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Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice … I’ll never trust the same again.

Not after I was finally beginning to let him in.

I have enough on my plate with The Sanctum, their Institute Games, and generally trying to stay alive. I certainly don’t need to be worried about a shameless golden retriever, a silent enigma, or a guardian asshole.

My magic doesn’t haunt me like it once did, but it should now The Sanctum aren’t the only ones intent on using me as a weapon. Every turn I take is warped with secrets that unravel, only to reveal another layer of unwanted surprise.

I’m walking a fine line between death and… death.

Everywhere I turn, someone is trying to take something from me. Well, I have nothing left to give. All I have is me, myself, and I.

Elodie Blackwood.

Loner. Survivor. Scythe.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

188 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Kean

43 books2,314 followers

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5 stars
140 (50%)
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89 (32%)
3 stars
37 (13%)
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9 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for The_Book_Brat.
957 reviews167 followers
February 2, 2026
*Reverse Harem
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Prison/Academy
*’Thought she was human’
*Touch her and 💀
*Morally grey men
*Insta-Attraction
*Mixed supe harem
*Established harem (3)
*Fast Burn
*Book 3 / 4
Serious Ups and Downs for our girl!
This book starts with Elodie’s capture and it doesn’t slow down from there for her in anyway 🙈 it gives you insight in what Kael’s brother is up to and honestly can’t work out whose worse at this point him or the Sanctum 😳 there’s some twists thrown in there so you’re never quite sure who to trust or the narrative that’s been portrayed abut the supernatural Elodie!
Each of her relationships take turns in this book too, well Rion shows time and time again he’s a champion for his girl and will do what it takes, Kael has some serious grovelling to do although there’s more there than first realised (enjoyed that little surprise); and Thorne, oh Thorney Boy you really go all out when you give in 🔥 it’s got a good pace to it with balance between smut and story! And with the cliffhanger it leaves you eager for the final book 🫣
Profile Image for Mindy.
265 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2026
It feels like I have been waiting for this book forever. Lol, so of course I jumped right in and started reading. Poor Elodie so many ups and downs. Omg, I so did not see that coming. 😳 I won’t say more because I’m scared I’ll let something slip without meaning to and i do not want to give anything away. I will say this oh my god, the roller coaster of emotions I was feeling! There were times I wanted to throw my book and yell. I can’t wait for the finale book I’ll be counting down the days.
KC Kean, you did it yet again.
Profile Image for Melissa Block.
102 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2026
Book three in the Institute 13 series jumps in right where we left off in book two, and then takes off at warp speed. It grips you from the jump and holds tight until the last word, and OMG that last word, just wow!
Elodie continues to find out more about herself, her new world, and the men obsessed with her. Kael is on the outs with her after his supposed betrayal, but she finds out all may not be as it seems. She now has to question what to believe. Rion is the same golden retriever as always and gives her what she needs before she even know she needs it. He is incredibly thoughtful, protective, and endearing. This time around though, it is Thorne that will change things up with Elodie and I ate every bit of it up. I was blown away with some of his actions and his revelations. I could not turn the pages fast enough. Ocean is right by her side as always, with unconditional support and I loved her so much for it. She is the best kind of friend. And she can still put all the testosterone filled hulks in their place without breaking a sweat.
There is so much happening in this book, a few surprises I was not expecting for sure. Elodie finally gets closure after taking her pound of flesh. I did a little fist pump after this. It is so hard to not give anything away and still say how great this book was and how much I want everyone to read it asap (in the series order of course).
KC Kean has a genius way of world building and creating twists and turns that you cannot anticipate making it impossible to stop reading. The characters are so deep you feel like you really know them. Like you are there watching the story unfold. The banter between them all is next level and the heat is off the charts. So much here to love. She is also the queen of the cliffhanger, and this one is a doozy. I am now counting the days until the next book. Get started now before the next one comes out so you are ready for what I am sure will be an epic conclusion.
Thank you to KC Kean for the advanced copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Amy Hartung.
148 reviews
Read
January 30, 2026
You know a book is going to be AMAZING when reading the author dedication you start fangirl screaming at the words .." for all those hot for Thorne right now, your patience has been noticed. You're welcome." Did. Not. Disappoint!
Phenomenal story that has you guessing where it is heading at every turn. ( so many "Did I just read that?" Moments!!!)
We catch up with Elodie after she has been taken by Jude, our tortured- soul-vampire Kael's brother. A certain brooding ex-friend from a former lifetime also enters the scene, and the plot thickens.
Sidenote of amazingness: discovering that EVERYONE needs a little psycho best friend like Ocean in their life!
Twists, turns, and ooooooh the spice and swooon. Yes, this book had a little of EVERYTHING. I am once again impressed how KC Kean can continue a storyline, in ways that we're binge reading and hanging on every word. Wonderful character development, redemption, and hope for a certain fang tooth hottie will get it together. . If you thought Rion was turning on the charm before... hold onto your kindles. He is EVERYTHING. Throw in a Shadow Prince that brings new meaning to the word "hot" and you'll be in reader heaven!
All the stars in sanctums white room for this one! Brilliant. Cannot wait for the final book!!!
Profile Image for Caylee T..
1,013 reviews14 followers
February 1, 2026
Oh my gosh!

Elodie’s story just keeps getting better and better.

At the beginning of this book we see Kael betray her by handing her off to his brother. Although, I didn’t think he truly knew what he wanted with her or that he had any real control over his decisions.

Thankfully, Thorne was able to get to her & get her out. But now they are trying to figure out how to protect her in the future.

She still has to deal with the Games & Willow. Whilst also trying to figure out exactly who she is. The not knowing is driving her crazy.

But there are still forces trying to control her. And trying to fight against it has been hard especially when she doesn’t truly understand what she is yet.

The growth of character for Elodie has been a tough journey so far but she has grown. Especially with the likes of Ocean beside her….and Rion of course.

Her relationships with each of her men has slowly grown as well. Obviously Rion being top tier golden retriever & Karl losing majorly. But then Thorne steps in & accepts his far with her, now that was truly worth it. And I called the identity of the man in black creeping into her room from the beginning, so glad I was right.

I am so anxious and excited for the next book because I foresee quite a lot of drama & hopefully beautiful reunions.

Such an amazing series!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,881 reviews20 followers
February 4, 2026
good

WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one is probably a 4/5 cliffhanger/hook — no lives in danger, but they’re definitely about to change!
Picking up from where book two left off (in a somewhat evil cliffhanger), Elodie finds herself in the hands of the leader of the rebellion, after a stunning betrayal.
Not everything is as simple as it seems though, and it’s not long before they have some answers, some of them quite surprising.

The book begins with a bit of a bang, as Elodie faces the absolutely insane Jude. Unfortunately for Elodie, she doesn’t realise the depths of his depravity, something that only becomes apparent much later in the story. In fact, a number of new things come to light in this book, and some secrets are revealed.
Because it is after all a reverse harem fantasy/romantasy, you can expect a few spicy scenes; and there is also plenty of action- some of the events may not be for everyone so pay attention to the content warnings.
This is a fairly fast paced, fairly spicy story, with an intriguing and rather mysterious premise. The world in which the supernatural beings exist is complex and confusing (in a good, mysterious way). It promises for some exciting times ahead!
I’m looking forward to seeing where the revelations in this book take us, and also maybe learning a bit more about the history of the world in which Elodie has found herself.
Profile Image for Johnna Fouts.
95 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2026
📚 Vengeful Dove
⭐⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
Listen… this book knew exactly one assignment and that assignment was SMUT.
And you know what? It showed up early, stayed late, and did all the extra credit. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
That said… the writing is still kind of all over the place. Pacing? Wobbly. Plot flow? Questionable. Transitions? Sometimes felt like we hit fast-forward and skipped a scene or two. 😅 This just isn’t K.C. Kean’s strongest work, which is a bummer because I know what she’s capable of (and I’ve loved other series by her 👀).
✨ The vibe:
* 🔥 Spice: carrying the book on its back
* 🧠 Plot: occasionally wandered off without telling anyone
* ✍️ Writing: not bad, just… not her best
Am I mad? No.
Was I entertained? Yes.
Will I still read Book 4 when it drops? Unfortunately for my dignity… also yes. 🤡📖
Hoping the final book tightens the chaos, sharpens the plot, and lets the spice enhance instead of replace the story.
#ThreeStars #SmuttyGoodTime #PlotWho #StillNotDNFing
#KCKean #AcademyRomance #IveReadWorse #AndIllReadBook4
Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,307 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2026
Ma’am I know I say this every time I read one of your books, but I am amazed by your writing! This series has me in a chokehold. I absolutely love the characters and storyline and with each book I only get more invested

Elodie has grown so much since book one and to see that strength even in her struggles is amazing. Rion is the most adorable cinnamon roll character- but don’t let that fool you because when he needs to that growl turns into so much more. Ocean is truly the best of besties. Kael - might be my favorite vampire but that boy has issues. Thorne - well that man is everything!

“I’m going to learn everything there is to know about you, Echo. The good, the bad. I'm going to make you mine in every way possible. So be careful, because once we set fire to this, there's no putting it out. Do you understand?” he asks, huskily, making my throat dry.

Just when I think they might be learning what's to come and how to work together - we are left with a cliffie that has us all dying for the next book.
Profile Image for Tammy Manning.
443 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
I have thoughts! But then again I always do when it comes to KC Kean’s books. 😂 She certainly took us on a wild ride with this book, as usual. There’s so much going on in Vengeful Dove and we find out so much information, from more background on Thorne and Kael as well as some interesting developments about Elodie and her past. And then the cliffhanger…I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the cliffhanger is the book ending right in the middle of a sentence. 🤨 Although at this point, I don’t think there is anything KC can do that will surprise me. (Please don’t take that as a challenge! 🤣)

This book was the definition of “just one more chapter” where I found myself looking up a few hours later bleary eyed having no idea what time it was or where I was because I couldn’t stop reading. And now that I’m finished reading I need the last book STAT!
371 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2026
Amazing!

Yes...yes...yes! This series just keeps getting better and better!

Vengeful Dove is the third book in this fantasy RH series. Elodie can't catch a break. The Sanctum wants to use her and so does Jude, Kael's brother.

This book has more secrets and betrayal, with Elodie fighting against it all. The best part was that readers finally get more of Thorne! Of watching him and Elodie, and seeing their relationship change and grow. The back and forth between them will come to a peak and choices will have to be made.

Danger continues to swirls around Elodie. Her enemies won't stop, but neither will she. Her magic is growing and she is discovering more about it and herself.

Ocean is the best bestie. Rion is a sweetie. Kael has a lot to make it for. And Thorne, you'll have to read and see.

So good! I can't wait for the fourth and final book!
Profile Image for JJ Cornette.
236 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Even though KC gives some epic cliffhangers, I do appreciate that she always starts off right where she left us. Vengeful Dove has so much going on in it. I love that we get some background and more page time for Thorne. With his traumatic family past, it's wonderful to see him move past it for Elodie. Kael gets to spend a majority of the book suffering through the traitorous acts of him and his brother. I did enjoy seeing Ocean in full best supportive friend mode, as well as her bonding with golden retriever Rion. While there's plenty of drama and action, there's also fun moments plenty of secrets about Elodie, Kael and Thorne are revealed. I can't wait for the finale to see how they all get to their HEA. KC Kean has knocked it out of the park again!
Profile Image for Ande GIDGET Oliva.
205 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 28, 2026
I knew it!!!!! All the little clues about Elodie's nightly visitor pointed to who I was positive it was.

I knew that certain people were important. I had a huge hunch that said people were either going to be important to our girl or to Thorne and I was right about both.

I was so happy that Elodie and the guys all finally found themselves on the same page in the same story. They all stopped being stubborn and let themselves feel and feel intensely. They finally allowed themselves to have what they've always wanted, from the beginning, each other. I know KC is a Cliffy Queen but come on, that was cruel, but aI forgive her because I know the final installment of the series is going to be epic. I can't wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shauni.
579 reviews
February 1, 2026
Couldn’t put it down!

OH THORNE you have completely stolen my heart. I loved seeing how his relationship with Elodie develops in this book and goodness me he is HOT as F.
Couldn’t believe the twists in this book and the revelations revealed, but I shouldn’t be surprised because this author definitely sends my head spinning and leaves me gobsm*cked.
With each book I love the friendship between Ocean and Elodie, more and more. Everyone needs a bestie like Ocean. Elodie is becoming more herself, there was already an inner strength to her but I’ve loved her character development especially throughout this book.
I can’t wait to see what is next for Elodie and her crew. It’ll be amazing. Can’t wait!
28 reviews
February 7, 2026
Loved it.

Would have 5 stars if we got more time with Thorne. I feel like my guy has been mistreated and left out WAY too much and Rion is honestly getting on my nerves. He's too much sometimes and not enough other times. And Kaels big save was a little anticlimactic. All in all though this story has me gripped and Elodie journey to discovering who she is is starting to finally fall into place and im here for it. I just wish who could see alittle more bada$$ery from her tho. She's got the power let it loose already. Spice is spicy but repetitive tho and If I never have to see the word "snicker" again it'll still be too soon. Please find another word for laughter darling. Give me more Thorne and all will be forgiven.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,386 reviews10 followers
January 30, 2026
“Blood shall bind you, love shall break you. Only in the face of death shall the path be clear; the world mourns with the final tear.”

Vengeful Dove is the third book in the Institute Thirteen series by KC Kean. I think this may be my favorite book in this series so far. It’s action-packed and has twists that left me reeling.

I love Elodie! She discovers a lot about herself in this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. There was also a lot of character development with Kael and Thorne that I needed to truly love them.

Be prepared that Kean ends this book with a cliffhanger that has me counting down for Elodie’s conclusion.
Profile Image for Scorcs Reads.
187 reviews8 followers
January 31, 2026
The twist and turns in this series never ceases to amaze me. I love KC Kean’s writing and her villains always create such chaos.

Our strong dear Elodie just can’t catch a break. More secrets come out, more chaos ensues but the strength in her powers and watching her grow has been awesome. With her men by her side things can only get more spicy and interesting, the spice is always nice in a KC Kean why choose 😉. Her friendship with Ocean is my absolute favorite. The found family between this crew has a lot of push and pull, but they are a team destined to find balance between the chaos.

This book ends on a cliffhanger that definitely leaves you curious.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durant.
721 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2026
The tension ramps up in this third book in the series, we kick off where we left with Elodie being taken by Jude and transported away from everyone else.
We finally get into Thorne's POV, which I was really excited about, out of all the MMCs he is the one I'm most intrigued about. So far, he's been a bit of a mystery.
The relationships are deepening in this book and I enjoyed all the spicy moments. Love Rion and his golden retriever energy.

The Queen of Cliffhangers has delivered again with another tense finale, now I'm on tenterhooks for the final book.
Profile Image for Alysha.
365 reviews11 followers
February 5, 2026
4.5⭐️
Elodie actually quite annoyed me in this book. She’s just so “I don’t need anyone” “I can take care of myself” blah blah. Like miss girl, we get you’re a badass scythe but it’s ok to need other people You aren’t a one woman army. You have 3 hot guys in your corner willing to do literally anything for you.
Anyways, she straightens up more as the book progresses.

Overall I really enjoyed the pace of the book and where things are going. And the cliffy, like cmon!! You could have at least finished the sentence!! That was so rude!

Profile Image for Emily King.
32 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2026
Finally, finally, finally it’s all starting to make sense in the best way ever. The twists are untwisting and Jude is lurking impatiently. I have no clue how the story is going to play out and I’m very much looking forward to the final instalment.
As ever KC’s cliffhanger was a dot dot dot suspense filled shock.
I admit for once I did have an inclining during the book but that just makes me feel smug that I may have understood the genius that is this author.
If you haven’t already started, this is the time! Binge away!
Profile Image for Skay Dee.
561 reviews
January 30, 2026
I hate how this author twists me all up inside! I can’t believe Kael. Actually, I can. What I can’t do is forgive him. I need someone to relieve Jude of his life. I’m not at all surprised by what we learn about Thorne: I knew there was more than what we were seeing with him. I wish we all had an Ocean in our lives. She’s the best friend ever! This series is so freaking good. I just need to know what is the deal with Walker!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,810 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
Elodie, Kael, Rion & Thorne
Why Choose
Paranormal Romance
Vampire, Wolf, Shadow Fae
Secrets
Book 3

Omgggg what is this cliffhanger!!!!

KC Kean loves leaving us with cliffhangers that try to break us 😂😂😂

This book leaves you with soooo many more questions, desperate for book 4!

There's so much going on and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
518 reviews
January 27, 2026
So many villains! The Sanctum and Obsidian Circle need to get what they deserve. I’m not sure which supervillain organization is worse.

Poor Elodie is still figuring out supernaturals and her own powers. I loved Thorne’s arc in this one and seeing some of the shadow lands. Rion and Ocean have some great banter. Kael is a hot mess.

The cliffy was brutal and I’m excited for the conclusion!
Profile Image for ashlee ❤.
1,968 reviews107 followers
Review of advance copy
January 27, 2026
Elodie, Kael, Rion, + Thorne

-mfmm whychoose
-dark pnr institute
-vampire, wolf, shadow fae
-forbidden magic
-secrets
-book 3 in a series

wellll well well...elodie just seems to keep getting into drama after drama after drama hahaha but that cliffhanger keeping that info off RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT....was cruelll cruel cruel haha give us the next oneeee expeditiouslyyyy!!
279 reviews
January 29, 2026
I don’t know how KC Kean weaves such a immersive fantasy world but she does it darn well. This book is the third in the Institute Thirteen series. If you have never read this author before, just know she loves her cliffhangers. And this book has a doozy. I can’t wait to get book 4 and the final story.
Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,529 reviews7 followers
January 31, 2026
Fantastic addition to the series!
The games are completely mesmerising, I was completely captivated never knowing what would happen next.
This book gives us so much information and there were so many interesting developments
The action was phenomenal, and I adored Ocean’s supportive role throughout.
Cliffhanger ending was a killer, can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Sarah Louise.
47 reviews
January 31, 2026
Wow what can I say other than Kc you smashed it again ! That ending though you kill me , the twists to the plot in this one were outstanding as always . Thorne I knew i liked him . I dont like to give plot lines away as I don't like spoilers myself but what I will say is this is a must read kc has outdone herself with this one can't wait for book 4 💜💜
120 reviews
February 9, 2026
5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good.
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week to finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
360 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 24, 2026
I feel like I got 0 answers in this book but I am more intrigued than ever! There’s so much going on and enemies around every corner, but Elodie is up to the task! I love seeing the guys’ character development. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
Profile Image for KelsBookstagram.
738 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
I am utterly obsessed with Institute Thirteen and HOLY FRIGGIN MOLY 😮‍🔥 KC, you’ve absolutely smashed it again. I’m completely addicted to the characters, the story, and the direction this series is heading.

Can we talk about getting so much more of Thorne in this book was utterly everything. I absolutely LOVEEEA HIM.. but to be fair i am obsessed with all three!

Watching the relationships grow, deepen, and evolve had me emotionally invested from start to finish… and can we PLEASE talk about the spice  because 🥵🔥 it was serving goals!

But that ending...You’ve actually left me speechless. The twists were next-level and hit so hard, and once again you’ve proven why you’re the Queen of cliffhangers. That tense finale has me on absolute tenterhooks, desperately waiting for the final book, which I already know I won’t be ready to say goodbye to
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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