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Fae Revealed #1
Courting Darkness
My whole life has been characterized by fighting.
Fighting my family.
And fighting for my life.
Trust me—the first one is completely voluntary, and a lot of fun. The second? Not so much.
To say my family dynamic is weird is the understatement of the century. I held my first sword when I was only five years old, and I learned how to dispose of a body before I turned ten.
I may have a penchant for pink and sparkles…but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to kick major ass as well.
As if my life isn't complicated enough, my body is being ravaged by a chronic, mystery illness.
Seizures? Check. Passing out? Check. Agonizing pain? Check. A host of other unexplainable ailments? Double check.
After a change in my parents’ job takes us across the country, I find myself doing something I’ve never done before—attend an actual high school, despite my sickness.
But this school? Well…it’s a little weird...
I'm always turned around, and there's something happening I just can't put my finger on.
And don’t even get me started on my sexy as sin teacher and his equally as gorgeous twin brother. Or Tristan, who kind of reminds me of an energetic puppy. Or Kian, who has a harem of girls at his beck and call, despite seemingly unhappy with his entire life. Or Foster and Gage, who are revered and feared in equal measure.
With a serial killer stalking the streets of this odd, little town, my new friends and family are on high alert.
One thing becomes clear…
Humans aren’t the only beings who walk this earth.
And if I don’t uncover the secrets of my new school, I may be the killer’s next victim.
Courting Darkness is a reverse harem paranormal romance, meaning the main character will end up with more than one love interest by the end of the series. This is book ONE in the series. It will end with a cliffhanger.
Fighting my family.
And fighting for my life.
Trust me—the first one is completely voluntary, and a lot of fun. The second? Not so much.
To say my family dynamic is weird is the understatement of the century. I held my first sword when I was only five years old, and I learned how to dispose of a body before I turned ten.
I may have a penchant for pink and sparkles…but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to kick major ass as well.
As if my life isn't complicated enough, my body is being ravaged by a chronic, mystery illness.
Seizures? Check. Passing out? Check. Agonizing pain? Check. A host of other unexplainable ailments? Double check.
After a change in my parents’ job takes us across the country, I find myself doing something I’ve never done before—attend an actual high school, despite my sickness.
But this school? Well…it’s a little weird...
I'm always turned around, and there's something happening I just can't put my finger on.
And don’t even get me started on my sexy as sin teacher and his equally as gorgeous twin brother. Or Tristan, who kind of reminds me of an energetic puppy. Or Kian, who has a harem of girls at his beck and call, despite seemingly unhappy with his entire life. Or Foster and Gage, who are revered and feared in equal measure.
With a serial killer stalking the streets of this odd, little town, my new friends and family are on high alert.
One thing becomes clear…
Humans aren’t the only beings who walk this earth.
And if I don’t uncover the secrets of my new school, I may be the killer’s next victim.
Courting Darkness is a reverse harem paranormal romance, meaning the main character will end up with more than one love interest by the end of the series. This is book ONE in the series. It will end with a cliffhanger.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2021
1142 people are currently reading
2855 people want to read
About the author
Katie May
99 books2,624 followersKatie May is a romance writer of numerous genres! She writes everything from horror to fantasy to contemporary. #whychoose
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
September 21, 2021
Courting Darkness is enjoyable. It's entertaining, fun to read, with jealous and possessive boys and an adorable heroine who can somewhat stand her ground.
But it also has less plot development than a Ghost bird book.
cue sigh
This is yet another case when a story suffers from the blurb. I am not very familiar with Quinn Arthurs, but when I go into a Katie May book, I pretty much know what to expect: a charming heroine, growly and protective men, and some kind of story.
Which is fine with me. Sometimes, you just want those big teddy bears in leather jackets that have about zero personality apart from protecting the heroine.
But here's the thing.
While this time some of the guys do stand out, the book seriously lacks in world-building and plot.
Nothing happens.
Then why are you lying to me?
Hey, I might have dropped both but I love The Ghost Bird and I love The Veil Diaries. I enjoy those stories that are all about relationships and the slow-ish burn. But if I wanted no development at all, I would have stuck to those.
The blurb told me to expect some mystery, some action, some bodies to make disappear, and definitely a serial killer on the loose. Instead, I got zero sexual tension, a game of Clue, and a predator of a teacher.
Thank god for the two overprotective brothers and the alpha-male who stands outside her window or this book would have gone from entertaining to a complete waste of time. Hopefully, with the huge-ass cliffhanger, the next installment will actually give me the plot it deserves.
> No MM
> No FF
> Cliffhanger, not one but two big ones because why the hell not.
> Multiple POVs
> Characters in high school and a few years older
> 6 guys, I think.
> Who falls first?
Trigger warning:
No real one but the heroine is sick and has seizures that are described as "fits" which sounds kind of weird.
March 2, 2023
Look, is it an amazing book? No.
Are there a few minor aspects of this book that bugged me? Yes.
Did I still really enjoy this paranormal academy reverse harem? HELL YEAH
Off I go on to book 2
Are there a few minor aspects of this book that bugged me? Yes.
Did I still really enjoy this paranormal academy reverse harem? HELL YEAH
Off I go on to book 2
October 9, 2021
First of all this book has like zero plot. And the romance is mediocre at best. I’m not reading the next book.
TW: rape, abuse, addiction
Spoilers ahead…
I hate all the guys other than Kian. I don’t know why the author would think we would have any kind of sympathy for them after what they did to Kian. The man was basically being raped for years and no one helped him even when he begged for it. Instead they called him names and isolated him. His own parents forced him into “sessions” where he had to have sex with an old woman when he was a kid. Like WTF!!!! The other guys, especially Tristan suck. Just horrible for not seeing the pain this guy was holding in. And Devyn is an empath how could he not know Kian’s pain?!?! I’m just so so angry I wish this book was just about Kian and Sera and none of the other guys cause fuck them for being such assholes. Their best friend is being constantly raped and they chose not to help him and instead stereotyped him because he’s an incubus.
TW: rape, abuse, addiction
Spoilers ahead…
I hate all the guys other than Kian. I don’t know why the author would think we would have any kind of sympathy for them after what they did to Kian. The man was basically being raped for years and no one helped him even when he begged for it. Instead they called him names and isolated him. His own parents forced him into “sessions” where he had to have sex with an old woman when he was a kid. Like WTF!!!! The other guys, especially Tristan suck. Just horrible for not seeing the pain this guy was holding in. And Devyn is an empath how could he not know Kian’s pain?!?! I’m just so so angry I wish this book was just about Kian and Sera and none of the other guys cause fuck them for being such assholes. Their best friend is being constantly raped and they chose not to help him and instead stereotyped him because he’s an incubus.
November 13, 2021
Does anyone else feel weird about how Serefina is seen to everyone outside of the harem-to-be as a child, to the point that someone literally is shocked that she’s not a middle schooler and is in fact 17 - and then all the dudes, including a 25 year old, pop insta-boners at first sight? It is mentioned multiple times right out of the gate that she is small, 5feet or less, looks extremely young, has been mistaken multiple times to be even younger than she actually is, but then.. idk. Just something that itched at the back of my brain.
DEFINITELY not the only reason I DNFd, but it did make me uncomfy
DEFINITELY not the only reason I DNFd, but it did make me uncomfy
April 10, 2023
My Thoughts on Courting Darkness
4.5 rounded up
This author duo, while individually talented, stepped it up even higher as a team, producing a book with all the charm, wit and intrigue you look for in a new series. The only drawback? There’s only one book out so far!! (Edit - Book 2 is out now, and equally fantastic!)
Sera is a wonderful FMC- pocket-sized yet fierce, even though she suffers from a debilitating and mysterious ailment. Or maybe she is so fierce BECAUSE she has to deal with a disease that strikes out of nowhere. Not to mention an incredibly strong family that has made a business of weapons, training and generally being bad@ss. Obviously, there is a lot more to it - but there are reasons that Sera knows how to fight and defend herself as well as she does.
The guys that start centering around her are as different as different can be, yet they all share a familiar background and know each other well. Of them all, I think Kian is my favorite, mainly because no one likes him. It’s complicated.
If the rest of the series follows the flow of this one, then I've found a solid series I can't wait to read again and again.
Perspective:
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type:
Cliffhanger. Serious one.
Rating:
R
Romantic Dynamic:
Reverse Harem... not sure of the final make up yet.
Taboos:
Teacher - he's only 25 though.
Character Age Range:
17+
More New Adult than Young Adult, though it's set in High School, all characters are 18 or close enough to it that the slow-burn plot will get there before age consent becomes a problem.
My Final Verdict on Courting Darkness
A fantastic start to a promising new series. The characters are richly depicted, showcasing all the strengths and foibles you'd expect in a group of magical beings... ones who are still growing up themselves. Mistakes have been made here, and that just brings the story to life.
4.5 rounded up
This author duo, while individually talented, stepped it up even higher as a team, producing a book with all the charm, wit and intrigue you look for in a new series. The only drawback? There’s only one book out so far!! (Edit - Book 2 is out now, and equally fantastic!)
Sera is a wonderful FMC- pocket-sized yet fierce, even though she suffers from a debilitating and mysterious ailment. Or maybe she is so fierce BECAUSE she has to deal with a disease that strikes out of nowhere. Not to mention an incredibly strong family that has made a business of weapons, training and generally being bad@ss. Obviously, there is a lot more to it - but there are reasons that Sera knows how to fight and defend herself as well as she does.
The guys that start centering around her are as different as different can be, yet they all share a familiar background and know each other well. Of them all, I think Kian is my favorite, mainly because no one likes him. It’s complicated.
If the rest of the series follows the flow of this one, then I've found a solid series I can't wait to read again and again.
Perspective:
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type:
Cliffhanger. Serious one.
Rating:
R
Romantic Dynamic:
Reverse Harem... not sure of the final make up yet.
Taboos:
Teacher - he's only 25 though.
Character Age Range:
17+
More New Adult than Young Adult, though it's set in High School, all characters are 18 or close enough to it that the slow-burn plot will get there before age consent becomes a problem.
My Final Verdict on Courting Darkness
A fantastic start to a promising new series. The characters are richly depicted, showcasing all the strengths and foibles you'd expect in a group of magical beings... ones who are still growing up themselves. Mistakes have been made here, and that just brings the story to life.
October 11, 2021
I have feelings. I have to 5 star this book, because I always do that when I get stuck in the event horizon of a great slow burn RH PNR. This book grabbed me and would not let me go. Love Katie's writing, she's an insta buy.
But.
I am starting to get suuuuuuuper annoyed at cliffhangers. I mean, I get it. I really do. And in my own books, I'm planning to have threads that don't tie up too neatly, so sequels are interesting... but the waits between book 1 and 2 (or heaven forbid 2 and 3) have started impacting my reading life. As in, when the next book finally comes out, I've sort of forgotten the book 1 ending.
I really hope the next book comes out SOON. Because, while this book felt very familiar, it was like my favorite cozy comforter familiar, not boring. I want more. *sigh*
Will I become one of those readers who refuses to start a series if it has MONGO cliffhangers? I'm close, y'all. Really dang close.
But.
I am starting to get suuuuuuuper annoyed at cliffhangers. I mean, I get it. I really do. And in my own books, I'm planning to have threads that don't tie up too neatly, so sequels are interesting... but the waits between book 1 and 2 (or heaven forbid 2 and 3) have started impacting my reading life. As in, when the next book finally comes out, I've sort of forgotten the book 1 ending.
I really hope the next book comes out SOON. Because, while this book felt very familiar, it was like my favorite cozy comforter familiar, not boring. I want more. *sigh*
Will I become one of those readers who refuses to start a series if it has MONGO cliffhangers? I'm close, y'all. Really dang close.
December 30, 2021
.
I don’t believe this was put together very well.
The whole book is written with such dramatics it’s not even funny, it would be impossible for a character to go down a flight of stairs without wailing about a near fall.
Along with dramatics, each chapter was filled with too many things trying to be “relatable” it just became a no factor. I’m all for quirky characters but when it comes to basically listing things that are “big” at the moment in the real world in a book, it starts to bug me a bit.
The characters seemed extremely childish yet was constantly talking about sex and other things, it didn’t mix well for me. Especially once you find out a character has to sleep with his 100+ year old teacher at the age of 13, no. (Sorry if this spoils anything for someone who hasn’t read yet).
I personally just felt that this book jumped around everything and nothing really happened.
Some people will like this book, I’m simply just not one of them.
I don’t believe this was put together very well.
The whole book is written with such dramatics it’s not even funny, it would be impossible for a character to go down a flight of stairs without wailing about a near fall.
Along with dramatics, each chapter was filled with too many things trying to be “relatable” it just became a no factor. I’m all for quirky characters but when it comes to basically listing things that are “big” at the moment in the real world in a book, it starts to bug me a bit.
The characters seemed extremely childish yet was constantly talking about sex and other things, it didn’t mix well for me. Especially once you find out a character has to sleep with his 100+ year old teacher at the age of 13, no. (Sorry if this spoils anything for someone who hasn’t read yet).
I personally just felt that this book jumped around everything and nothing really happened.
Some people will like this book, I’m simply just not one of them.
June 5, 2022
Fantastic
Took a chapter or so to really get into, but I ended up gripped enough to read it in one sitting. Great FMC that I can really identify with, despite her age, having also been the very short teen with chronic health issues. And I absolutely love her fire and her determination. The family dynamics are pretty funny. Also love the guys, they're really well written and very distinct from one another. Can't wait to see where this is going, and hoping that the double cliffie will be resolved in the first page of the next book!!!
Took a chapter or so to really get into, but I ended up gripped enough to read it in one sitting. Great FMC that I can really identify with, despite her age, having also been the very short teen with chronic health issues. And I absolutely love her fire and her determination. The family dynamics are pretty funny. Also love the guys, they're really well written and very distinct from one another. Can't wait to see where this is going, and hoping that the double cliffie will be resolved in the first page of the next book!!!
July 13, 2024
I hate cliffhangers so much. All you want to do is read the next book and forget everything else for a time. I loved this one. It was funny and kickass.
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars
This book is very reminiscent of the Veil Diaries, which I don’t know that I necessarily dislike that. I loved the Veil Diaries at the beginning, so I was up for something in the same vein as that.
The MC is likable, a badass, with a terminal desease (maybe), a quirky/crazy but loving family, and some depth to her. The guys in the harem are ok, there are too many of them with some being more interesting than others. Author tries to give them some background and depth but I was meh about them.
The part it fell flat to me is the insta love. She is their mate, so no development there. The relationships are kind of flat and not that interesting. A member of the harem is not introduced until the beginning of book 2, and his intro and character was sudden and different which felt disjointed (don’t get me wrong, I ended up liking him better than other harem members, it was just a weird intro).
There are some good opportunities for face slapping that the author hasn’t acted up on yet (as of book 3), so that feels like a miss. The big bad of books 1 and 2 becomes unimportant in book 3 (they were just a pawn).
The story itself is a bit predictable (desease morphing into super special snowflake). But I have to say I enjoyed it enough to read the available books in one go. It’s just not reread material, and I might pick up the next book in the series at some point, but I am in no rush.
This book is very reminiscent of the Veil Diaries, which I don’t know that I necessarily dislike that. I loved the Veil Diaries at the beginning, so I was up for something in the same vein as that.
The MC is likable, a badass, with a terminal desease (maybe), a quirky/crazy but loving family, and some depth to her. The guys in the harem are ok, there are too many of them with some being more interesting than others. Author tries to give them some background and depth but I was meh about them.
The part it fell flat to me is the insta love. She is their mate, so no development there. The relationships are kind of flat and not that interesting. A member of the harem is not introduced until the beginning of book 2, and his intro and character was sudden and different which felt disjointed (don’t get me wrong, I ended up liking him better than other harem members, it was just a weird intro).
There are some good opportunities for face slapping that the author hasn’t acted up on yet (as of book 3), so that feels like a miss. The big bad of books 1 and 2 becomes unimportant in book 3 (they were just a pawn).
The story itself is a bit predictable (desease morphing into super special snowflake). But I have to say I enjoyed it enough to read the available books in one go. It’s just not reread material, and I might pick up the next book in the series at some point, but I am in no rush.
November 3, 2021
I'm really torn on how to rate this. Parts of it deserve 4 stars, but parts of it seem more like 2 stars, so I guess I'll go middle of the road as a 3 on this.
The book starts off slow, I thought about quitting pretty quickly, but decided to give it a little longer, and by about 15%, it picked up enough to hold my attention & not think about quitting again. The world building is a learn as you go, since the FMC, Seraphine/Sera, does not know about the paranormal world existing, she's totally oblivious to it, even though all around her, the other main characters as well as a bunch of the secondary characters (including her human family), all know about the paranormal. I hope the authors keep Sera kick @ss thru the whole series and not let her turn in to a Mary Jane, or a wimpy, let the men take care of her- sort of gal. I did feel like the book felt slightly predictable (there are a few surprises in the plot) at times. I won't be surprised to find out Sera is a Fae that didn't get her "revelation" at 13 to discover what she is that is causing all her medical conditions. I also suspect she will be some sort of royalty or upper class in the Fae political realm from some of the things mentioned by other characters. I do enjoy her interactions with her brothers, Caleb & Maddox, they are almost comic relief to the story. I feel like a lot of main characters are introduced pretty fast, and there wasn't enough book pages to really get a feel for each of the guys that will probably be in the RH. The main focus in this book seems to be on 4 of the possible 6 that will be in her RH (Tristan, Gage, Foster, & Kian). The other 2, Xander -her teacher & his twin Devyn are slightly older (not out of the age bracket for her, just out of High School) so seem to not be in her immediate thoughts, though she's met them & is attracted to them. I really had a problem with Tristan, he was not a character I even liked right from the start. He's all over the map with his behavior & attitude, and acts like he has ADHD or something. I did like Foster & Gage, until I read the confrontation Kian had with Tristan, Foster & Gage. I even liked Devyn, but seem to like in books those quiet menacing strong big guys for some reason. But Xander, I'm not sure I like him. His thoughts border on BDSM over Sera, and I'm not cool with that sort of stuff even in books, let alone the "teacher issue" I have.
I don't think I've read a book with 2-3 cliff hanger situation endings before. We are left hanging on Devyn in the hospital; and Kian having a confrontation with Tristan, Foster & Gage; and then with Sera having a serious melt-down situation (maybe a power flare for her fae side?) happening at home (& it's nothing to do with what happened to Devyn since she didn't know about that).
This book seems like it should be rated as a N/A book, though the only actual sexual act is when Tristan fingers Sera while kissing her. My biggest gripe, I don't like seeing a not quite 18 year old (said she would turn 18 in a month) being thrown into a RH situation. I don't feel like the maturity level is right for a RH for anyone in High School or at 18. I also struggled with her teacher, Xander, being obviously one of her RH guys, as that just crosses some lines that I have a problem with- high school teachers with their students -even if it's a not quite 18 year old girl & a 25ish year old guy, since it's not the age gap (at only 7 years older), but the student/teacher thing. If this had been college instead of High School, it would have been a different thing for me. High School seems to cross my lines as not acceptable.
I will read book 2 when it comes out, hopefully it improves over this book to make me all in for the series.
The book starts off slow, I thought about quitting pretty quickly, but decided to give it a little longer, and by about 15%, it picked up enough to hold my attention & not think about quitting again. The world building is a learn as you go, since the FMC, Seraphine/Sera, does not know about the paranormal world existing, she's totally oblivious to it, even though all around her, the other main characters as well as a bunch of the secondary characters (including her human family), all know about the paranormal. I hope the authors keep Sera kick @ss thru the whole series and not let her turn in to a Mary Jane, or a wimpy, let the men take care of her- sort of gal. I did feel like the book felt slightly predictable (there are a few surprises in the plot) at times. I won't be surprised to find out Sera is a Fae that didn't get her "revelation" at 13 to discover what she is that is causing all her medical conditions. I also suspect she will be some sort of royalty or upper class in the Fae political realm from some of the things mentioned by other characters. I do enjoy her interactions with her brothers, Caleb & Maddox, they are almost comic relief to the story. I feel like a lot of main characters are introduced pretty fast, and there wasn't enough book pages to really get a feel for each of the guys that will probably be in the RH. The main focus in this book seems to be on 4 of the possible 6 that will be in her RH (Tristan, Gage, Foster, & Kian). The other 2, Xander -her teacher & his twin Devyn are slightly older (not out of the age bracket for her, just out of High School) so seem to not be in her immediate thoughts, though she's met them & is attracted to them. I really had a problem with Tristan, he was not a character I even liked right from the start. He's all over the map with his behavior & attitude, and acts like he has ADHD or something. I did like Foster & Gage, until I read the confrontation Kian had with Tristan, Foster & Gage. I even liked Devyn, but seem to like in books those quiet menacing strong big guys for some reason. But Xander, I'm not sure I like him. His thoughts border on BDSM over Sera, and I'm not cool with that sort of stuff even in books, let alone the "teacher issue" I have.
I don't think I've read a book with 2-3 cliff hanger situation endings before. We are left hanging on Devyn in the hospital; and Kian having a confrontation with Tristan, Foster & Gage; and then with Sera having a serious melt-down situation (maybe a power flare for her fae side?) happening at home (& it's nothing to do with what happened to Devyn since she didn't know about that).
This book seems like it should be rated as a N/A book, though the only actual sexual act is when Tristan fingers Sera while kissing her. My biggest gripe, I don't like seeing a not quite 18 year old (said she would turn 18 in a month) being thrown into a RH situation. I don't feel like the maturity level is right for a RH for anyone in High School or at 18. I also struggled with her teacher, Xander, being obviously one of her RH guys, as that just crosses some lines that I have a problem with- high school teachers with their students -even if it's a not quite 18 year old girl & a 25ish year old guy, since it's not the age gap (at only 7 years older), but the student/teacher thing. If this had been college instead of High School, it would have been a different thing for me. High School seems to cross my lines as not acceptable.
I will read book 2 when it comes out, hopefully it improves over this book to make me all in for the series.
June 29, 2023
Wow. I FLEW through this book. I literally COULD NOT stop reading. I had to force myself to put it down like 80% of the way in because it was almost 4 in the morning. I liked a lot about this book. I love ALL the characters, Sera's (FMC) weapon loving family, her constant want to stab people, her wit and banter, the guys' humor, the teacher/student aspect, the twin brothers (I love me some twins in a harem), how protective the guys are despite the fact she could take all of them down, how kind and extrovertive she is, the different "monster" species, how one of the guys stood up to his former friends, and the cliffhanger. I have no doubt in my mind that I will also fly through the rest of the books as well.
Now for the FMC, Sera. She is a tiny pink/glitter loving trained in all weapons, stabby loving girl who has some medical issues. She is outgoing, friendly, witty, independent, strong and funny. Now for the harem of men who are all absolutely enthralled with Sera, there is Devyn and Xander (the twins). Devyn is the dark, silent vampire/empath who is protective and possessive of Sera after only meeting her once and is in the FIB. Xander, a necromancer who can control the shadows and is Sera's sexy teacher, and lowkey flirts with her. I'm a slut for teacher/student romance, so I love their relationship already. There's Tristian (younger brother to the twins), the popular wolf shifter with the personality of a golden retriever and loves talking to anyone and everyone. And Sera has some spicy time with him. Next, there is Gage. His species hasn't been identified yet, but we know he can heal and has x-ray vision, and he is seen as scary by the whole school and isn't friendly, but Sera sees past that. Next is Foster, the cute nerdy fire elemental who is the sweetest. Finally, we have Kian (cousins with Tristan, Devyn and Xander). He is a incubus who has his own harem of women, and he hates every second of it, and Sera is the only person who sees he is in pain and befriends him for himself and not his body. And I'm pretty sure in the next book, there will be one more man in the harem. I can't wait to see how her relationship progresses with her men, and to see how the cliffhanger continues.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
-"I think this is far enough away for no one to hear the screams?" (Sera's father)
"You know. People might think you're a serial killer or something." (Sera)
"That's the goal."
-"She's gorgeous when she's angry, but she's positively stunning when she smiles like that. Breathtaking." (Foster)
-"One, don't start a fight, but if you have to fight, make sure you finish it. Two, if you have to fight, make sure they bleed. Three, if you really have to kill someone, do it in private so it's easier to hide the body." (Sera talking to her mom)
-"Serafina is ethereal in beauty. It's blinding, intense, and all-consuming, but you find that you can't look away. You'd rather lose your sight than peel your gaze away from the brilliance that makes up Serafina." (Xander aka Mr. Grayson)
-"I don't know who Serafina is, but I know she sees me. And being seen? That's worth anything she may ask of me." (Kian)
-"If something happened to her, I'll burn this entire fucking world down and dance in the ashes that remain." (Devyn, mind you he only met her once)
-"I want to shred everything around me to pieces, watch it wither and die as I tuck her away from the dangers of the world." (Xander)
-"Why is her being stabby so hot?" (Foster)
-"Devyn."
"Bunny. Stab anyone today?"
"Why? You want to turn me in or help me hide the body."
"Depends on how many bodies we're talking about."
"Why would it depend?"
"I just need to know how much acid to get."
-"If she were a demoness sent to tempt me, I'd willingly sin for her." (Tristan)
Now for the FMC, Sera. She is a tiny pink/glitter loving trained in all weapons, stabby loving girl who has some medical issues. She is outgoing, friendly, witty, independent, strong and funny. Now for the harem of men who are all absolutely enthralled with Sera, there is Devyn and Xander (the twins). Devyn is the dark, silent vampire/empath who is protective and possessive of Sera after only meeting her once and is in the FIB. Xander, a necromancer who can control the shadows and is Sera's sexy teacher, and lowkey flirts with her. I'm a slut for teacher/student romance, so I love their relationship already. There's Tristian (younger brother to the twins), the popular wolf shifter with the personality of a golden retriever and loves talking to anyone and everyone. And Sera has some spicy time with him. Next, there is Gage. His species hasn't been identified yet, but we know he can heal and has x-ray vision, and he is seen as scary by the whole school and isn't friendly, but Sera sees past that. Next is Foster, the cute nerdy fire elemental who is the sweetest. Finally, we have Kian (cousins with Tristan, Devyn and Xander). He is a incubus who has his own harem of women, and he hates every second of it, and Sera is the only person who sees he is in pain and befriends him for himself and not his body. And I'm pretty sure in the next book, there will be one more man in the harem. I can't wait to see how her relationship progresses with her men, and to see how the cliffhanger continues.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
-"I think this is far enough away for no one to hear the screams?" (Sera's father)
"You know. People might think you're a serial killer or something." (Sera)
"That's the goal."
-"She's gorgeous when she's angry, but she's positively stunning when she smiles like that. Breathtaking." (Foster)
-"One, don't start a fight, but if you have to fight, make sure you finish it. Two, if you have to fight, make sure they bleed. Three, if you really have to kill someone, do it in private so it's easier to hide the body." (Sera talking to her mom)
-"Serafina is ethereal in beauty. It's blinding, intense, and all-consuming, but you find that you can't look away. You'd rather lose your sight than peel your gaze away from the brilliance that makes up Serafina." (Xander aka Mr. Grayson)
-"I don't know who Serafina is, but I know she sees me. And being seen? That's worth anything she may ask of me." (Kian)
-"If something happened to her, I'll burn this entire fucking world down and dance in the ashes that remain." (Devyn, mind you he only met her once)
-"I want to shred everything around me to pieces, watch it wither and die as I tuck her away from the dangers of the world." (Xander)
-"Why is her being stabby so hot?" (Foster)
-"Devyn."
"Bunny. Stab anyone today?"
"Why? You want to turn me in or help me hide the body."
"Depends on how many bodies we're talking about."
"Why would it depend?"
"I just need to know how much acid to get."
-"If she were a demoness sent to tempt me, I'd willingly sin for her." (Tristan)
May 6, 2022
If you've been following my reviews, then you know I'm a sucker for anything by Katie May, but when she teams up with another author like Quinn Arthurs? *Chef's Kiss*
Short and sweet synopsis: Serafina is our FMC and she has grown up in a rather unusual family. She's been learning to fight since she began learning to walk because of her family's ecentricities (they run a security business) and is basically a completee bad*** at the point the book begins. However, she also suffers from a mysterious illness that gives her siezures and all kinds of other horrible symptoms.
Anyway, the book begins with her family moving from Anaheim California to Bedisa Michigan for a job. Serafina, who has been homeschooled since her illness developed around the time she was 12 years old, will be transferring to the local high school to do her senior year. Of course, she immediately meets her harem. Also, the school is not quite what it seems, but the parts from the guys' POV explain things.
Light spoiler
Heavy spoiler
Anyway, this book was really funny and heartwarming and I loved how the authors took the time to build the characters and individual relationships of the, well, characters. This is a case of insta-love (or at least lust and like), so warning if that's not your cup of tea. But it is definitely mine, so I loved it. Highly recommend!
Short and sweet synopsis: Serafina is our FMC and she has grown up in a rather unusual family. She's been learning to fight since she began learning to walk because of her family's ecentricities (they run a security business) and is basically a completee bad*** at the point the book begins. However, she also suffers from a mysterious illness that gives her siezures and all kinds of other horrible symptoms.
Anyway, the book begins with her family moving from Anaheim California to Bedisa Michigan for a job. Serafina, who has been homeschooled since her illness developed around the time she was 12 years old, will be transferring to the local high school to do her senior year. Of course, she immediately meets her harem. Also, the school is not quite what it seems, but the parts from the guys' POV explain things.
Light spoiler
Heavy spoiler
Anyway, this book was really funny and heartwarming and I loved how the authors took the time to build the characters and individual relationships of the, well, characters. This is a case of insta-love (or at least lust and like), so warning if that's not your cup of tea. But it is definitely mine, so I loved it. Highly recommend!
January 18, 2022
Holy cliffhanger. What. On. Earth.
Serafina is such a fun character. She is overly girly and somehow also overly violent which is an oddly satisfying combo.
I love Gage, Devyn, and Xander. The strong, silent, dominating types are just *chef's kiss* to me.
My heart ACHES for Kian. I adore him. He is precious and should be protected at all costs.
Tristan is hilarious. I've never thought of a wolf shifter as a pup in behavior but he's an extremely comical mindset to be in.
Foster kind of fell behind for me. When he's there, front and center, I like him well enough but the second he's off page I forgot about him🙈
As if there aren't enough harem members to keep track of, I kiiiinnnndddd of get the vibe that another member will join soon or be the main interest in a potential spin off. But that's probably just crazy talk.
At the end of the day, I am giving a 4 out of 5. Mainly because it was a little disjointed for me. Not everything flowed the way I would've liked. More personal preference than anything to do with the story.
Serafina is such a fun character. She is overly girly and somehow also overly violent which is an oddly satisfying combo.
I love Gage, Devyn, and Xander. The strong, silent, dominating types are just *chef's kiss* to me.
My heart ACHES for Kian. I adore him. He is precious and should be protected at all costs.
Tristan is hilarious. I've never thought of a wolf shifter as a pup in behavior but he's an extremely comical mindset to be in.
Foster kind of fell behind for me. When he's there, front and center, I like him well enough but the second he's off page I forgot about him🙈
As if there aren't enough harem members to keep track of, I kiiiinnnndddd of get the vibe that another member will join soon or be the main interest in a potential spin off. But that's probably just crazy talk.
At the end of the day, I am giving a 4 out of 5. Mainly because it was a little disjointed for me. Not everything flowed the way I would've liked. More personal preference than anything to do with the story.
November 6, 2021
As shown by the 2 stars, it was ok - nothing spectacular that really wow'ed me or anything that I can particularly pinpoint.
The blurb sounded something right up my alley, it has all the ingredients of the makings of my favourite type of book. Fierce female character that people underestimates? check. Oblivious to the supernatural world but senses something eerie? check. Mystery? check. A whole lotta hot men? CHECK.
However, it did not live up to my expectations and essentially being forgettable. The characters were fine and benefited from the multi-povs so it had a tad more depth and was able to learn more about the guys. On one hand, it's a slow burn romance but then you flip to the next page and I get whiplash with how rash things progressed.
Will I be reading the next book? hmmm..let's say I wouldn't be rushing to kindle to download it as soon as it drops but may have a peak when I have time.
The blurb sounded something right up my alley, it has all the ingredients of the makings of my favourite type of book. Fierce female character that people underestimates? check. Oblivious to the supernatural world but senses something eerie? check. Mystery? check. A whole lotta hot men? CHECK.
However, it did not live up to my expectations and essentially being forgettable. The characters were fine and benefited from the multi-povs so it had a tad more depth and was able to learn more about the guys. On one hand, it's a slow burn romance but then you flip to the next page and I get whiplash with how rash things progressed.
Will I be reading the next book? hmmm..let's say I wouldn't be rushing to kindle to download it as soon as it drops but may have a peak when I have time.
July 21, 2023
Didn't Love The Ending
I was looking for a paranormal book in a school setting that wasn't a bully book. This one met all of those criteria and for the first 75% of the book I was thinking this might be a 5* read. Unfortunately, the end left me somewhat melancholy and unsatisfied. I don't expect all of the mysteries to be answered and all of the plot issues to be resolved (when a book is part of a series) but this one left almost everything hanging. Add to that the heartbreaking Kian storyline that made me dislike the other guys and there is very little motivation to want to read book 2. I did love Sera and the dichotomy of her character. A tiny girly girl who was able to kick @ss was fun to read about. I also loved the dynamic between her and her brothers. Due to that and my enjoyment of over half the book a 4* rating feels appropriate.
I was looking for a paranormal book in a school setting that wasn't a bully book. This one met all of those criteria and for the first 75% of the book I was thinking this might be a 5* read. Unfortunately, the end left me somewhat melancholy and unsatisfied. I don't expect all of the mysteries to be answered and all of the plot issues to be resolved (when a book is part of a series) but this one left almost everything hanging. Add to that the heartbreaking Kian storyline that made me dislike the other guys and there is very little motivation to want to read book 2. I did love Sera and the dichotomy of her character. A tiny girly girl who was able to kick @ss was fun to read about. I also loved the dynamic between her and her brothers. Due to that and my enjoyment of over half the book a 4* rating feels appropriate.
April 7, 2025
Representation: Heroine with a chronic illness, Gay supporting character
Overall: 4.5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Overall: 4.5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
July 13, 2024
Ohmygosh, this book was so funny!! 😂 it didn’t actually get to any sex yet, but I actually didn’t even mind! It was just so entertaining!
Only thing though… SIX??? REALLY?? For Seraphina, six men definitely felt like too much. There was just something off there, like one or two of the love interests were just thrown in there without any purpose. Oh well. I still immediately started the next book 😆.
Only thing though… SIX??? REALLY?? For Seraphina, six men definitely felt like too much. There was just something off there, like one or two of the love interests were just thrown in there without any purpose. Oh well. I still immediately started the next book 😆.
September 19, 2021
OMG!!!!!
I read this book in less than 24 hours, laughed and cried with the characters and the book is so, so great. Y’all put me through so many emotions with all the characters, especially Kian, man I was hit so hard by his part at the end! And then that cliffhanger, OMG I wanted to scream! I loved it and I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I read this book in less than 24 hours, laughed and cried with the characters and the book is so, so great. Y’all put me through so many emotions with all the characters, especially Kian, man I was hit so hard by his part at the end! And then that cliffhanger, OMG I wanted to scream! I loved it and I can’t wait for the next book!!!
September 19, 2021
You could tell she was a fae and wasn’t given her revelation. I wonder why she wasn’t and what her parents are hiding from her. Why did she change into her mom at the end? This was so good and Candy is terrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
Trashy but not awful, I finished it in a sitting and was certainly amused by it. I stand by Kian and Kian alone. Also Sera’s brothers were iconic. Those were pretty much the only positives, but still, it was an enjoyable read.
September 19, 2021
Wow, this was so good!!! I loved Sera and the boys, can’t wait for book two, especially after that mean cliffhanger
March 31, 2022
It was okay. A lot of people to remember. I needed a diagram to remember who was who.
February 22, 2023
2.5 stars!
November 25, 2023
Way too much ick for me
Good
1) The female lead's clothing and accessories; just adorable!
2) There was some humorous moments/lines
3) The werewolf love interest being all enthusiastic puppy was a refreshing change of pace from the typical werewolf alphahole
4) The scene in the trailer with the browbeating, guilting, ect was really spot on for and how they manipulate and victimize their offspring
5) Both the side female characters were intriguing
6) Kudos for including a non-harem gay man who is not: the best friend, stereotypical or for fetishizing
Neutral
1) Not a stand alone novel with its own plot, more of the introductory installment of a serial
2) I know I am suppose to feel sorry for the incubus but he chose to martyr himself for being an incubus instead of taking back his power now that he is in control of his 'beast' (god, I hate that trope), standing up for himself and setting boundaries so I just couldn't (I even tried switching out the genders but it made no difference, all I kept thinking was 'If you don’t like being treated like a doormat, then get the fuck off the floor.')
Bad
1) There was barely any world-building
2) There was barely any series arc- and/or plot-driven storyline and none of involved the female lead
3) The female lead not only looked like a middle-grader, she acted like one too
4) Since the female lead presented as thirteen in looks, behavior and thought, the sudden sex scene was jarring and how it was framed as the male standing over the female's body acting upon it, instead of two kids getting it on, made it that much worse
4) The lead female's two brothers and the male love interests, outside of the werewolf and the incubus (so six male characters in all), were interchangeable controlling, possessive neanderthals
5) The female lead is said to look like a middle-grader yet the two twenty-four year old love interests pop boners at the sight of her (for the love of all that is good and just, if you are a twenty-four year old who finds yourself sexually attracted to someone who looks thirteen, run, do not walk, to your nearest therapist.)
6) If that isn't enough ick, one of the twenty-four year old men is her teacher who wants to dominate her and jacks off in his shower to his fantasies of her giving in (really buddy, you want to dominate a girl who looks thirteen? how fucked up are you?)
7) There is no relationship-building on-page; the love interests see her, are immediately sexually attracted to her, push their way into her life and act like they are the boss of her (identically to how her brothers act which adds another level of ick)
There is more but I have reached my limit thinking about this.
Over and out, out, out!!!
Good
1) The female lead's clothing and accessories; just adorable!
2) There was some humorous moments/lines
3) The werewolf love interest being all enthusiastic puppy was a refreshing change of pace from the typical werewolf alphahole
4) The scene in the trailer with the browbeating, guilting, ect was really spot on for and how they manipulate and victimize their offspring
5) Both the side female characters were intriguing
6) Kudos for including a non-harem gay man who is not: the best friend, stereotypical or for fetishizing
Neutral
1) Not a stand alone novel with its own plot, more of the introductory installment of a serial
2) I know I am suppose to feel sorry for the incubus but he chose to martyr himself for being an incubus instead of taking back his power now that he is in control of his 'beast' (god, I hate that trope), standing up for himself and setting boundaries so I just couldn't (I even tried switching out the genders but it made no difference, all I kept thinking was 'If you don’t like being treated like a doormat, then get the fuck off the floor.')
Bad
1) There was barely any world-building
2) There was barely any series arc- and/or plot-driven storyline and none of involved the female lead
3) The female lead not only looked like a middle-grader, she acted like one too
4) Since the female lead presented as thirteen in looks, behavior and thought, the sudden sex scene was jarring and how it was framed as the male standing over the female's body acting upon it, instead of two kids getting it on, made it that much worse
4) The lead female's two brothers and the male love interests, outside of the werewolf and the incubus (so six male characters in all), were interchangeable controlling, possessive neanderthals
5) The female lead is said to look like a middle-grader yet the two twenty-four year old love interests pop boners at the sight of her (for the love of all that is good and just, if you are a twenty-four year old who finds yourself sexually attracted to someone who looks thirteen, run, do not walk, to your nearest therapist.)
6) If that isn't enough ick, one of the twenty-four year old men is her teacher who wants to dominate her and jacks off in his shower to his fantasies of her giving in (really buddy, you want to dominate a girl who looks thirteen? how fucked up are you?)
7) There is no relationship-building on-page; the love interests see her, are immediately sexually attracted to her, push their way into her life and act like they are the boss of her (identically to how her brothers act which adds another level of ick)
There is more but I have reached my limit thinking about this.
Over and out, out, out!!!
April 11, 2023
That cliffhanger tho
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline, the characters, the banter.
Sera, the h, reminded me of a happier Wednesday Adams. Which I assume is what the authors were going for since they referenced it in the book. I adore the Adams Family.
So Sera is tiny and cute and loves sparkles but also kicks a$$ and has no friends because she's been homeschooled since she hit puberty, until her family moves for a job.
She meets the guys and makes friends who soon learn all about her issues. She however still hasn't found out their supes yet. And with that ending it won't be long until she does.
I have so many questions rn. What's Avril's deal? Why has Candy stuck on to Sera when she doesn't seem to like the guys? What about Devyn?!
Clearly I need to read the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline, the characters, the banter.
Sera, the h, reminded me of a happier Wednesday Adams. Which I assume is what the authors were going for since they referenced it in the book. I adore the Adams Family.
So Sera is tiny and cute and loves sparkles but also kicks a$$ and has no friends because she's been homeschooled since she hit puberty, until her family moves for a job.
She meets the guys and makes friends who soon learn all about her issues. She however still hasn't found out their supes yet. And with that ending it won't be long until she does.
I have so many questions rn. What's Avril's deal? Why has Candy stuck on to Sera when she doesn't seem to like the guys? What about Devyn?!
Clearly I need to read the next book.
November 5, 2025
I didn't expect to like this book, its characters so much so quickly.
I not only laughed at the completely stabby, weird family I quickly fell in cosy happy banter love with, but also the strength, pain and pure fierceness of our FMC. As well as the FMC, the MMCs are quickly finding places in my book heart too. Part book 1's ending I saw coming in a way, after all the series is called Fae Revealed. But the rest, the confrontation, the unexpected loss, without a hint of more shook me.
Yup this RH academy book has started strongly and I need the next one stat!
Oh and the smut level was medium hot, some play action and it was also one of the funniest moments too! Oh, those big brothers of hers 🤣
4.5 stars
I not only laughed at the completely stabby, weird family I quickly fell in cosy happy banter love with, but also the strength, pain and pure fierceness of our FMC. As well as the FMC, the MMCs are quickly finding places in my book heart too. Part book 1's ending I saw coming in a way, after all the series is called Fae Revealed. But the rest, the confrontation, the unexpected loss, without a hint of more shook me.
Yup this RH academy book has started strongly and I need the next one stat!
Oh and the smut level was medium hot, some play action and it was also one of the funniest moments too! Oh, those big brothers of hers 🤣
4.5 stars
September 20, 2023
Solid academy PNR RH.
I wasn't sure what to expect because I did DNF Katie's Blindly Indicted RH series, so I am surprised this hit as much as it did.
I read book one and just dove right into book 2.
I really like the fmc, feisty and cute. So far, all the harem have separate personalities. I am wondering how big this harem is gonna be, tho? Like she is collecting them like Pokémon.
Nothing groundbreaking plot wise, but it is keeping me interested.
I wasn't sure what to expect because I did DNF Katie's Blindly Indicted RH series, so I am surprised this hit as much as it did.
I read book one and just dove right into book 2.
I really like the fmc, feisty and cute. So far, all the harem have separate personalities. I am wondering how big this harem is gonna be, tho? Like she is collecting them like Pokémon.
Nothing groundbreaking plot wise, but it is keeping me interested.
October 13, 2021
Loved it
I feel so invested in this story and the characters!! And the cliffhanger!?? Holy crap!! I LOVE Sera as a main character!! So cute and kind and kicka$$. I loved her!!
I feel so invested in this story and the characters!! And the cliffhanger!?? Holy crap!! I LOVE Sera as a main character!! So cute and kind and kicka$$. I loved her!!
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