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The Path of Temptation #1
The Price We Pay
Everyone wants to give in to temptation, but no one wants to pay the price.
I was a child when my father surrendered me to the Temple of All Gods. No one gave me a choice. No one even bothered to explain. I was simply tossed aside, unwanted.
That was the day the God of Temptation claimed me as his.
Now, I'm studying how to become the perfect priestess. Life in the temple means embracing my emotions and learning to harness each type of desire. Power, fear, lust, and rage are the most common, but not the only ones. Each has a power. Each has its place. I just have to figure out which kind of priestess I'll become.
Before I decide, I have questions - yet no one seems willing to give me answers. My only option is to leave it in my god's hands. This won't be easy, and my instructors think I'm a fool, but Temptation has been listening. Asking. Offering it all.
In exchange, he intends to use me.
I have demands. The priest and priestess who took me in have become my family. The guys? They taught me to love. How am I supposed to give this up? Why should I? Not even a god can make me walk away from them! All I have to do is stand my ground.
In this temple, there's always a temptation.
The question is if I'm stubborn enough to resist...
Or brave enough to pay a god's price.
Possible Triggers: Minor bullying, some sexual harassment, consensual pain and battery. Minor violence.
Book 1 of 5
I was a child when my father surrendered me to the Temple of All Gods. No one gave me a choice. No one even bothered to explain. I was simply tossed aside, unwanted.
That was the day the God of Temptation claimed me as his.
Now, I'm studying how to become the perfect priestess. Life in the temple means embracing my emotions and learning to harness each type of desire. Power, fear, lust, and rage are the most common, but not the only ones. Each has a power. Each has its place. I just have to figure out which kind of priestess I'll become.
Before I decide, I have questions - yet no one seems willing to give me answers. My only option is to leave it in my god's hands. This won't be easy, and my instructors think I'm a fool, but Temptation has been listening. Asking. Offering it all.
In exchange, he intends to use me.
I have demands. The priest and priestess who took me in have become my family. The guys? They taught me to love. How am I supposed to give this up? Why should I? Not even a god can make me walk away from them! All I have to do is stand my ground.
In this temple, there's always a temptation.
The question is if I'm stubborn enough to resist...
Or brave enough to pay a god's price.
Possible Triggers: Minor bullying, some sexual harassment, consensual pain and battery. Minor violence.
Book 1 of 5
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2021
985 people are currently reading
3500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
April 25, 2024
The over explanation is heavy in this book too. I don’t know why the author can’t get an editor that points these things out. Her imagination is amazing! Her dialogue is good! If she’d only curtail the number of times she discusses the events??
First we see it happen. Then we read the heroine processing it. Then we read the heroine discussing it. The we read the heroine sharing it. Then we read the heroine explaining it over and over to everyone. Then another person comes into the situation and they discuss it among themselves. Then we read them sharing it with others. And that happens for EVERY NEW THING. Why?
First we see it happen. Then we read the heroine processing it. Then we read the heroine discussing it. The we read the heroine sharing it. Then we read the heroine explaining it over and over to everyone. Then another person comes into the situation and they discuss it among themselves. Then we read them sharing it with others. And that happens for EVERY NEW THING. Why?
July 20, 2022
Fantastic Introduction To A World Of Gods
This book was fantastic from the first page. I’ve been really excited about this book from the first time we got a teaser of the first chapter on the author’s Facebook Group a few months ago and the rest of the book did not disappoint, rather it exceeded my expectations.
This is a story of a small girl, Nariana, who taken to the temple on the one day of the year a child can be surrendered for service to the gods in exchange for a gold mark. It’s a day when families can save their starving children by giving one to the gods to make what they have go further and with the extra money feed the rest of the family through the winter.
Claimed by Zeal, the God of Temptation, Nariana is introduced to a world filled with his priests and priestesses. She is educated and loved by her mentor and her guardian who form a little family inside a greater one.
This book is really about Nari’s education from the time she enters the temple, and the people she meets throughout that time. The alliances and enmities she makes during her education help shape who she is and her devotion to Zeal. Her education also teaches us about the world in which the series is set. As a child, Nari is taught about the world as well as her role within it in a way that is clearly laid out for us. At the same time as we are being entertained by the plot, we are learning about Nariana’s world and her place within it.
This is a complicated fantasy world, filled with gods and magic and the science and fashion of the Victorian era. It’s a decadent dive into passion, rage and the temptation of greed.
This is a reverse harem story and there is plenty of passion as the children grow into adults. As older teens there is fooling around but no actual sex until they are around 19-20 years old. The sex scenes that are included are very well written, tender and still fan-your-face hot. The relationships are not just about passion but about friendship, love, acceptance and a shared path.
I loved all the characters, who are wonderfully well rounded and flawed in a believable and consistent way. There are some different points of view during the book, but it is mainly from Nariana’s POV. The alternate POVs are enlightening both in terms of plot and allowing us to see things in a different way.
The book doesn’t finish on a cliff hanger, but a natural break. I was still gripped with a fierce desire to know what comes next because the plot is wonderfully compelling. Once you start reading this story you won’t be able to stop. Thankfully the whole series is already written, I just have to wait for each book to be published on the due dates. It’s nice to have things to look forward to and know that your expecations will be met!
This book was fantastic from the first page. I’ve been really excited about this book from the first time we got a teaser of the first chapter on the author’s Facebook Group a few months ago and the rest of the book did not disappoint, rather it exceeded my expectations.
This is a story of a small girl, Nariana, who taken to the temple on the one day of the year a child can be surrendered for service to the gods in exchange for a gold mark. It’s a day when families can save their starving children by giving one to the gods to make what they have go further and with the extra money feed the rest of the family through the winter.
Claimed by Zeal, the God of Temptation, Nariana is introduced to a world filled with his priests and priestesses. She is educated and loved by her mentor and her guardian who form a little family inside a greater one.
This book is really about Nari’s education from the time she enters the temple, and the people she meets throughout that time. The alliances and enmities she makes during her education help shape who she is and her devotion to Zeal. Her education also teaches us about the world in which the series is set. As a child, Nari is taught about the world as well as her role within it in a way that is clearly laid out for us. At the same time as we are being entertained by the plot, we are learning about Nariana’s world and her place within it.
This is a complicated fantasy world, filled with gods and magic and the science and fashion of the Victorian era. It’s a decadent dive into passion, rage and the temptation of greed.
This is a reverse harem story and there is plenty of passion as the children grow into adults. As older teens there is fooling around but no actual sex until they are around 19-20 years old. The sex scenes that are included are very well written, tender and still fan-your-face hot. The relationships are not just about passion but about friendship, love, acceptance and a shared path.
I loved all the characters, who are wonderfully well rounded and flawed in a believable and consistent way. There are some different points of view during the book, but it is mainly from Nariana’s POV. The alternate POVs are enlightening both in terms of plot and allowing us to see things in a different way.
The book doesn’t finish on a cliff hanger, but a natural break. I was still gripped with a fierce desire to know what comes next because the plot is wonderfully compelling. Once you start reading this story you won’t be able to stop. Thankfully the whole series is already written, I just have to wait for each book to be published on the due dates. It’s nice to have things to look forward to and know that your expecations will be met!
December 11, 2022
Auryn Hadley has great ideas but I don’t think I have read an author who can decently write who needs an editor as much as she. For the love of everything someone content edit for this author if I had to guesstimate I would say about 200 pages of this book could easily be chopped. And that’s coming from someone who loves a good long book.
This book is both interesting and exasperatingly tedious. The same information is given about 4x in a row ,in some instances only pages a part. An example of this is when the MC has a conversation with person 1, said conversation lasts maybe 4-5 pages then the MC goes and tells person 2 the EXACT conversation and information that was had with person 1. It’s exhausting and leads to a lot of skimming.
As far as the story goes it’s unique enough to stand out and captivate but not so much I couldn’t ditch the series because of flaws. I like all the characters, although our MC gets tedious at times for being “unable to choose her own path”. Her having tantrums about it got old fast, especially when you have to read about them multiple times. Still I would recommend this over the authors other series that I have tried (all of which were DNF somewhere near the end of the first book because I gave up due to similar writing issues listed above).
I think I need some down time before moving onto book 2 if I continue this series. The bones are decent but the innards are too much.
This book is both interesting and exasperatingly tedious. The same information is given about 4x in a row ,in some instances only pages a part. An example of this is when the MC has a conversation with person 1, said conversation lasts maybe 4-5 pages then the MC goes and tells person 2 the EXACT conversation and information that was had with person 1. It’s exhausting and leads to a lot of skimming.
As far as the story goes it’s unique enough to stand out and captivate but not so much I couldn’t ditch the series because of flaws. I like all the characters, although our MC gets tedious at times for being “unable to choose her own path”. Her having tantrums about it got old fast, especially when you have to read about them multiple times. Still I would recommend this over the authors other series that I have tried (all of which were DNF somewhere near the end of the first book because I gave up due to similar writing issues listed above).
I think I need some down time before moving onto book 2 if I continue this series. The bones are decent but the innards are too much.
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June 27, 2021I don't know how I am the only one who finds this kinda cringey.
The talk of teens fooling around and the almost grooming that went on grossed me out. I only made it to about 20 something percent before I just couldn't stomach it anymore.
The writing itself is not bad I guess.
The talk of teens fooling around and the almost grooming that went on grossed me out. I only made it to about 20 something percent before I just couldn't stomach it anymore.
The writing itself is not bad I guess.
May 28, 2023
This book has all the markings of a great Auryn Hadley story - interesting concept, a dynamic world and characters with room to grow. Unfortunately, the plot just didn't pull me in. By about the halfway point, it started to drag, and I wasn't invested in seeing anything unfold. I'm not sure if I'll pick up book two.
June 26, 2021
3.5 stars
This book was SO GOOD all the way up until the part about “the choosing”. From chapter 35 on, it became a lot less interesting. Mainly because all the male characters, including a god, all seemed to basically be the same. Major disappointment. I won’t read the next book in this series.
This book was SO GOOD all the way up until the part about “the choosing”. From chapter 35 on, it became a lot less interesting. Mainly because all the male characters, including a god, all seemed to basically be the same. Major disappointment. I won’t read the next book in this series.
February 25, 2021
This book has just become my new obsession. It’s unique & i am all in. 5 stars
July 1, 2022
Loving this series so far.. Lol, I will say this author sure did use a lot of creative license for her descriptive storyline (side eye👀.. 🤔).. But I'm just going to close my mouth about it, because it's a really good read but a different kinda story then the norm and I can really appreciate that... And that's where I'm going to leave it!
Overall Rating:
5* ~ A Truly Good Read
Overall Rating:
5* ~ A Truly Good Read
June 3, 2021
Finally, it ended, that was quite a long read - though it only took me a day or less. The writing is okay, very average I guess. Nothing really special about it. The plot is kinda interesting. I like the word building enough. It’s interesting to see the authors take on faith and the duties you have because of it. I don’t know if she has a religion but I mean I like her perspective on it. Like saying how gods use their believers as tool because well that is true. Anyway, that was nice and the other faith stuff. Im not really good at articulating my words right now so sorry for this nonsense.
The dialogue is okay but sometimes the cheesiness puts me off a bit. Like people, normal humans don’t talk like that please stop.Stop. But I can ignore it if I don’t think too much about it lol. The romance is okay, I like how there’s some complexity in their relationship and its not like immediate you know. Well, there were times like that, especially with Talin cause he literally came out of nowhere lmao, like the final piece of the puzzle you didn’t know was gone and suddenly you found it or something. Idk.
Also problem with the dialogue, sometimes they don’t make sense. Like, they’re talking about something and suddenly it changed and it’s weird? Like I don’t know if i’m just dumb and slow or if the author just smacked me with a sudden change of topic. Like they’re talking about the same topic as the last but kinda change? I can’t explain it, just that it gave me headaches. Like I reread it again and I still didn’t understand how they suddenly got here to there.
Also, the more it goes, the more I smell bullshit man. Like when Nari was a kid a she suddenly got picked up by the most powerful Paths like wtf. Just out of nowhere and then the author tells me suddenly that its because Zeal influenced those stuff. Like, its okay but the author wrote it not as Nari’s own realization but just Zeal casually talking about it like how an author casually gave Nari a plot armor, like dude can you get any more obvious guhhh.
The only good thing that came out of this were the smut scenes. I like how the author writes smut, it pretty great. One of the best, I think. Especially the educational part about the hymen not always tearing up because its the first time I saw it on a romance book lmao.
I think I have a lot more to say but it’s not in the front of my brain right now so I guess this is the only opinions I can think off right of the bat.
Overall, wasn’t that bad, wasn’t that good either, kinda cringe and kinda made my head hurt. This made me more dubious with peoples ratings cause this was literally rated as 4.68 and you know, I expected something, wasn’t a lot but it was something. And though I wasnt dissapointed much, it still kinda sus.
The dialogue is okay but sometimes the cheesiness puts me off a bit. Like people, normal humans don’t talk like that please stop.Stop. But I can ignore it if I don’t think too much about it lol. The romance is okay, I like how there’s some complexity in their relationship and its not like immediate you know. Well, there were times like that, especially with Talin cause he literally came out of nowhere lmao, like the final piece of the puzzle you didn’t know was gone and suddenly you found it or something. Idk.
Also problem with the dialogue, sometimes they don’t make sense. Like, they’re talking about something and suddenly it changed and it’s weird? Like I don’t know if i’m just dumb and slow or if the author just smacked me with a sudden change of topic. Like they’re talking about the same topic as the last but kinda change? I can’t explain it, just that it gave me headaches. Like I reread it again and I still didn’t understand how they suddenly got here to there.
Also, the more it goes, the more I smell bullshit man. Like when Nari was a kid a she suddenly got picked up by the most powerful Paths like wtf. Just out of nowhere and then the author tells me suddenly that its because Zeal influenced those stuff. Like, its okay but the author wrote it not as Nari’s own realization but just Zeal casually talking about it like how an author casually gave Nari a plot armor, like dude can you get any more obvious guhhh.
The only good thing that came out of this were the smut scenes. I like how the author writes smut, it pretty great. One of the best, I think. Especially the educational part about the hymen not always tearing up because its the first time I saw it on a romance book lmao.
I think I have a lot more to say but it’s not in the front of my brain right now so I guess this is the only opinions I can think off right of the bat.
Overall, wasn’t that bad, wasn’t that good either, kinda cringe and kinda made my head hurt. This made me more dubious with peoples ratings cause this was literally rated as 4.68 and you know, I expected something, wasn’t a lot but it was something. And though I wasnt dissapointed much, it still kinda sus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
I just finished an ARC of this book. It had echoes of the Dark Orchid series, but is utterly unlike anything Auryn Hadley has written to date.
This is the tale of Nari and her circle of friends. Nari was given to the temple at the age of nine. Most of this novel is the story of her growing up, so if you're looking for a fast-burn, this isn't it. The foundation is important to understand her and her relationship with Zeal, the god of her path. This is a reverse harem novel with very well-developed characters.
I look forward to the next book in this series. Five enthusiastic stars!
This is the tale of Nari and her circle of friends. Nari was given to the temple at the age of nine. Most of this novel is the story of her growing up, so if you're looking for a fast-burn, this isn't it. The foundation is important to understand her and her relationship with Zeal, the god of her path. This is a reverse harem novel with very well-developed characters.
I look forward to the next book in this series. Five enthusiastic stars!
May 2, 2022
Guys this book is SOOO good.
I'll be honest, I was mad this was coming before Mimics, however it is so good you just have to forgive it. I understand why Mimics was pushed back, Ive just fallen in love with so many series that get abandoned.
But this isnt about that. This is about a book based on a girl who was torn from home, lied to, and betrayed and still never gave up.
Auryn Hadley is a master of creating a whole new world from scratch that is nothing like you have ever read before.
I love the aspects of forbidden romance, the angst, the emotions. Its truly beautifully written.
I'll be honest, I was mad this was coming before Mimics, however it is so good you just have to forgive it. I understand why Mimics was pushed back, Ive just fallen in love with so many series that get abandoned.
But this isnt about that. This is about a book based on a girl who was torn from home, lied to, and betrayed and still never gave up.
Auryn Hadley is a master of creating a whole new world from scratch that is nothing like you have ever read before.
I love the aspects of forbidden romance, the angst, the emotions. Its truly beautifully written.
August 6, 2025
This reminded me why I love Auryn Hadley’s writing so much! Like most of her books, the world building, characters, and relationship development are well thought out and executed perfectly-plus the story has a unique and very intriguing premise.
This book is a great introduction to a new series.
I was hesitant to start this book because I knew that it started when our MC was a child and we “grew up” with her over the course of this book. It was so necessary and I’m SO invested now.
Absolutely would recommend- be prepared to get sucked into reading this series as soon as you pick it up!
This book is a great introduction to a new series.
I was hesitant to start this book because I knew that it started when our MC was a child and we “grew up” with her over the course of this book. It was so necessary and I’m SO invested now.
Absolutely would recommend- be prepared to get sucked into reading this series as soon as you pick it up!
June 21, 2022
I’m a touch blown away with how much I LOVED this book!!
I enjoyed that the story began with Nari as a young child and that we watched her progress and grow into an adult within the temple of Temptation.
It all started on the day of surrender, when parents can choose to give up a child they can’t afford to house and feed anymore to the temple of All Gods.
At just the age of 9, Nariana’s father dragged her dirty, bloody, and afraid to the temple of All Gods to be surrendered.
There, she would throw a fit upon noticing her dad was leaving her and splashes her hands in the basin of the gods tears (love that detail).
If one is marked by the tears, they will have been claimed by one of the 6 gods.
There is the temple of Compassion, Intuition, Perception, Ambition, Inspiration, and finally, Temptation.
When Nari’s hands make contact, she receives the black lace of Zeal on her fingers.
Marking her as a priestess of Temptation.
We watch her become attached to the two people who took care of her and claimed her as their family from day one, Amerlee and Jamik.
Throughout her years growing up in the temple of Temptation, they are her big brother and sister and help guide her.
They giver her all the advice, knowledge, and support that she needs to mature into her role as a priestess; and above that, they love her unconditionally.
Their relationship with her is heartwarming.
Nari quickly grows up and she is a total knockout.
She is struggling to pick her destined path within the Temple, as she is expected to pick one of the 5: Word, Body, Protection, Action, Obligation.
She feels drawn to each path and she also feels somewhat repelled by each; meaning, she’s the only one of her peers that cannot make up her mind….
She feels drawn to Body the most but has seen what Amerlee has been through, and fears that it’s not what she wants…
When she dips her arms into the tears again a few years in, she obtains lace all the way up to her biceps.
This is unheard of for someone so young.
Nari is god-touched.
This becomes more obvious when Zeal speaks and acts through her to punish Ciella for her bully behaviour.
Her being touched by Zeal becomes important later…
While at the temple, she collects a little harem of her own over the years.
Anver is her first kiss and such a sweet, lost soul.
He told Nari that he wanted to be her guardian if she chose the path of Body (ie performing or receiving acts of intimate, sexual, or aggressive nature for their god).
He is also asexual, as many guardians are, which tends to help since they get a spiked cock ring that impedes sexual activity.. for the sake of “protection”.
Anyways.. they become quite attached at the hip.
Then one day, Nari sees a group of nasty kids picking on a big burly guy outside.
She will have none of it so, she marches up and kisses him.
That’s when she meets Wraythe, the gentle giant.
She also meets Eladehl, his golden bestie.
Ela is on the path of the Body and it suits him so perfectly, this sensual and beautiful man.
Meanwhile, Wraythe is on the path of protection, hoping to be a guardian to Ela.
Wraythe isn’t into guys but Ela is into both, and Nari is into guys, so it all really works out between them as a unit.
They are not allowed to actually have sex until they are a full priest/priestess, which is when they turn 19.
Although, until then they are free to experiment!
Anver is part of the group at first.
Even though he is asexual and did not really care to partake in the physical aspects of the relationship, he still enjoyed the intimacy of their company.
He liked to watch also.
But at one point he realized that Nari couldn’t make him feel needed, as she could normally protect herself in hard situations.
Anver wanted to feel like he was needed as a man and being around Nari and her friends wasn’t helping with that.
He met Tishlie, this meek and simpering girl who always needs him to come to her rescue.
He revelled in that and slowly started pulling away from Nari, Ela, and Wraythe.
One day he effectively rejected them for Tish and they were crushed, especially Nari.
She felt completely abandoned and although they tried to hash it out a few times, Anver became engrossed with Tish.
We didn’t see him around the group for many years after that.
Ela, Nari and Wraythe became as close as can be.
Ela declared that him and Nari would be partners on the path of Body, and Wraythe would be their protector.
But we all know it needs to be 1:1.
Meaning, if she does take that path, someone else is in the picture….
When they are due to complete their choosing ceremony and pick their path, Nari is still so conflicted.
She’s the ONLY ONE going into this without a clue of what her path will be, trusting that Zeal has a plan for her.
However, before going into it she wants to experience sex for the first time; as, if she does end up on the path of the Body, she wants to ensure that she’s not stuck doing something she can’t stand for many years to come (pun, not intended)..
She asks Zeal for guidance and he appears to her as a priest and advises her that she is technically graduated and allowed to engage in sex now; essentially pushing her to go experience it before the choosing.
She doesn’t choose Ela or Wraythe though; she makes her way to the inn just outside the temple….
With gloves on and her lace covered, she sits and waits for the company to come to her.
Sure enough some men try to slide in but they also try to get a free drink out of the ordeal; although, this stranger was absolutely not having it.
*Enter Talin*
A delicious man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes comes to her assistance.
He takes their spot at her table and the conversation and drinks are flowing.
By the end of the night, Nari is dtf this man.
They proceed to go upstairs at the inn and things get heated.
He asks for the lights to be off, which is immediately sus and tells me that he’s in one of the temples…
Before he puts it in, she tells him she’s a virgin and he is so gentle and careful with her.
It’s an unbelievably butterfly-inducing moment, considering the build up of physical intimacy throughout the book.
Nari has the best night but slips out in the am, so she can get back to her temple with no attachments.
Goodbye Talin.
Or so she thought…
She gets back and goes though her choosing ceremony, confident that whatever path she gets, it will be right for her.
She is locked in the chamber with Zeals tears and just a few candles to light her way in the dark.
This is when Zeal appears to her again , lighting her second candle.
She realizes that the person in front of her (and the one who has been appearing to her all along), is in fact, not a person but a God.
Zeal himself.
She is the chosen-one after all; however, the sight is in her bloodline.
Zeal asks her to trust him, kisses her right on the mouth (I know, I was shocked too), and then leads her into his tears of joy.
She is fully submerged but it’s not enough.
Zeal demands that she let go and she does.
She swallows his tears and takes him in completely.
By doing so, he covers her in the lace of ALL 5 paths of temptation.
The Path of Temptation.
When she emerges, her instructors, family, and friends/lovers are all in awe but they are also shocked.
Some of the instructors are skeptical and the High Priest is not believing a word of it.
As she is also on the path of Body, she must be paired up with a guardian with matching lace to her own.
This person is found quite quickly and brought to her and her partner Ela’s room.
Low and behold, if it isn’t Talin.
He happens to be the Baron’s brother and is highly regarded within the temple… Ofcourse.
Nari is like wtf are you doing here???
And he asks the same thing of her.
They both realize that they hid the lace from each other on that sexy night and now he’s her matched guardian.
Zeal also appeared to a few others during the choosing, giving Ela the path of body, Wraythe the path of protection and obligation, and Talin the path of protection (but he’s also marked by the god of intuition, which I feel will come into play later on)…
He also appears to Anver and claims that he will be part of their group again hopefully.
Not to mention, Zeal marked Nari with 5 wedding bands on her fingers… one for each of her current and/or future lovers.
Ela and Wraythe have a matching one obviously.
But so does Talin and shockingly, Anver.
The last one on her ring finger matches the god himself.
Hinting that he will be in the harem and I’m actually LIVING for that tidbit.
This is becoming a rant… but to finish things off..
The high priest is enraged and even scared at how marked she is and ensures that she is retested.
She gets called to do the retest with just the high priest and her locked away in the caverns.. how convenient.
When they go down together, she steps into Zeal’s tears of anguish.
Her marks disappear but he is with her the whole time, promising that he would never abandon her as her real family did; and he never will, as long as she gave herself up to him completely.
She steps out of the pool bare of lace and the High priest directs her to step again into the tears of joy.
But he only allows her to step in to her legs and dip her arms, not fully submerging.
She won’t have it and Nari dives into the water.
The High priest latches on and tries to drown her but he doesn’t realize she can breath in his tears with no issue, as she did in her choosing.
Take that you slimy fuck.
She pulls him in with her and Zeal, although present and trying to help, can’t do anything in the presence of a non-believer (aka High Priest).
Zeal panics and ends up flying into Talin’s body just outside the door and breaks it down.
He rips the High Priest off of her and proceeds to speak through Talin, making it perfectly clear what he expects from him.
The priest is shook to his mf core.
He submits in the presence of his God.
He agrees to leave Nari alone and we also find out that his lace is fake; the fucker actually lost most of it already and he tried to put fake ones on.
Zeal stripped what was remaining and left him to fend for himself.
Zeal, still in Talin’s body, marches up to the rest of the temple gathered and exclaims that Nari is his chosen.
And with that, her new lace covers her body like an exquisite lingerie set with stockings and a garter, and lovely lace gloves.
There is really no debating that.
I’m literally obsessed.
Zeal claims Nari as his (including Ela, Wraythe and even Anven, if he can fix things).
I was a little shocked that in Zeal’s POV, he called Nari his LOVE.
He is so enamoured by the fact that she took him in and accepted him with blind faith; he will never leave her or subject her to pain, so I would hope.
But he is a God and I would hate to see her become a pawn in their game…
At the very end of the book, Zeal appears before the rest of the rag tag team, who are now all capable of seeing him because of their faith and belief in him.
He is essentially real in their presence and takes advantage of this moment by sucking face with Ela!
*fans face agressively*
If he isn’t the God of Temptation…
I just about lost it when he kissed Wraythe but then it was clear what he was doing; Zeal marked each of them with his symbol.
Claiming them all and simultaneously pleading for their help to save him and all the gods.
We learn that they are fading away and will die.
He needs Nari and her harem to save them all.
WOW.
So much happened.
So very much in this one book that it sets the bar almost higher for the subsequent books in the series.
If they are as good as this one, I’ll be head-over-fucking-heels in love.
Especially with a longer series, to have so much occur in book one is risky in terms of keeping the reader hooked but I’m here for it.
I’m eager to see how things progress with the relationship and if anyone else aside from Zeal will be added on in the future.
It would be somewhat disappointing if the entire harem has been met already and there is still several books in the series…
If that is the case, I’m gonna need some serious adversity and angst added to the mix!
I guess I just have such high hopes for this one that I don’t want to be let down.
Time will tell…
*end of rant*
~4.5 stars~
I enjoyed that the story began with Nari as a young child and that we watched her progress and grow into an adult within the temple of Temptation.
It all started on the day of surrender, when parents can choose to give up a child they can’t afford to house and feed anymore to the temple of All Gods.
At just the age of 9, Nariana’s father dragged her dirty, bloody, and afraid to the temple of All Gods to be surrendered.
There, she would throw a fit upon noticing her dad was leaving her and splashes her hands in the basin of the gods tears (love that detail).
If one is marked by the tears, they will have been claimed by one of the 6 gods.
There is the temple of Compassion, Intuition, Perception, Ambition, Inspiration, and finally, Temptation.
When Nari’s hands make contact, she receives the black lace of Zeal on her fingers.
Marking her as a priestess of Temptation.
We watch her become attached to the two people who took care of her and claimed her as their family from day one, Amerlee and Jamik.
Throughout her years growing up in the temple of Temptation, they are her big brother and sister and help guide her.
They giver her all the advice, knowledge, and support that she needs to mature into her role as a priestess; and above that, they love her unconditionally.
Their relationship with her is heartwarming.
Nari quickly grows up and she is a total knockout.
She is struggling to pick her destined path within the Temple, as she is expected to pick one of the 5: Word, Body, Protection, Action, Obligation.
She feels drawn to each path and she also feels somewhat repelled by each; meaning, she’s the only one of her peers that cannot make up her mind….
She feels drawn to Body the most but has seen what Amerlee has been through, and fears that it’s not what she wants…
When she dips her arms into the tears again a few years in, she obtains lace all the way up to her biceps.
This is unheard of for someone so young.
Nari is god-touched.
This becomes more obvious when Zeal speaks and acts through her to punish Ciella for her bully behaviour.
Her being touched by Zeal becomes important later…
While at the temple, she collects a little harem of her own over the years.
Anver is her first kiss and such a sweet, lost soul.
He told Nari that he wanted to be her guardian if she chose the path of Body (ie performing or receiving acts of intimate, sexual, or aggressive nature for their god).
He is also asexual, as many guardians are, which tends to help since they get a spiked cock ring that impedes sexual activity.. for the sake of “protection”.
Anyways.. they become quite attached at the hip.
Then one day, Nari sees a group of nasty kids picking on a big burly guy outside.
She will have none of it so, she marches up and kisses him.
That’s when she meets Wraythe, the gentle giant.
She also meets Eladehl, his golden bestie.
Ela is on the path of the Body and it suits him so perfectly, this sensual and beautiful man.
Meanwhile, Wraythe is on the path of protection, hoping to be a guardian to Ela.
Wraythe isn’t into guys but Ela is into both, and Nari is into guys, so it all really works out between them as a unit.
They are not allowed to actually have sex until they are a full priest/priestess, which is when they turn 19.
Although, until then they are free to experiment!
Anver is part of the group at first.
Even though he is asexual and did not really care to partake in the physical aspects of the relationship, he still enjoyed the intimacy of their company.
He liked to watch also.
But at one point he realized that Nari couldn’t make him feel needed, as she could normally protect herself in hard situations.
Anver wanted to feel like he was needed as a man and being around Nari and her friends wasn’t helping with that.
He met Tishlie, this meek and simpering girl who always needs him to come to her rescue.
He revelled in that and slowly started pulling away from Nari, Ela, and Wraythe.
One day he effectively rejected them for Tish and they were crushed, especially Nari.
She felt completely abandoned and although they tried to hash it out a few times, Anver became engrossed with Tish.
We didn’t see him around the group for many years after that.
Ela, Nari and Wraythe became as close as can be.
Ela declared that him and Nari would be partners on the path of Body, and Wraythe would be their protector.
But we all know it needs to be 1:1.
Meaning, if she does take that path, someone else is in the picture….
When they are due to complete their choosing ceremony and pick their path, Nari is still so conflicted.
She’s the ONLY ONE going into this without a clue of what her path will be, trusting that Zeal has a plan for her.
However, before going into it she wants to experience sex for the first time; as, if she does end up on the path of the Body, she wants to ensure that she’s not stuck doing something she can’t stand for many years to come (pun, not intended)..
She asks Zeal for guidance and he appears to her as a priest and advises her that she is technically graduated and allowed to engage in sex now; essentially pushing her to go experience it before the choosing.
She doesn’t choose Ela or Wraythe though; she makes her way to the inn just outside the temple….
With gloves on and her lace covered, she sits and waits for the company to come to her.
Sure enough some men try to slide in but they also try to get a free drink out of the ordeal; although, this stranger was absolutely not having it.
*Enter Talin*
A delicious man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes comes to her assistance.
He takes their spot at her table and the conversation and drinks are flowing.
By the end of the night, Nari is dtf this man.
They proceed to go upstairs at the inn and things get heated.
He asks for the lights to be off, which is immediately sus and tells me that he’s in one of the temples…
Before he puts it in, she tells him she’s a virgin and he is so gentle and careful with her.
It’s an unbelievably butterfly-inducing moment, considering the build up of physical intimacy throughout the book.
Nari has the best night but slips out in the am, so she can get back to her temple with no attachments.
Goodbye Talin.
Or so she thought…
She gets back and goes though her choosing ceremony, confident that whatever path she gets, it will be right for her.
She is locked in the chamber with Zeals tears and just a few candles to light her way in the dark.
This is when Zeal appears to her again , lighting her second candle.
She realizes that the person in front of her (and the one who has been appearing to her all along), is in fact, not a person but a God.
Zeal himself.
She is the chosen-one after all; however, the sight is in her bloodline.
Zeal asks her to trust him, kisses her right on the mouth (I know, I was shocked too), and then leads her into his tears of joy.
She is fully submerged but it’s not enough.
Zeal demands that she let go and she does.
She swallows his tears and takes him in completely.
By doing so, he covers her in the lace of ALL 5 paths of temptation.
The Path of Temptation.
When she emerges, her instructors, family, and friends/lovers are all in awe but they are also shocked.
Some of the instructors are skeptical and the High Priest is not believing a word of it.
As she is also on the path of Body, she must be paired up with a guardian with matching lace to her own.
This person is found quite quickly and brought to her and her partner Ela’s room.
Low and behold, if it isn’t Talin.
He happens to be the Baron’s brother and is highly regarded within the temple… Ofcourse.
Nari is like wtf are you doing here???
And he asks the same thing of her.
They both realize that they hid the lace from each other on that sexy night and now he’s her matched guardian.
Zeal also appeared to a few others during the choosing, giving Ela the path of body, Wraythe the path of protection and obligation, and Talin the path of protection (but he’s also marked by the god of intuition, which I feel will come into play later on)…
He also appears to Anver and claims that he will be part of their group again hopefully.
Not to mention, Zeal marked Nari with 5 wedding bands on her fingers… one for each of her current and/or future lovers.
Ela and Wraythe have a matching one obviously.
But so does Talin and shockingly, Anver.
The last one on her ring finger matches the god himself.
Hinting that he will be in the harem and I’m actually LIVING for that tidbit.
This is becoming a rant… but to finish things off..
The high priest is enraged and even scared at how marked she is and ensures that she is retested.
She gets called to do the retest with just the high priest and her locked away in the caverns.. how convenient.
When they go down together, she steps into Zeal’s tears of anguish.
Her marks disappear but he is with her the whole time, promising that he would never abandon her as her real family did; and he never will, as long as she gave herself up to him completely.
She steps out of the pool bare of lace and the High priest directs her to step again into the tears of joy.
But he only allows her to step in to her legs and dip her arms, not fully submerging.
She won’t have it and Nari dives into the water.
The High priest latches on and tries to drown her but he doesn’t realize she can breath in his tears with no issue, as she did in her choosing.
Take that you slimy fuck.
She pulls him in with her and Zeal, although present and trying to help, can’t do anything in the presence of a non-believer (aka High Priest).
Zeal panics and ends up flying into Talin’s body just outside the door and breaks it down.
He rips the High Priest off of her and proceeds to speak through Talin, making it perfectly clear what he expects from him.
The priest is shook to his mf core.
He submits in the presence of his God.
He agrees to leave Nari alone and we also find out that his lace is fake; the fucker actually lost most of it already and he tried to put fake ones on.
Zeal stripped what was remaining and left him to fend for himself.
Zeal, still in Talin’s body, marches up to the rest of the temple gathered and exclaims that Nari is his chosen.
And with that, her new lace covers her body like an exquisite lingerie set with stockings and a garter, and lovely lace gloves.
There is really no debating that.
I’m literally obsessed.
Zeal claims Nari as his (including Ela, Wraythe and even Anven, if he can fix things).
I was a little shocked that in Zeal’s POV, he called Nari his LOVE.
He is so enamoured by the fact that she took him in and accepted him with blind faith; he will never leave her or subject her to pain, so I would hope.
But he is a God and I would hate to see her become a pawn in their game…
At the very end of the book, Zeal appears before the rest of the rag tag team, who are now all capable of seeing him because of their faith and belief in him.
He is essentially real in their presence and takes advantage of this moment by sucking face with Ela!
*fans face agressively*
If he isn’t the God of Temptation…
I just about lost it when he kissed Wraythe but then it was clear what he was doing; Zeal marked each of them with his symbol.
Claiming them all and simultaneously pleading for their help to save him and all the gods.
We learn that they are fading away and will die.
He needs Nari and her harem to save them all.
WOW.
So much happened.
So very much in this one book that it sets the bar almost higher for the subsequent books in the series.
If they are as good as this one, I’ll be head-over-fucking-heels in love.
Especially with a longer series, to have so much occur in book one is risky in terms of keeping the reader hooked but I’m here for it.
I’m eager to see how things progress with the relationship and if anyone else aside from Zeal will be added on in the future.
It would be somewhat disappointing if the entire harem has been met already and there is still several books in the series…
If that is the case, I’m gonna need some serious adversity and angst added to the mix!
I guess I just have such high hopes for this one that I don’t want to be let down.
Time will tell…
*end of rant*
~4.5 stars~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
August 2024
Kindle edition
Alphabet challenge - P
I should’ve read this one sooner. Not sure why I didn’t, because they weren’t finished yet I think. Wasn’t over the top on the smut, didn’t feel cultish and the guys were sweet, three of them with strong connections formed from early on. Not sure about Anver, the whole angst drama droned on. The lost one. Curious when he’ll be back into the fold. The one he’s currently stuck with was awful. Poor guy.
Talin was interesting. From their first meeting, there was a set up he’ll be back vibe. I liked how he was all in from the get go. The other two were a packaged deal smooth sailing. Then there was the god. He’s a bit of a trickster. The choosing room and marks were cool. The rings were awful. Mostly I liked that she gained the family that she wanted. Looking forward to the next one.
Kindle edition
Alphabet challenge - P
I should’ve read this one sooner. Not sure why I didn’t, because they weren’t finished yet I think. Wasn’t over the top on the smut, didn’t feel cultish and the guys were sweet, three of them with strong connections formed from early on. Not sure about Anver, the whole angst drama droned on. The lost one. Curious when he’ll be back into the fold. The one he’s currently stuck with was awful. Poor guy.
Talin was interesting. From their first meeting, there was a set up he’ll be back vibe. I liked how he was all in from the get go. The other two were a packaged deal smooth sailing. Then there was the god. He’s a bit of a trickster. The choosing room and marks were cool. The rings were awful. Mostly I liked that she gained the family that she wanted. Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2021
This is one of the better RH books I have read. The plot and concept of characters are intriguing and well written. The execution is a tad on the unbelievable side but that has more to do with the MFC than anything else.
The plot revolves around a young girl who will eventually become the savior of the gods. A fairly straightforward linear path but has enough nuance to be enjoyable and refreshing.
The beginning started extremely slowly but that might have had more to do with my expectations going in. The development from 9-year-old to eventual 19 (at the end of book 1) took a lot longer than you would normally read in most RH. For the record I abhor most “academy” style RH since it feeds into and relies on high school YA tropes. I find it boring and repetitive and predictable. Thankfully this book holds it on while still using a lot of the similar plot points from those types of books. It stands out because the subject matter is sexual in nature from the start but doesn’t feel forced. It follows along and meshes with the character development as they transition from young child to teen and then young adult.
When Nari is first introduced, her character is young and therefor ill defined. It takes several chapters before she feels a little more fleshed out—really in my opinion until she starts actively talking to Zeal it feels like Nari is only halfway supported as a three dimensional character.
Anyway, there is a lot of excellent dialogue about the world building that happens in the early chapters and the plot sort of builds slowly over the initial few moments. Once the school/friends/pairing up starts to happen it feels more organic and less like an info dump.
This book does a pretty good job of keeping it interesting if you came for the sex and erotic scenes while maintaining the integrity of the plot of character development. There’s even some decent dialogue exchanges about asexuality. In fact sexual orientation is touched on so lightly because it’s just accepted as part of the world building. I can’t quite speak to the actual representation since I am straight, but it does feel like a nonissue and just how this world works, as if people loving people are just part of the world regardless of how they chose to do it.
The main downside I would say comes any time Nari is talking or learning in the early stages. She feels....just slightly Mary Sue. She has no female friends her age and in fact any of them who are her age go out of their way to alienate and bully her. This leaves her in the unfortunate position (I say unfortunate because it’s a very popular trope for the MFC to have no female friends whatsoever) to be surrounded by guys. And while I know that this is a typical part of RH, I had higher hopes for this one. I understand that her mentor is female and could be considered her friend but I was hoping for someone her age. Maybe I’ll get that in the next books.
Another part of Nari’s unfortunate characterization is her lack of flaws. She accepts everything equally. She understands all things without judgement. She doesn’t necessarily excel at her studies but she’s not bad either. She just feels....bland. She has moments of personality but it doesn’t feel authentic enough to make a lasting impression.
She struggles with forgiving Anver and she stands up for herself against the female bully but it all seems like a one-off-tick-that-box kind of moment. (“Oh she needs to feel like a real person; make her struggle with forgiveness. Aaaaaaaand, check that box!”) Overall it wouldn’t be so bad if the world building was worse LOL. The story pulls you in so well that the lack of depth of characterization makes it so much more obvious.
Zeal as a god and character also feels a little off to me? I can’t quite put my finger on it but he just feels juvenile or perhaps irrational? Inconsistent? I don’t know. He could be a great character otherwise.
The male characters seem pretty fleshed out. I can distinguish between their individual personalities pretty easily. Eladehl feels just slightly off for some of the same reasons as Zeal. But mostly I never felt that much chemistry between him and Nari. The further they get in the book the better it feels to read but at the beginning, even though I knew what to expect, when they paired up with each other as partners it felt flatter than I expected.
Pros: excellent discussion about consent and not just in relation to sex, well rounded characters that don’t fall into the typical male love interest tropes while still maintaining distinct personalities, strong plot and world building, antagonists/villains are well established, backstory and supporting roles are developed slowly but definitely add to the overall story very well. Excellent discussion of sexualities and kinks/preferences.
Cons: Nari falls into the Very Special Girl Because Reasons category. (She doesn’t every have to do anything to be the Chosen. She gets special marks from her god that no one else has. She gets the best mentor who gives her opportunities others don’t, friends who support her unconditionally, and she doesn’t really struggle as a character until much later.) technically most of this could be explained away via Deus Ex Machina, i.e., Zeal, but it feels cheap and unearned.
Overall this is a great start to what I hope to be an excellent series. I’ll keep my eye on the future books and hope these characters get the development they deserve! With this world building and plot this good I hope they can live up to it!
The plot revolves around a young girl who will eventually become the savior of the gods. A fairly straightforward linear path but has enough nuance to be enjoyable and refreshing.
The beginning started extremely slowly but that might have had more to do with my expectations going in. The development from 9-year-old to eventual 19 (at the end of book 1) took a lot longer than you would normally read in most RH. For the record I abhor most “academy” style RH since it feeds into and relies on high school YA tropes. I find it boring and repetitive and predictable. Thankfully this book holds it on while still using a lot of the similar plot points from those types of books. It stands out because the subject matter is sexual in nature from the start but doesn’t feel forced. It follows along and meshes with the character development as they transition from young child to teen and then young adult.
When Nari is first introduced, her character is young and therefor ill defined. It takes several chapters before she feels a little more fleshed out—really in my opinion until she starts actively talking to Zeal it feels like Nari is only halfway supported as a three dimensional character.
Anyway, there is a lot of excellent dialogue about the world building that happens in the early chapters and the plot sort of builds slowly over the initial few moments. Once the school/friends/pairing up starts to happen it feels more organic and less like an info dump.
This book does a pretty good job of keeping it interesting if you came for the sex and erotic scenes while maintaining the integrity of the plot of character development. There’s even some decent dialogue exchanges about asexuality. In fact sexual orientation is touched on so lightly because it’s just accepted as part of the world building. I can’t quite speak to the actual representation since I am straight, but it does feel like a nonissue and just how this world works, as if people loving people are just part of the world regardless of how they chose to do it.
The main downside I would say comes any time Nari is talking or learning in the early stages. She feels....just slightly Mary Sue. She has no female friends her age and in fact any of them who are her age go out of their way to alienate and bully her. This leaves her in the unfortunate position (I say unfortunate because it’s a very popular trope for the MFC to have no female friends whatsoever) to be surrounded by guys. And while I know that this is a typical part of RH, I had higher hopes for this one. I understand that her mentor is female and could be considered her friend but I was hoping for someone her age. Maybe I’ll get that in the next books.
Another part of Nari’s unfortunate characterization is her lack of flaws. She accepts everything equally. She understands all things without judgement. She doesn’t necessarily excel at her studies but she’s not bad either. She just feels....bland. She has moments of personality but it doesn’t feel authentic enough to make a lasting impression.
She struggles with forgiving Anver and she stands up for herself against the female bully but it all seems like a one-off-tick-that-box kind of moment. (“Oh she needs to feel like a real person; make her struggle with forgiveness. Aaaaaaaand, check that box!”) Overall it wouldn’t be so bad if the world building was worse LOL. The story pulls you in so well that the lack of depth of characterization makes it so much more obvious.
Zeal as a god and character also feels a little off to me? I can’t quite put my finger on it but he just feels juvenile or perhaps irrational? Inconsistent? I don’t know. He could be a great character otherwise.
The male characters seem pretty fleshed out. I can distinguish between their individual personalities pretty easily. Eladehl feels just slightly off for some of the same reasons as Zeal. But mostly I never felt that much chemistry between him and Nari. The further they get in the book the better it feels to read but at the beginning, even though I knew what to expect, when they paired up with each other as partners it felt flatter than I expected.
Pros: excellent discussion about consent and not just in relation to sex, well rounded characters that don’t fall into the typical male love interest tropes while still maintaining distinct personalities, strong plot and world building, antagonists/villains are well established, backstory and supporting roles are developed slowly but definitely add to the overall story very well. Excellent discussion of sexualities and kinks/preferences.
Cons: Nari falls into the Very Special Girl Because Reasons category. (She doesn’t every have to do anything to be the Chosen. She gets special marks from her god that no one else has. She gets the best mentor who gives her opportunities others don’t, friends who support her unconditionally, and she doesn’t really struggle as a character until much later.) technically most of this could be explained away via Deus Ex Machina, i.e., Zeal, but it feels cheap and unearned.
Overall this is a great start to what I hope to be an excellent series. I’ll keep my eye on the future books and hope these characters get the development they deserve! With this world building and plot this good I hope they can live up to it!
featured
January 20, 2025Anver from The Path of Temptation is asexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
March 15, 2021
I know it's only March, but I swear this is the best book of 2021. It's as if Hadley bottled up everything I never knew I wanted in a book and this amazing creation was born. I have never in my life savored a book the way I did this one.
Let's start with the characters. Holy crap are they nuanced and well developed. We have Nari who is surrendered by her parents to become a priestess and who is always plagued by the feeling that she will never be good enough. As is pointed out, she is meek not because she has to be, but because it's the way to achieve what she wants. She can also be incredibly strong and I love that we get to see both sides of that.
Then there's Wraythe, who is probably my favorite of her guys. The giant who isn't 'pretty' enough to be tempting. I love his silent strength and support for not only Nari, but all of his friends. Eladehl, the golden boy who really helped Nari grow into her confidence. I love that they meet for the first time before she's surrendered, even though it's never brought up again. Talin, who I was seriously peeved about what happened to him before it changed (avoiding spoilers, sorry for being vague). Anver, who I personally identify with and who might be the most broken character in this book but isn't beyond redemption. And of course Zeal himself. Even though he's a god, he is far from perfect and not as all powerful as he once was. Not to mention Jamik and Amerlee who I love and pity and root for the whole time.
But seriously, every character in this book became so real to me I couldn't help but hurt when they hurt and cheer when they succeeded. Hadley built this amazing world with amazing characters and I am so excited to read the next books as they come out.
If I could give this book a million stars it wouldn't be enough
Let's start with the characters. Holy crap are they nuanced and well developed. We have Nari who is surrendered by her parents to become a priestess and who is always plagued by the feeling that she will never be good enough. As is pointed out, she is meek not because she has to be, but because it's the way to achieve what she wants. She can also be incredibly strong and I love that we get to see both sides of that.
Then there's Wraythe, who is probably my favorite of her guys. The giant who isn't 'pretty' enough to be tempting. I love his silent strength and support for not only Nari, but all of his friends. Eladehl, the golden boy who really helped Nari grow into her confidence. I love that they meet for the first time before she's surrendered, even though it's never brought up again. Talin, who I was seriously peeved about what happened to him before it changed (avoiding spoilers, sorry for being vague). Anver, who I personally identify with and who might be the most broken character in this book but isn't beyond redemption. And of course Zeal himself. Even though he's a god, he is far from perfect and not as all powerful as he once was. Not to mention Jamik and Amerlee who I love and pity and root for the whole time.
But seriously, every character in this book became so real to me I couldn't help but hurt when they hurt and cheer when they succeeded. Hadley built this amazing world with amazing characters and I am so excited to read the next books as they come out.
If I could give this book a million stars it wouldn't be enough
January 1, 2022
I'm about 80% through with the book and I'm considering not finishing it. The story is great, and I love how much time and thought is given to teaching about consent considering the path the characters are taking. I also really enjoy the relationship between all the characters, especially the mentorship of the older "siblings." The world building is pretty solid and the dialogue as well.
BUT, as a black trans person it is a painfully white book. I'm just tired of reading about a special white girl surrounded by white characters who saves the world. It's a trope I see time and time and time again. The cis-normativity is also painful. For a book that delves into asexuality (props for that, she handles it very well) and all aspects of humanity it is missing discussing trans people and gender non-conforming people. The closest she gets is Zeal mentioning he's into "men who want to be women and women who want to be men." Which is absolutely an incorrect way to describe trans people. The author should have done the basic research to know that. I just wish she had been more creative in building her characters.
It's the little phrases, dialogue, and the way the characters act that make it very clear this book is meant for cis-het white readers and alienates anyone who isn't. Everytime I start reading again I am pulled out of the story by it and have to put it down. If you're part of the target demographic tho, this book is a great read.
BUT, as a black trans person it is a painfully white book. I'm just tired of reading about a special white girl surrounded by white characters who saves the world. It's a trope I see time and time and time again. The cis-normativity is also painful. For a book that delves into asexuality (props for that, she handles it very well) and all aspects of humanity it is missing discussing trans people and gender non-conforming people. The closest she gets is Zeal mentioning he's into "men who want to be women and women who want to be men." Which is absolutely an incorrect way to describe trans people. The author should have done the basic research to know that. I just wish she had been more creative in building her characters.
It's the little phrases, dialogue, and the way the characters act that make it very clear this book is meant for cis-het white readers and alienates anyone who isn't. Everytime I start reading again I am pulled out of the story by it and have to put it down. If you're part of the target demographic tho, this book is a great read.
November 11, 2025
I absolutely love this book. I won an ARC on the author’s Facebook page as well as purchased it, and read it again a week later, that’s how much I love it. The world building is fantastic. The gods and how they work is fascinating. Nariana and her group are fun, adorable at times, frustrating, and relatable. They aren’t characters that are perfect or know exactly what to do all the time.
The book is about the Temple of Temptation, and while it starts when Nariana is a child, the way it is handled and the children are taught as they grow up is great - it’s age appropriate, inclusive, and just so well done. I love everything about this book!
The book is about the Temple of Temptation, and while it starts when Nariana is a child, the way it is handled and the children are taught as they grow up is great - it’s age appropriate, inclusive, and just so well done. I love everything about this book!
January 9, 2022
I wouldn't call this a rh or a romance. I would call this a book with polyamory. Rh I would describe as the woman being the main focus of all of her harem affection, there could be mm love or whatnot, but their main focus is always the woman. This story is not the case. I am currently reading book 4 and I'm sort of disappointed that characters are declaring love for one another and that the main person isn't the Nari. The story is interesting though. As the series went on and I realized that this book wasn't what I was expecting it went to 3 stars
April 25, 2021
Dear gods I love this author. I'm almost at the auto buy everything she writes. She's become someone that I want to emulate. Yes she is that good.
This is the start of a new series and a different world. It is very heavy on sex and relationships, but they are done with such a fine touch you become addicted. My only complaint? The entire series isn't out so I can binge read it yet.
This is the start of a new series and a different world. It is very heavy on sex and relationships, but they are done with such a fine touch you become addicted. My only complaint? The entire series isn't out so I can binge read it yet.
April 10, 2025
Auryn Hadley is a master. Her world building is spectacular and this is a bright and shiny example. I dived in and barely drew air as I waded through this world of Gods and the priestess and priests they claim. The beginning of an epic journey for Nariana as she walks the path of Temptation. This is definitely 18+ and most definitely worth reading. So very highly recommended.
September 11, 2022
A theme
Hadley really likes to explore the larger picture of sexuality And humanity, doesn’t she? This is the second series I’ve read by her that touched toes until themes that encompass the entire aspect of human nature. It’s fascinating. Well written and edited, this is a unique romance that is more RH, without being a typical RH.
Hadley really likes to explore the larger picture of sexuality And humanity, doesn’t she? This is the second series I’ve read by her that touched toes until themes that encompass the entire aspect of human nature. It’s fascinating. Well written and edited, this is a unique romance that is more RH, without being a typical RH.
January 22, 2025
This book was so hard to review. Honestly the whole idea is unique and has so much potential that it makes me want to give it 5 stars just for that. It’s for that reason I will continue to book two and hope that some of the negatives get better. Below you can find my lengthy venting review of this book. Mind you I have adhd and this will likely hop all over the place!
First let me just say that for the sake of honesty this is not what I would call a reverse harem. To me a RH features the MC as the central point. M/M happens in some RH (which might I add I happen to like) but the fmc is still the central focus. For me this allows me to live in a fantasy world where one woman could have 5 men all devoted to her. Although they may mess around or even love other members of the harem they were brought together in this way because of her and because of that the FMC always seems more important or favored over any MM relationships that form in the harem. This is just my experience. This book is 100% polyamory & not only that but they also have an open relationship. In book one we don’t see them step outside the harem but it’s pretty much their job & the author reminds you every couple of pages that they are free to sleep with whoever they choose outside of the group. If this is not for you then don’t read the book. It is heavily implied that they will be intimate with other people in future books. I will be honest I struggled a bit with this. Not the polyamory, but the open relationship. I don’t see anything wrong with it but it’s not something I can relate to and I’m concerned I’m getting attached to the mmc’s and then later down the road I will not be okay seeing them being with other people besides the FMC. I just wish I had known going into this that this is not at all a reverse harem & they definitely have an open relationship. On the plus side it seems to be a very healthy open relationship, and they all communicate well with eachother.
So like I mentioned earlier. The plot of the book is intriguing AF. The world building was fabulous. The author explains everything really well so there’s none of that gatekeeping valuable information just for the sake of keeping you reading. I appreciated that. I also liked the FMC. She’s strong, sexy, kind, and empathetic. She’s also pretty smart. She’s definitely not a damsel.
The only other issue I’m having trouble with is the repetition. The author seems to not trust to reader to grasp very simple pieces of information. Conversations are had and you’re present for them as a reader. Then the conversation is recited to another character so that they know what happened and you have to read it all again. I even caught a couple of times where the fmc had already dropped some info to a mmc and then is shown repeating it all again as though it’s the first time. The exhausting part was just the repetitiveness in general. When explaining something it would have the wording changed slightly and be repeated again to the reader. I felt I couldn’t skim bc it was a tiny bit different and I thought that was intentional and didn’t want to miss something, halfway through I realized that wasn’t the case. Remember how I said the author didn’t gatekeep valuable information? She does the complete opposite and gives it to you many many times worded the same or slightly different. This made the book sooooo drawn out. It could’ve been much shorter.
I also became a bit drained at listening to the characters repeatedly talk about how their relationship worked and how there was no jealousy. After awhile it felt like I was being preached to about how great open relationships could be and I didn’t need that. I’m 33. At this stage in life I’m incredibly open minded and think everyone should do what makes them happy. However I know that’s not the type of relationship I would thrive in. It felt like the author was really pushing me to be okay with something that I’m not because it just kept being brought up and preached about. Like I understand why people have open relationships, I know how it works, and I know that they’ve all consented to this. Telling the reader once or twice is enough.
I will definitely be reading book 2, for plot alone. Rarely do I continue a book just for the plot if the relationships aren’t holding my focus too so that speaks volumes about this book. I definitely will be taking a break before I start though. The FMC has gotten a bit whiny lately and I fear that my annoyance with her is due to my nonstop reading. I’m so tired of hearing her ask her God how she’s going to do this or what she’s supposed to do 😭😭 If you made it to the end of this you deserve all of Zeals blessings because it was fucking long!
I just realized I said nothing about the MMC’s 😂 which is so out of the norm for me. I guess that speaks volumes. I like them all. They each have differences but honestly we didn’t get enough from their POV to really feel connected to them. I don’t really know why they like the FMC other than they grew up together. They lack a little bit of depth and unique traits and I’ve kind of started seeing them all as one being 😂 “the guys”. Overall they sound hot and are all likable. Only one stands out as different from the others and you’ll have to read it to see why 🤐
First let me just say that for the sake of honesty this is not what I would call a reverse harem. To me a RH features the MC as the central point. M/M happens in some RH (which might I add I happen to like) but the fmc is still the central focus. For me this allows me to live in a fantasy world where one woman could have 5 men all devoted to her. Although they may mess around or even love other members of the harem they were brought together in this way because of her and because of that the FMC always seems more important or favored over any MM relationships that form in the harem. This is just my experience. This book is 100% polyamory & not only that but they also have an open relationship. In book one we don’t see them step outside the harem but it’s pretty much their job & the author reminds you every couple of pages that they are free to sleep with whoever they choose outside of the group. If this is not for you then don’t read the book. It is heavily implied that they will be intimate with other people in future books. I will be honest I struggled a bit with this. Not the polyamory, but the open relationship. I don’t see anything wrong with it but it’s not something I can relate to and I’m concerned I’m getting attached to the mmc’s and then later down the road I will not be okay seeing them being with other people besides the FMC. I just wish I had known going into this that this is not at all a reverse harem & they definitely have an open relationship. On the plus side it seems to be a very healthy open relationship, and they all communicate well with eachother.
So like I mentioned earlier. The plot of the book is intriguing AF. The world building was fabulous. The author explains everything really well so there’s none of that gatekeeping valuable information just for the sake of keeping you reading. I appreciated that. I also liked the FMC. She’s strong, sexy, kind, and empathetic. She’s also pretty smart. She’s definitely not a damsel.
The only other issue I’m having trouble with is the repetition. The author seems to not trust to reader to grasp very simple pieces of information. Conversations are had and you’re present for them as a reader. Then the conversation is recited to another character so that they know what happened and you have to read it all again. I even caught a couple of times where the fmc had already dropped some info to a mmc and then is shown repeating it all again as though it’s the first time. The exhausting part was just the repetitiveness in general. When explaining something it would have the wording changed slightly and be repeated again to the reader. I felt I couldn’t skim bc it was a tiny bit different and I thought that was intentional and didn’t want to miss something, halfway through I realized that wasn’t the case. Remember how I said the author didn’t gatekeep valuable information? She does the complete opposite and gives it to you many many times worded the same or slightly different. This made the book sooooo drawn out. It could’ve been much shorter.
I also became a bit drained at listening to the characters repeatedly talk about how their relationship worked and how there was no jealousy. After awhile it felt like I was being preached to about how great open relationships could be and I didn’t need that. I’m 33. At this stage in life I’m incredibly open minded and think everyone should do what makes them happy. However I know that’s not the type of relationship I would thrive in. It felt like the author was really pushing me to be okay with something that I’m not because it just kept being brought up and preached about. Like I understand why people have open relationships, I know how it works, and I know that they’ve all consented to this. Telling the reader once or twice is enough.
I will definitely be reading book 2, for plot alone. Rarely do I continue a book just for the plot if the relationships aren’t holding my focus too so that speaks volumes about this book. I definitely will be taking a break before I start though. The FMC has gotten a bit whiny lately and I fear that my annoyance with her is due to my nonstop reading. I’m so tired of hearing her ask her God how she’s going to do this or what she’s supposed to do 😭😭 If you made it to the end of this you deserve all of Zeals blessings because it was fucking long!
I just realized I said nothing about the MMC’s 😂 which is so out of the norm for me. I guess that speaks volumes. I like them all. They each have differences but honestly we didn’t get enough from their POV to really feel connected to them. I don’t really know why they like the FMC other than they grew up together. They lack a little bit of depth and unique traits and I’ve kind of started seeing them all as one being 😂 “the guys”. Overall they sound hot and are all likable. Only one stands out as different from the others and you’ll have to read it to see why 🤐
May 19, 2021
I rate it 3.5. It's an interesting concept. Didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat. But overall, it was good.
August 5, 2022
It took me longer than it should have based on how much I enjoyed this book. That said, I tried staying up too late trying to listen to the audiobook and had fallen asleep by accident… and it took me a while to get back to my previous spot. I tried to binge this book because I was SO I to it, but my body and brain shut off from pure exhaustion. Sad.
My only peeve is that the rest of this series is not on audiobook. I HATE when I get really into a book, realize it’s a series, then find out a book (or more) is not available/pending/fell into a worm hole to never be seen again.
I CANT STAND IT when authors don’t even post on social media about their books being “translated” as audiobooks. That has to be a huge expense or they’re getting ripped off by audio publishing houses. It takes a FAR better actor/actress to make a book an immersive experience rather than an actor/actress for film. This book has been a treat!
My qualm is that marketing a publication of a book or a series via audiobook seems to be something that 3/4 of authors don’t care about mentioning in their social media. It’s costing them good $ to create it, why not promote?
That’s the LONGEST rant EVER to make the point of wanting to know if/when the next of a series is going to come out on audiobook. Because a 6 part series with only one out…. How long do I have to wait for the next one? Is it coming out? Did the author/publishing company decide to not fund the continuation of this series in audio format? If a written book was published over 2 years ago and it’s written predecessor was 3 months later, would that be the same timeline? Am I over thinking the shit out of this? (Yes, on the latter)
I usually do more research on this, but I didn’t with this book/series. I’m FOR SURE continuing this series, but I’m upset I didn’t do my due diligence to see if the series is in the format I prefer. If I would have known, I would have waited to binge the heck out of the series, and conclude the scenario by complaining about my lack of sleep. Meanwhile, my “multitasking time” of audiobook and cleaning, crafting, etc. Will be listening to the more constipated-sounding Australian version of Siri for the next 50+ hours.
Okay… forgive me… I’m rambling… I need to practice more patience for updates on things I find pleasure in… which this is one. The “cheat code” is the text to talk Kindle feature, but monotone Australian Barbie is better than most!
ADD review… my bad! Lol!
My only peeve is that the rest of this series is not on audiobook. I HATE when I get really into a book, realize it’s a series, then find out a book (or more) is not available/pending/fell into a worm hole to never be seen again.
I CANT STAND IT when authors don’t even post on social media about their books being “translated” as audiobooks. That has to be a huge expense or they’re getting ripped off by audio publishing houses. It takes a FAR better actor/actress to make a book an immersive experience rather than an actor/actress for film. This book has been a treat!
My qualm is that marketing a publication of a book or a series via audiobook seems to be something that 3/4 of authors don’t care about mentioning in their social media. It’s costing them good $ to create it, why not promote?
That’s the LONGEST rant EVER to make the point of wanting to know if/when the next of a series is going to come out on audiobook. Because a 6 part series with only one out…. How long do I have to wait for the next one? Is it coming out? Did the author/publishing company decide to not fund the continuation of this series in audio format? If a written book was published over 2 years ago and it’s written predecessor was 3 months later, would that be the same timeline? Am I over thinking the shit out of this? (Yes, on the latter)
I usually do more research on this, but I didn’t with this book/series. I’m FOR SURE continuing this series, but I’m upset I didn’t do my due diligence to see if the series is in the format I prefer. If I would have known, I would have waited to binge the heck out of the series, and conclude the scenario by complaining about my lack of sleep. Meanwhile, my “multitasking time” of audiobook and cleaning, crafting, etc. Will be listening to the more constipated-sounding Australian version of Siri for the next 50+ hours.
Okay… forgive me… I’m rambling… I need to practice more patience for updates on things I find pleasure in… which this is one. The “cheat code” is the text to talk Kindle feature, but monotone Australian Barbie is better than most!
ADD review… my bad! Lol!
June 17, 2024
Next on the list of recommended books with poly and/or non-mon representation. This book is surprisingly good story- and character-development-wise, despite the cover, which suggestst his will be pure smut. (I'm increasingly realizing that romance novel covers are the worst and can't be depended on to hint at the story inside. For intsance, Merry Little Meet Cute looks like a sweet rom-com but is...very spicy. I digress.).
There are a lot of open-door scenes, mostly M-F-M(M), which, tbh feels slightly creepy because the characters are minors for a lot of the book, since they are basically in sexy priest(ess) boarding school. In many ways, this is the type of series that I would've accidentally stumbled upon at the library and felt guilty reading, as a middle-schooler curious about sex, widening my eyes a lot. That said, I was suprised by the depth of the fantasy world-building and signs of the series building to a bigger plot, as well as the nuance and sweetness of the relationships of the book, including exploring each characters' insecurities. The book is not only queer sex-positive, but love-positive, with ACE rep, which was unexpected in a book that could be classified as explicit reverse harem. Unlike many cishet romances, the relationships/romance/sex don't emphasize possessiveness; rather they stress sharing, care, loyalty and found family.
One thing that I dislike about this book is the main character/group's lack of other women friends, made worse by the fact that the two girl year-mates that receive any time at all are portrayed as Mean Girls and used as plot devices to lead all the guys back to Nari. There is also a distinct lack of body diversity and mention of non-binary people (though there is one statement about the god of temptation loving trans people).
There are a lot of open-door scenes, mostly M-F-M(M), which, tbh feels slightly creepy because the characters are minors for a lot of the book, since they are basically in sexy priest(ess) boarding school. In many ways, this is the type of series that I would've accidentally stumbled upon at the library and felt guilty reading, as a middle-schooler curious about sex, widening my eyes a lot. That said, I was suprised by the depth of the fantasy world-building and signs of the series building to a bigger plot, as well as the nuance and sweetness of the relationships of the book, including exploring each characters' insecurities. The book is not only queer sex-positive, but love-positive, with ACE rep, which was unexpected in a book that could be classified as explicit reverse harem. Unlike many cishet romances, the relationships/romance/sex don't emphasize possessiveness; rather they stress sharing, care, loyalty and found family.
One thing that I dislike about this book is the main character/group's lack of other women friends, made worse by the fact that the two girl year-mates that receive any time at all are portrayed as Mean Girls and used as plot devices to lead all the guys back to Nari. There is also a distinct lack of body diversity and mention of non-binary people (though there is one statement about the god of temptation loving trans people).
July 11, 2022
Strong 4 stars. Maybe more, but reserving that until I read the series. I enjoy Auryn's stories, I just know that I am signing up for pages and pages of discussion between the characters about their feelings and am prepared for that.
Her "Gamer Girls" books were some of my favorites, very creative. And yes, the Dark Orchid. And I waited to read ANY of this until the whole series was released since I am tired of investing in a series only to have the author not finish...
This started off really strong for me and the whole premise is very interesting. I liked that the story starts at the beginning really, when Nari is first brought to the temple at age 9 where the god Zeal fights for her and claims her. I enjoyed the backstory of the 10 years of schooling and how she builds a "family" with her men. These are long involved stories where we get to know the characters whether we want to or not :)
Spoiler alert!
I did NOT enjoy the "ring" part and was disappointed that Nari and Wrayth didn't get their sexy times but there is hope for that by the end of the book.
I enjoyed the "lace" aspect and I assumed we were headed to upset the apple cart with our special snowflake heroine. But it's a fun ride even though some things are predictable. Hotness is epic, Auryn knows how to write a scorching scene I tell you! I like Wrayth the BEST so far, we will see.
Her "Gamer Girls" books were some of my favorites, very creative. And yes, the Dark Orchid. And I waited to read ANY of this until the whole series was released since I am tired of investing in a series only to have the author not finish...
This started off really strong for me and the whole premise is very interesting. I liked that the story starts at the beginning really, when Nari is first brought to the temple at age 9 where the god Zeal fights for her and claims her. I enjoyed the backstory of the 10 years of schooling and how she builds a "family" with her men. These are long involved stories where we get to know the characters whether we want to or not :)
Spoiler alert!
I did NOT enjoy the "ring" part and was disappointed that Nari and Wrayth didn't get their sexy times but there is hope for that by the end of the book.
I enjoyed the "lace" aspect and I assumed we were headed to upset the apple cart with our special snowflake heroine. But it's a fun ride even though some things are predictable. Hotness is epic, Auryn knows how to write a scorching scene I tell you! I like Wrayth the BEST so far, we will see.
August 10, 2022
3.5 Stars
I liked the book. I like Nariana. I like her men and I even like Zeal. What I disliked was the way the pacing was written. A ton of things were told instead of shown. I am not a fan of that writing style and I’ve read a lot of Hadley’s previous works, Rise of the Iliri, Demon’s Muse and a few others. This does not have the same style. While the story still comes across and I still can gain insight and emotions from our characters I still felt slightly disconnected.
I wanted to see some of the glossed over parts at least partially if we couldn’t have a full scene. Maybe gloss over after we get to be privy to the conversations. I do understand that if it’s to retell something to catch that character up on something that that should be glossed over but I would love to have the character’s reaction there. I just felt like a lot of things were lost for me in this style.
Still I enjoyed it all except Tishlie she’s annoying, I hope she has some comeuppance soon.
Overall I still enjoyed myself and I look forward to reading further and seeing where this went.
I liked the book. I like Nariana. I like her men and I even like Zeal. What I disliked was the way the pacing was written. A ton of things were told instead of shown. I am not a fan of that writing style and I’ve read a lot of Hadley’s previous works, Rise of the Iliri, Demon’s Muse and a few others. This does not have the same style. While the story still comes across and I still can gain insight and emotions from our characters I still felt slightly disconnected.
I wanted to see some of the glossed over parts at least partially if we couldn’t have a full scene. Maybe gloss over after we get to be privy to the conversations. I do understand that if it’s to retell something to catch that character up on something that that should be glossed over but I would love to have the character’s reaction there. I just felt like a lot of things were lost for me in this style.
Still I enjoyed it all except Tishlie she’s annoying, I hope she has some comeuppance soon.
Overall I still enjoyed myself and I look forward to reading further and seeing where this went.
November 18, 2023
This book was so captivating, and I can’t even say why. It was so interesting, such a different story I’ve never heard before. I love the men - some of the things they say ugh I’m swooning over here. I loved Nari too, she can be nervous and meek but also a badass when she needs to say something, not over the top.
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