They are my guardians, the people who strengthen me and make me feel whole. Their touches set me aflame, and I’ll give them everything. In return, they’ll worship me. I can depend upon them to help me unseat him—the incarnation of evil.
Arrick Mathieson is the demon in my head. He lost control after I escaped. His wrath tried to destroy everything I care about: my safety, my club, my family. He ignited an anger I didn’t know I possessed.
He doesn’t get to hurt me anymore. I won’t let him. I would rather watch the world burn first.
I may look like a good girl, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do things that hurt. Some might call this sin, but if I go up in flames, I’ll go down to hell with a smile.
Shannon Elliot resides in Houston, TX with her fur baby and writes romance that represents her readers whenever she's not at the dog park dog or curled up with a good book. Evidenced by her background in theatre, she is drawn to story-telling and the creative process. Shannon believes that diverse and inclusive stories shouldn't be the exception, they should be the rule. Happily ever after is for everyone and she aims to write romances that reflect her readers.
I received an arc copy of the book and I love it! Like the first one it’s very fast passed when it comes to action and moving the plot forward.
I loved that we got to see the relationship between the other characters grow outside of their relationship with Juliana. I wish we took a little more time to dive deeper into the connections wishing the group.
The spice in this one far outranks the first one in quality and quantity. I would give it 4.2/5 on my personal spice scale.
It was a quick and enjoyable read. I would have enjoyed to see more detail in the fall out before the 2 year time jump, it left a few unanswered questions for me. Overall I give it a solid 4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First I wanna say I’m so grateful to have gotten an arc of this book!
Unfortunately, I am DNFing the book at least for right now. I really liked the first book, I think it had a good balance of spice and plot, but this time around, for me at least, the spice felt forced. Like because it’s a why chose everyone had to have sex before the plot could move forward. I also personally struggled to read some of Cy’s chapter as they were written in a heavy accent with a good amount of words from another language that was I was unable to translate or google to see what it was. Which for me just removed me as a reader. I really love Shannon’s writing and I think the plot of this book has the potential to be so compelling, I just think this book isn’t for me right now which is why I’m gonna give 3 stars for now and hopefully pick it up again in the future for another try. ❤️
I had to re-read book 1 because I had forgotten what happened in it... I had completely forgotten it was a reverse harem as well but was pleasantly surprised to re discover that feature. I absolutely loved this sequel! every part of it was amazing, the change in dynamics was very well done. I really there to be more to this series!
"Change is hard if you let it control you. But if you focus it and channel it? Change can be a miraculous thing."
I was blessed to receive this book as an ARC from Shannon Elliot. Release date March 1, 2023.
Like book one, my major love for this book series comes from how inclusive it is. There are people of all shapes, sizes, genders, sexes who love each other in every way you can think of. I wish that more books included the kinds of love you see through this series. This author also does not shy away from kinks and fetishes when it comes to those spicy scenes.
If you've read the first book in this series, absolutely refresh yourself if you can't remember how it ended as this book picks up as if you've just turned the page to a new chapter of book one. In book one I wanted more of Cy and Ember... and book two delivered just that. There was so much to be learned about who they were individually as well as together.
Like I said in my review for book one as well, read the trigger warnings for this one that are listed at the beginning of the book, because there are some tougher subjects broached that could be sensitive for some readers.
„You know it’s okay to be happy when the world falls to shit, right? Like, all of this sucks, but it’s okay to enjoy the better moments when they come.”
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the first book and this one was even better! A lot of POV’s usually bore me but the changes were in good moments and the plot didn’t jump from place to place and it was an amazing read.
I love how all of the characters have a place in this story and they make sense together. The spice in this one (4,5/5 🌶️) is through the roof but the story is not all that. I loved reading about how they were preparing for war with Arrick and I got what was missing in the first book - more emotions and feeling and thoughts from all the characters.
I can’t wait to read the new series and hope to meet with this characters again.. I miss them already 😢
Please read the trigger warnings AND make sure to read book one first. Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off.
The spice in this book was so good in so many ways. The quality of the writing and the quantity of scenes were both high. The characters develop sexual relationships with each other as the story develops, avoiding the idea that there is one person at the center, creating much more of a polycule, with several different types of relationships as well. Each characters individually also has relationships with different dynamics - for example, our FMC is allowed to be more submissive in some of her relationships while also more dominant in others. I appreciated the author giving a much more nuanced look at sexuality than is often written.
I did feel that the plot suffered a bit because there were so much relationship development. While I can appreciate that, as well as all the character development that happens, we didn't actually get that much actual plot as much as...talking about plot/planning. Sometimes it felt like two (or more) characters had to connect before we could move on, and the timing felt a little skewed as a result. Ultimately, the climatic events of this duology fell a bit flat because there wasn't actually a lot of build up.
A personal pet peeve - both Spanish and Creole are spoken in the book and there are no translations, even at the end or a glossary or anything like that. I had to take myself out reading and the rhythm of the story to look up what was being said.
Overall, I think this duology stands out for its representation in a LOT of ways, and that can't ever be bad. But I do think the story could have been more, all around.
Juliana and her group are dealing with the aftermath left by Arrick, and she is, to say the least, ANGRY. She wants his blood for what he's done, and she will get it one way or another.
If you haven't read book one yet, you absolutely need to read that before you get into this one, otherwise you will be utterly lost. Also, be mindful of trigger and content warnings as there are a lot throughout this book, and several within the first chapter.
I've been dying to get this book since book one came out and left us on that cliffhanger. I was ready for more of Juliana, Cy, Ember, Jay and Sage and just getting more of their overall story and relationship. This book really focused on the relationship building portion and you really get to see the characters all grow together and get closer. The steam was pretty good and I loved that there is so much representation in this book. There is a little something or someone for everyone here!
The plot did suffer because the author focused more on the relationship building, which I didn't necessarily mind. There are also multiple languages that do not get translated, which is incredibly off-putting when you're not familiar with the language. I wish the author would have added an index in the back or something for us to look these words up so we could understand better what was happening. I felt like I wasn't getting the full story because I couldn't understand everything that was happening.
Join Juliana and her crew as they tackle the aftermath of Mathieson's shenanigans, and boy, is Juliana ready to bring down the hammer! The revenge plot had me hooked, watching the team unite like a tight-knit family. The grand finale was a whirlwind of satisfaction and thrills in this thrilling duology. Ready to dive into an electrifying audio adventure with Katrina Medina?
Things to know
Ableism, Attempted Murder, Blood, Bratting, Child Services, Deadnaming, Death, Dissociation, Drug Trafficking, Drugging, Emotional Abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Harassment, Hard Sub Drop, Hospitalization, Human Trafficking, Kidnapping, Manipulation, Military, Panic Attack, Physical Abuse, Sedatives, Sexual Abuse, Sickness, Smuggling, Spousal Abuse, Stalking, Threats Of Violence, Torture, and Violence Against Women, BDSM, Body Worship, Choking, CNC, Degradation, Dom/ Sub, Edging, Exhibitionism, Flogging, Forced Chastity, Group Scenes, Knife Play, Mommy Domme, Mutual Masturbation, Orgasm Denial, Pleasure Dom, Predator/Prey, Primal Play, Ruby Play, Sado/ Masochism, and Voyeurism.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book! It did not disappoint!
This series went from a dark why choose romance, to a dark polyamorous family romance hell bent on rescue and revenge. Because that's what all of these beautiful and amazing characters become in this book - a family. Is it absolute kinky and smutty goodness-Hell yes! But it's also personal discovery and growth, relationship discovery and growth, love and friendship and helping and supporting those you care for. It was beautiful, and had me wanting more of this in my real life.
The diversity and representation are still phenomenal.
I loved this story, the characters and the journey they went on. And the ending set up nicely for what I can only assume are going to be more fantastic stories!
I also may have learned some new things, had to use Google a time or two, and maybe had a new kink unlocked.
OMG! I have been waiting to read this since I finished the 1st one and man was it worth the wait. Spice 10/10and story line 10/10, the perfect balance. The story line is freaking fantastic. The character growth in this book was amazing. I love every character, well minus one…but we all know who we hate in this series. I also love the representation in the book and how well it is written. I’ve read other books that are lgbtq and they don’t compare to the level of respect this book shows. Can’t wait to see what next!
I came for the spice and this did NOT disappoint. I had to take lots of breaks.. if you know, you know.
This is book two in (I believe a duet) and cannot be read as a standalone and picks up right where book 1 ends.
Juliana is fierce and becomes protector of the group. Watching her blossom was a joy, but this makes sense as to what she endured in book 1. The beginning of this is tense AF!! Jay still has my heart and he can keep it!!
The ache I felt in my heart with some of these scenes.. oooo!!
I really enjoyed this book, it picked up right where the last one left off. I loved the dynamic between the entire group, how we get to see them evolve into a polyamorous family. And I absolutely loved all of the diverse characters! This story was was so spicy and action packed. It kept you on the edge of your seat, and wanting more. I loved Juliana, seriously she was so tough and I loved her need to get revenge for the people she loves. BUT my favorite character was definitely Ember, I love the relationship they have with Cy and I loved getting to hear more about their past.
I want to start this by saying I wanted to give this book. 3.5 stars but couldn’t justify rounding up to 4 stars.
This is was more enjoyable than book 1 for me and I got my hea. Yay!!! I do wish that the plot however would have progressed a little faster. There are 40 chapters in the book and nothing really happened until like chapter 38.
There were lots of spicy scenes and they were chefs kiss, but I felt like the plot and character development weren’t were I personally wanted them to be for what the storyline felt like it was going for.
First thing, the cover is beautiful. 100%. Now with that out of the way, this book was a quick read for me, it was enjoyable, and I would have loved to see more details in the fallout. Now I did enjoy seeing the relationship between the characters grow and their growth as people as well. And the heat in this book is a lot better than the first one. When is the next series coming out?? Asking for myself! Thank you, Shannon, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book as an arc and loved it. I knew the spice level was going to be off the charts after reading the first one, and it did not disappoint. Definitely refresh yourself with the first book because page one picks up right where you left off. I love love love the why choose aspect where everyone is allowed to love everyone else. But make sure to check the trigger warnings to make sure you know what you are in for.
Omg this book has so much spice and I mean way up there! If your into poly relationships this book is for you! There is so much going on in this book! It had me on the edge of my seat in each chapter! Can’t wait to find out more what’s going to happen in the next book!! I couldn’t put this book down since I got into it soo much!! Also read the trigger warning for this book!!! 🥵🥰❤️
This is the story I needed in my life, this group of misfits all fit together perfectly, in life, love and are a deadly team when someone threatens part of their family.
There are so many different types of relationships in here, each encounter vastly different, but oh so perfect.
first of all - everything that I needed in the first book. the chemistry was real and sizzling
however, there was either not enough plot and I got too invested and then they took a commercial-fuck-fest-break OR there was too much plot and it was getting the way to the fun times
anyhooo - anyone can tell me what ruby play is? it was in content warning, but I cannot find out 🥲
Okay, seriously. What does she put into these books? THEY ARE ADDICTING. Not only does book 1 and 2 give us soooo much spice, but it's wrapped up in LGBT+ rep of all sorts, a fast paced plot, and love that's swoon worthy! Seriously, there's nothing better.
Shannon Elliot delivers a jam packed ending to her duology, all while giving readers everything they never knew they were looking for.
I might revisit this since I enjoyed book 1 but currently nothing has really happened in 20%.
I enjoy the representation that Shannon includes in this duet, but with the many multiple POVs there’s like a lot of switching. The action in the book to keep you engaged seems a bit lacking.
I can say without a doubt, I have never read anything like this in my life. The world building is amazing. I loved the character development. The way that all the main characters come together is captivating. This is a must read for the LGBTQ+ reader community.
I loved the first but this one somehow managed to top it! I love the representation that in the book without it being a big deal and just all the different dynamics between people. It was amazing I laughed so hard and the spice was again amazing!
the inclusion in the book it’s amazing, the dinâmica of the relationships are a bit hazy to understand, but in the end it does makes sense ! I would recommend this one for sure
Finally writing a detailed review after my third re-read 😂
OBSESSED THIS DUET!! Theres a significant increase in spice from Angels in the Dark (LOVE!) - but def required reading before reading Devil in the Dark.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ HEA: 💖 Type: Duet Audiobook: Solo narration LGBT Rep: 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ (bisexual, trans, nb, ace) Why-Choose: ✅ + 🏳️🌈 (m/m, f/f & everything in-between) K!nks: multiple different D/s dynamics, primal play, blood/knife play, CNC, exhibitionism/voyeurism, forced chastity, flogging, orgasm control, degradation TWs: kidnapping, deadnaming (not by MCs), threats of DV (not by MCs)
Highlights: 🖤 cozy but dark 🖤 why choose ♡ everyone loves everyone 🖤 revenge plot 🖤 excellent 🏳️🌈 rep 🖤 plus size fmc’s 🖤 poc mc’s