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All Saints High #1
Pretty Reckless
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2019)They say revenge is a dish best served cold…
Penn Scully has had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to him, and now his heart is completely iced over.
He took her first kiss, and she took away the only person he ever loved.
He asked her to save the rest of her firsts for him, and she walked all over his heart in stiletto heels and left it bleeding out on a bright summer day.
Now, everything has changed.
When circumstances leave Penn homeless in his senior year, the Followhills take him in as their latest shiny project. That means, for the time being, he's Daria's housemate, living right across the hall.
And once he sees her again, he's determined to make this spoiled princess pay for ruining the only good thing in his life.
But Daria is used to being misunderstood. Being slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll, and foot she puts in the way of the people who hurt her.
Being the girl everyone wants to see cry, and keeping her tears hidden. Penn wanted her firsts, but she wants to be his last everything.
The problem is, once they see past each other's cutting barbs and wounded hearts, the truths they uncover might just start something new altogether.
Penn Scully has had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to him, and now his heart is completely iced over.
He took her first kiss, and she took away the only person he ever loved.
He asked her to save the rest of her firsts for him, and she walked all over his heart in stiletto heels and left it bleeding out on a bright summer day.
Now, everything has changed.
When circumstances leave Penn homeless in his senior year, the Followhills take him in as their latest shiny project. That means, for the time being, he's Daria's housemate, living right across the hall.
And once he sees her again, he's determined to make this spoiled princess pay for ruining the only good thing in his life.
But Daria is used to being misunderstood. Being slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll, and foot she puts in the way of the people who hurt her.
Being the girl everyone wants to see cry, and keeping her tears hidden. Penn wanted her firsts, but she wants to be his last everything.
The problem is, once they see past each other's cutting barbs and wounded hearts, the truths they uncover might just start something new altogether.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2019
14239 people are currently reading
109157 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Shen
89 books55.7k followersL.J. Shen is a New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,851 reviews
April 28, 2019
5 STARS
Oh the angst! The angst of it all!!!
Welcome to your new addiction, angst addicts. Because this new series? It's about to reach into your very soul and tear out all of the feels!
Pretty Reckless took high school rivals, added a splash of enemies to lovers, wrapped around heart-wrenching angst, and delivered one finger-licking utterly addicting page-turner! If NA angst is your crack of choice, then Shen is about to become your favorite dealer.
I don't have enough praise for this book and everything that I experienced along with it. This is the stuff that my NA romance dreams are made of. Delicious angst, multilayered characters, plenty of plot twists, and an unputdownable story.
If you've read Shen's Sinners of Saint series, then you'll be familiar with the Followhill from Defy. Daria is the daughter of Melody and Jaime. And if you recall their forbidden union, then you already know that their daughter will have one big chip on her shoulder as she attends the same high school as her parents had their notorious relationship at.
Daria is easily one of my favorite heroines of LJ Shen to date. I love a female that can own the fact that she's a queen B. But she's also not the stereotypical do-gooder. This is a girl with a huge chip on her shoulder and she can be downright vicious to those that cross her path. She's completely unapologetic about it, though being in her head, you see the glimpses of the vulnerability that causes her to lash out the way she does. Poor little rich girl.
As for Penn. Sweet mother of ovaries! I turned cougar for this man and I have no regrets. The turbulent enemies to lovers relationship that happens between these two kept me absolutely riveted to the pages. Daria may give as good as she gets, but Penn doesn't pull any punches with her either. They are pure fire together.
I devoured and I mean straight up DEVOURED this book and was left desperate for more. Shen is a master of her craft and just keeps getting better and better with each new book. I'm already frothing at the mouth for more ASH!
beta read
Find me on:
He gave me the rarest thing in the world, and I gave him heartache."
Oh the angst! The angst of it all!!!
Welcome to your new addiction, angst addicts. Because this new series? It's about to reach into your very soul and tear out all of the feels!
Pretty Reckless took high school rivals, added a splash of enemies to lovers, wrapped around heart-wrenching angst, and delivered one finger-licking utterly addicting page-turner! If NA angst is your crack of choice, then Shen is about to become your favorite dealer.
I don't have enough praise for this book and everything that I experienced along with it. This is the stuff that my NA romance dreams are made of. Delicious angst, multilayered characters, plenty of plot twists, and an unputdownable story.
If you've read Shen's Sinners of Saint series, then you'll be familiar with the Followhill from Defy. Daria is the daughter of Melody and Jaime. And if you recall their forbidden union, then you already know that their daughter will have one big chip on her shoulder as she attends the same high school as her parents had their notorious relationship at.
Daria is easily one of my favorite heroines of LJ Shen to date. I love a female that can own the fact that she's a queen B. But she's also not the stereotypical do-gooder. This is a girl with a huge chip on her shoulder and she can be downright vicious to those that cross her path. She's completely unapologetic about it, though being in her head, you see the glimpses of the vulnerability that causes her to lash out the way she does. Poor little rich girl.
As for Penn. Sweet mother of ovaries! I turned cougar for this man and I have no regrets. The turbulent enemies to lovers relationship that happens between these two kept me absolutely riveted to the pages. Daria may give as good as she gets, but Penn doesn't pull any punches with her either. They are pure fire together.
I devoured and I mean straight up DEVOURED this book and was left desperate for more. Shen is a master of her craft and just keeps getting better and better with each new book. I'm already frothing at the mouth for more ASH!
beta read
Find me on:
April 27, 2019
- - AVAILABLE NOW- FULL REVIEW - -
Wow....just wow! LJ Shen delivers with the second generation of sinners! Get ready.
- - -
5 Hideous Monster CROWNS
LEIGH SHEN certainly kicks of the second generation of the Sinners of Saints with a bang. The angst and twists and turns are many, the characters are mostly rotten and devious, and yet I was consumed by the whole world and each deviant tothole .
These characters aren’t your standard YA girls and boys. Would you expect them to when they are the product of the Sinners of Saint? They are entitled and privileged, and on some level ethically decaying, but none more so than Daria Followhill. What is interesting about Daria, though, is that Shen really digs into her character and is able to make her character sympathetic. My heart ached for her this spoiled princess, because I truly felt like understand her plights and her desire to be more but stuck where she was. I also found Daria’s character to be incredible authentic with her insecurities. Shen successfully takes this complex, three dimensional character and makes her someone we root for and hope for her to get her HEA.
Penn is another complex character with loyalties torn between family and love. Nothing is easy for him, and in a world of secrets, some being his own, he makes mistakes that can’t always be taken back. Again, what makes those moments understandable is the he is young and reacts emotionally, he has a sense of loyalty, which is admirable, and he is trying to deal with the new emotions hitting his heart. Once he finally comes to his senses, the doggedness with which he pursues Daria is exactly what she is worth, and I love that these two broken people find themselves individually and as a couple.
You think you know what Pretty Reckless is going to be about but you don’t. I never expected Daria and Penn to be so complex. I never expected the twists and turns that seem to come out of nowhere until you realize all the breadcrumbs she leaves for readers along the way. She also hits on highlights a severe issue plaguing high school students right now - the idea of perfection presented to the outside while dying internally. Pretty Reckless also exemplifies that everyone has secrets and parts of themselves they want to hide, but in this commonality, they can find solace and understanding. . More than anything, though, I love the topic of family that is addressed throughout the story. In fact, the story is not just one about Daria alone but of the Followhills. This family exemplifies that in the darkest of times families stick together, they forgive, and even if they don’t forget, they take the steps to mend what has been broken. Because familial love should be unconditional, even if you don’t like the way they behave.
The romance of Penn and Daria, the evolution of the heroine, and the issues tackled in Pretty Reckless makes Shen’s newest foray into the YA genre an absolute must read and the perfect way to start out 2019! One thing is for sure, I can’t wait for more totholes.
Beta read
Wow....just wow! LJ Shen delivers with the second generation of sinners! Get ready.
- - -
5 Hideous Monster CROWNS
LEIGH SHEN certainly kicks of the second generation of the Sinners of Saints with a bang. The angst and twists and turns are many, the characters are mostly rotten and devious, and yet I was consumed by the whole world and each deviant tothole .
These characters aren’t your standard YA girls and boys. Would you expect them to when they are the product of the Sinners of Saint? They are entitled and privileged, and on some level ethically decaying, but none more so than Daria Followhill. What is interesting about Daria, though, is that Shen really digs into her character and is able to make her character sympathetic. My heart ached for her this spoiled princess, because I truly felt like understand her plights and her desire to be more but stuck where she was. I also found Daria’s character to be incredible authentic with her insecurities. Shen successfully takes this complex, three dimensional character and makes her someone we root for and hope for her to get her HEA.
Penn is another complex character with loyalties torn between family and love. Nothing is easy for him, and in a world of secrets, some being his own, he makes mistakes that can’t always be taken back. Again, what makes those moments understandable is the he is young and reacts emotionally, he has a sense of loyalty, which is admirable, and he is trying to deal with the new emotions hitting his heart. Once he finally comes to his senses, the doggedness with which he pursues Daria is exactly what she is worth, and I love that these two broken people find themselves individually and as a couple.
You think you know what Pretty Reckless is going to be about but you don’t. I never expected Daria and Penn to be so complex. I never expected the twists and turns that seem to come out of nowhere until you realize all the breadcrumbs she leaves for readers along the way. She also hits on highlights a severe issue plaguing high school students right now - the idea of perfection presented to the outside while dying internally. Pretty Reckless also exemplifies that everyone has secrets and parts of themselves they want to hide, but in this commonality, they can find solace and understanding. . More than anything, though, I love the topic of family that is addressed throughout the story. In fact, the story is not just one about Daria alone but of the Followhills. This family exemplifies that in the darkest of times families stick together, they forgive, and even if they don’t forget, they take the steps to mend what has been broken. Because familial love should be unconditional, even if you don’t like the way they behave.
The romance of Penn and Daria, the evolution of the heroine, and the issues tackled in Pretty Reckless makes Shen’s newest foray into the YA genre an absolute must read and the perfect way to start out 2019! One thing is for sure, I can’t wait for more totholes.
Beta read
May 2, 2019
L.J. Shen has once again delivered a powerful and emotional story that has left me obsessed and begging for more!! Her All Saints High series opens with a bang in Pretty Reckless where we see Queen B, Daria Followhill meet her match in Penn Scully, her opposite in every way. But this Queen did not expect her gamechanger to ultimately become the landmine at her feet systematically blowing up her entire world.
Gah!! This story was just outstanding. Penn and Daria have a shared past and secret from years earlier. In an act of kindness, Penn irrevocably changes Daria showing her that there is still goodness in people. She repays him in an act of betrayal and selfishness that has lasting effects into the present. Now that misfit boy is back and has grown into a vengeful man who is out for the prissy princess' blood.
OMG!!!! I loved this story so much. Shen gloriously paints a picture of Daria as the young woman who has the world at her shiny, polished fingertips but hides her broken, bleeding and dark parts under a facade. But Penn sees past her cutting barbs and superficial and perfect exterior to the wounded and defensive woman beneath. I loved how we are given a picture of two people who are so different but who see each other for what they really are inside, flaws and all.
My obsession with this story knows no bounds!! It is EVERYTHING: the DELICIOUS cover, the FIERY sexual tension and the SPIRITED enemies to lovers banter - this is where Shen shines! Pretty Reckless is nothing short of phenomenal with the kind of fantastic writing this author is known for. It is an exciting rollercoaster ride from the beginning culminating in a deeply emotional and explosive ending. Every word is a shining example of Shen's profound writing ability. After every new creative masterpiece she delivers, it really feels like L.J. Shen was born to write. I am left more and more in awe of her God-given talent and fall deeply in love with her characters each time!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Gah!! This story was just outstanding. Penn and Daria have a shared past and secret from years earlier. In an act of kindness, Penn irrevocably changes Daria showing her that there is still goodness in people. She repays him in an act of betrayal and selfishness that has lasting effects into the present. Now that misfit boy is back and has grown into a vengeful man who is out for the prissy princess' blood.
OMG!!!! I loved this story so much. Shen gloriously paints a picture of Daria as the young woman who has the world at her shiny, polished fingertips but hides her broken, bleeding and dark parts under a facade. But Penn sees past her cutting barbs and superficial and perfect exterior to the wounded and defensive woman beneath. I loved how we are given a picture of two people who are so different but who see each other for what they really are inside, flaws and all.
My obsession with this story knows no bounds!! It is EVERYTHING: the DELICIOUS cover, the FIERY sexual tension and the SPIRITED enemies to lovers banter - this is where Shen shines! Pretty Reckless is nothing short of phenomenal with the kind of fantastic writing this author is known for. It is an exciting rollercoaster ride from the beginning culminating in a deeply emotional and explosive ending. Every word is a shining example of Shen's profound writing ability. After every new creative masterpiece she delivers, it really feels like L.J. Shen was born to write. I am left more and more in awe of her God-given talent and fall deeply in love with her characters each time!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
May 28, 2019
A Top Read of 2019
These characters are the most complicated, entertaining, and unique characters I’ve ever read. Flat out AMAZING! Another EPIC read from one of my favorite authors!!
This book is pure fucking kindle crack. The angst! The drama!!
Prepare my lovelies! The second generation of Sinners will blow you away!
Daria Followhill is my favorite L.J. Shen heroine. I’ve never felt this way, EVER, about a heroine in a book. She’s so complex, layered, and ultimately...misunderstood. My heart broke for her. Don’t get it twisted though, she is the ultimate Queen B and I loved that part of her personality just as much. What really works here, is the fact that the characters are so real. I was completely engrossed in their lives and struggles.
Penn Scully is BAE! It takes a special guy to live the life he leads and come out on top. He’s resilient, resourceful, and street smart. I adore him immensely. His background and how he handles the situations he finds himself in were more than impressive. He is the quintessential YA hero. A brilliantly written character who jumps off the page.
Overall, this book is one of the best I’ve read in this genre. It has everything YA angst junkies are looking for. Prepare you hearts and minds because the Totholes are coming for both.
FLOVED
****BETA READ****
August 6, 2019
This is without a doubt the best story of 2019 !!!
I'm hyperventilating. I'm laughing and crying. I just finished reading my most anticipated reading of all time. And the wait was totally worth it. Mrs. Shen slays again. She caught me with her flawless prose that left me with an EPIC BOOK HANGOVER. Two days in Zombieland because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN for a single second and immediately after finishing it, I wanted to read it again and again and again.
OMG !! I loved the story so much. It is intense, emotional and the anguish could be felt in spades, that sensation that shakes your body, that clouds your sight and suffocates you until you feel breathless.
The plot brings us to Daria and Penn. Daria finds her match in Penn, who is her opposite in everything and her rival. An act irrevocably changes the future of both, and after 4 years without seeing each other, fate brings them back together and leads them to live together, however Penn only wants revenge and ruin Daria. But as time goes by, he sees beyond the queen bee, miss popular and cheerleader she uses as a way to hide insecurities, fear, vulnerability and pain, Penn sistematically undermines the facade that Daria built and turns her world upside down.
How I loved Daria!!! She is without a doubt my favorite heroine of L.J. till the date. She behind all layers of designer clothes and makeup is a brave, loyal girl who fiercely defends her friends, who loves passionately and immensely.
Both characters are so complex, so unique, so real that I want to be friends with them, live in their world and laugh with them. THIS COUPLE IS EVERYTHING, I loved the way they love each other so intensely and despite their differences fit so perfectly. I really enjoyed their chemistry and banter. NO ONE WRITES BANTER AS L.J. SHEN.
But it's not just Penn and Daria, it's a story about friendship and family, about how family and friends always support and stand up for each other no matter what mistakes they make, it's about loyalty, love and forgiveness.
THIS STORY OBSESSED ME, CONSUMED AND POSSESSED, A MASTERPIECE THAT I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF, it's delicious, epic, addictive and mind-blowing. With her characteristic style of writing, the author proves again and again that she is the best at what she does and that her talent has no limits. This story is a rollercoaster of emotions that I want to experience again and again and again. I'm completely ruined again and I'm not sure I can recover this time.
Highly recommended!!!
¡¡Esta es sin lugar a dudas el mejor romance del 2019!!!
Estoy hiperventilando. Estoy riendo y llorando. Acabo de terminar de leer mi más anticipada lectura de todos los tiempos. Gahhh. Y la espera valió totalmente la pena. La señora Shen lo hizo de nuevo. Me atrapó con su narrativa perfecta que me dejó con una épica resaca literaria. Dos dias en Zombieland porque no pude ponerla abajo un solo segundo y inmediatamente después de terminarla, quería leerla de nuevo.
OMG!! Amé tanto la historia. Es intensa, emocional y la angustia se podía sentir a montones, esa sensación que te sacude el cuerpo, que te nubla la vista y te sofoca hasta dejarte sin respiración.
La trama nos trae a Daria y Penn. Daria encuentra su pareja en Penn, que es su opuesto en todo y rival. Un acto cambia irrevocablemente el futuro de ambos, y después de 4 años sin verse, el destino los vuelve a juntar y los lleva a vivir juntos, pero Penn sólo quiere venganza y arruinar a Daria. Pero conforme pasa el tiempo él ve más allá de la abeja reina, señorita popular y animadora que ella usa como fachada para ocultar inseguridades, miedo, vulnerabilidad y dolor, Penn sistemáticamente socava la fachada que Daria construyó y vuelve su mundo al revés.
Como amé a Daria. Nuestra heroína es sin duda alguna mi favorita de L.J. hasta la fecha. Ella detrás de todas las capas de ropa de diseñador y maquillaje es una chica valiente, leal que defiende fieramente a sus amigos, que ama apasionada e inmensamente.
Ambos personajes son tan complejos, tan únicos, tan reales que quiero ser amiga de ellos, vivir en su mundo y reír con ellos. Esta pareja es todo, amé la forma en que se aman tan intensamente y a pesar de sus diferencias encajan tan perfectamente. Disfruté muchísimo su química y juego de palabras. Nadie lo escribe como L.J. Shen.
Pero no solo se trata de Penn y Daria, es una historia acerca de amistad y familia, acerca de como la familia y los amigos siempre apoyan unos a otros, no importa los errores que cometan, es acerca de lealtad, amor y perdón.
Esta historia me dejó obsesionada, me consumió y poseyó, una obra maestra de la que no puedo conseguir suficiente, es deliciosa, épica, emocional, intensa. Con su estilo característico de escritura la autora prueba una y otra vez que es la mejor en lo que hace y que su talento no conoce límites. Esta historia es una montaña rusa de emociones que quiero experimentar una y otra y otra vez. Estoy completamente arruinada de nuevo y no estoy segura que me pueda recuperar esta vez.
Una altamente recomendada
I'm hyperventilating. I'm laughing and crying. I just finished reading my most anticipated reading of all time. And the wait was totally worth it. Mrs. Shen slays again. She caught me with her flawless prose that left me with an EPIC BOOK HANGOVER. Two days in Zombieland because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN for a single second and immediately after finishing it, I wanted to read it again and again and again.
OMG !! I loved the story so much. It is intense, emotional and the anguish could be felt in spades, that sensation that shakes your body, that clouds your sight and suffocates you until you feel breathless.
The plot brings us to Daria and Penn. Daria finds her match in Penn, who is her opposite in everything and her rival. An act irrevocably changes the future of both, and after 4 years without seeing each other, fate brings them back together and leads them to live together, however Penn only wants revenge and ruin Daria. But as time goes by, he sees beyond the queen bee, miss popular and cheerleader she uses as a way to hide insecurities, fear, vulnerability and pain, Penn sistematically undermines the facade that Daria built and turns her world upside down.
How I loved Daria!!! She is without a doubt my favorite heroine of L.J. till the date. She behind all layers of designer clothes and makeup is a brave, loyal girl who fiercely defends her friends, who loves passionately and immensely.
Both characters are so complex, so unique, so real that I want to be friends with them, live in their world and laugh with them. THIS COUPLE IS EVERYTHING, I loved the way they love each other so intensely and despite their differences fit so perfectly. I really enjoyed their chemistry and banter. NO ONE WRITES BANTER AS L.J. SHEN.
But it's not just Penn and Daria, it's a story about friendship and family, about how family and friends always support and stand up for each other no matter what mistakes they make, it's about loyalty, love and forgiveness.
THIS STORY OBSESSED ME, CONSUMED AND POSSESSED, A MASTERPIECE THAT I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF, it's delicious, epic, addictive and mind-blowing. With her characteristic style of writing, the author proves again and again that she is the best at what she does and that her talent has no limits. This story is a rollercoaster of emotions that I want to experience again and again and again. I'm completely ruined again and I'm not sure I can recover this time.
Highly recommended!!!
¡¡Esta es sin lugar a dudas el mejor romance del 2019!!!
Estoy hiperventilando. Estoy riendo y llorando. Acabo de terminar de leer mi más anticipada lectura de todos los tiempos. Gahhh. Y la espera valió totalmente la pena. La señora Shen lo hizo de nuevo. Me atrapó con su narrativa perfecta que me dejó con una épica resaca literaria. Dos dias en Zombieland porque no pude ponerla abajo un solo segundo y inmediatamente después de terminarla, quería leerla de nuevo.
OMG!! Amé tanto la historia. Es intensa, emocional y la angustia se podía sentir a montones, esa sensación que te sacude el cuerpo, que te nubla la vista y te sofoca hasta dejarte sin respiración.
La trama nos trae a Daria y Penn. Daria encuentra su pareja en Penn, que es su opuesto en todo y rival. Un acto cambia irrevocablemente el futuro de ambos, y después de 4 años sin verse, el destino los vuelve a juntar y los lleva a vivir juntos, pero Penn sólo quiere venganza y arruinar a Daria. Pero conforme pasa el tiempo él ve más allá de la abeja reina, señorita popular y animadora que ella usa como fachada para ocultar inseguridades, miedo, vulnerabilidad y dolor, Penn sistemáticamente socava la fachada que Daria construyó y vuelve su mundo al revés.
Como amé a Daria. Nuestra heroína es sin duda alguna mi favorita de L.J. hasta la fecha. Ella detrás de todas las capas de ropa de diseñador y maquillaje es una chica valiente, leal que defiende fieramente a sus amigos, que ama apasionada e inmensamente.
Ambos personajes son tan complejos, tan únicos, tan reales que quiero ser amiga de ellos, vivir en su mundo y reír con ellos. Esta pareja es todo, amé la forma en que se aman tan intensamente y a pesar de sus diferencias encajan tan perfectamente. Disfruté muchísimo su química y juego de palabras. Nadie lo escribe como L.J. Shen.
Pero no solo se trata de Penn y Daria, es una historia acerca de amistad y familia, acerca de como la familia y los amigos siempre apoyan unos a otros, no importa los errores que cometan, es acerca de lealtad, amor y perdón.
Esta historia me dejó obsesionada, me consumió y poseyó, una obra maestra de la que no puedo conseguir suficiente, es deliciosa, épica, emocional, intensa. Con su estilo característico de escritura la autora prueba una y otra vez que es la mejor en lo que hace y que su talento no conoce límites. Esta historia es una montaña rusa de emociones que quiero experimentar una y otra y otra vez. Estoy completamente arruinada de nuevo y no estoy segura que me pueda recuperar esta vez.
Una altamente recomendada
June 13, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Pretty Reckless (stand-alone). Spoiled heiress & her love-hate with the bad boy her family has taken in!
“It was love at first sight
Hate at second
Lust at third”
Books in All Saints High series are stand-alones:
Book 1: Pretty Reckless - Daria’s story
Book 2: Broken Knight - Knight’s story
Book 3: Angry God - Vaughn’s story
Pretty Reckless (stand-alone) follows the unpredictable, volatile and doomed secret romance between high school student Daria Fallowhill and the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, student and football player Penn Scully.
It’s not so much that her parents are unaware of the sexual tension brewing in the house after Penn comes to live with them. It’s more about Penn and Daria’s inability to recognize it and the journey they must both take to fully embrace it.
Told from dual POV it details their adolescent years from first kiss to high school and beyond and give glimpses of the cast of Sinners of Saint and their kids. Love, hate, lust, secrets, insecurities, rivalry, lies and ultimately self-reflection and truth signify their road to adulthood and surrender to love.
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
April 30, 2019
oh fuck. this suck.
this one of my most anticipated reads of 2019. to say i was hyped for a spin off of Sinners of Saint would be a massive understatement. i love me a depraved bully romance.
but i think i should have known after reading LJ's last two standalones that maybe her shit just wouldn't be for me anymore. because this was formulaic as hell.
what you can expect usually is
- some sort of enemies to lovers situation
- girl falls first, gets betrayed by the dude
- and then the dude grovels and gets her back
but it seems like every book she's writing lately tries to do the extra mile into depravity. and like, i'm here for fucked up stories, truly. but you can't make me suspend my disbelief, hate the male character, have unconvincing side relationships AND shitty plot twists and still expect me to be having fun. cause i ain't having fun anymore.
compared to Vicious and most of the other books in the Sinners of Saint series this is a convoluted mess.
the main characters have history based on a really big fucked betrayal. a little unbelievable but whatever. but then we have
- horrid mother daughter relationship hinging on the female main character not getting paid attention to
- student teacher pseudo relationship
- black book of sins
- potential other woman/baby scenario
- bitchy mean girls
honestly i can't put into words have convoluted and stupid the plot was. and i didn't love either main character. i'll be trying to read the subsequent books in the series, especially Vaughn's but so far. not impressed. do not recommend.
------------------------------
god give me strength to keep thine panties upon my person because this cover is HOT
this one of my most anticipated reads of 2019. to say i was hyped for a spin off of Sinners of Saint would be a massive understatement. i love me a depraved bully romance.
but i think i should have known after reading LJ's last two standalones that maybe her shit just wouldn't be for me anymore. because this was formulaic as hell.
what you can expect usually is
- some sort of enemies to lovers situation
- girl falls first, gets betrayed by the dude
- and then the dude grovels and gets her back
but it seems like every book she's writing lately tries to do the extra mile into depravity. and like, i'm here for fucked up stories, truly. but you can't make me suspend my disbelief, hate the male character, have unconvincing side relationships AND shitty plot twists and still expect me to be having fun. cause i ain't having fun anymore.
compared to Vicious and most of the other books in the Sinners of Saint series this is a convoluted mess.
the main characters have history based on a really big fucked betrayal. a little unbelievable but whatever. but then we have
- horrid mother daughter relationship hinging on the female main character not getting paid attention to
- student teacher pseudo relationship
- black book of sins
- potential other woman/baby scenario
- bitchy mean girls
honestly i can't put into words have convoluted and stupid the plot was. and i didn't love either main character. i'll be trying to read the subsequent books in the series, especially Vaughn's but so far. not impressed. do not recommend.
------------------------------
god give me strength to keep thine panties upon my person because this cover is HOT
November 16, 2019
“No offense, sir, but one of your daughters is entirely too young for me, and the other is entirely too Daria for me.”
Is this happening? Can it be? Did Alex just rate an L.J Shen book more than 3 stars? Did Alex just actually enjoy the everloving shit out of this problematic as fuck book? *Owen Wilson voice* WooOOWwW
_______________
Explain yourself, Alex
So in the past, Ms. Shen and I have not gelled well together. I find her books very heavily controversial and are often filled with many tropes and triggers that I just can't get past. Her male heroes are often assholes known for how awful they can treat their girls, but somehow it works for people. It never really did for me, until this pretty little storm made its way into my hands.
Don't be mistaken, Pretty Reckless still has asshole leads, both of them (Daria and Penn) treat each other like shit for the most part of the book and the writing, although enjoyable still has plenty of triggers. Somehow, someway, I still really enjoyed this! I loved the banter between the group of friends and I flew through this very fast. I was so scared to pick it up but once I did, I was completely captivated. I love enemies-to-lovers but bully romances can be very hit or miss depending how the subject is treated, and in all honesty - I felt like Daria held up her own in this very well! Granted, it was because she too, was a bully but semantics, amiright??
This was angsty and gritty all through and every chapter had me at the edge. The plot-twists weren't shockers but I really didn't mind because I fell in love with each broken character. The character development was so subtly and beautifully done, I didn't even know I was falling for them until I finished and realized that I had. L.J Shen took my breath away with this one, simply for the fact that she can write up the tragic tales of highschool seniors that hits all the feels. It was so very addicting... I haven't read the Sinners of Saint series so I don't know the backstory of the parents in the All Saints series, but this book really made me want to pick it up.
This book reminded me of the show, Euphoria. So if you're into that and want something in between waiting for Season Two, here's your little golden nugget! Another thing that I really want to draw attention to is the fact that this book is advertised as YA (Young Adult), when it is seriously not! It is definitely NA (New Adult) with all the steamy and graphic scenes you could expect in one. Which brings me to the fact that this is an absolute panty-dropper, folks. If it's not entertaining you, making your heart ache or asking you to pull your hair out - it's being the book equivalent of a sauna. If you haven't already read this (which is highly unlikely, I just live under my safe rock) and you're a fan of "hate to love you, love to hate you scenes," then you're going to devour this book. I know I certainly did.
Trigger Warnings: fat-shaming, slut-shaming, violence, "cheating"
Is this happening? Can it be? Did Alex just rate an L.J Shen book more than 3 stars? Did Alex just actually enjoy the everloving shit out of this problematic as fuck book? *Owen Wilson voice* WooOOWwW
_______________
Explain yourself, Alex
So in the past, Ms. Shen and I have not gelled well together. I find her books very heavily controversial and are often filled with many tropes and triggers that I just can't get past. Her male heroes are often assholes known for how awful they can treat their girls, but somehow it works for people. It never really did for me, until this pretty little storm made its way into my hands.
"He gave me the rarest thing in the world, and I gave him heartache."
Don't be mistaken, Pretty Reckless still has asshole leads, both of them (Daria and Penn) treat each other like shit for the most part of the book and the writing, although enjoyable still has plenty of triggers. Somehow, someway, I still really enjoyed this! I loved the banter between the group of friends and I flew through this very fast. I was so scared to pick it up but once I did, I was completely captivated. I love enemies-to-lovers but bully romances can be very hit or miss depending how the subject is treated, and in all honesty - I felt like Daria held up her own in this very well! Granted, it was because she too, was a bully but semantics, amiright??
“Mess with me, Followhill, and I will ruin you.”
“Not if I ruin you first.”
This was angsty and gritty all through and every chapter had me at the edge. The plot-twists weren't shockers but I really didn't mind because I fell in love with each broken character. The character development was so subtly and beautifully done, I didn't even know I was falling for them until I finished and realized that I had. L.J Shen took my breath away with this one, simply for the fact that she can write up the tragic tales of highschool seniors that hits all the feels. It was so very addicting... I haven't read the Sinners of Saint series so I don't know the backstory of the parents in the All Saints series, but this book really made me want to pick it up.
"You are the fucking equation, I want to yell in her face. The riddle and the answer and the numbers within it. You’re math. You make sense. “Don’t go,” I croak. "
This book reminded me of the show, Euphoria. So if you're into that and want something in between waiting for Season Two, here's your little golden nugget! Another thing that I really want to draw attention to is the fact that this book is advertised as YA (Young Adult), when it is seriously not! It is definitely NA (New Adult) with all the steamy and graphic scenes you could expect in one. Which brings me to the fact that this is an absolute panty-dropper, folks. If it's not entertaining you, making your heart ache or asking you to pull your hair out - it's being the book equivalent of a sauna. If you haven't already read this (which is highly unlikely, I just live under my safe rock) and you're a fan of "hate to love you, love to hate you scenes," then you're going to devour this book. I know I certainly did.
"Because I want to kill Daria. Daria made everything fade into the background the first time I saw her, and while I was busy admiring, everything around us burned."
Trigger Warnings: fat-shaming, slut-shaming, violence, "cheating"
April 24, 2019
"He gave me the rarest thing in the world, and I gave him heartache."
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'PRETTY RECKLESS' is the first book in L.J. Shen's 'All Saints High' series. This is Daria Followhill's & Penn Scully's story.
🙌Get ready for a high octane read of Angst 🙌Unquestionably a unique, unputdownable utterly fantastic read!!
This book right here was one of my most highly anticipated, sought after, stalked its ass off, give it to me books. I would’ve given away a limb just to get my hands on it..Glad to inform, I am all intact.
I knew by just looking at that drool worthy cover that we’d be getting epic, and epic we did get. This book, god this book ticked all the boxes..
If like me angst filled books is your kryptonite then look no further than this, it comes at you full force.
We're just two teenagers who never stood a chance to be friends in this world, so we became what was expected of us..Enemies.
A jealous fit of hulk rage at the age of fourteen had a domino effect and was the catalyst of teenage revenge which brewed away in the background for four years. Until a little black book and it’s sins was revealed. Daria Farrowhill had it all, it wasn't until it was nearly all ripped out from under her feet when she realised how good she really had it.
Skull Eyes & Tin Man (you’ll realise the significance when you jump into this) fast became my favourite character couples. Even though she was the plastic princess and he was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, these two were perfect for each other. He was the light to her dark, she was the door to his heart.
Highly recommend this!! Easy five stars given!!
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'PRETTY RECKLESS' is the first book in L.J. Shen's 'All Saints High' series. This is Daria Followhill's & Penn Scully's story. 🙌Get ready for a high octane read of Angst 🙌Unquestionably a unique, unputdownable utterly fantastic read!!
This book right here was one of my most highly anticipated, sought after, stalked its ass off, give it to me books. I would’ve given away a limb just to get my hands on it..Glad to inform, I am all intact.
I knew by just looking at that drool worthy cover that we’d be getting epic, and epic we did get. This book, god this book ticked all the boxes..
If like me angst filled books is your kryptonite then look no further than this, it comes at you full force.
We're just two teenagers who never stood a chance to be friends in this world, so we became what was expected of us..Enemies.
A jealous fit of hulk rage at the age of fourteen had a domino effect and was the catalyst of teenage revenge which brewed away in the background for four years. Until a little black book and it’s sins was revealed. Daria Farrowhill had it all, it wasn't until it was nearly all ripped out from under her feet when she realised how good she really had it.
Skull Eyes & Tin Man (you’ll realise the significance when you jump into this) fast became my favourite character couples. Even though she was the plastic princess and he was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, these two were perfect for each other. He was the light to her dark, she was the door to his heart.
Highly recommend this!! Easy five stars given!!
April 22, 2019
Here we go, the time is here, kicking off with this first book in the All Saints High series from LJ Shen. The second generation of the Sinners of Saint and what a fucking beautiful first book it is. It’s packed with so much teen angst and filled with twists and turns that are so unexpected you’re left wondering what the hell happened. It’s takes over, completely consumes you until you’re left with no other thoughts except this book and the characters inside and you won’t regret a single damn second of letting it do so.
Daria and Penn are so...wow, so different and filled with so much hate, it’s crazy, insane and it WORKS.
Daria Followhill, she’s rich, entitled and has everything she could possibly want. But even the most rich and Privileged kids aren’t happy deep inside and LJ Shen really dives into that with her leading female. Daria is different, she’s not your typical rich kid, she suffering deep inside with insecurities that take over her. She’s real and fake mixed together and those struggles she endures and survives are one of the many things that’ll have you loving this beautiful girl.
Penn Scully, The complete opposite to the rich girl. He’s from the poorer part of town. Fighting his way through the tough life he’s been given. He’s a
closed off, angry boy with a broken heart. He doesn’t love many but the few that he does he loves fiercely and whole heartedly. He’s an asshole at times and takes what doesn’t belong to him, he acts out when angry and does things he can’t take back, things that have consequences. LJ Shen really does deliver with Penn, he’s not like most leading male characters he’s so different and you just can’t help but love him.
The relationship between Daria and Penn is something you wouldn’t expect. You don’t expect to see the things that happen, the impact they have or the repercussions.
I just want to put this in here, Seeing Jaime and Melody as parents was also unexpected. I never expected Melody to be the way she was and Jaime, I love that man so damn much. He’s an amazing father and I absolutely love the family aspect of this book what it covers and all the feelings involved.
Just when you think you know what’s going to happen in Pretty Reckless LJ Shen proves you wrong and shows you just how incredible of a writer she is. You expect one thing and the opposite happens and it just blows your mind at how amazing she truly is. Her talent has no limits, everything she writes blows you away EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Pretty Reckless is angsty, consuming and mind blowing. It’s a rollercoaster filled with so many emotions and one that you won’t want to get off.
One of the most incredible reads of 2019 by far!
Daria and Penn are so...wow, so different and filled with so much hate, it’s crazy, insane and it WORKS.
Daria Followhill, she’s rich, entitled and has everything she could possibly want. But even the most rich and Privileged kids aren’t happy deep inside and LJ Shen really dives into that with her leading female. Daria is different, she’s not your typical rich kid, she suffering deep inside with insecurities that take over her. She’s real and fake mixed together and those struggles she endures and survives are one of the many things that’ll have you loving this beautiful girl.
Penn Scully, The complete opposite to the rich girl. He’s from the poorer part of town. Fighting his way through the tough life he’s been given. He’s a
closed off, angry boy with a broken heart. He doesn’t love many but the few that he does he loves fiercely and whole heartedly. He’s an asshole at times and takes what doesn’t belong to him, he acts out when angry and does things he can’t take back, things that have consequences. LJ Shen really does deliver with Penn, he’s not like most leading male characters he’s so different and you just can’t help but love him.
The relationship between Daria and Penn is something you wouldn’t expect. You don’t expect to see the things that happen, the impact they have or the repercussions.
I just want to put this in here, Seeing Jaime and Melody as parents was also unexpected. I never expected Melody to be the way she was and Jaime, I love that man so damn much. He’s an amazing father and I absolutely love the family aspect of this book what it covers and all the feelings involved.
Just when you think you know what’s going to happen in Pretty Reckless LJ Shen proves you wrong and shows you just how incredible of a writer she is. You expect one thing and the opposite happens and it just blows your mind at how amazing she truly is. Her talent has no limits, everything she writes blows you away EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Pretty Reckless is angsty, consuming and mind blowing. It’s a rollercoaster filled with so many emotions and one that you won’t want to get off.
One of the most incredible reads of 2019 by far!
April 18, 2019
I read romance novels for a variety of reasons. On the top of that list is to escape from reality for a bit, get swept away in another world and forget everything else. Pretty Reckless by LJ Shen is the most incredible vacation I’ve ever been on.
There are novels I read and love and cherish. But every so often I find a story that hits me so hard I’m irrevocably changed. Pretty Reckless is the latter. I’m certain, even months down the road when the typical grind returns, that I’ll still be obsessing over this book.
It took me days to process the kaleidoscope of emotions this book brought forth. I was laughing over the teenage snark, envious of the poetic prose I could never pull off in my wildest dreams, crying over the injustice while my heart was shattering, gasping through the angst I feel in my bones, and wrapping myself in the love that was so damn hard to earn.
My words are inadequate to describe how freaking epic Pretty Reckless is. I’m broken and destroyed for all else. The talent this author possess has once again soared to another level. LJ Shen takes us up to the stars with Pretty Reckless and I never want to come down.
Whether you read 500 books a year or only get through a few, make sure Pretty Reckless is one of them. This is an unforgettable ride you don’t want to miss!
There are novels I read and love and cherish. But every so often I find a story that hits me so hard I’m irrevocably changed. Pretty Reckless is the latter. I’m certain, even months down the road when the typical grind returns, that I’ll still be obsessing over this book.
It took me days to process the kaleidoscope of emotions this book brought forth. I was laughing over the teenage snark, envious of the poetic prose I could never pull off in my wildest dreams, crying over the injustice while my heart was shattering, gasping through the angst I feel in my bones, and wrapping myself in the love that was so damn hard to earn.
My words are inadequate to describe how freaking epic Pretty Reckless is. I’m broken and destroyed for all else. The talent this author possess has once again soared to another level. LJ Shen takes us up to the stars with Pretty Reckless and I never want to come down.
Whether you read 500 books a year or only get through a few, make sure Pretty Reckless is one of them. This is an unforgettable ride you don’t want to miss!
May 8, 2019
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I should start out by stating that I generally don't read high school romances. They're just not my thing. But I figured, hey...this was written by Leigh Shen, and I love her writing, and I have a 16 hour flight, so I'll give it a shot. I'm so glad I did!
I loved the characters, the world building, and most of all the writing. LJ Shen has an exquisite, original voice and deserves all of her success.
If high school romance isn't your thing either--read Pretty Reckless anyway. You might just find out that this author can make ANYTHING your thing!
I should start out by stating that I generally don't read high school romances. They're just not my thing. But I figured, hey...this was written by Leigh Shen, and I love her writing, and I have a 16 hour flight, so I'll give it a shot. I'm so glad I did!
I loved the characters, the world building, and most of all the writing. LJ Shen has an exquisite, original voice and deserves all of her success.
If high school romance isn't your thing either--read Pretty Reckless anyway. You might just find out that this author can make ANYTHING your thing!
August 6, 2023
4 stars
This book is the first in Shen’s newest series, All Saints High. I’ve been eagerly awaiting these books ever since I realized that these were the kids of the original HotHoles in her Sinners of Saint series, which I loved. This book is about Daria Followhill, the daughter of Jaime and Melody (the couple from Defy).
Daria meets a boy when she’s fourteen named Penn Scully. She and Penn have a moment, but something happens that changes everything. Now, fast forward several years later and they have a rivalry. Not only that, but Daria’s parents take Penn in, and they’re living together. It’s a hot mess but I loved it.
Daria appears to be your typical rich mean girl, and in many ways that’s exactly what she is. But there is also more to her than that. Penn seems to be your typical kid from the wrong side of the tracks, but there is also more to him. These two have so much freaking chemistry. And you know what they say about the line between love and hate…
Things between them are so intense. Just as things start to heat up and get really good, someone else comes into the picture and everything changes. I was so stressed out while reading this book. SO stressed. The characters, sometimes I loved them and sometimes I hated them, but I felt for them. I ended up loving both Penn and Daria by the end. One of the only things I didn’t love about it was the Principal story line. I didn’t feel like it was necessary to the story and I didn’t like it. Other than that, I really enjoyed this one!
If you’re a lover of enemies to lovers, you need this book in your life! Pick it up for all the angst you could ever want!!
This was so much more than first love. It was first hate, too.LJ Shen is the master of writing enemies to lovers/bully romances. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I picked up Pretty Reckless. It was intense, angsty, and an all consuming read.
This book is the first in Shen’s newest series, All Saints High. I’ve been eagerly awaiting these books ever since I realized that these were the kids of the original HotHoles in her Sinners of Saint series, which I loved. This book is about Daria Followhill, the daughter of Jaime and Melody (the couple from Defy).
Daria meets a boy when she’s fourteen named Penn Scully. She and Penn have a moment, but something happens that changes everything. Now, fast forward several years later and they have a rivalry. Not only that, but Daria’s parents take Penn in, and they’re living together. It’s a hot mess but I loved it.
Daria appears to be your typical rich mean girl, and in many ways that’s exactly what she is. But there is also more to her than that. Penn seems to be your typical kid from the wrong side of the tracks, but there is also more to him. These two have so much freaking chemistry. And you know what they say about the line between love and hate…
Things between them are so intense. Just as things start to heat up and get really good, someone else comes into the picture and everything changes. I was so stressed out while reading this book. SO stressed. The characters, sometimes I loved them and sometimes I hated them, but I felt for them. I ended up loving both Penn and Daria by the end. One of the only things I didn’t love about it was the Principal story line. I didn’t feel like it was necessary to the story and I didn’t like it. Other than that, I really enjoyed this one!
If you’re a lover of enemies to lovers, you need this book in your life! Pick it up for all the angst you could ever want!!
“Victories are sweeter when you celebrate them together”
June 25, 2020
Pretty Reckless by L. J. Shen is the first book in the Sinners of Saint spin-off series, All Saints High. It's our long awaited introduction into the angsty world of the spawn of the hotholes of Todos Santos, and it is fucking spectacular! I don't know if I have ever anticipated a series as much as I did this one in all my reading life! It was worth all of the build up, and it did not disappoint in the slightest!
It's no secret that I regard Vicious as the best asshole hero ever written and every other book from his creator pure magic. Leigh is my unicorn, and I knew she had it in her to make another series as phenomenal as the Sinner's of Saint. This first book showcases that fact perfectly. It's intriguing, emotional, heart warming, angsty, hot, nostalgic, and absolutely beautiful. Daria and Penn together made me feel all of the emotions! Their banter, their intensity, their understanding of one another on the deepest level, and the sexual chemistry between them is everything!
Daria is a heroine unlike any the author has written before. Her name is well-known around her school, but not for good reason. Petty, stuck up, mean girl, brat, spoiled, and entitled are all things that her peers would categorize her as. Not many people take the time to dig any deeper than her seemingly shallow surface. Penn does though, and that's why he deserves the treasure underneath the bullshit.
With every book I read, I always ask myself if the hero or heroine deserves their partner. Do they put their partner before themselves? Do they appreciate them? Do they love them for who they are no matter their imperfections? Do they make them better people? Does their love for them show through everything? The answer to those questions here is yes and not just for Penn.
Though I absolutely loved him, Daria blew my expectations of her out of the water. She was willing to give up everything and upend her whole life to do right by the boy she loves. If that isn't true love, I don't know what is. She's not just some stereotypical self-centered cheerleader with the depth of a kiddie pool. When she truly cares for someone, she is compassionate, caring, and shockingly selfless. Daria may not be easy to love, but she's 100 percent worth the trouble.
I couldn't conclude this review without talking about Vaughn and Knight! They may have been side characters in this installment, but when they were on the page, they damn near stole the show. In fact, Knight made me laugh out loud more than once. He is fucking hilarious, charming, a good friend to Daria and Vaughn, and super sweet when it comes to Luna. Vaughn intrigued the shit out of me from the first mention of his name. I can't wait to peel back all of his layers and find out who he really is. All I know for sure is he's hot af! A tortured, mysterious artist that loves to beat the shit out of people in the ring? Hell yes! I need his book now!!
Speaking of other characters grabbing the spotlight, reading this book made me feel so much Sinners of Saint nostalgia it was ridiculous. It made me want to break out my books and do a total series reread! I lived for all of the glimpses we got of the OG series' characters, and I'm happy that they played a role in this story. I hope that continues in the books to come.
Overall, this is a phenomenal first book in this highly anticipated series! It made me happy, sad, angry, and every emotion in between. Leigh's writing is fantastic! She makes me live her stories. Instead of watching the characters go through motions, I become them. It's just one of the reasons, she is one of my favorite authors. I could go on and on about her brilliance, but I'll spare you the love letter. Lol
If you're a fan of L. J. Shen, pick this one up now! There is no doubt in my mind that you'll love it! For a Sinners reader, this is not to be missed! Even if you haven't read her yet, (aside from OMG, what are you waiting for?!?! LOL) if angsty new adult romance is your thing, this one's for you!
It's no secret that I regard Vicious as the best asshole hero ever written and every other book from his creator pure magic. Leigh is my unicorn, and I knew she had it in her to make another series as phenomenal as the Sinner's of Saint. This first book showcases that fact perfectly. It's intriguing, emotional, heart warming, angsty, hot, nostalgic, and absolutely beautiful. Daria and Penn together made me feel all of the emotions! Their banter, their intensity, their understanding of one another on the deepest level, and the sexual chemistry between them is everything!
Daria is a heroine unlike any the author has written before. Her name is well-known around her school, but not for good reason. Petty, stuck up, mean girl, brat, spoiled, and entitled are all things that her peers would categorize her as. Not many people take the time to dig any deeper than her seemingly shallow surface. Penn does though, and that's why he deserves the treasure underneath the bullshit.
With every book I read, I always ask myself if the hero or heroine deserves their partner. Do they put their partner before themselves? Do they appreciate them? Do they love them for who they are no matter their imperfections? Do they make them better people? Does their love for them show through everything? The answer to those questions here is yes and not just for Penn.
Though I absolutely loved him, Daria blew my expectations of her out of the water. She was willing to give up everything and upend her whole life to do right by the boy she loves. If that isn't true love, I don't know what is. She's not just some stereotypical self-centered cheerleader with the depth of a kiddie pool. When she truly cares for someone, she is compassionate, caring, and shockingly selfless. Daria may not be easy to love, but she's 100 percent worth the trouble.
I couldn't conclude this review without talking about Vaughn and Knight! They may have been side characters in this installment, but when they were on the page, they damn near stole the show. In fact, Knight made me laugh out loud more than once. He is fucking hilarious, charming, a good friend to Daria and Vaughn, and super sweet when it comes to Luna. Vaughn intrigued the shit out of me from the first mention of his name. I can't wait to peel back all of his layers and find out who he really is. All I know for sure is he's hot af! A tortured, mysterious artist that loves to beat the shit out of people in the ring? Hell yes! I need his book now!!
Speaking of other characters grabbing the spotlight, reading this book made me feel so much Sinners of Saint nostalgia it was ridiculous. It made me want to break out my books and do a total series reread! I lived for all of the glimpses we got of the OG series' characters, and I'm happy that they played a role in this story. I hope that continues in the books to come.
Overall, this is a phenomenal first book in this highly anticipated series! It made me happy, sad, angry, and every emotion in between. Leigh's writing is fantastic! She makes me live her stories. Instead of watching the characters go through motions, I become them. It's just one of the reasons, she is one of my favorite authors. I could go on and on about her brilliance, but I'll spare you the love letter. Lol
If you're a fan of L. J. Shen, pick this one up now! There is no doubt in my mind that you'll love it! For a Sinners reader, this is not to be missed! Even if you haven't read her yet, (aside from OMG, what are you waiting for?!?! LOL) if angsty new adult romance is your thing, this one's for you!
April 18, 2025
Content and Trigger Warnings: talk of drug addiction, talk of overdose, loss of a loved one, an inappropriate relationship between a student and principle, abandonment, underage drinking, a lot of talk of food and body image that could very triggering, fat shaming, mention of rape in the past (a teenager and an adult, too), a lot of grey area cheating with miscommunication, a blood pact that requires them to cut their palms, a few tasteless jokes about mental health, assault, physical abuse, violence, sex work shaming, very brief mention of a dog dying, a racial slur that was in a negative light, and a lot of questionable (and gross) things about race and ethnicity that made me feel uncomfortable.
I read this for #smutathon, which is hosted by Lainey & Riley! ❤
April 29, 2019
this new generation is even worse than their parents. :/
April 24, 2019
This book! I am reeling. This was the ultimate binge read. It’s dramatic, it's sexy, it's twisty and dark and so intoxicating you won’t be able to put it down! I'm obsessed. Obsessed with every detail of the story. I LIVE for books that make you feel big, deep, delicious feels, and I LOVE it when a novel has a twist you don't see coming. This was one of those books, and I ate up every word. I devoured it, and I can't get it enough. I seriously ADORE LJ Shen's writing and this world she has created. I want to be one of her characters and have one of these heroes as my own. THEY ARE EVERYTHING. THIS STORY IS EVERYTHING. And I'm crazy in LOVE.
SOOOOOOO. CRAZYYYYYYY. IN. LOVE.
God! It's magical. BEYOND! When you go into this you might not be expecting the deepest story but what you get leaves your jaw hanging open. I was stunned at the turn of events in this book. And I LOVED the whole enemies to lovers / bully storyline. Both Penn and Daria have so much heart, so much sass, so much SOUL. I adored these two! But I have to say that Daria STOLE MY HEART COMPLETELY. That girl... OMG. I fell head over heels for her. She's so much snark and bite and fire and ice, a tough girl that hides the softest, sweetest heart. She made me ache all over. And Penn... what a dreamy jerk. LOL. You'll be so enamored with him.
There's major chemistry between our hero (poor kid / football captain at a rival school) and heroine (rich girl / head cheerleader) and this story get super steamy. Daria and Penn have history before he moves into her house. The basic plot rundown is this:
Daria and Penn meet, thus creating a backstory.
It goes bad super FAST.
Penn ends up HATING Daria.
They come together later when Jaime and Mel do something crazy and take Penn in (there's a big story to why they do this).
And then ... SPARKS, FIRE, AND JUICY GOODNESS ensues.
There's tons of back and forth. Lots of biting, witty dialogue. A mountain of feels. More twists and turns. Drama, drama, drama, and more drama. And it's so addictive and so magic, you guys. To say I loved it would be an understatement. I'm crazy about this book! I went into it unsure what to expect but it turned out to be MORE than I ever thought it would. It's was so BEYOND good. And seeing the crew-- Dean, Jaime, Vic and Trent again, brought me PURE joy! What a read. I'm giddy over it. I can't wait for more. CANNOT FREAKING WAIT. 5 stars.
SOOOOOOO. CRAZYYYYYYY. IN. LOVE.
God! It's magical. BEYOND! When you go into this you might not be expecting the deepest story but what you get leaves your jaw hanging open. I was stunned at the turn of events in this book. And I LOVED the whole enemies to lovers / bully storyline. Both Penn and Daria have so much heart, so much sass, so much SOUL. I adored these two! But I have to say that Daria STOLE MY HEART COMPLETELY. That girl... OMG. I fell head over heels for her. She's so much snark and bite and fire and ice, a tough girl that hides the softest, sweetest heart. She made me ache all over. And Penn... what a dreamy jerk. LOL. You'll be so enamored with him.
There's major chemistry between our hero (poor kid / football captain at a rival school) and heroine (rich girl / head cheerleader) and this story get super steamy. Daria and Penn have history before he moves into her house. The basic plot rundown is this:
Daria and Penn meet, thus creating a backstory.
It goes bad super FAST.
Penn ends up HATING Daria.
They come together later when Jaime and Mel do something crazy and take Penn in (there's a big story to why they do this).
And then ... SPARKS, FIRE, AND JUICY GOODNESS ensues.
There's tons of back and forth. Lots of biting, witty dialogue. A mountain of feels. More twists and turns. Drama, drama, drama, and more drama. And it's so addictive and so magic, you guys. To say I loved it would be an understatement. I'm crazy about this book! I went into it unsure what to expect but it turned out to be MORE than I ever thought it would. It's was so BEYOND good. And seeing the crew-- Dean, Jaime, Vic and Trent again, brought me PURE joy! What a read. I'm giddy over it. I can't wait for more. CANNOT FREAKING WAIT. 5 stars.
April 27, 2019
Pretty Reckless. WOW. I legitimately swooned all the mf swoons and cried all the damn tears!
I was beyond excited to get to dive back into the All Saints world I know and love, but this wasn’t just the YA HotHoles 2.0 version, this was even better! These kids are meaner, more entitled, and the last time they gave any f*cks was probably 2015. Maybe. The drama is still there and more captivating than ever. And no one conjures up drama better than the Queen B herself, Daria Followhill.
Daria is a spoiled, entitled, poor little rich girl with plenty of sins hidden just beneath her perfectly polished surface. She’s straight up wicked and manipulative, but through L.J Shen’s expert storytelling she’s also vulnerable and even endearing. And oh my god don’t even get me started on Penn! He may not technically be a Tot-Hole, but he’s 100% sinner. Penn and Daria have all the magic of previous Shen couples with an added freshness that makes them irresistible and memorable.
Pretty Reckless lived up to my expectations and then promptly blasted them out of water. There was plenty of angst, sizzling passion, so much drama it made The CW jealous, and a flood of feels big enough to cancel out the California drought. Buckle up people, the new Sinners are here and they don’t play. All. The. Stars.
I was beyond excited to get to dive back into the All Saints world I know and love, but this wasn’t just the YA HotHoles 2.0 version, this was even better! These kids are meaner, more entitled, and the last time they gave any f*cks was probably 2015. Maybe. The drama is still there and more captivating than ever. And no one conjures up drama better than the Queen B herself, Daria Followhill.
Daria is a spoiled, entitled, poor little rich girl with plenty of sins hidden just beneath her perfectly polished surface. She’s straight up wicked and manipulative, but through L.J Shen’s expert storytelling she’s also vulnerable and even endearing. And oh my god don’t even get me started on Penn! He may not technically be a Tot-Hole, but he’s 100% sinner. Penn and Daria have all the magic of previous Shen couples with an added freshness that makes them irresistible and memorable.
Pretty Reckless lived up to my expectations and then promptly blasted them out of water. There was plenty of angst, sizzling passion, so much drama it made The CW jealous, and a flood of feels big enough to cancel out the California drought. Buckle up people, the new Sinners are here and they don’t play. All. The. Stars.
April 29, 2019
Too little time, too many books. DNF @ Hesawhernakedonhisfirstdayatthehousepage. 🙄.
July 18, 2023
Ahhhh. First love!
Sometimes it’s so nostalgic to read a high school love story. It reminds me of my crush on Jordan Catalano and the first time he kissed me in his car when he gave me a ride home from school. Oops, that wasn’t me, that was Angela Chase... But I was still crushing on Jordan right along with her.
This book gave me that kind of feeling. The main character Daria has a major crush on Penn ever since he kissed her outside of her dance class when she was 14. However, she had done something terrible and he hated her for it, so despite going to different schools, she was a cheerleader and he, a football star so she avoided him whenever they were near each other.
Until his mother passes away on his birthday and his stepfather throws him out. Daria’s parents take him in and Penn swears revenge on Daria. Daria is sort of misunderstood, in that she is often a victim, but when cornered, instead of trying to explain herself or tell people what is going on with her, she lashes out viscously. She ends up hurting people and then feels tremendous guilt for her actions.
Daria has strange ways of dealing with the guilt and nobody really understands her, even her family. They don’t even try, except maybe her Dad. Until Penn begins to try. He then starts to see her in ways nobody else does, and he sees how other people treat her when nobody else seems to care.
I couldn’t put the book down and I really liked some of her friends, Vaughn, who is the son of Vicious will probably have a good story. He is quite the man-whore but also is a fighter and an artist who is very selective about his friends. Knight is another friend of Daria’s who looked out for her as much as possible, though she didn’t let him see the real her. He is the son of Dean and is a cool guy so I hope he gets a book as well.
I read this book 4 years ago and loved it and did a re-read via audiobook today. I liked it just as much. This one says a lot about making mistakes and being forgiven. Daria did some horrible things but turned out to be a character that you had to feel for. The audiobook was narrated by Angela Goethals and Michael Crouch. Angela was absolutely perfect for Daria. She had just the right tone and sounded exactly like the princess who was sarcastic, damaged and a mean girl. It couldn’t have been done better.
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Sometimes it’s so nostalgic to read a high school love story. It reminds me of my crush on Jordan Catalano and the first time he kissed me in his car when he gave me a ride home from school. Oops, that wasn’t me, that was Angela Chase... But I was still crushing on Jordan right along with her.
This book gave me that kind of feeling. The main character Daria has a major crush on Penn ever since he kissed her outside of her dance class when she was 14. However, she had done something terrible and he hated her for it, so despite going to different schools, she was a cheerleader and he, a football star so she avoided him whenever they were near each other.
Until his mother passes away on his birthday and his stepfather throws him out. Daria’s parents take him in and Penn swears revenge on Daria. Daria is sort of misunderstood, in that she is often a victim, but when cornered, instead of trying to explain herself or tell people what is going on with her, she lashes out viscously. She ends up hurting people and then feels tremendous guilt for her actions.
Daria has strange ways of dealing with the guilt and nobody really understands her, even her family. They don’t even try, except maybe her Dad. Until Penn begins to try. He then starts to see her in ways nobody else does, and he sees how other people treat her when nobody else seems to care.
I couldn’t put the book down and I really liked some of her friends, Vaughn, who is the son of Vicious will probably have a good story. He is quite the man-whore but also is a fighter and an artist who is very selective about his friends. Knight is another friend of Daria’s who looked out for her as much as possible, though she didn’t let him see the real her. He is the son of Dean and is a cool guy so I hope he gets a book as well.
I read this book 4 years ago and loved it and did a re-read via audiobook today. I liked it just as much. This one says a lot about making mistakes and being forgiven. Daria did some horrible things but turned out to be a character that you had to feel for. The audiobook was narrated by Angela Goethals and Michael Crouch. Angela was absolutely perfect for Daria. She had just the right tone and sounded exactly like the princess who was sarcastic, damaged and a mean girl. It couldn’t have been done better.
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dnf
October 22, 2020DNF @ 17ish%
I messed up and forgot about some of my friends updates for this when I decided to jump in. I got to the ridiculous "I got his pencil and masturbated with it for revenge" scene and decided to call it quits.
I think, sadly, this was a failed attempt at duplicating Vicious. There were a few things that along with that cringeworthy scene ^^ really didn't work for me and made me put it on my did not finish shelf:
- The fact that we know why the H hates the h ruins the intrigue that we had in Vicious where it remained a mystery.
- The reason he hates her is just dumb IMO (but I think I remember having that issue with Vicious too 🤔).
- I didn't find either mc likable. The h was a fake and bratty girl, and the H was dumb in his grudge. I also found the fact that the h's parents were characters in the other series (that this is a spin-off from) surprising. I never read Defy because it was too short for my preference, but I definitely don't want to now! This just paints both of them in a horrible light and does not make me want to jump in and read about their story tbh.
I know many readers still loved this and I might not have given it enough of a chance, but I didn't feel like continuing on when I have SO many books in my (ever-expanding) tbr list 🤷🏻♀️
I messed up and forgot about some of my friends updates for this when I decided to jump in. I got to the ridiculous "I got his pencil and masturbated with it for revenge" scene and decided to call it quits.
I think, sadly, this was a failed attempt at duplicating Vicious. There were a few things that along with that cringeworthy scene ^^ really didn't work for me and made me put it on my did not finish shelf:
- The fact that we know why the H hates the h ruins the intrigue that we had in Vicious where it remained a mystery.
- The reason he hates her is just dumb IMO (but I think I remember having that issue with Vicious too 🤔).
- I didn't find either mc likable. The h was a fake and bratty girl, and the H was dumb in his grudge. I also found the fact that the h's parents were characters in the other series (that this is a spin-off from) surprising. I never read Defy because it was too short for my preference, but I definitely don't want to now! This just paints both of them in a horrible light and does not make me want to jump in and read about their story tbh.
I know many readers still loved this and I might not have given it enough of a chance, but I didn't feel like continuing on when I have SO many books in my (ever-expanding) tbr list 🤷🏻♀️
May 3, 2019
"It started with a lemonade And ended with my heart
This, my pretty reckless rival, is how our screwed-up story starts"
When life gives you lemons, your heart turns acidic. Simple.
"Totholes--children of Hotholes"
And so the new generation replaces the older ones. Judging by the first book, the parents are going to have their hands full. Daria Fallowhill is a spoiled little princess, baby daughter of Dean & Melody and it's her misfortune she goes to the same school her parents hooked up in, so it's a chip on her shoulder. Add to the fact that she feels invisible, her chips keep piling on till the burden becomes unbearable.
Penn Scully is the brother of Via, the Prima Ballerina in the making and bane of Daria's existence
The story is very sharp and cutting edge.
In viciousness and venom, it seems to upstage Hotholes.
Let's see how it progresses when other Totholes join the lot.
4 stars if you guess who's the Hideous Monster
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This, my pretty reckless rival, is how our screwed-up story starts"
When life gives you lemons, your heart turns acidic. Simple.
"Totholes--children of Hotholes"
And so the new generation replaces the older ones. Judging by the first book, the parents are going to have their hands full. Daria Fallowhill is a spoiled little princess, baby daughter of Dean & Melody and it's her misfortune she goes to the same school her parents hooked up in, so it's a chip on her shoulder. Add to the fact that she feels invisible, her chips keep piling on till the burden becomes unbearable.
Penn Scully is the brother of Via, the Prima Ballerina in the making and bane of Daria's existence
The story is very sharp and cutting edge.
In viciousness and venom, it seems to upstage Hotholes.
Let's see how it progresses when other Totholes join the lot.
4 stars if you guess who's the Hideous Monster
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
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May 14, 2019
We ruined ourselves the day of our first kiss.
To say this was different and brimming with a WHOLE LOT OF ANGSTINESS, is putting it mildly.
This is my first read by this author and really enjoyed the originality of her writing.
Of course, I went in completely blind and suggest you do the same. I will tell you though, this is a YA read, as the characters are seniors in high school.
Revenge is the main theme in this storyline, and wow, is it is given out in spades. A right side of the railroad tracks vs. the wrong side.
As far as I can tell, this is a spin-off series featuring the children of the cast of characters in this author’s “Sinners of Saint,” but it didn’t matter that I had not read those books.
I am anxious for the next release in this series, for sure!
SHOUT OUT to romance lovers of angst filled pages ... Don’t hesitate to pick this one up!!
September 24, 2020
So he asked her to save all her firsts times to him after he stole her first kiss, ok I could accepted that BUT HEY after that kiss episode when they were fourteen we pass foward four years and she remains a virgin while he has already fucked four girs FUCK YOU AUTHOR AND THESE SHIT DOUBLE STANDARTS
Ok I fucking hate that he hooks up with a lot of girls and fucks four of them and the last one was the night he saw a the heroine for the first time in four years, which is the day his mother died but his mother was nothing to him and the girl he fucks attends Daria school and is also a cheerleader.
I hate when after he goes to her house and is living there and they already kissed three times (bathroom, Ferris wheel and at school) and took a shower together (without any sex) the first time he goes down on her he has love bites in his neck but there is no other mention about who did it. UGH
FUCKING HATE DOUBLE STANDARTS SO IF THE AUTHOR WANNA MAKE PEEN ASKS DARIA TO SAVE HIM ALL HER FIRSTS TIMES HE AT LEAST MUST DO THE SAME AHHHHHHHH I loathed the fact that she was being abused for four years by her principal (no touching but still a crime) while he is fucking around and she remains a fucking virgin and considers kissing a big deal FOR FUCKS SAKE SHE IS A BAD GIRL SO DO ME A FAVOR AND LET THE BAD GIRL GOES BAD
He is a fucking asshole and although she is a mean girl she still deserves a guy who appreciates her
He lets her believe that he has a girlfriend and a daughter but is not true
After he dumps her because of his sister without zero consideration towards her feelings and after all the drama when he tells her he loves her but she goes away (not god enought she should have gone away and fuck others, date a little while he suffers for her alone without knowing where she is):
“I want Penn more than I want my next breath. I just don’t know if I’m good enough for him, and I can’t risk hurting him one more time.” GIRL COME ON HE IS AN UNFAITHFUL ASSHOLE WHO NEVER APPRECIATED YOU
They see each other again one semester later because she went to the city where he intends to go to college eww please at least try to get over him. But he really consider trowing everything away and go looking for her which is not enough but good:
And just like that, she’s in my car. As I throw it into drive, it occurs to me that she hasn’t been here before. I never took her places. I never made an effort, period. I took the sea glass necklace, then her virginity, then taunted her about both before completely dumping her upon Via’s request. Throughout, she thought I was messing around with Adriana. But I’ve never messed with Addy.
See how he is a piece of shit who never appreciated her and even throws at her face the fact he never refuses a kiss from him ugh hate him
And now the bullshit she says after he asks her to promise to give herself to him while he does the same:
“I promise,” comes the weakest, faintest voice I’ve ever heard. “I promise I am strong and good enough for you, and I want the rest of your secret. I want all your secrets. This past semester was horrible without you. How did I ever even live without you in my life? Bizarre.”
She is no only good enough she is too fucking good even though she is a bad girl because trust me he is worst and this authors never a writes about good people
Now to prove my point of double standers and him being unfaithful he goes and says that the nickname he uses for him since the first time they talked was based in a conversation with his grandma when he understands that skull eyes is the love of his life but he still fuck others
“Every time you called me that, you really called me the love of your life?” she asks quietly. I smile. “Now she is following. Where have you been this semester, Skull Eyes?”
Ps: he uses holes in all his shirts where the heart is and this is so fucking ridiculous that prevented me for being too mad abut this awful book showing because it showed how much of a bullshit this story is
Ok I fucking hate that he hooks up with a lot of girls and fucks four of them and the last one was the night he saw a the heroine for the first time in four years, which is the day his mother died but his mother was nothing to him and the girl he fucks attends Daria school and is also a cheerleader.
I hate when after he goes to her house and is living there and they already kissed three times (bathroom, Ferris wheel and at school) and took a shower together (without any sex) the first time he goes down on her he has love bites in his neck but there is no other mention about who did it. UGH
FUCKING HATE DOUBLE STANDARTS SO IF THE AUTHOR WANNA MAKE PEEN ASKS DARIA TO SAVE HIM ALL HER FIRSTS TIMES HE AT LEAST MUST DO THE SAME AHHHHHHHH I loathed the fact that she was being abused for four years by her principal (no touching but still a crime) while he is fucking around and she remains a fucking virgin and considers kissing a big deal FOR FUCKS SAKE SHE IS A BAD GIRL SO DO ME A FAVOR AND LET THE BAD GIRL GOES BAD
He is a fucking asshole and although she is a mean girl she still deserves a guy who appreciates her
He lets her believe that he has a girlfriend and a daughter but is not true
After he dumps her because of his sister without zero consideration towards her feelings and after all the drama when he tells her he loves her but she goes away (not god enought she should have gone away and fuck others, date a little while he suffers for her alone without knowing where she is):
“I want Penn more than I want my next breath. I just don’t know if I’m good enough for him, and I can’t risk hurting him one more time.” GIRL COME ON HE IS AN UNFAITHFUL ASSHOLE WHO NEVER APPRECIATED YOU
They see each other again one semester later because she went to the city where he intends to go to college eww please at least try to get over him. But he really consider trowing everything away and go looking for her which is not enough but good:
And just like that, she’s in my car. As I throw it into drive, it occurs to me that she hasn’t been here before. I never took her places. I never made an effort, period. I took the sea glass necklace, then her virginity, then taunted her about both before completely dumping her upon Via’s request. Throughout, she thought I was messing around with Adriana. But I’ve never messed with Addy.
See how he is a piece of shit who never appreciated her and even throws at her face the fact he never refuses a kiss from him ugh hate him
And now the bullshit she says after he asks her to promise to give herself to him while he does the same:
“I promise,” comes the weakest, faintest voice I’ve ever heard. “I promise I am strong and good enough for you, and I want the rest of your secret. I want all your secrets. This past semester was horrible without you. How did I ever even live without you in my life? Bizarre.”
She is no only good enough she is too fucking good even though she is a bad girl because trust me he is worst and this authors never a writes about good people
Now to prove my point of double standers and him being unfaithful he goes and says that the nickname he uses for him since the first time they talked was based in a conversation with his grandma when he understands that skull eyes is the love of his life but he still fuck others
“Every time you called me that, you really called me the love of your life?” she asks quietly. I smile. “Now she is following. Where have you been this semester, Skull Eyes?”
Ps: he uses holes in all his shirts where the heart is and this is so fucking ridiculous that prevented me for being too mad abut this awful book showing because it showed how much of a bullshit this story is
April 22, 2019
Pretty Reckless gave us everything that our hearts were so desperately craving from this author’s writing. Pulsing pain from betrayals that you never saw coming, a crack in our armor for the confidence that we thought we had and that we were going to come out of this story unscathed and not fall head over heels for these characters. If it’s one thing that I have learned over the years when it come to Leigh Shen, is to NEVER underestimate this woman. After all, there’s a new queen bee in town….
Being rich and popular is nothing new for the most loved and envious girl at All Saints High. Daria Followhill plays by her own rules and if you don’t like it, kindly see yourself out of the game or be forced to limp out of her orbit with one less Prada shoe. It takes a lot to stay on top and when everyone wants your crown, being basic,is not going to cut it. They say the greatest downfall is the one you never see coming and Daria is in for one heck of a ride.
Four years ago Penn took a chance on someone whom he knew was too good for him. But did that stop him from whispering five words to a girl he barely knew? Luck has never been on his side but fate sure has so when an incident forces him to look at the source of a betrayal, he takes it with open arms. After all, Penn wants nothing more than to have the girl who started a chain reaction to the number one complication in his life, be at his own mercy.
I have to say that as much as I was anticipating this nothing could’ve still prepared me for Daria. This chick was a straight up BEOTCH but I loved her!! Yes I really and I mean really wanted to wrap my hands around her fictional throat a time or two, but you know what I loved about her? She showed heart and she came at you with everything she had. Her motives always had an endgame whether it was good or bad but you loved her for it. You embraced her wicked ways and you admired her strength because bad girl or not, she did things her own way.
With sizzling chemistry, witty banter that could’ve been categorized as foreplay, and characters that you love to hate, Pretty Reckless will have you wishing for more. More drama, more angst, more heartbreak, just MORE!!
April 19, 2019
That's it, Pretty Reckless is my top read of 2019! Hell maybe of all time! It has everything I need in a book. Angst, pain, drama. A strong heroine (that some may hate to love, but I adore her). A hot, broken alpha male. Push and an undeniable pull!
She presumably has everything, but appearances are deceitful. He comes from nothing and has to make his own way.
There are so many twists and turns. Nothing is predictable. Heart stopping, oh my 'Marx' moments! It was everything I wanted it to be. Everything I craved and everything I knew Leigh Shen would bring.
I was dying to read this book. I'm so grateful for the experience of these characters! Getting to see the hotholes grown up was an awesome bonus, but the totholes can hold their own.
Gah, now I'll just be not so patiently waiting for the next books in the series! Vaughn, Knight and Luna! Yes please!
Trust me, this book is worth every penny, every second, every bit of sanity as you dive into their world and one of the things I LOVE about this author is you can truly get lost in her hauntingly beautiful words. The experience is magical. I couldn't put it down and had to force myself to slow down and savor it. And now I'm settling in from a book hangover from hell because it was just that good!
She presumably has everything, but appearances are deceitful. He comes from nothing and has to make his own way.
There are so many twists and turns. Nothing is predictable. Heart stopping, oh my 'Marx' moments! It was everything I wanted it to be. Everything I craved and everything I knew Leigh Shen would bring.
I was dying to read this book. I'm so grateful for the experience of these characters! Getting to see the hotholes grown up was an awesome bonus, but the totholes can hold their own.
Gah, now I'll just be not so patiently waiting for the next books in the series! Vaughn, Knight and Luna! Yes please!
Trust me, this book is worth every penny, every second, every bit of sanity as you dive into their world and one of the things I LOVE about this author is you can truly get lost in her hauntingly beautiful words. The experience is magical. I couldn't put it down and had to force myself to slow down and savor it. And now I'm settling in from a book hangover from hell because it was just that good!
April 26, 2019
Just W.O.W.! This book spoke to my inner teen. So much angst, so little time. I don’t know how she does it, but each book this woman writes is better than the last!
Penn and Daria stole my heart. These two have some issues, but had each other’s backs throughout. Daria brings the mean girls mentality to a whole new level. But when you are left feeling invisible and let down time and time again by the same people that are meant to show up for you, protect your heart and not smash it, walls are built. You form that icy shell so your cracked heart won’t get broken.
“I’m Daria Followhill. Cheer captain. Rich Bitch. Little Miss Popular.”
Penn came from the wrong side of town and believed himself the “tin man”. But nothing was further from the truth if you were someone he cared about. One simple act at age fourteen changed him forever. It turned the girl he was falling for into his enemy. The only thing left for him to do is ruin her like she ruined him.
“You poured misery into me. Let it simmer for a while and now it is time for you to taste what you’ve created.”
Until he really saw her and became the one person who would always have her back.
“You are the fucking equation, I want to yell in her face. The riddle and the answer and the numbers within it. You’re math. You make sense.”
The way they loved each other was pure. Innocent yet ferocious at the same time. I caught feelings for them both. I loved them at their worst, cheered them on when they were most vulnerable, and swooned when the love was too much to be contained.
“You were never a drizzle, Penn Scully. When I fell for you, you were hail.”
Their story was a throwback to a time when everything was life or death and when there was no drama or angst it wasn’t a normal day. Survival of the fittest so to speak. You later figure out that sometimes not everything is as it seems.
I also LOVED getting to see into the lives of the other Totholes. Vaughn was ohhhhh so yummy (like father like son) and completely MINE! Hands off Tijuana! His book will be interesting. He has a tortured artist vibe going on. I’ll be anxious see who ends up bringing him to his knees.
“Vaughn has the ability to hang out with perfectly sane girls and turn them into bunny-boilers.”
I fell a little in love with Luna in this book. OK A LOT! She is just Luna. So sweet she will rot your teeth and so real that you just can’t help but fall in love with her. And Knight…Lawd help me with this beautiful cocky boy. I need both of their books like I need air. Who will they end up with? I can't wait to find out.
“She’s trapped in her own little universe. She is the sun, and he is earth. Always circling around her, getting an inch closer every lifetime, even though the burn could ruin him.” Daria said of Luna and Knight.
So there it is. This book consumed me and left me wanting more. Never wanting it to end, wanting one more glimpse into these characters that have completely come to life in my head.
Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here
Penn and Daria stole my heart. These two have some issues, but had each other’s backs throughout. Daria brings the mean girls mentality to a whole new level. But when you are left feeling invisible and let down time and time again by the same people that are meant to show up for you, protect your heart and not smash it, walls are built. You form that icy shell so your cracked heart won’t get broken.
“I’m Daria Followhill. Cheer captain. Rich Bitch. Little Miss Popular.”
Penn came from the wrong side of town and believed himself the “tin man”. But nothing was further from the truth if you were someone he cared about. One simple act at age fourteen changed him forever. It turned the girl he was falling for into his enemy. The only thing left for him to do is ruin her like she ruined him.
“You poured misery into me. Let it simmer for a while and now it is time for you to taste what you’ve created.”
Until he really saw her and became the one person who would always have her back.
“You are the fucking equation, I want to yell in her face. The riddle and the answer and the numbers within it. You’re math. You make sense.”
The way they loved each other was pure. Innocent yet ferocious at the same time. I caught feelings for them both. I loved them at their worst, cheered them on when they were most vulnerable, and swooned when the love was too much to be contained.
“You were never a drizzle, Penn Scully. When I fell for you, you were hail.”
Their story was a throwback to a time when everything was life or death and when there was no drama or angst it wasn’t a normal day. Survival of the fittest so to speak. You later figure out that sometimes not everything is as it seems.
I also LOVED getting to see into the lives of the other Totholes. Vaughn was ohhhhh so yummy (like father like son) and completely MINE! Hands off Tijuana! His book will be interesting. He has a tortured artist vibe going on. I’ll be anxious see who ends up bringing him to his knees.
“Vaughn has the ability to hang out with perfectly sane girls and turn them into bunny-boilers.”
I fell a little in love with Luna in this book. OK A LOT! She is just Luna. So sweet she will rot your teeth and so real that you just can’t help but fall in love with her. And Knight…Lawd help me with this beautiful cocky boy. I need both of their books like I need air. Who will they end up with? I can't wait to find out.
“She’s trapped in her own little universe. She is the sun, and he is earth. Always circling around her, getting an inch closer every lifetime, even though the burn could ruin him.” Daria said of Luna and Knight.
So there it is. This book consumed me and left me wanting more. Never wanting it to end, wanting one more glimpse into these characters that have completely come to life in my head.
Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here
July 4, 2023
OH MY MARX
For the first time, I found myself staring at my computer screen in silence, struggling to write a review. Yes, I was super excited to read Pretty Reckless , Yes I freaking love the covers, Yes I am a big fan of LJ Shen’s words BUT this time it was different. Don’t get me wrong it was not different bad… it was a different that left me speechless and in awe.
Love is so contaminated. It tarnishes all that is beautiful and corrupts the soul. Love is so much uglier than hate because when you hate, you’re not confused. When you’re in love, you’re dumb.
This is the reason why my words will fail me for this review, because there are no words that could really describe what this book meant to me. I have been thoroughly touched on so many emotional levels by the story of Pretty Reckless.
If you believe that LJ Shen writing YA means that her words and her story are going to be an easy and sexy read about two young characters, you could not be more wrong.
The author knocked me off my feet and made me fall madly in love with this angst, emotional and heart wrenching story….. and as I kept reading I was stunned by the depth of this epic tale.
Pretty Reckless drew me in like a drug. LJ Shen is a seriously addictive writer. I don't know what it is she has, but it's the kind of magic that compels you to read on after every chapter.
The author throws you into two different worlds that are so unique : On one side you have All Saints High on the other side you have Las Juntas. On one side you have the Totholes and on the other side you have the parents...
Daria Followhill is Miss Popular
Daris Followhill is the girl that every girl wants to be
Daria Followhill is the girl that every guy wants to be seen with
Daria Followhill …. Everyone always talks behind her back about how much they hate her, even though everyone secretly wishes they were her friend.
Daria Followhill has the power until she met Penn Scully.
There’s some relief in this pain I’m feeling. It reminds me that despite my bitchy ways, I’m still capable of hurting for someone else.
That moment, their encounter was simultaneously gut wrenching and beautiful.
Penn Scully is perfectly imperfect, he is extremely handsome but he has walls, barriers…
His love for his twin sister Via is unconditional, his loyalty for his friends/teammates inspirational but everything changes the moment he met SKULL EYES….
They meet again four years later and they couldn’t be more different on the outside,
Penn’s eyes remind me of a snake. Mesmerizing but inhuman altogether. They weren’t like that before.
but when you really take a good look at them- they’re more alike than you would think. They bring out the best in each other and the worse. It was more than just desire and lust between them. It went deeper than that. They had an exceptional connection.
They understood each other
They respected each other
“You’re Saturn,” she whispers. “Made of iron-nickel and surrounded by protective rings of ice and rock.”
But do they deserve an HEA? Can they get it without any sacrifices or collateral damages?
Mental and emotional connections are always so much more powerful and this is why when you read Pretty Reckless .........
You shut off the world and embraced theirs. Penn and Daria are in a class of their own. The words just grabbed me and pulled me in so deep that even the thought of ever resurfacing never entered my mind. There was just so much emotion in the pages of this book that it was so hard not to feel them.
I rooted for them from page one but I knew that it was going to be a hell of a ride. Being in the world of the Hotholes again, was sinfully good. Vaughn, Knight, Luna and Daria love each other hard and this transpires in Pretty Reckless.
Some books will leave a mark on you not only because they made you cried or made you laugh until it hurts, but because you felt something as you were reading it and that feeling would never leave you forever.
Pretty Reckless left that kind of mark in me.
It made me cry and made my heart ache. As a teacher , I come across Darias and Penns on a daily basis but most importantly, I come across parents that struggle to get it right for their child despite their best efforts. I come across parents that do not know their child when we talk about them and very often say to me “ We do not talk, she comes homes and goes to her room, we know nothing” It will be the easy option to blame them for their parental skills and the author has portrayed this PERFECTLY- essentially through MEL. LJ Shen is one of the most eloquent authors I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Pretty Reckless is so much more than a love story. It’s packed with important life lessons. It’s real, raw and moving … because it reminds us all that even when the world seems to be throwing one bad thing after another at us, there’s always someone out there going through a rough patch too and looking for the light.
Daria Followhill is magic and is hail, she is without a shadow of a doubt my favourite heroine.
*Arc provided for an honest review
For the first time, I found myself staring at my computer screen in silence, struggling to write a review. Yes, I was super excited to read Pretty Reckless , Yes I freaking love the covers, Yes I am a big fan of LJ Shen’s words BUT this time it was different. Don’t get me wrong it was not different bad… it was a different that left me speechless and in awe.
Love is so contaminated. It tarnishes all that is beautiful and corrupts the soul. Love is so much uglier than hate because when you hate, you’re not confused. When you’re in love, you’re dumb.
This is the reason why my words will fail me for this review, because there are no words that could really describe what this book meant to me. I have been thoroughly touched on so many emotional levels by the story of Pretty Reckless.
If you believe that LJ Shen writing YA means that her words and her story are going to be an easy and sexy read about two young characters, you could not be more wrong.
The author knocked me off my feet and made me fall madly in love with this angst, emotional and heart wrenching story….. and as I kept reading I was stunned by the depth of this epic tale.
Pretty Reckless drew me in like a drug. LJ Shen is a seriously addictive writer. I don't know what it is she has, but it's the kind of magic that compels you to read on after every chapter.
The author throws you into two different worlds that are so unique : On one side you have All Saints High on the other side you have Las Juntas. On one side you have the Totholes and on the other side you have the parents...
Daria Followhill is Miss Popular
Daris Followhill is the girl that every girl wants to be
Daria Followhill is the girl that every guy wants to be seen with
Daria Followhill …. Everyone always talks behind her back about how much they hate her, even though everyone secretly wishes they were her friend.
Daria Followhill has the power until she met Penn Scully.
There’s some relief in this pain I’m feeling. It reminds me that despite my bitchy ways, I’m still capable of hurting for someone else.
That moment, their encounter was simultaneously gut wrenching and beautiful.
Penn Scully is perfectly imperfect, he is extremely handsome but he has walls, barriers…
His love for his twin sister Via is unconditional, his loyalty for his friends/teammates inspirational but everything changes the moment he met SKULL EYES….
They meet again four years later and they couldn’t be more different on the outside,
Penn’s eyes remind me of a snake. Mesmerizing but inhuman altogether. They weren’t like that before.
but when you really take a good look at them- they’re more alike than you would think. They bring out the best in each other and the worse. It was more than just desire and lust between them. It went deeper than that. They had an exceptional connection.
They understood each other
They respected each other
“You’re Saturn,” she whispers. “Made of iron-nickel and surrounded by protective rings of ice and rock.”
But do they deserve an HEA? Can they get it without any sacrifices or collateral damages?
Mental and emotional connections are always so much more powerful and this is why when you read Pretty Reckless .........
You shut off the world and embraced theirs. Penn and Daria are in a class of their own. The words just grabbed me and pulled me in so deep that even the thought of ever resurfacing never entered my mind. There was just so much emotion in the pages of this book that it was so hard not to feel them.
I rooted for them from page one but I knew that it was going to be a hell of a ride. Being in the world of the Hotholes again, was sinfully good. Vaughn, Knight, Luna and Daria love each other hard and this transpires in Pretty Reckless.
Some books will leave a mark on you not only because they made you cried or made you laugh until it hurts, but because you felt something as you were reading it and that feeling would never leave you forever.
Pretty Reckless left that kind of mark in me.
It made me cry and made my heart ache. As a teacher , I come across Darias and Penns on a daily basis but most importantly, I come across parents that struggle to get it right for their child despite their best efforts. I come across parents that do not know their child when we talk about them and very often say to me “ We do not talk, she comes homes and goes to her room, we know nothing” It will be the easy option to blame them for their parental skills and the author has portrayed this PERFECTLY- essentially through MEL. LJ Shen is one of the most eloquent authors I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Pretty Reckless is so much more than a love story. It’s packed with important life lessons. It’s real, raw and moving … because it reminds us all that even when the world seems to be throwing one bad thing after another at us, there’s always someone out there going through a rough patch too and looking for the light.
Daria Followhill is magic and is hail, she is without a shadow of a doubt my favourite heroine.
*Arc provided for an honest review
April 24, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pretty Reckless is the first in a series that follows the children of this series -> Vicious
Here's what I loved about this book - the heroine is flawed, she's a bitch, and she is 100% real. I am now in my forties, but this story really took me back to my teens. Girls are often brought up to be "kind always" and all that jazz. But, the fact of the matter is that girls have emotions, huge angsty teenage feelings that are not always pleasant and nor should girls have to be kind to people that do not take their thoughts and feelings into consideration.
Daria is the daughter of Jaime and Melody from Defy. She is a spoilt brat, of course, and she has a very complicated and tumultuous relationship with her mother. She gets jealous a lot and hits back using her defence mechanism of being a complete an utter mean girl.
However, I adored her and I mostly loved how Penn Scully is the one who 'sees her' and the girl who just wants to be loved.
Penn was an interesting character too, and although he didn't realise it yet, he also yearned for love because he'd been let down in the past by the only two females in his life who were important to him. When Jaime & Melody take him in after becoming homeless, he has a chance to break down Daria's walls, the girl he was always intrigued by, and who hates him as much as he hates her. Enemies to lovers at it's finest.
Pretty Reckless for me, was an unputdownable story of raw emotions. I absolutely loved it!
Pretty Reckless is the first in a series that follows the children of this series -> Vicious
Here's what I loved about this book - the heroine is flawed, she's a bitch, and she is 100% real. I am now in my forties, but this story really took me back to my teens. Girls are often brought up to be "kind always" and all that jazz. But, the fact of the matter is that girls have emotions, huge angsty teenage feelings that are not always pleasant and nor should girls have to be kind to people that do not take their thoughts and feelings into consideration.
Daria is the daughter of Jaime and Melody from Defy. She is a spoilt brat, of course, and she has a very complicated and tumultuous relationship with her mother. She gets jealous a lot and hits back using her defence mechanism of being a complete an utter mean girl.
However, I adored her and I mostly loved how Penn Scully is the one who 'sees her' and the girl who just wants to be loved.
Penn was an interesting character too, and although he didn't realise it yet, he also yearned for love because he'd been let down in the past by the only two females in his life who were important to him. When Jaime & Melody take him in after becoming homeless, he has a chance to break down Daria's walls, the girl he was always intrigued by, and who hates him as much as he hates her. Enemies to lovers at it's finest.
Pretty Reckless for me, was an unputdownable story of raw emotions. I absolutely loved it!
April 18, 2019
Nobody gives me the feels for a bad boy like LJ Shen! I loved every minute of this delicious read, and I went back and reread the end twice just to get the rush again and again!
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