion more.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew when this came out I had to drop everything and read it and so damm glad I did. I couldn’t put it down , once again M E Clayton is the queen of writing Alpha makes and Stone was no different being on the next one !!!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typhon

Out of no where bang love where hate should bloom. Riley just wants to get through then a chance accident causes her to meet stone and sparks fly. Secret societies and all that comes along just makes this story more

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro

I'm never disappointed with M.E. Clayton's ability to tell a story. I enjoyed this book. It was a goid introduction to the series. I can't wait to see what happens with the other characters and what us going on with the main female's roommate.

[Rodgine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[Coco.V]

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