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Before I found a love I was willing to die for, I had to survive one I had to kill for.
Chapel Crest wasn’t a place of solace. It was made for suffering.
I would know.
I’d been locked inside ever since my mother tossed me away like I didn't matter.
In my suffering though, I found her.
Isabella.
The girl who made me believe I mattered.
The girl I gave everything to.
The girl I loved.
The girl I would do anything for, even kill for.
Or just plain kill.
Because you don’t betray a watcher and live to tell about it.
This is the prequel to Chapel Crest and is best read AFTER book one. It tells the tale of Sin and Isabella through multiple POVs before Sirena. This is a dark tale of greed, deception, and all things that hurt. Please read the foreword.
Chapel Crest wasn’t a place of solace. It was made for suffering.
I would know.
I’d been locked inside ever since my mother tossed me away like I didn't matter.
In my suffering though, I found her.
Isabella.
The girl who made me believe I mattered.
The girl I gave everything to.
The girl I loved.
The girl I would do anything for, even kill for.
Or just plain kill.
Because you don’t betray a watcher and live to tell about it.
This is the prequel to Chapel Crest and is best read AFTER book one. It tells the tale of Sin and Isabella through multiple POVs before Sirena. This is a dark tale of greed, deception, and all things that hurt. Please read the foreword.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2023
1616 people are currently reading
2499 people want to read
About the author
K.G. Reuss
89 books2,731 followersKnown mostly for being strange, USA Today bestselling author K.G. Reuss knows what it takes to wear the crown of town weirdo. A cemetery creeper and ghost enthusiast, K.G. spends most of her time toeing the line between imagination and forced adulthood.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .
Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .
Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
March 17, 2025
I have no idea how to rate this.
It was dark, toxic, and painful to read, which is clearly the whole point of it.
This was necessary to really understand what s**t Sin and the watchers went through, but it sure as hell was not fun to read (again, that's the point).
It surely gives more depth and 'realism' to the overall story*, but I'm sure glad it's a novella instead of a full book —and that it is over.
*except when we had to go THERE.
How is it that whenever human trafficking is used for part of the plot, the whole section becomes cheap and fake? It just feels overblown for dramatic effect 😐😩🙄😕 Using something so inhuman and extreme so 'lightly' really makes it hard to suspend disbelief.
Weren't there any other more subtle options for making daddy Church Sr despicable in a more relatable way?
Unexpected star of this was Asylum.
In all this shit show of horrible characters even he seemed to have more morals and integrity when compared to Bells and Daddy Church (Everett).
I also didn't expect the touch of mysticism that was lightly hinted in church and highlighted in this novella.
Bells is so horrible as a person and bad in pretending she isn't (since she's also insane) that's really hard to understand how she could ever seem alright enough to be picked by Sin for girlfriend material.
We spent so long listening to her whine and too little in the payback scene.
Contrary to the first book, in this novella in more than one place the author went a bit too over the top, falling in the usual cheap extremes, as opposed to 'Church' where she stopped a step before the line most of times.
I hope the following books will be more like Church and less like Bells in drama, tone, and balance.
Pre-Read
Ok I'm addicted to this now. 🙃
I'll just read this prequel novella before I go back to being a good girl and reading wholesome Mistborn.
It was dark, toxic, and painful to read, which is clearly the whole point of it.
This was necessary to really understand what s**t Sin and the watchers went through, but it sure as hell was not fun to read (again, that's the point).
It surely gives more depth and 'realism' to the overall story*, but I'm sure glad it's a novella instead of a full book —and that it is over.
*except when we had to go THERE.
How is it that whenever human trafficking is used for part of the plot, the whole section becomes cheap and fake? It just feels overblown for dramatic effect 😐😩🙄😕 Using something so inhuman and extreme so 'lightly' really makes it hard to suspend disbelief.
Weren't there any other more subtle options for making daddy Church Sr despicable in a more relatable way?
Unexpected star of this was Asylum.
In all this shit show of horrible characters even he seemed to have more morals and integrity when compared to Bells and Daddy Church (Everett).
I also didn't expect the touch of mysticism that was lightly hinted in church and highlighted in this novella.
Bells is so horrible as a person and bad in pretending she isn't (since she's also insane) that's really hard to understand how she could ever seem alright enough to be picked by Sin for girlfriend material.
We spent so long listening to her whine and too little in the payback scene.
Contrary to the first book, in this novella in more than one place the author went a bit too over the top, falling in the usual cheap extremes, as opposed to 'Church' where she stopped a step before the line most of times.
I hope the following books will be more like Church and less like Bells in drama, tone, and balance.
Pre-Read
Ok I'm addicted to this now. 🙃
I'll just read this prequel novella before I go back to being a good girl and reading wholesome Mistborn.
April 12, 2025
take a drink every time sinclair says he loves isabella...... not sure the world has enough stock of alcohol for it. dearrrrrr lord.
feeling conflicted because these kids are nuts, total villains, but the true villains in this will always be the adults who 100% failed them. so as much as i hate bells, i just mostly feel sad for her. i mean don't get me wrong she was totally insane. and was probably born a psychopath, but still. 😭🫱🏼🫲🏼
now sin.... you almost lost me in this one i'm gonna be so for real 😭 it's not your fault obviously but man.......tone it down with the cryingggggg and the love declaration we GETTTTT IT you love the psychotic bitchhhhh like who are you trying to convince !! 😩
i tried to be sympathetic because sin definitely had a twisted understanding of love and it wasn't his fault, everyone failed him and it wasn’t fair at all, but i expected him to... idk grow a little backbone there at the end after everything went to shit.. it didn't even have to be an ENITREEE backbone, just a tiny one but NOOOOOOOOOOO 😭 oh well........ i'm afraid he's still my favorite because he's just so angsty and i'm an angst ho, so don't let me down sinclair priest 🫵🏼
idk how to rate this bc this wasn't a bad book objectively - however, this is a prequel about the villain of the story so it's meant to be bad. i'll settle for 3 stars i guess since i didn't love it but also didn't hate it
feeling conflicted because these kids are nuts, total villains, but the true villains in this will always be the adults who 100% failed them. so as much as i hate bells, i just mostly feel sad for her. i mean don't get me wrong she was totally insane. and was probably born a psychopath, but still. 😭🫱🏼🫲🏼
now sin.... you almost lost me in this one i'm gonna be so for real 😭 it's not your fault obviously but man.......tone it down with the cryingggggg and the love declaration we GETTTTT IT you love the psychotic bitchhhhh like who are you trying to convince !! 😩
i tried to be sympathetic because sin definitely had a twisted understanding of love and it wasn't his fault, everyone failed him and it wasn’t fair at all, but i expected him to... idk grow a little backbone there at the end after everything went to shit.. it didn't even have to be an ENITREEE backbone, just a tiny one but NOOOOOOOOOOO 😭 oh well........ i'm afraid he's still my favorite because he's just so angsty and i'm an angst ho, so don't let me down sinclair priest 🫵🏼
idk how to rate this bc this wasn't a bad book objectively - however, this is a prequel about the villain of the story so it's meant to be bad. i'll settle for 3 stars i guess since i didn't love it but also didn't hate it
March 31, 2024
Man. Whew. I need a minute.
I have a feeling I’m going to be doing that a lot in this series. It’s so dark but it’s so good.
I almost moved directly to book 3, because this book is a prequel. I’m so glad I didn’t. We learn so much about Sin, and why he did what he did. Even though this is a prequel I would not recommend reading this before book one. It makes much more sense being right where it is.
How do you make a reader emphasize and root for the worst guys ever, these crazy depraved men? You make the “villains” so much worse. And they are. The “big bads” are up to some truly horrific things.
So with all that said, time to read book 3 😂😂🤯
I have a feeling I’m going to be doing that a lot in this series. It’s so dark but it’s so good.
I almost moved directly to book 3, because this book is a prequel. I’m so glad I didn’t. We learn so much about Sin, and why he did what he did. Even though this is a prequel I would not recommend reading this before book one. It makes much more sense being right where it is.
How do you make a reader emphasize and root for the worst guys ever, these crazy depraved men? You make the “villains” so much worse. And they are. The “big bads” are up to some truly horrific things.
So with all that said, time to read book 3 😂😂🤯
July 20, 2025
This is a series I would re-read over and over again!
This was a much needed book to see exactly why Sin was so against loving Serena, it made my heart literally break for him!
Sin thought he was so in love with Bells and all I’m going to say is I’m glad she’s gone. I literally wanted to reach through the book and smack her!
Thank you so much for KG Reuss and Blue Nose Audio for the ALC of Bells. If you’re looking for an audiobook with the absolute best narration I have ever heard look no further! Every single narrator brings the characters to life perfectly, every emotion and absolute unhinged character trait was perfectly captured! This is a full cast narration including Desiree Ketchum, Joe Arden, Edward Black, Michael Gallagher, Sean Masters and J. Tipstone
This was a much needed book to see exactly why Sin was so against loving Serena, it made my heart literally break for him!
Sin thought he was so in love with Bells and all I’m going to say is I’m glad she’s gone. I literally wanted to reach through the book and smack her!
Thank you so much for KG Reuss and Blue Nose Audio for the ALC of Bells. If you’re looking for an audiobook with the absolute best narration I have ever heard look no further! Every single narrator brings the characters to life perfectly, every emotion and absolute unhinged character trait was perfectly captured! This is a full cast narration including Desiree Ketchum, Joe Arden, Edward Black, Michael Gallagher, Sean Masters and J. Tipstone
May 7, 2023
All he ever wanted was love
Although I never felt antipathy toward Sin, I was curious about his past and how it influenced his behavior in Church, book one, and his reception to Sirena. This book explores all his mental deets: the anguish, the insecurity in not feeling good enough, along with some help from his Watcher brothers.
A seemingly innocuous beginning, drama and intrigue peeled away as we discover the toxicity, the single-mindedness that is Isabella, "Bells." There is so much more than meets the eye, and her eyes may not exactly be on Sin. Sin, who is all-in for his Bells, takes us on a path of full-blown infatuation to willful acceptance in blind, devoted love.
This book had it all: Pathos, mental illness, indulgence and perversion, and a brotherhood so strong that not even blind love could destroy it. I enjoyed getting a different perspective on the guys in this part 1.5 of Church, Sin's perspective mainly, his thoughts, his turmoil. And while I never disliked him in book one, this book would help those who did have better understanding of his motives, his conspiring. It's best read after Church for that full, gut-wrenching experience. Since I kinda like the jerks, I loved this story for all its grittiness, the expansion of sub plots, character development, appearances by Asylum / Seth.
And it's not a KG Reuss book if it's not spicy as all get out. Phew! And this one isn't even reverse harem.
Multiple, first-person points of view with the primary focus on Sin and Bells, this delectably packed novella was amazing and a great in between while awaiting the release of Ashes.
Although I never felt antipathy toward Sin, I was curious about his past and how it influenced his behavior in Church, book one, and his reception to Sirena. This book explores all his mental deets: the anguish, the insecurity in not feeling good enough, along with some help from his Watcher brothers.
A seemingly innocuous beginning, drama and intrigue peeled away as we discover the toxicity, the single-mindedness that is Isabella, "Bells." There is so much more than meets the eye, and her eyes may not exactly be on Sin. Sin, who is all-in for his Bells, takes us on a path of full-blown infatuation to willful acceptance in blind, devoted love.
This book had it all: Pathos, mental illness, indulgence and perversion, and a brotherhood so strong that not even blind love could destroy it. I enjoyed getting a different perspective on the guys in this part 1.5 of Church, Sin's perspective mainly, his thoughts, his turmoil. And while I never disliked him in book one, this book would help those who did have better understanding of his motives, his conspiring. It's best read after Church for that full, gut-wrenching experience. Since I kinda like the jerks, I loved this story for all its grittiness, the expansion of sub plots, character development, appearances by Asylum / Seth.
And it's not a KG Reuss book if it's not spicy as all get out. Phew! And this one isn't even reverse harem.
Multiple, first-person points of view with the primary focus on Sin and Bells, this delectably packed novella was amazing and a great in between while awaiting the release of Ashes.
July 21, 2025
Bells is book 2 of Chapel Crest Series.
In Church, book 1, we were given breadcrumbs that something had occurred prior that forced the men to make a pact to never have a singular girlfriend each.
Bells 🤬 bells was the reason why! Man, I hated her!
This book predominantly covers the relationship between sin and isabella (bells). She is a piece of work! The emotional and physical manipulation and abuse that sin suffers is heartbreaking - he just can't see it or doesn't want to. Sin has a deep desire to love and be loved - broke my little black heart. Bells got what she deserved.. fyi.. I think this is the first time I've ever said that about a character 🤭
Desirée ketchum, gosh, i love her narrations. In this instance, she portrayed the fmc 'Bells' insanely well. I really, REALLY did not like bells at all and desiree delivered such a performance that had me disliking her even more than I probably should 🤭
Church is given life by Joe Arden. Vividly portraying his deep emotional connection with his found family, we get a deeper understanding of how much his brothers mean to church.
Ashes - Edward Black .. I can't wait to get to his book, which is next in the series. Edward gives such a mysterious persona to Ashes .. I cannot wait!
Stitches - J. Tipstone .. what can i say, I'm a true fan of his narration. His wit and humour are so accurately depicted by j. He brings lightness to intense scenes and frequently has me smirking or laughing. J. really was the perfect choice for stitches. I can't imagine him being narrated by anyone else.
Sin - Michael Gallagher, I liked sin in the previous book but michael gave such an emotionally captivating narration that had me almost in tears - at this stage I will say Sin is my favourite, however, we have a fair few books to go so this may change 🤣
Seth - Sean Masters, previously I said I wasn't sure if I liked Asylum or not.. this book gave me a better insight to seth, and I can confirm im reaching the like stage 🤣 sean keeps you on the edge with this character, and I love it.
There's still so much of this series to unpack, and I'm eager to continue the series - I love K.Gs writing, her characters are insanely complex, and the narration team clearly were carefully and meticulously selected - I can't fault a single one.
As I said in my previous review, the production team has done a fantastic job, collaborating soo many narrators so seamlessly .. it deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated.
As always, please check your content before reading.
In Church, book 1, we were given breadcrumbs that something had occurred prior that forced the men to make a pact to never have a singular girlfriend each.
Bells 🤬 bells was the reason why! Man, I hated her!
This book predominantly covers the relationship between sin and isabella (bells). She is a piece of work! The emotional and physical manipulation and abuse that sin suffers is heartbreaking - he just can't see it or doesn't want to. Sin has a deep desire to love and be loved - broke my little black heart. Bells got what she deserved.. fyi.. I think this is the first time I've ever said that about a character 🤭
Desirée ketchum, gosh, i love her narrations. In this instance, she portrayed the fmc 'Bells' insanely well. I really, REALLY did not like bells at all and desiree delivered such a performance that had me disliking her even more than I probably should 🤭
Church is given life by Joe Arden. Vividly portraying his deep emotional connection with his found family, we get a deeper understanding of how much his brothers mean to church.
Ashes - Edward Black .. I can't wait to get to his book, which is next in the series. Edward gives such a mysterious persona to Ashes .. I cannot wait!
Stitches - J. Tipstone .. what can i say, I'm a true fan of his narration. His wit and humour are so accurately depicted by j. He brings lightness to intense scenes and frequently has me smirking or laughing. J. really was the perfect choice for stitches. I can't imagine him being narrated by anyone else.
Sin - Michael Gallagher, I liked sin in the previous book but michael gave such an emotionally captivating narration that had me almost in tears - at this stage I will say Sin is my favourite, however, we have a fair few books to go so this may change 🤣
Seth - Sean Masters, previously I said I wasn't sure if I liked Asylum or not.. this book gave me a better insight to seth, and I can confirm im reaching the like stage 🤣 sean keeps you on the edge with this character, and I love it.
There's still so much of this series to unpack, and I'm eager to continue the series - I love K.Gs writing, her characters are insanely complex, and the narration team clearly were carefully and meticulously selected - I can't fault a single one.
As I said in my previous review, the production team has done a fantastic job, collaborating soo many narrators so seamlessly .. it deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated.
As always, please check your content before reading.
May 14, 2023
I wish this had been released before Church so I could’ve read it first because it helps makes things that happen in book one a hell of a lot clearer.
This is a prequel and as always with this series VERY DARK so check triggers because a lot of it is on page and very hard to read.
Always together
Never apart
Through whatever weather
From endings to the start.
This is a prequel and as always with this series VERY DARK so check triggers because a lot of it is on page and very hard to read.
Always together
Never apart
Through whatever weather
From endings to the start.
July 20, 2025
Bravo, K.G. Reuss. 👏
You've masterfully created a world where every male main character is a different flavor of madness and perversely fun.
I loved listening about how The Watcher's bond strengthened. They may be brutal, violent, but they're loyal and together, a family. This book gives a rare and emotional look at the twisted threads that tie them together. It gives deep insight into Sin’s fractured soul. And when he breaks, his brothers are there to put him back together. It's a pivotel prequel to the series as it makes the reader understand why Sin can't bring himself to accept Sirena.
Then there’s Asylum... deeply poetic...creepy prophet?? 🤣🤣🤣 I love him so much !!!
You've masterfully created a world where every male main character is a different flavor of madness and perversely fun.
I loved listening about how The Watcher's bond strengthened. They may be brutal, violent, but they're loyal and together, a family. This book gives a rare and emotional look at the twisted threads that tie them together. It gives deep insight into Sin’s fractured soul. And when he breaks, his brothers are there to put him back together. It's a pivotel prequel to the series as it makes the reader understand why Sin can't bring himself to accept Sirena.
Then there’s Asylum... deeply poetic...creepy prophet?? 🤣🤣🤣 I love him so much !!!
May 24, 2023
I was going to skip this one. Who wants to read about the chick that came before our FMC in this series?? But someone told me I should. And I’m so glad I did!
This gives an explanation to why Sin is the way he is and why he does what he does. I didn’t know I needed it until after I read Ashes.
So don’t skip this!!!
This gives an explanation to why Sin is the way he is and why he does what he does. I didn’t know I needed it until after I read Ashes.
So don’t skip this!!!
May 6, 2023
IM SORRY? I AM STUCK ON THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT PAGE? IS RIOT ANSONS AND ROSALIES BABY?
July 19, 2025
➵ Deeply messed up FMC
➵ Morally questionable MMCs
➵ Vendettas
➵ Dark College
**Check tour triggers** This novella is short, but trigger happy.
didn’t know what to expect to read following the little glimpses we got in book 1, about Bells, but it wasn’t this!
This was insane, yes.
Though, not the same kind as in Church.
I have never felt more anger and frustration towards an FMC than this one. The entire time I felt disgusted with her. Kudos to KG for making so mad!! 😂
I’m glad we now know the story behind Bells. It really assists in understanding the dynamic and rules that the boys have now. Because, wow. Who would put up with that!?
Written well and can be read alone, this story did its job of making me mad,..but glad that we have this little piece of information. 😮💨
I’ve added a full point up, to this story because the delivery with the full cast of narrators was again, brilliant. Each one bringing the emotion and rawness to life!
Thank you Blue Nose + K.G. Reuss for the alc 🖤
I’m looking forward to delving into the rest of the series! Audio releasing July 22nd.
[ ✩ 3.5 ]
[ 🌶️ 3 ]
[ 🎧 4 ]
➵ Morally questionable MMCs
➵ Vendettas
➵ Dark College
**Check tour triggers** This novella is short, but trigger happy.
didn’t know what to expect to read following the little glimpses we got in book 1, about Bells, but it wasn’t this!
This was insane, yes.
Though, not the same kind as in Church.
I have never felt more anger and frustration towards an FMC than this one. The entire time I felt disgusted with her. Kudos to KG for making so mad!! 😂
I’m glad we now know the story behind Bells. It really assists in understanding the dynamic and rules that the boys have now. Because, wow. Who would put up with that!?
Written well and can be read alone, this story did its job of making me mad,..but glad that we have this little piece of information. 😮💨
I’ve added a full point up, to this story because the delivery with the full cast of narrators was again, brilliant. Each one bringing the emotion and rawness to life!
Thank you Blue Nose + K.G. Reuss for the alc 🖤
I’m looking forward to delving into the rest of the series! Audio releasing July 22nd.
[ ✩ 3.5 ]
[ 🌶️ 3 ]
[ 🎧 4 ]
October 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5.
I loved this, read it in one sitting. It had every emotion possible pouring out of me from disgust, anger to utter heart break.
The story is simply amazing. Bells is a massive part of the boys life until well she’s not 😈 and you find out exactly why Sin is the way he is.
I think it’s important to read this one after church as it gives you so much information and understanding going forward.
I honestly can’t wait to get to grips with the rest of the series 😍😍
I loved this, read it in one sitting. It had every emotion possible pouring out of me from disgust, anger to utter heart break.
The story is simply amazing. Bells is a massive part of the boys life until well she’s not 😈 and you find out exactly why Sin is the way he is.
I think it’s important to read this one after church as it gives you so much information and understanding going forward.
I honestly can’t wait to get to grips with the rest of the series 😍😍
July 21, 2025
I went in completely blind to this audiobook not realising it was a prequel and followed the previous girl. Once I realised, I was worried I wouldn't enjoy it as I don't usually read prequels but this one was different.
This finally helped me to understand why the guys acted the way they did in the previous book. It made so much more sense after this.
I kind of wish I could've read this first as I think it changed my opinion on the first book a little.
The audio just made this such an amazing experience too!
I still don't know how to rate it though, because no part of these stories js easy to read, it's dark and messy and no one is the good guy, but overall I'd say it was definitely worth the read
➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Thank you to the author and Blue Nose Audio for providing me with this ALC. My review is honestly and all opinions are my own.
This finally helped me to understand why the guys acted the way they did in the previous book. It made so much more sense after this.
I kind of wish I could've read this first as I think it changed my opinion on the first book a little.
The audio just made this such an amazing experience too!
I still don't know how to rate it though, because no part of these stories js easy to read, it's dark and messy and no one is the good guy, but overall I'd say it was definitely worth the read
➛ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Thank you to the author and Blue Nose Audio for providing me with this ALC. My review is honestly and all opinions are my own.
October 4, 2023
3.5 stars
i'm typically not a huge fan of prequel novels that are published after the main story is started, so that's why this rating is so low. it's not a bad novella, just eh in the grand scheme of things especially knowing how church ended. however, it was interesting to see the whole story of isabella since the guys give us next to nothing in church. anyway happy to have this info, just wouldve preferred it outside the main story timeline, personally.
i'm typically not a huge fan of prequel novels that are published after the main story is started, so that's why this rating is so low. it's not a bad novella, just eh in the grand scheme of things especially knowing how church ended. however, it was interesting to see the whole story of isabella since the guys give us next to nothing in church. anyway happy to have this info, just wouldve preferred it outside the main story timeline, personally.
May 27, 2024
Ew it’s a prequel. After that cliffhanger yeah I’m not reading this book.
April 18, 2025
These books are so unhinged but they’re entertaining!
May 9, 2023
O.M.G…this book is sooo needed. Can’t decide if I would have preferred to read Bells before or after Church. I think before might have been better so if readers who haven’t read Church yet I would start with Bells. But before or after it is definitely a must!! I can see why Sin did what he did at the end of Church and I just can’t wait till Ashes is released cause I am dying to find out what happens with Sirena, Church, Ashes, Stitches, Sin (a.k.a. The Watchers), and Asylum (Seth)! I know what I want to happen but it doesn’t mean that everything will work as I envision it and that is half the fun! K.G. Reuss did an outstanding job with Bells 🔔. K.G. Is one of my top 10 favorite author’s list!! K.G. does a wonderful job with all of her twists, turns, things going sideways, drama, angst, emotions (characters and readers), and soo sooo much heat 🔥. I have never been disappointed with any of K.G.’s books. I highly and sincerely recommend Bells 🔔, The Boys of Chapel Crest as a series and K.G. Reuss as an author. Happy Reading!!
May 6, 2023
Ever wondered what the Watchers lives were like before Sirena, or who Bell was, what she meant to Sin and how she impacted not only his but the other Watchers lives too? And why Sin is so against loving Sirena?
Well look no further, because author K.G. Reuss is here to give you all the answers and more with the release of Bells.
This short read from The Boys of Chapel Crest series is set before Church and told through multiple POVs.
This prequel novella took you on a wild and chaotic ride when it came to following the crazy, twisted journey of the unhealthy and unhinged love shared between Bells and Sin.
It was all kinds of messed up, since the love they had for one another was dark and toxic at times, particularly when you took into account the mental health issues the two were dealing with simultaneously, as it seemed to affect that love, themselves and their behaviour towards each other.
Although more so for Bell, which we learn from the insight we are given surrounding her past, that happened to play a part in her current life with affecting her to this day. Putting her through many highs and lows from the ups and downs she continuously ventured throughout the novella.
But that’s not all since there was also the subplot that surrounded Sin and the relationship he and the Watchers aka Church, Stitches and Ashes shared, which just so happened to be put through the test from the bumps and hurdles they all faced. Testing the boundaries of their friendship to the limit.
Even with being a short read, K.G. Reuss was able to deliver a narrative that had you hooked, line and sinker in this truly powerfully compelling, emotionally wrecked from having put you through the wringer and high thrilling rollercoaster ride.
It had you wanting to keep going, and not stop or let go, even when all was said and done. Especially after finally receiving the answers you may have been seeking since reading Church.
Just BE AWARE it was not a light, easy or painless read, this will absolutely wreck, destroy and obliterate you pulling you into the darkness and having you suffering from the constant pain delivered, whilst pulling everything out of you emotions wise! Leaving you a quivering mess by the end, but IMO K.G. made it worthwhile.
Props and a job well done to K.G. Reuss for once again coming through with yet another phenomenal read and that too from The Boys of Chapel Crest series.
Bells was absolutely chefs kiss!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well look no further, because author K.G. Reuss is here to give you all the answers and more with the release of Bells.
This short read from The Boys of Chapel Crest series is set before Church and told through multiple POVs.
This prequel novella took you on a wild and chaotic ride when it came to following the crazy, twisted journey of the unhealthy and unhinged love shared between Bells and Sin.
It was all kinds of messed up, since the love they had for one another was dark and toxic at times, particularly when you took into account the mental health issues the two were dealing with simultaneously, as it seemed to affect that love, themselves and their behaviour towards each other.
Although more so for Bell, which we learn from the insight we are given surrounding her past, that happened to play a part in her current life with affecting her to this day. Putting her through many highs and lows from the ups and downs she continuously ventured throughout the novella.
But that’s not all since there was also the subplot that surrounded Sin and the relationship he and the Watchers aka Church, Stitches and Ashes shared, which just so happened to be put through the test from the bumps and hurdles they all faced. Testing the boundaries of their friendship to the limit.
Even with being a short read, K.G. Reuss was able to deliver a narrative that had you hooked, line and sinker in this truly powerfully compelling, emotionally wrecked from having put you through the wringer and high thrilling rollercoaster ride.
It had you wanting to keep going, and not stop or let go, even when all was said and done. Especially after finally receiving the answers you may have been seeking since reading Church.
Just BE AWARE it was not a light, easy or painless read, this will absolutely wreck, destroy and obliterate you pulling you into the darkness and having you suffering from the constant pain delivered, whilst pulling everything out of you emotions wise! Leaving you a quivering mess by the end, but IMO K.G. made it worthwhile.
Props and a job well done to K.G. Reuss for once again coming through with yet another phenomenal read and that too from The Boys of Chapel Crest series.
Bells was absolutely chefs kiss!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2023
Ummm, hold on a hot little minute, Ms. Reuss ....what was that??? What did you just do to me? Every time, and I mean every time I read one of your books, you break my heart. And I come back again and again for more! I have never felt such hate for a character as I did in this book. Oh, and the little crumbs through the whole thing. I need to go re read Church now!
May 8, 2023
geeze…..
This book was sooooo dark. Some parts were really hard to read, but the story is so good I couldn’t stop. I can’t wait for Ashes. Lots of triggers so make sure you check those before delving into this!! Not everyone can handle it.
This book was sooooo dark. Some parts were really hard to read, but the story is so good I couldn’t stop. I can’t wait for Ashes. Lots of triggers so make sure you check those before delving into this!! Not everyone can handle it.
July 22, 2025
This is definitely an important novella that shouldn’t be skipped. However, this was hard for me because I hate hearing about them with someone else but also CANT STAND this FMC lol which I think was the goal.
The audio was 10/10 and a huge shout out to blue nose for giving me the ALC.
The audio was 10/10 and a huge shout out to blue nose for giving me the ALC.
May 24, 2023
Love this!!
If you loved Church then this is a must read!! I am ready for ASHES now! Yes yes yes yes!
If you loved Church then this is a must read!! I am ready for ASHES now! Yes yes yes yes!
October 5, 2024
Ok, so I totally get why you need to read this 😱 I wanted to skip this after the cliffhanger at the end of church, but I'm so glad I didn't, even though it did make me feel uncomfortable!
December 25, 2023
Chapel Crest was a fucking asylum academy, and I’d never let anyone tell me differently.
The twisted nature of this series and the characters is clearly visible in this novella as well and there is definitely a reason why the books in this series are considered dark romances even though this novella was not nearly as dark or twisted as Church.
In a way, I don’t really see the need for this book based on having only read Church this far but, on the other hand, it also provides some more insight to both the main characters’ personalities and their actions as well as the whole setting in the series.
That fear he seemed to have that no one wanted him made me desperate for his attention, even if he wasn’t what I truly wanted.
But the weakness that came with it turned me off. The pleading. The hurt look on his face. I hated all that. But god, I fucking loved to watch him crumble. I suppose that said a lot about who I was, but it didn’t matter. I liked to do what made me feel good.
I personally did not like Bells, which was probably best since I kinda knew beforehand what would happen to her. But I have to hand it to the author, she managed to write Bells’ narcissistic personality extremely well!
I would have actually wanted to know more about Bells’ past and how she was violated because I feel like then I could have understood her personality better. Also, the manipulation that was done to her by her guardian would have brought a little more backstory to all the events both in Church and Bells and, I am sure, to the other books I have yet to read in the series.
For once, I am happy that there was no happy end for the main characters (Sin and Bells) and I did not really feel anything because of what happened to Bells. What does that say about me?
Bells was the first girl I ever felt like this about. The idea of me fucking it up somehow weighed heavily on me.
Sin has a traumatic past which has been explored in both Church and Bells. It all culminated to his father trying to kill him by shooting him to his chest before committing suicide. It’s no wonder that Sin is a bit effed up in the head. He is also very starved for attention and desperate for someone to love him, which all explains how he was so blind to Bells’ real feelings when all the others could see it so clearly.
In Church, I did not really like Sin nor did I understand him. However, after reading Bells, I actually understand him and his actions a lot better.
It wasn’t often that I was miserable at Chapel Crest. Yes, I hated it there, but it was my sanctuary away from the madness I’d endured growing up. It was my haven. My place of solace. My place of power.
Despite Bells being about Sin and Bells, Church still had a big role in it, which was kind of obvious. Actually, one could argue that even though the focus was on Sin and Bells’ relationship, the whole book was, in a way, about Church. Despite how messed up he is in the head, I really really like him and I hope Church will have as crucial of a role in the coming books as well!
”Always together.”
“Never apart.”
“Through whatever weather.”
“From the endings to the start.”
“One more thing. We vow from here on out that we claim one girl together. No more separate women. We find one and we keep her. For all of us. I don’t want this shit to ever happen again. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
“Sin?”
“Share a girl? Between all of us? I’ll never love anyone ever again. I have no desire to.”
“You will, brother. I promise you that. She’s out there, and she’ll be perfect for all of us. She’ll complete us.”
“I-I. . .”
“Together, Sinclair.”
“Together. I-I agree.”
Backtracking a bit, in Church, the guys all talk about claiming Sirena together as was agreed upon earlier in case they found a girl they all liked enough to claim her. Even though Church would prefer to keep her to himself, and wants to take all her firsts, he agrees to sharing because of their agreement. After reading what happened with Sin and Bells, I can definitely see why the agreement was made.
Despite agreeing with everyone else, Sin swears that after falling for Bells and her betraying him, he will never fall in love with a girl again and neither should any of his friends. Since the guys were almost split up over Bells because of the other seeing so clearly what Sin was blind to, he swears to himself that no girl will ever come between them again. This also explains a lot of Sin’s actions in Church when it comes to Sirena.
I was crazy enough to do anything now to keep my family safe.
To keep us together. A girl for all of us would only wreck us. I felt that to my very bones. I’d never let another girl come between us again.
I definitely agree with the author that Bells should be read after Church even though the events of Bells take before the events of Church.
The twisted nature of this series and the characters is clearly visible in this novella as well and there is definitely a reason why the books in this series are considered dark romances even though this novella was not nearly as dark or twisted as Church.
In a way, I don’t really see the need for this book based on having only read Church this far but, on the other hand, it also provides some more insight to both the main characters’ personalities and their actions as well as the whole setting in the series.
That fear he seemed to have that no one wanted him made me desperate for his attention, even if he wasn’t what I truly wanted.
But the weakness that came with it turned me off. The pleading. The hurt look on his face. I hated all that. But god, I fucking loved to watch him crumble. I suppose that said a lot about who I was, but it didn’t matter. I liked to do what made me feel good.
I personally did not like Bells, which was probably best since I kinda knew beforehand what would happen to her. But I have to hand it to the author, she managed to write Bells’ narcissistic personality extremely well!
I would have actually wanted to know more about Bells’ past and how she was violated because I feel like then I could have understood her personality better. Also, the manipulation that was done to her by her guardian would have brought a little more backstory to all the events both in Church and Bells and, I am sure, to the other books I have yet to read in the series.
For once, I am happy that there was no happy end for the main characters (Sin and Bells) and I did not really feel anything because of what happened to Bells. What does that say about me?
Bells was the first girl I ever felt like this about. The idea of me fucking it up somehow weighed heavily on me.
Sin has a traumatic past which has been explored in both Church and Bells. It all culminated to his father trying to kill him by shooting him to his chest before committing suicide. It’s no wonder that Sin is a bit effed up in the head. He is also very starved for attention and desperate for someone to love him, which all explains how he was so blind to Bells’ real feelings when all the others could see it so clearly.
In Church, I did not really like Sin nor did I understand him. However, after reading Bells, I actually understand him and his actions a lot better.
It wasn’t often that I was miserable at Chapel Crest. Yes, I hated it there, but it was my sanctuary away from the madness I’d endured growing up. It was my haven. My place of solace. My place of power.
Despite Bells being about Sin and Bells, Church still had a big role in it, which was kind of obvious. Actually, one could argue that even though the focus was on Sin and Bells’ relationship, the whole book was, in a way, about Church. Despite how messed up he is in the head, I really really like him and I hope Church will have as crucial of a role in the coming books as well!
”Always together.”
“Never apart.”
“Through whatever weather.”
“From the endings to the start.”
“One more thing. We vow from here on out that we claim one girl together. No more separate women. We find one and we keep her. For all of us. I don’t want this shit to ever happen again. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
“Sin?”
“Share a girl? Between all of us? I’ll never love anyone ever again. I have no desire to.”
“You will, brother. I promise you that. She’s out there, and she’ll be perfect for all of us. She’ll complete us.”
“I-I. . .”
“Together, Sinclair.”
“Together. I-I agree.”
Backtracking a bit, in Church, the guys all talk about claiming Sirena together as was agreed upon earlier in case they found a girl they all liked enough to claim her. Even though Church would prefer to keep her to himself, and wants to take all her firsts, he agrees to sharing because of their agreement. After reading what happened with Sin and Bells, I can definitely see why the agreement was made.
Despite agreeing with everyone else, Sin swears that after falling for Bells and her betraying him, he will never fall in love with a girl again and neither should any of his friends. Since the guys were almost split up over Bells because of the other seeing so clearly what Sin was blind to, he swears to himself that no girl will ever come between them again. This also explains a lot of Sin’s actions in Church when it comes to Sirena.
I was crazy enough to do anything now to keep my family safe.
To keep us together. A girl for all of us would only wreck us. I felt that to my very bones. I’d never let another girl come between us again.
I definitely agree with the author that Bells should be read after Church even though the events of Bells take before the events of Church.
August 29, 2025
Reuss wrote a brilliant FMC - one I both hated, loathed, despised, yet at the same time one my heart broke for.If you haven’t read Church - you need to as this one assumes you’ve been exposed to certain pieces of the puzzleWe knew what happened to Sin, but reading about in ‘real time’ was so painful and raw. Bells was brilliant - she was the perfect antagonist - wonderfully flawed and so full of trauma with a mix of vulnerability and insanity. Learning about her upbringing gave clarity to understanding her actions, and though they were horrible, and my heart broke for Sin, I could clearly see why she acted like she did. She ultimately was searching for the same thing as him. Both broken and so shattered by their environments.It’s dark and takes you deep into the areas of nature versus nurture of human behaviour. I loved it! I’m not sure I love the direction of Church’s father’s ‘career’, but we’ll see where that goes.I am invested completely in the series and look forward to seeing how it further develops
February 8, 2025
•Dark Bully Romance
•Asylum School
•Mental Health Disorders/Disabilities
•Abort!on
•Cheating
•🌶🌶🌶
Soooo this was a whiplash of a ride. This is a prelude that follows Sinclair and Bells and is best read after Church and before Ashes. It really explains why Sin is the way he is with women now. He fell HARD for Bells, and Bells was really playing on those feelings. Sins friends, Church, Stitches, and Ashes, were seeing it and Sin is just blinded by it all. She is OBSESSED with Church. Always sneaking glances. Bells also has a pretty messed up past that leads her to how the way she is. She's pretty freaking wicked. Had my mouth dropping at the end of the book. Cruel words an all! Check your TW before reading!!
•Asylum School
•Mental Health Disorders/Disabilities
•Abort!on
•Cheating
•🌶🌶🌶
Soooo this was a whiplash of a ride. This is a prelude that follows Sinclair and Bells and is best read after Church and before Ashes. It really explains why Sin is the way he is with women now. He fell HARD for Bells, and Bells was really playing on those feelings. Sins friends, Church, Stitches, and Ashes, were seeing it and Sin is just blinded by it all. She is OBSESSED with Church. Always sneaking glances. Bells also has a pretty messed up past that leads her to how the way she is. She's pretty freaking wicked. Had my mouth dropping at the end of the book. Cruel words an all! Check your TW before reading!!
December 21, 2024
Definitely going back to read Church before Ashes, I think Bells would be better to read kind of towards the end of Church, before a few select scenes. Once I re-read Church I'll definitely update it to be where I think it'd fit. Maybe not exactly a prequel, but... well, we'll see!
I'm still vibin' with this story line & stoked for Ashes, but it's been a bit since I've read Church so going back to refresh my memory!
I'm still vibin' with this story line & stoked for Ashes, but it's been a bit since I've read Church so going back to refresh my memory!
July 14, 2025
My poor Sin 🥺 this book was definitely needed to understand Sin more and to learn a little bit about the past and explains what happened in the first book a lot more. I really enjoyed this book and how it was a smaller book and quick to read. I actually had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook alongside it and I loved how well all the narrators played the characters. I’m so excited for the next audiobook to come out and to return to the main story and find out what happens 😍
July 24, 2025
oh what a ride - I never disliked a character more than I hated Bells. such a manipulative soul, how she treated Sin
sin however - oh god i really got into his character this time and now understand why he react later that way. i felt so sorry for him he just wanted to be loved and didn't see it coming.
Ashes - my favorite boy! i loved how supportive and deep he was portrayed in this book, even if we just got glimpses of him.
sin however - oh god i really got into his character this time and now understand why he react later that way. i felt so sorry for him he just wanted to be loved and didn't see it coming.
Ashes - my favorite boy! i loved how supportive and deep he was portrayed in this book, even if we just got glimpses of him.
August 6, 2024
A super short novella to provide the back story of the infamous Isabella. Not as great as Church, but necessary to fully grasp the actions of Sin and to progress further into the Boys of Chapel Crest.
I hate to say it, but Seth’s character is growing on me. I like his level of crazy.
But Bells? ANNOYING. I’m glad to be done with her.
I hate to say it, but Seth’s character is growing on me. I like his level of crazy.
But Bells? ANNOYING. I’m glad to be done with her.
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