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Ironside Academy #2
Tourner
Isobel Carter is making headlines. Some of them good, some of them bad, and some of them … astounding . She started at the bottom and now she’s near the top with everything she never wanted, but the Ironside Show doesn’t care, because she’s just become one of the most interesting students at the academy, and everyone seems to have big plans for her. The only thing the Ironside fans can’t decide on is which Alpha she looks best with, because of course it all goes back to them. The precious, cherished, formidable Alphas of Ironside. The ten reasons why she’s in this mess to begin with. And what a beautiful, brutal mess it is. Beware the pretty liars, because this social media game just went from dangerous to deadly.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2023
About the author
Jane Washington
33 books4,012 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
August 15, 2024
I AM OBSESSED
Oh my gosh this is such an underrated series. Reverse harem being done right in a paranormal romance brings me such peace and joy 😌😌
Ten guys and one girl is such a challenge to pull off but the author is doing it right and although we have had some steamy scenes, it is such a painful slow burn.. It's basically torture 😭😭 The chemistry and angst am feeling is INSANE.
Also, calling dibs on Mikel and Kalen 👀😤🥵 Like I adore, Theodore, Oscar, Elijah, Cian and Kilian but the way Mikel and Kalen have me in a chokehold is something else entirely, which am gonna keep to myself 🫣 I can't wait for Isobel to start bonding with them all. I love the character growth for all these characters, Isobel's in particular. Some of them could use a little more screen time tho for me to form a connection with them, but am positive that will happen in the next book.
The ending was so good. I knew something was fishy about the friend 🧐 But the cliffhanger was so good, am gonna dive right into the next book ASAP 😩😩
~•~•~
Idk about her but I definitely bonded with her mates. I NEED more of that slow burn 😩😩
Oh my gosh this is such an underrated series. Reverse harem being done right in a paranormal romance brings me such peace and joy 😌😌
Ten guys and one girl is such a challenge to pull off but the author is doing it right and although we have had some steamy scenes, it is such a painful slow burn.. It's basically torture 😭😭 The chemistry and angst am feeling is INSANE.
Also, calling dibs on Mikel and Kalen 👀😤🥵 Like I adore, Theodore, Oscar, Elijah, Cian and Kilian but the way Mikel and Kalen have me in a chokehold is something else entirely, which am gonna keep to myself 🫣 I can't wait for Isobel to start bonding with them all. I love the character growth for all these characters, Isobel's in particular. Some of them could use a little more screen time tho for me to form a connection with them, but am positive that will happen in the next book.
The ending was so good. I knew something was fishy about the friend 🧐 But the cliffhanger was so good, am gonna dive right into the next book ASAP 😩😩
~•~•~
Idk about her but I definitely bonded with her mates. I NEED more of that slow burn 😩😩
September 24, 2024
Minor spoiler but without context
This book is by no measure amazing but the entertainment it's providing 😂🤌 I can't stop. It's like a bad movie with the most unreasonable and craziest things happening, but you still can't stop watching it.
Some of the things in this book were so unrealistic, it's genuinely funny to me. I mean, I know it's fantasy and it's supposed to be unrealistic but this was something else 😂 I mean, what do you mean she needs constant physical contact and someone to cuddle during night or there's a chance she'll die? Her teleporting and ending up in her professor's lap lmaooo i can't-
But him sleeping almost naked to her while she was unconscious did make me cringe a bit, ngl.
And the thing with Killian is so weird to me for some reason 😭😭 Like I get it, he's gay and she only sees him as a friend but what friend would strip you down and bathe you inch by inch...like sir?
I would run, even if he was my closest friend.
And that ending omggg I CALLED IT! When I tell you, I saw it coming from page one...I knew it!!
Starting the next book immediately 😭 Rationally, it's not even that good but it's so fun and entertaining...my heart does a flappity flop when it comes to the alphas 🤭 Check out the cheat sheet and you'll know what I mean, the art and these alphas ARE SO HOT 🥵
***
Ready to binge this one as well 🤭🤭
This book is by no measure amazing but the entertainment it's providing 😂🤌 I can't stop. It's like a bad movie with the most unreasonable and craziest things happening, but you still can't stop watching it.
Some of the things in this book were so unrealistic, it's genuinely funny to me. I mean, I know it's fantasy and it's supposed to be unrealistic but this was something else 😂 I mean, what do you mean she needs constant physical contact and someone to cuddle during night or there's a chance she'll die? Her teleporting and ending up in her professor's lap lmaooo i can't-
But him sleeping almost naked to her while she was unconscious did make me cringe a bit, ngl.
And the thing with Killian is so weird to me for some reason 😭😭 Like I get it, he's gay and she only sees him as a friend but what friend would strip you down and bathe you inch by inch...like sir?
I would run, even if he was my closest friend.
And that ending omggg I CALLED IT! When I tell you, I saw it coming from page one...I knew it!!
Starting the next book immediately 😭 Rationally, it's not even that good but it's so fun and entertaining...my heart does a flappity flop when it comes to the alphas 🤭 Check out the cheat sheet and you'll know what I mean, the art and these alphas ARE SO HOT 🥵
***
Ready to binge this one as well 🤭🤭
August 31, 2024
ATE THIS UP AND LICKED THE PLATE😋😍 running to start the next one🏃🏼♀️➡️
November 27, 2023
This was even better than the first book! Once I started, I couldn't put it down 🥹
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Paranormal Romance
∘ Alternative Omega Verse
∘ Multiple POV
∘ Gifted Academy x Reality TV Show
∘ Reverse-Harem (large)
∘ Strong FMC
∘ Morally Grey/Bankrupt & Loveable MMCs
∘ Great character development
∘ Delicious Banter
∘ Tension & Angst
∘ A drop of spice
∘ Secrets & Betrayal
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Strangers to Friends to Lovers
∘ Rejected Mates
∘ Slowburn
∘ Professor x Student
∘ "Who did this to you?"
∘ "Touch her and die"
I would like to start by thanking the author for sharing their book with me as an ARC ❤️. It's important to me to be transparent and let readers know that my review is honest and unbiased.
⤏ Summary
The second book picks up right where the first one left off. As Isobel wakes up and realizes she has a mate, she devises a cover-up story with the help of the ten Alphas, using the sudden storm to their advantage.
When her father shows up at the academy and takes it upon himself to make the world aware of her situation, Isobel's freedom becomes jeopardized. The support of the Alphas in this situation is greatly appreciated, even though she remains oblivious to the real reason behind their attention. Isobel is forced by her father to embark on a tour to seek her mysterious mate, an idea she is far from thrilled about.
⤏ Plot & Writing
This book is nothing short of addictive, filled with tension and action, it was everything I expected and more. Trying to navigate the scenario she finds herself in, Isobel is faced with even more dangers than before. Finding herself with a mate, or even just searching for one, was never part of her plans. As it turns out, having a mate really complicates things.
This book provided us with additional information about the Alphas, offering us a glimpse into their lives and, in some cases, past experiences. Those details were a delightful treat.
Moreover, I appreciate how this installment unraveled some of the mysteries, sparing us from the anticipation of waiting for future installments to reveal those answers. It feels like Jane took pity on us, and I couldn't be happier about it.
⤏ Worldbuilding
While the tour Isobel was forced to undertake wasn't my favorite aspect, I did appreciate the opportunity to explore more of the settlements and gain insight into the lives of those on the other side. It was enlightening to witness the outsiders' opinions about their inhabitants, which was easy since the accompanying humans treated Isobel more like a decoration than an actual person and spoke around her without any filter.
This perspective shed light on the dynamics and perceptions between different groups in the world created by Jane.
⤏ Characters
∘ Isobel
In addition to dealing with bullying and the complications that came with the news of having a mate, Isobel is also struggling with her powers and their ongoing development.
She's coming out of her shell more and more, and I find myself constantly cheering her on. She is experiencing both the positive and negative aspects of the world and other people.
The way things were left at the end ... it was equal parts heartbreaking and exciting because that turn of events is bound to leave a mark on our FMC and I can't wait to see her sure progression in the following books.
∘ The Alphas
It was heartening to witness the Alphas' unity as they came together to protect the truth from Isobel and take care of her. Once again, it highlighted the trust they had in each other and the depth of their friendship.
I think it's safe to say that Cian & Oscar ran the show here. Although the other characters weren't neglected, I just feel like their presence was more impactful.
Oscar with his stalkerish behavior and Cian with his protectiveness. Also, we got to see another side of Oscar that would honestly make your heart melt!
Niko had a more significant presence in this book, and despite being closed-off and dissagreeing with their forced situation, his good intentions made me like him.
Theo & Killian remained their sweet selves, though Theo seemed a bit more affected by the events because of his previous friendship with Isobel.
Elijah & Gabriel continue to be a mystery, especially Gab - there's something there, he's such an intriguing character.
I was pleasantly surprised by the professors' attitudes, as I expected them to treat her poorly, but their actions turned out differently.
All the while Moses was still in denial.
Overall, all the characters were involved in the action, and I hope their presence remains strong because they have already captured my interest. While Isobel is the main character, the boys have also become central to the story, and I eagerly anticipate more of their involvement.
I think my favorite thing about this book were the group chat conversations. They were hilarious! I was eagerly looking forward to every one of them and even reread a few.
⤏ Romance
Things are moving slow and so far, there were minimal hints at a romance. There's tension of the best kind, with delicious angst, and even a drop of jealousy. It's clear there is attraction but none of them are willing to take a risk and actually act on it.
The natural flow of events is why I adore slow burn romances so much. It's precisely the kind of slow burn that Jane excels in, and that's why I find myself loving it so much.
⤏ Conclusion
There's something about this series that deeply resonates with a part of my soul, though I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Since The Bonds That Tie - another favorite of mine - I haven't felt such a strong attachment to a series. Looking ahead, I anticipate even more heartbreak in the future, as that seems to be Jane's signature style.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Paranormal Romance
∘ Alternative Omega Verse
∘ Multiple POV
∘ Gifted Academy x Reality TV Show
∘ Reverse-Harem (large)
∘ Strong FMC
∘ Morally Grey/Bankrupt & Loveable MMCs
∘ Great character development
∘ Delicious Banter
∘ Tension & Angst
∘ A drop of spice
∘ Secrets & Betrayal
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Strangers to Friends to Lovers
∘ Rejected Mates
∘ Slowburn
∘ Professor x Student
∘ "Who did this to you?"
∘ "Touch her and die"
I would like to start by thanking the author for sharing their book with me as an ARC ❤️. It's important to me to be transparent and let readers know that my review is honest and unbiased.
⤏ Summary
The second book picks up right where the first one left off. As Isobel wakes up and realizes she has a mate, she devises a cover-up story with the help of the ten Alphas, using the sudden storm to their advantage.
When her father shows up at the academy and takes it upon himself to make the world aware of her situation, Isobel's freedom becomes jeopardized. The support of the Alphas in this situation is greatly appreciated, even though she remains oblivious to the real reason behind their attention. Isobel is forced by her father to embark on a tour to seek her mysterious mate, an idea she is far from thrilled about.
⤏ Plot & Writing
This book is nothing short of addictive, filled with tension and action, it was everything I expected and more. Trying to navigate the scenario she finds herself in, Isobel is faced with even more dangers than before. Finding herself with a mate, or even just searching for one, was never part of her plans. As it turns out, having a mate really complicates things.
This book provided us with additional information about the Alphas, offering us a glimpse into their lives and, in some cases, past experiences. Those details were a delightful treat.
Moreover, I appreciate how this installment unraveled some of the mysteries, sparing us from the anticipation of waiting for future installments to reveal those answers. It feels like Jane took pity on us, and I couldn't be happier about it.
⤏ Worldbuilding
While the tour Isobel was forced to undertake wasn't my favorite aspect, I did appreciate the opportunity to explore more of the settlements and gain insight into the lives of those on the other side. It was enlightening to witness the outsiders' opinions about their inhabitants, which was easy since the accompanying humans treated Isobel more like a decoration than an actual person and spoke around her without any filter.
This perspective shed light on the dynamics and perceptions between different groups in the world created by Jane.
⤏ Characters
∘ Isobel
In addition to dealing with bullying and the complications that came with the news of having a mate, Isobel is also struggling with her powers and their ongoing development.
She's coming out of her shell more and more, and I find myself constantly cheering her on. She is experiencing both the positive and negative aspects of the world and other people.
The way things were left at the end ... it was equal parts heartbreaking and exciting because that turn of events is bound to leave a mark on our FMC and I can't wait to see her sure progression in the following books.
∘ The Alphas
It was heartening to witness the Alphas' unity as they came together to protect the truth from Isobel and take care of her. Once again, it highlighted the trust they had in each other and the depth of their friendship.
I think it's safe to say that Cian & Oscar ran the show here. Although the other characters weren't neglected, I just feel like their presence was more impactful.
Oscar with his stalkerish behavior and Cian with his protectiveness. Also, we got to see another side of Oscar that would honestly make your heart melt!
Niko had a more significant presence in this book, and despite being closed-off and dissagreeing with their forced situation, his good intentions made me like him.
Theo & Killian remained their sweet selves, though Theo seemed a bit more affected by the events because of his previous friendship with Isobel.
Elijah & Gabriel continue to be a mystery, especially Gab - there's something there, he's such an intriguing character.
I was pleasantly surprised by the professors' attitudes, as I expected them to treat her poorly, but their actions turned out differently.
All the while Moses was still in denial.
Overall, all the characters were involved in the action, and I hope their presence remains strong because they have already captured my interest. While Isobel is the main character, the boys have also become central to the story, and I eagerly anticipate more of their involvement.
I think my favorite thing about this book were the group chat conversations. They were hilarious! I was eagerly looking forward to every one of them and even reread a few.
⤏ Romance
Things are moving slow and so far, there were minimal hints at a romance. There's tension of the best kind, with delicious angst, and even a drop of jealousy. It's clear there is attraction but none of them are willing to take a risk and actually act on it.
The natural flow of events is why I adore slow burn romances so much. It's precisely the kind of slow burn that Jane excels in, and that's why I find myself loving it so much.
⤏ Conclusion
There's something about this series that deeply resonates with a part of my soul, though I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Since The Bonds That Tie - another favorite of mine - I haven't felt such a strong attachment to a series. Looking ahead, I anticipate even more heartbreak in the future, as that seems to be Jane's signature style.
August 3, 2024
SPECTACULAR GIVE ME 14 OF THEM RIGHT NOW
Starting to question my love for slowburn romances because there's slowburn and there's whatever this book was. I got heartburn from the tension alone.
The first half was a little boring because it was more of a filler. It was needed tho bc I'd rather have boring chapters that provided a lot of context than a lot of action with no context. There are a lot of main characters and Jane took her time building Isobel's relationship with each of the guys. Their individual "relationship" (or lack of? lol the slow burn is KILLING me can you tell) with her all have their own meaning.
The last half, on the other hand, holy fu-
I loved LOVED loved the little glimpses of the guys' lives outside Ironside. Some of them ripped my damn heart out and made me love them even more. (Oskie? OSKIE?!) My favorite alpha seems to be changing every chapter. (jk I love you Gabriel Spade)
I know when you hear RH with 10 guys you think this might be the trashiest, raunchiest book but I swear it's NOTHING like that. The plot is actually amazing, the worldbuilding is incredible, and the romance(s?) are burning extremely slowly. I can tell Jane is taking this project seriously and with so much care and love. The writing is beautiful. The extra content provided (like the cheat sheet) is helpful.
Anyways I'm silently panicking because I only have two books left and then I'll have to wait till December for the next one LORD why must u punish me this way
Starting to question my love for slowburn romances because there's slowburn and there's whatever this book was. I got heartburn from the tension alone.
The first half was a little boring because it was more of a filler. It was needed tho bc I'd rather have boring chapters that provided a lot of context than a lot of action with no context. There are a lot of main characters and Jane took her time building Isobel's relationship with each of the guys. Their individual "relationship" (or lack of? lol the slow burn is KILLING me can you tell) with her all have their own meaning.
The last half, on the other hand, holy fu-
I loved LOVED loved the little glimpses of the guys' lives outside Ironside. Some of them ripped my damn heart out and made me love them even more. (Oskie? OSKIE?!) My favorite alpha seems to be changing every chapter. (jk I love you Gabriel Spade)
I know when you hear RH with 10 guys you think this might be the trashiest, raunchiest book but I swear it's NOTHING like that. The plot is actually amazing, the worldbuilding is incredible, and the romance(s?) are burning extremely slowly. I can tell Jane is taking this project seriously and with so much care and love. The writing is beautiful. The extra content provided (like the cheat sheet) is helpful.
Anyways I'm silently panicking because I only have two books left and then I'll have to wait till December for the next one LORD why must u punish me this way
August 12, 2023
Wow that cliffhanger tho
August 12, 2023
Not getting better…
I LOVED the first Ironsides Academy book. I was soooo stoked to read book two. Now I almost wish I hadn’t *sigh*
**SPOILERS**
I’m a huge fan of Jane Washington, and her books. I was so excited to start this series, and I’m happy to say that book one did not disappoint! It was a fabulous introduction to a dystopian (think hunger games) world where it’s a dog eat dog world! We’re introduced to our FMC, Isobel, who is a Sigma by designation. Sigmas are considered to be worthless in the power and “gifts” department. Isobel is beginning her 5 year stint at Ironside Academy, a school that Alphas and Betas go to that is literally one big reality television show. Isobel is the only Sigma and she is being forced to participate by her Alpha father, who had once won the “competition” at Ironside Academy and had gone on to live the “high life” all the while abusing his wife and daughter. She just wants to survive her time at Ironside, she doesn’t care about the 5 year competition at the school that if you win you become an “Icon” and live in luxury for the rest of your days (while the rest of the world lives in poverty). She thinks she’ll be able to fly under the radar and at least she’ll be away from her abusive father. But alas, it’s not meant to be. She “garners” the attention of the Alphas of Ironside Academy, all of whom are on the “Icon track,” they’re all playing the “game” to win the competition, each one for a different reason, but most of them because it’ll elevate their life and the lives of their family members. Only one of the Alphas really takes a shine to her, Theo, (she helps him and cares for him genuinely) the rest are suspicious, nasty, cruel, and basically they suck at being potential harem members. But of course, it ends up that Isobel is the mate, the “tether” of all 10 Alphas at Ironside. The book ends with them all agreeing (because of course the 10 Alphas are in this “boys club,” that makes them best friends, brothers, who have one another’s backs) NOT TO TELL Isobel that they’re her mates and leave her in the dark, even though prolonged absence of her mate, her “anchor” will make her very sick.
**SPOILERS**
I couldn’t delve into book two fast enough. Unfortunately I was really disappointed with this book. There were a myriad of issues with “Tourner.” The most prevalent issue…the guys, her MATES were all portrayed as pretty awful human beings in book one, but you’re left with hope that they’ll open their stupid eyes and get closer to Isobel. But by the end of book two, you literally only have 2 out of the 10 guys admitting to even liking her in a “romantic” way…and oh, one of those guys just so happens to have a boyfriend we never heard about back home (but hey, he’s still her mate). The boyfriend is introduced at THE VERY END of book two, after the reader has JUST begun to warm up to suitor number 2, Killian. Now it turns out that Killian is this awful “fraud” who has been portrayed as giving Isobel major “mixed signals,” and actively getting close to her all the while he has a committed boyfriend back home, huh? It makes the reader really dislike him, and we only just warmed up to him. I believed his friendship and romantic interest was real…only to have that illusion ripped away when I learned he had a boyfriend. Doesn’t bother me that he’s, gay, or bisexual…it bothers me that he never told Isobel, has been Pursuing her, and is her MATE, but isn’t telling her he’s her mate, and actually actively telling her that he has no interest in her, but still flirts outrageously with her. It means that he’s apparently stringing his boyfriend along by telling him she means nothing to him, while also playing with Isobel feelings. Yuck.
So we have one guy who has a fake girlfriend, and another that has a boyfriend, and the other 8 guys are either ignoring her, or being cruel, and heartless towards her (even knowing she’s their mate, and could die without their connection to her). I’ve read plenty of enemies to friends books, and I enjoy them if the characters are fleshed out well, and they’re at least mildly sympathetic (if they’re going to be total a-holes to the FMC). None of these guys are likable, and that’s a real problem. Even the “nice” guys turn out to have an agenda and are just using Isobel and toying with her feelings. Isobel DIES for them (one of them, but they’re all linked) and they are still complete a-holes ALL THROUGH BOOK TWO!! And not only are they not likable, but more than a few are downright hostile, and outright cruel or written as totally disinterested in Isobel completely!! With how book one progressed, and book two started, I expected a lot more “headway” into turning Isobel’s 10 harem members into members you’d actually like to be in her harem and don’t actively despise. Book two sees the “same old Isobel,” meek and “broken,” with barely a spine to her. Again, I liked her character is book one, but thought in book two we would see a little “growth” in her character. I was hoping that along with developing more mate bonds we’d get more “character” out of her. But book two is even lacking any artistic endeavors i.e. you don’t even really get a chance to see any of Isobel in her element, the arts, because you’re too busy reading about how much these guys hate her and despise the bond *sigh* It becomes rather exhausting.
Then you have the end…the end of book two is terrible. Yes, yes, you get a major plot twist that ends with a huge cliffhanger…but it’s awful. Isobel is attacked, has her bonds cut out of her, and is left to die by someone she trusted, and their accomplice (who just so happens to be intimately connected to one of Isobel’s harem members). The issue here; it just isn’t believable. It’s actually an annoying head scratcher. The harem rushes to “save” her. They’re desperate to put her bond ropes back inside of her to connect her to them again…why? The reader has spent so much time reading about 8 guys who actively work against their mate, going so far as out right hate her, it just doesn’t read as believable that they’re all so anguished over the thought of “losing her.” Heck, a few of them had even mentioned “offing her,” when they realized she was tethered to them…sooooo after reading two books about how they hate her, we’re just suddenly supposed to accept that they’re ALL so despondent and worried about losing the bond. Clearly we’re being set up for book three…
Will Isobel survive *eye roll* and if she does, will she still be tethered to the Alphas? I think we can all guess what happens, and it isn’t the demise of the female main character, or her men.
**addendum**
Thank you for pointing out that in Plier the author writes about Aron and Killian having “broken things off,” with one another. But still the way he’s introduced back into the main thread of the plot at the very end makes Killian really less likable IMO. Again, this is just my opinion. But I truly didn’t feel a REAL connection between any of the guys, save Theo and Isobel
I LOVED the first Ironsides Academy book. I was soooo stoked to read book two. Now I almost wish I hadn’t *sigh*
**SPOILERS**
I’m a huge fan of Jane Washington, and her books. I was so excited to start this series, and I’m happy to say that book one did not disappoint! It was a fabulous introduction to a dystopian (think hunger games) world where it’s a dog eat dog world! We’re introduced to our FMC, Isobel, who is a Sigma by designation. Sigmas are considered to be worthless in the power and “gifts” department. Isobel is beginning her 5 year stint at Ironside Academy, a school that Alphas and Betas go to that is literally one big reality television show. Isobel is the only Sigma and she is being forced to participate by her Alpha father, who had once won the “competition” at Ironside Academy and had gone on to live the “high life” all the while abusing his wife and daughter. She just wants to survive her time at Ironside, she doesn’t care about the 5 year competition at the school that if you win you become an “Icon” and live in luxury for the rest of your days (while the rest of the world lives in poverty). She thinks she’ll be able to fly under the radar and at least she’ll be away from her abusive father. But alas, it’s not meant to be. She “garners” the attention of the Alphas of Ironside Academy, all of whom are on the “Icon track,” they’re all playing the “game” to win the competition, each one for a different reason, but most of them because it’ll elevate their life and the lives of their family members. Only one of the Alphas really takes a shine to her, Theo, (she helps him and cares for him genuinely) the rest are suspicious, nasty, cruel, and basically they suck at being potential harem members. But of course, it ends up that Isobel is the mate, the “tether” of all 10 Alphas at Ironside. The book ends with them all agreeing (because of course the 10 Alphas are in this “boys club,” that makes them best friends, brothers, who have one another’s backs) NOT TO TELL Isobel that they’re her mates and leave her in the dark, even though prolonged absence of her mate, her “anchor” will make her very sick.
**SPOILERS**
I couldn’t delve into book two fast enough. Unfortunately I was really disappointed with this book. There were a myriad of issues with “Tourner.” The most prevalent issue…the guys, her MATES were all portrayed as pretty awful human beings in book one, but you’re left with hope that they’ll open their stupid eyes and get closer to Isobel. But by the end of book two, you literally only have 2 out of the 10 guys admitting to even liking her in a “romantic” way…and oh, one of those guys just so happens to have a boyfriend we never heard about back home (but hey, he’s still her mate). The boyfriend is introduced at THE VERY END of book two, after the reader has JUST begun to warm up to suitor number 2, Killian. Now it turns out that Killian is this awful “fraud” who has been portrayed as giving Isobel major “mixed signals,” and actively getting close to her all the while he has a committed boyfriend back home, huh? It makes the reader really dislike him, and we only just warmed up to him. I believed his friendship and romantic interest was real…only to have that illusion ripped away when I learned he had a boyfriend. Doesn’t bother me that he’s, gay, or bisexual…it bothers me that he never told Isobel, has been Pursuing her, and is her MATE, but isn’t telling her he’s her mate, and actually actively telling her that he has no interest in her, but still flirts outrageously with her. It means that he’s apparently stringing his boyfriend along by telling him she means nothing to him, while also playing with Isobel feelings. Yuck.
So we have one guy who has a fake girlfriend, and another that has a boyfriend, and the other 8 guys are either ignoring her, or being cruel, and heartless towards her (even knowing she’s their mate, and could die without their connection to her). I’ve read plenty of enemies to friends books, and I enjoy them if the characters are fleshed out well, and they’re at least mildly sympathetic (if they’re going to be total a-holes to the FMC). None of these guys are likable, and that’s a real problem. Even the “nice” guys turn out to have an agenda and are just using Isobel and toying with her feelings. Isobel DIES for them (one of them, but they’re all linked) and they are still complete a-holes ALL THROUGH BOOK TWO!! And not only are they not likable, but more than a few are downright hostile, and outright cruel or written as totally disinterested in Isobel completely!! With how book one progressed, and book two started, I expected a lot more “headway” into turning Isobel’s 10 harem members into members you’d actually like to be in her harem and don’t actively despise. Book two sees the “same old Isobel,” meek and “broken,” with barely a spine to her. Again, I liked her character is book one, but thought in book two we would see a little “growth” in her character. I was hoping that along with developing more mate bonds we’d get more “character” out of her. But book two is even lacking any artistic endeavors i.e. you don’t even really get a chance to see any of Isobel in her element, the arts, because you’re too busy reading about how much these guys hate her and despise the bond *sigh* It becomes rather exhausting.
Then you have the end…the end of book two is terrible. Yes, yes, you get a major plot twist that ends with a huge cliffhanger…but it’s awful. Isobel is attacked, has her bonds cut out of her, and is left to die by someone she trusted, and their accomplice (who just so happens to be intimately connected to one of Isobel’s harem members). The issue here; it just isn’t believable. It’s actually an annoying head scratcher. The harem rushes to “save” her. They’re desperate to put her bond ropes back inside of her to connect her to them again…why? The reader has spent so much time reading about 8 guys who actively work against their mate, going so far as out right hate her, it just doesn’t read as believable that they’re all so anguished over the thought of “losing her.” Heck, a few of them had even mentioned “offing her,” when they realized she was tethered to them…sooooo after reading two books about how they hate her, we’re just suddenly supposed to accept that they’re ALL so despondent and worried about losing the bond. Clearly we’re being set up for book three…
Will Isobel survive *eye roll* and if she does, will she still be tethered to the Alphas? I think we can all guess what happens, and it isn’t the demise of the female main character, or her men.
**addendum**
Thank you for pointing out that in Plier the author writes about Aron and Killian having “broken things off,” with one another. But still the way he’s introduced back into the main thread of the plot at the very end makes Killian really less likable IMO. Again, this is just my opinion. But I truly didn’t feel a REAL connection between any of the guys, save Theo and Isobel
July 27, 2023
I made a slight error in judgment. (But WOW did it feel good)
It has taken me a few days to sit down to write a review for Tourner and that's mostly because I wasn't quite ready to put all my thoughts down on how absolutely INCREDIBLE this book is and why you should being reading it. I wasn't suppose to have read this book early, but the simp in me took over and I begged for my goddamn life until I was given the opportunity to read Tourner (so thank you so much to everyone involved in making a grown woman's dreams come true - you deserve only good things in life <3).
However, I sometimes look back at the ignorant version of myself 6 days ago and say to her, "Why? Why did you have to have this book so bad? Why did you beg on your knees for it weeks before its release date? Now you are back in the same position of having to wait for the next book only now you have to wait even LONGER for book 3. Great decision making skills Madison. Real top notch. I like to think of myself as someone who makes good choices but desperate times call for desperate measures, so here I am having finished Tourner about 2 weeks before it has even been officially released and OH MAN (x10 *wink wink* ) am I not doing well.
I went into this book blind having come off of the Plier high and to be frank I think you should too. I am assuming that you are reading my review after having finished Plier and are looking to see what this one is about, but I will not be telling you. Why? Because the feelings you will experience while reading Tourner is not one that I can write down. So, instead what I am going to do is give you guys three gifs of emotional reactions I had while reading this book:
Can I make myself anymore clear???? So stop what you are doing and go read this book. If you have already read Plier than this is not a difficult request because honestly you are probably already counting down the days until Tourner is released. So god speed and have the best time ever. Truly no hype will ever compare to the reading high you will have while reading Tourner.
Is it better than Plier? Maybe. Does it make my heart sing? Yes. Am I having a psychotic break? Quite possibly.
Choosing to read Tourner and continue Isobel's adventure within the Ironside Academy will be the best judgement call you will make.
It has taken me a few days to sit down to write a review for Tourner and that's mostly because I wasn't quite ready to put all my thoughts down on how absolutely INCREDIBLE this book is and why you should being reading it. I wasn't suppose to have read this book early, but the simp in me took over and I begged for my goddamn life until I was given the opportunity to read Tourner (so thank you so much to everyone involved in making a grown woman's dreams come true - you deserve only good things in life <3).
However, I sometimes look back at the ignorant version of myself 6 days ago and say to her, "Why? Why did you have to have this book so bad? Why did you beg on your knees for it weeks before its release date? Now you are back in the same position of having to wait for the next book only now you have to wait even LONGER for book 3. Great decision making skills Madison. Real top notch. I like to think of myself as someone who makes good choices but desperate times call for desperate measures, so here I am having finished Tourner about 2 weeks before it has even been officially released and OH MAN (x10 *wink wink* ) am I not doing well.
I went into this book blind having come off of the Plier high and to be frank I think you should too. I am assuming that you are reading my review after having finished Plier and are looking to see what this one is about, but I will not be telling you. Why? Because the feelings you will experience while reading Tourner is not one that I can write down. So, instead what I am going to do is give you guys three gifs of emotional reactions I had while reading this book:
Can I make myself anymore clear???? So stop what you are doing and go read this book. If you have already read Plier than this is not a difficult request because honestly you are probably already counting down the days until Tourner is released. So god speed and have the best time ever. Truly no hype will ever compare to the reading high you will have while reading Tourner.
Is it better than Plier? Maybe. Does it make my heart sing? Yes. Am I having a psychotic break? Quite possibly.
Choosing to read Tourner and continue Isobel's adventure within the Ironside Academy will be the best judgement call you will make.
September 25, 2024
THE ENDINGGGGGGGG OMGGGG?!?!?? please i loved this book so much!!! i loved getting to know more of the mmcs! theyre all so feral for isobel 😩 the group texts were absolutely hilarious and yall… this is making me realize i like omegaverse books 🫣 also what i would give for this to be an hbo show!!
August 31, 2024
THE CHOKEHOLD THIS SERIES HAS ON ME
I now have severe whiplash from deciding my favorite alpha 😭😭
This book had me falling in love over and over again
This is the slowest of burns but my god the tension and chemistry 🥵 🥵 Got me out here giggling and blushing at the smallest of things. Currently loving Cian the flirty charmer, Oscar AKA Oskie the big mean softie and can't forget my baby Kilian
I need more of professors West and Easton!! I'm begging here
Also the cliffhanger!!!
I now have severe whiplash from deciding my favorite alpha 😭😭
This book had me falling in love over and over again
This is the slowest of burns but my god the tension and chemistry 🥵 🥵 Got me out here giggling and blushing at the smallest of things. Currently loving Cian the flirty charmer, Oscar AKA Oskie the big mean softie and can't forget my baby Kilian
I need more of professors West and Easton!! I'm begging here
Also the cliffhanger!!!
August 23, 2024
absolutely devouring this series. i’m obsessed. kilian is my favorite and he didn’t get enough page time in this book, so praying he’s in the next book more. also kalen and mikel please ! student x professor is just elite. i saw the betrayal coming from a mile away yet i was still gasping. immediately reading the next one
update: fuck it! 5 stars! i love this series so much it deserves nothing less. it may not be everyones cup of tea but it was perfect for ME
update: fuck it! 5 stars! i love this series so much it deserves nothing less. it may not be everyones cup of tea but it was perfect for ME
August 21, 2024
It keeps getting better and better. Not me kicking and giggling at 3 A.M in the morning. I've been devouring each book in one day 😭
February 13, 2024
I KNEW it was
April 29, 2024
if you ever looked at a crack addict you know crack isn't good
but it's very addictive and people wreck their bodies for it
like I wreck my sleep cycle for this book
but it's very addictive and people wreck their bodies for it
like I wreck my sleep cycle for this book
August 30, 2023
Two books and 700+ pages later she has 2 1/2 friends. I like slow burn as much as anyone else but this? Holyy poo man holy poo. Two of them are friends with her and the rest of them either hate her, ignore her, or sleep around with other women.
August 9, 2024
Are you kidding me??? When i tell you not even Alpha Voice(iykyk) could pry the book away from my hands, I mean it!!!! I physically could not stop reading, it is too addictive😭😭
I am having so much fun 😭😭😭 the tension is DELICIOUS I TELL YOU!
Isobel you sweet girl I feel so bad for her🥲
As always Sato owns my heart i love that psycho meanie.
But also, Ashford??? Stop im so in love with all of the boys now its not even funny😭
Obviously jumping to book 3 IMMEDIATELY.
I am having so much fun 😭😭😭 the tension is DELICIOUS I TELL YOU!
Isobel you sweet girl I feel so bad for her🥲
As always Sato owns my heart i love that psycho meanie.
But also, Ashford??? Stop im so in love with all of the boys now its not even funny😭
Obviously jumping to book 3 IMMEDIATELY.
August 17, 2024
With this book and the cheat sheet I finally know who's who! We got to know a lot more about the guys and I can see that each one is different. But still can't pick my favorite one! 😫
I like how Isobel is finally coming out of her shell and not letting them walk all over her. Also can someone take her father away? Thank you very much.
When it comes to the villain, I don't know how I feel yet 😅 but the ending was good!
I like how Isobel is finally coming out of her shell and not letting them walk all over her. Also can someone take her father away? Thank you very much.
When it comes to the villain, I don't know how I feel yet 😅 but the ending was good!
September 23, 2024
I FINALLY have time to write this small review!
Okay this book was definitely better than the last one. More of my small questions were answered and we got to see a lot more of Kalen and Mikel (which I absolutely ate up 👏) and got to know more about them along with getting to know the other guys backgrounds a little more.
The group texts between the guys was absolutely one of my favorite parts in this book but I won’t disclose what my other favorite moments were as to not spoil the book 🤭
🚨Do be prepared for a cliffhanger!!🚨
If you’re reading this review looking to see if you should continue after the first book DO IT YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!
Two of my favorite gc moments:
“Oscar: Hey Kil. Come and get me.
Mikel (Admin): Don’t get involved, Oscar.
Oscar: You know you want to Kili.
Kalen (Admin): Do not get involved, Oscar.
Elijah: Oscar. Don’t.
Oscar: Be there in ten, Kiljoy.”
“*Oscar has been added as an admin*
*Oscar has been unmuted*
Oscar (Admin): nobody puts baby in the corner.”
These made me laugh out loud even if they’re not as funny as I’m looking back at them… oh well I love Oscar 🤷♀️
Okay this book was definitely better than the last one. More of my small questions were answered and we got to see a lot more of Kalen and Mikel (which I absolutely ate up 👏) and got to know more about them along with getting to know the other guys backgrounds a little more.
The group texts between the guys was absolutely one of my favorite parts in this book but I won’t disclose what my other favorite moments were as to not spoil the book 🤭
🚨Do be prepared for a cliffhanger!!🚨
If you’re reading this review looking to see if you should continue after the first book DO IT YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!
Two of my favorite gc moments:
“Oscar: Hey Kil. Come and get me.
Mikel (Admin): Don’t get involved, Oscar.
Oscar: You know you want to Kili.
Kalen (Admin): Do not get involved, Oscar.
Elijah: Oscar. Don’t.
Oscar: Be there in ten, Kiljoy.”
“*Oscar has been added as an admin*
*Oscar has been unmuted*
Oscar (Admin): nobody puts baby in the corner.”
These made me laugh out loud even if they’re not as funny as I’m looking back at them… oh well I love Oscar 🤷♀️
Read
August 12, 2023Still no idea how to rate so just leaving notes. The premise is so incredibly interesting, and the story held my interest through. I'm enjoying seeing Isobel break through the conditioning and consider what she wants and who she wants to be and find the strength to fight for it. My struggle is with not feeling connected with the characters which I partly attribute to the third person POV narration and partly not giving enough to understand their motivations.
It's slow burn with very little smolder build at this point and slow build. Rejection trope heavy - - and continued OW for some after they learn about their mate bond 😒 Like I get that it's unreasonable to expect them to change their lives or be celibate but it also feels like shit to have them with other people like that's fng ok.
Their rejection while being protective.... it almost makes me more mad at them, and not knowing or appreciating what they are fighting for and valuing above her makes it hard to not toss up the 🖕🖕 and walk the fck away from them. They don't deserve her. The combination of the narrator POV and lack of info to understand motivations all makes it feel worse for how they're regarding her.
It's slow burn with very little smolder build at this point and slow build. Rejection trope heavy - - and continued OW for some after they learn about their mate bond 😒 Like I get that it's unreasonable to expect them to change their lives or be celibate but it also feels like shit to have them with other people like that's fng ok.
Their rejection while being protective.... it almost makes me more mad at them, and not knowing or appreciating what they are fighting for and valuing above her makes it hard to not toss up the 🖕🖕 and walk the fck away from them. They don't deserve her. The combination of the narrator POV and lack of info to understand motivations all makes it feel worse for how they're regarding her.
August 8, 2023
Loved this one a little less than the first. Did I still consume this in less than a day? YES.
Overview:
- Still no spice
- Mates still with OW even after discovering the bond
- Professor X Student developing
- Some mates still very uninterested in her
The rest of the review will have spoilers.
I thought things might develop more in this book but I'm realizing this series is either SUPER slow burn *or* she doesn't end up with all of the guys. Seriously, some of them seem genuinely uninterested in her, and we know basically nothing about the guys who dgaf about her. It would be fine if she was like, an independent gal, but she is not. She is very dependent on these guys, and sort of clingy to them. Her naivety and general lack of sense makes shit worse. Some of the guys are still actively seeing other women, even after knowing she is their mate, which is very icky to me idk. If she wasn't a virgin and was also with other dudes it would be different. IDK I guess I just don't like it when men get to have their cake and eat it too. Like they get to be with other people even after finding out she is their mate but she will probably only ever be with them. This honestly makes me not want to root for those specific guys at ALL. Especially because they're starting to act kinda possessive over her while actively fucking other girls. Like cut the shit plsssss.
I though maybe FINALLY we would see her grow a backbone. When she realized that the secret they were keeping was that they knew who her mate was, she was PISSED, and I was ALL! FOR IT!! Then right after she finds out, she goes on this "tour" her dad set up to find her missing mate. I thought omg yesss! Time to make them jealous. I was expecting her to flirt with these people, maybe even go in for a kiss or two just to piss of these guys until they realized she was playing them. But no, we got literally none of that. All she did was glare at them. To which they described her anger as... cute. (Someone gag me) She eventually just kind of... forgot that she was mad. It was a let down to say the least.
I feel like not much exciting really happened in this one. This book definitely kind of felt like filler which was disappointing because I feel like this story could've been so much more if Isobel would just stop letting these stupid fucking men walk all over her. Like I get it, she's a sigma, but she needs to have some character development eventually, otherwise I can see myself not enjoying the series in the future.
I feel as if she is the one chasing the men, kinda desperate for them if you would. I just hate that shit honestly. I'm hoping in the next book the narrative will flip and we will see them start to chase her. Maybe even some groveling from the man whores and the guys with girlfriends, and the ones who are just downright nasty to her. Like why does she have to be *initiated* to hang with them? Why don't they have to prove themselves to her? Idk.
At the end of the day, most of my complaints are personal preference and really don't have much to do with the story or writing itself. I still think this book was good, I just was frustrated with the direction it's headed. I say this all the time, I cannot enjoy a book if I dislike the main character. I'm afraid Isobel is slipping into my dislike category after this installment. Hopefully she does some soul searching in the next book and is reborn as something other than a doormat.
Overview:
- Still no spice
- Mates still with OW even after discovering the bond
- Professor X Student developing
- Some mates still very uninterested in her
The rest of the review will have spoilers.
I thought things might develop more in this book but I'm realizing this series is either SUPER slow burn *or* she doesn't end up with all of the guys. Seriously, some of them seem genuinely uninterested in her, and we know basically nothing about the guys who dgaf about her. It would be fine if she was like, an independent gal, but she is not. She is very dependent on these guys, and sort of clingy to them. Her naivety and general lack of sense makes shit worse. Some of the guys are still actively seeing other women, even after knowing she is their mate, which is very icky to me idk. If she wasn't a virgin and was also with other dudes it would be different. IDK I guess I just don't like it when men get to have their cake and eat it too. Like they get to be with other people even after finding out she is their mate but she will probably only ever be with them. This honestly makes me not want to root for those specific guys at ALL. Especially because they're starting to act kinda possessive over her while actively fucking other girls. Like cut the shit plsssss.
I though maybe FINALLY we would see her grow a backbone. When she realized that the secret they were keeping was that they knew who her mate was, she was PISSED, and I was ALL! FOR IT!! Then right after she finds out, she goes on this "tour" her dad set up to find her missing mate. I thought omg yesss! Time to make them jealous. I was expecting her to flirt with these people, maybe even go in for a kiss or two just to piss of these guys until they realized she was playing them. But no, we got literally none of that. All she did was glare at them. To which they described her anger as... cute. (Someone gag me) She eventually just kind of... forgot that she was mad. It was a let down to say the least.
I feel like not much exciting really happened in this one. This book definitely kind of felt like filler which was disappointing because I feel like this story could've been so much more if Isobel would just stop letting these stupid fucking men walk all over her. Like I get it, she's a sigma, but she needs to have some character development eventually, otherwise I can see myself not enjoying the series in the future.
I feel as if she is the one chasing the men, kinda desperate for them if you would. I just hate that shit honestly. I'm hoping in the next book the narrative will flip and we will see them start to chase her. Maybe even some groveling from the man whores and the guys with girlfriends, and the ones who are just downright nasty to her. Like why does she have to be *initiated* to hang with them? Why don't they have to prove themselves to her? Idk.
At the end of the day, most of my complaints are personal preference and really don't have much to do with the story or writing itself. I still think this book was good, I just was frustrated with the direction it's headed. I say this all the time, I cannot enjoy a book if I dislike the main character. I'm afraid Isobel is slipping into my dislike category after this installment. Hopefully she does some soul searching in the next book and is reborn as something other than a doormat.
September 26, 2023
This was...supbar.
I enjoyed the first book way more. This one felt like a bunch of fanfic, just cramming intimacy scenes between the MC and each male character.
I don't even know where the plot is at this point. The MC is weak, there was barely any development in her character...and by barely I mean none.
She is so abused and sad and helpless...it's annoying. And the guys are all shits.
Plus, 10 is really too many. The switching between first and last names makes it SO hard to keep track of.
I'll probably continue the series cuz i liked the first book but this one could literally have been summarized in a few chapters...nothing here was worth an entire book.
I enjoyed the first book way more. This one felt like a bunch of fanfic, just cramming intimacy scenes between the MC and each male character.
I don't even know where the plot is at this point. The MC is weak, there was barely any development in her character...and by barely I mean none.
She is so abused and sad and helpless...it's annoying. And the guys are all shits.
Plus, 10 is really too many. The switching between first and last names makes it SO hard to keep track of.
I'll probably continue the series cuz i liked the first book but this one could literally have been summarized in a few chapters...nothing here was worth an entire book.
February 6, 2024
more insanely addictive, fast-paced, wild shenanigans! i feel like i have no idea what's going on in the overarching plot half the time, i'm so caught up in the immediate happenings, but it's fun. finally getting the half of the characters' names more (i hope...), and the slowburn is vaguely burning? yay!
January 21, 2024
3 stars
Still struggling with who is who and keeping track of names. I also felt like this book moved slower than the other.
Still struggling with who is who and keeping track of names. I also felt like this book moved slower than the other.
August 16, 2024
two things:
1.) WHATTHEFUCKWHATTHEFUCKWHATTHEFUCK
2.) Kalen come home the kids miss you
1.) WHATTHEFUCKWHATTHEFUCKWHATTHEFUCK
2.) Kalen come home the kids miss you
July 12, 2023
Oh my heart! I'm freaking out and not at all okay! What is happening!? This second book is filled with tension, heartache, and steamy moments that are beautifully tender. And this ending... it's positively brutal! I'm talking rip your heart out, villainy happening here.
I just want to wrap Isobel up and keep her safe while simultaneously head slapping those frustrating alpha dudes. Yes, they're delicious and an endless buffet of man meat, but they're slowly killing me. I wouldn't ever want to trade places with Isobel and yet again... who wouldn't!? Debilitating side effects not welcomed.
When I say I'm begging for the next book, I'm not even being a tad dramatic. This is my drug of choice, and Jane Washington is my dealer.
I just want to wrap Isobel up and keep her safe while simultaneously head slapping those frustrating alpha dudes. Yes, they're delicious and an endless buffet of man meat, but they're slowly killing me. I wouldn't ever want to trade places with Isobel and yet again... who wouldn't!? Debilitating side effects not welcomed.
When I say I'm begging for the next book, I'm not even being a tad dramatic. This is my drug of choice, and Jane Washington is my dealer.
January 5, 2024
No character development
Here is my frustration. The author writes REALLY well, and I enjoy the flashes of biting humor. The plot is unique and super interesting on one level. However, I just spent two books with the heroine being a totally reactionary character that doesn't really grow. There is no character development to show that she has learned anything. A large chunk of the book is torturing the heroine with the heroes sort of haphazardly patching her up after the fact. Also, plot references pop up out of nowhere, and I don't always know if it's information I am supposed to have inferred from previous information or if a rabbit was just pulled from a hat. And the repetition of "I don't want to be owned" and "We will never bond you" make me think the author believes readers have sporadic memory loss. I am frustrated and even a little angry that the heroine is just an object of abuse and the heroes are one dimensional selfish √icks at the end of the day. Do they genuinely help her? Once in a while, maybe. Is it genuinely helpful? Not really. Does she ever help herself? Not really. Ugh.
Here is my frustration. The author writes REALLY well, and I enjoy the flashes of biting humor. The plot is unique and super interesting on one level. However, I just spent two books with the heroine being a totally reactionary character that doesn't really grow. There is no character development to show that she has learned anything. A large chunk of the book is torturing the heroine with the heroes sort of haphazardly patching her up after the fact. Also, plot references pop up out of nowhere, and I don't always know if it's information I am supposed to have inferred from previous information or if a rabbit was just pulled from a hat. And the repetition of "I don't want to be owned" and "We will never bond you" make me think the author believes readers have sporadic memory loss. I am frustrated and even a little angry that the heroine is just an object of abuse and the heroes are one dimensional selfish √icks at the end of the day. Do they genuinely help her? Once in a while, maybe. Is it genuinely helpful? Not really. Does she ever help herself? Not really. Ugh.
March 22, 2024
Audiobook narrated by
Jennifer Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There's no world building that explains the need for the game at Ironside. It's disappointing.
I automatically retracted 1 star because of the cliffhanger ending.
I won't be reading the next book in this series.
Jennifer Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There's no world building that explains the need for the game at Ironside. It's disappointing.
I automatically retracted 1 star because of the cliffhanger ending.
I won't be reading the next book in this series.
October 25, 2023
Tropes/Key Points:
❂ Slow Burn
❂ Reverse Harem (Massive Harem)
❂ Academy Setting
❂ Professor x Student
❂ Fated Mates / Rejected Mates
❂ Reality TV Show Competition
❂ Dancer (FMC)
❂ Social Media Competition
❂ Omegaverse
❂ Multi-POV
❂ "Who did this to you?"
❂ "Stalker" / Blackmailer
Spice: 🌶️
Trigger Warnings: Abuse from a Parent (Shown/Mentioned), Physical/Emotional/Mental Abuse, Bullying, Main Character Death (Mentioned), Drugging (Mentioned)
Review:
I should have never joined the competition to be an ARC reader for this book. It was my worst mistake and my best decision all rolled into one. The book ends on a cliffhanger that is even worse than the first one and I now have to wait for book three. This is physical torture. I sat down and read this book in five hours and honestly, I'm already thinking about re-reading it, which I very rarely do.
My favorite series by Jane Washington has been the Curse of the Gods series which is also a RH, but this one has overtaken it in only the second installment.
1) World-building
One of the things that I felt was lacking in the first book was the world building. It's not that Jane doesn't do a good job at explaining the world she has created, it's simply that we don't get a chance to see any of it outside of the academy. That is not an issue here as we are thrust out from behind the Academy walls and out into the world. Our FMC is forced to go on a tour through some of the settlements and we get to see glimpses of how the other half lives.
We only get small tastes, but those tiny samples are enough to give you a well rounded view of what is waiting for Isobel outside the 'safety' of the academy. We are introduced to a first hand account of the poverty and dissonance within the Gifted community. We are given insight into why the ten love interests are at Ironside and what they are hoping to change within their small pocket of the world.
2) Plot
If Plier walked it was so Tourner could run. In the first book we are shown how Isobel navigates her second year in Ironside Academy, focusing on staying hidden and just making her way through. That changes when she once again encounters Theo and is thrust into the spotlight. She suddenly has targets on her back and is forced to face attacks from others within the school who are jealous of her and her success.
In Tourner, the stakes are higher as she is revealed to have a mate-bond. At first, it seems like people are going to leave her alone, but instead the school seems to zero in on her and her mysterious mate who has yet to reveal himself. She is as in the dark about who her mate is as the rest of the world, but she isn't interested in meeting him, having witnessed how her father treated her mother. Life at Ironside gets much harder as her Bond is forcing her in the presence of her mates, though she doesn't realize it, and the "Officials", or government, are putting her under a microscope trying to figure her situation out.
Her father makes a return appearance as an extra source of tension, going so far as to live on Academy grounds to monitor and regain control of his daughter. The story they have presented to the world becomes threatened as a blackmailer boarder-lining on stalker provides Isobel with proof that they know she lied about the circumstances around her Mate-bond and are threatening to reveal everything.
3) Romance
Jane Washington is the queen of slow burn romances and she will have you desperate for more. Jane knows how to do slow burn right and in all the series that I have read from her, she takes you right to that line of ultimate frustration before she shoves you off the edge and into a spicy whirlwind. Considering that this is only the second book, we are still strictly in slowburn territory but I know that release of tension is coming.
This book has angst, jealous, tension and even stark desire, but no one is willing to make the leap into acting on it. We do have some mild scenes that showcase the inherit desire within them due to the mate bond (but also I feel like it's just honest attraction).
4) Characters & Development
Isobel -- Our FMC is a firecracker and I love the way that she has come into her own in this book. She is a strong woman and the inherent meekness that should come with her Sigma status is getting chipped away. She can give as much as she can take from the Alphas and it's easy to see that she will be able to handle all ten guys. That's right, I said ten. Jane is taking a leap here by giving the largest harem I have ever seen, but she is handling it so well. If anyone can do it, she can.
Isobel struggles with her developing powers in this book as we see that a new power has come to fruition. It is unclear if it's due to the Bonding status or if it was a natural progression but it seems that she can see those who are no longer with us. These encounters start to increase and get Isobel into some hairy situations, but they are also on her side and help her out of those same danger moments.
MMCs-- Considering that we have ten Alpha's in this book it's still shocking that we have plenty of development for each of them. I will say that one of my complaints is being able to tell them apart, only because of the fact that we hop between referring to them as their first names and their last names throughout the book. This was even an issue in book one and it can lead to a bit of confusion. I was scratching my head trying to figure out who one of the guys was until he was referenced by his last name a few sentences later.
That being said -- each of our men have distinctive personalities and they all bring something unique to the table that I feel will only help Isobel unlock her true potential.
Oscar Sato -- Oscar is my front runner and I am absolutely obsessed with him. We did have a few interactions with him in book one but he was heavy in the story this time. He is our dark knight, our Morally grey love interest who in some ways claims to want nothing to do with Isobel, yet he keeps showing up when she needs help. He has the ability to cause Chaos and I know that's a bit vague, but that's generally what happens. I love that we get to see a side of him in this book that is softer and it makes me want to rip apart the shell that he has built and I know that Isobel will be able to do it.
Professor Mikel Easton & Kalen West -- These guys are our professors who we heard but didn't really see in the last book. Mikel has a love interest outside of Isobel who came before and was one of the Alpha's who was most resistant to her. We get to see both of the guys in this book not only from the professor aspect but also as simple 'humans.' The first book has them coming across as very cold and hard with Isobel, but we get to see that their bark is worse than their bite in the ways that they treat her. Mikel's ability is control over the weather and Kalen has the ability to manipulate time.
Cian Ashford -- He is our resident divination specialist and is catapulted from a supporting Alpha from book one to front and center in book two. I really enjoy the way that his interactions with Isobel have changed. He seems more gentle with her and more forthcoming. Even though he is resistant to the bond between them, he never shies away from being there for Isobel.
Gabriel Spade and Elijah Reed -- These two seem like they could be brothers with how in touch with each other they are, but alas they are just really good friends. They seem to understand each other in a way that none of the other alpha's do. They are able to communicate with each other simply by looks and they don't like when someone comes between them. Except Isobel. They seem to welcome her into their smaller group in a way that they have never allowed before, even within the Alpha Pack that has formed. We are given insight into Spade's inner thoughts and honestly, I wanted to sob and hold him in my arms, even though I know he would have hated it. I love the positive mental disability representation with him though. Their abilities are unknown.
Theodore & Moses Kane -- Our only true brothers within the group and they couldn't be more different. Theodore could be considered our golden retriever with a dark inside but Moses just hates Isobel. At least, that's what he says. Truly, I think he is just jealous of the way that she calls to Theo and possibly even feels like she has a chance of stealing Theo away from him. Once you get a glimpse into their lives in the settlement, I feel like I understand Moses more and I can not wait for Isobel to tear down that wall. They both have the "Feral" ability which is basically like an ultimate weapon that has no discretion for who they hurt.
Killian Gray -- the only other Alpha who was accepting of Isobel right from the start and the one who has the most to lose. Killian is our Bisexual of the group and we were faced with challenges he had at the realization that his mate was a female. This doesn't take away from the fact that he is bisexual, but watching him struggle with the realization that he will only be "attracted" to Isobel for the rest of his life was slightly heartbreaking. He was also the one with the most to lose regarding the Bonds with Isobel, considering that he felt like he was betraying her. His ability is invisibility.
and last but not least, Niko Hart Niko is simultaneously one of our least present Alpha's while also having a large impact on Isobel. He only had a few scenes in book one but we got some substantial moments between them. While he is one of the few who are extremely resistant to the bond with Isobel, we are given the reason behind it and frankly, I understand. Despite this, he still goes out of his way to help Isobel with self defense.
Overall,
This book was so amazing that I devoured it in one sitting and now I have to wait 3 months for the third to be released. Having come from one of Jane's earlier series right before reading this book, her growth as a writer and author is astounding. She is definitely one of my few auto buy authors and I hope that she knows she has a fan for life.
❂ Slow Burn
❂ Reverse Harem (Massive Harem)
❂ Academy Setting
❂ Professor x Student
❂ Fated Mates / Rejected Mates
❂ Reality TV Show Competition
❂ Dancer (FMC)
❂ Social Media Competition
❂ Omegaverse
❂ Multi-POV
❂ "Who did this to you?"
❂ "Stalker" / Blackmailer
Spice: 🌶️
Trigger Warnings: Abuse from a Parent (Shown/Mentioned), Physical/Emotional/Mental Abuse, Bullying, Main Character Death (Mentioned), Drugging (Mentioned)
Review:
I should have never joined the competition to be an ARC reader for this book. It was my worst mistake and my best decision all rolled into one. The book ends on a cliffhanger that is even worse than the first one and I now have to wait for book three. This is physical torture. I sat down and read this book in five hours and honestly, I'm already thinking about re-reading it, which I very rarely do.
My favorite series by Jane Washington has been the Curse of the Gods series which is also a RH, but this one has overtaken it in only the second installment.
1) World-building
One of the things that I felt was lacking in the first book was the world building. It's not that Jane doesn't do a good job at explaining the world she has created, it's simply that we don't get a chance to see any of it outside of the academy. That is not an issue here as we are thrust out from behind the Academy walls and out into the world. Our FMC is forced to go on a tour through some of the settlements and we get to see glimpses of how the other half lives.
We only get small tastes, but those tiny samples are enough to give you a well rounded view of what is waiting for Isobel outside the 'safety' of the academy. We are introduced to a first hand account of the poverty and dissonance within the Gifted community. We are given insight into why the ten love interests are at Ironside and what they are hoping to change within their small pocket of the world.
2) Plot
If Plier walked it was so Tourner could run. In the first book we are shown how Isobel navigates her second year in Ironside Academy, focusing on staying hidden and just making her way through. That changes when she once again encounters Theo and is thrust into the spotlight. She suddenly has targets on her back and is forced to face attacks from others within the school who are jealous of her and her success.
In Tourner, the stakes are higher as she is revealed to have a mate-bond. At first, it seems like people are going to leave her alone, but instead the school seems to zero in on her and her mysterious mate who has yet to reveal himself. She is as in the dark about who her mate is as the rest of the world, but she isn't interested in meeting him, having witnessed how her father treated her mother. Life at Ironside gets much harder as her Bond is forcing her in the presence of her mates, though she doesn't realize it, and the "Officials", or government, are putting her under a microscope trying to figure her situation out.
Her father makes a return appearance as an extra source of tension, going so far as to live on Academy grounds to monitor and regain control of his daughter. The story they have presented to the world becomes threatened as a blackmailer boarder-lining on stalker provides Isobel with proof that they know she lied about the circumstances around her Mate-bond and are threatening to reveal everything.
3) Romance
Jane Washington is the queen of slow burn romances and she will have you desperate for more. Jane knows how to do slow burn right and in all the series that I have read from her, she takes you right to that line of ultimate frustration before she shoves you off the edge and into a spicy whirlwind. Considering that this is only the second book, we are still strictly in slowburn territory but I know that release of tension is coming.
This book has angst, jealous, tension and even stark desire, but no one is willing to make the leap into acting on it. We do have some mild scenes that showcase the inherit desire within them due to the mate bond (but also I feel like it's just honest attraction).
4) Characters & Development
Isobel -- Our FMC is a firecracker and I love the way that she has come into her own in this book. She is a strong woman and the inherent meekness that should come with her Sigma status is getting chipped away. She can give as much as she can take from the Alphas and it's easy to see that she will be able to handle all ten guys. That's right, I said ten. Jane is taking a leap here by giving the largest harem I have ever seen, but she is handling it so well. If anyone can do it, she can.
Isobel struggles with her developing powers in this book as we see that a new power has come to fruition. It is unclear if it's due to the Bonding status or if it was a natural progression but it seems that she can see those who are no longer with us. These encounters start to increase and get Isobel into some hairy situations, but they are also on her side and help her out of those same danger moments.
MMCs-- Considering that we have ten Alpha's in this book it's still shocking that we have plenty of development for each of them. I will say that one of my complaints is being able to tell them apart, only because of the fact that we hop between referring to them as their first names and their last names throughout the book. This was even an issue in book one and it can lead to a bit of confusion. I was scratching my head trying to figure out who one of the guys was until he was referenced by his last name a few sentences later.
That being said -- each of our men have distinctive personalities and they all bring something unique to the table that I feel will only help Isobel unlock her true potential.
Oscar Sato -- Oscar is my front runner and I am absolutely obsessed with him. We did have a few interactions with him in book one but he was heavy in the story this time. He is our dark knight, our Morally grey love interest who in some ways claims to want nothing to do with Isobel, yet he keeps showing up when she needs help. He has the ability to cause Chaos and I know that's a bit vague, but that's generally what happens. I love that we get to see a side of him in this book that is softer and it makes me want to rip apart the shell that he has built and I know that Isobel will be able to do it.
Professor Mikel Easton & Kalen West -- These guys are our professors who we heard but didn't really see in the last book. Mikel has a love interest outside of Isobel who came before and was one of the Alpha's who was most resistant to her. We get to see both of the guys in this book not only from the professor aspect but also as simple 'humans.' The first book has them coming across as very cold and hard with Isobel, but we get to see that their bark is worse than their bite in the ways that they treat her. Mikel's ability is control over the weather and Kalen has the ability to manipulate time.
Cian Ashford -- He is our resident divination specialist and is catapulted from a supporting Alpha from book one to front and center in book two. I really enjoy the way that his interactions with Isobel have changed. He seems more gentle with her and more forthcoming. Even though he is resistant to the bond between them, he never shies away from being there for Isobel.
Gabriel Spade and Elijah Reed -- These two seem like they could be brothers with how in touch with each other they are, but alas they are just really good friends. They seem to understand each other in a way that none of the other alpha's do. They are able to communicate with each other simply by looks and they don't like when someone comes between them. Except Isobel. They seem to welcome her into their smaller group in a way that they have never allowed before, even within the Alpha Pack that has formed. We are given insight into Spade's inner thoughts and honestly, I wanted to sob and hold him in my arms, even though I know he would have hated it. I love the positive mental disability representation with him though. Their abilities are unknown.
Theodore & Moses Kane -- Our only true brothers within the group and they couldn't be more different. Theodore could be considered our golden retriever with a dark inside but Moses just hates Isobel. At least, that's what he says. Truly, I think he is just jealous of the way that she calls to Theo and possibly even feels like she has a chance of stealing Theo away from him. Once you get a glimpse into their lives in the settlement, I feel like I understand Moses more and I can not wait for Isobel to tear down that wall. They both have the "Feral" ability which is basically like an ultimate weapon that has no discretion for who they hurt.
Killian Gray -- the only other Alpha who was accepting of Isobel right from the start and the one who has the most to lose. Killian is our Bisexual of the group and we were faced with challenges he had at the realization that his mate was a female. This doesn't take away from the fact that he is bisexual, but watching him struggle with the realization that he will only be "attracted" to Isobel for the rest of his life was slightly heartbreaking. He was also the one with the most to lose regarding the Bonds with Isobel, considering that he felt like he was betraying her. His ability is invisibility.
and last but not least, Niko Hart Niko is simultaneously one of our least present Alpha's while also having a large impact on Isobel. He only had a few scenes in book one but we got some substantial moments between them. While he is one of the few who are extremely resistant to the bond with Isobel, we are given the reason behind it and frankly, I understand. Despite this, he still goes out of his way to help Isobel with self defense.
Overall,
This book was so amazing that I devoured it in one sitting and now I have to wait 3 months for the third to be released. Having come from one of Jane's earlier series right before reading this book, her growth as a writer and author is astounding. She is definitely one of my few auto buy authors and I hope that she knows she has a fan for life.
August 23, 2024
Ahhhh I was hoping my inkling I had about a certain character was going to be wrong, but ugh THAT ENDING.
I enjoyed the hell out of this. I loved getting to see how Isobel's relationships developed with each of the guys and I know there is still so much left to come. We have legit just barely scratched the surface. Definitely the slowest of slow burns but I don't mind one bit.
I also did not expect to get so emotional towards the end watching Isobel trying to overcome this fear towards alphas that her father has instilled in her due to the abuse he has subjected her to over the years. I can't wait to see her continue to heal and grow past it.
This series is such an addicting read and I'm having so much fun with it. Excited to keep going!
I enjoyed the hell out of this. I loved getting to see how Isobel's relationships developed with each of the guys and I know there is still so much left to come. We have legit just barely scratched the surface. Definitely the slowest of slow burns but I don't mind one bit.
I also did not expect to get so emotional towards the end watching Isobel trying to overcome this fear towards alphas that her father has instilled in her due to the abuse he has subjected her to over the years. I can't wait to see her continue to heal and grow past it.
This series is such an addicting read and I'm having so much fun with it. Excited to keep going!
August 19, 2024
I am completely and utterly HOOKED on this series! This deserves sooo much more hype omg.
Literally so much has happen, the pacing of this story is so good. I’m never bored.
I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know all the Alphas. I’m loving the banter, I’m loving the drama, I’m loving the bond they all have.
I forget how good the ‘who did this to you?’ trope is 😩😩 straight onto book 3 I go!
Literally so much has happen, the pacing of this story is so good. I’m never bored.
I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know all the Alphas. I’m loving the banter, I’m loving the drama, I’m loving the bond they all have.
I forget how good the ‘who did this to you?’ trope is 😩😩 straight onto book 3 I go!
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