Wild Game

State of Grace #3

by Colette Rhodes

Five years ago, in a moment of hubris, I ruined my life.




I made my choices, and I live with the curse that haunts me. I've found purpose in ensuring no other Keres makes my mistakes, and I was prepared to go through the rest of my days in lonely silence.




Until her.




Grace came into my town, into my life, and changed everything. As hard as I try to stay away, to keep my curse from touching her, it doesn't matter.




The gods are watching Grace. They're not going to let her go unscathed.




Wild Game is the third book in the State of Grace series. It is a slow burn reverse harem (MMFMM) romance suitable for readers 18+.

State of Grace reading order:




1. Run Riot

2. Silver Bullet

3. Wild Game

4. Dare Not

5. Saving Grace

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Why Choose, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook

404 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2022

About the author

Colette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work.

If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.

Keep up with Colette here:

Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author

Reviews

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series started off well…

Book 1 did a decent job developing an interesting world & arc.

Book 2 moved the plot forward & made me lol bc it involved 2 awkward virgins attempting a sexual relationship for the first time. It was realistically awkward.

Book 3 DNF 81%. I’m 🏃‍♀️ away!
Nothing about Grace is sexy. She made an outdoor public orgy & a MFM threesome as sexy as reading a vehicle manual. The world continues to be somewhat interesting but 81% minimal forward movement on the overall arc had me tapping out.

I will not be continuing this series. A shame bc Dare seems like an interesting character but I can’t make it through another book filled with such awkward smut. Grace the FMC ruins it for me.

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Yep. Still enjoying it.
I’m really hoping there’s not a sad ending to this series…
I want Everyone to be in the epilogue!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agathos. Daimons. Gods. Grace. This is a modern take on Romeo and Juliet with some RH and Greek mythology sprinkled on the side. This is one of my favorite RH series so far. It’s definitely a slow burn, but every character is riveting, well-rounded, and developing more depth which each read

PROS:
1. Grace’s growth as a character from shy, pious agathos to soul bonded prophecy. She is genuinely a good person, but she’s also recognizing that feeling anger or resentment or judgement doesn’t make you bad either.

2. Bullet is probably one of my favorite characters, and certain moments made me tear up. The burden of his gift and the fear of the inevitable and his absolute devotion to Grace is just beautiful and overwhelming and emotional. Plus, I look forward to more interactions with Wild.

3. The mythology. Greek gods and goddesses pop up, and I love the descriptions and characterizations that make them familiar and new at the same time.

CONS

1. I feel like we have been waiting for Dare forever, but likely the next book is his so I just have to wait until December(talk about slow burn).

2. Massive minor character introductions and it’s hard to keep track of them, but I understand why they’re necessary.

I definitely recommend this series. The writing is compelling, the plot is innovative, the characters are fascinating and heartrending, and the ending is not a cliffhanger but there is still much to do.

🌶🌶🌶/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

MM/MFM/FM
RH

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this one, but it did drag for me in some places. Some of it felt like an infodump because it felt like this book went in a completely different direction than the previous.

[Saraya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the strongest book, but I am glad this Harem/series isn't just white people for once. It's not a huge focal point since it's a paranormal focused romance, however it's just nice to see that white isn't the majority. I feel like harem books are so bad at being just white characters.

FMC- Grace. Mixed, her mother is from India. First two books talk a bit about her mother attempts to white wash her to fit into her community more.
Dare- most likely her 4th member of Harem. Mixed, Japanese & (white?). Mother is Japanese, father is unknown.
Riot- brown skin, however no background is given for context. It's clearly made known that he isn't a white boy though.
Wild- Dark brown, from London. No huge background is given on his features.
Bullet- only white boy of the bunch.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get to dive back into the story of Grace and her men. I love the plot and how we peel back each layer as we go! Grace is true to herself and grows through the books and yet keeps the beauty and softness that made you fall in love in book 1!

I can’t wait for the next book!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This RH series is ridiculously addicting. I just crushed the first 3 books in like 2 days lol. One of the best fantasy RHs I've read this year! All of the main characters are so well developed--I love them. Cannot wait for the 4th book. I need Dare!

[✧ FLINN ✧ (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst installment so far but I don't think that this series is for me.
The writing is okay, the romance is awful and even the sex scenes are boring, I mean, what more can I say ? Its totally a waste of my time, I'm out. Dnfing this series entirely after 3 books out of 5.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3,5
So much happened in this book!
Who would’ve thought that a slow burn RH will turn into this weird Greek mythology clusterfuck?

I liked it tho 🤣 it’s the funniest book so far (and surprisingly the smuttiest, I thought it was gonna take them longer to get so… comfortable?)

The mythology aspects are very well handled! Sure, it’s a lot, but it’s developing great! However, my main motivation to read the next one is that I want to see 💕Dare💕 and Grace interact 🧍🏽‍♀️(eeeeep)

[Ju (NO POLLS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a greek mythology girly and this felt like a bump in the road, but then it HIT

also it's criminal that I can't read the next book right now. miss colette rhodes left me HANGING with the final page

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk honestly, this one wasn't as good as the others.
Also, I have a complaint.
You shouldn't name your books after the characters if the story isn't actually centered on THEIR STORY...
These books jump about so much, the author should have given them generic names instead of pointed names.
Just saying.

[onthebooksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read:

I’ll be back to discuss when it’s not ass o clock at night. I liked it much more this time though clearly.

Alright, I will admit the first time I read this I didn't have that much fun and I skipped a decent amount of the battles because I didn't really care? I was more interested in the romantic aspect at this point and this series is one that focuses rather heavily on the plot. Which is completely fine I just read it at the wrong moment in time. Now that I'm rereading the first four books before the last book I find myself taking time and not minding the decisions Grace is making. She felt much less self sacrificial and ???? Idk how to describe it but my internalized misogyny was clearly making an appearance.

I love Wild, I love that he's mute and I love how he literally has been keeping Grace safe since she moved to Milton. I love the relationship between Bullet and Riot, and I appreciate the way Riot and Wild find friendship in one another after being "enemies" for so long.

Rhodes really put her whole chest into this series and I really enjoy it. I loved how it slowly has introduced the world and the gods and how everything is slowly lining up for the grand finale? Excited and just need *redacted* to join Grace's harem already.

First read:

I'm having trouble with pacing and being in Grace's head so often. This is wild because she's one of the main POVs, but her naivety and all her inner monologue are driving me insane. I'll continue to read but I'm only here for the boys POV D:

[Kateřina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building in this is really great, and the more the story unfolds, the more interesting it becomes. We learnt a lot more about the gods, and what Grace's task is supposed to be.

The most enjoyable part of this is the bond group though, the dynamics between the guys and Grace is top notch. Riot continues to be such an adorable grump, Bullet is the cutie pie with an energy of a golden retriever, and Wild with his smoldering presence. We really see the characters start coming into their own, Grace in particular came a long way from the person we saw in the first book. Even though the series is a slow burn, the progression seems very natural. Also, this book has more spice than the others and all I have to say...yum.

I had so much fun with this, and I can't wait to read the next book.

[My_Strange_Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m on a kick of writing reviews for a full series because my current thinking is if the first book is awesome, but the series sucks, you can get sucked in for no reason, so I’m trying to put the review as whole and then rate the books individually to help 🤷🏻‍♀️

I really enjoyed the series. It was much more hopeful, loving and fun than I thought it would be.

Imagine that living amongst us today are both agathos and daimons. Beings whose soul purpose is to either help humanity or guide them to destruction. Our girl, Grace, is an agathos—Born to be the embodiment of all things good and pure and righteous BUT her main “purpose” in life has been to find her “bonded” and now at 25 everyone in her community just assumes she is broken, and then she meets Riot (a Daimon) and her whole world flips upside down.

I loved how clearly planned and thought out this series was. Could it have done with some editing? Absolutely, but overall, everything that happened in what becomes a mythological epic story makes sense to the characters and the original structure of the story.

Run Riot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Silver Bullet: ⭐️⭐️ (slower plot)
Wild Game: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dare Not: ⭐️⭐️ (couldn’t figure out the point)
Saving Grace: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (would have been 4 if the ‘separation trope’ didn’t exist for more than half of the novel)

Overall series rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ HEA.

Content/Trigger Warning: clear purity culture/religious theology allegory, reverse harem relationship, MMF relationship within the harem; religious sacrifice, ceremonies etc. super steamy scenes for all characters.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace still had one soul bond to meet but we all know who he is. Unfortunately for him the time apart is cruel and unjust. His other half however is trying her damndest to get the attention of her third bond who keeps evading her. Grace too is not having the best time of it given they are still on the run but at least she’s not alone. Wild is her elusive and even mute mate, always watching like a stalker 🫢 Grace’s mom sheds some light on why she’s so horrible and there’s still no excuse for her behaviors toward her own child.

[Windekresstard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? Maybe?
It started really strong but pacing was so slow. I am so invested in finding our what happens with the gods but I feel like it took so long for things to come to a head.
Still good read though probably not my favorite of the lot

[kiwi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lost interest in the story and the characters. What a pity, I was curious about the last soul bond.

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 3🌶

[Kei ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

❝ I’d happily never speak to anyone else again, if I could just speak to Grace. ❞

I read this way too fast and now it's over.
DECEMBER WHY ARE YOU SO FAR AWAY?
But I digress. 😩

I loved this, it was another absolutely fantastic addition to the series. It may even be my favorite one so far. The Greek mythology and world building really shined in this one. The mystery is slowly starting to reveal itself and I'm so excited to see how Colette is going to fit all these pieces together.

GRACE IS GOING TO SHAKE EVERYTHING UP AND I CANNOT FUCKING WAIT FOR THE CHAOS. 😈

Wild, my misunderstood and grumpy cupcake, is so painfully sweet. I loved everything about the way Grace handled her interactions with him, even when he was being ridiculously stubborn.

And the way they learn to communicate....


Bullet my baby, I love him so much, and my heart just hurts for him, he's been such a pawn in his life for everyone else's needs and I'm just 😭😭 I trust you Colette, but I'm also nervous because I love him so much, please don't hurt me..

The extra gift that Grace recieves though, I SOBBED. IYKYK.



Riot was amazing as always. He's dealing with a lot in this one and things are getting tense, but I love how he is always a consistent rock for Grace despite anything else that happens around him.

THE SPICE WENT OFF 🥵 I love how the spice is increasing alongside Grace's confidence. This was by far the hottest book of the series and it's only going to get hotter from here.

I mean getting fucked in an orange grove as an ✨offering✨ to the gods.... where can I sign up for this?



I AM SO BEYOND READY FOR DARE IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY. GIVE HIM TO ME SO I CAN LOVE HIM.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally breeze through books, but I knew I had to go slowly with this one. I devoured every single detail. Grace is such an incredible character. We watch her grow, learn, love, fight and come into her role with this prophecy. Wild is FINALLY on board with Grace being his. Riot and Bullet are our comfort characters and while I truly love and adore them - Dare is my main man. This author is seriously talented. This series is my absolute favorite/comfort read. And the waiting begins for this next book to be out 😭

[Imani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stop

Wild Game was just the right amount of everything. I laughed, I awwed, I swooned, and I felt so many emotions. I need the next book now. I could not put this book down. It was well balanced and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If I could give more than 5 out of 5 stars I would.

[Froggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colette Rhodes raises the bar with every book she writes. I love that this story is about so much more than just a relationship. There’s a fantastic, original plot line. There’s incredible character building and growth. The world building is great.

I love that we have a front seat to watching Grace grow out of her naïveté while still holding onto her optimism and hope for the world. I really appreciate that she’s a level headed and rational character without being a ‘sunshine’ character. She also has enough depth of character and complexity to avoid being a ‘Mary Sue’ archetype. A lot of this author’s FMCs in her other series have somewhat similar characterizations to each other (bold, badass, somewhat aloof, chatterboxes), but Grace is a totally different character through and through (quiet stoicism, a thoughtful planner, logical, innocent yet mature) and I think that really displays Colette’s versatility as an author. She’s given Grace a lot of attention and respect that brought her to the next level in my opinion.

I love the slow build/burn in this story because it feels like things are developing naturally despite soul bonds. By dragging it out instead of giving into instalove/heat, the story is given so much more time to develop. There is a LOT of complex information that has to be given to is to get us into this story, so by letting the romance take a backseat we’re definitely given more time to understand the new concepts that are being introduced. That’s not to say this book isn’t steamy! There are definitely steamy scenes and they’re strategically placed in a way that makes sense in the story so we have a really good balance.

This book in the series was a little slow to start so I did have a little difficulty getting hooked into the beginning, but once I really sat down and focused on it I was reimmersed in the world and couldn’t put it down. I just love this whole story so much, it’s such a creative take. I am again left just completely desperate for the next book 😆.

[Vanessa Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐

This book was better in relation to action. However, it was slow in terms of smut lol. I know Grace is all shy, and she was brainwashed and all that, but it was booooring. Sex with clothes on? Come on! Even the threesome was boring to tears for me lol. The sexual tension was so high with Wild that I was expecting more. Also I think bullet and wild have zero chemistry. I mean, how can I ship them with they only stare at each other? It was very meh for me. Also will it be explained why they have a connection or not? Why only the two of them, not the others?

At last, Dare shows up Finally! Poor guy needs someone. The plot here is interesting and different, but at the same time, I dont think it needs so many books.

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild’s book is a bit wild.

This whole book encompasses chaos. So much chaos which is a great change from the previous book. In this we learn about Wild and get to add him to the harem. We also further the prophecy and Gaia is mad. Which I found surprising. I still don’t get what power she’s trying to preserve or what she does and why she’s so angry.

But I am enjoying Grace coming into her own.

I worry for Dare though. That ending was good I’m excited to finally see what the outcome with Dare means for Bullet.

[Anya Champagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I DNF this book. I love the characters and the story, but it just dragged. It repeated the same information constantly. I might try to finish it and the series at a later date. I doubt I would have much trouble picking it back up mid book three years later. Sometimes that’s nice, but I just hit my limit.

[Dreia Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant

This series. The plot. The characters. I love it all. Riot, Bullet , Wild and Dare. Harem of the year. This story is getting better and better. I can't wait for the next book. Grace is really coming into her own. You know what just read this book. Colette is genius.

[Rebecca & Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patiently but not really patiently waiting for sequel

The way my heart was going through loops with this book 😭😭😭 I need to know what happens next and I might die waiting for the next release

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I have to WAIT

These words are pulling me, pulling me....and I have to wait for books 4 & 5. I don't want to wait but I will. This has been quite the ride. I am all in. I am vested.

[Lorie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book

Wild Game was a wonderful continuation of thus unique series by Cholette Rhodes and I am excited for the finale!