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The Cult of Serendee #2
Regressive
Darkness lurks behind the lush utopia of Serendee.
Imogene had no idea what to expect when she was Ordered into an arranged marriage with Rex, son of the leader of Serendee.
She certainly didn't know her bethrothed hated his father and everything about their community, including her. She did what she had to to follow the rules of Serendee, the will of her leader, and to gain the approval of her future mate.
She was trained, broken and revealed by Rex's best friends, all for the greater good, but now she teeters on the edge of being Regressive. Just like her mother.
Can she have it all--her mate, the men that exposed her to more than life at the cult, and the approval of her leader?
Not without losing a part of herself in the process.
Regressive is Book 2 in the Cult of Serendee by best selling author, Angel Lawson.
Imogene had no idea what to expect when she was Ordered into an arranged marriage with Rex, son of the leader of Serendee.
She certainly didn't know her bethrothed hated his father and everything about their community, including her. She did what she had to to follow the rules of Serendee, the will of her leader, and to gain the approval of her future mate.
She was trained, broken and revealed by Rex's best friends, all for the greater good, but now she teeters on the edge of being Regressive. Just like her mother.
Can she have it all--her mate, the men that exposed her to more than life at the cult, and the approval of her leader?
Not without losing a part of herself in the process.
Regressive is Book 2 in the Cult of Serendee by best selling author, Angel Lawson.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2022
298 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 29, 2022
Angel Lawson sure knows how to suck you into a story and hold your attention! I flew through Regressive in no time at all. Completely captivated and invested in the lives of Imogene, Rex, Elton, Silas, and Levi, I could not put this book down. The ending left me absolutely infuriated and on the edge of my seat, and I need the next installment asap! My only complaint is that I wish these books were longer. I want more!
I never see any PR for The Cult of Serendee books, and I have no idea why! If you're a fan of dark RH romance, you can't go wrong with this series. It has betrayal, brotherhood, violence, manipulation, knife/blood play, dub con, suspense, drugs, various levels of criminal behavior, great sex, an arranged marriage, and a crazy fucking cult. The story is fast paced, hot, and fucked up, and if all that doesn't sell you, it's also in Kindle Unlimited, so you can read it for free. What more could you ask for?
I never see any PR for The Cult of Serendee books, and I have no idea why! If you're a fan of dark RH romance, you can't go wrong with this series. It has betrayal, brotherhood, violence, manipulation, knife/blood play, dub con, suspense, drugs, various levels of criminal behavior, great sex, an arranged marriage, and a crazy fucking cult. The story is fast paced, hot, and fucked up, and if all that doesn't sell you, it's also in Kindle Unlimited, so you can read it for free. What more could you ask for?
September 11, 2022
3,5. This story is twisted…
I liked it!
I liked it!
August 27, 2022
I NEED THIS TO BE LONGER. Gosh I’m not okay, not okay at all. Literally shaking after finishing this book because that ending was soooo disrespectful.
I knew things were going to go south for our group because it always has to get worse before it gets better. I really love this series, it’s addicting and fast paced and impossible to put down.
I honestly do wish these were longer because I would love to see more of this group and their world. I also would love more interactions but since it’s shorter I feel wanting at times. Ugh but it’s so good, like I may never recover.
I knew things were going to go south for our group because it always has to get worse before it gets better. I really love this series, it’s addicting and fast paced and impossible to put down.
I honestly do wish these were longer because I would love to see more of this group and their world. I also would love more interactions but since it’s shorter I feel wanting at times. Ugh but it’s so good, like I may never recover.
August 15, 2022
I need Anex to die a slow and painful death because he has got to go! Silas is still my favorite. Rex is beginning to redeem himself in some ways, but still have a lot of growing to do. Like a serious amount of growing to do. But seriously, can Anex just die already? The ending to this book is not nice and is a shock to the system. Again, read the trigger warnings if you are triggered by anything.
August 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this but when I think about the overall plot and the relationship building, it’s a 3. There didn’t seem to be an actual plot to follow. In the first book it was Imogene being in this trial with Rex's best friends to bring out her sexuality and keep him in Serendee. This book's plot, I honestly can't really say what it was. I was along for the ride but I didn't know what everything was leading up to and what the point was for scenes. Her relationship with everyone could have been so much better emotionally than physically. There wasn't much bonding with her, Rex, and the other guys. She had an intimate moment with each of them but no further connection, maybe Silas. I also wish we got more of how they all function dynamically as a group in a domestic setting. I feel like we got somewhat of something in the first book but Rex was MIA and I think it could have been shown in this book with them being bonded and the guys living with them. However, the cult aspect was more pronounced in this book, imo, which was great. Imogene's struggle with her faith and loyalty continues to be interesting. Rex definitely redeems himself a bit here and the ending is very intriguing. I wonder how everything is going to turn out in the next book.
I really enjoyed this but when I think about the overall plot and the relationship building, it’s a 3. There didn’t seem to be an actual plot to follow. In the first book it was Imogene being in this trial with Rex's best friends to bring out her sexuality and keep him in Serendee. This book's plot, I honestly can't really say what it was. I was along for the ride but I didn't know what everything was leading up to and what the point was for scenes. Her relationship with everyone could have been so much better emotionally than physically. There wasn't much bonding with her, Rex, and the other guys. She had an intimate moment with each of them but no further connection, maybe Silas. I also wish we got more of how they all function dynamically as a group in a domestic setting. I feel like we got somewhat of something in the first book but Rex was MIA and I think it could have been shown in this book with them being bonded and the guys living with them. However, the cult aspect was more pronounced in this book, imo, which was great. Imogene's struggle with her faith and loyalty continues to be interesting. Rex definitely redeems himself a bit here and the ending is very intriguing. I wonder how everything is going to turn out in the next book.
August 26, 2022
This book could have benefitted from one last editing pass for typos, but the damn story. THE STORY. I am sucked in. Please put me out of my misery and give me book 3 NOW.
September 19, 2023
Crazy ass fucking cult i dont think I’ve ever hated an antagonist more. Reverse harem vibes and some seriously intense kinks all bc they’re brainwashed. I’m getting more and more pissed off and need the main ass hole to die in the next book or I’m about to portal to this world and kill him myself
September 13, 2022
These books will break your heart.
Imogene struggles to stay on the path of The Way, while also doing what is best for her mate. She wants to be the perfect mate but when things are asked of her by their leader, she battles with the right decision.
I will say that Rex and the guys did redeem themselves in this book.....a little... You will see growth from all of them but Imogene is still the strongest character in my opinion. She carries the burden of protecting the men she knows she shouldn't protect but will still do anything for them.
The downfall of this book is that it was on the shorter side and now we have to wait until MARCH to get the third and final book.
⚠️dubcon/ noncon/ SA/ self harm / brainwashing/ human trafficking/ eating & food control /drugging/ forced branding / blood & knife play
Imogene struggles to stay on the path of The Way, while also doing what is best for her mate. She wants to be the perfect mate but when things are asked of her by their leader, she battles with the right decision.
I will say that Rex and the guys did redeem themselves in this book.....a little... You will see growth from all of them but Imogene is still the strongest character in my opinion. She carries the burden of protecting the men she knows she shouldn't protect but will still do anything for them.
The downfall of this book is that it was on the shorter side and now we have to wait until MARCH to get the third and final book.
⚠️dubcon/ noncon/ SA/ self harm / brainwashing/ human trafficking/ eating & food control /drugging/ forced branding / blood & knife play
March 26, 2024
Didn't think it could get anymore intense!
This is one of the most suspenseful cliff hangers I've ever read. The characters have grown and developed so much that I am totally immersed in this corrupted world!
The picture painted of Imogene and the men, their redemption and the loss is so well chronicled by MS Lawson. It is something I believe she is uniquely gifted at.
On to the last book!!
This is one of the most suspenseful cliff hangers I've ever read. The characters have grown and developed so much that I am totally immersed in this corrupted world!
The picture painted of Imogene and the men, their redemption and the loss is so well chronicled by MS Lawson. It is something I believe she is uniquely gifted at.
On to the last book!!
September 3, 2022
Really great! This book has DARK themes but such a good storyline. I never realized my fascination with cults until I began reading this series Imogene is in deep and so are the guys but love the multi point view. It was an emotional roller coaster but I would get on again
April 27, 2023
Yo this one was way better.
June 13, 2024
4 1/2 stars
May 18, 2025
Loved it. We’re going deeper and things are getting more suspenseful and wow am I excited to see how this whole thing wraps up.
August 23, 2022
WOW! Let the twisted mind games commence!!! ❤
Warning: very dark and twisty.... And ends with a MASSIVE cliffhanger!!! However it's oh so worth it. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. You will feel ALL the feels in this one. The entire range of emotions indeed. The bloom starts to fade as the rose colored glasses start to crack a bit amongst our group in their perception of Serendee. However, will their initial questioning come in time? I cannot wait for Rex's dad Anex, aka the Big Bad of this book to finally get the karma that's due him!! Definitely a dark read, but with lots of heat along the way...our little group still have many, many issues to work through. There are a few surprise revelations too that will leave the reader on pins and needles. I absolutely can't wait to see what's going to happen next after that whopper of an ending!!!
Warning: very dark and twisty.... And ends with a MASSIVE cliffhanger!!! However it's oh so worth it. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. You will feel ALL the feels in this one. The entire range of emotions indeed. The bloom starts to fade as the rose colored glasses start to crack a bit amongst our group in their perception of Serendee. However, will their initial questioning come in time? I cannot wait for Rex's dad Anex, aka the Big Bad of this book to finally get the karma that's due him!! Definitely a dark read, but with lots of heat along the way...our little group still have many, many issues to work through. There are a few surprise revelations too that will leave the reader on pins and needles. I absolutely can't wait to see what's going to happen next after that whopper of an ending!!!
January 8, 2024
This book is Angel Lawson at her finest. She writes reverse harem so well that as a reader you end up rooting for everyone of her anti-heroes. Great read!!
August 29, 2022
Enjoyed the story, but there definitely needed to be another read through for typing errors. There seemed to be way more errors in book 2 than book 1. That is the only reason I dropped to 4 🌟.
December 26, 2022
Anex and Serendee Dig Their Claws Further Into The Lives Of Imogen Her BF’s
*** Some Spoilers…Maybe***
Things at Serendee continue to move along.
Anex is expanding.
This all means the guys jobs are all amped up.
Rex has to bring in the girls from the secular world, all while selling Serendee main export…
…WEED.
This is made all the more simpler with the party school, Wittmore University, not far away from their compound.
Rex brings in the recruits
Levi tutors them in “The Way”
Silas seduces them into staying
And Elon, is the muscle
However, Rex is still pushing his own agenda, to try and find out the truth surrounding his mothers death.
Only this time, he has recruited Imogen, his life mate, in the eyes of Serendee.
Imogene however, struggles with her devotion to the group at Serendee, and the role she must obey as Rex,s mate.
Helping him.
Rex has also made clear that her role under his roof also involves her being available for his friends….to SHARE…as Anex, their leader, ( and his Dad ) will never let his friends have a mate of their own.
Anex, secretly, has told the three guys to continue with their “ education “ of Imogen to help with her “Enlightenment “ into The Way.
So, Imogene, is on call for sexual favours.
A role that, she is discovering, she is made for.
Once a innocent virgin, now, Imogene finds herself craving the brutality of sex with Rex, and Elon.
The patient love making and orgasms at the hands of Silas
( who knows how to pleasure women intimately)
And the violent “ corrections” at the ends of a leather strap by Levi.
Yeah, Imogen is definitely making more than a few discoveries about her sexual kinks.
But, above all else she is trying to figure out her role as Rex’s mate and her devotion to Anex, and Serendee.
A devotion that is being tested everyday has she discovers more and more revelations.
Some of these revelations revolve around her very own Mother, and her relationship with Anex, Serendee, and the death of Rex’s mother.
But, as always, Anex is no fool, he is the King of manipulation, and as Imogen and the boys find themselves forced to take drastic actions, they find Anex is just that one step ahead of them.
Thus, things, once again, ate left hanging by a cliff.
While this second story progressed along at an easy pace, revealing more about Imogen’s background, and some of the more heinous acts propagated by Anex.
It’s Imogen, explorations of her newly discovered sexuality, her kinks, that seems to take centre stage here.
She wonders through the story, comforting the guys, one, after the other, while exploring her sexual limits.
Basically, at the start of the guys POV chapters, you are guaranteed to have them banging, or hooking up with Imogen in some way, shape, or form by the end of it.
This is Imogen’s way of comforting them, and herself, following the beliefs of The Way.
This starts to get predictable after a while.
It’s a pattern.
Clearly set about so the author can “”Up” the smut level.
Every time Imogene enters into one of the guys private spaces, she’s either searching, or offering solace, Physically, or emotionally,….You know…You just know…
Its always going to end with them banging it out.
As heinous a character that Anex is…
He right about one thing, Imogene CAN’T keep her legs together
I can barely keep count of all her needs and sexual encounters.
Her character has turned into one freaky girl.
Screwing her way to “ Enlightenment “
I Loved the ending though, and I’m HOPING the the author doesn’t cop out, and have these guys come through with
Some kind of miraculous solution, saving the day.
Yeah, I’m a twisted ‘B’ who want to see all of them have a hard time.
Particularly, the wimpy, suck up Levi
I WANT things to get dark for Imogen too
Really, really dark..If she can deal with Levi’s form of punishment, and Elons sexual preferences, then I think she can handle Anex.
I find some of her character traits really irritating, and just want things to go wrong for her
Haha!
*** Some Spoilers…Maybe***
Things at Serendee continue to move along.
Anex is expanding.
This all means the guys jobs are all amped up.
Rex has to bring in the girls from the secular world, all while selling Serendee main export…
…WEED.
This is made all the more simpler with the party school, Wittmore University, not far away from their compound.
Rex brings in the recruits
Levi tutors them in “The Way”
Silas seduces them into staying
And Elon, is the muscle
However, Rex is still pushing his own agenda, to try and find out the truth surrounding his mothers death.
Only this time, he has recruited Imogen, his life mate, in the eyes of Serendee.
Imogene however, struggles with her devotion to the group at Serendee, and the role she must obey as Rex,s mate.
Helping him.
Rex has also made clear that her role under his roof also involves her being available for his friends….to SHARE…as Anex, their leader, ( and his Dad ) will never let his friends have a mate of their own.
Anex, secretly, has told the three guys to continue with their “ education “ of Imogen to help with her “Enlightenment “ into The Way.
So, Imogene, is on call for sexual favours.
A role that, she is discovering, she is made for.
Once a innocent virgin, now, Imogene finds herself craving the brutality of sex with Rex, and Elon.
The patient love making and orgasms at the hands of Silas
( who knows how to pleasure women intimately)
And the violent “ corrections” at the ends of a leather strap by Levi.
Yeah, Imogen is definitely making more than a few discoveries about her sexual kinks.
But, above all else she is trying to figure out her role as Rex’s mate and her devotion to Anex, and Serendee.
A devotion that is being tested everyday has she discovers more and more revelations.
Some of these revelations revolve around her very own Mother, and her relationship with Anex, Serendee, and the death of Rex’s mother.
But, as always, Anex is no fool, he is the King of manipulation, and as Imogen and the boys find themselves forced to take drastic actions, they find Anex is just that one step ahead of them.
Thus, things, once again, ate left hanging by a cliff.
While this second story progressed along at an easy pace, revealing more about Imogen’s background, and some of the more heinous acts propagated by Anex.
It’s Imogen, explorations of her newly discovered sexuality, her kinks, that seems to take centre stage here.
She wonders through the story, comforting the guys, one, after the other, while exploring her sexual limits.
Basically, at the start of the guys POV chapters, you are guaranteed to have them banging, or hooking up with Imogen in some way, shape, or form by the end of it.
This is Imogen’s way of comforting them, and herself, following the beliefs of The Way.
This starts to get predictable after a while.
It’s a pattern.
Clearly set about so the author can “”Up” the smut level.
Every time Imogene enters into one of the guys private spaces, she’s either searching, or offering solace, Physically, or emotionally,….You know…You just know…
Its always going to end with them banging it out.
As heinous a character that Anex is…
He right about one thing, Imogene CAN’T keep her legs together
I can barely keep count of all her needs and sexual encounters.
Her character has turned into one freaky girl.
Screwing her way to “ Enlightenment “
I Loved the ending though, and I’m HOPING the the author doesn’t cop out, and have these guys come through with
Some kind of miraculous solution, saving the day.
Yeah, I’m a twisted ‘B’ who want to see all of them have a hard time.
Particularly, the wimpy, suck up Levi
I WANT things to get dark for Imogen too
Really, really dark..If she can deal with Levi’s form of punishment, and Elons sexual preferences, then I think she can handle Anex.
I find some of her character traits really irritating, and just want things to go wrong for her
Haha!
May 19, 2023
Book One
CHARACTERS
Imogen - fmc - conditioned & brainwashed, at first
Rex - mmc - son of Anex - heir to Serendee - rule breaker
Levi - mmc - inner circle - Rex best friend - the most in tuned with "The Way" and the rules
Silas - mmc - inner circle - Rex best friend
Elon - mmc - inner circle - Rex best friend
Anex - The "ruler" of Serendee - manipulating - highly intelligent - not as good of a guy that he portrays to his followers
It starts out that Imogen runs into Rex one night. He's a bit cold to her, but had lost his mom a week previous and needed space. They have a small bond over the fact that Imogen had also lost her mom, though not dead, she ran away and out of her life.
Skip to 6 years later...
Imogen and eight other girl are awaiting their "order" or their "match." Imogen's order turns out to be Rex. He personally picked her, but for selfish reasons. He also does not want much to do with her. Anex, Rex's dad and leader of Serendee, proposes Rex's 3 friends to challenge and teach Imogen what she needs to know and do inorder for Rex to stay in Serendee and "conform." Rex likes things hardcore. Drugs, sex, life, and he feels that Imogen is not that. The 3 friends will teach Imogen all she needs to know to satisfy Rex.
The book goes on about the challenges they all face. It turns out that Rex is not just against his father because of rebellion, he has some pretty good reasons. Rex ends up rejecting Imogen as his 3 friends begin to possibly love her or at the least REALLY care for her (they do share some sexy times and lots of feelings). Turns out that his father, Anex, was predicting that Rex was going to reject her because, Anex, wanted her. This was Anex's plan all along.
As Rex was about to leave Serendee, his friends had a chat with him. As a reader, you think he has left, but then he show up at a big event thrown by Anex for the "ordered." He changed his mind and decided not to leave since he realized that was exactly what his father wanted. The "return" or change of heart, shocked his friends, Imogen, and really pissed off his father. Book One ends with Rex telling Imogen that she will continue her training with his 3 friends, she will learn what he likes in all aspects, and that she will know the truth, as he will not have a blind sheep by his side and welcoming her to the family.
BOOK 2
All is the same in book two as book one, except Imogen, levi, Silas, Elon, and Rex, more than ever, are beginning to question things even more. Elon and Rex find that Serendee does not just harvest and sale weed, Anex, is also involved in sex trafficking. Rex also send Imogen on a hunt to dig up information on her mother.
After Rex and Elon threaten one of the men interested in buying women from Serendee and Levi turns down a job offer from Anex that would be a demotion, Anex calls a meeting and banishes Levi and Elon. He also takes Imogen captive as one of his mates.
Loved this series
Love this Author
Highly recommend
CHARACTERS
Imogen - fmc - conditioned & brainwashed, at first
Rex - mmc - son of Anex - heir to Serendee - rule breaker
Levi - mmc - inner circle - Rex best friend - the most in tuned with "The Way" and the rules
Silas - mmc - inner circle - Rex best friend
Elon - mmc - inner circle - Rex best friend
Anex - The "ruler" of Serendee - manipulating - highly intelligent - not as good of a guy that he portrays to his followers
It starts out that Imogen runs into Rex one night. He's a bit cold to her, but had lost his mom a week previous and needed space. They have a small bond over the fact that Imogen had also lost her mom, though not dead, she ran away and out of her life.
Skip to 6 years later...
Imogen and eight other girl are awaiting their "order" or their "match." Imogen's order turns out to be Rex. He personally picked her, but for selfish reasons. He also does not want much to do with her. Anex, Rex's dad and leader of Serendee, proposes Rex's 3 friends to challenge and teach Imogen what she needs to know and do inorder for Rex to stay in Serendee and "conform." Rex likes things hardcore. Drugs, sex, life, and he feels that Imogen is not that. The 3 friends will teach Imogen all she needs to know to satisfy Rex.
The book goes on about the challenges they all face. It turns out that Rex is not just against his father because of rebellion, he has some pretty good reasons. Rex ends up rejecting Imogen as his 3 friends begin to possibly love her or at the least REALLY care for her (they do share some sexy times and lots of feelings). Turns out that his father, Anex, was predicting that Rex was going to reject her because, Anex, wanted her. This was Anex's plan all along.
As Rex was about to leave Serendee, his friends had a chat with him. As a reader, you think he has left, but then he show up at a big event thrown by Anex for the "ordered." He changed his mind and decided not to leave since he realized that was exactly what his father wanted. The "return" or change of heart, shocked his friends, Imogen, and really pissed off his father. Book One ends with Rex telling Imogen that she will continue her training with his 3 friends, she will learn what he likes in all aspects, and that she will know the truth, as he will not have a blind sheep by his side and welcoming her to the family.
BOOK 2
All is the same in book two as book one, except Imogen, levi, Silas, Elon, and Rex, more than ever, are beginning to question things even more. Elon and Rex find that Serendee does not just harvest and sale weed, Anex, is also involved in sex trafficking. Rex also send Imogen on a hunt to dig up information on her mother.
After Rex and Elon threaten one of the men interested in buying women from Serendee and Levi turns down a job offer from Anex that would be a demotion, Anex calls a meeting and banishes Levi and Elon. He also takes Imogen captive as one of his mates.
Loved this series
Love this Author
Highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
I like. I really like!
Better than book 1. The authors got into the characters more compelling. Imogene was so confused most of the book. Who does she believe? What does she believe? Is she really like her nickname, "little lamb"? Is she being set up for slaughter. Rex, being the son of the Anex, Leader of Serenedee, and mate to Imogene, comes with many responsibilities. Rex does most of the recruiting of new members, which are usually college coeds curious about what goes on behind those closed doors. Silas has the duties of persuasion which he is very natural and does as Anex requests he does, for the better of the Order. Elon is the brooding muscle to bodyguard Rex when they leave the gates of Serenedee. Elon takes care of the " business" dealings in the secular society. Rex, Silas and Elon drive sports cars, have wads of money, phones, computers everything Anex requests. The business on the outside of the gates of Serenedee has been mainly selling pot which is grown on the property of Serenedee. And Levi, is a very devout follower of the Order and is responsible for Imogene's corrections. The people in Serenedee ask for or need corporeal punishment to atone for Lapses, when they go astray. The "business" is being expanded to include new products, which Rex and Elon are against. They are questioning Anex's plan for the community. Meanwhile, Imogene has been inducted into a women's only group selected by Anex's number 1 spiritual wife, Margaret. It's a secret hush, hush group. The women are not allowed to speak about the group to anyone. Not to their mate, family or friends. Never. There are consequences if this secret is broken. All the secrets about the leadership, the chosen, and the business are all coming to a head, as the puzzle pieces are coming together with a pattern of betrayal, persecution and eyes opening pointing toward Anex. What is his main goal. Who will pay the highest price when the story starts unraveling? Ah ha, Book 3 will answer that question.
Better than book 1. The authors got into the characters more compelling. Imogene was so confused most of the book. Who does she believe? What does she believe? Is she really like her nickname, "little lamb"? Is she being set up for slaughter. Rex, being the son of the Anex, Leader of Serenedee, and mate to Imogene, comes with many responsibilities. Rex does most of the recruiting of new members, which are usually college coeds curious about what goes on behind those closed doors. Silas has the duties of persuasion which he is very natural and does as Anex requests he does, for the better of the Order. Elon is the brooding muscle to bodyguard Rex when they leave the gates of Serenedee. Elon takes care of the " business" dealings in the secular society. Rex, Silas and Elon drive sports cars, have wads of money, phones, computers everything Anex requests. The business on the outside of the gates of Serenedee has been mainly selling pot which is grown on the property of Serenedee. And Levi, is a very devout follower of the Order and is responsible for Imogene's corrections. The people in Serenedee ask for or need corporeal punishment to atone for Lapses, when they go astray. The "business" is being expanded to include new products, which Rex and Elon are against. They are questioning Anex's plan for the community. Meanwhile, Imogene has been inducted into a women's only group selected by Anex's number 1 spiritual wife, Margaret. It's a secret hush, hush group. The women are not allowed to speak about the group to anyone. Not to their mate, family or friends. Never. There are consequences if this secret is broken. All the secrets about the leadership, the chosen, and the business are all coming to a head, as the puzzle pieces are coming together with a pattern of betrayal, persecution and eyes opening pointing toward Anex. What is his main goal. Who will pay the highest price when the story starts unraveling? Ah ha, Book 3 will answer that question.
July 8, 2023
Book: The Order
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Angel Lawson
Genre: Dark Romance, Cult
Main Characters: Imogen, Rex, Cyrus,
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
And here we are once again with me speechless and wondering what do I say for a review.
“You belong to them as much as you belong to me. They’re the ones that broke you in, eased you into being ready for me. It’s not fair for me to take you for myself.”
To be honestly I am not 100% sure why im even still reading this. Im not comfortable reading it, cult life is horrible and what keeps happening is giving me uncomfortable feelings the whole time.
“But the statement falls flat. I’m here because I needed something from her. I wasn’t there when she needed guidance. When she needed a cock buried deep inside to relieve the pain. Or later when she needed someone to soothe her wounds. I take, I don’t give. Fucking hell, I am like my goddam father.”
I must admit I do have the book on 3x speed so I can get though. I need to know the ending. I need to know if they make it out or if they die there. I want threader to be killed by rex and I want everyone to be set free.
“What he says next doesn’t just break my heart, it shatters my soul. “Take care of me like that.”
But I also want to stop reading cause its super full on, and I don’t know if I love the book or hate it:(
“You’re mine, Imogene, inside the walls of Serendee and out. No one has the right to touch you, speak to you or be near you without my consent.”
If you are going to read this series make sure you have like nothing else to do and no one around. Otherwise you will subject them to your rambling words and comments along the way.
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Angel Lawson
Genre: Dark Romance, Cult
Main Characters: Imogen, Rex, Cyrus,
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
And here we are once again with me speechless and wondering what do I say for a review.
“You belong to them as much as you belong to me. They’re the ones that broke you in, eased you into being ready for me. It’s not fair for me to take you for myself.”
To be honestly I am not 100% sure why im even still reading this. Im not comfortable reading it, cult life is horrible and what keeps happening is giving me uncomfortable feelings the whole time.
“But the statement falls flat. I’m here because I needed something from her. I wasn’t there when she needed guidance. When she needed a cock buried deep inside to relieve the pain. Or later when she needed someone to soothe her wounds. I take, I don’t give. Fucking hell, I am like my goddam father.”
I must admit I do have the book on 3x speed so I can get though. I need to know the ending. I need to know if they make it out or if they die there. I want threader to be killed by rex and I want everyone to be set free.
“What he says next doesn’t just break my heart, it shatters my soul. “Take care of me like that.”
But I also want to stop reading cause its super full on, and I don’t know if I love the book or hate it:(
“You’re mine, Imogene, inside the walls of Serendee and out. No one has the right to touch you, speak to you or be near you without my consent.”
If you are going to read this series make sure you have like nothing else to do and no one around. Otherwise you will subject them to your rambling words and comments along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2023
This is a dark book that could make anyone uncomfortable. Especially after this book goes into more detail about how brainwashed this community is.
This is the second book of the series and and starts where the last one ended with them bonding to make Rex’s dad happy. Imogene is used and abused this entire book. The poor girl doesn’t even know she is being manipulated and taken advantage of. The entire premise the whole book is that Rex’s father wants Imogene for himself and everything he does it to get her closer to him and needing his redirection. When he tells his wife to invite her to the women’s group in the community it is to her secrets out of her. The secret she gives over it that her mates friends train her sexually which is against everything in the community. Well once they plan to remove Imogene from the community because of Rex’s plans for her he calls a community meeting and calls all of the men out for mistreatment of Imogene and now says that Imogene is apart of his circle and she is in charge of taking care of all of his desires and needs and working and living at the new community childcare facility. Rex is taken for reeducation, Silas is taken to be trafficked or to help anex traffic women, they aren’t sure which one yet. Elon and Levi were immediately kicked out of the community and banished. They were told if they return they will be shot immediately.
Right before all this happened though Rex had found Imogene’s mother and found out that she wants to rescue Imogene and that’s where Rex was going to take her before anex intervened.
▪️all main characters perspectives, switched every chapter
**my rating system
1 star : DNF
2 stars : finished but didn’t love
3 stars: loved reading but wasn’t memorable
4 stars: good & will remember/will recommend for awhile
5 stars: AMAZING & life changing & will recommend for years to come
This is the second book of the series and and starts where the last one ended with them bonding to make Rex’s dad happy. Imogene is used and abused this entire book. The poor girl doesn’t even know she is being manipulated and taken advantage of. The entire premise the whole book is that Rex’s father wants Imogene for himself and everything he does it to get her closer to him and needing his redirection. When he tells his wife to invite her to the women’s group in the community it is to her secrets out of her. The secret she gives over it that her mates friends train her sexually which is against everything in the community. Well once they plan to remove Imogene from the community because of Rex’s plans for her he calls a community meeting and calls all of the men out for mistreatment of Imogene and now says that Imogene is apart of his circle and she is in charge of taking care of all of his desires and needs and working and living at the new community childcare facility. Rex is taken for reeducation, Silas is taken to be trafficked or to help anex traffic women, they aren’t sure which one yet. Elon and Levi were immediately kicked out of the community and banished. They were told if they return they will be shot immediately.
Right before all this happened though Rex had found Imogene’s mother and found out that she wants to rescue Imogene and that’s where Rex was going to take her before anex intervened.
▪️all main characters perspectives, switched every chapter
**my rating system
1 star : DNF
2 stars : finished but didn’t love
3 stars: loved reading but wasn’t memorable
4 stars: good & will remember/will recommend for awhile
5 stars: AMAZING & life changing & will recommend for years to come
May 15, 2025
Je ne sais pas si j'ai envie de mettre une étoile à ce livre ou 5...
J'ai finalement optée pour 4 parce que.. OMG, qu'il a bien capté le fonctionnement des sectes.
Mais ce livre est dérangeant au possible, plus que le Tome 1, j'ai même dû sauté des passages (pas besoin de descriptions graphiques pour comprendre ce qu'est un abus..)
C'est dérangeant, exaltant et en même temps perturbant.
Les références à plusieurs sectes américaines, le cheminement psychologique des personnages, les voir désapprendre et déconstruire tout ce qu'ils connaissent depuis leur plus tendre enfance.. c'est WAW.
Je conseille ce livre aux personnes au cœur bien accroché et qui voudraient en savoir plus ce que sont les sectes.
Imogène est un personnage complexe et faible mais bizarrement et pour la première fois, ça ne me dérange pas de lire un livre avec un personnage principal aussi paumé.
Puis tu as Levi, le beau Levi à l'esprit torturé et formaté par Serendee.
Elon et sa noirceur dû aux abus.
Le doux, beau et séduisant Silas pour lequel mon cœur pleure de douleur face à tout ce qu'il a dû faire.
Et enfin Rex, pour être honnête je le déteste toujours autant, capricieux, pourri gâté et imbu de sa personne, il ne n'a pas su voir ce que ces décisions impliquent pour les autres et pour lui et c'est bien malheureux..
Direction le Tome 3, mais avant tout un petit crochet par Les Nobles de l'Université de Forsyth pour voir jusqu'où l'esprit d'Angel jumel�� à celui de Sam peut allé..
Souhaitez moi bonne chance, je sens que je vais avoir besoin d'une bonne douche après tout ça pour me débarrassé de mon dégout !
J'ai finalement optée pour 4 parce que.. OMG, qu'il a bien capté le fonctionnement des sectes.
Mais ce livre est dérangeant au possible, plus que le Tome 1, j'ai même dû sauté des passages (pas besoin de descriptions graphiques pour comprendre ce qu'est un abus..)
C'est dérangeant, exaltant et en même temps perturbant.
Les références à plusieurs sectes américaines, le cheminement psychologique des personnages, les voir désapprendre et déconstruire tout ce qu'ils connaissent depuis leur plus tendre enfance.. c'est WAW.
Je conseille ce livre aux personnes au cœur bien accroché et qui voudraient en savoir plus ce que sont les sectes.
Imogène est un personnage complexe et faible mais bizarrement et pour la première fois, ça ne me dérange pas de lire un livre avec un personnage principal aussi paumé.
Puis tu as Levi, le beau Levi à l'esprit torturé et formaté par Serendee.
Elon et sa noirceur dû aux abus.
Le doux, beau et séduisant Silas pour lequel mon cœur pleure de douleur face à tout ce qu'il a dû faire.
Et enfin Rex, pour être honnête je le déteste toujours autant, capricieux, pourri gâté et imbu de sa personne, il ne n'a pas su voir ce que ces décisions impliquent pour les autres et pour lui et c'est bien malheureux..
Direction le Tome 3, mais avant tout un petit crochet par Les Nobles de l'Université de Forsyth pour voir jusqu'où l'esprit d'Angel jumel�� à celui de Sam peut allé..
Souhaitez moi bonne chance, je sens que je vais avoir besoin d'une bonne douche après tout ça pour me débarrassé de mon dégout !
August 26, 2022
Wow, loved it.
I love how imogene isn't a "Badass" FMC (most of those are irritating because the authors try too hard to make them not feminine, as if not being feminine makes them better than the feminine characters). Imogene is the type of FMC that I wanted to read for a long time, so I'm glad that this series was written.
This series made me go into the rabbit hole of cults and why people join them. It's crazy.
Rex went from the worst love interest, to my favourite one. But I wanted more inteactions between Rex and Imogene before he went all possessive and "I need to get her out of here", they should had a cute moment of waking up together or something to make their separation in the end more hurtful for them and the readers.
Elon went up on my list, he was really nice to Imogene.
I like Silas but he was really not in the novel, he barely had scenes with Imogene, but I still like him.
Levi's kink put me off him because I hate blood play in novels, so I don't think that I'll really change my mind about him and he'll probably stay on the bottom of my list.
Anex is the devil, and I love how he's portrayed as this charismatic character.
I think that this book should had been longer with more character development, but I ouldn't put it down, even though the typos were so many, how come the author beta readers didn't find it if I found so many in only one read.
I can't wait for the next book, March is too long.
I love how imogene isn't a "Badass" FMC (most of those are irritating because the authors try too hard to make them not feminine, as if not being feminine makes them better than the feminine characters). Imogene is the type of FMC that I wanted to read for a long time, so I'm glad that this series was written.
This series made me go into the rabbit hole of cults and why people join them. It's crazy.
Rex went from the worst love interest, to my favourite one. But I wanted more inteactions between Rex and Imogene before he went all possessive and "I need to get her out of here", they should had a cute moment of waking up together or something to make their separation in the end more hurtful for them and the readers.
Elon went up on my list, he was really nice to Imogene.
I like Silas but he was really not in the novel, he barely had scenes with Imogene, but I still like him.
Levi's kink put me off him because I hate blood play in novels, so I don't think that I'll really change my mind about him and he'll probably stay on the bottom of my list.
Anex is the devil, and I love how he's portrayed as this charismatic character.
I think that this book should had been longer with more character development, but I ouldn't put it down, even though the typos were so many, how come the author beta readers didn't find it if I found so many in only one read.
I can't wait for the next book, March is too long.
August 27, 2022
Imogene was trained by his best friends to please her Intended, and somewhere along the way, she fell for Rex and his friends. But it has pulled her off the narrow path of The Way. She can't become a Regressive like her mother. She must be better. She must please Anex and her husband too. How? She needs to find her place among the wives and other members of Serendee, yet she needs to learn the ways of the outside world. Her husband tells her she belongs to him and his friends. Can this be true? Serendee is all she has ever known. She can't fail Anex. But her eyes are opening and her conflict is growing.
I consumed this book. I enjoyed book one but book two really took off! The characters go through so many emotions, personal, relationships, and community, and have no clear answers—so much inner turmoil. As a reader, it's all clear, yet you are helplessly along for the ride, and it evokes just as many emotions from the reader. I wanted to shake some sense into them, warn them, and of course, I wished all sorts of ill to befall Anex. This story seems so real and it overwhelms. It's fascinating and I have spent more than a few hours discussing the cult, Imogene, her guys, Anex, and Margaret. Even now my mind whirls trying to understand, rationalize and predict. The cliffhanger was horrifying in all the best ways and now I eagerly anticipate book three.
I consumed this book. I enjoyed book one but book two really took off! The characters go through so many emotions, personal, relationships, and community, and have no clear answers—so much inner turmoil. As a reader, it's all clear, yet you are helplessly along for the ride, and it evokes just as many emotions from the reader. I wanted to shake some sense into them, warn them, and of course, I wished all sorts of ill to befall Anex. This story seems so real and it overwhelms. It's fascinating and I have spent more than a few hours discussing the cult, Imogene, her guys, Anex, and Margaret. Even now my mind whirls trying to understand, rationalize and predict. The cliffhanger was horrifying in all the best ways and now I eagerly anticipate book three.
January 3, 2023
Left with an icky feeling after this.
The book was great, it’s just the subject matter is so uncomfortable to read.
The whole cult situation…Angel Lawson writes it so well. You can empathize and understand so clearly how these poor young people have been sucked into this shit show. It’s all they know.
And they’ve all been brainwashed into accepting and living this way since birth. How can you fight against it when it’s all you know? How can you be strong and stand up against these awful acts when you have no security outside of this cult, and all your relationships are toxic and made up of people who believe the exact same thing?
It must be terrifying.
Anyway, it’s well written. Terrifying to read but you can empathize with the characters and that’s what makes this so compelling.
Rex has come a long way. Initially, I was like…what a dick bag. But actually, he’s just as abused and fucked up as the rest. And he just wants to get out so desperately, but he’s stayed behind for Imogene’s sake. He’s never been taught about real relationships, or how to love and care for another person, but he’s also trying his best.
It’s all kinda heartbreaking. But the ending is quite something. I’m a bit nervous as to where book 3 is going to take us 😬 yikes, but here for it and rooting for them all to get away and live HEA.
The book was great, it’s just the subject matter is so uncomfortable to read.
The whole cult situation…Angel Lawson writes it so well. You can empathize and understand so clearly how these poor young people have been sucked into this shit show. It’s all they know.
And they’ve all been brainwashed into accepting and living this way since birth. How can you fight against it when it’s all you know? How can you be strong and stand up against these awful acts when you have no security outside of this cult, and all your relationships are toxic and made up of people who believe the exact same thing?
It must be terrifying.
Anyway, it’s well written. Terrifying to read but you can empathize with the characters and that’s what makes this so compelling.
Rex has come a long way. Initially, I was like…what a dick bag. But actually, he’s just as abused and fucked up as the rest. And he just wants to get out so desperately, but he’s stayed behind for Imogene’s sake. He’s never been taught about real relationships, or how to love and care for another person, but he’s also trying his best.
It’s all kinda heartbreaking. But the ending is quite something. I’m a bit nervous as to where book 3 is going to take us 😬 yikes, but here for it and rooting for them all to get away and live HEA.
August 12, 2022
While reading, do you ever have one of those underlying feelings of like….wariness? Or like, you KNOW something is going to go wrong, you just don’t know what or when? So you’re on edge the entire book?
That was Regressive. Literally I’m still sitting here going “what the fuck” because honestly what the fuck. Cults are wild, and reading a book with five characters all differently dealing with their allegiance to this cult that has been their home and their upbringing, and coming to terms with what they’re seeing, experiencing, and the truth they’re learning, and also how interwoven each one of them is and how they’re all impacting one another, is a TRIP.
This book is dark, it’s twisted, it hurt my heart, and I’m also sitting here, still, going what the fuck.
Oh, it’s got some solid steamy scenes too, but I knew it would, Angel never lets me down.
It’s frustrating as all hell with these characters but it also makes total sense and it’s weird reconciling that in your brain and also ANGEL WHERE IS BOOK THREE?!
Yes, there’s a major cliffhanger, no I was not ready, yes I yelped.
Imogene and the guys have a JOURNEY ahead of them and I am completely unprepared SOS ✌🏼
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
That was Regressive. Literally I’m still sitting here going “what the fuck” because honestly what the fuck. Cults are wild, and reading a book with five characters all differently dealing with their allegiance to this cult that has been their home and their upbringing, and coming to terms with what they’re seeing, experiencing, and the truth they’re learning, and also how interwoven each one of them is and how they’re all impacting one another, is a TRIP.
This book is dark, it’s twisted, it hurt my heart, and I’m also sitting here, still, going what the fuck.
Oh, it’s got some solid steamy scenes too, but I knew it would, Angel never lets me down.
It’s frustrating as all hell with these characters but it also makes total sense and it’s weird reconciling that in your brain and also ANGEL WHERE IS BOOK THREE?!
Yes, there’s a major cliffhanger, no I was not ready, yes I yelped.
Imogene and the guys have a JOURNEY ahead of them and I am completely unprepared SOS ✌🏼
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
August 22, 2022
If you've loved "The Order", its sequel "Regressive" won't disappoint. It's fast paced, quite surprising and has one of the most evil villains that I have read about. I really like stories about cults and cult leaders, and Angel Lawson again let's you deep dive into a very clever and layered oppressive community. So far Imogene "got" lucky by being with the four privileged boys Rex, Levi, Silas and Elon, but slowly and eerily cult leader Anex and his creepy favorite companion Margaret show their true colors.
I really enjoyed this sequel and cannot wait for the next and final (?) book in the series. I had thought after book 1 that Imogene would no longer be a true devotee of the cult, but in this book she is still very much seeking the leader's approval and believes in the general movement of The Way. I found it interesting that seeing outsiders call Serendee a cult really insulted her. I have read many novels about cults and an MC starting to rebel against their upbringing and community, but I think with Imogene her development and realization of the truth is a slower process.
I also was able to recognize the cameo of a group of characters from another story by Angel Lawson, i.e. the frat boys, Miller and Knox, from "Blacklisted".
I really enjoyed this sequel and cannot wait for the next and final (?) book in the series. I had thought after book 1 that Imogene would no longer be a true devotee of the cult, but in this book she is still very much seeking the leader's approval and believes in the general movement of The Way. I found it interesting that seeing outsiders call Serendee a cult really insulted her. I have read many novels about cults and an MC starting to rebel against their upbringing and community, but I think with Imogene her development and realization of the truth is a slower process.
I also was able to recognize the cameo of a group of characters from another story by Angel Lawson, i.e. the frat boys, Miller and Knox, from "Blacklisted".
August 24, 2022
I have literal tears streaming down my face and my hands are shaking while I write this... what just happened?!?! I knew it was gonna be bad, but im in shock...
Regressive is book 2 in the Cult of Serendee series and picks up pretty much where book 1 left off. Imogen and Rex are mated after having come to an agreement. Rex's 3 best friends: Elon, Levi and Silas, who were responsible for Imogen's "training" and preparation for her mating with Rex are still very much in the picture (much to my delight).
The whole cult mentality has always fascinated me and I believe Angel does an amazing job at portraying both viewpoints. As 'secular' people we can see it for what it is, brainwashing, control, power trips on steroids, but for those that grow up in this environment, it's all they've ever known... but what happens when you start questioning everything you've ever known? the cracks start appearing, the lies become obvious... but is it too late to save the ones you love and get out? Anex is the epitome of the human ego at its worst. He is vile and I loath this man with every fibre of my being.
Holy hell my blood pressure is through the roof right now... I need book 3 like I need my next breath of air!!!
Regressive is book 2 in the Cult of Serendee series and picks up pretty much where book 1 left off. Imogen and Rex are mated after having come to an agreement. Rex's 3 best friends: Elon, Levi and Silas, who were responsible for Imogen's "training" and preparation for her mating with Rex are still very much in the picture (much to my delight).
The whole cult mentality has always fascinated me and I believe Angel does an amazing job at portraying both viewpoints. As 'secular' people we can see it for what it is, brainwashing, control, power trips on steroids, but for those that grow up in this environment, it's all they've ever known... but what happens when you start questioning everything you've ever known? the cracks start appearing, the lies become obvious... but is it too late to save the ones you love and get out? Anex is the epitome of the human ego at its worst. He is vile and I loath this man with every fibre of my being.
Holy hell my blood pressure is through the roof right now... I need book 3 like I need my next breath of air!!!
April 7, 2024
Well this series is continuing on an interesting and fucked up way. I'm still completely engrossed in the story, and questioning why I'm still so engrossed.
The plot continues on in a good way. It's engaging, we are having some character development, some relationship development, and more reveals about this fucked up cult.
I'm not entirely happy with how things with Rex are playing out. While I understand that he is completely fucked up from his upbringing and being in this cult and being so high up in it, it doesn't excuse his behavior and the abhorrent way he has treated Imogen. I don't think he fully paid his dues for the dock scene in the previous book. That really crossed a line for me and he never even apologized.
The end of this book was a shit show, but we knew it would get worse before it got better. I'm anxious to see how it's all going to end.
Biggest complaint, I didn't realize how short each book is. With the content and page count, it really should have just been one big book. Or, a duology with certain things expanded on. I'm digging the story so more in depth of some things would be cool. But I was confused how I was blowing thru the first two books so quick until I realized the page count. It should have just been combined.
The plot continues on in a good way. It's engaging, we are having some character development, some relationship development, and more reveals about this fucked up cult.
I'm not entirely happy with how things with Rex are playing out. While I understand that he is completely fucked up from his upbringing and being in this cult and being so high up in it, it doesn't excuse his behavior and the abhorrent way he has treated Imogen. I don't think he fully paid his dues for the dock scene in the previous book. That really crossed a line for me and he never even apologized.
The end of this book was a shit show, but we knew it would get worse before it got better. I'm anxious to see how it's all going to end.
Biggest complaint, I didn't realize how short each book is. With the content and page count, it really should have just been one big book. Or, a duology with certain things expanded on. I'm digging the story so more in depth of some things would be cool. But I was confused how I was blowing thru the first two books so quick until I realized the page count. It should have just been combined.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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