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Shades of Sin #7
Acedia
Although she’s spent her life in the human realm, Iris has always lived in the shadows.
When the chance to escape presents itself, it seems too good to pass up. Even if it means traveling to another realm—a realm filled with mysterious monsters, no less.
Anything is better than this, right?
Damen is everyone’s favorite prince. Charming, funny, and quick to bring levity to any situation.
But everyone who’s close to him knows that Damen is capable of being so much more. Their opinions have never mattered too much to him before, because why make life hard when it could be easy?
Until he meets someone whose opinion is everything to him. Who has never had life easy. Who believes in him more than he believes in himself.
For Iris, there’s no obstacle Damen won’t face.
Acedia is the final book in the Shades of Sin series, featuring humans and their not-quite-so-human partners. For readers 18+
Author’s note: I recommend you read the series in order of release for the best reading experience. Book one is Luxuria.
When the chance to escape presents itself, it seems too good to pass up. Even if it means traveling to another realm—a realm filled with mysterious monsters, no less.
Anything is better than this, right?
Damen is everyone’s favorite prince. Charming, funny, and quick to bring levity to any situation.
But everyone who’s close to him knows that Damen is capable of being so much more. Their opinions have never mattered too much to him before, because why make life hard when it could be easy?
Until he meets someone whose opinion is everything to him. Who has never had life easy. Who believes in him more than he believes in himself.
For Iris, there’s no obstacle Damen won’t face.
Acedia is the final book in the Shades of Sin series, featuring humans and their not-quite-so-human partners. For readers 18+
Author’s note: I recommend you read the series in order of release for the best reading experience. Book one is Luxuria.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2024
101 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Colette Rhodes
36 books1,804 followersColette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work.
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 5, 2025
4 ⭐️ It’s a bittersweet feeling ending this series 😭 I’ll miss everyone!
"I've been imprisoned my entire life. The shadows are going to set me free."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ book 7 (standalone)
✨ monster romance
✨ shades x hunters
✨ he's the carefree brother of the king of shades
✨ she's the naive, secret daughter of the Hunter's counsel ex-leader
✨ sunshine x sunshine
✨ he falls first, well, instantly
✨ friends to lovers
✨ slow burn
✨ virgin FMC
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ shadow play, period sex
✨ he calls her "princess"
✨ size difference
✨ fated mates
✨ blind representation
✨ HEA
✨ Sweet epilogue 🫶
✨ TW: childhood neglect
My Thoughts:
I absolutely adore Iris and Damen! They're both the sweetest individuals who either were overlooked or not taken seriously, so now they are on a journey of self discovery and learning their potential and purpose in the world. I like that while they go on this journey individually, they find it together thanks to each other's encouragement and never-ending belief and support.
Iris's story definitely had my heart breaking for her. She's so gentle and kind even though her own family kept her locked away and hidden for years. She is a bit naive but her determination to learn and become independent is admirable. Her ability to see the best in people is a true superpower, and I love that she brings out the best versions of those around her.
Damen is the best and fucking hysterical. Ever since book one, I knew he'd be my favorite Shade. He is the epitome of a golden retriever MC and is blessed with optimism that never wavers. He immediately is 'in love' and obsessed with Iris, so he makes her his entire universe. And even when she rejects his marriage proposal (and for good reason since she only knew his for a week), he becomes even more determined to win her over and make her his wife. He's just so charming, a little naive, and sure about his feelings for Iris - it's adorable and sexy. I also laughed so much reading Damen's POV and seeing how his mind works.
It was also nice seeing Damen finally find his place in the shadow realm. For so long, he's been self-indulgent and directionless, but Iris's encouragement and belief in him makes him realize he has the potential for greater things.
The romance was a slow burn and well worth the wait. They needed to get to know each other and themselves before they were ready for a real relationship. And while this was a friends to lovers romance, it was very lust heavy since Damen is basically in love with Iris from the second he laid eyes on her, and even if her feelings took a little more time to develop, she was definitely horny for him early on. I loved the sexual tension and the actual spice was explosive! A bit kinky with the shadow play and her wanting to be dominated.
The sex was hot, and happened at 75%. Definition of a slow burn. There are about four other sex scenes that are explicit, but I do wish they were a bit longer. I could have read pages and pages about these two.
I almost wish Iris and Dame's story hadn't been the last book. Some of the other books hardly have any Hunter x Shade politics, but this one seemed to have a bit more just because it was the final book in the series and things needed to be wrapped up. Because of this, it did feel like it took them a while to develop their relationship vs if their romance was the sole focus. And since I really love them as a couple, I would have liked that more.
Overall, this is a wonderful story and a great end to the Shades of Sin series. I'm so sad it's over but I plan on revisiting these characters and their love stories over and over again. Especially via audiobooks.
-
Shades of Sin Series + Ratings:
1. Luxuria: 5 ⭐️
2. Superbia: 3 ⭐️
3. Gula: 3 ⭐️
3.5. Tristitia: 4 ⭐️
4. Avaritia: 4 ⭐️
5. Invidia: 3.5 ⭐️
6. Ira: 3 ⭐️
7. Acedia: 4 ⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
"I would like someone who took me seriously at least some of the time despite my cheerful personality, who wasn't either intimidated by my title or disappointed that I'd never challenged Allerick for the top spot, and who would let me lick their pussy for several hours of the day. Was that really too much to ask?"
_______
It wasn't a sensation I'd ever experienced before, so I surmised that I must be in love with her. What else could it possibly be?
_______
It must be nice to have someone to desecrate important state rooms with.
_______
"I've met my wife."
"You've . . . what? Who?"
_______
"You're not to propose to her."
"What?! Why not?"
_______
Iris smiled up at me and everything bad about my morning immediately dissipated as though it had never been.
_______
Maybe, I could figure out how to get Iris to fall in love with me.
_______
There wasn't a single thing on this earth Iris could do that would disappoint me. She owned me, body and soul.
_______
Iris needed to fall in love with me. It was imperative.
_______
"'You're mine in all the ways that matter, Iris. I'm not letting you go."
_______
"I've been imprisoned my entire life. The shadows are going to set me free."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ book 7 (standalone)
✨ monster romance
✨ shades x hunters
✨ he's the carefree brother of the king of shades
✨ she's the naive, secret daughter of the Hunter's counsel ex-leader
✨ sunshine x sunshine
✨ he falls first, well, instantly
✨ friends to lovers
✨ slow burn
✨ virgin FMC
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ shadow play, period sex
✨ he calls her "princess"
✨ size difference
✨ fated mates
✨ blind representation
✨ HEA
✨ Sweet epilogue 🫶
✨ TW: childhood neglect
My Thoughts:
I absolutely adore Iris and Damen! They're both the sweetest individuals who either were overlooked or not taken seriously, so now they are on a journey of self discovery and learning their potential and purpose in the world. I like that while they go on this journey individually, they find it together thanks to each other's encouragement and never-ending belief and support.
Iris's story definitely had my heart breaking for her. She's so gentle and kind even though her own family kept her locked away and hidden for years. She is a bit naive but her determination to learn and become independent is admirable. Her ability to see the best in people is a true superpower, and I love that she brings out the best versions of those around her.
Damen is the best and fucking hysterical. Ever since book one, I knew he'd be my favorite Shade. He is the epitome of a golden retriever MC and is blessed with optimism that never wavers. He immediately is 'in love' and obsessed with Iris, so he makes her his entire universe. And even when she rejects his marriage proposal (and for good reason since she only knew his for a week), he becomes even more determined to win her over and make her his wife. He's just so charming, a little naive, and sure about his feelings for Iris - it's adorable and sexy. I also laughed so much reading Damen's POV and seeing how his mind works.
It was also nice seeing Damen finally find his place in the shadow realm. For so long, he's been self-indulgent and directionless, but Iris's encouragement and belief in him makes him realize he has the potential for greater things.
The romance was a slow burn and well worth the wait. They needed to get to know each other and themselves before they were ready for a real relationship. And while this was a friends to lovers romance, it was very lust heavy since Damen is basically in love with Iris from the second he laid eyes on her, and even if her feelings took a little more time to develop, she was definitely horny for him early on. I loved the sexual tension and the actual spice was explosive! A bit kinky with the shadow play and her wanting to be dominated.
The sex was hot, and happened at 75%. Definition of a slow burn. There are about four other sex scenes that are explicit, but I do wish they were a bit longer. I could have read pages and pages about these two.
I almost wish Iris and Dame's story hadn't been the last book. Some of the other books hardly have any Hunter x Shade politics, but this one seemed to have a bit more just because it was the final book in the series and things needed to be wrapped up. Because of this, it did feel like it took them a while to develop their relationship vs if their romance was the sole focus. And since I really love them as a couple, I would have liked that more.
Overall, this is a wonderful story and a great end to the Shades of Sin series. I'm so sad it's over but I plan on revisiting these characters and their love stories over and over again. Especially via audiobooks.
-
Shades of Sin Series + Ratings:
1. Luxuria: 5 ⭐️
2. Superbia: 3 ⭐️
3. Gula: 3 ⭐️
3.5. Tristitia: 4 ⭐️
4. Avaritia: 4 ⭐️
5. Invidia: 3.5 ⭐️
6. Ira: 3 ⭐️
7. Acedia: 4 ⭐️
-
Favorite Quotes:
"I would like someone who took me seriously at least some of the time despite my cheerful personality, who wasn't either intimidated by my title or disappointed that I'd never challenged Allerick for the top spot, and who would let me lick their pussy for several hours of the day. Was that really too much to ask?"
_______
It wasn't a sensation I'd ever experienced before, so I surmised that I must be in love with her. What else could it possibly be?
_______
It must be nice to have someone to desecrate important state rooms with.
_______
"I've met my wife."
"You've . . . what? Who?"
_______
"You're not to propose to her."
"What?! Why not?"
_______
Iris smiled up at me and everything bad about my morning immediately dissipated as though it had never been.
_______
Maybe, I could figure out how to get Iris to fall in love with me.
_______
There wasn't a single thing on this earth Iris could do that would disappoint me. She owned me, body and soul.
_______
Iris needed to fall in love with me. It was imperative.
_______
"'You're mine in all the ways that matter, Iris. I'm not letting you go."
_______
January 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
🖤 I’m so sad this series is over but Iris and Damen were the perfect couple to end with. I wish we had gotten a longer epilogue but I’m happy we got one at all. If the author ever decides to do a spin off series, I’ll be so happy!
💫✨💖“How does he look at me?” “Like you’re his center of gravity. Like the sun rises and sets with you. Like nothing in the world matters but your happiness.💞💫✨
🖤 I’m so sad this series is over but Iris and Damen were the perfect couple to end with. I wish we had gotten a longer epilogue but I’m happy we got one at all. If the author ever decides to do a spin off series, I’ll be so happy!
💫✨💖“How does he look at me?” “Like you’re his center of gravity. Like the sun rises and sets with you. Like nothing in the world matters but your happiness.💞💫✨
November 7, 2025
i’ve wanted Damen’s book since his introduction in Luxuria. having to wait six books is CRUEL
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Iris Nash (26) | Damen (?)
FEATURES
∘ fantasy romance (shade/shadow-esque mmc)
∘ royal mmc
∘ mate bond
∘ “im gonna marry her” after first meeting her
∘ disability rep
REVIEW
The series has changed drastically from book one to book seven. Luxuria introduced a world and conflict between the shades and hunters that, while interesting, faded into the background as we read through the same timeframe with each installment.
I liked Iris. I liked Damen. I even liked them together. But it felt juvenile and surface-level, even as they evolved. “She didn’t talk to me like I was a prince” (paraphrasing here) doesn’t hit that hard when nobody did, AND when everyone around Damen was constantly dogpiling on him.
TO ME, there was an undercurrent of patronization when it came to Iris’s blindness. Perhaps it wouldn’t have read that way if they hadn’t all treated her like she was this beautifully delicate and pure thing by excluding her from decisions that involved her and by telling her how kind and brave she was.
Media—and people in general—has a tendency to infantilize disabled characters, and Colette Rhodes did fight against that bias, but because of Iris’s sheltered upbringing, she ended up feeling childish anyway, ergo reinforcing the stereotype. A quote from when her grandmother passed:
She is 26.
This characterization did fade once she moved to the shadow realm, but it stuck in my mind the entire time.
I know this review hasn’t been the most complimentary, but I did find enjoyment in the book. Acedia had the difficult task of concluding a series-long conflict and introducing a love story. Even if it warred with this concept, it managed to do both of these things. This world is an interesting one that I would revisit in the future. There’s a lot of potential left to explore.
OW/OM DRAMA none, but some sprinklings of lighthearted jealousy from Damen
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP none
ENDING HEA — five years later epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 2.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Iris Nash (26) | Damen (?)
FEATURES
∘ fantasy romance (shade/shadow-esque mmc)
∘ royal mmc
∘ mate bond
∘ “im gonna marry her” after first meeting her
∘ disability rep
REVIEW
The series has changed drastically from book one to book seven. Luxuria introduced a world and conflict between the shades and hunters that, while interesting, faded into the background as we read through the same timeframe with each installment.
I liked Iris. I liked Damen. I even liked them together. But it felt juvenile and surface-level, even as they evolved. “She didn’t talk to me like I was a prince” (paraphrasing here) doesn’t hit that hard when nobody did, AND when everyone around Damen was constantly dogpiling on him.
TO ME, there was an undercurrent of patronization when it came to Iris’s blindness. Perhaps it wouldn’t have read that way if they hadn’t all treated her like she was this beautifully delicate and pure thing by excluding her from decisions that involved her and by telling her how kind and brave she was.
Media—and people in general—has a tendency to infantilize disabled characters, and Colette Rhodes did fight against that bias, but because of Iris’s sheltered upbringing, she ended up feeling childish anyway, ergo reinforcing the stereotype. A quote from when her grandmother passed:
“Mommy is yelling,” I whispered, kneeling down next to the bed, still holding her hand. “Mommy and Giles are fighting. Wake up, Nana. I don’t know what to do. What am I meant to do?”
She is 26.
This characterization did fade once she moved to the shadow realm, but it stuck in my mind the entire time.
I know this review hasn’t been the most complimentary, but I did find enjoyment in the book. Acedia had the difficult task of concluding a series-long conflict and introducing a love story. Even if it warred with this concept, it managed to do both of these things. This world is an interesting one that I would revisit in the future. There’s a lot of potential left to explore.
OW/OM DRAMA none, but some sprinklings of lighthearted jealousy from Damen
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP none
ENDING HEA — five years later epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 2.5 / 5
January 24, 2025
3/5 stars ⭐
I think my hopes were too high for Damen 😭 honestly, my least favorite of the series and I'm so sad it was the last. Not a fan of a super innocent FMC and this felt more plot forward and self discovery driven over romance. At least I'll always have Luxuria and Avaritia to return to ❤️
*Spoilers below*
POV: Dual POV, first person, past tense
Romance Type: Instalusty followed by slow burn
Series Info: Shades of Sin #7. Can be read as a standalone but the others in the series are better imo
Trope(s): Monster romance, he falls first, instalove followed by friends to lovers, disability rep (blind), virgin fmc who was locked away her whole life, fated mates
Ending: HEA
Triggers: Listed at the beginning
OW/OM: No cheating
Steam: Open door
# of times: 3-4
I think my hopes were too high for Damen 😭 honestly, my least favorite of the series and I'm so sad it was the last. Not a fan of a super innocent FMC and this felt more plot forward and self discovery driven over romance. At least I'll always have Luxuria and Avaritia to return to ❤️
*Spoilers below*
POV: Dual POV, first person, past tense
Romance Type: Instalusty followed by slow burn
Series Info: Shades of Sin #7. Can be read as a standalone but the others in the series are better imo
Trope(s): Monster romance, he falls first, instalove followed by friends to lovers, disability rep (blind), virgin fmc who was locked away her whole life, fated mates
Ending: HEA
Triggers: Listed at the beginning
OW/OM: No cheating
Steam: Open door
# of times: 3-4
January 12, 2025
It's definitely a bittersweet ending for many reasons.
This book was better than I expected, taking into account my critiques from books fourth through sixth. This one definitely took me back to the promising potential of the first two books. I really wished I could've gotten more of this because these books - or most of them - have wonderful characters, but the story is scarce which in turn makes things drag (especially when we got the same timeline repeating itself over and over again).
Main characters were likable and relatable in a way that surprised me. Both trying to figure out their way around their own aspirations while putting in question their raison d'être. The whole thing was kind of poetic and even endearing because I think a lot of us have struggled with similar topics throughout our lives, so rooting for either Iris and Damen was second nature to me.
So why three stars?
Some retcon and timeline issues.
Lenght. The second half of the book was better than the first one and much of the problems I had with that first part, I have mentioned before in previous reviews so there's no point for me to list them here.
I didn't like that Verity's abuser basically got a second chance in this realm 🤷🏻♀️ I might be petty as heck but there wasn't anything he did that would justify this character becoming such an important figure between humans and shades. Much less getting/deserving his own HEA. Screw that😐🔪
Overall, I'm glad I read this book. I'll miss some characters, but it was definitely time to put a bow on it.
This book was better than I expected, taking into account my critiques from books fourth through sixth. This one definitely took me back to the promising potential of the first two books. I really wished I could've gotten more of this because these books - or most of them - have wonderful characters, but the story is scarce which in turn makes things drag (especially when we got the same timeline repeating itself over and over again).
Main characters were likable and relatable in a way that surprised me. Both trying to figure out their way around their own aspirations while putting in question their raison d'être. The whole thing was kind of poetic and even endearing because I think a lot of us have struggled with similar topics throughout our lives, so rooting for either Iris and Damen was second nature to me.
So why three stars?
Some retcon and timeline issues.
Lenght. The second half of the book was better than the first one and much of the problems I had with that first part, I have mentioned before in previous reviews so there's no point for me to list them here.
I didn't like that Verity's abuser basically got a second chance in this realm 🤷🏻♀️ I might be petty as heck but there wasn't anything he did that would justify this character becoming such an important figure between humans and shades. Much less getting/deserving his own HEA. Screw that😐🔪
Overall, I'm glad I read this book. I'll miss some characters, but it was definitely time to put a bow on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
What a great story to close out the Shades series! I greatly enjoyed getting to know all the ex-Hunters and Shades.
In this finale, we delve into Iris' tale, with none other than the Prince Damen as her suitor. Damen spent his days in the palace rather restlessly and definitely aimlessly. Iris had been mistreated and hidden away by her terrible family, and coming to the Shades realm afforded her freedom that she never would have found in the human realm.
Damen was all in from DAY ONE, and I was lovin' it. He came off too strong, but his heart was pure. And the way he pined after Iris and absorbed every detail about her as if his life depended on it was utterly endearing. Iris stepped into her independence with an attitude of wanting to help the realm, and she inspired Damen to do better. For her. It was just the cutest.
I really appreciated the epilogue, hearing about the others and their families. This series was filled with wonderful characters who adapted and grew, bringing necessary change to facilitate peace between the realms, and it's a bittersweet end. I'll never look at shadows the same... ;)
In this finale, we delve into Iris' tale, with none other than the Prince Damen as her suitor. Damen spent his days in the palace rather restlessly and definitely aimlessly. Iris had been mistreated and hidden away by her terrible family, and coming to the Shades realm afforded her freedom that she never would have found in the human realm.
Damen was all in from DAY ONE, and I was lovin' it. He came off too strong, but his heart was pure. And the way he pined after Iris and absorbed every detail about her as if his life depended on it was utterly endearing. Iris stepped into her independence with an attitude of wanting to help the realm, and she inspired Damen to do better. For her. It was just the cutest.
I really appreciated the epilogue, hearing about the others and their families. This series was filled with wonderful characters who adapted and grew, bringing necessary change to facilitate peace between the realms, and it's a bittersweet end. I'll never look at shadows the same... ;)
December 18, 2024
I absolutely loved this one! It’s my second-favourite story and characters from all seven books (nobody can beat Astrid and Soren for me 😝).
I especially loved that while there’s nothing *wrong* with Damen’s life, he realises that there could be more to it and really grows throughout the book. That really resonated with me, and I loved it! He’s got so much potential that he’s finally tapping into. And Iris, I adore her. And I love how she and Damen fit together so well.
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a series that I’ve loved, I couldn’t imagine a better book or characters to say goodbye with.
I especially loved that while there’s nothing *wrong* with Damen’s life, he realises that there could be more to it and really grows throughout the book. That really resonated with me, and I loved it! He’s got so much potential that he’s finally tapping into. And Iris, I adore her. And I love how she and Damen fit together so well.
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a series that I’ve loved, I couldn’t imagine a better book or characters to say goodbye with.
dnf
August 11, 2025I’m really frustrated but not surprised at how this book was playing out. I got to 66%, pushing through to hope that Iris wouldn’t be the disabled inspiration porn she was looking like she’d be, but then someone straight up told her she was inspirational. Her entire personality was made up of being the poster child for how to be a cheerful sweet disabled person.
This is why sensitivity readers are a thing.
This is why sensitivity readers are a thing.
December 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥
It is sad to have the series end, and also sad that it ended up being my least favorite book with the Shade I was most excited to read about.
Damen is so funny, and you really get a feel for his character and over inflated ego. I absolutely adored his character and growth in this book. He finally got the happy ending and I couldn't be more proud of the princely Shade.
Iris is not my favorite character, but I am also going to say it is a me problem since I am never a huge fan of the she is locked away her whole life and is a completely innocent of the outside world trope. This book is exactly that. She is extremely sweet, always positive, and wants to be helpful in the Shade realm since she wasn't allowed to do anything in her world. I got bored with her character honestly, and I would be rolling my eyes half the time at her more timid positive nature.
One good thing about this book is the ending, where we kinda get a wrap up of everyone's lives. I will miss this series, and I do highly recommend it as a monster, shadow daddy, şmüty boook.
Honestly, if there is another book about Jade...I would read that in a heartbeat!
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Insta-Love (his side)
✅ Virgin FMC
✅ Found Family
✅ Monster 🍆
✅ He falls first
✅ HEA (for the whole series)
🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥
It is sad to have the series end, and also sad that it ended up being my least favorite book with the Shade I was most excited to read about.
Damen is so funny, and you really get a feel for his character and over inflated ego. I absolutely adored his character and growth in this book. He finally got the happy ending and I couldn't be more proud of the princely Shade.
Iris is not my favorite character, but I am also going to say it is a me problem since I am never a huge fan of the she is locked away her whole life and is a completely innocent of the outside world trope. This book is exactly that. She is extremely sweet, always positive, and wants to be helpful in the Shade realm since she wasn't allowed to do anything in her world. I got bored with her character honestly, and I would be rolling my eyes half the time at her more timid positive nature.
One good thing about this book is the ending, where we kinda get a wrap up of everyone's lives. I will miss this series, and I do highly recommend it as a monster, shadow daddy, şmüty boook.
Honestly, if there is another book about Jade...I would read that in a heartbeat!
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Insta-Love (his side)
✅ Virgin FMC
✅ Found Family
✅ Monster 🍆
✅ He falls first
✅ HEA (for the whole series)
June 30, 2025
Iris and Damen are so damn adorable. ☺️
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
January 23, 2026
this one was definitely more cutsie
i think my speed run through this series will end here for a while, none of the other books called to me like this one, #7, and the #2
i think my speed run through this series will end here for a while, none of the other books called to me like this one, #7, and the #2
January 2, 2025
I love this world but this story was so boring. This series really sucked after the first two books. It was such a bummer because there's so much to like but we kept getting the same timeline over and over with little progression.
February 22, 2025
you know what i actually don’t care
April 17, 2025
Okay, this book/audiobook is a couple hours longer than the previous ones (9 hours as apposed to 6 or 7), but it TOTALLY didn’t feel like it ❤️. This book didn’t really have a climax where a villain popped up and caused chaos, but I TOTALLY didn’t mind that and loved how relaxed and relationship focused the plot was (though I can see others feeling like it lacks big enough stakes). It all went way too fast, and now I don’t have any more shades to listen to with Will Thorne’s gorgeous voice 😭. I don’t know how I’m gonna get my fix anymore!!! (Looking for fantasy romances that Will Thorne narrates helps a bit and feels nostalgic, but there aren’t very many). Silently sobbing about the end of shade stories, all the while starting another book to distract me… 😝😭
December 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was a quieter, more introspective entry that didn’t fully land for me as a series finale. The pacing dragged at times and the conflict lacked the urgency and intensity I’d come to expect, making the story feel underpowered overall. While Damen was kind and emotionally sincere, he didn’t have the same presence as earlier MMCs which made the romance less compelling. I did appreciate Iris’s internal growth and the exploration of emotional numbness but I wanted more external conflict to keep the momentum going.
This was a quieter, more introspective entry that didn’t fully land for me as a series finale. The pacing dragged at times and the conflict lacked the urgency and intensity I’d come to expect, making the story feel underpowered overall. While Damen was kind and emotionally sincere, he didn’t have the same presence as earlier MMCs which made the romance less compelling. I did appreciate Iris’s internal growth and the exploration of emotional numbness but I wanted more external conflict to keep the momentum going.
December 29, 2024
Decent story. Sweet, but a little TOO sweet for my tastes. The characters felt kinda one dimensional to me, and so did their romance. There was really no conflict (or tension) to keep them apart, so they were obviously going to end up together.
The smut didn't feel as passionate as the other books in the series, though I do appreciate that the author toned down the whole "buckets of cum" thing going on the others. 😂
If you're into cozy romantasy, then you'll probably like this.
The smut didn't feel as passionate as the other books in the series, though I do appreciate that the author toned down the whole "buckets of cum" thing going on the others. 😂
If you're into cozy romantasy, then you'll probably like this.
August 12, 2025
Great paranormal romance
Damen's story made me laugh out loud many times. Damen and Iris are a perfect fit, and both characters are likeable. The epilogue ties all the threads in a tidy, happy bow.
Damen's story made me laugh out loud many times. Damen and Iris are a perfect fit, and both characters are likeable. The epilogue ties all the threads in a tidy, happy bow.
December 22, 2025
I liked both Damen and Iris but I found every single other character to be extremely condescending and very meddlesome. Everyone was in their business and it really took away from the story. I didn't really feel any feels in this which is a bummer since it was the conclusion to the series
December 16, 2024
This is probably my favourite after Ophelia. I know I loved all the couples, but I REALLY loved these. 🥹
December 23, 2024
It’s so bittersweet ending this series, but what a fitting ending. I loved these characters so dearly and will miss them. Definitely a story (series, really) that I can (and will) reread often.
October 17, 2025
Arghh, this was so cute and sweet.🥰 Iris and Damen were absolutely adorable together, both total sunshines in their own way, and the way they cared for each other just melted my heart.🥹 They were so gentle, loving, and made every scene feel warm and comforting. I also loved the epilogue with all the couples and their kids because it made everything feel complete and even more special. I really enjoyed this series, and I can definitely say I’ll be rereading it again in the future. All the books in the series are safe and just so wholesome.☺️🥰
September 20, 2025
Disappointed
August 5, 2025
This was a very underwhelming end to the series, and I am actually a little disappointed. I feel like we had some good moments throughout, but I was expecting a lot more for Damen’s character. Wasn’t a fan of Iris, simply because I feel like she had no personality. She was just the “nice”, “timid” “innocent” girl, and didn’t really grow out of it.
Usually the writing gets better as series progress, but this one felt like it got worse towards the end, in the sense that it felt like the author just wanted to be done with it.
Overall, it just felt very boring.
Usually the writing gets better as series progress, but this one felt like it got worse towards the end, in the sense that it felt like the author just wanted to be done with it.
Overall, it just felt very boring.
December 21, 2024
3.5/5
I wish it had a bit more smut but the romance was just 🥰
And Damen didn’t fall first. He crash landed first.
I wish it had a bit more smut but the romance was just 🥰
And Damen didn’t fall first. He crash landed first.
January 14, 2025
This was a nice ending to the series. I’m sad it’s over and I kind of wish we had an answer about whether the children are less powerful but oh well
October 24, 2025
I think I just had too high of expectations for Damen’s story. This was so-so. It had its moments of being sweet or funny, but not a lot really happened. I didn’t care for the spicy scenes because they didn’t match Iris’s character at all. I also didn’t care for how Damen was portrayed in this book compared to all of the other books. I mean just because others said he was lazy and whatnot didn’t mean he actually had to be that way. It was like he was dumbed down for a plot and that felt lazy in itself. And for him to match Iris. I liked her but still feel strongly that she was the wrong character for Damen from the previous books. This version of him fit better for her but it still bothered me.
It’s not a terrible book by any means, just not all that great. I feel let down but at least the ending was sweet and gave a glimpse of what everyone’s future ended up leading to. And honestly, if there is another book series from all of the kids grown up into young adults I would totally read it because Colette is a decent writer and there is a lot she could do with that.
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:::::SPOILERS:::::
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For the first 20%ish of this book it was a mix between Iris before she came over and whatever Damen was doing at that time.
I didn’t mind learning about Iris since she very much has been barely introduced but I basically skimmed if not skipped over entirely Damen’s chapters because they were just retellings of everything that has been on repeat for the last few books. If I hadn’t read this one back to back maybe I would have read them but they are all very fresh in my mind.
Anyway, now that Iris is here and starting to get settled in I am THRILLED to see where this will go.
Gotta say, I was worried about these two but I am actually really enjoying their dynamic so far. I couldn’t help cheesin with the scene where Iris explores Damen’s hands and face (and horns 😏) since she has no clue what Shades look like.
Have to note. Why does Tellulah feel the need to tell Damen to stop staring at Iris? She’s blind. And she clearly enjoys his company. If she was throwing signals she didn’t like him around her THEN and only then would I get why Tellulah would care. I didn’t like that one bit.
On the contrary, I enjoyed Meera’s attitude towards them interacting with one another.
Let’s hit the breaks. Damen in ALL the other books has been the best at reading and understanding people. Having him propose a couple days from her arriving and him confused as to why that might be too fast for her is wild. Yeah he’s smitten but he’s not a moron. Well, he wasn’t until now. I don’t like inconsistent characterizations.
I’m slowly not liking this version of Damen. He has been my all time favorite thus far and this book is taking that away from me. Whyyy 😩
Whew, Verity restored everything with her fluffy pink blanket and real talk. Let’s keep it this way.
I like that the kings mother, Damen’s stepmother, decided to fill Iris in on what all has been going on with the negotiations and other hunters being there. I don’t understand why they decided to keep that from her.
Whoa, then a time skip out of nowhere. I mean, glad the story is moving along but maybe give a little note of like, “X week(s) later.”
I started reading this book series for the spice. Oddly, that’s the only part in these books I don’t care for. 🤣 They just seem so out of nowhere and out of place. This was going at such a good pace too ::sigh::
I enjoyed the dinner table scene. Cute with Harlow and scholar shade.
I totally forgot that Iris’s real father was sent away when she was a child and knows nothing about him.
Okay, the first time they have sex Iris was acting like she’s been doing it all her life. Asking for kinky things that only someone who has experience would know to ask. And she’s supposed to be a sheltered virgin who’s never even spoken to another male outside of her family until very recently. She’s never watched or read porn either so only knows of sex from what her nana told her. It honestly made the whole scene eye rolling silly instead of enjoyable. If it wasn’t for her background it would have been a really hot scene though. It just has to make sense to me or I CANNOT get into it. Meh.
Hahaha Damen, I legit loled when he said Astrid was probably in the rafters startling Sebastian 😂
Cute ending.
It’s not a terrible book by any means, just not all that great. I feel let down but at least the ending was sweet and gave a glimpse of what everyone’s future ended up leading to. And honestly, if there is another book series from all of the kids grown up into young adults I would totally read it because Colette is a decent writer and there is a lot she could do with that.
.
.
.
.
.
.
:::::SPOILERS:::::
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
For the first 20%ish of this book it was a mix between Iris before she came over and whatever Damen was doing at that time.
I didn’t mind learning about Iris since she very much has been barely introduced but I basically skimmed if not skipped over entirely Damen’s chapters because they were just retellings of everything that has been on repeat for the last few books. If I hadn’t read this one back to back maybe I would have read them but they are all very fresh in my mind.
Anyway, now that Iris is here and starting to get settled in I am THRILLED to see where this will go.
Gotta say, I was worried about these two but I am actually really enjoying their dynamic so far. I couldn’t help cheesin with the scene where Iris explores Damen’s hands and face (and horns 😏) since she has no clue what Shades look like.
Have to note. Why does Tellulah feel the need to tell Damen to stop staring at Iris? She’s blind. And she clearly enjoys his company. If she was throwing signals she didn’t like him around her THEN and only then would I get why Tellulah would care. I didn’t like that one bit.
On the contrary, I enjoyed Meera’s attitude towards them interacting with one another.
Let’s hit the breaks. Damen in ALL the other books has been the best at reading and understanding people. Having him propose a couple days from her arriving and him confused as to why that might be too fast for her is wild. Yeah he’s smitten but he’s not a moron. Well, he wasn’t until now. I don’t like inconsistent characterizations.
I’m slowly not liking this version of Damen. He has been my all time favorite thus far and this book is taking that away from me. Whyyy 😩
Whew, Verity restored everything with her fluffy pink blanket and real talk. Let’s keep it this way.
I like that the kings mother, Damen’s stepmother, decided to fill Iris in on what all has been going on with the negotiations and other hunters being there. I don’t understand why they decided to keep that from her.
Whoa, then a time skip out of nowhere. I mean, glad the story is moving along but maybe give a little note of like, “X week(s) later.”
I started reading this book series for the spice. Oddly, that’s the only part in these books I don’t care for. 🤣 They just seem so out of nowhere and out of place. This was going at such a good pace too ::sigh::
I enjoyed the dinner table scene. Cute with Harlow and scholar shade.
I totally forgot that Iris’s real father was sent away when she was a child and knows nothing about him.
Okay, the first time they have sex Iris was acting like she’s been doing it all her life. Asking for kinky things that only someone who has experience would know to ask. And she’s supposed to be a sheltered virgin who’s never even spoken to another male outside of her family until very recently. She’s never watched or read porn either so only knows of sex from what her nana told her. It honestly made the whole scene eye rolling silly instead of enjoyable. If it wasn’t for her background it would have been a really hot scene though. It just has to make sense to me or I CANNOT get into it. Meh.
Hahaha Damen, I legit loled when he said Astrid was probably in the rafters startling Sebastian 😂
Cute ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
Wtf am I even reading.
Why is writing such a young, naive, sheltered, abused, protagonist so prevalent? It seems like such a lazy cop-out in writing and an easy way to make a quick buck. These books come a dime a dozen. It’s literally the same story you probably finished reading 5 minutes before starting this one.
I will say they got the correct narrator though. Boy did she sound young and delicate. If I didn’t have to listen to cringey sex talk, I would’ve thought she was 13 maybe 14 years old. That’s how young she sounded. Really makes for an uncomfortable listening experience. Not to mention how the protagonist is portrayed also makes her seem very very young. I mean literally the first few chapters when she lost her grandma (who obviously also treated her bad) she started sucking on her thumb saying mommy and daddy are fighting to wake up. Ok I lied about the sucking on the thumb but that is an actual quote. She then curls up on the couch with her dog to make herself small and unseen. I think it was supposed to be heartbreaking. But then you remember this is supposed to be a legal aged woman who you’ll hear some pretty sexual things later on and it really just pisses me off and makes me physically sick. Because in my mind that is a child being sexualized for content. 🤢
Why is writing such a young, naive, sheltered, abused, protagonist so prevalent? It seems like such a lazy cop-out in writing and an easy way to make a quick buck. These books come a dime a dozen. It’s literally the same story you probably finished reading 5 minutes before starting this one.
I will say they got the correct narrator though. Boy did she sound young and delicate. If I didn’t have to listen to cringey sex talk, I would’ve thought she was 13 maybe 14 years old. That’s how young she sounded. Really makes for an uncomfortable listening experience. Not to mention how the protagonist is portrayed also makes her seem very very young. I mean literally the first few chapters when she lost her grandma (who obviously also treated her bad) she started sucking on her thumb saying mommy and daddy are fighting to wake up. Ok I lied about the sucking on the thumb but that is an actual quote. She then curls up on the couch with her dog to make herself small and unseen. I think it was supposed to be heartbreaking. But then you remember this is supposed to be a legal aged woman who you’ll hear some pretty sexual things later on and it really just pisses me off and makes me physically sick. Because in my mind that is a child being sexualized for content. 🤢
April 30, 2025
A bittersweet read just because I knew I wouldn’t read about the lovely characters I fell for anymore.
From the books I’ve read from this saga (i skipped two) this was my least favorite. Not because it was bad but because the tropes are not my favorite while reading monster romance. We got two sweet main characters and I prefer when one of them is on the grumpy/villain/stoic kind of type.
I think my main “problem” is that I had really high expectations from Damien since we’ve been with him from the first book. It’s obviously not a bad book! I just expected more
The FMC, Iris, was really sweet and kind and I would have loved for her to have changed a little. She was hidden her whole life and abused verbally all the time and I wished she realized at some point how wrong everything was. She kept thinking good of her nana which drove me crazy!! I would have loved for her to talked more about her past trauma
Overall is a really sweet story that doesn’t have angst in the slightest which I appreciate!! It’s a light read and I’ll miss this world and the characters in it.
Safety
No ow/om drama
What to expect
Sweet FMC and MMC
Protective MMC
monster x human
Blind FMC
instant love (from the MMC)
Strangers to friends to lovers
No angst
From the books I’ve read from this saga (i skipped two) this was my least favorite. Not because it was bad but because the tropes are not my favorite while reading monster romance. We got two sweet main characters and I prefer when one of them is on the grumpy/villain/stoic kind of type.
I think my main “problem” is that I had really high expectations from Damien since we’ve been with him from the first book. It’s obviously not a bad book! I just expected more
The FMC, Iris, was really sweet and kind and I would have loved for her to have changed a little. She was hidden her whole life and abused verbally all the time and I wished she realized at some point how wrong everything was. She kept thinking good of her nana which drove me crazy!! I would have loved for her to talked more about her past trauma
Overall is a really sweet story that doesn’t have angst in the slightest which I appreciate!! It’s a light read and I’ll miss this world and the characters in it.
Safety
No ow/om drama
What to expect
Sweet FMC and MMC
Protective MMC
monster x human
Blind FMC
instant love (from the MMC)
Strangers to friends to lovers
No angst
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews