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Pretty Poison #1
A Dose of Pretty Poison
If my parents had it their way, I’d be off at college—enjoying the sorority girl lifestyle. Instead, I’m drowning in secrets, every one of them involving my brother’s best friend.
Hayes Wilder is a walking red flag, warning me to stay away. And yet, all I can think about are his calloused hands on my skin. He’s a total player, on and off the ice, but right now, the only playing he wants to do is with me.
Sneaking around isn’t easy, especially when you live in a small town where nothing stays hidden. But if we think my brother is our biggest threat, we’re about to learn that there are much darker secrets than stolen kisses when no one’s watching.
Nothing should be able to shatter the promises we made, but when everything comes crashing down around us, loyalties are put to the test. And let’s just say there’s a fine line between tenacious and toxic.
I wish someone would’ve told me that the prettiest of poisons are also the most lethal.
This is a full-length novel and book one of two. It cannot be read as a standalone, and it ends with a cliff-hanger. This book contains sensitive topics that may not be suitable for all readers. If needed, you can find a list of trigger warnings on Kelsey Clayton's website. Please read safely.
Hayes Wilder is a walking red flag, warning me to stay away. And yet, all I can think about are his calloused hands on my skin. He’s a total player, on and off the ice, but right now, the only playing he wants to do is with me.
Sneaking around isn’t easy, especially when you live in a small town where nothing stays hidden. But if we think my brother is our biggest threat, we’re about to learn that there are much darker secrets than stolen kisses when no one’s watching.
Nothing should be able to shatter the promises we made, but when everything comes crashing down around us, loyalties are put to the test. And let’s just say there’s a fine line between tenacious and toxic.
I wish someone would’ve told me that the prettiest of poisons are also the most lethal.
This is a full-length novel and book one of two. It cannot be read as a standalone, and it ends with a cliff-hanger. This book contains sensitive topics that may not be suitable for all readers. If needed, you can find a list of trigger warnings on Kelsey Clayton's website. Please read safely.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2023
4043 people are currently reading
28825 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Clayton
26 books2,155 followersKelsey Clayton is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance novels. She lives in a small town in Delaware with her husband, two kids, and dog.
She is an avid reader of fall hard romance. She believes that books are the best escape you can find, and that if you feel a range of emotions while reading her stories - she succeeded. She loves writing and is only getting started on this life long journey.
Kelsey likes to keep things in her life simple. Her ideal night is one with sweatpants, a fluffy blanket, cheese fries, and wine. She holds her friends and family close to her heart and would do just about anything to make them happy.
Connect with Kelsey at:
Website: www.kelseyclayton.com
Facebook: @KelsClayton
Instagram: @Kels_Clayton
Twitter: @Kels_Clayton
She is an avid reader of fall hard romance. She believes that books are the best escape you can find, and that if you feel a range of emotions while reading her stories - she succeeded. She loves writing and is only getting started on this life long journey.
Kelsey likes to keep things in her life simple. Her ideal night is one with sweatpants, a fluffy blanket, cheese fries, and wine. She holds her friends and family close to her heart and would do just about anything to make them happy.
Connect with Kelsey at:
Website: www.kelseyclayton.com
Facebook: @KelsClayton
Instagram: @Kels_Clayton
Twitter: @Kels_Clayton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 937 reviews
May 29, 2023
3 stars, full Review on my blog!
initial thoughts after reading: the whole Monty thing was dumb, sure it created tension but it was dumb.
_________________________________
A Dose of Pretty Poison by Kelsey Clayton had a slow start and took me a while to read, but I quickly got sucked in after chapter 6? This new adult romance is filled with angst, featuring the popular trope of the heroine being considered "untouchable." Hayes and Laiken's journey is intriguing to follow, starting with his attempt to help her escape a situation with her ex and quickly escalating to him watching her pleasure herself, eventually leading to a full-blown secret relationship. The steamy scenes were pretty great, but I didn't quite see it as a hockey romance; hockey doesn't play a significant role in the plot, other than mention of Laiken's brother/bf on a hockey team, and there's a noteworthy game where he defends her honor by getting into a fight, but beyond that, hockey doesn't have much impact on the story.
Firstly, not much happened in terms of story development. There was a lot of smut, but the characters didn't progress much. It felt stagnant until Monty entered the picture, seemingly added for unnecessary drama. I really didn't like Monty as a character; by the third book, you'll see he's just a psycho with no purpose other than to create drama. Hayes and Laiken already had enough going on with their contrasting relationship statuses, and Monty's inclusion seemed like an easy way to avoid telling Cam. Even the cliffhanger didn't have much impact on me. I'm still processing the relationship between the main characters. Laiken is a strong and likable female lead. She knows her worth and stands her ground. On the other hand, Hayes is a complex character. While I appreciate his possessive and jealous traits, his indecisiveness, insecurity, and occasional immaturity dampened his charm. It's quite painful. Everything after Monty was introduced was painful tbh.
Can we just talk about the whole, Hayes throwing a dirty dish in the trash simply because he didn't know how to wash it? While I understand that some men struggle with household chores, the act of throwing them away seemed childish. He's a grown man in his twenties, raised by a single mom without a father figure. It's hard for me to comprehend why he wouldn't just leave it in the sink. Surly with how sweet and caring his mom is, she probably would have taught him tbh. It just felt like a filler chapter; unnecessary.
Honestly, the most annoying part about this book/series, is that it's stretched across three books. Every book in this trilogy is roughly 400+ pages, I feel like nothing really happens in these pages. This first book definitely could have been condensed and had a HEA ending. The pacing was already slow in this first book, and the fact that there are two more books for these characters drove me a little crazy... especially knowing how much unnecessary drama there is.
The story itself had potential and was somewhat enjoyable, but it required significant polishing. It was painfully evident that there was a lack of content editing. Despite having an editor listed, it appears that only surface-level edits, such as spell checking, were done, as basic usage errors (like confusing "to" and "too" or "are" and "our") were present.
Anyways, I didn't hate the story, but personally, it fell short for me.
_________________________________
A Dose of Pretty Poison | Review
A Drop of Pretty Poison | Review
A Shot of Pretty Poison | Review
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initial thoughts after reading: the whole Monty thing was dumb, sure it created tension but it was dumb.
_________________________________
A Dose of Pretty Poison by Kelsey Clayton had a slow start and took me a while to read, but I quickly got sucked in after chapter 6? This new adult romance is filled with angst, featuring the popular trope of the heroine being considered "untouchable." Hayes and Laiken's journey is intriguing to follow, starting with his attempt to help her escape a situation with her ex and quickly escalating to him watching her pleasure herself, eventually leading to a full-blown secret relationship. The steamy scenes were pretty great, but I didn't quite see it as a hockey romance; hockey doesn't play a significant role in the plot, other than mention of Laiken's brother/bf on a hockey team, and there's a noteworthy game where he defends her honor by getting into a fight, but beyond that, hockey doesn't have much impact on the story.
Firstly, not much happened in terms of story development. There was a lot of smut, but the characters didn't progress much. It felt stagnant until Monty entered the picture, seemingly added for unnecessary drama. I really didn't like Monty as a character; by the third book, you'll see he's just a psycho with no purpose other than to create drama. Hayes and Laiken already had enough going on with their contrasting relationship statuses, and Monty's inclusion seemed like an easy way to avoid telling Cam. Even the cliffhanger didn't have much impact on me. I'm still processing the relationship between the main characters. Laiken is a strong and likable female lead. She knows her worth and stands her ground. On the other hand, Hayes is a complex character. While I appreciate his possessive and jealous traits, his indecisiveness, insecurity, and occasional immaturity dampened his charm. It's quite painful. Everything after Monty was introduced was painful tbh.
Can we just talk about the whole, Hayes throwing a dirty dish in the trash simply because he didn't know how to wash it? While I understand that some men struggle with household chores, the act of throwing them away seemed childish. He's a grown man in his twenties, raised by a single mom without a father figure. It's hard for me to comprehend why he wouldn't just leave it in the sink. Surly with how sweet and caring his mom is, she probably would have taught him tbh. It just felt like a filler chapter; unnecessary.
Honestly, the most annoying part about this book/series, is that it's stretched across three books. Every book in this trilogy is roughly 400+ pages, I feel like nothing really happens in these pages. This first book definitely could have been condensed and had a HEA ending. The pacing was already slow in this first book, and the fact that there are two more books for these characters drove me a little crazy... especially knowing how much unnecessary drama there is.
The story itself had potential and was somewhat enjoyable, but it required significant polishing. It was painfully evident that there was a lack of content editing. Despite having an editor listed, it appears that only surface-level edits, such as spell checking, were done, as basic usage errors (like confusing "to" and "too" or "are" and "our") were present.
Anyways, I didn't hate the story, but personally, it fell short for me.
_________________________________
A Dose of Pretty Poison | Review
A Drop of Pretty Poison | Review
A Shot of Pretty Poison | Review
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March 16, 2023
ღ 𝐀 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐘 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 ღ Is the first full length romance book within a series by author Kelsey Clayton. Ends in a cliffy. Heroine: Laiken Hero: Hayes. Kelsey came out swinging and amped up all those angsty roller coaster feels us readers love to chase…
This pulled me in straight away, and I was hooked. The high of their feelings outshone the untouchable sister of his long time best friend. Hidden like a dirty little secret, always worried they’d get caught…
These two were perfection, even though it ended on a cliffy I loved how it did because he made his choice, and it was the right choice..
Laiken has had a full blown crush on Hayes for as far back as she can remember and has kept it under wraps until she confides in her friends and he overhears the whole conversation making him see her in another light.
As far as Cam, Laiken's brother knows, no one is good enough for his little sister Laiken and that extends to his mates too, he's slammed the gavel down and declared her untouchable. BUT when Hayes Wilder plants one kiss on her to defend her, game over, these two can't fight their attraction.
May 26, 2023
Bro-code dictates Hayes Wilder can have no feelings for Laiken Blanchard, his best friend, Cam’s, little sister. Yet after defending her honor and faking a kiss, neither of them can cram all their feelings back into Pandora’s box.
This angsty forbidden love story will have your emotions running riot. It’s romantic, angsty, and the last page will leave your mouth agape.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺🥵🤫🤬😳
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Friends-to-Lovers, Forbidden, Jealous/Possessive, Secret Relationship, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: A Dose of Pretty Poison is part of the Pretty Poison series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
This angsty forbidden love story will have your emotions running riot. It’s romantic, angsty, and the last page will leave your mouth agape.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺🥵🤫🤬😳
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Friends-to-Lovers, Forbidden, Jealous/Possessive, Secret Relationship, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: A Dose of Pretty Poison is part of the Pretty Poison series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
April 26, 2023
Another shitty experience.
How are these books even going on the market?? How does this book only have good reviews?? It’s super bad
1. Aren’t they 18/21 y/o. Why are they still at their hometown? Why aren’t they in college or something like that. If it was only some characters that weren’t going to college I’d understand because not EVERYONE has to go to college. However, in this book NO ONE GOES. All of the characters were together in high school, are now 20/21 and still live at home with their parents?? That’s wierd.
2. Where does he play hockey? What league? It’s not the hs league, not the college league. Clearly not the NHL? I don’t like to read a book where the H is not good enough to play at college??
3. Why are they even playing hockey, it could’ve been perfectly a crew of surfers and it would’ve been way better with the context and the story and everything.
4. Allllll the dialogues, even the internal ones, are lame and cringey and boring!!! Can’t enjoy it because I’m always cringing by hoe EXTREMLEY LAME it is
How are these books even going on the market?? How does this book only have good reviews?? It’s super bad
1. Aren’t they 18/21 y/o. Why are they still at their hometown? Why aren’t they in college or something like that. If it was only some characters that weren’t going to college I’d understand because not EVERYONE has to go to college. However, in this book NO ONE GOES. All of the characters were together in high school, are now 20/21 and still live at home with their parents?? That’s wierd.
2. Where does he play hockey? What league? It’s not the hs league, not the college league. Clearly not the NHL? I don’t like to read a book where the H is not good enough to play at college??
3. Why are they even playing hockey, it could’ve been perfectly a crew of surfers and it would’ve been way better with the context and the story and everything.
4. Allllll the dialogues, even the internal ones, are lame and cringey and boring!!! Can’t enjoy it because I’m always cringing by hoe EXTREMLEY LAME it is
April 11, 2023
Damn too much toxic masculinity 😑
March 19, 2023
A Dose of Pretty Poison is an angsty, brother’s best friend, new adult romance. I love romances like this where the heroine is supposed to be “untouchable” even though we all know it’s an impossible standard and our characters have a really hard time upholding it. It makes for a lot of angst and swoony moments and allows readers to feel ALL the feelings associated with it. Kelsey Clayton does an amazing job with it! I also love when readers can feel the tender moments on top of the angsty ones. That’s what brings us back for more!
All in all, this is a solid new adult romance and I’m already wishing the second book was available immediately because I need it! If you’re looking for a book that has incredible heat, a fantastic story, and characters who you immediately fall in love with then make sure to check out this steamy forbidden romance! You won’t be disappointed!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
All in all, this is a solid new adult romance and I’m already wishing the second book was available immediately because I need it! If you’re looking for a book that has incredible heat, a fantastic story, and characters who you immediately fall in love with then make sure to check out this steamy forbidden romance! You won’t be disappointed!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 10, 2023
Whyyyyy is this a trilogy!!! It doesn’t need to be that long. I like the forbidden trope though!
April 22, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️
🤍 Virgin heroine
🤍 Brothers best friend
🤍 Forbidden
🤍 She had always a crush
🤍 Friends to lovers
🤍 Part of triolgy (1/3)
🤍 Cliffhanger
🚩 no cheating/sharing
There is OW/OM Drama but they are just jealous 😍🙌
🤍 Virgin heroine
🤍 Brothers best friend
🤍 Forbidden
🤍 She had always a crush
🤍 Friends to lovers
🤍 Part of triolgy (1/3)
🤍 Cliffhanger
🚩 no cheating/sharing
There is OW/OM Drama but they are just jealous 😍🙌
May 1, 2023
Why does this story need to be dragged through three books? It's driving me a little crazy because it was already slow in this first book and yet there's apparently two more for these characters? I knew this going in, that it ended on a cliffhanger, but after reading it I just don't see how that's needed? And it actually had me a little annoyed while reading because I kept feeling like more and more filler was being put in just to keep the story long.
That's my biggest complaint (obviously) but more than that the characters didn't have me loving them. They were okay but nothing that had me fangirling over them. Overall, I didn't hate the story but I most likely won't be coming back to the series to finish another two books for these characters.
That's my biggest complaint (obviously) but more than that the characters didn't have me loving them. They were okay but nothing that had me fangirling over them. Overall, I didn't hate the story but I most likely won't be coming back to the series to finish another two books for these characters.
May 10, 2023
UMMM WTF IS THIS ENDING LIKE I CANNOT BREATHE
4.5 ⭐
4.5 ⭐
May 6, 2023
I did not like this book, and I can’t believe it’s a TRILOGY. I found everything to be repetitive, how can there be 3 books about them???? Their whole life and “hockey romance” was incredibly lazy. and he was soooo childish. He was possessive in a VERY weird way, and he had no idea what he wanted. It honestly got tiring the way he would be like “I need to let you go” “you deserve better” “this isn’t right” and then when he saw her interacting with literally any male even when it wasn’t in a romantic context he would flip out and stake his claim on her, like he only liked her when other men showed interest, and it was beyond bizzare, especially montys whole character who had no real reason to even be in the book. How was nobody concerned he had a literal video of them having sex on his boat? She was freaking out over Craig having photos of her yet this video was completely skipped over. And hayes was a terrible character who mostly looked at her in a sexual light which was so objectifying.
July 12, 2023
2.5 Stars ⭐️
I don't know what I was expecting but this just wasn't it. Very underwhelming and very childish at times. I don't know if I will pick up book 2, might try another book from this author instead as I didn't hate the writing.
I don't know what I was expecting but this just wasn't it. Very underwhelming and very childish at times. I don't know if I will pick up book 2, might try another book from this author instead as I didn't hate the writing.
March 21, 2023
***4,5 "Dirty little secret!!!" stars***
"I wish someone would’ve told me that the prettiest of poisons are also the most lethal."
And Kelsey is back!!!! Back with a new, beautiful and very angsty, brother's best friend, sports romance!!!
And what a ride was that!!!
Full of pretty poison and lethal dirty secrets!!!
Hayes and Laiken were fitting perfectly together, even though it took them some time to realize it and bang... that cliffy came that left me swoony and breathless!!!
Thank God that the next part is around the corner cause I am anticipating badly what will happen next...
"You love testing my limits, don't you?"
Laiken had a crush on her brother's best friend for a long time, but she always knew that there was never a chance for anything to happen between them...
Hayes never considered that Laiken was feeling something for him, until he heard her by accident and from that moment, he couldn't stop thinking about her, even though he never could act upon it because of the bro code...
One day and a kiss for revenge is making everything messy for these two who aren't searching for something permanent...
But the feelings are sneaking upon them slowly and steadily and they are becoming an inferno ready to burn everything on their way, including a friendship of a lifetime...
"No matter how crazy you make me, at the end of the day, you're still my best friend's little sister. We can't cross that line."
I really loved Hayes and Laiken...
I loved the way Kelsey built up their story...
I loved that she gave them time to grow into their feelings, even though in secretly....
And even though, I broke down alongside them when the poison of their love infected them, I wouldn't change this sweet ache for anything else...
These two belong together and I hope that they will find their way to each other again!!!
And that Cam and Hayes's friendship won't be ruined after all!!!
"He can say it was a mistake all he wants, but I could see it in his eyes as we stared at each other. He wanted it, too."
Laiken became one of my old time favorite heroines...
I loved how badass and unapologetical manipulative she was!!! I liked that she wasn't hesitating to take everything she wanted and I adored the way she was playing Hayes...
And yes, even though it pained me near to the end, I can understand her hesitations!!!
As for Hayes??? I liked this guy so much, even though he was living in denial for the biggest part of this book...
It pained me though that he was feeling so less of himself... that he was feeling undeserving for a girl like Laiken cause that will be his downfall!!!!
But unfortunately, emotional scars can leave you bleeding and poison you from inside!!!
"When it comes to him, I'm hopeless.
All I can do is hopethat he doesn't end up breaking my heart after all."
The only sure thing is that I have loved this couple very much and I am very invested on their story...
When these two were together, spakles were flying around them...
I hate that there are things that are standing betwen them and that they have the ability to destroy them...
Laiken and Hayes were amazing, but there were two secondary characters that got under my skin too and I am craving their story...
Mali was such an amazing creature and Cam who seems to have the hots for her... Such an hypocrisy I will add here!!! If you know, you know. LOL
"You are going to be the death of me, aren't you?"
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"I wish someone would’ve told me that the prettiest of poisons are also the most lethal."
And Kelsey is back!!!! Back with a new, beautiful and very angsty, brother's best friend, sports romance!!!
And what a ride was that!!!
Full of pretty poison and lethal dirty secrets!!!
Hayes and Laiken were fitting perfectly together, even though it took them some time to realize it and bang... that cliffy came that left me swoony and breathless!!!
Thank God that the next part is around the corner cause I am anticipating badly what will happen next...
"You love testing my limits, don't you?"
Laiken had a crush on her brother's best friend for a long time, but she always knew that there was never a chance for anything to happen between them...
Hayes never considered that Laiken was feeling something for him, until he heard her by accident and from that moment, he couldn't stop thinking about her, even though he never could act upon it because of the bro code...
One day and a kiss for revenge is making everything messy for these two who aren't searching for something permanent...
But the feelings are sneaking upon them slowly and steadily and they are becoming an inferno ready to burn everything on their way, including a friendship of a lifetime...
"No matter how crazy you make me, at the end of the day, you're still my best friend's little sister. We can't cross that line."
I really loved Hayes and Laiken...
I loved the way Kelsey built up their story...
I loved that she gave them time to grow into their feelings, even though in secretly....
And even though, I broke down alongside them when the poison of their love infected them, I wouldn't change this sweet ache for anything else...
These two belong together and I hope that they will find their way to each other again!!!
And that Cam and Hayes's friendship won't be ruined after all!!!
"He can say it was a mistake all he wants, but I could see it in his eyes as we stared at each other. He wanted it, too."
Laiken became one of my old time favorite heroines...
I loved how badass and unapologetical manipulative she was!!! I liked that she wasn't hesitating to take everything she wanted and I adored the way she was playing Hayes...
And yes, even though it pained me near to the end, I can understand her hesitations!!!
As for Hayes??? I liked this guy so much, even though he was living in denial for the biggest part of this book...
It pained me though that he was feeling so less of himself... that he was feeling undeserving for a girl like Laiken cause that will be his downfall!!!!
But unfortunately, emotional scars can leave you bleeding and poison you from inside!!!
"When it comes to him, I'm hopeless.
All I can do is hopethat he doesn't end up breaking my heart after all."
The only sure thing is that I have loved this couple very much and I am very invested on their story...
When these two were together, spakles were flying around them...
I hate that there are things that are standing betwen them and that they have the ability to destroy them...
Laiken and Hayes were amazing, but there were two secondary characters that got under my skin too and I am craving their story...
Mali was such an amazing creature and Cam who seems to have the hots for her... Such an hypocrisy I will add here!!! If you know, you know. LOL
"You are going to be the death of me, aren't you?"
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
March 25, 2023
Phew, Hayes Wilder is one helluva pro when it comes to delivering all the delicious praise-kinkery I didn't know I needed.
This book is a double whammy of sibling's best friend hook-ups and hang-ups.
Laiken has secretly harbored feelings for her brothers best friend,and hockey co-captain for years. Pining for him across weekly backyard bonfires has been the closest she's come to feeling the burn,until one night he overhears her confessing her feelings.
Seeing Hayes turn into a possessive caveman who softens,and breaks his rigid rules on relationships, ONLY for her, had me fanning myself near constantly. The fear of losing his best friend,the pseudo brother he knows so well, was both relatable,and frustrating.
I loved the chemistry and angst between Hayes and Laiken, and while it comes to a head,alas,we are left with the mother of all cliffhangers.
(Kelsey, Thanks for that, ma'am)
I'm dying for book 2!
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3🥵🥵🥵
This book is a double whammy of sibling's best friend hook-ups and hang-ups.
Laiken has secretly harbored feelings for her brothers best friend,and hockey co-captain for years. Pining for him across weekly backyard bonfires has been the closest she's come to feeling the burn,until one night he overhears her confessing her feelings.
Seeing Hayes turn into a possessive caveman who softens,and breaks his rigid rules on relationships, ONLY for her, had me fanning myself near constantly. The fear of losing his best friend,the pseudo brother he knows so well, was both relatable,and frustrating.
I loved the chemistry and angst between Hayes and Laiken, and while it comes to a head,alas,we are left with the mother of all cliffhangers.
(Kelsey, Thanks for that, ma'am)
I'm dying for book 2!
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3🥵🥵🥵
July 2, 2024
I'm just happy that I waited to read this when the whole trilogy was complete. I couldn't imagine waiting for the next book.
I think the FMC in this book, Laiken, is one of my favorites ever. She is so whitty and puts everyone in their place. 😍
If you're a fan of the brother's best friend trope, read this book!!
I think the FMC in this book, Laiken, is one of my favorites ever. She is so whitty and puts everyone in their place. 😍
If you're a fan of the brother's best friend trope, read this book!!
July 22, 2023
the way that I have no clue how to rate this
August 31, 2023
Good start to this series. Both Hayes and Laikyn are great characters, and I love the snarky friendship between Laikyn and her best friend Mali. The dialogue between these 2 is the best 😆😆.
Hopefully book 2 can keep up the momentum. I kinda feel 3 books might be a lot to drag this story over but we shall see 🤞
Hopefully book 2 can keep up the momentum. I kinda feel 3 books might be a lot to drag this story over but we shall see 🤞
April 22, 2023
I put this book off for a while & I’m SO mad at myself because I absolutely devoured this book. Finished it within 24 hours & I loved every single second of it. I was hooked from chapter 1, which I feel like is very rare — at least for me it is. This book also has some of my favorite tropes, one being hockey romance & two being brothers best friend.
Hayes is Laiken’s brother, Cam’s, best friend who she’s had a crush on for years. Well one day Hayes over hears Laiken telling her best friend, Mali & his sister, Devin, that she has feelings for him. From that moment on, he has a hard time staying away from her. Being unable to resist her, he finally agrees to basically being friends with benefits. Despite her being totally off-limits, he isn’t the relationship type & she understands that — at first. In the end, she falls first, but he falls HARDER.
This book ends on a cliffhanger & I’m so thankful the other two books in the trilogy are already out so I can continue devouring this series.
One thing I did love about this book, I was laughing almost the entire time. Not only is this book super spicy but it’s so so funny! I loved the side characters just as much as the main characters. I’m really hoping we get a book on Cam & Mali if there isn’t one already 🥹
Tropes:
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden Romance
- Friends with Benefits
- Sports Romance 🏒
- Angsty
- Take No Sh*t FMC
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
- Lots of Praise 😉
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Hayes is Laiken’s brother, Cam’s, best friend who she’s had a crush on for years. Well one day Hayes over hears Laiken telling her best friend, Mali & his sister, Devin, that she has feelings for him. From that moment on, he has a hard time staying away from her. Being unable to resist her, he finally agrees to basically being friends with benefits. Despite her being totally off-limits, he isn’t the relationship type & she understands that — at first. In the end, she falls first, but he falls HARDER.
This book ends on a cliffhanger & I’m so thankful the other two books in the trilogy are already out so I can continue devouring this series.
One thing I did love about this book, I was laughing almost the entire time. Not only is this book super spicy but it’s so so funny! I loved the side characters just as much as the main characters. I’m really hoping we get a book on Cam & Mali if there isn’t one already 🥹
Tropes:
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forbidden Romance
- Friends with Benefits
- Sports Romance 🏒
- Angsty
- Take No Sh*t FMC
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
- Lots of Praise 😉
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
July 16, 2023
I’m just glad to have finished the book… It was actually a struggle. Every scene was predictable and the characters weren’t that interesting either.
May 15, 2025
EDIT (May 14th)
After reading book 2, I would like to say that when I said in my book 1 review that I’d recommend this series..I take that back! I recommend book 1 and that’s it. Book 2 goes so far downhill and I just can not. I don’t even want to finish the series
I’ve put this book off for awhile and it’s just been sitting on my TBR. I’m mad I waited because I ended up really liking it. this was a good start to the series. It is a bit of a slow burn but the angst and tension between Hayes & Laiken is REALLY good! I also love when the mmc is trying so hard to not fall for the fmc but then she makes him jealous and he proceeds to crash out. it’s my fav, like yes king crash out over the girl you “don’t” want 🙂↔️ there were some parts that seemed unnecessary and like filler moments but overall I enjoyed this and would recommend! being that this couple has a whole trilogy, I’m very curious where their relationship is headed! this book does end on a cliffhanger so I’m going to be diving into book 2 shortly.
After reading book 2, I would like to say that when I said in my book 1 review that I’d recommend this series..I take that back! I recommend book 1 and that’s it. Book 2 goes so far downhill and I just can not. I don’t even want to finish the series
I’ve put this book off for awhile and it’s just been sitting on my TBR. I’m mad I waited because I ended up really liking it. this was a good start to the series. It is a bit of a slow burn but the angst and tension between Hayes & Laiken is REALLY good! I also love when the mmc is trying so hard to not fall for the fmc but then she makes him jealous and he proceeds to crash out. it’s my fav, like yes king crash out over the girl you “don’t” want 🙂↔️ there were some parts that seemed unnecessary and like filler moments but overall I enjoyed this and would recommend! being that this couple has a whole trilogy, I’m very curious where their relationship is headed! this book does end on a cliffhanger so I’m going to be diving into book 2 shortly.
November 12, 2023
2/5⭐️ 3/5🌶
Не сподобався стиль авторки та інфантильність головних героїв (sorry my book besty 😅). Хоча гумор і спайсі сцени були прикольні.
Троп - кращий друг старшого брата.
Не сподобався стиль авторки та інфантильність головних героїв (sorry my book besty 😅). Хоча гумор і спайсі сцени були прикольні.
Троп - кращий друг старшого брата.
March 14, 2023
OMG, THIS WAS SO GOOD. I have missed Kelsey's writing, and she really came back to the book world with a bang! I will fight to my last breath that brothers best friend is the superior trope, and this just shows why; the angst, the emotional push and pull, the possession and jealousy, the push of the wills, the steam, the emotions, it was just all top notch!
Here we have Laiken, the fiesty, hilarious, strong and vulnerable heroine who stole my heart from the very get go, and H, the tatted hockey player who after overhearing a whispered confession, can't help but see his best friend's little sister in a whole new light. Will they be able to stay away from each other knowing all they stand to lose? Or will they throw caution to the wind and just embrace this new, crazy, addictive love they found?
I'm obviously not going to say much about the plot since it's a trilogy, so everything is a potential spoiler, but oh goodness, this was SO good! There's so much more that happens here than your normal romance, and I was just glued to my kindle. Plus that cliffy?! RUDE! I need part two now!
Go ahead and just one click this trilogy now! I cannot wait for you all to read this!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Here we have Laiken, the fiesty, hilarious, strong and vulnerable heroine who stole my heart from the very get go, and H, the tatted hockey player who after overhearing a whispered confession, can't help but see his best friend's little sister in a whole new light. Will they be able to stay away from each other knowing all they stand to lose? Or will they throw caution to the wind and just embrace this new, crazy, addictive love they found?
I'm obviously not going to say much about the plot since it's a trilogy, so everything is a potential spoiler, but oh goodness, this was SO good! There's so much more that happens here than your normal romance, and I was just glued to my kindle. Plus that cliffy?! RUDE! I need part two now!
Go ahead and just one click this trilogy now! I cannot wait for you all to read this!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
March 18, 2023
Why oh why does it have to end in a cliffhanger?
I’m interested to see how the H is going to confess to his best friend that he’s been falling in love with his sister. It’s about time. Obviously that’s the whole premise, him being secretive about his situation-ship with the h. But it’s also the reason why it bothered me that the H would always hold himself back in case anyone were to find out. Now the they broke up, what can he lose?
First time reading from this author but won’t be my last.
I’m interested to see how the H is going to confess to his best friend that he’s been falling in love with his sister. It’s about time. Obviously that’s the whole premise, him being secretive about his situation-ship with the h. But it’s also the reason why it bothered me that the H would always hold himself back in case anyone were to find out. Now the they broke up, what can he lose?
First time reading from this author but won’t be my last.
March 16, 2023
“It���s like there’s this extra light shining solely on her, making her brighter than everything else.
Oh my stars! I am head-over-heels in love with A Dose of Pretty Poison, a deliciously dreamy and steamy brother’s best friend meets sports romance that took my breath away. I melted into a pile of mush with the biggest Hayes crush. From the very first page, I was possessed … so utterly addicted to this tale. The mixture of tension and tenderness was my undoing.
This tale features the strong and stunning Laiken who is fire on ice, and her brother’s best friend, all alpha and hockey star, Hayes, who both battle a palpable pull that’s irresistible. I adored how sweet Hayes is to Laiken … tender and touching while deliciously dirty … a heady combination …a hero and heroine meant to be. They are so magical together! Prepare to fall in love with Laiken and Hayes that captivate from beginning to end.
An addictive page turner of fiery heat, forbidden love, burning angst, delicious inner thoughts and a combustible connection, A Dose of Pretty Poison is all the permanent hangover material. My heart beat and bled for this book. My body and soul were on fire! I was such a GONER for this love story. Hook. Line. Sinker. Done.
💋💋💋💋💋 forbidden “pretty poison” kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3lrMY1X
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
Oh my stars! I am head-over-heels in love with A Dose of Pretty Poison, a deliciously dreamy and steamy brother’s best friend meets sports romance that took my breath away. I melted into a pile of mush with the biggest Hayes crush. From the very first page, I was possessed … so utterly addicted to this tale. The mixture of tension and tenderness was my undoing.
This tale features the strong and stunning Laiken who is fire on ice, and her brother’s best friend, all alpha and hockey star, Hayes, who both battle a palpable pull that’s irresistible. I adored how sweet Hayes is to Laiken … tender and touching while deliciously dirty … a heady combination …a hero and heroine meant to be. They are so magical together! Prepare to fall in love with Laiken and Hayes that captivate from beginning to end.
An addictive page turner of fiery heat, forbidden love, burning angst, delicious inner thoughts and a combustible connection, A Dose of Pretty Poison is all the permanent hangover material. My heart beat and bled for this book. My body and soul were on fire! I was such a GONER for this love story. Hook. Line. Sinker. Done.
💋💋💋💋💋 forbidden “pretty poison” kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3lrMY1X
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
June 12, 2023
4 ⭐️
It was really good. But everything by this author is tbh.
I did not realize getting into this it was a trilogy and the books are nearly 500 pages each so RIP ME bc this ended on a cliff hanger so I have to now read the next one.
I liked the characters relationship in general, however, they were too childish lol they’re adults. They should have jobs, their own houses, lives - not getting grounded as adults. Why are they partying every single night?
Also there were soooo many pop culture references. The author worked them in okay. But idk I hate seeing authors say stuff like “swiftie” to describe a character’s
personality.
It was really good. But everything by this author is tbh.
I did not realize getting into this it was a trilogy and the books are nearly 500 pages each so RIP ME bc this ended on a cliff hanger so I have to now read the next one.
I liked the characters relationship in general, however, they were too childish lol they’re adults. They should have jobs, their own houses, lives - not getting grounded as adults. Why are they partying every single night?
Also there were soooo many pop culture references. The author worked them in okay. But idk I hate seeing authors say stuff like “swiftie” to describe a character’s
personality.
March 14, 2023
Oh, Kelsey – you naughty little thang…that's quite the cliffy.
I'm all in!! I need the next book, pronto.
A Dose of Pretty Poison is probably the most accurate description of this book. It is sweet yet spicy!! The chemistry between Hayes and Laiken is strong enough to light my kindle on fire – DAYUM!!!
Kelsey starts this trilogy off brilliantly. She sets the story beautifully and builds it up just right. We see all the dynamics between each and every character, adding layers to a very captivating plot.
The flow of the story is perfect as readers see the relationship between Hayes and Laiken continue to escalate throughout the book and just when you think you know what's going to happen – BAM. You're at the end. Evil genius, Kelsey.
A highly recommended forbidden romance that you leaves you wanting more…
I'm all in!! I need the next book, pronto.
A Dose of Pretty Poison is probably the most accurate description of this book. It is sweet yet spicy!! The chemistry between Hayes and Laiken is strong enough to light my kindle on fire – DAYUM!!!
Kelsey starts this trilogy off brilliantly. She sets the story beautifully and builds it up just right. We see all the dynamics between each and every character, adding layers to a very captivating plot.
The flow of the story is perfect as readers see the relationship between Hayes and Laiken continue to escalate throughout the book and just when you think you know what's going to happen – BAM. You're at the end. Evil genius, Kelsey.
A highly recommended forbidden romance that you leaves you wanting more…
July 24, 2023
THE ENDINGGGG
3.75
3.75
December 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(3.5/5)
March 17, 2025
Yeah this wasn't great. I kept wanting to DNF it, but I'm just too stubborn. It felt like reading a Wattpad story by a horny 13 year old, really didn't like anything, some parts were cute but in general it just sucked.
November 29, 2023
⸻ 3.5 stars.
this is rounded down to a 3, but dang the criticisms i have for this book are a lot💀. NO DW I LOVED THIS BOOK, but still lmao. a rq summary: Laiken has a huge crush on her brother’s best friend for like forever, and he overhears her saying that she likes him. it messes with his head and now he can’t stop thinking about Laiken, but he doesn’t want to betray his best friend, Cam’s trust since it’s his little sister.
first of all: Hayes Wilder. this man is what? 20 years old, and yet still acts like a fucking child. ok no he’s usually really great, but the times in between. for example, THIS GROWN ASS MAN NOT KNOWING HOW TO TO SIMPLY WASH HIS PLATE AND FORK??? UR FUCKING JOKING ME AT THIS POINT. immediate no. literally the fmc - Laiken Blanchard has to help him squirt dish soap on his dish and scrub it clean, like what?? and his excuse was “🥺my sister and mom only ever do the dishes” like that’s supposed to make me feel better??
also the fact that everyone was graduated from high school but no one had a legitimate job? and everyone just lived at their parents house?? like i totally get if that is for you, but i mean every single person didn’t have an actual full time job, the mmc, for the 2 years he is out of high school works part time at a surf job and his best friend Cam has practically no job either ? and Hayes aspiration for job is to own a bar, but alcohol is the reason is dad abandoned him, so why would u want to fund more places for people to get drunk? all meaningless critiques, but just none of these made sense to me.
oh and Hayes and Cam play in this “hotshot” hockey league that gains a lot of attention but it’s not professional by any means, and they make it seem like it’s so cool and they’re so awesome at it, but it’s just weird?? like it adds nothing to the plot, why add it, they’re literally apart of some p̶a̶t̶h̶e̶t̶i̶c̶ adult hockey league but make it sounds its like the nfl.
ok i am hating on this book so hard, so it’ll take it down a couple notches and say what i actually enjoyed: Laiken and Hayes were super cute and their secret relationship was super fun to read. It was pretty cliche but I didn’t mind. there were lots of funny moments that tickled a laugh or 2 out of me. so i do semi- recommend this book, even though 90% of this review is me saying things wrong with a dose of pretty poison (but if you’ve read my reviews you know i love to be a hater.)
ok back to hating 🤪 the fact that the book ended right when Hayes told Cam was super annoying. like sure it was good marketing so people will buy your next book, but don’t waste your money. it’s such shallow drama in the second book. i dnfed it at 67% bc i just got done. besides Cam’s reaction wasn’t anything to eat popcorn over. he literally locked himself in his room like a tantrum-induced baby for 2 days and then came out and was like “if he makes u happy.” like pls.
overall tho, i did enjoy this book, i read this like in a day lol. quick and fun.
this is rounded down to a 3, but dang the criticisms i have for this book are a lot💀. NO DW I LOVED THIS BOOK, but still lmao. a rq summary: Laiken has a huge crush on her brother’s best friend for like forever, and he overhears her saying that she likes him. it messes with his head and now he can’t stop thinking about Laiken, but he doesn’t want to betray his best friend, Cam’s trust since it’s his little sister.
first of all: Hayes Wilder. this man is what? 20 years old, and yet still acts like a fucking child. ok no he’s usually really great, but the times in between. for example, THIS GROWN ASS MAN NOT KNOWING HOW TO TO SIMPLY WASH HIS PLATE AND FORK??? UR FUCKING JOKING ME AT THIS POINT. immediate no. literally the fmc - Laiken Blanchard has to help him squirt dish soap on his dish and scrub it clean, like what?? and his excuse was “🥺my sister and mom only ever do the dishes” like that’s supposed to make me feel better??
also the fact that everyone was graduated from high school but no one had a legitimate job? and everyone just lived at their parents house?? like i totally get if that is for you, but i mean every single person didn’t have an actual full time job, the mmc, for the 2 years he is out of high school works part time at a surf job and his best friend Cam has practically no job either ? and Hayes aspiration for job is to own a bar, but alcohol is the reason is dad abandoned him, so why would u want to fund more places for people to get drunk? all meaningless critiques, but just none of these made sense to me.
oh and Hayes and Cam play in this “hotshot” hockey league that gains a lot of attention but it’s not professional by any means, and they make it seem like it’s so cool and they’re so awesome at it, but it’s just weird?? like it adds nothing to the plot, why add it, they’re literally apart of some p̶a̶t̶h̶e̶t̶i̶c̶ adult hockey league but make it sounds its like the nfl.
ok i am hating on this book so hard, so it’ll take it down a couple notches and say what i actually enjoyed: Laiken and Hayes were super cute and their secret relationship was super fun to read. It was pretty cliche but I didn’t mind. there were lots of funny moments that tickled a laugh or 2 out of me. so i do semi- recommend this book, even though 90% of this review is me saying things wrong with a dose of pretty poison (but if you’ve read my reviews you know i love to be a hater.)
ok back to hating 🤪 the fact that the book ended right when Hayes told Cam was super annoying. like sure it was good marketing so people will buy your next book, but don’t waste your money. it’s such shallow drama in the second book. i dnfed it at 67% bc i just got done. besides Cam’s reaction wasn’t anything to eat popcorn over. he literally locked himself in his room like a tantrum-induced baby for 2 days and then came out and was like “if he makes u happy.” like pls.
overall tho, i did enjoy this book, i read this like in a day lol. quick and fun.
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