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Matthew —
My control was slipping as I carried Allison to safety, not ready to think about the restraints I would put in place if she tried to enact our original agreement. She had wanted to be in the room when we eliminated the Goblin that had murdered her husband and to go home, back to the remnants of her life, after it was done. That’s what tonight was supposed to be, collecting her debt for the death of Devon, a life for a life. She had set the terms, and I tried everything I could to keep her from the room.
After the attack, we knew the Goblin stole her purse. We knew they had been in her house. And we knew they were willing to kill to get her.
What we didn’t know was why? Other than settling simple, unfinished business, we couldn’t understand what made her so special.
Now we did,
and my brothers and I weren’t willing to live in a world where we couldn’t keep her and her child safe.
Warning: This is a dark romance for an adult audience that includes extreme grief and other themes that may be triggering for some. For a complete list of trigger warnings, please visit my website. Read at your own discretion.
—Meadow is a 101k full-length mafia/gang new adult romance. It is a reverse harem ('why choose?" theme) that ends on a cliffhanger and an eventual HEA. It is the second book in a series.—
My control was slipping as I carried Allison to safety, not ready to think about the restraints I would put in place if she tried to enact our original agreement. She had wanted to be in the room when we eliminated the Goblin that had murdered her husband and to go home, back to the remnants of her life, after it was done. That’s what tonight was supposed to be, collecting her debt for the death of Devon, a life for a life. She had set the terms, and I tried everything I could to keep her from the room.
After the attack, we knew the Goblin stole her purse. We knew they had been in her house. And we knew they were willing to kill to get her.
What we didn’t know was why? Other than settling simple, unfinished business, we couldn’t understand what made her so special.
Now we did,
and my brothers and I weren’t willing to live in a world where we couldn’t keep her and her child safe.
Warning: This is a dark romance for an adult audience that includes extreme grief and other themes that may be triggering for some. For a complete list of trigger warnings, please visit my website. Read at your own discretion.
—Meadow is a 101k full-length mafia/gang new adult romance. It is a reverse harem ('why choose?" theme) that ends on a cliffhanger and an eventual HEA. It is the second book in a series.—
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2022
95 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
April Skye
3 books45 followersApril Skye lives in Kansas City, Missouri with her husband and best friend. Together, they have three dogs: Adele, Skylynn, and Honey. April likes to spend her time reading smut, aimlessly scrolling TikTok, and bingeing Netflix if she isn’t spending time with her family. Her favorite reads are the books that leave you emotionally spent and stay with you long after “The End”. April’s best ideas come during dissociative states and she figured, if she’s spending all day imagining characters and the crazy situations they get into, she might as well write it and share her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 4, 2022
This story picks up right after book 1. Allison is dealing with the latest discoveries, dealing with her grief, and preparing for a baby. One of the things I like about this series, is now real it feels - it deals with the grief and recovery and shows the changes, but also the set backs. I loved seeing her become more open to the relationships with the guys and I love how the guys help her.
July 28, 2022
This series starts with our FMC Allison, who is finally successfully pregnant with her husband Devon; a man she absolutely adores. When they go on a vacation together and come across what looks like a mugging, Devon does what he seems to always do, and he tries to play the hero. Now Devon is dead, Allison is recovering from her injuries (a physical gunshot wound and the absolutely overwhelming grief of losing her husband), and the man Devon stepped in to save has now stepped up to save Allison, along with his three brothers.
I came across this series entirely by chance, and I’m so happy I did because it’s now up there in my top reads, and that’s saying something considering this series has something I’ve made very clear I’m not a fan of… The P word. You know… The one with the big belly and the living creature within? In this story, it works because it’s not a thing thrown in to either make something more difficult, resolve a conflict, or create some happy ending that revolves around a baby. In fact, this story heavily revolves around the fact that Allison is pregnant and that her baby is her connection to Devon.
This story tackles grief head on, and seeing Allison try to work through her grief is so raw and powerful that you can’t help but be drawn in and feel an immense connection to our FMC. The dreams Allison has where she talks to Devon about what’s going on in her life are honestly both gut wrenching and heartwarming, and seeing Allison as she inevitably tries to navigate her feelings for the four men who are protecting her and her baby is equally emotional.
The guys are also incredible when it comes to MMCs and they each have their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, traits, and roles that they play with Allison. I also love that even though this really is a mafia book, it doesn’t read like most do. It feels much more emotionally mature and we see the dark romance aspects displayed differently than some of the usual plot devices used. We also get ZERO sex in these two books, so the slow-burn is real - and it’s very well done. No SMUT needed; the story is emotionally intense and really beautiful.
My main complaint is, honestly, that the big plot twist we eventually get to (both in book one and in book two) is pretty obvious from the get-go, so it doesn’t necessarily hit quite as hard as it could.
Otherwise, I loved this and it’s in my top reads of the year. Seriously looking forward to book 3!
I came across this series entirely by chance, and I’m so happy I did because it’s now up there in my top reads, and that’s saying something considering this series has something I’ve made very clear I’m not a fan of… The P word. You know… The one with the big belly and the living creature within? In this story, it works because it’s not a thing thrown in to either make something more difficult, resolve a conflict, or create some happy ending that revolves around a baby. In fact, this story heavily revolves around the fact that Allison is pregnant and that her baby is her connection to Devon.
This story tackles grief head on, and seeing Allison try to work through her grief is so raw and powerful that you can’t help but be drawn in and feel an immense connection to our FMC. The dreams Allison has where she talks to Devon about what’s going on in her life are honestly both gut wrenching and heartwarming, and seeing Allison as she inevitably tries to navigate her feelings for the four men who are protecting her and her baby is equally emotional.
The guys are also incredible when it comes to MMCs and they each have their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, traits, and roles that they play with Allison. I also love that even though this really is a mafia book, it doesn’t read like most do. It feels much more emotionally mature and we see the dark romance aspects displayed differently than some of the usual plot devices used. We also get ZERO sex in these two books, so the slow-burn is real - and it’s very well done. No SMUT needed; the story is emotionally intense and really beautiful.
My main complaint is, honestly, that the big plot twist we eventually get to (both in book one and in book two) is pretty obvious from the get-go, so it doesn’t necessarily hit quite as hard as it could.
Otherwise, I loved this and it’s in my top reads of the year. Seriously looking forward to book 3!
July 29, 2022
Meadow by April Skye is book two in the Graves Crime Syndicate series. This one starts off right where book one left off. We now know who the target of the shooting was and figure out a game plan. I just love the way Blue-Eyes, Vyk, David, and Huxley take such good care of their girl. This does end with a bit of a cliff hanger. Some triggers. Really looking forward to reading the next one!
January 2, 2023
That cliffy!!!!
Wow you really know how to end a book and keep the reader wanting more! There is so much emotion wrapped up in these books. The grief and guilt but also the recovery and love. Its just beautiful to see unfold. I've said it before but I love the different personalities that each of the guys have. And while the fmc is kind of cynical, I mean who wouldn't be, I think she is a great lead. Honestly I understand her type of humor and I personally thought her quips were funny. This woman has been through so much but has still found a way to move forward. I also wanted to add that the dreams with her and Devon are amazing, I love that aspect. So one of my theories was correct but I didn't anticipate the rest of it...now its just reading the final book to see exactly how far the corruption and lies went!
Wow you really know how to end a book and keep the reader wanting more! There is so much emotion wrapped up in these books. The grief and guilt but also the recovery and love. Its just beautiful to see unfold. I've said it before but I love the different personalities that each of the guys have. And while the fmc is kind of cynical, I mean who wouldn't be, I think she is a great lead. Honestly I understand her type of humor and I personally thought her quips were funny. This woman has been through so much but has still found a way to move forward. I also wanted to add that the dreams with her and Devon are amazing, I love that aspect. So one of my theories was correct but I didn't anticipate the rest of it...now its just reading the final book to see exactly how far the corruption and lies went!
August 1, 2022
Slowly killing me...in the best way
Not going to lie. This series is definitely on the more emotional side of books I normally read. Tears are pouring at times. The dreams Allison has with Devon leave tiny tears in my heart each time they happen. This story is so darn well written. The heartbreak, guilt, hope, despair, love, IS EVERYTHING. That ending scene was so intense, beautiful, terrifying, sweet. I cannot wait to to see what happens next. Great job April Skye! You have something really special happening here.
Not going to lie. This series is definitely on the more emotional side of books I normally read. Tears are pouring at times. The dreams Allison has with Devon leave tiny tears in my heart each time they happen. This story is so darn well written. The heartbreak, guilt, hope, despair, love, IS EVERYTHING. That ending scene was so intense, beautiful, terrifying, sweet. I cannot wait to to see what happens next. Great job April Skye! You have something really special happening here.
December 12, 2023
Book two was slightly more tolerable.
The Ashley situation was stupid. All this OMG IT'S AN EMERGENCY! SHE NEEDS A DOCTOR, bullshit, was just that.
Trust me, you will see.
I guess I am going to check the last book... Ya know, since I have come.this.far....
The Ashley situation was stupid. All this OMG IT'S AN EMERGENCY! SHE NEEDS A DOCTOR, bullshit, was just that.
Trust me, you will see.
I guess I am going to check the last book... Ya know, since I have come.this.far....
August 12, 2022
Amazing!!!!!!!
This series has it all!!!! Allison is an awesome FMC and each one of these wonderful men compliment her personality in some way!! I just adore Devon, and grieve right along side of Allison that this wonderful man was taken from her. The storyline is so good and the writing flows beautifully. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
This series has it all!!!! Allison is an awesome FMC and each one of these wonderful men compliment her personality in some way!! I just adore Devon, and grieve right along side of Allison that this wonderful man was taken from her. The storyline is so good and the writing flows beautifully. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
September 5, 2022
I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll keep it very general. I was already falling in love with these 4 guys in book one and book 2 really just gave them a permanent place in my heart! Wonderfully written! The relationships that are built are so incredible. The growth from Allison and how she’s learning to deal with her grief is heart wrenching and beautiful. I felt the full gambit of emotions once again and I couldn’t put this one down! Can’t wait for book 3!!!
August 2, 2022
This book was so good! I love the portrayal of grief through Allison. I love how she finds courage and strength to fight, even when she doesn't want to. I LOVE her guys and how they're such a stable foundation for her to process and work through her pain and find her new reality.
I'm still blown away that this is from a brand new author. I love this story, the characters, the sweetness of their relationships, and mostly I'm just so excited to see where it's going to go!
I'm still blown away that this is from a brand new author. I love this story, the characters, the sweetness of their relationships, and mostly I'm just so excited to see where it's going to go!
July 29, 2022
Intense and Emotional
Allison and the guys have my heart! Seeing her go through the next steps in her grief journey, you can feel the depression through the pages in the first half of the book. She isn't angry, just numb, and the guys never judge her for that. Love it! Can't wait for the next!
Allison and the guys have my heart! Seeing her go through the next steps in her grief journey, you can feel the depression through the pages in the first half of the book. She isn't angry, just numb, and the guys never judge her for that. Love it! Can't wait for the next!
September 23, 2022
OH MY GOSH!!! I THOUGHT IT COULDN'T GET BETTER, and I was wrong! 😭😭😭 The emotional depth of Allison is wonderful. How she struggles with her depression is so spot on. I love that April is able to so clearly explain how dark someone with mental health issues can feel. My heart was so heavy during this book. I mean that in the best possible way. How she is trying to balance her conflicted emotions, BEAUTIFUL ❤️. April is a master with her words. Thank you so much for sharing these characters' stories with us. 😍😍 To get back to the book, I love that we get more daddy David, and watching how the boys are trying to work to make their found family brings me so much joy. My only complaint...HOW DARE YOU END THE BOOK ON A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THAT??? 🤬🤬 I CANT WAIT TILL November 😭😭
November 7, 2022
8- Why were they the target… I sense shady shit Devon
12- imaginary Devon gaslighting??
“For you, momma”😍😍😍
18- YAY STAYYYYYYY
33-step daddy Huxley 🤤🤤
I am in favor of a pentouple(poly???)
“ none of my darkness would of rubbed off on her” 🥺
-All these men are my dreammmmn
“It’s so scary thinking that there could be a version of him that doesn’t love me” WOW APRIL the knife is lodging in my heart
" They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies."
I wanna be in bed between hux and lach
153- claim her hux!!! But also share
“I want you all” ME TOO ALLISON
These men make me swoon!!
“It was easy to blame the River when it hurt you “ POWERFULL
257- DAVID SPICE THANK GOD
268- dreamboat Matthew🥹
271- I feel like Devon has the power to talk Allison to be ok with loving the boys
295- “use me …. Interpret that as needed”☺️😍😍😍
Mercer.. Brittney, Devon…. All connected
I LOVE LACH!!!!
THEY BUILT A NURSERY !! OMFG please let me live in this world 🥹🥹
336-JUMP ON THE VIKING🤤🤤
They are all so understanding of her
341-MATTHEWWWW
343-David☺️☺️
April you have THE BEST written male characters I’ve ever read
404- she’s finally talking to Devon about the boys!!
415- girl don’t give birth in the houseeee
438- HUX I SWEAR TO GOD YOU BETTER BE ALIVE.
453- OH THANK GOD
460- OMG
APRIL YOU KEEP OUTDOING YOURSELF!!!!
12- imaginary Devon gaslighting??
“For you, momma”😍😍😍
18- YAY STAYYYYYYY
33-step daddy Huxley 🤤🤤
I am in favor of a pentouple(poly???)
“ none of my darkness would of rubbed off on her” 🥺
-All these men are my dreammmmn
“It’s so scary thinking that there could be a version of him that doesn’t love me” WOW APRIL the knife is lodging in my heart
" They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies."
I wanna be in bed between hux and lach
153- claim her hux!!! But also share
“I want you all” ME TOO ALLISON
These men make me swoon!!
“It was easy to blame the River when it hurt you “ POWERFULL
257- DAVID SPICE THANK GOD
268- dreamboat Matthew🥹
271- I feel like Devon has the power to talk Allison to be ok with loving the boys
295- “use me …. Interpret that as needed”☺️😍😍😍
Mercer.. Brittney, Devon…. All connected
I LOVE LACH!!!!
THEY BUILT A NURSERY !! OMFG please let me live in this world 🥹🥹
336-JUMP ON THE VIKING🤤🤤
They are all so understanding of her
341-MATTHEWWWW
343-David☺️☺️
April you have THE BEST written male characters I’ve ever read
404- she’s finally talking to Devon about the boys!!
415- girl don’t give birth in the houseeee
438- HUX I SWEAR TO GOD YOU BETTER BE ALIVE.
453- OH THANK GOD
460- OMG
APRIL YOU KEEP OUTDOING YOURSELF!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
oh my heart
Sometimes i want to read a book that will just tear my heart open. This is that book. The love that Allison and Devon have is unmatched - my heart breaks for them. With that said, the love that her guys have shown her has slowly mended my shattered heart back together. This is an excellent read.
Sometimes i want to read a book that will just tear my heart open. This is that book. The love that Allison and Devon have is unmatched - my heart breaks for them. With that said, the love that her guys have shown her has slowly mended my shattered heart back together. This is an excellent read.
July 30, 2022
much better
This book was much more smoother than the first. I didn’t notice any of the grammatical and formatting mistakes like I did in the first one. The progression from a widow to finding love again is beautifully done. I love the uniqueness of each character and what they bring to the table. I’m glad I decided to go ahead and keep reading this series.
This book was much more smoother than the first. I didn’t notice any of the grammatical and formatting mistakes like I did in the first one. The progression from a widow to finding love again is beautifully done. I love the uniqueness of each character and what they bring to the table. I’m glad I decided to go ahead and keep reading this series.
August 3, 2022
Graves Widow 2
Book two continues where book one left. Following the progression of her pregnancy. Her getting closer to the guys. Her dream times with Devon. The fact that her and Devon were the targets instead of Huxley. How everything might be connected to David’s sisters kidnapping. Devon boss is smack dab in middle. Thought this was last book, lol I was wrong.
Book two continues where book one left. Following the progression of her pregnancy. Her getting closer to the guys. Her dream times with Devon. The fact that her and Devon were the targets instead of Huxley. How everything might be connected to David’s sisters kidnapping. Devon boss is smack dab in middle. Thought this was last book, lol I was wrong.
May 1, 2023
Review at book 3
October 3, 2022
So good! Even better than the Widow. Can't wait until the next book comes out!
February 3, 2024
The hunt is on for the culprit behind Devon's death. It seems it went deeper than an gang related shooting. Allison and her husband were targeted that night and Huxley just got in the way unlike what they originally thought. Now Allison is having to figure out who might have an axe to grind against her beautiful golden retriever of a husband. She comes up empty but she couldn't shake the man she had helped kill's words: the mission was only partially complete. Will she be able to figure out who could possibly hate her budding family so much that they would hire a gang member to kill them?
Add in that Allison is starting to confront her feelings for the men in her life. All of them. She can't choose just one to fall for, she needs them all. She wants them all. And with the guidance of her dream meetings with her deceased husband she starts to confront the fact that the attraction is there and all of them are feeling the same. But is it too soon? What would their lives look like once she had her baby? Would she be able to keep living with them even after the birth of her daughter? And would she be able to share her heart with anyone but the man who died only months before?
I have no idea what April Skye's writing process is but I highly encourage her to keep it up. I have never dipped into a series and not had the second book in the serious drop a bit in my eyes. Usually there is just something in the writing, the characters, or the mystery that just becomes dull so I have to succumb to the inevitable four-star curse that good books usually fall under (they're not amazing but still great reads). But this author has a gift of keeping that romance thick and heady while also injecting some mystery and intrigue that you may see a bit of which coming but you never fully get the entire picture until you get to the last page of the book. It's truly astounding.
I will say that I loved Allison taking tiny steps with each of the men to let herself heal and feel again for the men surrounding her. But her interactions with David and Matthew are my personal favorites. I love that David is a bit closed off with everyone except Allison. With her he opens himself up and actually lets himself feel things. Matthew is the same. He is too overcome with PTSD and rage to function most days but Allison grounds him. The way they will press their foreheads together and just breathe each other in so he can steady himself, good lord, chef's kiss perfection. That is not to discount Huxley or Lachlan, but I love me some damaged kings.
Even though Allison is a bit of a crier I don't find it as annoying as I have in other books when I had a weepy woman. Maybe it is because I can understand the grieving process that she is going through after losing my grandfather in September 2023. I watch her consumed with her grief and my heart breaks for her. Even when she is weepy just for the sake of being weepy. I just want to flick all the dudes in the forehead and hug her myself. The love she has for her husband is palpable and I have no idea how the author captured the grieving process so adequately and can only hope it's not from personal experience she draws her inspiration from.
I think this series will go down as one of my favorites of all time and I will need to purchase physical copies so I may lend out to friends and family. April Skye you dastardly devil, you've locked me in as a permanent fan of your writing. Keep them coming!
January 17, 2023
“You’re ours, and we’re yours. Whether that means putting a bullet in someone’s head, pulling you out of a nightmare, or simply showing up, you have us; without having to ask or doubt.”
The way this author goes about things is just brilliant. It’s such a hard subject to work around especially introducing new love interests after Devon and with Allison carrying his baby. I’m just so in love with the current dynamics with Allison and the guys. I absolutely adore each and everyone of them 🥹 the storyline unravels some more and keeps you on the edge of your seat…. I was hoping that happened at the end!! 😁😁 I am dyingggg to see what the guys are all like with “her” when she is born. It’s going to be EVERYTHING!!!!!! 😭😭
This time, Weston gets a big shout out!!! Omg, I had an inkling from Widow that I would really grow to like him.. and I was correct! I absolutely adore him 🥹 we get to see a lot more of him throughout this book. The bond he builds with Allison is everything, what he did for her and Devon, Devons meadow 🥹❤️ And the wise words he says to to the guys is what we are all thinking and so glad he has voiced them!!🙌🏼😂 normally we are all left frustrated shouting at the book hoping the guys will hear us and take our advice 🤣 we love you Weston!! AKA pops ❤️
“I only hope that someday, you can love me just a fraction of how much you loved him.”
I am sooo ready for the next book. I’ve just took a sneak peak and it’s called Juniper!!! 😭if you know, you know ❤️
“I love you. I will always love you, and I’m so sorry you couldn’t be here for this. But I promise that she’ll still know you growing up. She’ll always know you.” 😭❤️
The way this author goes about things is just brilliant. It’s such a hard subject to work around especially introducing new love interests after Devon and with Allison carrying his baby. I’m just so in love with the current dynamics with Allison and the guys. I absolutely adore each and everyone of them 🥹 the storyline unravels some more and keeps you on the edge of your seat…. I was hoping that happened at the end!! 😁😁 I am dyingggg to see what the guys are all like with “her” when she is born. It’s going to be EVERYTHING!!!!!! 😭😭
This time, Weston gets a big shout out!!! Omg, I had an inkling from Widow that I would really grow to like him.. and I was correct! I absolutely adore him 🥹 we get to see a lot more of him throughout this book. The bond he builds with Allison is everything, what he did for her and Devon, Devons meadow 🥹❤️ And the wise words he says to to the guys is what we are all thinking and so glad he has voiced them!!🙌🏼😂 normally we are all left frustrated shouting at the book hoping the guys will hear us and take our advice 🤣 we love you Weston!! AKA pops ❤️
“I only hope that someday, you can love me just a fraction of how much you loved him.”
I am sooo ready for the next book. I’ve just took a sneak peak and it’s called Juniper!!! 😭if you know, you know ❤️
“I love you. I will always love you, and I’m so sorry you couldn’t be here for this. But I promise that she’ll still know you growing up. She’ll always know you.” 😭❤️
August 21, 2024
**Review Shared for series**
I wanted to LOVE this series. And I did... kinda?
There is just one major issue. It's wayyyy too long. Like probably twice as long as it needed to be. There were so many unnecessary inner monologues. Whether it was just stories that added nothing to the bigger picture, or sometimes even stories being retold in dialogue when we had already read the story in an inner monologue. Which also made it feel repetitive.
By the time I got to the third book I was skimming most of it because I was just ready for things to be resolved already. Which was unfortunately because I REALLY liked the characters and the journey they were going on.
Overall, I am still giving the series four stars because the books are GOOD. The idea behind the plot and characters is fantastic but the execution just wasn't great a lot of the time.
The twist was a bit expected for me.. but even still I LOVED it. It really added a depth to the story that it needed, life isn't black and white and this story definitely showed that.
Another minor issue was that Devon's baby was always referred to as just that "Devon's baby", even by Allison and I feel like the way she was disconnected from her child (even after she was born) wasn't healthy and was never dealt with properly. I mean the girl saw her husband murdered in front of her (and was shot herself) and never got proper therapy, even after telling the guys multiple times to just kill her already...
I wanted to LOVE this series. And I did... kinda?
There is just one major issue. It's wayyyy too long. Like probably twice as long as it needed to be. There were so many unnecessary inner monologues. Whether it was just stories that added nothing to the bigger picture, or sometimes even stories being retold in dialogue when we had already read the story in an inner monologue. Which also made it feel repetitive.
By the time I got to the third book I was skimming most of it because I was just ready for things to be resolved already. Which was unfortunately because I REALLY liked the characters and the journey they were going on.
Overall, I am still giving the series four stars because the books are GOOD. The idea behind the plot and characters is fantastic but the execution just wasn't great a lot of the time.
The twist was a bit expected for me.. but even still I LOVED it. It really added a depth to the story that it needed, life isn't black and white and this story definitely showed that.
Another minor issue was that Devon's baby was always referred to as just that "Devon's baby", even by Allison and I feel like the way she was disconnected from her child (even after she was born) wasn't healthy and was never dealt with properly. I mean the girl saw her husband murdered in front of her (and was shot herself) and never got proper therapy, even after telling the guys multiple times to just kill her already...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
.
I have absolutely no business investing this much of myself into a book that came recommended but I was determined to dislike on the premise.
I have severe abandonment issues, so just the blurb of this book should have had me running for the hills.
But I read Widow and didn’t hate. I didn’t put it down. I didn’t hate that it was a slow burn because it was needed.
And then I started to fall in love with all the characters and their development.
And while my alphahole loving heart is head over heels for Matthew, I will not be accepting anything negative said about Huxley.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴠɪʙʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ʀᴇᴀꜰꜰɪʀᴍᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅɴ’ᴛ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ ʙᴇꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄᴀʀʀʏɪɴɢ.
I am determined to finish this series today because my instalove (with at least one guy), fast burn, smut loving heart cannot take the pressure of not knowing if it’s going to be everything I need it to be. Are we even going to get smut? I don’t know and the slow burn of it all is killing me.
But this story is told so well, with so much character growth in such a short amount of time, that I know the ending is going to be everything I need it to be.
^^ oops. Classic me, waxing poetic about a book but not telling you about said book.
I could be sorry, but I’m hoping you’ll dive into the world with all the curiosity I’ve given you.
I have absolutely no business investing this much of myself into a book that came recommended but I was determined to dislike on the premise.
I have severe abandonment issues, so just the blurb of this book should have had me running for the hills.
But I read Widow and didn’t hate. I didn’t put it down. I didn’t hate that it was a slow burn because it was needed.
And then I started to fall in love with all the characters and their development.
And while my alphahole loving heart is head over heels for Matthew, I will not be accepting anything negative said about Huxley.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴠɪʙʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏɴʟʏ ʀᴇᴀꜰꜰɪʀᴍᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅɴ’ᴛ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ ʙᴇꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄᴀʀʀʏɪɴɢ.
I am determined to finish this series today because my instalove (with at least one guy), fast burn, smut loving heart cannot take the pressure of not knowing if it’s going to be everything I need it to be. Are we even going to get smut? I don’t know and the slow burn of it all is killing me.
But this story is told so well, with so much character growth in such a short amount of time, that I know the ending is going to be everything I need it to be.
^^ oops. Classic me, waxing poetic about a book but not telling you about said book.
I could be sorry, but I’m hoping you’ll dive into the world with all the curiosity I’ve given you.
June 6, 2024
Bloody hell, this book!! Meadow was incredible!!! I absolutely adore the dynamics that developed, and continue to develop, between Allison and each of her men including Devon.
[SPOILER!] I love how dream-DEvon was still a part of her life even if he may have only been a manifestation of her conscience.
I laughed. I worried. I cried. I felt all the love that transpired between all the characters. This book evoked a roller coaster of emotions from me and had me talking out loud to the characters as if they could hear me.
I love that all the weapon and military stuff didn't seem fake or just fluff. April Skye did her homework and delivered that acquired knowledge in this amazing book. I felt myself smiling whenever I about the pew pews because it's also what I've been taught.
Widow and Meadow have put their stakes on my book heart. I am most certain that Juniper will, too.
[SPOILER!] I love how dream-DEvon was still a part of her life even if he may have only been a manifestation of her conscience.
I laughed. I worried. I cried. I felt all the love that transpired between all the characters. This book evoked a roller coaster of emotions from me and had me talking out loud to the characters as if they could hear me.
I love that all the weapon and military stuff didn't seem fake or just fluff. April Skye did her homework and delivered that acquired knowledge in this amazing book. I felt myself smiling whenever I about the pew pews because it's also what I've been taught.
Widow and Meadow have put their stakes on my book heart. I am most certain that Juniper will, too.
July 2, 2024
4.5⭐️
The roller coaster of a story for these characters just doesn’t stop lmao.
Meadow picks up right where Widow left off — Allison is still struggling with her grief, the news she learned at the end of book 1, and then dealing with her ever growing feelings for Matt, David, Huxley, and Lachlan.
They are still trying to uncover answers and take care of her as she is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Without sharing too much — this story is a steady pace and then all of a sudden it picks up quickly the last 20% !!
Lots unravel at the end and it gets v interesting.
My biggest thing I don’t love is that we have had like NO spice — there was one O… but it’s been tough out here 🫠😅🥲😂
These men are hot af so I know we will get something in book 3 or I will be unwell. IMMA need to see Matt and his grumpy side take over stat 🥵
The roller coaster of a story for these characters just doesn’t stop lmao.
Meadow picks up right where Widow left off — Allison is still struggling with her grief, the news she learned at the end of book 1, and then dealing with her ever growing feelings for Matt, David, Huxley, and Lachlan.
They are still trying to uncover answers and take care of her as she is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Without sharing too much — this story is a steady pace and then all of a sudden it picks up quickly the last 20% !!
Lots unravel at the end and it gets v interesting.
My biggest thing I don’t love is that we have had like NO spice — there was one O… but it’s been tough out here 🫠😅🥲😂
These men are hot af so I know we will get something in book 3 or I will be unwell. IMMA need to see Matt and his grumpy side take over stat 🥵
June 27, 2025
meadow
I liked it better than the first book. A lot has happened and I was concerned for Allison’s mental health. Plot twists and kisses and an orgasm😂🤭. It’s a really slow burn but Allison is learning to try to get back into love and dating with the four guys. I knew it was a baby girl and not a boy:) we now know who’s responsible for killing Devon and almost killing Allison:/ stupid bosses😤. I wonder if she’s going to name the baby Jane like she mentioned in her dream state with Devon. I wouldn’t personally name my child Jane but it’s whatever lol. I’m getting used to the nicknames Angle, Hurricane, Momma and Little Banshee. I was scared if Huxley didn’t come back when Allison screamed his name but then at the end he killed Aaron☺️. Onto book 3 the last one.
I liked it better than the first book. A lot has happened and I was concerned for Allison’s mental health. Plot twists and kisses and an orgasm😂🤭. It’s a really slow burn but Allison is learning to try to get back into love and dating with the four guys. I knew it was a baby girl and not a boy:) we now know who’s responsible for killing Devon and almost killing Allison:/ stupid bosses😤. I wonder if she’s going to name the baby Jane like she mentioned in her dream state with Devon. I wouldn’t personally name my child Jane but it’s whatever lol. I’m getting used to the nicknames Angle, Hurricane, Momma and Little Banshee. I was scared if Huxley didn’t come back when Allison screamed his name but then at the end he killed Aaron☺️. Onto book 3 the last one.
October 24, 2022
(SPOILERS)
The second book of the Graves Crime Syndicate is so well done! I loved the pacing, the emotion, the stages of grief that Allison goes through as she figures out how to move on from her husband... Ugh. It's so good. I had to take some breaks because I would get so sucked into the story that it would make me react emotionally at home, and as a freshly-married woman, it made me hug my husband close.
I absolutely adore all the men, I love the story, and I can't WAIT for the third book!!
The second book of the Graves Crime Syndicate is so well done! I loved the pacing, the emotion, the stages of grief that Allison goes through as she figures out how to move on from her husband... Ugh. It's so good. I had to take some breaks because I would get so sucked into the story that it would make me react emotionally at home, and as a freshly-married woman, it made me hug my husband close.
I absolutely adore all the men, I love the story, and I can't WAIT for the third book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Pure brilliance!
An absolutely amazing story. Is it slow burn yes it is in every way but it's not about their intimate moments it's the storyline. It's reading how Allison overcomes the worst imaginable grief possible, the tentative steps she takes whilst growing her baby, the walls crumbling down of each man she is involved. It's about allowing yourself to love again when you just wanted to end it. I can't wait to read the final book where answers will be given and they'll all get to come together as a family.
An absolutely amazing story. Is it slow burn yes it is in every way but it's not about their intimate moments it's the storyline. It's reading how Allison overcomes the worst imaginable grief possible, the tentative steps she takes whilst growing her baby, the walls crumbling down of each man she is involved. It's about allowing yourself to love again when you just wanted to end it. I can't wait to read the final book where answers will be given and they'll all get to come together as a family.
October 29, 2023
Please write more
I'm in love with this series.
It's now on my to buy in paperback list.
I have hit every single emotional peak through the 3 books, laughed and cried along with the characters.
The absolute depth that is carried out through this series is amazing, and I just want more like it.
From the first pages of Widow, to the final pages of Juniper, I was captured.
I wish I could read this series again, not knowing what was coming, to experience it all over again.
I love it.
April, you are a genius.
I'm in love with this series.
It's now on my to buy in paperback list.
I have hit every single emotional peak through the 3 books, laughed and cried along with the characters.
The absolute depth that is carried out through this series is amazing, and I just want more like it.
From the first pages of Widow, to the final pages of Juniper, I was captured.
I wish I could read this series again, not knowing what was coming, to experience it all over again.
I love it.
April, you are a genius.
August 20, 2024
Meadow
This series just keeps getting better! I am flying through these books because they are so good. I continue to be desperate for more answers. One of the best things about these books is the way April Skye writes them. Her writing is so intense when it comes to these characters’ emotions that you are reacting with them. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this family!
⭐️: 4.5/5
🌶️: 0.5/5
This series just keeps getting better! I am flying through these books because they are so good. I continue to be desperate for more answers. One of the best things about these books is the way April Skye writes them. Her writing is so intense when it comes to these characters’ emotions that you are reacting with them. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this family!
⭐️: 4.5/5
🌶️: 0.5/5
July 5, 2023
Loved loved story
This was such a riveting book. I usually tend to go dark romance but was hooked on Widow within first few chapters so this was an easy transition. Book sucked me in for the ride. Would I have liked more romance absolutely but such an emotional story I still thoroughly enjoyed it without that. A great read
This was such a riveting book. I usually tend to go dark romance but was hooked on Widow within first few chapters so this was an easy transition. Book sucked me in for the ride. Would I have liked more romance absolutely but such an emotional story I still thoroughly enjoyed it without that. A great read
April 2, 2025
DNF 60%
Do you know what’s worse than listening to people’s dreams in real life? Reading about people’s dreams in books. So many of Allison’s pov chapters start with her having dreams about her dead husband and I physically cannot read another one.
60% in and she’s only kissed 3 of the guys so far, they’ve talked and are seeing where things go while being patient with her emotional healing.
Do you know what’s worse than listening to people’s dreams in real life? Reading about people’s dreams in books. So many of Allison’s pov chapters start with her having dreams about her dead husband and I physically cannot read another one.
60% in and she’s only kissed 3 of the guys so far, they’ve talked and are seeing where things go while being patient with her emotional healing.
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