Book Review: The Ways We Betray

• Book Blurb

  To protect those who matter most, we will betray others in ways we never expected.
  
  This is supposed to be a good year. With a new set of instructors – and ones I know well – I’m sure it will be. For once, things are finally starting to go my way. My mentors are proud, my family is closer than ever before, and I am happy.
  
  Unfortunately, the gods are tired of waiting. Every day, Zeal grows stronger, but Ambition, Inspiration, Perception, Compassion, and Intuition don’t. They’re fading, with no hope in sight.
  
  Except me.
  
  Piece by piece, my god has built me up, given me “weapons” to use, and made me into the kind of woman I can be proud of. He calls me his partner and that isn’t an empty title. It means more than just serving him. I can tell by the longing in his divine eyes.
  
  My success doesn’t go unnoticed, though. My haters want to destroy me, but let them try. Petty bullying is too childish for me to worry about. With so many priests able to see the God of Temptation now, I no longer care who likes me and who doesn’t.
  
  And that’s my biggest mistake.
  
  Because my god doesn’t run this temple. He doesn’t make the rules. With a single signed paper, I’m no longer as safe as I thought. Friends are going to be betrayed. Lovers will suffer. Somehow, I have to fix this.
  
  I am the Priestess of Temptation, Zeal’s chosen.
  Someone is going to be punished.
  I almost hope it’s me.
  
  
  ~~~
  NOTE: There are some situations in this book that may be triggering for some readers. Please check the front of the book for the ‘Potentially Sensitive Content’ page for further details.
  ~~~
  *The Ways We Betray is book 4 in the complete Path of Temptation series.

  To protect those who matter most, we will betray others in ways we never expected.

  This is supposed to be a good year. With a new set of instructors – and ones I know well – I’m sure it will be. For once, things are finally starting to go my way. My mentors are proud, my family is closer than ever before, and I am happy.

  Unfortunately, the gods are tired of waiting. Every day, Zeal grows stronger, but Ambition, Inspiration, Perception, Compassion, and Intuition don’t. They’re fading, with no hope in sight.

  Except me.

  Piece by piece, my god has built me up, given me “weapons” to use, and made me into the kind of woman I can be proud of. He calls me his partner and that isn’t an empty title. It means more than just serving him. I can tell by the longing in his divine eyes.

  My success doesn’t go unnoticed, though. My haters want to destroy me, but let them try. Petty bullying is too childish for me to worry about. With so many priests able to see the God of Temptation now, I no longer care who likes me and who doesn’t.

  And that’s my biggest mistake.

  Because my god doesn’t run this temple. He doesn’t make the rules. With a single signed paper, I’m no longer as safe as I thought. Friends are going to be betrayed. Lovers will suffer. Somehow, I have to fix this.

  I am the Priestess of Temptation, Zeal’s chosen.
  Someone is going to be punished.
  I almost hope it’s me.

  ~~~
  NOTE: There are some situations in this book that may be triggering for some readers. Please check the front of the book for the ‘Potentially Sensitive Content’ page for further details.
  ~~~
  *The Ways We Betray is book 4 in the complete Path of Temptation series.

• My review

  Book 4 is another strong entry in the Path of Temptation series—not for everyone, but almost perfect for readers who love reverse harem, fantasy, kink exploration (from asexuality to BDSM), and subplots centered on corruption and power imbalance.

  Like all the books in the series, some inner monologues run too long, and we often revisit the same scene through different POVs so we can see how every member of the poly group processes what’s happening. It gives great emotional depth, but it can slow things down.

  This installment is darker than book 3. Much darker. Content warnings matter here.

  Dark Themes & Pacing

  This book contains some of the series’ heaviest material.
  There is a brutal and extremely graphic scene involving rape/forced consent, depending on interpretation. It is upsetting, intentionally uncomfortable, and absolutely a trigger for many readers—so calling it out is important.

  As always with this series, the plot moves very slowly, and most of the development happens near the end. Expect heavy character focus, emotional growth, and domestic moments rather than external plot.

  If you enjoyed book 3’s vibe, books 4–6 continue in the same tone.

  Characters, Spice & Dynamics

  The spice continues to be a big strength of the series—well-timed, varied, and meaningful. Considering the temple setting and their sex-education training, it’s impressive how natural the intimate moments feel.

  We also see more of Ela as a destroyer, and how Nari fits into that dynamic, which was one of the most interesting expansions in their relationship.

  There are many intimate scenes within the reverse harem, and the group’s emotional maturity remains a highlight. If you loved book 3, you’ll likely love this one too.

  Buying Tip

  If you already know and love Auryn Hadley’s books—and don’t have Kindle Unlimited (like me—it’s not available in my country)—get the box set for books 4–6.
  It’s significantly cheaper than buying each book individually.

  Book 4 is another strong entry in the Path of Temptation series—not for everyone, but almost perfect for readers who love reverse harem, fantasy, kink exploration (from asexuality to BDSM), and subplots centered on corruption and power imbalance.

  Like all the books in the series, some inner monologues run too long, and we often revisit the same scene through different POVs so we can see how every member of the poly group processes what’s happening. It gives great emotional depth, but it can slow things down.

  This installment is darker than book 3. Much darker. Content warnings matter here.

  Dark Themes & Pacing

  This book contains some of the series’ heaviest material.
  There is a brutal and extremely graphic scene involving rape/forced consent, depending on interpretation. It is upsetting, intentionally uncomfortable, and absolutely a trigger for many readers—so calling it out is important.

  As always with this series, the plot moves very slowly, and most of the development happens near the end. Expect heavy character focus, emotional growth, and domestic moments rather than external plot.

  If you enjoyed book 3’s vibe, books 4–6 continue in the same tone.

  Characters, Spice & Dynamics

  The spice continues to be a big strength of the series—well-timed, varied, and meaningful. Considering the temple setting and their sex-education training, it’s impressive how natural the intimate moments feel.

  We also see more of Ela as a destroyer, and how Nari fits into that dynamic, which was one of the most interesting expansions in their relationship.

  There are many intimate scenes within the reverse harem, and the group’s emotional maturity remains a highlight. If you loved book 3, you’ll likely love this one too.

  Buying Tip

  If you already know and love Auryn Hadley’s books—and don’t have Kindle Unlimited (like me—it’s not available in my country)—get the box set for books 4–6.
  It’s significantly cheaper than buying each book individually.

Character & romance details

Who will love this book

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