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Hannaford Prep #1-4
Hannaford Prep: The Complete Series
The most exclusive school in the entire country, Hannaford Preparatory Academy, has offered me a full-ride scholarship and a chance to escape the dangerous streets of Mounts Bay. The only problem is, no scholarship student has ever made it through freshman year. None of the rich kids understand the need for survival that runs through my veins, the throne I've fought and killed to sit on, and there are more deranged killers stalking me than I can keep count of. They think they can break me. They're wrong. No one touches the Wolf. *** This Omnibus contains all four books of the Hannaford Prep series in one plus some extra snippets and POVs from other characters. In reading order, the books are Just Drop Out, Make Your Move, Play the Game, and To the End***
784 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2023
2430 people are currently reading
3127 people want to read
About the author
J. Bree
29 books11.9k followersJ Bree is a dreamer, writer, mother, and cat-wrangler.
The order of priorities changes daily.
She lives on the coast of Western Australia in a city where it rains too much. She spends her days dreaming about all of her book boyfriends, listening to her partner moan about how the lawns are looking, and being a snack bitch to her three kids.
Visit her website at http://www.jbreeauthor.com to sign up for the newsletter or find her on social media.
The order of priorities changes daily.
She lives on the coast of Western Australia in a city where it rains too much. She spends her days dreaming about all of her book boyfriends, listening to her partner moan about how the lawns are looking, and being a snack bitch to her three kids.
Visit her website at http://www.jbreeauthor.com to sign up for the newsletter or find her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
January 21, 2021
So silly. 15 yr old high school students who are somehow rich and tough and blah blah blah. The utter stupidity of it all.
DNF
September 5, 2022
4 STARS
Did I just binge read this entire series in 3 days? Yes. Yes I did.
The plot, while you do have to suspend your disbelief for, was addicting as hell.
Admittedly, I walked into this series a bit blind. Had I done my research or read all the blurbs, I would have seen that this is set in high school and the MCs are 15 in the first book. Had I read if I knew? Probably not. But by the time I got through the first few chapters, I was already fully invested and couldn't stop.
This is a series that spans a year per book, so by the time we reach the final book, they're all seniors. It's a poly romance with no sword crossing, but the spice doesn't start until book 3 when the MCs are 17. This actually worked out for me because I couldn't read it had the spice started before that, but do bear in mind that it's very much a slow burn.
Now for the plot. Did I have to suspend my disbelief of a 15 year old being a feared member of The 12 (an infamous criminal underworld) and a killer. Yes. Yes I did. Lips has lived a hard life and she's a survivor. She survived an addict mother, foster care, and every curve ball life threw at her. Desperate to leave that life behind, she comes to Hanford Prep as a scholarship kid, and immediately gets on the wrong side of the reigning kings (and queen) of the school.
My one and only quibble in this series is why it's set in high school. These kids act and talk like grown adults. The guys are manwhores with a rep in their freshman year of HS and one of them is a famous rockstar. On the one side, it made it easy to age them up in my head. On the other side, I just didn't understand the reason to base this in high school. As for the writing and the story, it was addictive. The plot and character development is top notch. Which is a feat considering 99% of the POV in each book is Lips. There is one chapter per book that you get of the guys POV but it's not much. I didn't mind this, even though my preference is dual POV, because we learn so much about them through Lips and I loved the pacing and development. The romance doesn't really kick in until book two, and the spice not until book 3. However, the mystery and suspense is what ultimately kept me glued to the pages. Hooked enough that I now want to jump into the spinoff and also read Illi's book in The Butcher of the Bay: Part I.
If you like a suspenseful poly romance with elements of bullying and a fierce heroine and don't mind it being based in high school with all the drama that comes with it, definitely check this out.
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We were both born into cages. Mine was poverty, drugs, the threat of gangs and violence.
Did I just binge read this entire series in 3 days? Yes. Yes I did.
The plot, while you do have to suspend your disbelief for, was addicting as hell.
Admittedly, I walked into this series a bit blind. Had I done my research or read all the blurbs, I would have seen that this is set in high school and the MCs are 15 in the first book. Had I read if I knew? Probably not. But by the time I got through the first few chapters, I was already fully invested and couldn't stop.
This is a series that spans a year per book, so by the time we reach the final book, they're all seniors. It's a poly romance with no sword crossing, but the spice doesn't start until book 3 when the MCs are 17. This actually worked out for me because I couldn't read it had the spice started before that, but do bear in mind that it's very much a slow burn.
Now for the plot. Did I have to suspend my disbelief of a 15 year old being a feared member of The 12 (an infamous criminal underworld) and a killer. Yes. Yes I did. Lips has lived a hard life and she's a survivor. She survived an addict mother, foster care, and every curve ball life threw at her. Desperate to leave that life behind, she comes to Hanford Prep as a scholarship kid, and immediately gets on the wrong side of the reigning kings (and queen) of the school.
My one and only quibble in this series is why it's set in high school. These kids act and talk like grown adults. The guys are manwhores with a rep in their freshman year of HS and one of them is a famous rockstar. On the one side, it made it easy to age them up in my head. On the other side, I just didn't understand the reason to base this in high school. As for the writing and the story, it was addictive. The plot and character development is top notch. Which is a feat considering 99% of the POV in each book is Lips. There is one chapter per book that you get of the guys POV but it's not much. I didn't mind this, even though my preference is dual POV, because we learn so much about them through Lips and I loved the pacing and development. The romance doesn't really kick in until book two, and the spice not until book 3. However, the mystery and suspense is what ultimately kept me glued to the pages. Hooked enough that I now want to jump into the spinoff and also read Illi's book in The Butcher of the Bay: Part I.
If you like a suspenseful poly romance with elements of bullying and a fierce heroine and don't mind it being based in high school with all the drama that comes with it, definitely check this out.
Find me on:
August 31, 2020
You guys already know how in love with this series I am.
I can't wait to get my hands on this book in paperback to add to my shelves, it's going to look so pretty!
This is the complete series of Hannaford Prep.
It's where we first meet Lips and Crew, and it's one of my favorite series of the year.
It's a bully romance, slow burn and multiple love interests.
You won't be able to guess all the plot twists because my mind was for sure blown the first time I read this series. This collection contains bonus scenes and OMG, I loved them.
If you haven't had a chance to read the series-- I highly recommend picking this up and starting.
You won't ever want to leave the Bay again!
I can't wait to get my hands on this book in paperback to add to my shelves, it's going to look so pretty!
This is the complete series of Hannaford Prep.
It's where we first meet Lips and Crew, and it's one of my favorite series of the year.
It's a bully romance, slow burn and multiple love interests.
You won't be able to guess all the plot twists because my mind was for sure blown the first time I read this series. This collection contains bonus scenes and OMG, I loved them.
If you haven't had a chance to read the series-- I highly recommend picking this up and starting.
You won't ever want to leave the Bay again!
September 23, 2020
L🤩VED!!!!!!!
Fml!! This was one of the best series I've read. Lips, Avery, the guys, Illi and more! I love these characters, it's hard to say goodbye. The action was non stop, the angst, the steam, the surprises, sooo freaking amazing! This series was perfection, I enjoyed it so very much. 😭😍😍
Fml!! This was one of the best series I've read. Lips, Avery, the guys, Illi and more! I love these characters, it's hard to say goodbye. The action was non stop, the angst, the steam, the surprises, sooo freaking amazing! This series was perfection, I enjoyed it so very much. 😭😍😍
July 29, 2020
Worth it for the bonus scenes alone, but having this whole fabulous series together is just a gift to me :D
February 10, 2025
Look, I adore this series. This is my second read of it -- first time with the bonus scenes. 6 months after reading it, I have bought the book now AND am considering yet another re-read.
There is some bullying here, but it isn't the worst I've read and I think the guys are redeemable. One of the best things about this book is the friendship between Lips and Avery. This bond is everything. They all become family and it is hard not to become invested in their story.
The biggest complaint I have is that the characters don't feel like high schoolers and it is hard to believe Lips has such a deadly rep and respect in the underworld at age 14. I always age them up while I read this.... although this will be difficult when the college year books come out! So yes, there are times when you have to suspend belief.
Another add here is how much planning and strategizing they do, yet none of it comes to fruition. They have so much they are fighting, so much they are working against, but it doesn't feel like they actually do much except react. I'm hoping it is because they are young and in the future they'll be a big more proactive and ready/willing to bleed people -- not just talk.
Definitely one of my favorite RH books and one I'm sure I'll read again and again.
There is some bullying here, but it isn't the worst I've read and I think the guys are redeemable. One of the best things about this book is the friendship between Lips and Avery. This bond is everything. They all become family and it is hard not to become invested in their story.
The biggest complaint I have is that the characters don't feel like high schoolers and it is hard to believe Lips has such a deadly rep and respect in the underworld at age 14. I always age them up while I read this.... although this will be difficult when the college year books come out! So yes, there are times when you have to suspend belief.
Another add here is how much planning and strategizing they do, yet none of it comes to fruition. They have so much they are fighting, so much they are working against, but it doesn't feel like they actually do much except react. I'm hoping it is because they are young and in the future they'll be a big more proactive and ready/willing to bleed people -- not just talk.
Definitely one of my favorite RH books and one I'm sure I'll read again and again.
December 25, 2023
Love rereading this series ❤
January 27, 2022
After what feels like my hundredth re-read of one of my favorite books ever, I decided I needed to update my review to reflect my love for Lips & her guys!
This is a very slow burn, gang, reverse harem romance. There’s tension, chemistry, violence, twists and turns & spice. Basically everything you need!
J Bree is amazing. The world of Mounts Bay is incredible and I love every single book set in the Bay, but Hannaford is hands down my fave.
The bullying is minimum and the guys are 100% redeemable. Lips & Avery’s friendship are what make the entire book in my opinion. My only drawback is how young the characters are (book starts freshmen year and ends after they graduate) but I was able to overlook it for a few reasons: the big one being they aren’t your normal freshmen in high school kids. They all were forced to grow up quickly in a violent word. Secondly, Lips is a virgin and the sexy times don’t come until later, so it’s not like we’re reading ‘kids’ having sex. Honestly, these characters are more mature and put together than a lot of the adults in the series because of what they’ve all been through.
Lips character is amazing. She is the definition of a badass bitch. With the help and love from her guys and her bestie, she said that me herself up and becomes more ‘normal’ and girlie.
This is a very slow burn, gang, reverse harem romance. There’s tension, chemistry, violence, twists and turns & spice. Basically everything you need!
J Bree is amazing. The world of Mounts Bay is incredible and I love every single book set in the Bay, but Hannaford is hands down my fave.
The bullying is minimum and the guys are 100% redeemable. Lips & Avery’s friendship are what make the entire book in my opinion. My only drawback is how young the characters are (book starts freshmen year and ends after they graduate) but I was able to overlook it for a few reasons: the big one being they aren’t your normal freshmen in high school kids. They all were forced to grow up quickly in a violent word. Secondly, Lips is a virgin and the sexy times don’t come until later, so it’s not like we’re reading ‘kids’ having sex. Honestly, these characters are more mature and put together than a lot of the adults in the series because of what they’ve all been through.
Lips character is amazing. She is the definition of a badass bitch. With the help and love from her guys and her bestie, she said that me herself up and becomes more ‘normal’ and girlie.
November 21, 2020
Good story, needs editing
I heard a lot of recommendations for this series, so I decided to go for it, even though bully isn’t my favorite genre. While it does strain the bounds of credulity for a tiny 15 year old to be such a BA with all this power, the first two books were great, even if it’s a super slow burn. The story and the pull and tug between all the players is good enough to overlook the misspellings and typos, and oh Lord at the comma splices. However, by book 3, it started to get to me, but I think it’s because this is an “omnibus” edition that contains all four books. Normally, when you’re reading a series, there’s a certain amount of repetition because you have to reorient the audience to where they are in the progress of the narrative, but when reading them all as a single work, it gets tiring. Also, by the fourth book, all the characters are kind of just caricatures of themselves. There’s no more character growth; they just sort of stagnate. All the pressure comes from the outside, and at some point when there’s a freaking gang war raging, the last thing anyone cares about is midterms. Also, after they become involved in their RH, there’s no longer any development of that relationship, and surprisingly few fun times, and none as a complete group. The last book also had the most errors in editing- misspellings/typos and grammar issues (eg missplaced prepositional phrases, etc).
I was really into the series going into book 3, but everyone just becomes cartoonish and actions are needlessly repetitive - like, we get it, FMC loves coffee; we don’t need it pointed out every time she drinks it. And there were so many opportunities for smexy fun times that get interrupted, if it were me I would start to think the universe was trying to tell me something.
It’s a fun but totally implausible romp, full of characters who are awesome at all the things. I suggest reading them separately so that some of the irritation of the repetition isn’t as noticeable.
I heard a lot of recommendations for this series, so I decided to go for it, even though bully isn’t my favorite genre. While it does strain the bounds of credulity for a tiny 15 year old to be such a BA with all this power, the first two books were great, even if it’s a super slow burn. The story and the pull and tug between all the players is good enough to overlook the misspellings and typos, and oh Lord at the comma splices. However, by book 3, it started to get to me, but I think it’s because this is an “omnibus” edition that contains all four books. Normally, when you’re reading a series, there’s a certain amount of repetition because you have to reorient the audience to where they are in the progress of the narrative, but when reading them all as a single work, it gets tiring. Also, by the fourth book, all the characters are kind of just caricatures of themselves. There’s no more character growth; they just sort of stagnate. All the pressure comes from the outside, and at some point when there’s a freaking gang war raging, the last thing anyone cares about is midterms. Also, after they become involved in their RH, there’s no longer any development of that relationship, and surprisingly few fun times, and none as a complete group. The last book also had the most errors in editing- misspellings/typos and grammar issues (eg missplaced prepositional phrases, etc).
I was really into the series going into book 3, but everyone just becomes cartoonish and actions are needlessly repetitive - like, we get it, FMC loves coffee; we don’t need it pointed out every time she drinks it. And there were so many opportunities for smexy fun times that get interrupted, if it were me I would start to think the universe was trying to tell me something.
It’s a fun but totally implausible romp, full of characters who are awesome at all the things. I suggest reading them separately so that some of the irritation of the repetition isn’t as noticeable.
September 4, 2020
Gets better and better
My second time reading this series and it was well worth it! The box set has little extra snippets from the guys and I LOVED it! Lips is a bada$$ and I love that too. I hate a weak female lead, and she is definitely NOT that! The guys are hot as heck and I can’t WAIT for averys story!! Pick this series up, seriously!
Side note: this is a dark bully romance. Murder and such are very common, do not go into this series if that’s something you can’t handle.
My second time reading this series and it was well worth it! The box set has little extra snippets from the guys and I LOVED it! Lips is a bada$$ and I love that too. I hate a weak female lead, and she is definitely NOT that! The guys are hot as heck and I can’t WAIT for averys story!! Pick this series up, seriously!
Side note: this is a dark bully romance. Murder and such are very common, do not go into this series if that’s something you can’t handle.
January 25, 2021
DNF at 72%. I refuse!!! Eeeeeeeeeek *screaming*
I refuse to even rant at this ridiculous mess. Just nope. I will channel my inner Zen if I have to drag it from the depths of hell. Cuz I know if I start ranting, I won't stop.☠️
I refuse to even rant at this ridiculous mess. Just nope. I will channel my inner Zen if I have to drag it from the depths of hell. Cuz I know if I start ranting, I won't stop.☠️
August 30, 2024
4.5⭐️ WOW WOW WOWWWWW. First of all, this book ate from page one. How does a 700+ page book (granted it’s 4 books in 1) eat the whole way through?UGH, this ateeee DOWN and I’m kinda sad it’s over😭. From the writing, to the plot, to how well thought out each characters were, the timeline and don’t even get me started on the found family… I absolutely LOVED the found family in this book. Also, if Avery has her own books i wanna read it because 👀 I need answers about that. this ate yall. ATE.
Read
July 27, 2021I got into this series during the pandemic, and it was a PERFECT pandemic read. It's also a perfect example of the power of indie reads, in the sense that a traditional publisher would have no idea what to do with this story or how to categorize it - and they'd miss out.
I have no idea how to evaluate this series based on 1-5 stars, which is why I didn't bother. The writing is just okay, the pacing and plotting are sloppy, the violence is too much and borderline cartoonish, and the premise is absurd. But these books are fun as hell, and addicting, with vivid characters and an immersive world.
So, is this series good? Not in the technical sense. But do I recommend it? Yes. It's the perfect read if you're looking for something a little ridiculous to get lost in. And that's not an insult.
The main girl Eclipse "Lips" Anderson is a crime lord assassin who's trying to have a normal high school experience at an elite academy, and she falls in with a found family that includes billionaire twins with a serial killer father, a car thief from an Irish mobster family, and a rock star. Normal stuff.
The level of violence includes beheadings and dismembering. There's bullying, scheming, backroom meetings with crime lords, school fight clubs, sex, drugs, blood, mean girls, blackmail, virginity bets, wildly unrealistic teacher behavior, bikers, people with nicknames like "The Butcher" and "The Jackal." It's everything but the kitchen sink. It's a mess -- but boy is it a good time!
It's not remotely plausible, but it's not trying to be. So, the characters' ages don't bother me like I see other reviewers talking about. Because I treat it like a CW show like "Riverdale" or "The Vampire Diaries" where the actors are all clearly in their 20s and their actions and lives don't really exist in the same world as "realistic" teens. So is it bananas that Lips is a 15 year old crime lord assassin at the beginning? Sure. But her age isn't even the top 5 most insane parts of this.
The other books in this world are also addictive, outlandish, and enthralling, and this is the entry point. If you leave your disbelief at the door, and go along for the ride, the world of Mounts Bay is a trip.
I have no idea how to evaluate this series based on 1-5 stars, which is why I didn't bother. The writing is just okay, the pacing and plotting are sloppy, the violence is too much and borderline cartoonish, and the premise is absurd. But these books are fun as hell, and addicting, with vivid characters and an immersive world.
So, is this series good? Not in the technical sense. But do I recommend it? Yes. It's the perfect read if you're looking for something a little ridiculous to get lost in. And that's not an insult.
The main girl Eclipse "Lips" Anderson is a crime lord assassin who's trying to have a normal high school experience at an elite academy, and she falls in with a found family that includes billionaire twins with a serial killer father, a car thief from an Irish mobster family, and a rock star. Normal stuff.
The level of violence includes beheadings and dismembering. There's bullying, scheming, backroom meetings with crime lords, school fight clubs, sex, drugs, blood, mean girls, blackmail, virginity bets, wildly unrealistic teacher behavior, bikers, people with nicknames like "The Butcher" and "The Jackal." It's everything but the kitchen sink. It's a mess -- but boy is it a good time!
It's not remotely plausible, but it's not trying to be. So, the characters' ages don't bother me like I see other reviewers talking about. Because I treat it like a CW show like "Riverdale" or "The Vampire Diaries" where the actors are all clearly in their 20s and their actions and lives don't really exist in the same world as "realistic" teens. So is it bananas that Lips is a 15 year old crime lord assassin at the beginning? Sure. But her age isn't even the top 5 most insane parts of this.
The other books in this world are also addictive, outlandish, and enthralling, and this is the entry point. If you leave your disbelief at the door, and go along for the ride, the world of Mounts Bay is a trip.
April 7, 2021
10/10. SO FRICKING GOOD!
This is my third time reading this series. This version is the complete collection, bonus scenes included and it follows Lips' 4 year long journey through Hannaford Prep. Between the suspense, the plot twists, the character development, and the characters (I honestly wish I could be in this series... just yano.. maybe without having to deal with the violence, constant death threats and the psycho Jackal. P.s I'm claiming Avery, Lips and Illi.. just saying) it left me never ever wanting to leave the Bay.
There were so many times where I thought my heart was going to climb out of my throat and every single one of them was worth it. The guys are *chef's kiss* absolutely perfect. They're 3 broody alpha assholes but each of them have the most perfect soft side where Lips and Avery are concerned. The family dynamic that evolves throughout this storyline is beautiful and the way they look out for each other is perfection. My only complaint is that I sometimes wish Lips would have just gone full wolf and been a little bit more proactive rather than reactive, however at the core of it she is a teenage girl just trying to make it in a truly insane world. I can't fault her when her main goal is to make it out of the Bay alive.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading action packed RH books. If you love strong female leads, that are still evolving and learning to embrace their "softer" sides then I dare you to take the plunge and fall in love with Lips. If you want 3 guys who will get their hands just as dirty, and at times more than the FMC, who are willing to sacrifice everything and anything for the sake of protecting the people they love, then Blaise, Harley and Ash are the guys for you.
Grab this book ASAP.
-Sinead
This is my third time reading this series. This version is the complete collection, bonus scenes included and it follows Lips' 4 year long journey through Hannaford Prep. Between the suspense, the plot twists, the character development, and the characters (I honestly wish I could be in this series... just yano.. maybe without having to deal with the violence, constant death threats and the psycho Jackal. P.s I'm claiming Avery, Lips and Illi.. just saying) it left me never ever wanting to leave the Bay.
There were so many times where I thought my heart was going to climb out of my throat and every single one of them was worth it. The guys are *chef's kiss* absolutely perfect. They're 3 broody alpha assholes but each of them have the most perfect soft side where Lips and Avery are concerned. The family dynamic that evolves throughout this storyline is beautiful and the way they look out for each other is perfection. My only complaint is that I sometimes wish Lips would have just gone full wolf and been a little bit more proactive rather than reactive, however at the core of it she is a teenage girl just trying to make it in a truly insane world. I can't fault her when her main goal is to make it out of the Bay alive.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading action packed RH books. If you love strong female leads, that are still evolving and learning to embrace their "softer" sides then I dare you to take the plunge and fall in love with Lips. If you want 3 guys who will get their hands just as dirty, and at times more than the FMC, who are willing to sacrifice everything and anything for the sake of protecting the people they love, then Blaise, Harley and Ash are the guys for you.
Grab this book ASAP.
-Sinead
June 16, 2021
Welcome to the wicked mind of J Bree and her diabolical story telling- hang on tight, it's gonna get crazy, bloody, and super steamy.
J Bree is a consummate world builder- and the Hannaford world is one as sharp as it is welcoming, full of colorful characters with traumatic pasts, grey moral codes, and ever changing agendas. Lips, her men, and all of the fantastic secondary characters are captivating and magnetic. From the early bully push-pull all the way to the epic, heart stopping devotion that ensues, I could feel the chemistry down in my marrow. And what a heroine- there is no one like Lips- powerful, in control, totally alpha- the consummate survivor and the gritty warrior.
Action is no-stop, twists and turns abound, darkness and danger permeate every page- a total page turner and a wild, addictive ride. But what I loved most was the LOVE- and not just the romance, but the familial love. The love and loyalty this make-shift crew has for each other - a love that supersedes the game, a love that overpowers and controls the game. There is now greater power- the friendships, the connections, the devotion this crew of misfits has for each other. I want to live in this world forever!
J Bree is a consummate world builder- and the Hannaford world is one as sharp as it is welcoming, full of colorful characters with traumatic pasts, grey moral codes, and ever changing agendas. Lips, her men, and all of the fantastic secondary characters are captivating and magnetic. From the early bully push-pull all the way to the epic, heart stopping devotion that ensues, I could feel the chemistry down in my marrow. And what a heroine- there is no one like Lips- powerful, in control, totally alpha- the consummate survivor and the gritty warrior.
Action is no-stop, twists and turns abound, darkness and danger permeate every page- a total page turner and a wild, addictive ride. But what I loved most was the LOVE- and not just the romance, but the familial love. The love and loyalty this make-shift crew has for each other - a love that supersedes the game, a love that overpowers and controls the game. There is now greater power- the friendships, the connections, the devotion this crew of misfits has for each other. I want to live in this world forever!
February 21, 2021
Lips is every bit the fmc I adore! When I started this series I was like oh they are very young but once I got to know the characters and storyline I soon realised they are old beyond their years.
I loved the loyalty and determination lips had even with her background and the dangers she still faced, the guys all lead complex lives aswell and when they finally sort out their differences they all fit together perfectly!
The twelve really intruiged me, I love the idea of 12 kingpins running the city and this little 15 year old girl being one of the scariest but also still retaining so much goodness even after all the horrors she has faced.
I'm rambling here because I don't wanna give the story away, J bree writes so beautifully, and the complexity of her characters is astounding.
I recommend hannaford prep to all I come across who are looking for a good rh dark read 😊
I loved the loyalty and determination lips had even with her background and the dangers she still faced, the guys all lead complex lives aswell and when they finally sort out their differences they all fit together perfectly!
The twelve really intruiged me, I love the idea of 12 kingpins running the city and this little 15 year old girl being one of the scariest but also still retaining so much goodness even after all the horrors she has faced.
I'm rambling here because I don't wanna give the story away, J bree writes so beautifully, and the complexity of her characters is astounding.
I recommend hannaford prep to all I come across who are looking for a good rh dark read 😊
January 28, 2021
Underwhelming. The ending was pretty anticlimactic and there was like ZERO SMUT. There's no other reason I would read a book like this so I was pretty disappointed to say the least
June 15, 2021
DNF in middle of book 2. Got bored
August 24, 2022
4.5⭐️ 2🌶
I’m deep in my bully high school RH rabbit hole right now so I picked up this very highly rated series because it’s available on KU and Scribd.
What I got was a dark, twisted, action packed world full of gangs, mobsters, psychopaths and fucked up rich kids. I was left in a constant state of suspense and I never felt I had it all figured out, so I really appreciated the creativity. The only downside was that there were SO MANY side characters and plot lines it was hard to keep them all straight at times
You know that saying…The enemy of my enemy is my friend…that sums up a lot of the interpersonal relationships in this series. 😏
I loved the first book “Just Drop Out” so much. After I finished this series I went back to read it again because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters, and I’m a sucker for the “bully” part of these stories.
Moving onto the second book, I recommend reading it in tandem with the 5th book (Make My Move) which is the same story, but told from the POVs of the 3 MMCs. I eat up any chance for the Hero(es) inner thoughts 🙌🏻
Books 3 and 4 are where most of the action is, and it’s from this point in that we get heavily into the additional side characters; Illi-The Butcher- being the standout, although Aoyden is intriguing too 🤔 There’s A-LOT of unaliving going on 🤫🔪
I love how the author brought each of the guys around to their acceptance of Lips on their own terms.
Harley leading the way was obvious, and his connection to Lips was the best of all the guys. Not only because of their common Mounts Bay background but I really felt they were soulmates. I do find it interesting though that he was the only guy that we actually saw be with an OW during the story(prior to Lips). 😬
Blaise I thought had the flimsiest connection, but he added the necessary levity to the dynamic, even though his character suffered a little too much from “rockstar” clichés. Lips being a big fan of his justified their connection but I just never felt anything deep between them
Ash…The cruel Alpha leader of the group. Honestly I tend to end up liking this kind of character the best, and I while I loved Aah, no one was gonna trump Harley. I do like that he was the last of the guys to sleep with Lips. Not really believable, but kinda karmic. 🤭
I’ll drop in Avery here too. While not a part of the Harem, her relationship with Lips despite the treatment during the first book felt shockingly realistic. I did get tired of her constantly trying to police or prevent Lips and the guys from hooking up, but as I was into this series for the story vs the smut I was easily able to not dwell on it.
This story is told over 4 years of high school so because of that the characters naturally had to be 15 from the onset. I know that is a turnoff for some people, but seeing as the “romance” between the MCs doesn’t really go beyond some heavy petting until Junior year, there’s no need to be clutching those pearls.
However I am critical of the romance purely because I don’t like how Lips’s sexuality was written. I mentioned this in the reviews of the individual books, but it was off putting to have her character be this badass assassin bitch, yet at the same time be a blushing bashful virgin. Not because of her age, but simply her demeanor had their sex scenes feeling all kinds of wrong for me 🫣🙅🏻♀️. Additionally I just didn’t find it plausible that these guys who were all sexually active at 15 or younger would all of sudden just be ok with being celibate for over 2 years, WHILST having a girlfriend (Lips). I’m sorry, just not buying it.
However, despite the relationship ick factor, the storyline was that good that I’d still wholeheartedly recommend this series and will likely read it again in the near future. 🖤
I’m deep in my bully high school RH rabbit hole right now so I picked up this very highly rated series because it’s available on KU and Scribd.
What I got was a dark, twisted, action packed world full of gangs, mobsters, psychopaths and fucked up rich kids. I was left in a constant state of suspense and I never felt I had it all figured out, so I really appreciated the creativity. The only downside was that there were SO MANY side characters and plot lines it was hard to keep them all straight at times
You know that saying…The enemy of my enemy is my friend…that sums up a lot of the interpersonal relationships in this series. 😏
I loved the first book “Just Drop Out” so much. After I finished this series I went back to read it again because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters, and I’m a sucker for the “bully” part of these stories.
Moving onto the second book, I recommend reading it in tandem with the 5th book (Make My Move) which is the same story, but told from the POVs of the 3 MMCs. I eat up any chance for the Hero(es) inner thoughts 🙌🏻
Books 3 and 4 are where most of the action is, and it’s from this point in that we get heavily into the additional side characters; Illi-The Butcher- being the standout, although Aoyden is intriguing too 🤔 There’s A-LOT of unaliving going on 🤫🔪
I love how the author brought each of the guys around to their acceptance of Lips on their own terms.
Harley leading the way was obvious, and his connection to Lips was the best of all the guys. Not only because of their common Mounts Bay background but I really felt they were soulmates. I do find it interesting though that he was the only guy that we actually saw be with an OW during the story(prior to Lips). 😬
Blaise I thought had the flimsiest connection, but he added the necessary levity to the dynamic, even though his character suffered a little too much from “rockstar” clichés. Lips being a big fan of his justified their connection but I just never felt anything deep between them
Ash…The cruel Alpha leader of the group. Honestly I tend to end up liking this kind of character the best, and I while I loved Aah, no one was gonna trump Harley. I do like that he was the last of the guys to sleep with Lips. Not really believable, but kinda karmic. 🤭
I’ll drop in Avery here too. While not a part of the Harem, her relationship with Lips despite the treatment during the first book felt shockingly realistic. I did get tired of her constantly trying to police or prevent Lips and the guys from hooking up, but as I was into this series for the story vs the smut I was easily able to not dwell on it.
This story is told over 4 years of high school so because of that the characters naturally had to be 15 from the onset. I know that is a turnoff for some people, but seeing as the “romance” between the MCs doesn’t really go beyond some heavy petting until Junior year, there’s no need to be clutching those pearls.
However I am critical of the romance purely because I don’t like how Lips’s sexuality was written. I mentioned this in the reviews of the individual books, but it was off putting to have her character be this badass assassin bitch, yet at the same time be a blushing bashful virgin. Not because of her age, but simply her demeanor had their sex scenes feeling all kinds of wrong for me 🫣🙅🏻♀️. Additionally I just didn’t find it plausible that these guys who were all sexually active at 15 or younger would all of sudden just be ok with being celibate for over 2 years, WHILST having a girlfriend (Lips). I’m sorry, just not buying it.
However, despite the relationship ick factor, the storyline was that good that I’d still wholeheartedly recommend this series and will likely read it again in the near future. 🖤
June 14, 2022
Amazing!!
This series hooks you in from the very beginning. You are taken on a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime in this series and boy is it worth it. All the ups and downs and the twists, the reveals, all of it just keeps you wanting more. Lips and her guys, along with Avery go through things that can only be unimaginable but they only keep getting stronger. As the series goes on the relationship and friendships grows and the family they’ve created grows as well. They learn who they can and cannot trust, and who will actually have their backs during the war against the Senior Beaumont and the Jackal. Over all, it’s a great series and definitely recommend.
This series hooks you in from the very beginning. You are taken on a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime in this series and boy is it worth it. All the ups and downs and the twists, the reveals, all of it just keeps you wanting more. Lips and her guys, along with Avery go through things that can only be unimaginable but they only keep getting stronger. As the series goes on the relationship and friendships grows and the family they’ve created grows as well. They learn who they can and cannot trust, and who will actually have their backs during the war against the Senior Beaumont and the Jackal. Over all, it’s a great series and definitely recommend.
July 31, 2021
I reviewed each book before rereading the whole series. I wanted to read the extra scenes, but there are only two new ones, at the Beginning and at the End. The other scenes were in book #5.
July 22, 2024
Absolutely love this series. Lips is fierce, brutal and protective of those she loves. Soo much drama in this book. Loved all the twists and turns in the plot.
January 21, 2021
Hard to get through
The story line was interesting and started off quite strong.
Hard to read through the frantically errors and the lack of editing. Much of the three books could have been condescend into just two. Lots of insignificant rubbish to trawl through and the action was literally too little and too late. For the promise of violence to save the streets there was very little.
For all the reputation she’s built herself lips as a character is just a scared little blushing girl who is not in charge of her body or her strength. Very frustrating.
The fact that everyone calls her mounty is disgusting and disturbing. It’s a slur and is used consistently by the people that like her. Why? Gross.
Call her lips for gods sake. At least the one character that calls her star is better than mounty. YUCK.
looooonnnngggg tedious read. This book set could have been great. It’s not.
The story line was interesting and started off quite strong.
Hard to read through the frantically errors and the lack of editing. Much of the three books could have been condescend into just two. Lots of insignificant rubbish to trawl through and the action was literally too little and too late. For the promise of violence to save the streets there was very little.
For all the reputation she’s built herself lips as a character is just a scared little blushing girl who is not in charge of her body or her strength. Very frustrating.
The fact that everyone calls her mounty is disgusting and disturbing. It’s a slur and is used consistently by the people that like her. Why? Gross.
Call her lips for gods sake. At least the one character that calls her star is better than mounty. YUCK.
looooonnnngggg tedious read. This book set could have been great. It’s not.
April 24, 2021
Can someone just tell me how this ends?! Dear lord I couldn’t finish this and I’m mad at myself for reading as much as I did which was very forced. This book could have been wrapped up in two longer books with a whole less of what was for breakfast lunch and dinner. But for reals... how does it end?!
February 27, 2023
~4.75 stars~
Mystery, Mafia, Why Choose, Badass
Yeah I'm good
Mystery, Mafia, Why Choose, Badass
Yeah I'm good
February 2, 2021
10/5 stars easily!
Holy moly this series was a crazy whirlwind that I loved every single second of! I can’t believe it’s over and how much happened throughout. I loved Lips and her men and all of the amazing side characters that were just as important and I can’t wait to read their books including the ice queen Avery
This series starts out as a bully high school romance but it’s so much more than that and included a** hole boys who seem to never have to lift a finger and a girl who had to work her way to the top with her bare hands but it’s so much more than that and assumptions are wrong. There’s twists and turns and so much angst along the way. The build up between the characters is so spicy it’s amazing. I’m so sad to have finished but I loved every second!
Holy moly this series was a crazy whirlwind that I loved every single second of! I can’t believe it’s over and how much happened throughout. I loved Lips and her men and all of the amazing side characters that were just as important and I can’t wait to read their books including the ice queen Avery
This series starts out as a bully high school romance but it’s so much more than that and included a** hole boys who seem to never have to lift a finger and a girl who had to work her way to the top with her bare hands but it’s so much more than that and assumptions are wrong. There’s twists and turns and so much angst along the way. The build up between the characters is so spicy it’s amazing. I’m so sad to have finished but I loved every second!
December 26, 2020
I loved this series! The story is great, something new and different. Lots of surprises, action, angst and steam. The characters were well done, there was a nice mix of personalities.
While it is a great read, I feel like some of the scenes in the story could have been so much better. I don't want to post spoilers, but when some characters are revealed I feel like those moments could have been bigger or more detailed. Or when they play the Game, it's made out to be this huge thing, but when they actually do it it lasts one page with limited details. Then there are times when the mundane everyday tasks take up a whole chapter, or are mentioned many times.
No matter what I loved this series, I just see more potential for this to climb into a best seller level with some adjustments.
Highly recommended series and I can't want to check out some of the spin offs.
While it is a great read, I feel like some of the scenes in the story could have been so much better. I don't want to post spoilers, but when some characters are revealed I feel like those moments could have been bigger or more detailed. Or when they play the Game, it's made out to be this huge thing, but when they actually do it it lasts one page with limited details. Then there are times when the mundane everyday tasks take up a whole chapter, or are mentioned many times.
No matter what I loved this series, I just see more potential for this to climb into a best seller level with some adjustments.
Highly recommended series and I can't want to check out some of the spin offs.
February 23, 2022
Amazing read.
I usually don’t opt to read a complete series as one book. I like the lines between books and being able to digest a little at a time and pick up the rest when I am ready. This book had me hooked, the lines between books are blurred because I couldn’t stop reading. At first I was skeptical because of the age of the MC. I got over that quick though and I absolutely loved every character. Nothing with having is easy and all the relationships are messy and hard won, I love it. 10/10 would reccomend.
I usually don’t opt to read a complete series as one book. I like the lines between books and being able to digest a little at a time and pick up the rest when I am ready. This book had me hooked, the lines between books are blurred because I couldn’t stop reading. At first I was skeptical because of the age of the MC. I got over that quick though and I absolutely loved every character. Nothing with having is easy and all the relationships are messy and hard won, I love it. 10/10 would reccomend.
March 23, 2023
J. Bree strikes again. And she does not disappoint.
This is one of the best bully romance books I've ever read.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult Contemporary
∘ Bully Romance
∘ High-school setting
∘ Drama
∘ Strong FMC — Lips is a force to be reckoned with
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Reverse Harem — 3 love interests so different & lovable, if only they weren't a-holes
∘ Hate to Love (in the making)
∘ Found Family
∘ "Who did that to you"
⇢ Trigger Warnings: bullying, murder, sexual assault, violence, psychological & physical abuse, attempted rape, drugs
— RTC.
This is one of the best bully romance books I've ever read.
⇢ What to expect:
∘ New Adult Contemporary
∘ Bully Romance
∘ High-school setting
∘ Drama
∘ Strong FMC — Lips is a force to be reckoned with
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Reverse Harem — 3 love interests so different & lovable, if only they weren't a-holes
∘ Hate to Love (in the making)
∘ Found Family
∘ "Who did that to you"
⇢ Trigger Warnings: bullying, murder, sexual assault, violence, psychological & physical abuse, attempted rape, drugs
— RTC.
April 28, 2023
While the storyline was very engaging, this was just so much plot and twist.
Also, the bullying was severe, and I don’t know how she got past all of that to be friends and fall in love with the guys.
But for me, it’s just all of the little subplots, that just makes a story kind of drag on. You have so many enemies that literally every other page is a plot of some kind kind of gets a little overwhelming with all these people gunning for this one girl.
Also, because of how plot heavy everything is, the spice just isn’t spicy!
Also, the bullying was severe, and I don’t know how she got past all of that to be friends and fall in love with the guys.
But for me, it’s just all of the little subplots, that just makes a story kind of drag on. You have so many enemies that literally every other page is a plot of some kind kind of gets a little overwhelming with all these people gunning for this one girl.
Also, because of how plot heavy everything is, the spice just isn’t spicy!
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