What do you think?
Rate this book
The Path of Temptation #1-3
The Path of Temptation: Books 1-3: Box Set 1
This box set contains the first three books of the series -Book 1 - The Price We PayEveryone wants to give in to temptation, but no one wants to pay the price.I was a child when my father surrendered me to the Temple of All Gods. No one gave me a choice. No one even bothered to explain. I was simply tossed aside, unwanted.That was the day the God of Temptation claimed me as his.Now, I'm studying how to become the perfect priestess. Life in the temple means embracing my emotions and learning to harness each type of desire. Power, fear, lust, and rage are the most common, but not the only ones. Each has a power. Each has its place. I just have to figure out which kind of priestess I'll become.- - -In this temple, there's always a temptation.The question is if I'm stubborn enough to resist...Or brave enough to pay a god's price.Book 2 - The Paths We LayTo find temptation, we must lay our own path.For the last ten years, I thought I was nothing special. I was just another priestess in the Temple of Temptation. One of many. Little did I know that my god has plans for me. He intends to make me powerful.But what I will become is up to me.For centuries, things here have always been done the same way - and the gods are now paying for it. Somehow, I'm expected to revive the faith. I'm their last hope, but no one is quite sure how I'm supposed to do that. - - -The temple wants to break me.My success or failure depends on the path I choose.I just hope I find the right one.Book 3 - The Games We PlayWe're tempted to play games, thinking they will give us more power - but that only works if we win.After spending the holidays with my guardian's family, it seems that everyone in the temple has the wrong idea. The Baron isn't my patron. He's not even a friend. In truth, I hate the man.But the rumor mill is strong, and jealousy is running rampant.This is all just one more excuse for my instructors to hold me back, lower my grades, and try to force me to choose one path. I can't! My god needs me to save him, and the Path of Temptation gives me the power to do that.- - -That's enough to keep me going. No matter how hard they try to push me down, I'll just keep fighting back, learning to play this game better each time. I will not become the victim here, because I'm not doing this alone. My lovers will always stand with me.But this is not a game.If we fail, we'll lose everything -Including each other.Box Set Total Word 490,037Possible Discussions of rape and assault, domestic violence, minor bullying, harassment, consensual pain and battery. Minor violence.The Path of Temptation series features a strong woman and the men who love her. Graphic language, adult situations, and potentially triggering violence that are suitable for a mature audience are included.This is a love story, but sometimes love comes with a price.
1671 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
208 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 4, 2024
Absolutely one of the best series out there. A must read!
July 20, 2022
Fantastic Start To An Incredible Series
I’ve read all three books before when they first came out, so this trilogy is a re-read. I’ve included the review for the first book in full and links to the next two books if you are interested.
***Fantastic Introduction To A World Of Gods***
This book was fantastic from the first page. I’ve been really excited about this book from the first time we got a teaser of the first chapter on the author’s Facebook Group a few months ago and the rest of the book did not disappoint, rather it exceeded my expectations.
This is a story of a small girl, Nariana, who taken to the temple on the one day of the year a child can be surrendered for service to the gods in exchange for a gold mark. It’s a day when families can save their starving children by giving one to the gods to make what they have go further and with the extra money feed the rest of the family through the winter.
Claimed by Zeal, the God of Temptation, Nariana is introduced to a world filled with his priests and priestesses. She is educated and loved by her mentor and her guardian who form a little family inside a greater one.
This book is really about Nari’s education from the time she enters the temple, and the people she meets throughout that time. The alliances and enmities she makes during her education help shape who she is and her devotion to Zeal. Her education also teaches us about the world in which the series is set. As a child, Nari is taught about the world as well as her role within it in a way that is clearly laid out for us. At the same time as we are being entertained by the plot, we are learning about Nariana’s world and her place within it.
This is a complicated fantasy world, filled with gods and magic and the science and fashion of the Victorian era. It’s a decadent dive into passion, rage and the temptation of greed.
This is a reverse harem story and there is plenty of passion as the children grow into adults. As older teens there is fooling around but no actual sex until they are around 19-20 years old. The sex scenes that are included are very well written, tender and still fan-your-face hot. The relationships are not just about passion but about friendship, love, acceptance and a shared path.
I loved all the characters, who are wonderfully well rounded and flawed in a believable and consistent way. There are some different points of view during the book, but it is mainly from Nariana’s POV. The alternate POVs are enlightening both in terms of plot and allowing us to see things in a different way.
The book doesn’t finish on a cliff hanger, but a natural break. I was still gripped with a fierce desire to know what comes next because the plot is wonderfully compelling. Once you start reading this story you won’t be able to stop. Thankfully the whole series is already written, I just have to wait for each book to be published on the due dates. It’s nice to have things to look forward to and know that your expecations will be met!
**********************************************************
Link To Book 2 Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Link To Book 3 Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I’ve read all three books before when they first came out, so this trilogy is a re-read. I’ve included the review for the first book in full and links to the next two books if you are interested.
***Fantastic Introduction To A World Of Gods***
This book was fantastic from the first page. I’ve been really excited about this book from the first time we got a teaser of the first chapter on the author’s Facebook Group a few months ago and the rest of the book did not disappoint, rather it exceeded my expectations.
This is a story of a small girl, Nariana, who taken to the temple on the one day of the year a child can be surrendered for service to the gods in exchange for a gold mark. It’s a day when families can save their starving children by giving one to the gods to make what they have go further and with the extra money feed the rest of the family through the winter.
Claimed by Zeal, the God of Temptation, Nariana is introduced to a world filled with his priests and priestesses. She is educated and loved by her mentor and her guardian who form a little family inside a greater one.
This book is really about Nari’s education from the time she enters the temple, and the people she meets throughout that time. The alliances and enmities she makes during her education help shape who she is and her devotion to Zeal. Her education also teaches us about the world in which the series is set. As a child, Nari is taught about the world as well as her role within it in a way that is clearly laid out for us. At the same time as we are being entertained by the plot, we are learning about Nariana’s world and her place within it.
This is a complicated fantasy world, filled with gods and magic and the science and fashion of the Victorian era. It’s a decadent dive into passion, rage and the temptation of greed.
This is a reverse harem story and there is plenty of passion as the children grow into adults. As older teens there is fooling around but no actual sex until they are around 19-20 years old. The sex scenes that are included are very well written, tender and still fan-your-face hot. The relationships are not just about passion but about friendship, love, acceptance and a shared path.
I loved all the characters, who are wonderfully well rounded and flawed in a believable and consistent way. There are some different points of view during the book, but it is mainly from Nariana’s POV. The alternate POVs are enlightening both in terms of plot and allowing us to see things in a different way.
The book doesn’t finish on a cliff hanger, but a natural break. I was still gripped with a fierce desire to know what comes next because the plot is wonderfully compelling. Once you start reading this story you won’t be able to stop. Thankfully the whole series is already written, I just have to wait for each book to be published on the due dates. It’s nice to have things to look forward to and know that your expecations will be met!
**********************************************************
Link To Book 2 Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Link To Book 3 Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 20, 2024
Several late/sleepless nights reading this!
I could not put this down to save my life! I am exhausted from the little sleep I've been getting because I couldn't stop reading, begging to know what was coming next. I had some minor difficulty in the third book because it felt pretty repetitive with all the internal dialog and basically the same conversations over and over. After multiple internal battles, each character finally became confident in who they are, but it took a WHILE to get there. I still loved it, though. The plot, the characters, the world building...I can't get enough! On to the second box set!
I could not put this down to save my life! I am exhausted from the little sleep I've been getting because I couldn't stop reading, begging to know what was coming next. I had some minor difficulty in the third book because it felt pretty repetitive with all the internal dialog and basically the same conversations over and over. After multiple internal battles, each character finally became confident in who they are, but it took a WHILE to get there. I still loved it, though. The plot, the characters, the world building...I can't get enough! On to the second box set!
July 3, 2025
Don’t be put off by the sexy description
I love the books written by this author and I’d read them all except for the series. I thought there was going to be too much sex and not enough romance. I like reverse harem books despite the sex scenes, not because of them - I usually skip them. I read reverse harem books because I like how the men treat the heroines better than the heroes usually treat the heroines in m/f novels.
I was wrong. Hadley is an excellent writer, which is why, despite my misgivings about the premise of the book, I started reading…and I couldn’t stop. well worth reading and highly recommended…despite the sex.
I love the books written by this author and I’d read them all except for the series. I thought there was going to be too much sex and not enough romance. I like reverse harem books despite the sex scenes, not because of them - I usually skip them. I read reverse harem books because I like how the men treat the heroines better than the heroes usually treat the heroines in m/f novels.
I was wrong. Hadley is an excellent writer, which is why, despite my misgivings about the premise of the book, I started reading…and I couldn’t stop. well worth reading and highly recommended…despite the sex.
August 24, 2025
Wow
Talk about a unique concept
I’m obsessed with the series. It’s utterly unputdownable.
My only critique is how repetitive it tends to get, explaining the same thing over and over to new people (but in the context of the story I suppose it makes sense).
The communication between the characters is fantastic, even if it may be just a bit redundant at times. I LOVED seeing them grow up and learn and develop their relationships over years.
I truly think this is such a unique story and it’s so well done and I’m very much in love with everything about it!!!
Talk about a unique concept
I’m obsessed with the series. It’s utterly unputdownable.
My only critique is how repetitive it tends to get, explaining the same thing over and over to new people (but in the context of the story I suppose it makes sense).
The communication between the characters is fantastic, even if it may be just a bit redundant at times. I LOVED seeing them grow up and learn and develop their relationships over years.
I truly think this is such a unique story and it’s so well done and I’m very much in love with everything about it!!!
February 26, 2023
Beautiful
Few books manage to develop characters well, have excellent worldbuilding, never lose interest and are also well-written. This series does all of this. I just read it on KU, but I am going to buy it now. I think that says more than anything else I could say. I only reread the great books.
So, I highly recommend this series.💜
Well done, Auryn Hadley!
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Few books manage to develop characters well, have excellent worldbuilding, never lose interest and are also well-written. This series does all of this. I just read it on KU, but I am going to buy it now. I think that says more than anything else I could say. I only reread the great books.
So, I highly recommend this series.💜
Well done, Auryn Hadley!
👏👏👏👏👏👏
December 14, 2023
I love this series. If you haven't read anything by Auryn Hadley and you enjoy long books with amazing world-building, this is a great RH read. The family that these characters create is heartwarming and touching. The hardships that these people go through throughout this series is just amazing, and how they grow closer together.
May 19, 2022
Original and exciting
This box set is an absolute delight. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each character, and seeing the story develop. I’m intrigued by the overall concept of the story, like the author’s story telling. Can’t wait to find out what happens next!
This box set is an absolute delight. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each character, and seeing the story develop. I’m intrigued by the overall concept of the story, like the author’s story telling. Can’t wait to find out what happens next!
February 24, 2023
the best series I’ve seen in years!!!!!
I love the love température. The language is enticing and keeps you turning pages. The respect and love between characters makes me want to live there.
I love the love température. The language is enticing and keeps you turning pages. The respect and love between characters makes me want to live there.
November 25, 2023
One of my faves of all time
I just had to read the box set, because I know authors only get paid for the first read through KU and I've reread this series many times because I love it so much.
I just had to read the box set, because I know authors only get paid for the first read through KU and I've reread this series many times because I love it so much.
Read
December 12, 2022One of my top favorites!
December 24, 2022
Exceptionally awesome!
Always love a story with a great start. Looking forward to the rest! I have found a new Author to spend quality time with.
Always love a story with a great start. Looking forward to the rest! I have found a new Author to spend quality time with.
September 5, 2024
love this series
I love anything from Auryn Hadley and this is my favorite series by her. I very highly recommend reading it
I love anything from Auryn Hadley and this is my favorite series by her. I very highly recommend reading it
November 5, 2024
One of the best RH series. Period
April 18, 2025
beyond obsessed. phenomenal world build
January 31, 2023
The Path of Temptation
This series is Incredible!
Auryn Hadley is now one of my favorite authors! She has built an amazing and robust world full of characters that now feel like family. it is a complete series full of hot smutty goodness (later).
Her heat was varied and creative and I enjoyed all of it! 🤪🥵😍
This series is Incredible!
Auryn Hadley is now one of my favorite authors! She has built an amazing and robust world full of characters that now feel like family. it is a complete series full of hot smutty goodness (later).
Her heat was varied and creative and I enjoyed all of it! 🤪🥵😍
October 17, 2023
Brilliant
Everything Auryn Hadley writes is fantastic and this book is no different. Exciting world building, characters with depth and storylines that keep you turning the page. I look forward to the next instalment.
Everything Auryn Hadley writes is fantastic and this book is no different. Exciting world building, characters with depth and storylines that keep you turning the page. I look forward to the next instalment.
September 17, 2023
Boring
The self analysis by the main protagonist is tedious in the extreme. I feel like I read the three books in the hope that something would happen but I was left wanting and not engaged by any character. The characters hash every single action out to death and it’s difficult to imagine why one person would be in love with the other as they are all so horrifically dull. It doesn’t even make sense for example… one of the characters (T) is the blade (apparently) and a great fighter… except he doesn’t actually win any fight he’s ever in, One of them (E) is horrifically brutal but he spends literally half a book concerned about being brutal… Half the dialogue is pointless drivel and anyone with half a brain would have burnt down the temple of boredom and every crappy person in it by the end. All in all humourless with self absorbed characters and less than riveting dialogue.
The self analysis by the main protagonist is tedious in the extreme. I feel like I read the three books in the hope that something would happen but I was left wanting and not engaged by any character. The characters hash every single action out to death and it’s difficult to imagine why one person would be in love with the other as they are all so horrifically dull. It doesn’t even make sense for example… one of the characters (T) is the blade (apparently) and a great fighter… except he doesn’t actually win any fight he’s ever in, One of them (E) is horrifically brutal but he spends literally half a book concerned about being brutal… Half the dialogue is pointless drivel and anyone with half a brain would have burnt down the temple of boredom and every crappy person in it by the end. All in all humourless with self absorbed characters and less than riveting dialogue.
September 5, 2022
Amazing
I love the collections of Auryn Hadley! They are my favorite to read because I can start a series without interruptions. She is an amazing author who creates awe inspiring worlds and soul touching characters. If you haven't already pick up something by this amazing woman just do it already. I promise you will not be disappointed.
I love the collections of Auryn Hadley! They are my favorite to read because I can start a series without interruptions. She is an amazing author who creates awe inspiring worlds and soul touching characters. If you haven't already pick up something by this amazing woman just do it already. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews