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Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac #4
Broken Fae
Me and my kings have come as close to breaking as I ever could have feared.
Just as we were finding a way to get past our difficulties, the stars have torn us apart. Can I fight against the will of the heavens or does fate have something unforeseen in store for me now?
While we'e reeling from the wheel of fate and trying to find a way to move on with our lives, our enemies are only growing more powerful.
Felix Oscura is haunting Alestria with his bloodthirsy need to steal the power of the clan he was never destined to rule over. And the illusive King is growing closer to their goal of taking control of the entire city and maybe even beyond.
With challenges around every corner and the mysteries behind my brother's death slowly starting to unravel, will I be able to piece everything together and find a way to overcome the will of the stars before it’s too late?
Just as we were finding a way to get past our difficulties, the stars have torn us apart. Can I fight against the will of the heavens or does fate have something unforeseen in store for me now?
While we'e reeling from the wheel of fate and trying to find a way to move on with our lives, our enemies are only growing more powerful.
Felix Oscura is haunting Alestria with his bloodthirsy need to steal the power of the clan he was never destined to rule over. And the illusive King is growing closer to their goal of taking control of the entire city and maybe even beyond.
With challenges around every corner and the mysteries behind my brother's death slowly starting to unravel, will I be able to piece everything together and find a way to overcome the will of the stars before it’s too late?
21 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 31, 2020
9027 people are currently reading
35063 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Peckham
119 books29.3k followersI'm a #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Zodiac Academy series. I write all things dark romance, from fantasy to contemporary, high school bully to mafia, there's bound to be a book for you!
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
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For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/19697...
Sign up to our newsletter here >>
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,672 reviews
December 30, 2024
3 stars ⭐️
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts
i enjoyed this book a bit more than book 3. i hate to admit it, but the bond among the 5 of them is pretty heartwarming 😒 i honestly have nothing else to say without spoiling anything, so that’s it. that’s the review 🤷🏻♀️
pre-read ♏️
i think i can sneak in one last book before the year ends 👀 the quicker i finish this series, the sooner i can get back to ZA 🙂↕️🙂↕️
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts
i enjoyed this book a bit more than book 3. i hate to admit it, but the bond among the 5 of them is pretty heartwarming 😒 i honestly have nothing else to say without spoiling anything, so that’s it. that’s the review 🤷🏻♀️
pre-read ♏️
i think i can sneak in one last book before the year ends 👀 the quicker i finish this series, the sooner i can get back to ZA 🙂↕️🙂↕️
May 3, 2022
Decent read, but nothing exceptional.
I had high hopes from this one, considering how we left things in Vicious Fae but it was a let down.
Look I enjoyed the smut, it was good but it was too much of it. Like 70% of the book revolved around the four and their indulgences without giving care to the main reason Elise came to Aurora Academy- Gareth. The gang war storyline is what kept me reading. I enjoyed the end but why does everything has to happen right at the last 20% of the book😭😂 The pacing of this one felt incredibly slow to me.
I had forgotten about him and everytime his chapters start am reminded again of the fact that authors really didn't care about him as much as I wanted them to. Gareth has become a mere memory to Elise and she has no motivation to unravel the mystery surrounding him (that is my opinion).
Gabriel is easily my favourite character in this series and he continues to shine through compared to other characters. Dante has surely become someone admirable, Ryder has always been likable. I would like to see Leon take more charge now in the last one.
Not enough Lance in this one😭😩 Hopefully there's more of him in the last one🤞
I had high hopes from this one, considering how we left things in Vicious Fae but it was a let down.
Look I enjoyed the smut, it was good but it was too much of it. Like 70% of the book revolved around the four and their indulgences without giving care to the main reason Elise came to Aurora Academy- Gareth. The gang war storyline is what kept me reading. I enjoyed the end but why does everything has to happen right at the last 20% of the book😭😂 The pacing of this one felt incredibly slow to me.
I had forgotten about him and everytime his chapters start am reminded again of the fact that authors really didn't care about him as much as I wanted them to. Gareth has become a mere memory to Elise and she has no motivation to unravel the mystery surrounding him (that is my opinion).
Gabriel is easily my favourite character in this series and he continues to shine through compared to other characters. Dante has surely become someone admirable, Ryder has always been likable. I would like to see Leon take more charge now in the last one.
Not enough Lance in this one😭😩 Hopefully there's more of him in the last one🤞
September 11, 2024
✅✅ Relationships
✅✅ Characters
✅ Angst
✅ Smut
✅ Reverse-harem
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Plot
✅ Pace
❗️❗️Cliffhanger
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of death, torture, and drug abuse
Ok... Objectively, the plot is not that elaborate, but the world-building full of magic and the interactions between Elise, Ryder, Leon, Dante, and Gabriel make this series an addictive guilty pleasure.
After the bittersweet ending of Vicious Fae, the harem has fallen apart. Elise is desperate to find a way to keep her four Kings in her life, while Leon is trying to convince the other Kings that Elise loves them just as much as before, but it's no easy task. They are all hurting, and all looking for an ideal solution (although Elise explained to them from the start what the solution is, they're just too stubborn to listen to her), while also continuing their quest to figure out the Card Master’s plan and identity, and also trying to find out who killed Gareth and why.
It's clear that the Black Card cult and Gareth's death are connected, but even after 4 books, we don't know exactly what happened to Gareth on that fateful night, and it's driving me crazy! I need to know what happened, it's been over 2,000 pages since the beginning of this adventure!
The group dynamic changes in this fourth book, as do the relationships between Leon, Ryder, Gabriel, and Dante. While it annoys me at times how the mystery of Gareth's death drags on and on and on, and Elise seems to be obsessed with sex instead of trying to finally get answers as well as her revenge over her brother's death, I have to say that the development of the relationships in this book is AWESOME. I loved all the interactions between the four guys, and I want more of them (with or without Elise).
Leon is still the MVP of this harem when it comes to keeping everyone together and happy. He's working his ass off to try to get the guys to understand that Elise can love them all equally and that they need to learn to be okay with sharing because they all need each other. It made me laugh so much how Leon would call the other guys his "boyfriends-in-law", or say that they were all the lionesses in Elise's pride. I felt heartbroken at first when I saw him trying his best to make everyone happy, despite everyone's stubbornness, but while he can be lazy at times, Leon is very determined and persistent when it comes to Elise and his pride, and he doesn't stop harassing the other guys until he's satisfied with their group dynamic.
I think I love Ryder even more after finishing this book, which says a lot because I was already in love with him. He's still widening his emotional range and he's trying to change and be more open to new things, for Elise. He goes so far out of his comfort zone for her and their relationship, it's really cute and it shows a sweeter side of him, even though he hides it under all the grunting and sneering.
Ryder is also realizing that spending his life alone is not something that he wants anymore and that having people to rely on, and even friends, can be a good thing. Seeing him spend more time with Gabriel was heartwarming, and it made me like Gabriel more (because I’ll be honest, I was struggling with him at times in the previous books). Also, a special mention to Gabriel carrying tiny snake Ryder in his pocket, it made me smile BIG TIME, they're clearly becoming BFFs.
Gabriel redeemed himself in this book... After the first few chapters. He annoyed me in the third book, so I was happy to see him finally coming around to the idea of Elise being able to love more than one person, and realizing that he would have no choice but to share her if he wanted to be with her. I also absolutely adored how he finally decided to open up and spend some time with Ryder, and even have more serious talks with Dante. It finally feels as if he's part of the group dynamic instead of having the other 3 interacting (as friends or enemies), and Gabriel on the side being completely independent of the others. I think he has a lot to bring to the group, and I'm finally seeing how he can be a lovable character. We also get to see more of his powers, which is great because he is pretty powerful, but he is also pretty shady when it comes to his personal life... There are still many questions about him and his past that are unanswered, but we're slowly getting there (and if you read the Zodiac Academy series, you know more about him and his past as he is an important character in this series too).
Leon and Ryder still have hilarious interactions, and their non-stop references to The Lion King never get old. Seriously, seeing Ryder, Leon, Dante, and Gabriel starting to grow closer to each other, and starting to bridge the gaps between them gave me so many warm feelings inside. while the plot is not the most elaborate, those 4 guys are amazing and they're most definitely the main reason I'm so addicted to this series.
Dante and Ryder are forced to make tough choices in this book. They have to decide if they can forget their gang war for a while while they both spend time with Elise, which is not easy because even though Dante is starting to see another side of Ryder, and seems to be warming up to him a teeny tiny bit, they are still Astral Adversaries...
The whole Christmas scenario that Leon created was perfection and a cuteness overload. I did cry a little when I read the part about the gifts the guys made for Elise, I had to stop when I read what Ryder got her and take a breather, but it felt so good to see that deeper bond between Ryder and Elise.
Finally seeing the four guys work together (although it was reluctantly for some of them) was SO satisfying! I seriously cheered out loud when it finally happened, and I can't wait to get more of them working as a team! The end of this book is a cliffhanger, so I am really happy that the final book is released already, and I can't wait to see how things will fall into place for all of them...
Also, a special heartbreaking mention for Roary. I was starting to like him and I can't wait to see more of him in the Darkmore Penitentiary series.
1. Dark Fae ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Savage Fae ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Vicious Fae ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅✅ Characters
✅ Angst
✅ Smut
✅ Reverse-harem
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Plot
✅ Pace
❗️❗️Cliffhanger
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of death, torture, and drug abuse
Ok... Objectively, the plot is not that elaborate, but the world-building full of magic and the interactions between Elise, Ryder, Leon, Dante, and Gabriel make this series an addictive guilty pleasure.
“There is only one person who can run rings around a king, Elise,” he said slowly. “Let alone four of them at once.”
“Oh yeah?” I joked. “And who’s that?”
“A queen. So maybe it’s time you started thinking about what good you want to do now that you’ve been crowned.”
After the bittersweet ending of Vicious Fae, the harem has fallen apart. Elise is desperate to find a way to keep her four Kings in her life, while Leon is trying to convince the other Kings that Elise loves them just as much as before, but it's no easy task. They are all hurting, and all looking for an ideal solution (although Elise explained to them from the start what the solution is, they're just too stubborn to listen to her), while also continuing their quest to figure out the Card Master’s plan and identity, and also trying to find out who killed Gareth and why.
It's clear that the Black Card cult and Gareth's death are connected, but even after 4 books, we don't know exactly what happened to Gareth on that fateful night, and it's driving me crazy! I need to know what happened, it's been over 2,000 pages since the beginning of this adventure!
"The little angel, the warring gang leaders, the thief and the Seer with no past? There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I don't think I'm grasping the punchline. Or maybe I'm it."
The group dynamic changes in this fourth book, as do the relationships between Leon, Ryder, Gabriel, and Dante. While it annoys me at times how the mystery of Gareth's death drags on and on and on, and Elise seems to be obsessed with sex instead of trying to finally get answers as well as her revenge over her brother's death, I have to say that the development of the relationships in this book is AWESOME. I loved all the interactions between the four guys, and I want more of them (with or without Elise).
So maybe I’d gotten attached to Elise’s other guys. Maybe I missed hanging out with them all. And maybe it was time I reunited us Avengers style.
Leon is still the MVP of this harem when it comes to keeping everyone together and happy. He's working his ass off to try to get the guys to understand that Elise can love them all equally and that they need to learn to be okay with sharing because they all need each other. It made me laugh so much how Leon would call the other guys his "boyfriends-in-law", or say that they were all the lionesses in Elise's pride. I felt heartbroken at first when I saw him trying his best to make everyone happy, despite everyone's stubbornness, but while he can be lazy at times, Leon is very determined and persistent when it comes to Elise and his pride, and he doesn't stop harassing the other guys until he's satisfied with their group dynamic.
“If you want nice then you should go hang out with Simba. You don't come to me for nice. I'm the villain in your little fucked up love story."
"The villain doesn't get the girl." I pointed out.
"He does. If the girl is just as bad as him."
"I'll always be a monster, baby. I'll be the reason Fae lock their doors at night in Alestria, I am branded on the inside of my enemies' skulls and my name will always strike fear into their hearts. But I will also be your monster, if you'll have me. If you deem me worthy. I don't have much to give but a blackened heart and a tarnished soul, but they're yours because...” I took a breath and expelled my deepest truth, “I love you."
I think I love Ryder even more after finishing this book, which says a lot because I was already in love with him. He's still widening his emotional range and he's trying to change and be more open to new things, for Elise. He goes so far out of his comfort zone for her and their relationship, it's really cute and it shows a sweeter side of him, even though he hides it under all the grunting and sneering.
Ryder is also realizing that spending his life alone is not something that he wants anymore and that having people to rely on, and even friends, can be a good thing. Seeing him spend more time with Gabriel was heartwarming, and it made me like Gabriel more (because I’ll be honest, I was struggling with him at times in the previous books). Also, a special mention to Gabriel carrying tiny snake Ryder in his pocket, it made me smile BIG TIME, they're clearly becoming BFFs.
I got to my feet, feeling about ten times heavier since I’d started carrying around a leaden heart.
Gabriel redeemed himself in this book... After the first few chapters. He annoyed me in the third book, so I was happy to see him finally coming around to the idea of Elise being able to love more than one person, and realizing that he would have no choice but to share her if he wanted to be with her. I also absolutely adored how he finally decided to open up and spend some time with Ryder, and even have more serious talks with Dante. It finally feels as if he's part of the group dynamic instead of having the other 3 interacting (as friends or enemies), and Gabriel on the side being completely independent of the others. I think he has a lot to bring to the group, and I'm finally seeing how he can be a lovable character. We also get to see more of his powers, which is great because he is pretty powerful, but he is also pretty shady when it comes to his personal life... There are still many questions about him and his past that are unanswered, but we're slowly getting there (and if you read the Zodiac Academy series, you know more about him and his past as he is an important character in this series too).
“That’s a pretty fucked up vision to send you,” I muttered, looking down at my Lion with an apology in my eyes which he waved off.
“It’s how he shows he cares,” he said with a smirk. “One of these days I know he’ll gift me a vision of him tossing me from a cliff Mufasa and Scar style and then I know we’ll be bros for life.”
Leon and Ryder still have hilarious interactions, and their non-stop references to The Lion King never get old. Seriously, seeing Ryder, Leon, Dante, and Gabriel starting to grow closer to each other, and starting to bridge the gaps between them gave me so many warm feelings inside. while the plot is not the most elaborate, those 4 guys are amazing and they're most definitely the main reason I'm so addicted to this series.
"Come on, little monster," Leon said enthusiastically. "The dream team is about to unite and I want a front row seat to seeing the Rydikins and Dantesaurous bromance kicking off officially."
"Let's just focus on not dying for tonight," I suggested as we jogged towards the door. "We can think about getting them matching friendship bracelets once we're sure we aren't all going to die."
Dante and Ryder are forced to make tough choices in this book. They have to decide if they can forget their gang war for a while while they both spend time with Elise, which is not easy because even though Dante is starting to see another side of Ryder, and seems to be warming up to him a teeny tiny bit, they are still Astral Adversaries...
Mom just used to use her earth magic to grow one and we had a bunch of handmade paper decorations and glittery nipple tassels we stole from the club to hang on it. We had a box of glowing butt plugs that we used to use for Christmas lights too and I missed them now even though it had always seemed like a joke whenever we hung them up.
The whole Christmas scenario that Leon created was perfection and a cuteness overload. I did cry a little when I read the part about the gifts the guys made for Elise, I had to stop when I read what Ryder got her and take a breather, but it felt so good to see that deeper bond between Ryder and Elise.
"What does your pride have to do with me?" Ryder snapped. "Are you all in with Elise?" Leon asked in response and Ryder's gaze skipped to meet mine. "What of it?" "She's a part of the pride so that means you are too whether you like it or not, buttercup." Leon strode away towards the house and Ryder scowled after him before letting me tug him over to the car.
"I'm not a Lioness," Ryder growled but Leon pressed a finger to his lips, shushing him.
Finally seeing the four guys work together (although it was reluctantly for some of them) was SO satisfying! I seriously cheered out loud when it finally happened, and I can't wait to get more of them working as a team! The end of this book is a cliffhanger, so I am really happy that the final book is released already, and I can't wait to see how things will fall into place for all of them...
Also, a special heartbreaking mention for Roary. I was starting to like him and I can't wait to see more of him in the Darkmore Penitentiary series.
1. Dark Fae ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Savage Fae ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Vicious Fae ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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December 3, 2022
We are lost in the woods people! We have completely abandoned any semblance of a plot and apparently are now on a mission of seeing how many times these men can make this girl see stars. Way too much of a good thing makes it not a good thing anymore, you get me? It was soooo much 😢
This book is really long and it felt like such a chore to get through it.
There are some really good moments and all of them are with the guys forming bonds and friendships without Elise around bc anytime she comes around it turns into an orgy. Their relationships with her are basically based on the physical and we don't really get anything of substance.
Elise has basically forgotten about her poor brother bc she is too busy tending her harem. (all of which at some point beat the crap out of him btw, except Leon, and Elise doesn't even pause to maybe at least sucker punch them in retribution before completely justifying their actions and defending their motives for beating the shit out her poor dead big bro. WTH! Let me just insert here that the VEGA twins would NEVER!!! Those assholes would at least have a broken nose before any forgiveness was doled out, no matter the reason.
Moving on from her, the guys are way more compelling. Gabriel and Ryder! So damn cute! The cabin scene of guys trying to get along was a highlight. They really are the best part of the books and their relationships with each other.
To add insult to injury, Lance Orion made a very brief pretty meaningless appearance and I completely feel like pouting about it!
This book is really long and it felt like such a chore to get through it.
There are some really good moments and all of them are with the guys forming bonds and friendships without Elise around bc anytime she comes around it turns into an orgy. Their relationships with her are basically based on the physical and we don't really get anything of substance.
Elise has basically forgotten about her poor brother bc she is too busy tending her harem. (all of which at some point beat the crap out of him btw, except Leon, and Elise doesn't even pause to maybe at least sucker punch them in retribution before completely justifying their actions and defending their motives for beating the shit out her poor dead big bro. WTH! Let me just insert here that the VEGA twins would NEVER!!! Those assholes would at least have a broken nose before any forgiveness was doled out, no matter the reason.
Moving on from her, the guys are way more compelling. Gabriel and Ryder! So damn cute! The cabin scene of guys trying to get along was a highlight. They really are the best part of the books and their relationships with each other.
To add insult to injury, Lance Orion made a very brief pretty meaningless appearance and I completely feel like pouting about it!
June 16, 2023
how these books can be so long and yet have practically nothing happen in them is beyond me
October 1, 2020
Son of a bitch! 😭😂 I need more!!!! This series is so fucking good. The characters are so rich. The relationship and character development is amazing! It's a 5 star series for sure and one of my favorite reverse harem series of all time! Warrior Fae will break my heart, because I'll have to say goodbye to my babies for good! I'm not ready, y'all!
Read
October 16, 2024sadly dnfing this series :,)
October 4, 2022
the boys all locked in a snowy cabin during a blizzard, in matching tartan pjs while cooking and doing arts and crafts without Elise? ✨gimme more of that domestic, bonding bliss✨
because, seriously, the best part of this whole book were the scenes between the guys without Elise— their growth as individuals, and their bonding as a group and in pairs was undeniably sweet and hilarious. some of my fave moments for yall:
i just wish Elise wasn’t the main character lmaoooo, the scenes she isn’t in are the best of the whole book.
(and Elise wanting the guys, who are all straight, to kiss for her pleasure is so gross. just when i think i couldn’t hate her any more than i did).
because, seriously, the best part of this whole book were the scenes between the guys without Elise— their growth as individuals, and their bonding as a group and in pairs was undeniably sweet and hilarious. some of my fave moments for yall:
⟡ Ryder and Gabriel drunk and giggling like idiots. my two grumpy lil babies. (the whole tattoo incident had me wheezing it was so funny).
⟡ Gabriel opening up to Dante while making spaghetti🥺
⟡ Ryder saving Leon from being ambushed and beat up by his own gang.
⟡ Leon convincing Gabriel to join the Pitball team. a year is added to my life span every time Gabriel Nox smiles.
⟡ GABRIEL HUGGING RYDER😩😩
⟡ the boys watching movies together eurghhhh. followed by Gabriel making pancakes.
⟡ LEON TEXTING GABRIEL PRETENDING TO BE ELISE. that shit had me on the floor, idk how Gabriel thought that was Elise😭
and my ultimate favourite...
⟡ Ryder and Gabriel becoming broody, grumpy besties<3
i just wish Elise wasn’t the main character lmaoooo, the scenes she isn’t in are the best of the whole book.
(and Elise wanting the guys, who are all straight, to kiss for her pleasure is so gross. just when i think i couldn’t hate her any more than i did).
April 20, 2022
Genre: high fantasy, romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers, RH, magic academy, rival gangs
Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac #4
Cliffhanger: Yes
Spice: 5/5 🌶
Rating: 5 ⭐
“There is only one person who can run rings around a king, Elise,” he said slowly. “Let alone four of them at once.”
“Oh yeah?” I joked. “And who’s that?”
“A queen. So maybe it’s time you started thinking about what good you want to do now that you’ve been crowned.”
Damn, they did it again. I'm again in love with a series and with the characters. I'm soooo in love with it actually, that I don't even feel bothered by the reverse harem. The last book set the standard pretty high and this one did most definitely not disappoint.
"The little angel, the warring gang leaders, the thief and the Seer with no past? There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I don't think I'm grasping the punchline. Or maybe I'm it."
》》The Plot《《
After the events from the end of Vicious Fae, Elise and Leon have to get used to the new Bond between them, while Ryder, Dante and Gabriel are left to deal with their brokenhearts. More details about the night Gareth had died come to light, Old Sal makes a kidnapping attempt, Elise and her mom have a little talk, there's a new death scene, plenty of spice, a clashing of forces with Felix Oscura and his followers, some hints about Elise's father and more secrets from the past. The hunt for King continues, with a little help from the inside this time, our MCs receiving some answers only to get more questions.
The chapters are shared, as usual, between Elise and her four Kings, with the fresh addition of a Rosalie chapter. And the ending? Guess what: a cliffhanger.
"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty," Ryder mocked, making little kissy noises as he clicked his fingers together.
"Please tell me you don't own a cat," Gabriel muttered. "I seriously can't see you being a responsible pet owner."
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🦁🧛♀️ Leon and Elise announcing his family about the bond, his family embracing her, having the Lions ritual and being part of the pride
Reginald purred as he smiled at me.
“Watch out boys,” he said as he leaned back in his chair. “I think we’ve just let a Lion into the pride instead of a Lioness and if we’re not careful, she’ll be crowning herself king before we know it.”
🦁🐍🐲Leon defending Ryder to Dante
♏🦁The lesson with the coin tossing when Gabriel had to pair with Leon
👯🏼♀️👯🏼♀️The Mindys - they deserve more appreciation
"A knock came at the door and a Mindy started singing the Batman theme tune, except instead of saying Batman, she said Catman.
Best. Wake-up call. Ever.
I was having fun giving them different songs each day to wake us up to. This may have been the most epic one so far."
🐍🦁The Elemental fight between Ryder and Leon
🐍🦁Ryder and Leon locked together for detention
♏🐍Gabriel and Ryder bonding over the fact that Elise does not belong to either of them and actually starting to form a friendship
"Friends aren't made in a day, not that I have a whole lot of experience with that."
"Friends," Ryder tsked. "A friend is a traitor waiting to happen. People have to respect and fear you in my position or they're a threat."
"I'm not in your little gang," I said. "And I don't respect or fear you so we're at ground zero."
♏🐍 Gabriel pranking Ryder to get a tattoo with Scorpio
🐍🧛♀️ Ryder going with Elise to meet her mother
🧛🐲🦁🧛♀️ Orion being invited to Dante's party
"If this is another orgy offer, I really think you misheard my last refusal," Orion said, mostly to Leon, and Elise smacked her mate on the arm.
"Stop planning orgies without consulting me," she insisted.
Leon shrugged innocently. "I was gonna ask you too if he agreed obviously." He looked to Orion and frowned a little. "Although I weirdly don't want that as much as I did the last time I saw you."
Orion frowned, running a hand through his hair. "I dunno whether to be offended or relieved by that."
🦁🧛♀️ Leon and Elise taking a Truth potion to talk about their feelings about the rest of the guys
🦁🐍♏🐲 Leon kidnapping Ryder, Gabriel and Dante
🐍♏ Ryder being carried as a small snake by Gabriel, in his pocket
"I can't be seen sneaking into a room on the Oscura levels of the dorms," Ryder muttered and I smirked as I patted my sweatpants’ pocket.
"There's always room for a little snake in here," I offered.
He scowled at me then cursed as he gave in and shifted into a snake small enough for me to hide in my pocket. I lifted him gently while his tongue flickered out irritably and I tried not to laugh my fucking head off.
🦁🐍 Leon calling Ryder "Rydikins"
♏🦁🐍🐲 Gabriel cooking for the guys after Dante's failed attempt
♏🐍🐲 Gabriel, Ryder and Dante hanfcraftig Christmas cards with glitter and stuff for Elise
》》Characters and Relationships《《
"No, continue as you are. Let's see what you're made of, Shadowbrook."
"My mom always said I was made of stardust and rainbows. I guess she didn't notice my heart made of shadows and my cock made of every girl's dreams."
"Or your tongue made of bullshit."
First of all, I need a shout-out for all these amazing side characters: Ethan Shadowbrook, Roary, Rosalie, Laini and Aunt Lasita were definitely a very nice touch in this novel. *chef's kiss*
The love situation? Golden. Want a peak at some love declarations and other adorable moments?
▪️ Elise and Ryder:
"I'll always be a monster, baby. I'll be the reason Fae lock their doors at night in Alestria, I am branded on the inside of my enemies' skulls and my name will always strike fear into their hearts. But I will also be your monster, if you'll have me. If you deem me worthy. I don't have much to give but a blackened heart and a tarnished soul, but they're yours because...” I took a breath and expelled my deepest truth, “I love you."
"I want all of you, Ryder," she whispered directly into my soul. "The dark and the light, and everything in between."
▪️ Elise and Dante:
"Your opinion of me is way beyond the rest of the world's."
"No, bella. You're a queen among men and the sooner you realise that the better. Haven't you noticed how easily you make men worship you? There's magic in you more powerful than the stars themselves."
▪️ Elise and Leon:
“I love you, Leo,” I breathed.
“That’s the first time you’ve said that to me, little monster,” he growled against my lips. "And I love you too, little monster.”
“You’re only saying that because I’m playing with your hair.”
“I love you, Elise Callisto,” he growled, holding my eye and making sure I felt the depths of those words. “Now play with my balls and let’s see if you can get me to propose.”
▪️ Elise and Gabriel:
"You're going to lock me up to keep me?" Gabriel asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips like he didn’t mind the sound of that at all.
"Yeah, I would," I agreed, tiptoeing up so that I could push my fingers into the black hair at the nape of his neck. "I'd chain you in my cellar and come down to bite you in the dark."
"Why does being locked in your dungeon sound so hot?" he murmured, his smiled widening.
"Oh, it would be hot"
I actually think Gabriel and Elise are the only ones who didn't admit they love each other, so I'm really curious about them in the next book, especially since we know he will have silver-ringed eyes.
Other nice relationships here? The kindling friendship between Ryder and Gabriel, the way Leon acts with every one of "his boyfriends", Elise and Laini texting and being friends even though they aren't doing a lot together and the new brotherly bond between Roary and Leon.
I absolutely loved this book, it gave me all the right feelings and I'm totally shocked how much of a goddess Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti must be to make me love a reverse harem. I can't wait to start the last book of this series, but I'm also really dreading it because I don't want it to be over.
"Everything in life is about balance. Without pain, we cannot know pleasure, without sadness, we cannot appreciate joy. These equilibriums are what make the universe move forever forward. Without them, life would be static."
P.S. I have a complaint. If Elise can get this for Christmas:
"Leon pulled open one of the kitchen drawers before rushing towards Gabriel and placing a shiny red Christmas bow on his head. Gabriel scowled as he instantly snatched it off again, but Leon had already moved to slap the next bow on top of Ryder's wet hair. He leapt aside before Ryder could take a swipe at him and then deftly stuck the last bow to the front of Dante's jeans, right on top of his junk. Dante muttered something in Faetalian but he seemed kind of amused."
WHY CAN'T I??? One is enough, I don't even need 4!!!
Tropes: enemies to lovers, RH, magic academy, rival gangs
Series: Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac #4
Cliffhanger: Yes
Spice: 5/5 🌶
Rating: 5 ⭐
“There is only one person who can run rings around a king, Elise,” he said slowly. “Let alone four of them at once.”
“Oh yeah?” I joked. “And who’s that?”
“A queen. So maybe it’s time you started thinking about what good you want to do now that you’ve been crowned.”
Damn, they did it again. I'm again in love with a series and with the characters. I'm soooo in love with it actually, that I don't even feel bothered by the reverse harem. The last book set the standard pretty high and this one did most definitely not disappoint.
"The little angel, the warring gang leaders, the thief and the Seer with no past? There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I don't think I'm grasping the punchline. Or maybe I'm it."
》》The Plot《《
After the events from the end of Vicious Fae, Elise and Leon have to get used to the new Bond between them, while Ryder, Dante and Gabriel are left to deal with their brokenhearts. More details about the night Gareth had died come to light, Old Sal makes a kidnapping attempt, Elise and her mom have a little talk, there's a new death scene, plenty of spice, a clashing of forces with Felix Oscura and his followers, some hints about Elise's father and more secrets from the past. The hunt for King continues, with a little help from the inside this time, our MCs receiving some answers only to get more questions.
The chapters are shared, as usual, between Elise and her four Kings, with the fresh addition of a Rosalie chapter. And the ending? Guess what: a cliffhanger.
"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty," Ryder mocked, making little kissy noises as he clicked his fingers together.
"Please tell me you don't own a cat," Gabriel muttered. "I seriously can't see you being a responsible pet owner."
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🦁🧛♀️ Leon and Elise announcing his family about the bond, his family embracing her, having the Lions ritual and being part of the pride
Reginald purred as he smiled at me.
“Watch out boys,” he said as he leaned back in his chair. “I think we’ve just let a Lion into the pride instead of a Lioness and if we’re not careful, she’ll be crowning herself king before we know it.”
🦁🐍🐲Leon defending Ryder to Dante
♏🦁The lesson with the coin tossing when Gabriel had to pair with Leon
👯🏼♀️👯🏼♀️The Mindys - they deserve more appreciation
"A knock came at the door and a Mindy started singing the Batman theme tune, except instead of saying Batman, she said Catman.
Best. Wake-up call. Ever.
I was having fun giving them different songs each day to wake us up to. This may have been the most epic one so far."
🐍🦁The Elemental fight between Ryder and Leon
🐍🦁Ryder and Leon locked together for detention
♏🐍Gabriel and Ryder bonding over the fact that Elise does not belong to either of them and actually starting to form a friendship
"Friends aren't made in a day, not that I have a whole lot of experience with that."
"Friends," Ryder tsked. "A friend is a traitor waiting to happen. People have to respect and fear you in my position or they're a threat."
"I'm not in your little gang," I said. "And I don't respect or fear you so we're at ground zero."
♏🐍 Gabriel pranking Ryder to get a tattoo with Scorpio
🐍🧛♀️ Ryder going with Elise to meet her mother
🧛🐲🦁🧛♀️ Orion being invited to Dante's party
"If this is another orgy offer, I really think you misheard my last refusal," Orion said, mostly to Leon, and Elise smacked her mate on the arm.
"Stop planning orgies without consulting me," she insisted.
Leon shrugged innocently. "I was gonna ask you too if he agreed obviously." He looked to Orion and frowned a little. "Although I weirdly don't want that as much as I did the last time I saw you."
Orion frowned, running a hand through his hair. "I dunno whether to be offended or relieved by that."
🦁🧛♀️ Leon and Elise taking a Truth potion to talk about their feelings about the rest of the guys
🦁🐍♏🐲 Leon kidnapping Ryder, Gabriel and Dante
🐍♏ Ryder being carried as a small snake by Gabriel, in his pocket
"I can't be seen sneaking into a room on the Oscura levels of the dorms," Ryder muttered and I smirked as I patted my sweatpants’ pocket.
"There's always room for a little snake in here," I offered.
He scowled at me then cursed as he gave in and shifted into a snake small enough for me to hide in my pocket. I lifted him gently while his tongue flickered out irritably and I tried not to laugh my fucking head off.
🦁🐍 Leon calling Ryder "Rydikins"
♏🦁🐍🐲 Gabriel cooking for the guys after Dante's failed attempt
♏🐍🐲 Gabriel, Ryder and Dante hanfcraftig Christmas cards with glitter and stuff for Elise
》》Characters and Relationships《《
"No, continue as you are. Let's see what you're made of, Shadowbrook."
"My mom always said I was made of stardust and rainbows. I guess she didn't notice my heart made of shadows and my cock made of every girl's dreams."
"Or your tongue made of bullshit."
First of all, I need a shout-out for all these amazing side characters: Ethan Shadowbrook, Roary, Rosalie, Laini and Aunt Lasita were definitely a very nice touch in this novel. *chef's kiss*
The love situation? Golden. Want a peak at some love declarations and other adorable moments?
▪️ Elise and Ryder:
"I'll always be a monster, baby. I'll be the reason Fae lock their doors at night in Alestria, I am branded on the inside of my enemies' skulls and my name will always strike fear into their hearts. But I will also be your monster, if you'll have me. If you deem me worthy. I don't have much to give but a blackened heart and a tarnished soul, but they're yours because...” I took a breath and expelled my deepest truth, “I love you."
"I want all of you, Ryder," she whispered directly into my soul. "The dark and the light, and everything in between."
▪️ Elise and Dante:
"Your opinion of me is way beyond the rest of the world's."
"No, bella. You're a queen among men and the sooner you realise that the better. Haven't you noticed how easily you make men worship you? There's magic in you more powerful than the stars themselves."
▪️ Elise and Leon:
“I love you, Leo,” I breathed.
“That’s the first time you’ve said that to me, little monster,” he growled against my lips. "And I love you too, little monster.”
“You’re only saying that because I’m playing with your hair.”
“I love you, Elise Callisto,” he growled, holding my eye and making sure I felt the depths of those words. “Now play with my balls and let’s see if you can get me to propose.”
▪️ Elise and Gabriel:
"You're going to lock me up to keep me?" Gabriel asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips like he didn’t mind the sound of that at all.
"Yeah, I would," I agreed, tiptoeing up so that I could push my fingers into the black hair at the nape of his neck. "I'd chain you in my cellar and come down to bite you in the dark."
"Why does being locked in your dungeon sound so hot?" he murmured, his smiled widening.
"Oh, it would be hot"
I actually think Gabriel and Elise are the only ones who didn't admit they love each other, so I'm really curious about them in the next book, especially since we know he will have silver-ringed eyes.
Other nice relationships here? The kindling friendship between Ryder and Gabriel, the way Leon acts with every one of "his boyfriends", Elise and Laini texting and being friends even though they aren't doing a lot together and the new brotherly bond between Roary and Leon.
I absolutely loved this book, it gave me all the right feelings and I'm totally shocked how much of a goddess Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti must be to make me love a reverse harem. I can't wait to start the last book of this series, but I'm also really dreading it because I don't want it to be over.
"Everything in life is about balance. Without pain, we cannot know pleasure, without sadness, we cannot appreciate joy. These equilibriums are what make the universe move forever forward. Without them, life would be static."
P.S. I have a complaint. If Elise can get this for Christmas:
"Leon pulled open one of the kitchen drawers before rushing towards Gabriel and placing a shiny red Christmas bow on his head. Gabriel scowled as he instantly snatched it off again, but Leon had already moved to slap the next bow on top of Ryder's wet hair. He leapt aside before Ryder could take a swipe at him and then deftly stuck the last bow to the front of Dante's jeans, right on top of his junk. Dante muttered something in Faetalian but he seemed kind of amused."
WHY CAN'T I??? One is enough, I don't even need 4!!!
March 31, 2022
One single star because Elise annoyed the eff out of me. OMG
Everything was one her terms and about how she felt. It was like she couldn't care less that three of the guys she was chasing didn't want to be in a poly relationship.
Yet told Gabriel that he was rejecting a part of her because she wanted four different men. However, she didn't even acknowledge that she might be doing the same to him because he wanted a two person relationship. And she acted like a toddler to get their attention. Just disrespectful.
And she made it all about sex. Went on and on about how they were all so important to her and she loved them all equally yet whenever they wanted to have a meaningful conversation, it became about sex for her.
Just so frustrating.
Notes in updates.
Everything was one her terms and about how she felt. It was like she couldn't care less that three of the guys she was chasing didn't want to be in a poly relationship.
Yet told Gabriel that he was rejecting a part of her because she wanted four different men. However, she didn't even acknowledge that she might be doing the same to him because he wanted a two person relationship. And she acted like a toddler to get their attention. Just disrespectful.
And she made it all about sex. Went on and on about how they were all so important to her and she loved them all equally yet whenever they wanted to have a meaningful conversation, it became about sex for her.
Just so frustrating.
Notes in updates.
December 31, 2024
3.75 but 4 stars for Ryder 🫶🏽
I find that this series is just becoming so long and certain characters are starting to annoy me more and more, mainly Elise & Leon!
Leon is so funny, but also SO infuriatingly childish I can’t stand reading about him at times, and Elise is so boring now I don’t know how she has these boys pining over she literally brings nothing to the table, and she is so bad at investigating her brothers death but then keeps saying how much she misses him and wants to avenge him? If she’d stop fucking everyone for 5 minutes she could get on with it 😂
I loved Ryder in this book soooo much he’s really becoming one of my favourite mmcs of all time; and I also love watching the relationships between the boys develop especially between Dante & Ryder and Ryder & Gabriel I actually enjoy watching the boys bond more than their scenes with Elise!
I wish there more focus on the murder mystery plot because it should not have taken us 4 books and 2000 pages to get as far as we have, if the balance of plot & romance was better in this series it could easily 5 stars all the way
I find that this series is just becoming so long and certain characters are starting to annoy me more and more, mainly Elise & Leon!
Leon is so funny, but also SO infuriatingly childish I can’t stand reading about him at times, and Elise is so boring now I don’t know how she has these boys pining over she literally brings nothing to the table, and she is so bad at investigating her brothers death but then keeps saying how much she misses him and wants to avenge him? If she’d stop fucking everyone for 5 minutes she could get on with it 😂
I loved Ryder in this book soooo much he’s really becoming one of my favourite mmcs of all time; and I also love watching the relationships between the boys develop especially between Dante & Ryder and Ryder & Gabriel I actually enjoy watching the boys bond more than their scenes with Elise!
I wish there more focus on the murder mystery plot because it should not have taken us 4 books and 2000 pages to get as far as we have, if the balance of plot & romance was better in this series it could easily 5 stars all the way
August 25, 2022
I'm only reading this series because I started ZA and I wanted a feel on the world of Solaria. Also, some characters from ZA correlate with RB and vice versa. I'm ready to throw in the towel! It's just not for me. I'm skimming at this point to finish faster. It's a circle What happened to Gareth? Idk... don't be mad at me... sex.. you're mine and you're mine and you're mine... sex... What happened to Gareth? Idk.... sex to solve problems... what happened Gareth? Idk... sex.
I will say ZA is chef's kiss 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will say ZA is chef's kiss 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 20, 2024
Tally:
- Heart attacks: 5 💔
- Jumps out of bed: 3 😯
- Screams + giggles or horror: 8 😳
- Stares at the wall: 2 🧱
Could this series have been 4 books instead of 5? Yes, but also No.
📚I would say that the main themes for each book are:
Dark Fae => Coming to light, coming alive
Savage Fae => Falling in love, Falling out of hate
Vicious Fae => Complex dynamics and core values
Broken Fae => Found family and connection
What will Warrior Fae be?
Pace and story progress:
I'm really enjoying that, for once in Fantasy, things actually take time.
Murder is not solved immediately; love, friendship, and connection don't happen instantly; and infiltrating and unravelling a secret society actually takes months of work. So everything is more believable and possible.
However, in this series, it sometimes feels like we have reached a key moment, and instead of following through with it, it takes us weeks to take the next necessary action. Fortunately, in this book, things were moving faster.
Also, this one had a bit more balance between the love and murder plots.
Characters:
🪽Gabriel: it is finally good to see him step in (his role, place, potential) and step up (for himself, for Elise, for Ryder, for the Fae he is, and out of the shadows and fear). 🪽
🐍Ryder: This is where we see Ryder become warm and filled with love and friendship, but it doesn't change his darkness and coldness. And this balance is just perfect. He deserves everything good, but I feel he will make the greatest sacrifice. 🐍
🦁Leon: Half of this book would not have happened without Leon. He is the exemplary caretaker-boyfriend and boyfriend-in-law. 🦁
🧛🏻♀️Elise: At the beginning of this book, it felt like Elise was not herself. The more peace and connection we saw and the more she got her pieces (them) back, the more she returned to her element. Luckily, the annoying bits didn't come back. I also feel she took a step back, and the boys came to the forefront (not complaining at all). 🧛🏻♀️
🐉Dante: I think he has the least character development in this series, but that isn't bad. He is already very mature and an alpha. He is fighting many battles, and his decisions are those of a leader. 🐉
This book is a WORK OF ART in character CROSSOVER.
I swear, if someone didn't know or read Darkmore Penitentiary before this, this book will GUARANTEE that they will read it.
Rosalie, Roary, Ethan 🤌🏻
And the gift that is Lance Orion 💙
⚠️No spoilers in this review (but if you know my theories, skip this part). ⚠️
Was I right about some of my theories? Damn right, I was.
Did that stop me from screaming? Not at all.
---
After a mini-slump and reading trashy werewolf romance (like literal trash, no exaggeration), I'm going back to my favourite Harpy and Basilisk tonight.
As weird as it sounds, I need the comfort of ZA universe
(yes, yes, I know I am setting myself up for a broken heart going into this 🙃😮💨)
- Heart attacks: 5 💔
- Jumps out of bed: 3 😯
- Screams + giggles or horror: 8 😳
- Stares at the wall: 2 🧱
Could this series have been 4 books instead of 5? Yes, but also No.
📚I would say that the main themes for each book are:
Dark Fae => Coming to light, coming alive
Savage Fae => Falling in love, Falling out of hate
Vicious Fae => Complex dynamics and core values
Broken Fae => Found family and connection
What will Warrior Fae be?
Pace and story progress:
I'm really enjoying that, for once in Fantasy, things actually take time.
Murder is not solved immediately; love, friendship, and connection don't happen instantly; and infiltrating and unravelling a secret society actually takes months of work. So everything is more believable and possible.
However, in this series, it sometimes feels like we have reached a key moment, and instead of following through with it, it takes us weeks to take the next necessary action. Fortunately, in this book, things were moving faster.
Also, this one had a bit more balance between the love and murder plots.
Characters:
🪽Gabriel: it is finally good to see him step in (his role, place, potential) and step up (for himself, for Elise, for Ryder, for the Fae he is, and out of the shadows and fear). 🪽
🐍Ryder: This is where we see Ryder become warm and filled with love and friendship, but it doesn't change his darkness and coldness. And this balance is just perfect. He deserves everything good, but I feel he will make the greatest sacrifice. 🐍
🦁Leon: Half of this book would not have happened without Leon. He is the exemplary caretaker-boyfriend and boyfriend-in-law. 🦁
🧛🏻♀️Elise: At the beginning of this book, it felt like Elise was not herself. The more peace and connection we saw and the more she got her pieces (them) back, the more she returned to her element. Luckily, the annoying bits didn't come back. I also feel she took a step back, and the boys came to the forefront (not complaining at all). 🧛🏻♀️
🐉Dante: I think he has the least character development in this series, but that isn't bad. He is already very mature and an alpha. He is fighting many battles, and his decisions are those of a leader. 🐉
This book is a WORK OF ART in character CROSSOVER.
I swear, if someone didn't know or read Darkmore Penitentiary before this, this book will GUARANTEE that they will read it.
Rosalie, Roary, Ethan 🤌🏻
And the gift that is Lance Orion 💙
⚠️No spoilers in this review (but if you know my theories, skip this part). ⚠️
Was I right about some of my theories? Damn right, I was.
Did that stop me from screaming? Not at all.
---
After a mini-slump and reading trashy werewolf romance (like literal trash, no exaggeration), I'm going back to my favourite Harpy and Basilisk tonight.
As weird as it sounds, I need the comfort of ZA universe
(yes, yes, I know I am setting myself up for a broken heart going into this 🙃😮💨)
December 13, 2025
4.5🌟
♎︎ Elise is definitely more invested in her 4 kings than solving Gareth’s murder and honestly? Same! 🤣 I cant even be mad because I’m having the best time and I hate to say but when I get to a Gareth chapter I sigh a little 🙃
Seven hundred pages wasn’t entirely necessary, but I still devoured every single one. I genuinely love these characters and this world so much. I’m lowkey sad to be heading into the last book, but also stoked to dive back into the ZA world and see the RB there🙂↕️🤏🏼
»♡» “𝑨 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.”
♑︎ Ryder ugh I love him, his character progression is so good!! And his friendship with ♏︎ Gabriel warms my heart 🥰💗
♌︎ Leon’s banter had me cackling out loud, ironically his charisma has really won me over 🤭
Also that Christmas scene?!!! Reading it in December was peak vibes 🤣🎄🎁🥵🌶️
The last 100 pages had me stressing, holy cliffhanger!!! 😲 let’s see how this series ends 👀
❥⌞𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒁𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒄⌝
𖥻𝟷 𝖣𝖺𝗋𝗄 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟺🌟
𖥻𝟸 𝖲𝖺𝗏𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟺.𝟻🌟
𖥻𝟹 𝖵𝗂𝖼𝗂𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟻🌟
𖥻𝟺 𝖡𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟺.𝟻🌟
⊹. ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ͙͘͡★｡°⋆
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ˚✩ ⋆｡
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ☽
┊ ┊ ︎♡ . ˚
┊ ┊ ✯
┊ . ˚ ˚✩
♎︎ Elise is definitely more invested in her 4 kings than solving Gareth’s murder and honestly? Same! 🤣 I cant even be mad because I’m having the best time and I hate to say but when I get to a Gareth chapter I sigh a little 🙃
Seven hundred pages wasn’t entirely necessary, but I still devoured every single one. I genuinely love these characters and this world so much. I’m lowkey sad to be heading into the last book, but also stoked to dive back into the ZA world and see the RB there🙂↕️🤏🏼
»♡» “𝑨 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.”
♑︎ Ryder ugh I love him, his character progression is so good!! And his friendship with ♏︎ Gabriel warms my heart 🥰💗
♌︎ Leon’s banter had me cackling out loud, ironically his charisma has really won me over 🤭
Also that Christmas scene?!!! Reading it in December was peak vibes 🤣🎄🎁🥵🌶️
The last 100 pages had me stressing, holy cliffhanger!!! 😲 let’s see how this series ends 👀
❥⌞𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒁𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒄⌝
𖥻𝟷 𝖣𝖺𝗋𝗄 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟺🌟
𖥻𝟸 𝖲𝖺𝗏𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟺.𝟻🌟
𖥻𝟹 𝖵𝗂𝖼𝗂𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟻🌟
𖥻𝟺 𝖡𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖥𝖺𝖾: 𝟺.𝟻🌟
⊹. ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ͙͘͡★｡°⋆
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ˚✩ ⋆｡
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ☽
┊ ┊ ︎♡ . ˚
┊ ┊ ✯
┊ . ˚ ˚✩
July 3, 2023
Hot damn. This book is the best in the series yet and dare I say…..I love these boys more than the Heirs. 😩🥵❤️
First let me just say that this book was HOT FIRE FLAMES 🔥 🌶🌶🌶😮💨 pretty much every other chapter has smut and honestly I am a-okay with that. The sister authors write a reverse harem incredibly well. Nothing about their relationships feels odd or forced. You can truly see how each of these men cares for Elise and how different yet essential their relationship are with one another. THE CABIN SCENE! oh my stars. The absolute hottest thing I’ve ever read. 😮💨🔥
Leon is still my ride or die favorite character. Ever. He is SO freaking funny and has me laughing to myself non stop. Especially whenever something weird is happening within the harem and Elise describes him as “looking like it’s the best day of his life” lmao. He is sunshine incarnate and wants the harem as much as Elise does. I’ve always loved and appreciated how much he supports her love for the others and accepts it immediately. They are his lionesses 💗 and the entire beginning of this book with Elise joining into the pride and how easily they took her in as family was so amazing. I loved every part of it. Except…. Roary😭
Dante made my heart ache so much and in the best possible way. He is truly such a romantic soul and genuine person. But when he goes all alpha 🥵 I love my storm dragon so much
RYDER!!!!!!!!!!!! This man. The character development? Immaculate. The way his hard exterior basically melts away for Elise, even with the others around, is AMAZING. And I LOVE how she embraces his darkness and doesn’t try to change him and even loves the violence and darkness in him. His Christmas gift to Elise 🥺 Him riding in Gabriel’s pocket as a tiny snake was the best thing ever. Their budding friendship makes me emotional. They’ve both deprived themselves of so much love, they deserve to be happy with all of them. And at the end when they’re all sleeping in the same bed and Ryder is a tiny snake sleeping on Elise’s chest? SO! CUTE!
It’s no secret Gabriel has severely annoyed me thus far but he took a complete 180 in this book for the better. Him basically saying “fuck it” and accepting the harem because he finally wants to allow himself happiness after everything was truly great. I really fell back in love with him in this.
The ending fight with everyone was insane!! I was on the edge of my seat and the entire time and can’t wait to see the repercussions of everything.
And the shocking plan Gareth had?!!! What a revelation!
Predictions:
I don’t think it went to plan I think he is either King now or is being kept somewhere.
I also 100% believe Elise will be mated to another guy if not all of them somehow.
Ryder is going to leave the brotherhood and Ethan somehow will help?
First let me just say that this book was HOT FIRE FLAMES 🔥 🌶🌶🌶😮💨 pretty much every other chapter has smut and honestly I am a-okay with that. The sister authors write a reverse harem incredibly well. Nothing about their relationships feels odd or forced. You can truly see how each of these men cares for Elise and how different yet essential their relationship are with one another. THE CABIN SCENE! oh my stars. The absolute hottest thing I’ve ever read. 😮💨🔥
Leon is still my ride or die favorite character. Ever. He is SO freaking funny and has me laughing to myself non stop. Especially whenever something weird is happening within the harem and Elise describes him as “looking like it’s the best day of his life” lmao. He is sunshine incarnate and wants the harem as much as Elise does. I’ve always loved and appreciated how much he supports her love for the others and accepts it immediately. They are his lionesses 💗 and the entire beginning of this book with Elise joining into the pride and how easily they took her in as family was so amazing. I loved every part of it. Except…. Roary😭
Dante made my heart ache so much and in the best possible way. He is truly such a romantic soul and genuine person. But when he goes all alpha 🥵 I love my storm dragon so much
RYDER!!!!!!!!!!!! This man. The character development? Immaculate. The way his hard exterior basically melts away for Elise, even with the others around, is AMAZING. And I LOVE how she embraces his darkness and doesn’t try to change him and even loves the violence and darkness in him. His Christmas gift to Elise 🥺 Him riding in Gabriel’s pocket as a tiny snake was the best thing ever. Their budding friendship makes me emotional. They’ve both deprived themselves of so much love, they deserve to be happy with all of them. And at the end when they’re all sleeping in the same bed and Ryder is a tiny snake sleeping on Elise’s chest? SO! CUTE!
It’s no secret Gabriel has severely annoyed me thus far but he took a complete 180 in this book for the better. Him basically saying “fuck it” and accepting the harem because he finally wants to allow himself happiness after everything was truly great. I really fell back in love with him in this.
The ending fight with everyone was insane!! I was on the edge of my seat and the entire time and can’t wait to see the repercussions of everything.
And the shocking plan Gareth had?!!! What a revelation!
Predictions:
I don’t think it went to plan I think he is either King now or is being kept somewhere.
I also 100% believe Elise will be mated to another guy if not all of them somehow.
Ryder is going to leave the brotherhood and Ethan somehow will help?
August 23, 2023
Mystery, danger, surprises and steamy goodness!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 🤓😉☺️😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Elise Callisto - she is a vampire with the power over the air element. She came to Aurora Academy to find out who killed her brother Gareth after finding out the killer was a king at Aurora Academy. The suspects were the four kings of the academy, a former teacher named King and King, the leader of the black cards who, along with his cult has forced students to kill themselves in order to steal their power using black magic.
The Heroes: Gabriel Nox - he is a harpy with two elemental powers. He knew from the first time he hooked up with Elise that she was his Elysian mate. Though he hasn’t wanted to share her with the other kings.
Dante Oscura - he is a storm dragon shifter who can create storms and hit people with lightning. He is also the leader of the Oscura clan. He had made a pact with the leader of the rival gang that neither could have Elise because they couldn’t take the thought of each other having her so they would rather neither did.
Leon Night - he is a nemean lion shifter with the elemental power of fire. He has loved Elise from the start but couldn’t take it when he found out she was lying to him, though he stepped up when she needed him.
Ryder Draconis - he is a basilisk shifter, and his elemental power is regenerated by pain. He is also the leader of the lunar brotherhood and though he had a pact with Dante, they both finally realized that they wanted Elise more than they hated each other.
The Story: Though each of the four kings of Aurora Academy had reasons to kill Gareth, Elise believes that none of them did. By this point, I don’t even really care who killed him, though it kind of looks like none of her ‘king’ suspects did. Now it is more important to get rid of the black card and its king, since they are super nefarious, are killing people and want to use the power to rule the fae world. They are also working with Dante’s evil uncle Felix which makes him even more dangerous than he was before.
This is the point I usually like in the reverse harem, now that most of the guys are ok with each other and the thought of all of them being together with Elise. Though things did change at the end of the last book and now that Elise and one of her guys had to make the choice to become Elysian mates. So, this caused a whole new world of conflict between Elise and the guys.
We still got more chapters in Gareth’s point of view in flashbacks from before he was killed. Throughout this book, I found myself thinking that when he finally does get murdered, I would be crying my eyes out. I like him so much. He is not only a good guy, but he is utterly hilarious at times and his story ended up surprising me. I also really liked Eugene; the rat shifter who gets bullied by nearly everyone. His scenes always provide some great comic relief. All the characters in this series are terrific.
The audiobook was told in multiple points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Troy Duran and Kiera Stevens. I am loving the narration on this whole series. This series is a bunch of long books, between this book and the next book, there are 50+ hours between them. Though I must say that even though this series is really good, I am ready to be done with it and start on something new. I actually took a break during this book for nearly 10 days and that is probably the longest I have gone without reading for more than 5 years. I binged the whole ‘Bones’ series, but when I returned, I was able to pick this book back up without missing a beat. The story is so good!
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 🤓😉☺️😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Elise Callisto - she is a vampire with the power over the air element. She came to Aurora Academy to find out who killed her brother Gareth after finding out the killer was a king at Aurora Academy. The suspects were the four kings of the academy, a former teacher named King and King, the leader of the black cards who, along with his cult has forced students to kill themselves in order to steal their power using black magic.
The Heroes: Gabriel Nox - he is a harpy with two elemental powers. He knew from the first time he hooked up with Elise that she was his Elysian mate. Though he hasn’t wanted to share her with the other kings.
Dante Oscura - he is a storm dragon shifter who can create storms and hit people with lightning. He is also the leader of the Oscura clan. He had made a pact with the leader of the rival gang that neither could have Elise because they couldn’t take the thought of each other having her so they would rather neither did.
Leon Night - he is a nemean lion shifter with the elemental power of fire. He has loved Elise from the start but couldn’t take it when he found out she was lying to him, though he stepped up when she needed him.
Ryder Draconis - he is a basilisk shifter, and his elemental power is regenerated by pain. He is also the leader of the lunar brotherhood and though he had a pact with Dante, they both finally realized that they wanted Elise more than they hated each other.
The Story: Though each of the four kings of Aurora Academy had reasons to kill Gareth, Elise believes that none of them did. By this point, I don’t even really care who killed him, though it kind of looks like none of her ‘king’ suspects did. Now it is more important to get rid of the black card and its king, since they are super nefarious, are killing people and want to use the power to rule the fae world. They are also working with Dante’s evil uncle Felix which makes him even more dangerous than he was before.
This is the point I usually like in the reverse harem, now that most of the guys are ok with each other and the thought of all of them being together with Elise. Though things did change at the end of the last book and now that Elise and one of her guys had to make the choice to become Elysian mates. So, this caused a whole new world of conflict between Elise and the guys.
We still got more chapters in Gareth’s point of view in flashbacks from before he was killed. Throughout this book, I found myself thinking that when he finally does get murdered, I would be crying my eyes out. I like him so much. He is not only a good guy, but he is utterly hilarious at times and his story ended up surprising me. I also really liked Eugene; the rat shifter who gets bullied by nearly everyone. His scenes always provide some great comic relief. All the characters in this series are terrific.
The audiobook was told in multiple points of view via dual narration. It was narrated by Troy Duran and Kiera Stevens. I am loving the narration on this whole series. This series is a bunch of long books, between this book and the next book, there are 50+ hours between them. Though I must say that even though this series is really good, I am ready to be done with it and start on something new. I actually took a break during this book for nearly 10 days and that is probably the longest I have gone without reading for more than 5 years. I binged the whole ‘Bones’ series, but when I returned, I was able to pick this book back up without missing a beat. The story is so good!
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August 24, 2022
2.5✨
I love a smutty book but this just felt like too much
I love a smutty book but this just felt like too much
December 8, 2021
3.25* for this one I think 🤔
I really like how the magic gets used in this series as so many characters "only" have access to one element - the ways they wield these in fight scenes and just in general is so inventive + interesting for Pitball & gifts which make for some of the best scenes 🙃
I enjoyed the bro'bonding & interactions - great character growth there particularly as the two perhaps darker characters found each other and started to thaw. Leon as always was a treat and brings the entertainment altho I found he and Elise kind of stagnated a little as regards character growth - it seemed like they were really caught in the honeymoon phase and couldn't see the wood for the trees...no pun intended. I'm not anti-sexy times for characters & deffo tend to prefer steamier reads but c'mon guys and gals, there were considerably more important things to worry about I thought that deffo should have taken priority at times and certain convos should absolutely have happened earlier 🤦
Elise lowkey annoyed me for much of this book, it felt like she had a one track mind & it was no longer focused where she was telling us it was...show don't tell hun & your actions deffo spoke of other priorities which I mean sure get yours but also kind of got repetitive fast 🤷♀️
The Gareth storyline really picked up & hinted at reveals @Franlopedia have been musing about for a few books, so hopefully that pays off in our sleuthing favour 😈
We also have a toss up theory as to who King is, I'm leaning one way & I think she's slightly more another so I guess we deffo have to read the final book to see who is right 🤭
Our timing seems spot on to finish this series bang on time for ZA7's release next week...not sure we'll ever be ready methinks these authors are gonna destroy us 😱 - altho I did appreciate their cheeky hat tip in their author's note at the end of this teehee
I really like how the magic gets used in this series as so many characters "only" have access to one element - the ways they wield these in fight scenes and just in general is so inventive + interesting for Pitball & gifts which make for some of the best scenes 🙃
I enjoyed the bro'bonding & interactions - great character growth there particularly as the two perhaps darker characters found each other and started to thaw. Leon as always was a treat and brings the entertainment altho I found he and Elise kind of stagnated a little as regards character growth - it seemed like they were really caught in the honeymoon phase and couldn't see the wood for the trees...no pun intended. I'm not anti-sexy times for characters & deffo tend to prefer steamier reads but c'mon guys and gals, there were considerably more important things to worry about I thought that deffo should have taken priority at times and certain convos should absolutely have happened earlier 🤦
Elise lowkey annoyed me for much of this book, it felt like she had a one track mind & it was no longer focused where she was telling us it was...show don't tell hun & your actions deffo spoke of other priorities which I mean sure get yours but also kind of got repetitive fast 🤷♀️
The Gareth storyline really picked up & hinted at reveals @Franlopedia have been musing about for a few books, so hopefully that pays off in our sleuthing favour 😈
We also have a toss up theory as to who King is, I'm leaning one way & I think she's slightly more another so I guess we deffo have to read the final book to see who is right 🤭
Our timing seems spot on to finish this series bang on time for ZA7's release next week...not sure we'll ever be ready methinks these authors are gonna destroy us 😱 - altho I did appreciate their cheeky hat tip in their author's note at the end of this teehee
October 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Since this is almost the last book in the series, I was ready for drama, tension, and all the exciting stuff. But honestly? I was kind of bored. Yes, there were a few moments where I thought, “Okay, now we’re getting somewhere!” — but those moments were rare. The plot is so thin you almost need a magnifying glass to find it. 😀 I still enjoyed being with the characters (because that’s why I’m here in the first place), but I spent half the book waiting for something to actually happen. One book left — fingers crossed it finally delivers.
December 22, 2025
What I've loved
1 The Kipling brothers and their oddities, especially the cake... love
2 Ryder budding romance with Gabe
3 Leon very ambiguous way to say things is hilarious
4 Somebody finally told them the difference between "ti amo" and "ti voglio bene" 😂 I feel there is a bigger effort on the Italian in this book 😉🤞🏻
What I didn't love
1 The spice is doing nothing for me, idk why, it’s technically nice, but...? Meh
2 I’m starting to be exhausted with this series already
3 Elise feels boring, any scene with her is not as fun as the ones with only the boys
4 Way too much spice and way too little real story progression. Audio speed is up, spice scenes are being skipped most times.
Conclusions
I love the humor and the worldbuilding, but we are going nowhere. Elise is becoming more and more a nuisance in the way of the actually fun bromance scenes, and considering I really like reverse harem, the fact that she indeed is starting to feel spoiled for wanting all of them says it all.
There is too much freaking spice. Really, it’s not even fun anymore, ugh, and I’m starting to wonder if I REALLY care about what happened to Gareth or not. There is just so much NOTHING in here.
I guess I’ll continue since there is only one book left.
Pre-read
I'll eventually get to write all the reviews, I'm still struggling with what to write tbh 😂
February 23, 2023
Would have been a freaking 5 stars if they're wasn't so much miscommunication in the middle of the book like that made me want to chuck my kindle at the wall but it's fineeeee
Also that fucking ending? not nice.
Also that fucking ending? not nice.
July 11, 2021
So I took a little break for a while, in hope of me not hating Elise as much. Didn't really work, but I did hate her a little less I guess? No not really
👑 The story 👑
After the ending of the last book, the harem has fallen apart, and only one remains. Elise will have to deal with the consequences, and pick up the pieces, while still looking for her brothers killer.
There were so many good scenes in this book, but I'll get into them more in the character section. I'm glad the cliffhangers aren't as bad as in ZA, although this one was quite good. but I also can't really say that I care about it a lot. I'm kinda excited about reading scenes without Elise lol bye, I can't wait to see the guys all working together.
I know that Elise said that she didn't want to get her hopes up, but mine are skyhigh at this point. I can't freaking wait. I really want some more questions to be answered though, because it's kinda starting to annoy me how Elise is only thinking about having sex one way or another 24/7, and seriously forgets all about Gareth. Ugh, I still kinda hate that girl.
The puzzle pieces are finally starting to fall into place for me. I know about the Darkmore Penitentiary series, 10 years in the future, I now just need to know who the hell King is and who killed Gareth I'm also dying to know what the crystal does, the one that Gareth stole from Leon in the first book. And Give me answers!! I'm very happy about the author's note though, because
A special mention goes to the Kipling cake. I saw so many memes about it in the Peckham and Valenti Facebook group, but I just didn't understand. Now I do.Wish I didn't
👑 The characters 👑
🧛♀️Elise/little monster/little angel/snakelet🧛♀️
I'm just going to talk about her real quick so I don't burn the place down again. Elise is the biggest slut I have ever met - and that says a lot. I don't mind girls sleeping around at all, but she's the worst. She thinks about sex 24/7, and there literally isn't one cute scene where it doesn't end in sex. It's really starting to annoy me; ME! The girl who always says that there can't be enough sex scenes in a book! Well, even to me, this was too much. Anyway, I still kinda hate her a lot. She didn't make any progress in finding Gareth's killer, because she was pretty much having sex for this entire booksince she apparently can't do anything else.
And now, on to the people who actually make this series so enjoyable to me.
🐍Ryder/Rydikins/Scar🐍
I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this guy even more in this book. I laughed so hard about Gabriel carrying Ryder in his pocket in his little snake form, I still can't. I love how he was slowly realizing how much he cares about the other guys and wants a 'normal' life with normal frienships. His character development was so damn good throughout all of these books, and I love him for it. I laughed so damn hard at him at times, the little snake (with hats may I add, I'm crying again), and the "you're my snakelet" moment. Holy shit that was funny. And I cried laughed when I laughed so damn hard, I did not know I needed drunken scenes of them XD I just need all of the harem to get drunk together now,without Elise preferably looool. It was just so good to see that all of the different guys were suited for different moments, like how But don't ever screw me over like you did in this book again Peckham and Valenti; I really like Ethan Shadowbrooke, although I really don't know where I know him from. I’m thinking that he was in prison with Orion in ZA, wasn't he the wolf gang leader? But I believe that was a crazy MOFO so I'm not sure XD
I’m also realizing that Ryders way of coping with pain reminds me of my own, and maybe that’s why I love his character so much. He lashes out to everyone and everything when he’s hurting, and he gives himself pain too - like with his razor blades. I suddenly realized in this book that he’s kinda using self-harm to not feel the emotional pain and I just relate to him so much in that way. Damn, is that why I love him so much?
Anyway, he He kinda seemed to need it though, so okay. I'm hoping he'll do better now, because it seems like he did feel a lot better after!
🦁Leon/Leone/Lee-Lee/Catman/Simba/Mufasa🦁
I loved his family, and I kept forgetting that they're actually criminals lol. I loved the scenes with them, and how accepting they were of Elise. I loved how Leon saw all the guys as his pride and was missing them so much. I loved how he was trying to get them all back together again after the events of the last book. Damn, did I feel heartbroken about it. His christmas scenario was so damn good. I think I mostly loved it because it was a few chapters without seeing Elise lol, it made the book so much more enjoyable. Seriously, that girl could be killed in the most terrible way and I wouldn't care less.
His Mindy's still crack me up; their responses to his posts/to him asking them to do stuff was so incredibly funny. Every time there was a Leon chapter, I highlighted SO much, because that guy is just so funny to me. He's ALWAYS sounding dirty, and I sometimes don't even know anymore if he does it on purpose or not XD I loved his starting friendship with Ryder - I honestly loved all of their starting friendships. I also love his relationship with food.
🌩️Dante/Drago/Drag-Drag/Dragin/Inferno🌩️
We got to see a bit more of the dynamics in Dante's gang in this book, although I can't say that I care one bit about Rosalie. I'd rather have it been her or Elise obviously bye. We just got to see a bit more of his family, and I can't wait to finally see how everything with Lionel will go. I loved the development of Dante's relationship with Ryder; how they were working together to take down Felix. I'm wondering if they will turn out to be Nebula Allies. I kinda feel like all the guys will be Nebula Allies, which will be super cool if it's true. His friendship with Leon was also so damn great, and I kept laughing at the pitball scene where they were playing for sexual favors without Elise consenting to it XD These people are all so good together. The men I mean, not freaking Elise. Although I loved her in that scene as well lol. Like I said, I didn't hate her as much in this book but I still didn't like her.
🦚Gabriel/Big Bird🦚
Gabriel kinda redeemed himself in this book for me. We finally got to see a bit more of how his visions work, which I really liked, because we barely got any information about them in ZA. I also didn't have a clue I loved the development of his friendship with Ryder, it was so damn good! I love that he I need a harem pitball team bye. Anyway, his relationship with Ryder was everything to me, and I loved him because of it. I also laughed so hard at him and Karla, and the way he called her the Frog murderer. I can't freaking breathe XD
👑 Overall conclusion 👑
I'm so done with Elise and her sex obsession, she literally can't think about anything else. The relationships between all of the guys have totally saved this book for me, and they are the reason that I'm still giving it such a good rating, because Elise makes me want to give 0 stars bye. Can't wait for the next book though, I'm hoping to see less of Elise and more of the guys!
3.5 stars
Some loves leave a scar on your heart which you never want to heal.
👑 The story 👑
After the ending of the last book, the harem has fallen apart, and only one remains. Elise will have to deal with the consequences, and pick up the pieces, while still looking for her brothers killer.
There were so many good scenes in this book, but I'll get into them more in the character section. I'm glad the cliffhangers aren't as bad as in ZA, although this one was quite good. but I also can't really say that I care about it a lot. I'm kinda excited about reading scenes without Elise lol bye, I can't wait to see the guys all working together.
I know that Elise said that she didn't want to get her hopes up, but mine are skyhigh at this point. I can't freaking wait. I really want some more questions to be answered though, because it's kinda starting to annoy me how Elise is only thinking about having sex one way or another 24/7, and seriously forgets all about Gareth. Ugh, I still kinda hate that girl.
The puzzle pieces are finally starting to fall into place for me. I know about the Darkmore Penitentiary series, 10 years in the future, I now just need to know who the hell King is and who killed Gareth I'm also dying to know what the crystal does, the one that Gareth stole from Leon in the first book. And Give me answers!! I'm very happy about the author's note though, because
A special mention goes to the Kipling cake. I saw so many memes about it in the Peckham and Valenti Facebook group, but I just didn't understand. Now I do.
👑 The characters 👑
🧛♀️Elise/little monster/little angel/snakelet🧛♀️
I'm just going to talk about her real quick so I don't burn the place down again. Elise is the biggest slut I have ever met - and that says a lot. I don't mind girls sleeping around at all, but she's the worst. She thinks about sex 24/7, and there literally isn't one cute scene where it doesn't end in sex. It's really starting to annoy me; ME! The girl who always says that there can't be enough sex scenes in a book! Well, even to me, this was too much. Anyway, I still kinda hate her a lot. She didn't make any progress in finding Gareth's killer, because she was pretty much having sex for this entire book
And now, on to the people who actually make this series so enjoyable to me.
🐍Ryder/Rydikins/Scar🐍
"You're my snakelet," I blurted. By the fucking stars, what the hell was that?
"What?" She frowned.
"I mean, fuck, forget that, I dunno why the fuck that came out," I growled, releasing her as I scored a hand over my face. Idiot.
I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this guy even more in this book. I laughed so hard about Gabriel carrying Ryder in his pocket in his little snake form, I still can't. I love how he was slowly realizing how much he cares about the other guys and wants a 'normal' life with normal frienships. His character development was so damn good throughout all of these books, and I love him for it. I laughed so damn hard at him at times, the little snake (with hats may I add, I'm crying again), and the "you're my snakelet" moment. Holy shit that was funny. And I cried laughed when I laughed so damn hard, I did not know I needed drunken scenes of them XD I just need all of the harem to get drunk together now,
"I spent years in the dark, living in an endless expanse of emptiness. Where I felt nothing but the words I branded on my knuckles. I thought I was broken, but maybe my soul was just lying dormant, stopping me from experiencing anything good in this fucked up world. But you’ve awakened me, Elise, and I can't go back to sleep."
I’m also realizing that Ryders way of coping with pain reminds me of my own, and maybe that’s why I love his character so much. He lashes out to everyone and everything when he’s hurting, and he gives himself pain too - like with his razor blades. I suddenly realized in this book that he’s kinda using self-harm to not feel the emotional pain and I just relate to him so much in that way. Damn, is that why I love him so much?
Anyway, he He kinda seemed to need it though, so okay. I'm hoping he'll do better now, because it seems like he did feel a lot better after!
"..But I will also be your monster, if you'll have me. If you deem me worthy. I don't have much to give but a blackened heart and a tarnished soul, but they're yours because...” I took a breath and expelled my deepest truth, “I love you."
(...)
"I want all of you, Ryder," she whispered directly into my soul. "The dark and the light, and everything in between."
🦁Leon/Leone/Lee-Lee/Catman/Simba/Mufasa🦁
I’d always known I was an ace thief, but stealing Elise’s heart was the best heist I’d ever pulled off.
I loved his family, and I kept forgetting that they're actually criminals lol. I loved the scenes with them, and how accepting they were of Elise. I loved how Leon saw all the guys as his pride and was missing them so much. I loved how he was trying to get them all back together again after the events of the last book. Damn, did I feel heartbroken about it. His christmas scenario was so damn good. I think I mostly loved it because it was a few chapters without seeing Elise lol, it made the book so much more enjoyable. Seriously, that girl could be killed in the most terrible way and I wouldn't care less.
His Mindy's still crack me up; their responses to his posts/to him asking them to do stuff was so incredibly funny. Every time there was a Leon chapter, I highlighted SO much, because that guy is just so funny to me. He's ALWAYS sounding dirty, and I sometimes don't even know anymore if he does it on purpose or not XD I loved his starting friendship with Ryder - I honestly loved all of their starting friendships. I also love his relationship with food.
Dante spread his wings wide, twisting around and nose diving towards the ground. I fell like Mufasa from the cliff, my paws wheeling in the air and I hoped to the fucking stars Ryder was watching this to make my death worthwhile.
🌩️Dante/Drago/Drag-Drag/Dragin/Inferno🌩️
We got to see a bit more of the dynamics in Dante's gang in this book, although I can't say that I care one bit about Rosalie. I'd rather have it been her
"Look after her," Gabriel warned. "Or I'll kill you myself."
"I'd give my life for hers, amico mio," Dante replied lightly. "It goes without saying. Never doubt that."
Gabriel's gaze softened a fraction and he nodded firmly. "I don't."
🦚Gabriel/Big Bird🦚
Gabriel kinda redeemed himself in this book for me. We finally got to see a bit more of how his visions work, which I really liked, because we barely got any information about them in ZA. I also didn't have a clue I loved the development of his friendship with Ryder, it was so damn good! I love that he I need a harem pitball team bye. Anyway, his relationship with Ryder was everything to me, and I loved him because of it. I also laughed so hard at him and Karla, and the way he called her the Frog murderer. I can't freaking breathe XD
👑 Overall conclusion 👑
I'm so done with Elise and her sex obsession, she literally can't think about anything else. The relationships between all of the guys have totally saved this book for me, and they are the reason that I'm still giving it such a good rating, because Elise makes me want to give 0 stars bye. Can't wait for the next book though, I'm hoping to see less of Elise and more of the guys!
3.5 stars
October 9, 2024
leon & ryder, gabriel & ryder, dante & leon 😭😭😭
October 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
como es que en 4 libros la trama no ha avanzado prácticamente nada? la pasé bien igual, BUT STILL.
como es que en 4 libros la trama no ha avanzado prácticamente nada? la pasé bien igual, BUT STILL.
May 11, 2025
I enjoyed this one, Leon is still my fave. giggled and enjoyed it, not as big of an emotional Rollercoaster as the 3rd book was thankfully lol
February 1, 2025
pre-read: give me plot please, almost nothing happened these last 2 books
life-is-too-short
November 10, 2021If you enjoy incredibly strong not like other girls vibes, more power to you. Elise was unbelievably special, so special the boys of her harem thought of her mid-battle. So special she wasn't capable of a single friendship with a woman, so strong, so sexy so so so zzzzzz
Clearly, this wasn't for me. There isn't a flaw to be seen in many ways, even in the characters that were meant to be aloof or dark, they were perfect. (Although for me they were most interesting)
At first, I kind of enjoyed the world building and thought the world was fun. I think it stayed kind of fun but maybe inconsistent and every character was insufferable so by the time I was about 10% in it was clear I couldn't keep going for another book+
It was too much for me.
Clearly, this wasn't for me. There isn't a flaw to be seen in many ways, even in the characters that were meant to be aloof or dark, they were perfect. (Although for me they were most interesting)
At first, I kind of enjoyed the world building and thought the world was fun. I think it stayed kind of fun but maybe inconsistent and every character was insufferable so by the time I was about 10% in it was clear I couldn't keep going for another book+
It was too much for me.
July 4, 2022
Am I the only one who wants to strangle Elise?! The way she pushes her feelings on everyone just pisses me off.
This books is so drawn out and painful to read as literally nothing is happening and the storyline is pretty much dead.At this point I'm only reading because I want to know more about Gabriel as I liked the ZA series.
This books is so drawn out and painful to read as literally nothing is happening and the storyline is pretty much dead.At this point I'm only reading because I want to know more about Gabriel as I liked the ZA series.
October 3, 2025
1,75/5
Jedyne co zapamiętam z tego tomu to wigilia 🤣
Jedyne co zapamiętam z tego tomu to wigilia 🤣
December 11, 2021
3.75⭐️
idk if this is some kind of joke but i really thought we would get something in this book but honestly its just info on info on info and nothing else. we still don't know what happened to fucking annoying gareth and his stupid selfish ass. elise STILL didn't solve the murder of gareth but at least she's having sex every other chapter you know... priorities...
i don't think i would have been pissed if i liked elise. i still hate her. she just gets more annoying the further i read. she's the biggest hypocrite and i just hate her actions. none of this would've been dramatic if she just wasn't this fucking gullible. the only things that got me through all these books (book 5 still to be read fml) are the audiobooks and the kings. literally, the audiobooks were a lifesaver because i refused to read elise's hour long chapters.
gabby and ryder bonding <3
leon being leon (golden retriever energy) <3
orion <3
dante and leon <3
the christmas scene <3
leon kidnapping everyone so that they bond <3
gabby smiling with ryder <3
my boys <3
fucking elise _|_
fucking gareth _|_
and all the other characters that annoyed (its a long list)
ruthless boys of the zodiac ratings:
dark fae - 3 stars
savage fae - 3 stars
vicious fae - 3.75 stars
broken fae - 3.75 stars
warrior fae - tbr
“I would quietly ache for her in the dark and eternally hate myself for not being good enough for the stars to consider me for her. I’d punish her, myself, the whole world until this pain went away.”
idk if this is some kind of joke but i really thought we would get something in this book but honestly its just info on info on info and nothing else. we still don't know what happened to fucking annoying gareth and his stupid selfish ass. elise STILL didn't solve the murder of gareth but at least she's having sex every other chapter you know... priorities...
i don't think i would have been pissed if i liked elise. i still hate her. she just gets more annoying the further i read. she's the biggest hypocrite and i just hate her actions. none of this would've been dramatic if she just wasn't this fucking gullible. the only things that got me through all these books (book 5 still to be read fml) are the audiobooks and the kings. literally, the audiobooks were a lifesaver because i refused to read elise's hour long chapters.
gabby and ryder bonding <3
leon being leon (golden retriever energy) <3
orion <3
dante and leon <3
the christmas scene <3
leon kidnapping everyone so that they bond <3
gabby smiling with ryder <3
my boys <3
fucking elise _|_
fucking gareth _|_
and all the other characters that annoyed (its a long list)
ruthless boys of the zodiac ratings:
dark fae - 3 stars
savage fae - 3 stars
vicious fae - 3.75 stars
broken fae - 3.75 stars
warrior fae - tbr
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