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Quarantine #3

Essential

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An extended epilogue book to conclude Milo and Raven's epic love story.

Milo:

Our lives have changed.
Our worst moments and biggest secrets are used as leverage against us.
People want to force us apart in the name of the greater good.
Maybe they’re right; maybe we are each other’s villains, and not heroes.
But that doesn’t change anything, because it’s her or no one!

Raven:

Our past is catching up with us.
Our secrets are out, and our family is falling apart.
Seeing my sister follow in my footsteps turned out to be the wake-up call I needed, but definitely didn’t want.
For better or worse, family sticks together.
But at the end of the day, I’ve made my choice, because it’s him or no one!

This is a dark romance. It contains discussions about mental health issues and dubious situations that some listeners might find offensive. Dark romance is subjective. Some listeners have found this book to be a light listen, while others were sensitive to the material. Milo isn’t a normal romance hero, and some might not consider him a hero at all. So please don’t listen to this if any of the above bothers you.

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 27, 2021

157 people are currently reading
616 people want to read

About the author

Drethi Anis

9 books1,041 followers
Drethi lives close to DC with her husband, where she runs her own wedding planning business. When she’s not busy planning a special day, she can be found planning out ways to put her characters through hell. She is all about angst and dark themes in her books, with a side of psychology.

Drethi loves to turn negatives into positives, which is how she became an author. When COVID hit worldwide she decided to use her spare time creatively and wrote her very first series. Drethi is drawn to flawed and disturbed characters, whom she loves to put through the wringer before she gives them the Happily Ever After that suits their flaws and personalities.

She also loves to travel and tries to visit multiple countries per year.

You can find Drethi both on Facebook and Instagram. She loves talking with her readers, so don’t be shy.

✒️❤️ Find me online:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/3aggdLI
Readers Group: http://bit.ly/3j7Ejw7
Instagram: http://bit.ly/3tjVJKO
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drethi
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2MHR0So

Website ➜ www.drethianis.com

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5 stars
331 (35%)
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204 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Profile Image for TJ ☾.
835 reviews1,901 followers
June 22, 2021
This book made me realize I'd never seen Raven genuinely happy before. I was like..... who is this girl? Tbh I don't know how I feel about happy Raven. I mean I'm happy for her, and I'm glad she's in love, but I guess it's just a personal preference that I prefer their dynamic when she's unaffected, dismissive, and emotionally out of reach and Milo is pining for her in a state of madness and torture for two books straight sksksk


Something I really appreciated about this story tho is that in a lot of books where the hero is crazy obsessed with the heroine, I find myself constantly going.... but why tho..... someone make it make sense...

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But with Raven and Milo, I really understood why Raven is Milo's unicorn and that if he let her go he would be unable to ever find another woman that compares for him. And since he has understood that from the start.... he is willing to do anything to keep her by his side, and I mean anything. I really wish I could underline that word three more times.

“Stop being an asshole. Now, give me your hand and give me a fucking answer. My knee is starting to hurt.”

As always, the toxic parts of this story were by far my fav. When Milo I CHOKED TOO. I don't know how I keep managing to be surprised here. Every time I think Milo's psycho side has been put to bed fifty pages later I'll turn the page and his crazy ass will be there waiting for me like

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And the toxic bitch in me craves those moments the most I just love the anticipation of not knowing what his unhinged ass will do. Every time psycho Milo shows up I'm like yassss let's get this party startedDDDD

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He's so unpredictable, when Milo disappeared with Raven's emotional support dog I was fully imagining the fate of that dog to be as follows:

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The reason I'm not rating this one as high as the first two is because 1. like I said, I preferred their dynamic before. I don't think I was ever really rooting for them to get together, I just found them entertaining af and liked to watch Milo pine. Also I'm not convinced that if Milo didn't force her into the relationship in book 2 that she would've chose him and they would've ended up together. I think Raven would've found a different guy and been fine. And finally, the format and time changes in this book didn't work for me. However, I really had such a fun time reading this series. It kept me so hooked.

🧷DO read if you like:🧷
→ faithful hero (for years and years, even when they took time apart)
→ obsessive hero (psycho obsessive. psychooooo obsessive. like if he was real you'd run for your life)
→ HELLA PINING (mostly from the H's side)
→ rational, likable heroine
→ top shelf, hot af sex scenes and chemistry
→ childhood friends to lovers (but he was her guardian for a while so it's also taboo cause of the parental/disciplinary element)

🧷DON'T read if you have triggers for:🧷
→ toxic relationships
→ dub-con/non-con (done by the H to the h)
Profile Image for Carla .
1,670 reviews531 followers
April 15, 2021
“Please pull me back instead of giving up because a relationship like ours will always be a work in progress. But I rather have an imperfect relationship with you forever than a perfect one with anyone else. I love you. -Milo”
4,5.
Milo! Milo! Milo!
I loved every word, every thought, every fight in this story. It was imperfectly perfect!
It’s worth the reading!
Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2).
970 reviews995 followers
April 4, 2021
Essential is the third and final book in the Quarantine series. It’s a full-length dark romance.

Wow, what a phenomenal ending to a series. I am still speechless. Essential seriously affected me and left a special place in my heart for Milo & Raven. I have been counting down the days for this book, and it is one of my most anticipated books. I have never been so invested in a series before. Not on this kind of level. I am going to date myself here. This kind of reminds me of Luke & Laura from GH on steroids. I LOVE IT.

I have missed Milo and all his craziness. That man loves so deeply. You can say it’s unhealthy, and Raven is his obsession because it’s true. There isn't a thing he wouldn't do for Raven.

Prepare yourself for a ride of emotions. I felt.ever.single.one. I felt all their pain. Let me tell you, Raven's reactions were priceless; at times, I couldn't help but laugh. Milo is still crazy. Reid throws a severe curveball that you don't see coming at all. Mia even got on my nerves at times. All of them are off their rockers. But then again, look at their parental units. They expected way too much from Milo.

It’s still hot to read about Milos's obsession, and we see more of Raven out of her shell. The bathroom scene is my favorite. It was so freaking hot. I can't say enough good things about this book, and some feel like this review is not doing the book any justice.

The epilogue was fantastic. It gave me the closure I was looking for, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Essential is easy to read, and I read it in one sitting; the steam factor from beginning to the end of 4/5 and on my dark scale is Gray. If you like dark romance with an obsessed alpha male, this series is a perfect fit. I highly recommend it. I see a re-read in my future to have a different perspective and look forward to future books from the author.


I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Birjis.
457 reviews304 followers
March 26, 2021
'Other than with Raven, Milo is a good man. No other woman can drive him crazy enough to lose all forms of his sanity.
And other than when it comes to Milo, Raven is logical. No other man can drive her to the brink of insanity.'

This time there are family meddling affairs that tears apart the forbidden pair. Milo and Raven come in terms of their relationship. No matter how hot-blooded and unstable, at times unpredictable Milo is Raven feels she belongs with him. She is his trigger to insanity. But no matter their relation is forbidden, a guardian shouldn't romance with his ward under his care.

'My eyes follow Raven. I momentarily lose sight of her in the crowd before she re-emerges. My knuckles turn white from gripping the edge of the cocktail table when she disappears entirely behind the double doors. I recite in my head that it can’t take her more than five minutes.'

After years of separation, no matter if they are forced to separate Milo is still obsessed to possessive of Raven. Mental stability is a factor, when it comes to Raven Milo has no logical thinking. Milo and Raven started young, Raven in most cases was coerced but she had feelings which she denied. ESSENTIAL clears all doubts and gives us a happy ending. Reid and Mia are an absolute interfering brats but again the author makes them sensible and understanding too.

"Raven,” I warn.
“You said to stick out my finger,” she says easily.
“Stop being an asshole. Now, give me your hand and give me a fucking answer. My knee is starting to hurt.”
“You are not supposed to call me an asshole while asking my hand in marriage.”
“This is the worst proposal in history!”
“You are one to talk. You called me an asshole.”
“I meant to say gorgeous.”
Despite herself, Raven displays a full set of teeth, unable to hide her grin or the blush creeping up on her face.
“How about I start again?” I suggest gently.

I have an urge to go back and reread how Milo and Raven started. I enjoyed this series so much. I highly recommend if you like a romance unconventional and toxic liaison with steamy scenes.


**I received an ARC in return for an honest review**
Profile Image for Jade Violet.
328 reviews512 followers
Want to read
January 20, 2021
Holy Crap - the final conclusion will be finally out this year! I have dragged my feet on the first because I as so enthralled and consumed that I couldn't deal with keeping on going with no end available! So fucking psyched to see this and will be avidly waiting!

P.S. -- no matter how people might condemn Milo, for me? There can never be enough. There, I said it.
Profile Image for Pisces.
304 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2021
Thank God you didn't kill Reid..lets be real, there would always be what if hanging by the thread.
175 reviews23 followers
April 15, 2021
I love this series so much, but kids, don't try this at home.

This will be partly a review of this book and of the series as a whole. It will contain SPOILERS FOR BOOKS ONE AND TWO, so watch out for that.

This series was such a wonderful, creepy, engrossing, alarming, steamy read. The raw emotions practically bled off the page. The characters' love was was toxic, addictive, and destructive, but somehow also healing and restorative. Extraordinarily, the author was not only able to convey that, she made it feel real to me.

As far as final books in a trilogy go, Essential really knocked it out of the park. It's what the author calls an extended epilogue. I had never seen anything like it before, and I didn't understand what that meant when I started it, but I rather like the structure of it as a final installment. It was sort of like half final book and half epilogue, and it alternated between the two in a parallel timeline. The way it went down was the story was divided into four parts, each part covering the events of a season. The first piece of each part addressed that season in 2020, while the second addressed the corresponding season in 2021. So in effect, we saw a continuation of the story from the end of the second book and how those conflicts got resolved, while at the same time getting a really satisfying look at the couple's resolution. It's hard to explain, but I thought it was kind of the perfect structure for a final book. Even though we get to see them happy pretty early, it's still engaging, because the answers to our questions of how they got there were parsed out over the course of the story. The final bit is then an epilogue of this extended epilogue that takes place in 2026.

The epilogue(2021) timeline also presented its own challenges for the couple, as they still had a ton to work through in order to be together. It had dark moments. Milo didn't turn into a Ken doll over that year, he still had insecurities and anger issues. Raven still wrestled with her trauma. Their love didn't mean they fit together like two puzzle pieces, or that they liked all the same things - that would have been Raven and Reid's story. Raven and Milo didn't have that kind of HEA. Their life together is always going to have its struggles. They're always going to be a work in progress, but it's theirs, and they wouldn't have it any other way. I appreciated that. That kind of ending resonated with me because I could actually believe it. No matter how much I want them to, Happily Ever Afters don't actually exist. What does exist, however, is a strong foundation with which to meet whatever life hits you with.

Isolation focused on the monumental task of redeeming Milo, and fostering true, consensual love between the two. It was actually successful, which is insane. Essential, and ultimately the series as a whole, is a story of unconditional love. The argument of doormats vs assertive heroines, groveling, and all that jazz is kind of missing the point. There was a lot of unforgivable shit that went down in these books, but when the heroine forgave the hero's many transgressions anyway, it wasn't about letting a guy walk all over her or not standing up for herself. It was about empathy, about the soul-deep acceptance of a person. They were both severely messed up, but they knew that they were it for each other. They were each other's redemption. There could be no one else.

It was so satisfying to an attitude where redemption and healing wasn't merely a sum of punishment and rewards. In life, sometimes the answer is just to love someone through it. Love can grant an acceptance that transcends right and wrong. Now, I know that's a dangerous attitude to voice, because applied to the wrong situation it could be used as a justification to endure something dangerous or toxic. And really, if this story were real life, I would likely be terrified of this coupling. There were enough red flags to kill a small horse. Once again, kids don't try this at home, I am in no way advocating for people to fall in love with their rapist. But a romance novel can provide a safe place to believe in the exception. The trick is recognizing the difference.

I was excited that Raven's romantic love only managed to develop in the absence of their imbalance of power. Power imbalances are a romance novel's bread and butter, but recognizing the ways in which they can hinder and warp the development of love and healthy relationships is incredibly rare. This series addressed this, including the way those imbalances complicated consent, in a way I've never seen done before. It's funny, for all the unhealthy behaviors romanticized in the series, there's a lot of healthy stuff in there, too.

Not going to lie though, having them call each other "wifey" and "hubby" was almost as hard to read as the rape scene.

One part about the ending made me sad, although I agree that it had to be that way. It just hurts. Nonetheless, I would still classify this as a and a beautiful one at that.


It's weird that didn't mention this earlier, but the sex scenes were bomb as hell. This whole trilogy had some seriously hot sex in it. I'm really hoping we get Mia and Brandon's story!!!
Profile Image for KatS.
133 reviews
March 23, 2021
INCLUDES SPOILERS BELOW

This is not a PC series so if things like forced seduction/rape by the hero, explicit sex scenes and a forbidden romance with a guardian hero bother you then skip it. If the age difference between the hero and the heroine matters to you then in this case while the hero is the heroine’s guardian he is only around 5 years older than her.

I love jealous and possessive heroes who are OTT obsessed and in love with the heroine and so I have loved Milo since the first book. I cannot help it. Heroes like Milo are my kryptonite and I will forgive anything they do except cheating on their heroines including apparently forced seduction.

There was no cheating in any of the books and during this separation both Milo and Raven were both celibate. Milo unfortunately was a manhoe in the first book including after meeting Raven but that was before getting physical with her. Thankfully there were just references to it. Raven didn't see him with OW even though they shared a home. She just knew that he was. Once Milo and Raven got physical Milo didn’t want anyone but Raven including during all of the separations. He was too obsessed with her. Raven was a virgin until she was with Milo, giving him her v-card although she did fool around with OM before that.

Like with the other two books this book includes hot sexy times.

Also I thought the book title is a good fit for the story. That is not always the case with books.

I really liked the HEA ending with extended epilogue except for the part involving a child’s behavior. The epilogue showed that they are happy years down the road. Based on how mercurial their relationship was it was needed and was well earned.

There are things that I wished were different about the book. It felt like the story dragged in a few places. Deleting Reid (the brother) and Mia’s (the sister) point of view would help. Their POV were unnecessary and didn’t add anything to the story other than the length of the book. Other things that would help would be deleting some of the characters’ internal thoughts as well as removing the separation.

All of the books include Milo and Raven being separated. I really disliked the separations, especially this one. This separation was annoying and unnecessary. Milo and Raven had already been separated long enough in the other two books. I want the hero and the heroine to be together and the parts were they are apart after being a couple didn't interest me.

It really bothered me that Milo ran away so easily, due to fear of losing Raven. He let Reid blackmail him into leaving Raven, telling Milo that he could not see Raven for 5 years. It was out of character for Milo to agree to this and was disappointing to see him acting like such a wuss. Milo believed that he and Raven would eventually be together again but he had no way of knowing if they would be reunited. A lot can happen in 5 years. Based on Milo’s actions in the other books, talking to Raven occasionally would not give Milo the reassurance that he would need to endure a lenghty separation.

Milo believed that they would be separated 5 years as Reid decreed. In fact Milo only saw Raven again after 1 year because Reid sanctioned it, telling Milo that he would keep his secret. It is sad that Milo waited for Reid to give him permission before being with Raven again. If Reid didn’t tell him that it was ok then Milo would have wait 5 years. Those are not the actions of a man who is in love with and feels OTT possessive and crazy about a woman.

Sure Milo, like Raven, was sad and depressed during this separation but it is like it didn’t even cross Milo’s mind that Raven could be with OM. It has been made clear in all three books that Raven is very attractive and that Milo knows that OM lust after her, hence the reason for his jealousy. Milo is insecure when it comes to their relationship. Concern and jealousy would have eaten at Milo the possibility that Raven would be with OM. Keep in mind Milo is the same man who was so upset when he found out the Raven got physical with OM during their first separation that it ate at him. It bothered him so much that Milo wouldn’t even sleep in his dorm because he didn’t trust her and/or any OM having contact with her. Rather he slept in their home.

I would read other books written by this author. I tend to avoid romance books where a hero and heroine’s story continues over multiple books. I usually get bored but that was never a problem with this series. I could not put them down.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
27 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2021
3/5 Mixed feelings stars. Yikes, this series was difficult to get through. I feel like each of the books could've been like 5 chapters shorter (which is saying alot since each book is 10-15 chapters long) because of the redundant and cyclical nature of Milo and Raven's toxic relationship dynamic. I just found it difficult to get on board fully with the relationship after it was revealed that Milo . While I enjoyed the author's psychoanalysis of each character and the depth to which she dissected the motivation behind their actions, it still wasn't enough to justify Milo's chronic and violent erraticism. The problem is that people like Milo exist in real life (we call them abusers), and the truth is that love doesn't magically "fix" them or make their violent urges go away. Milo repeatedly terrorizes Raven throughout the series and she keeps brushing it off as typical 'Sinclair temper' and self (victim)- blaming. Milo doesn't own up to his behavior, and Raven is the one constantly having to compromise herself and her relationships to appease him. I go into dub-con and 'dark' romances with the understanding that at the end of the day, the H skirts but would never actually cross the line of consent or pose any true harm to the h. Those expectations were repeatedly shattered throughout this series. It can be argued that Raven finds some empowerment as she grows older and that she eventually truly falls in love with Milo and wants to be with him by the end, but I can't tell if maybe she's just lying to herself because there's no safe alternative or escape in sight.
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,180 reviews413 followers
March 31, 2021
4.5 stars

Finally in love

This book had me in my feelings, simply touching as Raven and Milo traveled a bumpy trail to their happily ever after. So tenuous of a love, I was fearful the entire book as the author artfully painted the perspective, now matured, of the main characters who were all linked to this couple's journey.

The character dynamics were portrayed thoughtfully; everything linked finally, like the pieces in a puzzle. I had a number of ah ha moments. Oh my, simply delicious jealous-possessive Milo moments, sometimes in his unhinged way but a better understand of repercussions. The steam... so high.

Milo still remains one of my most favored, loving book boyfriends. And finally, I can actually like Raven. This angst-filled conclusion also yielded insight and understanding of all the characters, their misdeeds, and motivations sometimes misguided often came from a good place. Most of all, I was happy for more understanding and gratitude of Milo, the strength he had to demonstrate over the years, and his redemption.

Great story of growth and saga of true love.
1 review
November 1, 2021
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to love this series. But this book isn’t what it says it is.

I can do dark. I was in the mood for dark, dubcon/noncon, totally messed up fiction hopefully with HEA/HFN because I can separate fiction and reality and sometimes i like to read that kind of badwrong where the characters are just that fucking hot for eachother and somehow it ends up perfect. So let me be clear, my problem with this series is not coming from a moral high ground issue.

I could look past some typos, occasionally awkward word choices, sometimes-stilted dialogue- i’ll forgive a lot if the writer really makes me feel for the characters. And the series did definitely suck me in (despite those things.) I had to see how it ended, because the ending was going to make or break the whole thing.

Again, I can do flawed characters hurting eachother, screwing up, consent issues, all that dirty-but-intense stuff. I can do redemption and learning/growing/changing even after all that.

This is not that book. This is not that series. It might work for some people. But you should know what you’re getting into.

This is a horrifyingly realistic description of two well-meaning people sucked deeper and deeper into an escalating pattern of domestic abuse. They separate. They try so fucking hard to work their issues out. Then they get back together and it’s okay at first, so good, things are different now, he’s changed…

For a little while. And then the cycle starts again as jealousy, violence, gaslighting, controlling behavior escalates until the guy does something extreme that seems unforgivable. And he’s so sorry, he’s so fucking guilty, he tries to make it better, it’s only because he loves her so much, needs her so much, he just can’t bear the thought of losing her, that’s the only reason he goes so crazy. If she would just not talk to other men, not have other men look at her, just understand that he just can’t trust her not to leave him. He’s trying so hard to be better, he has had a rough life and too much responsibility too young and he just needs her, needs to have sex with her any time he wants because it’s his love language, it just hurts him so much and makes him crazy when she cries, screams, says no, goes numb or tries to dissociate.

And he can be gentle when she just gives him what he needs! If she loves him enough, reassures him enough, says and does the right things…everything’s perfect when it’s just the two of them in their own little bubble without the rest of the world or their family who just don’t understand their connection. Also, in every book in the series there’s always some family member who needs to be protected from the details of just how bad it got because that would tear the family apart.

Spoilers follow.

The last secret, which everyone keeps, is that the guy lost it and attacked and choked his 17-year-old sister when he thought she was a threat to the relationship.

He’s very torn up about it, just snapped, they moved on, and he never has to tell the woman he loves about it because she says it���s enough to know he was willing to tell her something really awful. So she ends the book believing what everyone has reassured her, that him choking his sister was an awful lie, she knows he’d never do that.

Look, I get that dangerous jealous angry flawed antiheros can be hot. But, to me, it’s not hot to read about a woman cowering in the corner of a room clutching her beloved dog as the man she loves systematically destroys everything in their rooms in a rage that said dog was a gift from his brother. It’s so fucking sad to read about a woman who’s become so familiar with managing her partner’s rages that she’s using all the little tricks to handle an abusive partner. She waits until he’s past the violent destructive stage, then it’s time to try soothing him with sex, which gets painful enough (in a bad way) that she tries to make him come as quick as possible. Because this is their relationship; she has learned to endure rather than say slower, softer, please stop you’re hurting me and it isn’t fun anymore.

This is 3/4 of the way through the third book. Growth? Change? Hard work to improve? They’ve been trying for that so hard, hundreds of pages, and this is where they are at this point.

I think the author wrote themself into a corner. How do you have these two end up together when the horribly realistic abusive cycle starts all over each time they get together and try to make it work?

If you’re Dretha Anis, you try to recast it as triumphant, not toxic. You have them declare that their love is incredible and right because there’s every reason for it not to work but they stayed together anyway. The whole abusive destructive cycle is overcome because they didn’t give up.

Their love is real because it’s unconditional, because no amount of trauma or hurt they caused eachother or anyone else kept them apart. Because (this is an actual line) both of them would rather be dysfunctional together than healthy with anyone else.

The insane violent jealousy? Gets better because she keeps reassuring him and loving him and telling him that. She loves him unconditionally enough, she says the magic combination of words that he “needed to hear all along” to finally convince him she loves him, she stays with him enough and initiates sex when he needs it enough that he can finally believe her and moderate his jealousy to where it’s controllable (mostly).

Their HEA is heartbreaking. They get married. They have kids. Jealousy, manipulation, and gaslighting are just Daddy being a charmingly incorrigible rascal - the epilogue has a cute moment of the father intimidating and gaslighting his three-year-old’s teacher (referred to as ms stick-up-her-butt) for having the audacity to call a parent- teacher meeting about the child’s swearing in the classroom. You see, Dad thought it was funny to teach the kid to swear from his first word - but don’t worry, he convinces the teacher it’s her fault. Successfully intimidated, she apologizes and leaves, and our happy couple fuck. (Right there at the school.)

Last words of the epilogue? Their 3 year old, angry at his younger sister’s fussing, screams his “favorite obscenity” at her: “FUCK YOU!”
Profile Image for Selena Michaels.
Author 33 books417 followers
March 22, 2021
FIRST, words cannot begin to express the wait I had for this story. If we want to talk about slow burn let’s talk about waiting to have that epic happily ever after. This was a journey. One of which is rare to read because this series is dark romance. Normally, when I read dark romance the mental instability and factors aren’t always healed. It’s almost as if we forget that real people need time, healing, and other ways to cope with trauma. That doesn’t happen here. Both Raven and Milo have significant times in which they are seperated. Raven needed to grow up. Simple. She was too young to understand her feelings, but I’m so happy she finally did. I’ll admit I wanted them to burn the world down for their happily ever after. But I didn’t get that. I’m not mad at it. In fact, I think it’s even better that despite the outside interference raven and milo were able to find their way back to each other. They were able to communicate what was bothering them. I was floored at the scene where milo wanted to give away raven’s dog. I was like this is it. We are done. No one messes with dogs. But then it all changed. That toxic cycle started to break. They really talked and I saw the difference. I saw the growth. I felt like I was healing alongside with them. And the sex!!!! Gosh I thought it was hot in the second novel but it was way better in this one. Maybe I’m just not remembering right! All I know is that I normally don’t stick with series that showcase the same main characters over a few books. Mostly because I get bored. Yet I was burning for this story. I think I may have low key stalked the author. No shame😂 if you don’t read this entire series then you are missing out. Period. Not only do you see the growth of Milo and Raven, you also witness Drethi Anis’ growth. I bow down at her ingenious. This is not your regular smegular dark romance. This is new🥳different🎉and cathartic. It’s refreshing to see something completely changed. I want to read it all over again and I probably will! Hard copies are going on my shelf because they are worth it! I don’t know how else to persuade you to read this series🤷🏽‍♀️Honestly that’s not my job here. If anything this is a love note for the author. Thank you for letting me stalk you. Thank you for giving me this story. Thank you for leading on the most passionate journey, something that made me just as obsessed as Milo was with his Raven. I’m low key lost what to do now. I hope you’re creating a new, dark world for me. Color me embarrassed but yeah that’s my first thoughts and feelings. I’m sure there’s some rants on the inter webs from the first novel. I’m happy, they’re happy, all is good. Long live Milo and Raven. My new book boyfriend who can choke me the f*** out any day of the week. Like he should’ve done Mia *cough, cough*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for currently being delulu .
486 reviews220 followers
April 7, 2021
Damn what a fucking ride


I can honestly say that this is one of the best trilogy iv ever had the pleasure of reading.



I don’t give out high rating for just anybody.


Milo jesussss Milo you don’t understand the level of witch I love this fictional man



Once raven comes into his life that’s it he’s all about her


Fuck anyone els because this bitch is all he can see and wants


Like thank you Drethi anis for writing a hero who actually is all about the heroine and not just says that and has like a threesome the next page.


Once these two have sex for the first time that’s it he doesn’t want anyone els doesn’t even look at any one els



I appreciate that she makes a hot alpha without making him with a bunch of different women see ladies there’s ways to do this without him being a huge manwhore for three books.


Honestly what I loved the most to me is that Milo is crazy and psycho but only to and for raven

Like his friends and family don’t see him that way at all

And I didn’t really realize that until I read Reid’s bonus novella in book 2


He doesn’t see his brother as a monster like raven does nor does Mia


I was a little shocked because welll he’s going crazy for this girl and literally no nada picked up on how toxic it was.



But most of all I loveeeeeee there is a bit of a slow burn aspect to this in a way that ravens true feelings developed slowlyyyyh for Milo



Physically yeah? The girls feeling him but I loved that she wasn’t in love with him since day one or Reid for that matter


Fucking loved that my girl had sex with OM and enjoyed it




This was just such a breath of fresh air

Faithful hero check✔️
Confident heroine ✔️
Heroine not in love with either brothers from the start✔️
No insta love✔️
Heroine with OM✔️✔️



Basically it was like the author put everything I was looking for in a book


And it was certainly a nice change
Profile Image for Tabatha Reed.
1,687 reviews199 followers
April 3, 2021
It’s so weird that the first book easily etched its way into my mind as one of my top reads. I was very disappointed by book 2 but read this just knowing the HEA would give me the closure I needed.

There is HEA here. Raven and Milo desperately needed it. Unfortunately the journey we took to get their was so miserable I don’t care and I’m sad that a series with such a strong start didn’t just do a death spiral it leapt face first off a skyscraper and died a violent miserable death.

I think there are a number of ways this book and this series went wrong. I can pinpoint a major fatal flaw for me. The stuff with Reid and the blackmail. Milo’s reactions felt completely wrong and utterly disappointing. It made me think less of Milo and loathe Reid.
Profile Image for Jennifer Michelle.
Author 6 books17 followers
March 23, 2021
ARC review!

I've been following the Quarantine series for a little while now and was thrilled to get the opportunity to be an early reader of the final book.

The structure of the book was very intriguing, with the author alternating back and forth between past and present. This is something that she has done with the previous books and I enjoy it, even if it can be slightly jarring at time.

The scenes between Milo and Raven were electric as always. The intensity of their feelings for one another is overwhelming, both for the reader and for the couple! I wasn't completely sure where things were headed for the two, as their love always seems quite complicated.

No spoilers, but I was definitely content with the direction the book went. The sex scenes were delightfully steamy, a couple of them downright HOT. Two in particular were pure fire.

The last thing I truly loved about this final book in the series is that I felt like we got SO much more characterization of our side characters. Mia and Reid were always a great presence in the first two books, but I felt like they really came to life in Essential.

Overall, a great conclusion to a great series. Five stars, no question.
Profile Image for Kyou.
67 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2021
Wuut?? Who rated it 1?
Profile Image for Van nee.
311 reviews21 followers
December 29, 2021
This concludes the saga of Milo and Raven. If you ever wanted to read what happens to a couple after they fall in love, this is the story for you. It continues where most books fade to black. This installment was not written chronologically but rather divided into seasons over 2 yrs....first year apart and second year reunited. While it was a unique approach, the angst and anticipation would have been better preserved if this had been written in a linear timeline. Reading about their reunion in the first couple of chapters was a spoiler for the rest of the story. I didn't particularly care for what happens in the first year and found myself skimming those chapters. By the third book, I was so invested in Milo and Raven's relationship and their endgame, that I found the sibling drama annoying, constantly throwing a wrench into the relationship.

The relationship itself went through a lot of drama but never really finds answers. After all the soul searching, Milo and Raven continue to be dysfunctional but find ways to manage it through their sex addiction. Raven mysteriously transforms from asexual to sex addict over book 2 and 3....I can't say there was any reason for it other than to comfort and calm Milo's extreme spin outs. After all the rationalizations, soul searching, explanations and conclusions, Milo and Raven still failed to get a proper grip on their dysfunctions and it was disappointing that they put zero effort into seeking proper help. They simply find ways to cope without truly healing. Milo continues to be possessive, at one point freaking out when Raven is out of sight for literally 1 minute! Adding kids into the mix, this will just present more problems. But for now, they are managing is the conclusion. Can't say anything got resolved but we were taken on an epic journey of non-discovery.
Profile Image for cajareads.
336 reviews
September 8, 2023
This book should not end up with Milo and Raven gotten married and have kids. That’s not a happy ending. Not for Raven. This woman basically lost so much of herself only for her to marry her rapist in the end. Look, I can read noncon or dubcon scenes BUT a line has to be drawn at some point. But Milo clearly didn’t get the memo. The gaslighting, more forced scenes and let’s not brush off the hypocrisy of him giving advice to the two girls he’s supposed to protect “no means no” only for him to end up raping one girl and chocking another (his OWN sister for god sake). So no, Milo doesn’t deserve a happy ending. Know what he deserves? JAIL.
Profile Image for Sierra.
8 reviews
April 11, 2021
This was the hardest book to get throughout of the three. I blew through the first two books within a day or two, this one I read for a little less than a week.

It was more difficult to get through for a few reasons - first because I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters, but also because for the first time in the series I didn't want to read the flashbacks.

Mia and Reid's characters got more chapters from their perspectives which I was very impatiently read. I really wanted to just read the present from Raven and Milo's perspectives, but I get why we read about them. Mia and Reid at different points are what gets in the way of Raven and Milo being together, but in the end, actually help their relationship become more healthy.

The time jumps were a bit annoying, especially because I still find myself still not fully warmed up to Mia and Reid. I understand why Milo stayed away from Raven, but don't fully understand why Raven didn't have reactions to him after her year with Reid. Reid helped her take care of herself so she was healthy and in a better mindset upon their reunion, but I wanted a bit more.

Mia's little one minute relationship with you know-who I wish was more drawn out. I feel like her easy acceptance of Raven telling her to end the relationship shows how she still was just a child. Which I guess now writing this was the point, she was a child who shouldn't be with a man (and there really was an age gap there, unlike with Raven and Milo). I feel like Mia's character was always described as an immature child (always having tantrums with the babysitters and tantrums even in Paris when she ran out of things to do). We didn't necessarily see these tantrums on page but this is how she is characterized by Raven, Milo, and Reid. Yet at the same time everyone kind of also agrees that she has the best head on her shoulders out of all of them, so it is a bit inconsistent. I wish her character was a bit more developed because then I wouldn't have been annoyed by her so much.

I also wanted a scene where Raven and Milo just stick it to their parents (the facetime call Raven had in the beginning was infuriating!), but sadly that wasn't in either of their characters.

One thing I really like is that Milo's character stayed true. His character wasn't just completely rewritten to give them a happy ending, which would feel completely unrealistic. Though I do wish that after a year apart he had more self-control (that scene at the Villa in Mexico was wild). I think Raven moreso just made the decision that she chose Milo and just accepted that this is the baggage he comes with.

Two things remained a bit answered in ways (SPOILERS),









Milo never found out about Mia and Brandon, and Raven never found out that Milo choked Mia. I feel like these were loose ends. Additionally, I'm really sad they didn't actually get married in Greece like they talked about in their dreams haha but I am glad they didn't elope in the end. Raven deserved a big fancy wedding after all of that and Milo deserved to finally show off their relationship. I am glad these two finally got the ending they deserved. Even though her and Reid were technically meant to be together it was always these two in my mind. The support they had for each other throughout their childhoods (or lack thereof) solidified that for me.





(end of spoilers)



I am so excited to read more from this author. I am glad something good actually came out of the mess that was 2020.
Profile Image for Hayley.
217 reviews7 followers
April 4, 2021
The conclusion to Milo and Raven.

This book left me feeling differently than I had expected.

I am so pleased that Milo and Raven got their HEA and their relationship was definitely not for all, I had so hoped during that year break that they would have seek some form of counselling. In some ways Raven did with the help of her support dog, Mr Whiskers, but I don't feel like Milo did at all.

I was surprised by 70% of the book Milo was still quite 'dangerous and scary' in the way he tore the hotel room apart. It was also a shame that the only way for them to move forward and be happy was to lose someone else they loved. I supposed what I hadn't really realised, because I felt like Reid's feelings were superficial, was that this was a love triangle, but by the third book I really did feel for Reid, I didn't like the way he went about everything but you also couldn't blame him for trying to keep those he loves the most as safe as possible.

I'm not going to lie I had hoped that with the help of counselling they all would have understood their triggers and been able to move forward in a healthier way.

Also even though I was no Reid fan, my goodness what a tough hand the author dealt him, however after reading the author's note I realise it was better than she originally planned. I would have liked in the epilogue even if they all had to be estranged for him to at least have felt some happiness and love in the arms of another, but that is the hopeless romantic in me that doesn't like bittersweet; however realistic that more likely is, it's just a personal preference of mine.

However saying all of that, I loved this series, no matter how disturbing at times it was lol :) and I found the proposal scene hysterical and the epilogue with Damien's choice of words even funnier.

If you venture on reading this series, you really have to be ok with the alpha asshole who will go over the line of morally correct and consent, if you prefer them to just edge the border but not actually cross the line, then this may not be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lammie.
740 reviews38 followers
January 20, 2022
So this book series is an angst filled crazy read. . The characters are troubled, their love is toxic for most of the series. And the sex is 🔥.

I think this series would have been better as a duet. There is a LOT of inner monologue and repetition with the inner monologue which was quite frankly a bit exhausting to read 😣.

However I found it to be a unique read. The wedding towards the end was beautifully written and parts of the epilogue made me laugh out loud.

My recommendation it to give it a shot. ☺️. I will be checking out future books by this author.
Profile Image for Lindsey Brower.
19 reviews
April 17, 2021
All 3 books are great

1-Book had me hooked. The 2 nd book was great and the 3 well it wrapped this great story up. I Love this series. I hope that this isn't the last story .. Please write a book on Reid.. Please dont stop writing..
Profile Image for ChelsieINeedaNickname Griffin.
255 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2021
loved the series

I cant wait to see what else this writer invents. Loved the dysfunction and the happy ending. I hope we get to see Reids journey
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
631 reviews76 followers
January 3, 2022
Amazing

What an amazing conclusion to this steamy, unpredictable story. I loved every minute of it, and could not get enough. Definitely a top favorite series!!!
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews35 followers
September 22, 2021
Wow, what a great series!!

This series was absolutely incredible!! I loved every book in this series and all the wonderful characters. It was such a great read and I highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for MsMoxy.
467 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2021
5 Epic Stars for the conclusion of an Epic Series!

Essential was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021 and Drethi Anis did not fail to DELIVER in this epic, heart pounding, nail biting, “oh my gawd those smexy scenes”, angsty read!

I didn’t know what awaited me and how Raven would just disappear like that and leave Milo behind! After all that hard work to get to a place where both Milo and Raven could finally be together, to finally see love develop, to finally be on the same page ...

And then there was that cliffhanger and swear I felt my heart drop! Isolation started building me up and I honestly thought that Book 3 would be more about dealing with the aftermath of coming out to family, friends and society... but then, there was that ending!!!! Never have I felt so desperate to get my hands on a book the way o needed to have Essential! The hurt, the love, the acceptance and finally the knowledge that Milo and Raven could never - would never - move on from each other ... ugh, it pushed all of my buttons in the right way. This hit all of my reading expectations!

✅ Hawt, sexy, Alpha male
✅Smart and strong female h
✅Well developed characters
✅Realistic side stories that develop naturally to aid the plot
✅Loads of steam between H and h
✅An ending that is both messy and satisfying 😜

If that’s not enough here is also what you’re gonna get:

❤️ Dark Romance
❤️ Taboo Romance
❤️ Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
❤️Tortured Heroes and Heroines
❤️ Smut

Ok, so about Book 3...
I’m gonna start off by saying, could Milo be any sexier?!?! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 GAH! There aren’t even enough words to explain how much I love his characters! The steam level of this book is beyond hawt, I swear Milo wanted to devour Raven at every moment they were together! (So, so, so sexy *sigh) I could not put this book down! I love a male H who is all about his partner!

As for Raven, by book 3, not only does Raven know who she is and the type of real love she can have with Milo, she finally realizes her own power and self worth within that dynamic! Her character development is one of the most refreshing aspects of this book and I love how fiercely loyal and devoted she is with s each of the Sinclair siblings - the crux of this entire story! How will Raven maintain the balance between each of her relationships with the Sinclair trio?

I love the way this book was written, moving into the future but going back to the time where Raven left Milo and what drew her away from him! The story was exceptionally crafted, I was torn between wanting to stay in the future with Milo and Raven but eager to understand what motivated Raven to leave! The writing was tight and you really saw the growth and change of not only Milo and Raven, but also the entire family. There was enough of the family background drama to keep me satisfied without overtaking the love interest of the main story. It was so satisfying!!!!

Bravo Ms. Anis! Bravo! 👏👏👏

This series came in by storm and has left me wanting more from this author! I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Profile Image for Hannah Williams.
46 reviews
February 13, 2022
Hello fellow readers of fun books,
I have a little insight to share with you about the Quarantine Series.

***ALL THE BOOKS ARE NOW COMPLETE!!!***

I not only fell in love with the characters of this series but also the author, the fans of the book and everything involved.

For anyone interested there is in fact a playlist on Spotify to read along with this.

I have reviewed this series before but never gone into detail as I think the author has given a better warning and description than I ever could. This series will not be for everyone, but if you try it... you'll fall in love with the heartache, highs, lows, drama and descriptions of every day life. At first my heart didn't know who it belonged to. I was so irrevocably attached and set in Ravens mindset that I felt her emotions. - I kid you not. The author is THAT good! - I quickly couldn't pull my head away from Milo, or my dreams. The character is a tortured soul but so inherently good it kills me. I'm not really read for it to end but at least I know the outcome and can re read to my hearts content.

Spoilers but not really...

Book 3. Essential. In the authors Facebook group 'morally corrupt book boyfriends' there have been a few votes cast and discussions as to what people will think. I think I voted 'what the fuck' after reading the first chapter. To say I wasn't expecting that would be an extreme understatement.

You'll laugh, you may cry, you'll fall in love and get beyond annoyed at characters.
Yes I am intentionally trying to keep this review vague because I really don't want to spoil it for anyone. The author wrote this to be something people would actually want to read, so is not just another regurgitated story following the same path. ... boy and girl meet, they fall in love, something happens, they overcome it and then live happily ever after. That is not this book. I learnt to stop trying to preempt what was about to happen and just live in the moment ! Very few books out there like that these days in my opinion.

Release date for Essential is 31st March! Pre order yours now. If you like romance/ non con/ taboo/ books with insanely hot scenes that make even me blush and go all gooey inside, this is 100% the book for you.
Profile Image for Aplis.
582 reviews51 followers
October 12, 2021
I DNF-ed book 3 after skimming through it because I've just not been in the headspace to read something I didn't love.

Now this series is where things seem even more confusing. I've had my moments of hating dub-con and then not caring about it. So when I come across it again with the heroine screaming at the hero asking, "Why did you do it to me when you've never done it to anyone else?!!" and the hero doesn't have an answer... I'm here wondering "what?!". I just don't get how sexual their relationship was towards the beginning and how the heroine couldn't say no because she felt she owed it to someone who was taking care of her. They barely had any proper communication between them and the heroine was more likely to run and avoid while the hero loved to chase and break her down. I'm so much more used to the unknown bad hero forcing the heroine that the *good guy* hero thinking with his dick, in this series, caught me off guard. And what pisses me off even more is that he never "hurt" her. Maybe yeah he hurt her when he didn't stop when she said no. But for her to have residual trauma even five years later seems ridiculous when he's only ever loved her, which she doesn't believe! Maybe if she didn't have the trauma then I wouldn't have really cared.. this makes no sense tbh!

What's even more annoying is when the hero finally decides to let the heroine go for her sanity and even tells her this, but in the next scene they're talking about marriage and joking about having kids?! Like umm..what?

I was left feeling confused and annoyed for most of this series. I liked the hero but I hated the heroine. This series lies in the middle, not great but not bad. That big old confusing middle.
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