Book Review: The Path of Temptation
Series details
What this series is about
Reverse harem fantasy series: A young girl raised in the Temple of Temptation explores love in all its forms while studying to become a priest, with an undercurrent of corruption in the temple. Only for very open-minded readers.
World setting
Genres
Relationship tropes
Rating & review
My review
What a wild ride.
This series delivers one of the most unique fantasy romance worlds I’ve read—emotional, creative, and unforgettable. Across six books, it builds a powerful found (or more accurately, chosen) family dynamic, exploring love in all its forms: familial, romantic, and friendship.
The first book sets the tone beautifully—it’s heartfelt, warm, and the emotional core of the entire series. Watching Nariana grow up, learn who she is, and build her relationships was incredibly rewarding.
To love this series, you need to be a true lover of polyamory—and comfortable separating love from sex. This isn’t a typical harem where attention is divided. Here, everyone loves everyone, and every relationship matters.
The series is emotionally mature and unafraid to explore darker themes like bullying, abuse, and control. Given the temple setting, those moments feel intentional and part of the world’s design.
I also have to mention the worldbuilding—it’s fascinating. I usually don’t enjoy stories where gods play such an active role, but this one changed my mind. The concept of divine markings, temples, and destiny tied to emotion was genuinely creative.
What a wild ride.
This series delivers one of the most unique fantasy romance worlds I’ve read—emotional, creative, and unforgettable. Across six books, it builds a powerful found (or more accurately, chosen) family dynamic, exploring love in all its forms: familial, romantic, and friendship.
The first book sets the tone beautifully—it’s heartfelt, warm, and the emotional core of the entire series. Watching Nariana grow up, learn who she is, and build her relationships was incredibly rewarding.
To love this series, you need to be a true lover of polyamory—and comfortable separating love from sex. This isn’t a typical harem where attention is divided. Here, everyone loves everyone, and every relationship matters.
The series is emotionally mature and unafraid to explore darker themes like bullying, abuse, and control. Given the temple setting, those moments feel intentional and part of the world’s design.
I also have to mention the worldbuilding—it’s fascinating. I usually don’t enjoy stories where gods play such an active role, but this one changed my mind. The concept of divine markings, temples, and destiny tied to emotion was genuinely creative.
If I had to critique something
For me, the series peaked with the first book. Later installments slowed down a bit, especially when multiple characters spent paragraphs reflecting on the same emotional situation. Those sections sometimes dragged, but skimming them didn’t affect the story.
When the pacing picked up again, it reminded me why I loved it: the world, the characters, the intimacy, and the theme of love in all its forms.
For me, the series peaked with the first book. Later installments slowed down a bit, especially when multiple characters spent paragraphs reflecting on the same emotional situation. Those sections sometimes dragged, but skimming them didn’t affect the story.
When the pacing picked up again, it reminded me why I loved it: the world, the characters, the intimacy, and the theme of love in all its forms.
The romance
5
Reverse Harem (with MM)
Harem grows over time
Relationship tropes
Romance on the The Path of Temptation series
What stands out the most in this series is how love is portrayed. It’s complex, layered, and sincere. The harem builds slowly throughout book one and solidifies in book two, where the emotional and physical intimacy really take shape.
The group dynamics feel real and balanced. Starting in book two, we get deliciously spicy group scenes, but they always serve the story and emotional connection rather than overshadow it.
Book one remains my favorite—it’s the perfect mix of heart, worldbuilding, and setup—but the relationships continue to grow in satisfying, believable ways through all six books.
What stands out the most in this series is how love is portrayed. It’s complex, layered, and sincere. The harem builds slowly throughout book one and solidifies in book two, where the emotional and physical intimacy really take shape.
The group dynamics feel real and balanced. Starting in book two, we get deliciously spicy group scenes, but they always serve the story and emotional connection rather than overshadow it.
Book one remains my favorite—it’s the perfect mix of heart, worldbuilding, and setup—but the relationships continue to grow in satisfying, believable ways through all six books.
Reading order
Books I've reviewed from this series
Series similar to The Path of Temptation
Oh hey! I’m Becky, book hugger and the one-woman team behind RBM. I hope my reviews help you find a story you’ll love.