Poor Little Rich Girl

by Steffanie Holmes

He was my best friend. Now he’s determined to ruin me.

Five years ago I did something terrible.
I hurt my best friend, Noah.
Because of me, he lost the one person he truly cared about.
And then I disappeared off the face of the earth.

Now I’m back to finish high school.
And my ex-best friend, Noah Marlowe? He’s the king of Stonehurst Prep.
Together with Eli and Gabriel, he rules this prep school,
Cruel.
Savage.
Untouchable.

Or so they think.

Noah craves revenge
But he doesn’t know what I’ve been through.
What I’ll do to keep my secrets safe,
Or just how far I’ll go to protect him.

I’m the Ice Queen of Stonehurst Prep, and to save the shattered remains of our friendship…
I’ll ruin him first.

Poor Little Rich Girl is a complete, four-book dark romance with three hot, possessive guys and one dangerous girl. Check the content warning and read at your own risk.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Enemies To Lovers

1338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2023

About the author

Steffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD

Reviews

[Annette]

Steffanie Holmes is the author of my favorite series of all time. I love her writing style, I love how she builds up her stories, how she balances a lot of different elements. I love how she gets the pacing of her stories just right, never too fast and never too slow. So, even though I don't do contemporary and I'm not a huge fan of bully romances, I got the review copy of this boxset via BookSprout. And once I started reading it was impossible to stop.

The pacing of this series is just perfection. We start the story with a bang, setting the atmosphere and creating a certain setting. It's only a small part of the puzzle, but it keeps us on the tips of our toes while we read the first part of the story and get the time to settle in. We get to know the characters, we see their interactions grow more intense and then Holmes starts dropping those adrenaline bombs. With each thrilling new passage the stakes get higher and higher and eventually we get a very nice finale that's satisfying in so many ways I can't even explain it. I had goosebumps all over my body!

And I mostly love this series because there are so many things at stake, there's so much happening, there is so much going on. I feel like every new book we discover more connections, more people involved, more deals gone wrong. And every book we learn something new about our heroine that changes the entire game. Those books are one big rollercoaster and when reading I have the adrenaline rushing through my veins and the need to read faster and faster.

The author starts a lot of storylines in the first three books in this collection and I was quite curious how Holmes was gonna solve them all. And as if solving everything wasn't hard enough, Holmes also added some curve balls in the last book changing everything we and the characters in the book thought we knew. But by doing so she really managed to connect all those storylines, to show us that they actually weren't all separate exciting plots. They were all part of one big plot.

I can't wait to read the next generation trilogy!

[Sanna Mediha]

I have mixed feelings… I really enjoyed the first book but the second and third one, were hard for me to finish. I didn’t really feel a connection with Claudia throughout the books and if I’m being honest, she was kind of annoying. The characters were written so unrealistically- I mean, jeez, Noah literally dissolved someone in acid after dating ‘the queen’ for about two weeks. All that fun stuff aside, I will say that the first plot twist, surprised me, I definetily liked that! I think if Steffanie Holmes takes the constant need to ‘shock’ the readers down a notch or two, she could have a decent trilogy on her hands :)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise]

I read each of these books as an advanced reader. My reviews are below and were all voluntary.

My Stolen Life

Wow. I am sure glad I didn't attend school where "Mackenzie" does and I definitely would have not wanted to get on her bad side. I'm still not sure where this book is going since it cliffhangs right where we might get to find out exactly what is going on with Mackenzie or Claudia, or whoever she is. One thing for sure, she has three hot guys after her. The rock star Gabe, the broody Noah, the protective old friend Eli. She seems disinclined to choose just one sooooo. She may be left with whoever will still speak to her when her secrets come out (or is that whomever?) Anyway, dive in and join me in waiting for the next book so we can find out what is going on.

My Secret Heart

I loved the second book of the series. This one has a little bit of everything. I must admit some of it was pretty heavy at times. You will know what I mean when you read it. (There is a bit of extreme violence that might not be for everyone. One of the methods for getting rid of a body is a bit nauseating.) All-in-all though it is a very well-written book and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one, can you say big-time cliffhanger??

My Broken Crown

I read each of these books as an advanced reader. My reviews are below and were all voluntary.

My Stolen Life

Wow. I am sure glad I didn't attend school where "Mackenzie" does and I definitely would have not wanted to get on her bad side. I'm still not sure where this book is going since it cliffhangs right where we might get to find out exactly what is going on with Mackenzie or Claudia, or whoever she is. One thing for sure, she has three hot guys after her. The rock star Gabe, the broody Noah, the protective old friend Eli. She seems disinclined to choose just one sooooo. She may be left with whoever will still speak to her when her secrets come out (or is that whomever?) Anyway, dive in and join me in waiting for the next book so we can find out what is going on.

My Secret Heart

I loved the second book of the series. This one has a little bit of everything. I must admit some of it was pretty heavy at times. You will know what I mean when you read it. (There is a bit of extreme violence that might not be for everyone. One of the methods for getting rid of a body is a bit nauseating.) All-in-all though it is a very well-written book and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one, can you say big-time cliffhanger??

My Broken Crown

Many, many things going on in this one. It starts where the last one left off, Brutus is dead and Claudia has been shot by an unknown gunman. Off we go into never-never land. You won't believe who the shooter is. Then there is the small problem of getting rid of Brutus's body, at least most of it. Now who is going to take over the August family empire? With two blood-thirsty mob bosses to contend with, Claudia is going to need her guys more than ever. She also has to try to help Eli free some exotic animals that his stepfather-to-be is keeping in extremely inhumane conditions, help their teacher get out of Nero's clutches, keep Gabriel from having to marry (gag) Cleo, shut down the human trafficking trade in her territory, and keep up with her school work. It ain't easy being Queen.

My Savage Empire

The final book in the series dots the i's and crosses the t's. It is also slam full of action, drama, and some harrowing moments for Claudia and all her supporters. It starts with a dead body, a secret tunnel, and two coffins. It progresses through a home menagerie, several betrayals, new alliances, and a final reckoning for Claws and her guys. There is never a dull moment. You will never be the same after this one.

[Laure]

My Stolen Life
Mackenzie Malloy has deadly secrets she needs to keep, but the Ice Queen of Stonehurst Prep wasn't expecting the three princes. Gabriel Fallen is a rock god, and bad boy singer for Octavia's Ruin. Eli Hart, is sweet, sexy, and his heart was broken when his friend disappeared. Noah Marlowe, is a senator's son, and his family blames her's for his older brother's death. Mackenzie and her family disappeared five years ago, and they want to know why she is back.
While this is a departure from what this author usually writes, I'm a fan, and I was curious, so I decided to give this book a try, I wasn't disappointed. The characters are compelling, and convincing, the dialog flowed smoothly, and kept me absorbed in their story. The plot has surprising and unexpected twists, with violence, and some steamy sex scenes. Needless to say, I loved this book, and highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy this genre.

My Secret Heart
She has confessed her secret to the three princes, but they have their own. Gabriel tells Claudia about his friend and his secret confession becomes public. Noah will discover the truth about his brother's death. Eli will be confronted with overwhelming evidence of his father's connections to dangerous and corrupt organizations.
Compelling, well written, and convincing characters that will discover just how intertwined their lives have been. Suspense, mystery, and violence with unexpected and stunning twists in the plot that kept me engrossed within the pages of this book. Fantastic!.

My Broken Crown
Her princes call her Claws, but her name is Claudia August. She will protect the people she loves by any means necessary. If that means she has to kill her uncle and take over the August family business, so be it. She just has to find him first. While they search for answers to their many questions, Claudia and her friends will discover just how intertwined the rich and powerful, and the criminal enterprises in Emerald Beach have become. While she still poses as Mackenzie Malloy, a high school trip for the senior class to Germany will lead to a discovery that could derail Claudia's plans to take over her father's empire.
Wow, beautifully well written, compelling and intriguing characters fighting to find out the ugly truths about their loved ones that have been lost. Sizzling hot and sexy read with some suspense, violence, unexpected and sometimes surprising twists in the plot kept me glued to the pages of this book. I love this series, and can hardly wait for the next book.

My Savage Empire
Claudia is no longer hiding from the other Triumvirate Imperators and has claimed the August family throne, but the others want something she desperately wants to avoid. Unfortunately, the twin she recently discovered she has been doing her best to destroy Claudia, and MacKenzie is determined to take everything from Claudia, including Eli, Noah, and Gabriel. The ultimate betrayal by one of the people she trusted most might cost Claudia everything, but change is coming to Emerald Beach and the Triumvirate will survive after a change at the top.
I absolutely love these characters, and I'm sad to see them go. They are fascinating, well written, compelling, and bloodthirsty. They will fight to protect the ones they love, and kill to end any threat. Suspenseful, bloody violence, unexpected twists in the plot, and with plenty of steam. I hated to see the end, this is a must read book and series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Richard]

The opportunity to read and review an entire Stephanie Holmes series was too good to miss. The stories lived up to what I was hoping I would find. These books may not be the supernatural, dark stories that I have read in the past, but they are every inch one of her books, Steffs DNA is there for all to read from the start to the finish that I hoped I would never reach.

The heroes are magical, but not as you expect and not always so heroic as the plot unwinds before your eyes. The villains, you want to be the one ending them, but are they as evil as you are led to believe, or perhaps worse.

So many characters are just not what they seem as twists and turns, curved balls and shear moments of where the fuck did that come from' hit you, just as you were getting comfortable. This is a white knuckle ride with some MC's not appearing till well into the story.

All possible emotions are played with and manipulated by Steff's story telling talent, and there is there her twists of humor in the most painful moments that sets these stories apart from other authors.

There is pleasure, pain, mystery, suspense, and yes, the alpha male characters. The romance and pure smut is delicious. It is in your face and leaves the reader in no doubt as to the pleasure, lust and satisfaction of the moments, but it is so part of the story that it never cheap and tacky, or formulated and samey, like it is with so many other writers efforts. These moments are hot, steamy and so morish as you will be wanting to be, at some point each of the character's and share the feelings, emotions and heights of their sex play.

Steff has the greatest imagination for spinning a yarn that is so believable, despite the movement of the plot. There is violence and retribution that is so very powerfully written that it will have you cheering and punching the air, as you hide behind your chair or sofa.

These books are NOT for the week at heart, or hose who want to read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The only spoiler I will offer is tat there is a Lion, but he is no Aslan, the witch is a bitch and ass for the wardrobe.... I did say there are hot moments.

If you like a book that pulls you out of yourself, makes you sit up and take notice and tears at every possible emotion, this is the series for you. I promise you you will not regret for one second the journey you are about to undertake. Enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brooke Torrey]

This was an amazingly exciting, crazy fun read!!! I just discovered Stephanie Holmes and I love her writing style. She’s original, creates wonderful characters with depth, worlds that are dark, vibrant and mysterious. This is a darker book. Please read the warning at the beginning of the book and read with care.

There are four books in this series. The first is My Stolen Life, next My Secret Heart, then My Broken Crown and finally My Savage Empire.

Each book took me on a crazy ride of mystery, heartbreak, angst, push and pull and action. I loved this storyline so much. It was fun and exciting. I was biting my nails, first-pumping, and crying for each character. I loved how storing the FMC was in this book. She was stubborn, and witty. The Hero’s were broody, dark and possessive. The spice was definitely hot and yummy!!! This book was intense and going into any kind of detail will give it all away!!!!

I so enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read her other series she has out. Steffanie Holmes is one of my favorite authors I have recently discovered this year.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison]

A great series ready to be binge read, without waiting. I loved reading these books, the first one starts out with Mackenzie who has been hiding out in her mansion since she was 13 years old and avoiding people for 4 years. Unfortunately a cop destroys that for her, and she now needs to attend a school or trouble is going to find her. She decides to go to Stonehurst Prep, but she hasn't been to a school class since she was 13 and it's going to be a big challenge. Can she bluff her way through her senior year? Stonehurst Prep is full of rich kids and their entitled attitudes, will she survive? I loved this engrossing series, that had me turning their pages and consuming their contents. Mackenzie is easy to love, with a great mix of tough (don't mess with her attitude) and lost teenager. I loved Gabriel (the fallen rock star), Eli (the friendly guy who remembers her) and Noah (who glares at her), and how their relationship with her forms.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth]

I read this series under My Stolen Life (book one) and then each individual book. Steffanie Holmes is one of my favorite authors. She has a way of writing compelling stories and still being able to throw plot twists that aren't always the ones you think they're going to be.

This series is no less compelling. The first book draws in you and keeps you wanting more (as does each book). The plot does get crazy. The characters are great (love Gabriel). I also love that each series tends to have cameo appearances from other series' characters - and in a believable way.

If you enjoy Why Choose/Reverse Harem, are fine with slight bullying and high school drama with some mafia - this is a great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris]

This is a full series of Stonehurst Prep. It is a fabulous story of teenagers who come together in their weirdness. A story of gangsters, murder, and most of all chaos. The twists in this book just kept coming, and Steffanie Holmes did an amazing job of tying up all the characters by not only explaining and exploring their pasts but also by revenge on those who harmed them.

I do not normally enjoy books that don't have some form of magic in them, yet this book was magical all on its own. A solid 5 stars for the entire series, yes some books in the series were better or not quite as good, but across the board by the end I had to give it a solid 5 stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn]

Four Books, One Dark DARK Chaotic Ride
I’m not usually one for bully romances or high school/academia romances, BUT I am one for Steffanie Holmes, so when Mackenzie Mallory’s story (and Gabriel, Eli and Noah’s) came out as a boxed set, I decided to give it a spin. Let me just say, Mackenzie is one cold as ice boss how takes no guff from ANYONE, her boys included. These four stories took me on a wild ride with one poor little rich girl, just trying to fit into high school, through decadent parties and spilled blood, to some enormous shocks and near-death experiences, complete with some seriously dark darkness and insane chaos. This book is four solid books packed together, so it’s a commitment, but wow, was it worth it.

[Book Life With Jen]

Poor Little Rich Girl by Steffanie Holmes is a definite must read for any dark romance why choose loving fan and the ultimate emotional roller coaster of a ride! And the best part is this contains all four stories so you can binge read it all in one setting—no need to wait for the next one to come out! And if your familiar with Steffanies work then these characters are all ready near and dear to your heart, and if not—buckle up because Claudia and her boys will definitely take you on quite the ride! Betrayal, deceit, secrets and burning hot chemistry galore—this book seriously has it all!

Overall if you love hot and sexy ultra possessive guys and one KA heroine that tames them all then this is the one for you!

[Flor Espinoza Sanchez ♡]

What other words can I use then holy fucking shit. This book is four books compiled one big book. I absolutely love this book!!! I love all the tropes it has <3 the found family, why choose, enemies to lovers, childhood best friends, childhood rivals and so many more! I would have to say this is one of my favorite books this year so far!! And holy balls all the plot twists were absolutely wild and something I didn't even see coming! This book has many ups and downs and literally made me sob like a baby but I can promise you that this book does have a happy ending! What're you waiting for? READ THIS BOOK!!!!



Thank you booksprout for giving me a chance to read this book.

[Kimberly]

I guess I wasn't quite prepared for the intensity and double dealing of this story. The resurrection of the Ice Princess who now is Queen, but with a past and new future not to be envied. This is not the sweet love story, with flowers and love songs, expect cacti and the voice of a fallen angel.

With so many twists, turns, secrets, and double crossing I think the only constant is the cat, you know what your getting from her. But I devoured every word, every line, so that by the end you can take that deep breath, with the hope that another body doesn't fall from the closet. As I said intense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Orton]

This is the complete Stonehurst Prep four book series. Which I’ve previously read all four books and absolutely loved. These books were my introduction to Steffanie Holmes and I’ve devoured all her books since. This is a dark series with lies and secrets everywhere. You will fall in love with the characters and root for their happily ever after. Each book is fresh and keeps you on your toes. I love the new bonus scene added at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Juillet]

Summing up all the books in this dark romance, I'd say this is DRAMATIC and TWISTY as hell. By twisty, I mean there are cliffhangers and plot twists you wouldn't have seen coming. I was mostly indifferent to the main female character (no spoilers as to why), but I did love how dark and dangerous the three boys were. If you're looking for a dark romance that will feel unrealistic as hell, then yes, you should definitely read this.

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy.

[Victoria Wyatt]

Buried alive and her parents killed by a once close family friend, Mackenzie needs to stay “dead” for a while. Thus it begins how she must now go through life presumed gone, in My Stolen Life. To no longer being Mackenzie but now Claudia and her guys Noah, Eli and Gabriel, in My Secret Heart. Then she grows more into becoming who she is meant to be with her guys by her side, but not without twists, in My Broken Crown. Finally we have it all leading up to a perfect ending, in My Savage Empire.

[Happyscribe]

Ouch this one hurt my heart a few times while reading it. Wonderfully written, with a lot of emotional turmoil that keeps your off-balance and wanting more for our characters. So much going on, so many backstories and pain that I just wanted to get a fire hose and clean it all away for them all.
So good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie]

loved it !! love this series !! love MacKenzie and Noah, Eli and Gabriel... this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama... she's back !!! revenge is best served... it's been five long years... this is so twisted... so good !!! so heart breaking... couldn't put it down !!! OMG !!! and then, the cliffhanger ...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[London D]

DNF

It is the second time in trying to read the book; I just could not finish it. I do not know about the female character; I do not understand the main female character. At one point in the book, it seems that the female character has the situation under control; finally, the author is letting in the plot but then she becomes a victim. The chapters alternate between boring and interesting. Maybe at a later time will be able to finish it.

[TELA666]

I finally finished this quartet of chaos and absurdity. I'm all for escapism in fiction but 17 & 18 year olds in this setting is absurd. There are name errors adding to the chaos and at least 6 chapter narrators. It somehow manages to be too obvious & chaotic simultaneously. The police are called about loud music but not a zoo on the property?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janee]

All around

This is a long story. I was delighted to read. Claudia is living a lonely life. She's laying low until she turns 18. The plan was going great until a cop comes to the mansion she squatting in.


Three boys come into her life and she claims them as hers and they claim her. She goes through the year in mystery of what happened to her parents. Betrayal is around her. She learns who she can trust at the end.

[Valarie Gentry]

Amazing

I absolutely loved Claudia, Eli, Noah and Gabriel's story!! It was completely explosive! I loved every minute of this book and devoured it in less than a day it was that amazing!!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Action-packed

Entertaining

Happily Ever After

Page-turner

Steamy

Unpredictable

[Heather]

Mackenzie is back in town or at least that is what Noah, Elias, Gabriel, and the whole school think. While finally getting her men she has a kingdom to claim . Page Turner the author really knows how to keep ur attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elesha's book fun gossip]

I loved This series, it was gritty, dramatic suspenseful and steamy. With plenty of twists, revelations and emotions, this was an enthralling storyline that kept you turning the page. Enjoyable reading experience, highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs A]

This was a fantastic collection of the stonehurst prep series. There is plenty of drama, action, angst, twists and turns and never a dull moment and it has all the tropes that I love- enemies to lovers, childhood rivals, childhood friends and why choose. Loved this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tasha Talks Books Blog]

Wow!!!!

This book will have you literally going through the motions. It will have you gasping and holding your breathe to see how some of the scenes will play out. This was a very vivid movie playing before my eyes. My poor baby Gabe. Where I loved all of the characters, Gabe holds a special part of my heart. Totally a must read!

[Alysha]

3⭐️

When it was revealed who Makenzie was, it was hard to get behind Claudia. I didn’t feel a good connection with her as a character. And all the plot twists in this book were too much. It was one after the other after the other. I’m all for a good plot twist in books, but this one had like 15, and a lot of them were all in a few chapters. It was too much.

[Alanna]

What a roller coaster of emotions! There are so many twists and surprises in this book! I enjoyed the characters, their relationships, and the whole journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex Joyce]

A fantastic boxset collection. Deliciously dark and dangerous, not for the fainthearted. Great characters throughout, and a storyline that kept me hooked. Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Ryals]

😻

When I got this book I didn’t realize it was the whole series. The mystery of it drew me in. I did kinda guess right about some of it. But lord it was good.