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Halston U #1
Frozen Hearts
Halston University was supposed to be my fresh start, my chance to prove I can stand on my own, except it’s not only passing classes I have to worry about.
Secrets…Desperation…Shattered Dreams… my life is one big balancing act. But what happens if I fall?
And then there’s them - three guys, each with their own darkness and allure. My demons.
There’s Logan, the golden boy on the ice, who believes in soulmates and love at first sight. He sees me, really sees me, and I can't help but feel drawn to him.
Royce, the brooding one. He's like a storm, unpredictable and dangerous, pushing me to confront parts of myself I'd long buried and awakening something dark within me. Every interaction is charged with venom and desire, a twisted dance that's both enthralling and frightening.
Then there's Grayson, my estranged stepbrother, dead set on revenge. Plotting my demise in the shadows of his ire and resentment, even as it threatens to consume us both. But what do you do when you can’t deny the lingering feelings of attraction, of something more ?
No matter how far I run, there is no escaping my past.
And, if my trauma doesn’t swallow me whole, Grayson Van Doren surely will. As the scars of the past come knocking on my door, I'll need to embrace the darkness to forge a path of redemption, maybe even love. A future for myself, one where I survive my demons. Frozen Hearts is a dark and seductive romance with multiple love interests that will grip your soul and leave you yearning for more. A dark, college, hockey, stepbrother romance. Frozen Hearts is the first book in the Halston U duet. This series does contain trigger warnings. Please see front of book for specifics.
Secrets…Desperation…Shattered Dreams… my life is one big balancing act. But what happens if I fall?
And then there’s them - three guys, each with their own darkness and allure. My demons.
There’s Logan, the golden boy on the ice, who believes in soulmates and love at first sight. He sees me, really sees me, and I can't help but feel drawn to him.
Royce, the brooding one. He's like a storm, unpredictable and dangerous, pushing me to confront parts of myself I'd long buried and awakening something dark within me. Every interaction is charged with venom and desire, a twisted dance that's both enthralling and frightening.
Then there's Grayson, my estranged stepbrother, dead set on revenge. Plotting my demise in the shadows of his ire and resentment, even as it threatens to consume us both. But what do you do when you can’t deny the lingering feelings of attraction, of something more ?
No matter how far I run, there is no escaping my past.
And, if my trauma doesn’t swallow me whole, Grayson Van Doren surely will. As the scars of the past come knocking on my door, I'll need to embrace the darkness to forge a path of redemption, maybe even love. A future for myself, one where I survive my demons. Frozen Hearts is a dark and seductive romance with multiple love interests that will grip your soul and leave you yearning for more. A dark, college, hockey, stepbrother romance. Frozen Hearts is the first book in the Halston U duet. This series does contain trigger warnings. Please see front of book for specifics.
510 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2023
2465 people are currently reading
5761 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Smyth
30 books1,520 followersMy name is Rachel. I live in the UK with my husband and two golden retrievers, and I am an author of dark, contemporary reverse harem romance.
If you love a story with a well thought out plot and good character development that will give you all the feels, then why not give one of my series a go?
Crescentwood - high school, stalker, bully, enemies to lovers
- Three Divisions: https://books2read.com/threedivisions
- Two Forces: https://books2read.com/twoforces
- One Family: https://books2read.com/onefamily
Pacific Prep - academy, assassin FMC, brothers best friends, taboo, bully
- Broken Trust: https://books2read.com/brokentrust
- Brutal Lies: https://books2read.com/Brutallies
- Beyond Vengeance: https://books2read.com/beyondvengeance
- Break Free: https://books2read.com/BreakfreePP4
- Blurred Lines (novella): https://books2read.com/Blurredlines
Black Creek - Gang/Mafia, enemies to lovers, MM, Forced marriage
- Rebels & Rejects: https://books2read.com/rebelsandrejects
- Murder & Mayhem: https://books2read.com/murderandmayhe...
- Damaged & Deadly: https://books2read.com/damagedanddeadly
- Chaos & Carnage: https://books2read.com/chaosandcarnage
Ruthless Boys of Ridgeway - Second chance romance, Friends-enemies-lovers, college, secret society, stalker, fake dating
- Pretty Spiteful: https://books2read.com/TRBoR1
- Pretty Vile: https://books2read.com/TRBoR2
- Pretty Lethal: https://books2read.com/TRBoR3
If you love a story with a well thought out plot and good character development that will give you all the feels, then why not give one of my series a go?
Crescentwood - high school, stalker, bully, enemies to lovers
- Three Divisions: https://books2read.com/threedivisions
- Two Forces: https://books2read.com/twoforces
- One Family: https://books2read.com/onefamily
Pacific Prep - academy, assassin FMC, brothers best friends, taboo, bully
- Broken Trust: https://books2read.com/brokentrust
- Brutal Lies: https://books2read.com/Brutallies
- Beyond Vengeance: https://books2read.com/beyondvengeance
- Break Free: https://books2read.com/BreakfreePP4
- Blurred Lines (novella): https://books2read.com/Blurredlines
Black Creek - Gang/Mafia, enemies to lovers, MM, Forced marriage
- Rebels & Rejects: https://books2read.com/rebelsandrejects
- Murder & Mayhem: https://books2read.com/murderandmayhe...
- Damaged & Deadly: https://books2read.com/damagedanddeadly
- Chaos & Carnage: https://books2read.com/chaosandcarnage
Ruthless Boys of Ridgeway - Second chance romance, Friends-enemies-lovers, college, secret society, stalker, fake dating
- Pretty Spiteful: https://books2read.com/TRBoR1
- Pretty Vile: https://books2read.com/TRBoR2
- Pretty Lethal: https://books2read.com/TRBoR3
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 539 reviews
October 6, 2023
Big DNF. As someone who devours bully romances, trust me on this: it's a pass. At some point there's a line for how much extremely dubious consent is acceptable, especially when the main driving factor of the story is the FMC's history of being repeatedly sexually assaulted. When the main aggressor is the son of her rapist, and he's taking her over and over (with very dubious consent) and actually cutting her skin NOT because he's into her, but because he's angry with her every time, and wants her to admit to something she can't, that has to be the line. Normally it's clear that she'll be able to stand up for herself at some point and demand the grovel she deserves after an entire book of bullying (this was more than that, but ok), but the way she interacts with all three of the MCs in this book makes it clear she'll be a doormat in the next book and there will be very little grovel because body betrayal or because she likes them and caves to their demands. SMH. I really liked this author's other bully romances, and was excited for this one, but it's a hard pass for me. Once I decided to DNF, I skimmed the rest of the book and confirmed it turned out exactly as I expected, especially the ending.
This is my reminder for when the next book comes out and my recs on all platforms show it to me bc it's right up my alley that I do not want to finish this series.
This is my reminder for when the next book comes out and my recs on all platforms show it to me bc it's right up my alley that I do not want to finish this series.
March 21, 2024
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'F𝐑O𝐙E𝐍 𝐇E𝐀R𝐓S' This is the first full length romance book in the 'Halston U' series by R.A. Smyth. Spoken in 'multiple perspectives' This does end in a cliffy.
I'd tried this at least 2x beforehand then I jumped in again and for some reason that's beyond me I'm hooked, the power of third time lucky I guess!! 🤷♀️
The ice hockey captain (Logan - the happy go lucky golden boy)
The fighter (Royce - the dark broody one)
The business man (Greyson - her stepbrother, whose out for revenge)
The dancer (Riley - the one girl that has them all wrapped around her fingers)
Lies, secrets, lives destroyed.
I’m so glad I persevered with this one and gave it another shot, and for that I’m so thankful I did. Third time around and I connected fully, got wrapped up in the storyline, absorbed by the 3 guys who were so different from each other it was hard to believe they were close friends.
Riley is attending Halston University on an academic scholarship, she's striving to make life better for herself, to steal back at least some of the control which was ruthlessly stolen from her, to better herself and improve her life to take better care of her loved one.
First she meets the arrogant broody Royce by accidently bumping into him on campus as he cuts her down with a scalding remark cutting her to the quick, cementing her belief that the good looking ones are truly dicks.
She meets Logan as he seeks her help to improve his grades to stay on the hockey team, slowly we're wrapped up in all the feels as they navigate their budding relationship, from friends, to maybe more, he falls hard and fast for the shy girl.
HaIf way through the storyline and these guys came up with the not so brilliant idea to kidnap her to get the answers they were seeking 🤷♀️ and when all three reveal their faces and her gaze clashes on her last captor, she knows she's in a world of trouble. She hasn't seen Greyson her stepbrother for years, not since he kicked her and her mother out of the home they shared with him and his father.
She destroyed the only life he knew, all his dreams and aspirations were put on the back burner because he had to step in and take over the family business when his father was castrated due to her lies.
December 26, 2024
Did y’all get paid to give this book a good rating??
So I have never actually commented on goodreads before, but with this book I just had to.
God I can’t believe I finished this book. I know I only did because I never dnf and I also needed to see what would happen and to learn why on earth people give this such I high rating.
I absolutely hated Grayson with everything in me and I will NEVER forgive or forget. I had my issues with the other two guys blindly following Grayson. But he is what RUINED this book.
Save to say I will not be reading the next one when it comes out. Which I will say I’m a little disappointed about because I don’t hate the other guys and I would like to see where their relationship goes with Riley. But I just refuse to read it if Grayson is a part of it.
So I have never actually commented on goodreads before, but with this book I just had to.
God I can’t believe I finished this book. I know I only did because I never dnf and I also needed to see what would happen and to learn why on earth people give this such I high rating.
I absolutely hated Grayson with everything in me and I will NEVER forgive or forget. I had my issues with the other two guys blindly following Grayson. But he is what RUINED this book.
Save to say I will not be reading the next one when it comes out. Which I will say I’m a little disappointed about because I don’t hate the other guys and I would like to see where their relationship goes with Riley. But I just refuse to read it if Grayson is a part of it.
November 1, 2025
Okay I have to tell you guys something, and I hate to be just like those assholes that give books 1 star ratings based on specific triggers they knew existed before starting the book because it’s on the trigger warnings page.
But I’m not gonna do that exactly okay?
Just bear with me.
I’m fine with noncon.
Bloodplay? More like child’s play.
Kindapping? Count me in. What was it that drew me back you ask? The child.
Yeah.
The freaking child.
How unhinged am I that that’s the part that bothered me?
And it’s not that it triggers anything in me, I just find it boring. The pregnancy trope, single parent trope, any kind of trope involving children gives me the ick. All that talk about children’s shows and you know, the cutesy family stuff, not what I’m here for.
BUT since it was my fault for not reading the trigger warnings list (I tend to skip it cause it often spoils stuff and let’s be honest, it’s very hard for a book to trigger me), I will not hold it against the author (yes, I’m looking at you, Karen. Seriously, stop giving books 1 star because it triggered you. It’s right there on the first page. Did you think these boys were going to be sweet fluffy little bunnies? If you’re not cool with it, don’t read the book.)
This book is a drug.
A Pringle. You can’t have just one but with pages.
OMG
Even with the whole child drama, I found this book so entertaining. It gripped me from page one, I was so intrigued to know what else would happen, and it actually started pretty tame you know? Things seemed to be going well and I kept thinking, how are things going to go to shit?
It doesn’t seem like they will.
But they do.
Oh yeah, they do.
I’m so excited to read book two and get started on that sweet, sweet redemption arc (because yes, Karen, of course it will happen. That’s what these bully romances are all about okay? Untangle your panties).
If you’re wondering wether you should read the book or not, I’d say it’s a yes if you don’t mind the dark themes (READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS) and you aren’t expecting squeaky clean love interests.
These guys are assholes okay?
They are fucked up in the head.
If you think Christian Gray was awful and problematic, just don’t read the book. You’re not gonna like it.
If you understand these men are assholes and know that they will get better later, I think you’ll find this quite fun because the pacing is super fast and the MC is actually not a terrible female lead. She actually does stuff you know? Takes control of her life.
If you don’t think you can handle love interests that are gonna do shitty things to the MC, then don’t read the book. (Seriously Karen, put the book down.)
Fine, we’re over with the non-spoilery part.
I don’t know if I can talk about each character without spoiling, so consider yourself spoiled if you go from here. They’re gonna be light but they’re gonna be there.
You’ve been warned.
It you’ve read it or don’t mind spoilers for some reason, let’s talk about the characters shall we?
*SPOILERS FROM HERE*
*SPOILERS FROM HERE*
Logan: the first guy we meet. Typical golden retriever athlete that has a swarm of girls pining over him. Super cute. Nothing bad to say about him really. Yes, he has a moment where he’s a dick, because he’s conflicted between this girl he really really likes and his best friend he’s known forever, so if you ask me, his reaction is pretty normal. I’d think anyone would react the same with the information he knew.
I read some reviews that were upset about him being weirded out by period blood, but like, when? He went out of his way to buy stuff for her even when he had no idea what he was doing, he bathed her and cleaned her and put her to bed.
Where did he react badly exactly?
I don’t think he was being rude or anything, he’d just never faced a situation like that before. Men sometimes don’t know things, they aren’t educated (this is a real issue girlies, I’m sure you know how often men don’t know about female anatomy).
Is this sad? Yes, but I think it says more about our education system than about men. And don’t get me wrong, I’m always up for shit talking men, but in this case, I think ignorance really comes to play. I remember when I was twelve and we were starting to get “the talks” in school. When it came time for the period talk, all the boys would be taken out of class. That’s where it starts.
We are super used in the dark romance genre to men pulling out tampons and eating girls out, which is great, but that’s not the case all the time.
I mean come on, I bleed every month and sometimes it gets a bit too visceral even for me.
I think his reaction was pretty sweet, funny and endearing.
Royce: I think he was my favorite one. There’s something so good about a moody love interest that hates everyone except the MC. He’s the least red flag of the boys, even if he initially seems like the worst one. The way his protective side came out even at the beginning when some random idiot was bothering her even if he’d only seen her twice, I loved that. He has a filthy mouth but a pretty heart.
Grayson: It wouldn’t be a good reverse harem if it didn’t have the almost unredeemable LI who’s mad at life and wants revenge.
Would I date someone like him in real life?
I wouldn’t date any of them in real life, that’s why we’re here right?
But, since we are here, we need to put ourselves in dark romance mindset to understand okay? He’s been traumatized, he doesn’t have all the information. He was manipulated by the adults in his life to believe what he believes.
Is it okay? Hell no.
Did I like him? No. Not at all. I didn’t find him even a little bit attractive.
Will there be a redemption arc for him? Yeah of course.
Who knows if it will be good or not, but as of now I’ll be waiting to see what happens next before I give my final judgement on him. Other than his red flags, I think I didn’t like him that much because the book doesn’t give us the time to connect much with him. He doesn’t really appear a lot, but I’m sure he’ll have more screen time later.
Riley: I usually hate female leads in books. It’s so hard for me to connect with them because most of the time they’re just so stupid you know? But I think Riley was pretty cool. She’s independent and she has a mind of her own and she doesn’t let people push her around. I liked the way her trauma was written, I felt it was pretty accurate to how trauma feels like (of course I can only speak for myself. If you have a different perspective, that’s absolutely fine too. We all deal with life’s bullshit differently).
Overall, I was just super entertained. It was exactly the kind of book I was looking for to get me out of an SIX MONTH reading slump.
Book 2, I’ll find you next.
But I’m not gonna do that exactly okay?
Just bear with me.
I’m fine with noncon.
Bloodplay? More like child’s play.
Kindapping? Count me in. What was it that drew me back you ask? The child.
Yeah.
The freaking child.
How unhinged am I that that’s the part that bothered me?
And it’s not that it triggers anything in me, I just find it boring. The pregnancy trope, single parent trope, any kind of trope involving children gives me the ick. All that talk about children’s shows and you know, the cutesy family stuff, not what I’m here for.
BUT since it was my fault for not reading the trigger warnings list (I tend to skip it cause it often spoils stuff and let’s be honest, it’s very hard for a book to trigger me), I will not hold it against the author (yes, I’m looking at you, Karen. Seriously, stop giving books 1 star because it triggered you. It’s right there on the first page. Did you think these boys were going to be sweet fluffy little bunnies? If you’re not cool with it, don’t read the book.)
This book is a drug.
A Pringle. You can’t have just one but with pages.
OMG
Even with the whole child drama, I found this book so entertaining. It gripped me from page one, I was so intrigued to know what else would happen, and it actually started pretty tame you know? Things seemed to be going well and I kept thinking, how are things going to go to shit?
It doesn’t seem like they will.
But they do.
Oh yeah, they do.
I’m so excited to read book two and get started on that sweet, sweet redemption arc (because yes, Karen, of course it will happen. That’s what these bully romances are all about okay? Untangle your panties).
If you’re wondering wether you should read the book or not, I’d say it’s a yes if you don’t mind the dark themes (READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS) and you aren’t expecting squeaky clean love interests.
These guys are assholes okay?
They are fucked up in the head.
If you think Christian Gray was awful and problematic, just don’t read the book. You’re not gonna like it.
If you understand these men are assholes and know that they will get better later, I think you’ll find this quite fun because the pacing is super fast and the MC is actually not a terrible female lead. She actually does stuff you know? Takes control of her life.
If you don’t think you can handle love interests that are gonna do shitty things to the MC, then don’t read the book. (Seriously Karen, put the book down.)
Fine, we’re over with the non-spoilery part.
I don’t know if I can talk about each character without spoiling, so consider yourself spoiled if you go from here. They’re gonna be light but they’re gonna be there.
You’ve been warned.
It you’ve read it or don’t mind spoilers for some reason, let’s talk about the characters shall we?
*SPOILERS FROM HERE*
*SPOILERS FROM HERE*
Logan: the first guy we meet. Typical golden retriever athlete that has a swarm of girls pining over him. Super cute. Nothing bad to say about him really. Yes, he has a moment where he’s a dick, because he’s conflicted between this girl he really really likes and his best friend he’s known forever, so if you ask me, his reaction is pretty normal. I’d think anyone would react the same with the information he knew.
I read some reviews that were upset about him being weirded out by period blood, but like, when? He went out of his way to buy stuff for her even when he had no idea what he was doing, he bathed her and cleaned her and put her to bed.
Where did he react badly exactly?
I don’t think he was being rude or anything, he’d just never faced a situation like that before. Men sometimes don’t know things, they aren’t educated (this is a real issue girlies, I’m sure you know how often men don’t know about female anatomy).
Is this sad? Yes, but I think it says more about our education system than about men. And don’t get me wrong, I’m always up for shit talking men, but in this case, I think ignorance really comes to play. I remember when I was twelve and we were starting to get “the talks” in school. When it came time for the period talk, all the boys would be taken out of class. That’s where it starts.
We are super used in the dark romance genre to men pulling out tampons and eating girls out, which is great, but that’s not the case all the time.
I mean come on, I bleed every month and sometimes it gets a bit too visceral even for me.
I think his reaction was pretty sweet, funny and endearing.
Royce: I think he was my favorite one. There’s something so good about a moody love interest that hates everyone except the MC. He’s the least red flag of the boys, even if he initially seems like the worst one. The way his protective side came out even at the beginning when some random idiot was bothering her even if he’d only seen her twice, I loved that. He has a filthy mouth but a pretty heart.
Grayson: It wouldn’t be a good reverse harem if it didn’t have the almost unredeemable LI who’s mad at life and wants revenge.
Would I date someone like him in real life?
I wouldn’t date any of them in real life, that’s why we’re here right?
But, since we are here, we need to put ourselves in dark romance mindset to understand okay? He’s been traumatized, he doesn’t have all the information. He was manipulated by the adults in his life to believe what he believes.
Is it okay? Hell no.
Did I like him? No. Not at all. I didn’t find him even a little bit attractive.
Will there be a redemption arc for him? Yeah of course.
Who knows if it will be good or not, but as of now I’ll be waiting to see what happens next before I give my final judgement on him. Other than his red flags, I think I didn’t like him that much because the book doesn’t give us the time to connect much with him. He doesn’t really appear a lot, but I’m sure he’ll have more screen time later.
Riley: I usually hate female leads in books. It’s so hard for me to connect with them because most of the time they’re just so stupid you know? But I think Riley was pretty cool. She’s independent and she has a mind of her own and she doesn’t let people push her around. I liked the way her trauma was written, I felt it was pretty accurate to how trauma feels like (of course I can only speak for myself. If you have a different perspective, that’s absolutely fine too. We all deal with life’s bullshit differently).
Overall, I was just super entertained. It was exactly the kind of book I was looking for to get me out of an SIX MONTH reading slump.
Book 2, I’ll find you next.
August 29, 2025
Where the fu*k is that sixth star?? I need it now.
Honestly, it feels like it's been a while since I've been so THOROUGHLY enthralled with a new book/series. I've been lucky to find quite a few 5-star reads in the past months, but none that just quite made it into my favorites shortlist until this one!
You know, one of those books you put in your favorites before you even finished them? This is it. I'm writing this bit before finishing.
I liked EVERYTHING about this! From the MMCs that are damn interesting and different, from the complexity and mystery of out FMC struggles, to how the dark part was done JUST Right, dark where it counts without overdoing it.
I love them all, but I am head over heels about Royce. He's just too perfectly fitting my book boyfriend type. I'm in a puddle.
Warning:
there is NOT a good moment to put down this book. It made me walk my a*s off cause I didn't want to stop listening!
5 Things I loved about this book
1 Royce
2 The writing style and how the author gives the pieces to us a bit at the time
3 Logan is likely one of my favorite golden retrievers. The tampon scene? Gold!
(the kitty cat scene was also Gold 😂)
4 The slowburn and pacing were absolutely perfect. Not too much, not too little.
5 It's not just about the spice, I really wanna know what's going on in everyone's messy lives
TRIGGER WARNING:
The FMC has been sexually abused to life threatening levels by the father of one of the MMCs (off page), and said son believing she lied, has so much anger that it ends up in some scenes of very dubious consent, with cutting involved.
The way it's narrated is so good that I didn't linger too much on it or how it would be unlikely for her to be so little traumatized, but if you are sensitive to this topic, you should be aware before you start this.
Check ALL triggers, this is only the one I think is most important to know about beforehand.
Pre-read 🎧
I got my first approved ALC on NetGalley! So excited to start this! ✨
Honestly, it feels like it's been a while since I've been so THOROUGHLY enthralled with a new book/series. I've been lucky to find quite a few 5-star reads in the past months, but none that just quite made it into my favorites shortlist until this one!
You know, one of those books you put in your favorites before you even finished them? This is it. I'm writing this bit before finishing.
I liked EVERYTHING about this! From the MMCs that are damn interesting and different, from the complexity and mystery of out FMC struggles, to how the dark part was done JUST Right, dark where it counts without overdoing it.
I love them all, but I am head over heels about Royce. He's just too perfectly fitting my book boyfriend type. I'm in a puddle.
Warning:
there is NOT a good moment to put down this book. It made me walk my a*s off cause I didn't want to stop listening!
5 Things I loved about this book
1 Royce
2 The writing style and how the author gives the pieces to us a bit at the time
3 Logan is likely one of my favorite golden retrievers. The tampon scene? Gold!
(the kitty cat scene was also Gold 😂)
4 The slowburn and pacing were absolutely perfect. Not too much, not too little.
5 It's not just about the spice, I really wanna know what's going on in everyone's messy lives
TRIGGER WARNING:
The FMC has been sexually abused to life threatening levels by the father of one of the MMCs (off page), and said son believing she lied, has so much anger that it ends up in some scenes of very dubious consent, with cutting involved.
The way it's narrated is so good that I didn't linger too much on it or how it would be unlikely for her to be so little traumatized, but if you are sensitive to this topic, you should be aware before you start this.
Check ALL triggers, this is only the one I think is most important to know about beforehand.
Pre-read 🎧
I got my first approved ALC on NetGalley! So excited to start this! ✨
October 10, 2023
Rating4 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Spice Level 3/5🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒 Revenge plot
🏒 Broken but fierce ( SHE’S a SURVIVOR )FMC 🥺
🏒 c@ptivity
🏒 dark romance
🏒 Primal play
🏒 stepbrother, golden retriever hockey player, and fighter and a St@lker
🏒forced proximity
🏒Dubcon and noncon
🏒SA, PTSD, and, and more…
Read TW AND CW this book has Dark themes that aren't for the faint-hearted. Please read responsibly.
Thanks for the ARC opportunity RA Smyth. I devoured this whole book whole because I couldn't stop. Riley was trying to start a new life at Halston U., A new chance to escape her past and forget a monster that ruined her life and the trauma, and overcome her fears.
However, she meets 3 dudes who would change that. There’s the charming golden retriever and Captain of the Hockey team that everyone loves, the fighter who lol hates women, but then meets Riley and slowly becomes OBSESSED with her, and then the hate-filled stepbrother who only wants revenge.
There are always many sides to the story and many layers that keep me going and invested. I didn’t want to sleep so I devoured the whole book in one sitting. I needed to KNOW EVERYTHING. I honestly got pissed off with the men cause, oh my gawd. The turmoil and the emotions fucked me up, but then thank f*ck they come to their freaking senses and whew most unlikely character pull through. I loved the book and the character Riley oh my god Riley!!! I want to add that this is a story of a woman taking back her power! She left broken, but she is emerging stronger as ever! You are one bad ass bish and I can’t wait for book two!
Editing: My rating is going to be changed because after reflecting for a few days I am for the FMC than the guys in this book. Yes, I admire Riley's personality and focus solely on her. However, I was salty with the other guys in this group for their actions. Hoping to see what happens in the next group, well all but one.
Spice Level 3/5🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒 Revenge plot
🏒 Broken but fierce ( SHE’S a SURVIVOR )FMC 🥺
🏒 c@ptivity
🏒 dark romance
🏒 Primal play
🏒 stepbrother, golden retriever hockey player, and fighter and a St@lker
🏒forced proximity
🏒Dubcon and noncon
🏒SA, PTSD, and, and more…
Read TW AND CW this book has Dark themes that aren't for the faint-hearted. Please read responsibly.
Thanks for the ARC opportunity RA Smyth. I devoured this whole book whole because I couldn't stop. Riley was trying to start a new life at Halston U., A new chance to escape her past and forget a monster that ruined her life and the trauma, and overcome her fears.
However, she meets 3 dudes who would change that. There’s the charming golden retriever and Captain of the Hockey team that everyone loves, the fighter who lol hates women, but then meets Riley and slowly becomes OBSESSED with her, and then the hate-filled stepbrother who only wants revenge.
There are always many sides to the story and many layers that keep me going and invested. I didn’t want to sleep so I devoured the whole book in one sitting. I needed to KNOW EVERYTHING. I honestly got pissed off with the men cause, oh my gawd. The turmoil and the emotions fucked me up, but then thank f*ck they come to their freaking senses and whew most unlikely character pull through. I loved the book and the character Riley oh my god Riley!!! I want to add that this is a story of a woman taking back her power! She left broken, but she is emerging stronger as ever! You are one bad ass bish and I can’t wait for book two!
Editing: My rating is going to be changed because after reflecting for a few days I am for the FMC than the guys in this book. Yes, I admire Riley's personality and focus solely on her. However, I was salty with the other guys in this group for their actions. Hoping to see what happens in the next group, well all but one.
October 5, 2023
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I don't typically torture myself with cliffhangers when I know they're going to kill me, and R.A Smyth does such brilliantly torturous cliffhangers that I always wait until the entire story is out before I even start to read her books. Which I did not do this time because I was so excited to get this story. And now I'm very impatient to get more from these characters and questioning my sanity for putting myself through this.
I will say, this story started off pretty slow and for a good part of the beginning there was barely a hint of it being a reverse harem. Which actually had me really intrigued because I was dying for Riley to meet all the guys. And then when she did...holy hell. The direction the story took off in once all the men were involved was so captivating and had me on the edge of my seat. It started to push boundaries in a way I loved.
Again, that ending. I need the next book asap especially to see the men grovel because they need to crawl through glass as far as I'm concerned. And I'm dying to see that!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I don't typically torture myself with cliffhangers when I know they're going to kill me, and R.A Smyth does such brilliantly torturous cliffhangers that I always wait until the entire story is out before I even start to read her books. Which I did not do this time because I was so excited to get this story. And now I'm very impatient to get more from these characters and questioning my sanity for putting myself through this.
I will say, this story started off pretty slow and for a good part of the beginning there was barely a hint of it being a reverse harem. Which actually had me really intrigued because I was dying for Riley to meet all the guys. And then when she did...holy hell. The direction the story took off in once all the men were involved was so captivating and had me on the edge of my seat. It started to push boundaries in a way I loved.
Again, that ending. I need the next book asap especially to see the men grovel because they need to crawl through glass as far as I'm concerned. And I'm dying to see that!
October 31, 2023
Too much, just too much. I like bully romances sometimes, but this was disgusting. There is no redemption possible for any of the guys of her harem, none. As for the heroine, no woman would ever accept to love and have sex with these kind of guys. I didn’t even finish it. I knew how it would end and after reading the last few chapters I wasn’t even surprised. This book left a bad taste in my mouth. I need to read a fluffy book to get over it:(
September 29, 2023
OMFG this book!!! If you like dark reverse-harem college romance than go check this out! I was so utterly captivating, devoured this within 10hrs (over 2days), Honestly If I didn't have to sleep (I still obsessed during that lol), I'd have completed in 1 day! I love, love this new series. I'm so glad to get the #ARC. It'd ALL THE FEELS! Happy, Cry, drama, Suspense, ANGER. (It was my longest book by Smyth!)
Riley, she's a survivor. (TW 😭) Assaulted but starting anew. A great dancer 🥰, resilient, kind, gentle yet sassy. Logan's a cute golden retriever with a ruthless edge & ice-hockey captain, Royce's a broody bad boy who's cautious, sinful. Grayson is Ri's stepbrother, who seemed like a worrywart with his 2 friends but with Ri? He wants revenge, hates her 🙄.
The story started so sweet! But of course then we get sucker punched (Ugh G!). They kept her captive, but she captivated them right back! Kinky. Amusing lol. Honestly, I can forgive Logan, even Royce as they see their errors till last. But Grayson? Oh boy. He can go f*ck himself with a dry coconut! He needs to grovel hard (hm, they all do). I will get perverse pleasure to see G's face in next book after that ending, Hah. R with kids scenes got me emotional, she deserves all the happiness!
Many people need to be smacked here. I THIRST FOR REVENGE for Riley! That cliffhanger isn't so bad, more emotional. It definitely heightens my anticipation. Next book come sooooon!!! RTC.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Multiple POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5+/5
2) The Characters: 4.75/5 (I love but I wanna smack some!)
3) Top feels: 😁😍🥰🤪😒😣🥺😧🥵🤯🤬😓😭😼🤣
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.5/5
Angst: 3.5/5 (so emotional 🥺)
Dark: 3.25/5 (Past abuse & now bully)
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Love starts, Past shit kicks, Truths found) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.8/5
Riley, she's a survivor. (TW 😭) Assaulted but starting anew. A great dancer 🥰, resilient, kind, gentle yet sassy. Logan's a cute golden retriever with a ruthless edge & ice-hockey captain, Royce's a broody bad boy who's cautious, sinful. Grayson is Ri's stepbrother, who seemed like a worrywart with his 2 friends but with Ri? He wants revenge, hates her 🙄.
The story started so sweet! But of course then we get sucker punched (Ugh G!). They kept her captive, but she captivated them right back! Kinky. Amusing lol. Honestly, I can forgive Logan, even Royce as they see their errors till last. But Grayson? Oh boy. He can go f*ck himself with a dry coconut! He needs to grovel hard (hm, they all do). I will get perverse pleasure to see G's face in next book after that ending, Hah. R with kids scenes got me emotional, she deserves all the happiness!
Many people need to be smacked here. I THIRST FOR REVENGE for Riley! That cliffhanger isn't so bad, more emotional. It definitely heightens my anticipation. Next book come sooooon!!! RTC.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Multiple POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5+/5
2) The Characters: 4.75/5 (I love but I wanna smack some!)
3) Top feels: 😁😍🥰🤪😒😣🥺😧🥵🤯🤬😓😭😼🤣
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 3.5/5
Angst: 3.5/5 (so emotional 🥺)
Dark: 3.25/5 (Past abuse & now bully)
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Love starts, Past shit kicks, Truths found) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.8/5
September 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Perhaps I’m not as broken as I believe. Perhaps there’s something in the water at Halston U. Or perhaps their damage speaks to mine in a song without words. One that, instead of breaking us apart, melds us together.
Five enthusiastic stars!
Holy shit, this book wrecked me. I am still reeling from the high state of anxiety I held while reading. It goes from light and fluffy to dark, dark quickly. Sunshine and rainbows to thunder and lightning. And it doesn’t let up. I loved it! Give me all the pain. All the angst.
There is substantial character development. The MCs’ backstories are revealed like the rings of an onion, garnering sympathy and giving them depth. There is a shared darkness and harsh edges; everyone is slightly damaged.
You may come to love and then hate the MMCs. At more than one point, I wanted to give them a dick punch. It has been a long time since I have such strong feelings about a MC’s behavior. I will require some growth and groveling before their redemption arc is complete.
I adore the FMC, Riley. She is a survivor, arising from the ashes even stronger. This isn’t to say she doesn’t struggle at times, but she is not broken. The things she suffered did not break her. She has become a close second to Hadley (from Pacific Prep), my favorite FMC RA Smyth has written.
This is medium burn, transitioning from steamy to spicy by the end of the book. You cannot deny the characters’ sexual chemistry, pulling them together almost against their better judgment. There is lots of sexual tension that builds up to the spicy scenes. Please read the TW available in the book. Not every scene is entirely consensual.
I need Part Two. I need the grovel. I need the redemption. But more than anything, I need Riley to get her HEA.
Highly recommended!
Genre: Dark College Bully Romance
Tropes/Features: Very dark elements, elite college, bully, rich vs. poor MCs, chosen family, revenge plot, trauma survivor FMC, golden retriever hockey player, former football player turned fighter, stepbrother, kidnapping, dubcon/noncon
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MFMM, medium burn, steamy-to-spicy (lots of sexual tension, kinks)
Book Type/Ending: Halston U Part One, cliffhanger
TW/CW: Extensive list in book
🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Perhaps I’m not as broken as I believe. Perhaps there’s something in the water at Halston U. Or perhaps their damage speaks to mine in a song without words. One that, instead of breaking us apart, melds us together.
Five enthusiastic stars!
Holy shit, this book wrecked me. I am still reeling from the high state of anxiety I held while reading. It goes from light and fluffy to dark, dark quickly. Sunshine and rainbows to thunder and lightning. And it doesn’t let up. I loved it! Give me all the pain. All the angst.
There is substantial character development. The MCs’ backstories are revealed like the rings of an onion, garnering sympathy and giving them depth. There is a shared darkness and harsh edges; everyone is slightly damaged.
You may come to love and then hate the MMCs. At more than one point, I wanted to give them a dick punch. It has been a long time since I have such strong feelings about a MC’s behavior. I will require some growth and groveling before their redemption arc is complete.
I adore the FMC, Riley. She is a survivor, arising from the ashes even stronger. This isn’t to say she doesn’t struggle at times, but she is not broken. The things she suffered did not break her. She has become a close second to Hadley (from Pacific Prep), my favorite FMC RA Smyth has written.
This is medium burn, transitioning from steamy to spicy by the end of the book. You cannot deny the characters’ sexual chemistry, pulling them together almost against their better judgment. There is lots of sexual tension that builds up to the spicy scenes. Please read the TW available in the book. Not every scene is entirely consensual.
I need Part Two. I need the grovel. I need the redemption. But more than anything, I need Riley to get her HEA.
Highly recommended!
Genre: Dark College Bully Romance
Tropes/Features: Very dark elements, elite college, bully, rich vs. poor MCs, chosen family, revenge plot, trauma survivor FMC, golden retriever hockey player, former football player turned fighter, stepbrother, kidnapping, dubcon/noncon
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MFMM, medium burn, steamy-to-spicy (lots of sexual tension, kinks)
Book Type/Ending: Halston U Part One, cliffhanger
TW/CW: Extensive list in book
November 5, 2023
wth?
I love dark romance. I love getting the ones where the story isn’t pretty, but overall it ends up being a beautiful mess. This was just a mess. How can one guy who’s in love with her still be ok with her staying under the roof of someone who hates her? And I get it. Your friend hates that person, so you have to too. You should probably do research and find out the details of such things though, so you both don’t look idiotic. Sometimes the fmc is strong, but then she’s liking the mmc who doesn’t even let her go. There’s also the fact on how these guys can have sex with everyone in the entire world and still find periods disgusting….”ewww” isn’t the response to seeing pads/tampons. Why is it gross? If you can have sex with so many women, you should AT LEAST know how to respect them in that instance. Although, I guess with how livid I am about this story, maybe the book deserves a five star. These guys aren’t MEN. They just know how to have sex, and they are attractive, but I couldn’t fathom how the fmc still found the “good” side to them after everything. I get not every mmc isn’t an angel but when talking about certain things, you can’t love the ones not believing you about that serious issue. I don’t even think I’m making sense because I’m too mad about this
I love dark romance. I love getting the ones where the story isn’t pretty, but overall it ends up being a beautiful mess. This was just a mess. How can one guy who’s in love with her still be ok with her staying under the roof of someone who hates her? And I get it. Your friend hates that person, so you have to too. You should probably do research and find out the details of such things though, so you both don’t look idiotic. Sometimes the fmc is strong, but then she’s liking the mmc who doesn’t even let her go. There’s also the fact on how these guys can have sex with everyone in the entire world and still find periods disgusting….”ewww” isn’t the response to seeing pads/tampons. Why is it gross? If you can have sex with so many women, you should AT LEAST know how to respect them in that instance. Although, I guess with how livid I am about this story, maybe the book deserves a five star. These guys aren’t MEN. They just know how to have sex, and they are attractive, but I couldn’t fathom how the fmc still found the “good” side to them after everything. I get not every mmc isn’t an angel but when talking about certain things, you can’t love the ones not believing you about that serious issue. I don’t even think I’m making sense because I’m too mad about this
August 3, 2023
My favorite book by this author to date! Riley is a phenomenal FMC. She’s SO strong, determined, a survivor, been beat down by life but still holds so much hope for her future. And the guys… Logan, Royce and Grayson. So different from each other but form their own family to help each other overcome their own demons. This book had so many unexpected turns, every chapter left you on the edge of your seat biting your nails, dying to know how the story would unfold. The next book can’t come soon enough!
October 7, 2023
Let them all grovel! I can't wait to read the second part of this book. This 1st part showed the connection between all the characters and I can't wait to see how this second book plays out.
October 25, 2023
.
Holy Marbles. I didn't realize it was at the end until it came and now I'm going crazy for the next book. It was such an emotional rollercoaster that sucked me into its claws. I am so here for Royce. He is my favorite out of the three. I need book two !!!
Holy Marbles. I didn't realize it was at the end until it came and now I'm going crazy for the next book. It was such an emotional rollercoaster that sucked me into its claws. I am so here for Royce. He is my favorite out of the three. I need book two !!!
October 24, 2024
This book was SO GOOD! For a RH, it had the perfect mix of everything I love. Angst, tension, spice, gave me butterflies, made me angry, and most of all, I didn’t want to put it down. Who needs to eat and sleep? Not me! Jumping into book 2!
September 25, 2023
SORRY... LET ME PICK MY JAW OFF THE FLOOR!
Holymotherofgod i am speechless. This book is captivating, addicting and full of secrets.
Riley she is a vulnerable badass girl who is harbouring secrets and trauma. But she is a pure soul and so beautiful but her brokenness inside will rip your heart out!
YES I AM COMING OUT AND CLAIMING LOGAN! damn this guy will leave you swooning and honestly he is beautiful human but have no fear he makes some d*ckish moves and behaviours.
The other two guys I'm leaving them a mystery. This series need you to download and read now!! 😍 The intensity, secrecy & vunerability will have you devouring these pages.
I am in need of book two ASAP because my heart, head and soul needs to know......
R.A Smyth you are a friggin queen!!
Holymotherofgod i am speechless. This book is captivating, addicting and full of secrets.
Riley she is a vulnerable badass girl who is harbouring secrets and trauma. But she is a pure soul and so beautiful but her brokenness inside will rip your heart out!
YES I AM COMING OUT AND CLAIMING LOGAN! damn this guy will leave you swooning and honestly he is beautiful human but have no fear he makes some d*ckish moves and behaviours.
The other two guys I'm leaving them a mystery. This series need you to download and read now!! 😍 The intensity, secrecy & vunerability will have you devouring these pages.
I am in need of book two ASAP because my heart, head and soul needs to know......
R.A Smyth you are a friggin queen!!
July 28, 2025
Yall, do these men even like Riley because it sure doesn't seem like it. This book is definitely dark and intense with taboo romance and a whole lot of drama. I typically like dark romance but I need the men to actually like the FMC. I really loved Logan at first but once he thinks Riley lied to him, he acts like a total jerk to her. I don't know, I'm torn with this book. The writing is good but none of these men are likeable to me and it made me not want to continue this series. I'm going to give this one a 3 for now but this book made me mad.
Helena Walters and Oliver Highpoint do a great job with narration!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/28/25
Helena Walters and Oliver Highpoint do a great job with narration!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/28/25
August 29, 2023
Frozen Hearts is just like a disney princess movie, all light and nice and pretty, nothing ruining their perfect little world and then in comes the villain! This is my first hockey romance read and if all the books are like this then I see why this genre is so popular at the moment,It starts of like the perfect light romance ever, girl meets boy, boy is charming, lovely, attentive with god like looks and lickable abs. Everything is progressing so beautifully it really warms your heart as you read, thinking this right here is what love is and what I want. Then BAM! Hockey Puck straight to the face knocking you out cold! It turns dark, like a hockey player you have beef with and you know is out to get you and your on guard for his attack and then it sucker punches you out of nowhere. That is the gist of the plot for Frozen Hearts and it was so captivating and nerve-wracking as you wait for it all to go south.
Riley is a different FMC her character and personality are still the from independent female type this author rights so well. However, rather than her strength being physical Riley is raw, vulnerable, innocent, broken and a complete contrast. She should be so negative and hate the world so much for what she has been through and yet she has such inner strength that inspired me and I made an instant connection with her. She's like a phoenix rising from the ashes and her reason for being so strong is so pure!
Grayson, is the dark, troubled, slightly unhinged one who also takes on the role of the carer in this unlikely trio but soon descends into darkness and grief that is going to need the redemption arc of ALL redemption arcs! Logan, the insanely hot, hockey god is like a golden retriever, happy, excited, always willing to please, going through his life without a care in the world, shining his brightness down on everyone. And then there is Royce, our dark, tattooed bad boy with a chip on his shoulder, the reluctant one, the quiet and observant one. Each of the boys are either struggling with something, especially their emotions during this book at different times which links them together.
The plot started of slow, lighter than her usual books with hints of a darkness so black it could consume your soul. The characters are wonderfully written and mesh well-together with good character and relationship development that had me unable to put the book down until I had finished it. Spice with a hint of fire and smoke and a slight sting to it. And finally if Amazon would let me I have a few things that I'd like Professor Whittaker to do ... like jump of a cliff to his death, arrogant, snobbish a**, he made my blood boil!
Riley is a different FMC her character and personality are still the from independent female type this author rights so well. However, rather than her strength being physical Riley is raw, vulnerable, innocent, broken and a complete contrast. She should be so negative and hate the world so much for what she has been through and yet she has such inner strength that inspired me and I made an instant connection with her. She's like a phoenix rising from the ashes and her reason for being so strong is so pure!
Grayson, is the dark, troubled, slightly unhinged one who also takes on the role of the carer in this unlikely trio but soon descends into darkness and grief that is going to need the redemption arc of ALL redemption arcs! Logan, the insanely hot, hockey god is like a golden retriever, happy, excited, always willing to please, going through his life without a care in the world, shining his brightness down on everyone. And then there is Royce, our dark, tattooed bad boy with a chip on his shoulder, the reluctant one, the quiet and observant one. Each of the boys are either struggling with something, especially their emotions during this book at different times which links them together.
The plot started of slow, lighter than her usual books with hints of a darkness so black it could consume your soul. The characters are wonderfully written and mesh well-together with good character and relationship development that had me unable to put the book down until I had finished it. Spice with a hint of fire and smoke and a slight sting to it. And finally if Amazon would let me I have a few things that I'd like Professor Whittaker to do ... like jump of a cliff to his death, arrogant, snobbish a**, he made my blood boil!
October 4, 2023
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am such a fan of RA Smyth's writing, the way she does why choose is so unique and fun. There's just something special about it.
I read this book in 2 days, I just could not put it down. The story and writing is so captivating.
And don't even get me started on the characters. Logan. Oh sweet Logan, the world need more guys just like you. And Royce, I knew I was gonna love him right from the first scene he appeared in.
At first I thought this was just gonna be a sweet college romance but then it took a turn. And what a turn it was. I'm not sure if I liked the first or second half best.
Cannot wait for the next book.
I am such a fan of RA Smyth's writing, the way she does why choose is so unique and fun. There's just something special about it.
I read this book in 2 days, I just could not put it down. The story and writing is so captivating.
And don't even get me started on the characters. Logan. Oh sweet Logan, the world need more guys just like you. And Royce, I knew I was gonna love him right from the first scene he appeared in.
At first I thought this was just gonna be a sweet college romance but then it took a turn. And what a turn it was. I'm not sure if I liked the first or second half best.
Cannot wait for the next book.
October 13, 2023
Attending Halston U was supposed to be her fresh start, but that reality shatters; when she encounters, the golden boy, the brooding fighter and worst of all her estranged stepbrother. Escaping her past is no longer an option, especially with Grayson plotting her demise, corrupting Logan & Royce to play his game, it’s time to face her demons, with hope that her truth keeps all three of them by her side.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚,”
Right off the bat I was ready for a tale of the woman who takes back her power, OWN THOSE DEMONS! If I’m honest it was Riley’s story that had me invested. Edge of my seat type of invested, edging more and more with each and every little piece to the puzzle.
“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙘𝙖𝙠𝙚.”
Don’t get me wrong, I still loved the guy’s, Logan with his cute cocky charm had my heart fluttering, Royce had me scowling but melting, and Grayson.. well he had my rage-o-meter hitting the red zone, and sometimes the other two ended up not so far behind him - then the demands fire up for their little private dancer 🥵 & my results turned inconclusive…
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙮𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝.”
Eventually we had two guys with the right attitude, but the last one still has a way to go, so as you can imagine I’m so ready for the next instalment to this duet.
“𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙮𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙡,”
(4.5 ⭐️)
⛔️⚠️ 𝘔𝘠 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘚 𝘉𝘌𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘓𝘋 𝘉𝘌 𝘚𝘗𝘖𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘙-𝘠 ⚠️⛔️
_____________
✞ 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜 ✞
• why choose • stepbrother • forced proximity • college • jock/nerd • enemies to lovers • storking • obsessed MMC • he falls first • hockey • stepbrothers best friend • golden retriever • revenge vibes •
✞ 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 ✞
• oh never before • captivity • primal play • dubcon • 🩸 play • 🔪 play • dgradation • dirty talk • BDE • hand necklaces • biting 🩸•
✞ 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎 ✞
• broken but fierce FMC • SA • PTSD • past SAB • past self harm • past SUI thoughts • past SA w/ PRG • noncon • SA allegation •
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Halston U #1
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: duet part one 🧗🏻♀️
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark why choose romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Royce, Logan, Grayson & Riley
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Shortcake, Babydoll,
4.5 ⭐️
*𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚,”
Right off the bat I was ready for a tale of the woman who takes back her power, OWN THOSE DEMONS! If I’m honest it was Riley’s story that had me invested. Edge of my seat type of invested, edging more and more with each and every little piece to the puzzle.
“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙘𝙖𝙠𝙚.”
Don’t get me wrong, I still loved the guy’s, Logan with his cute cocky charm had my heart fluttering, Royce had me scowling but melting, and Grayson.. well he had my rage-o-meter hitting the red zone, and sometimes the other two ended up not so far behind him - then the demands fire up for their little private dancer 🥵 & my results turned inconclusive…
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙮𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝.”
Eventually we had two guys with the right attitude, but the last one still has a way to go, so as you can imagine I’m so ready for the next instalment to this duet.
“𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙮𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙡,”
(4.5 ⭐️)
⛔️⚠️ 𝘔𝘠 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘚 𝘉𝘌𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘓𝘋 𝘉𝘌 𝘚𝘗𝘖𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘙-𝘠 ⚠️⛔️
_____________
✞ 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜 ✞
• why choose • stepbrother • forced proximity • college • jock/nerd • enemies to lovers • storking • obsessed MMC • he falls first • hockey • stepbrothers best friend • golden retriever • revenge vibes •
✞ 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 ✞
• oh never before • captivity • primal play • dubcon • 🩸 play • 🔪 play • dgradation • dirty talk • BDE • hand necklaces • biting 🩸•
✞ 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎 ✞
• broken but fierce FMC • SA • PTSD • past SAB • past self harm • past SUI thoughts • past SA w/ PRG • noncon • SA allegation •
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Halston U #1
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: duet part one 🧗🏻♀️
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark why choose romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Royce, Logan, Grayson & Riley
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Shortcake, Babydoll,
4.5 ⭐️
*𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜
October 2, 2025
☆“I don’t know what you’re doing to me,” I murmur as I pull the covers up around her. “But I’m not entirely sure I hate it.”
⭐️ :4.5/5
🏒 college romance
❤️🩹 enemies-to-lovers
🏒 hockey
❤️🩹 revenge plot
🏒 stepbrother
❤️🩹 why choose , MFMM
🏒 chosen family
❤️🩹 kidnapping
🏒 1st Person, multi POV
TW :
~ History of sexual abuse
~History of self harm and contemplation of
~suicide
~Sexual assault
~Kidnapping
~PTSD
~Dubcon
~Noncon
~Blood Play
~Primal Play
~Knife Play
~Degradation
~Violence
~panic attack
☆I will be her protector. Her silent shadow in the night. Her invisible weapon to wield. The soldier at her side. The shield at her back and the breastplate over her heart. I will be whatever and whoever she needs to feel safe in this world.💕
☆ "we are your judge, jury, and executioner.”🔥
This is the second series I've read from this author, and like the previous series, this one also impressed me a lot.🫶
⭐️ :4.5/5
🏒 college romance
❤️🩹 enemies-to-lovers
🏒 hockey
❤️🩹 revenge plot
🏒 stepbrother
❤️🩹 why choose , MFMM
🏒 chosen family
❤️🩹 kidnapping
🏒 1st Person, multi POV
TW :
~ History of sexual abuse
~History of self harm and contemplation of
~suicide
~Sexual assault
~Kidnapping
~PTSD
~Dubcon
~Noncon
~Blood Play
~Primal Play
~Knife Play
~Degradation
~Violence
~panic attack
☆I will be her protector. Her silent shadow in the night. Her invisible weapon to wield. The soldier at her side. The shield at her back and the breastplate over her heart. I will be whatever and whoever she needs to feel safe in this world.💕
☆ "we are your judge, jury, and executioner.”🔥
This is the second series I've read from this author, and like the previous series, this one also impressed me a lot.🫶
July 19, 2025
2.5⭐ (Rounded up)
I loved Pacific Prep. I loved Black Creek. This....was something else.
This leaned way more noncon than dubcon, specifically between main characters.
I dont really see the MMCs as redeemable, all things considered. Despite that, I'm interested enough to continue the series and see where it goes. I'm really hoping there's MASSIVE character growth in the next book.
The audio itself was pretty good, but I noticed some mispronunciations that just seemed odd.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for providing me with this ALC.
I loved Pacific Prep. I loved Black Creek. This....was something else.
This leaned way more noncon than dubcon, specifically between main characters.
I dont really see the MMCs as redeemable, all things considered. Despite that, I'm interested enough to continue the series and see where it goes. I'm really hoping there's MASSIVE character growth in the next book.
The audio itself was pretty good, but I noticed some mispronunciations that just seemed odd.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape for providing me with this ALC.
August 4, 2025
I started this ALC from netgalley, expecting a college hockey story with some drama—but what hit me instead was full-on dark reverse‑harem intensity. Three MCs with secrets. One FMC is running from her past. And narration that brought everything to life.
Am I about to ginge this series..... hell yes!!!
Mode:
🎧 Dual narratuon Audiobook from Netgalley
☆ KU ebook read along
✅ Reverse harem (3)
✅ College hockey setting
✅ Stepbrother/forbidden edge
✅ Trauma redemption arc
✅ Brooding love interests
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Morally grey dynamics
✅ Slow trust build
✅️ Golden Retrieve/Silent x Broody/Angry x Vengful MMCs
✅ Touch her and die vibes
🔥 Medium
🌶 Medium
⚠️ Check TW - Childhood trauma!, Dub Con etc
📖 Storyline
Riley arrives at Halston University with one goal—stay invisible. She’s here on a scholarship, with a past she’s desperate to leave behind and no intention of getting involved in anyone else’s drama.
But Halston has other plans.
It starts with Logan, the charming hockey captain who won’t take no for an answer when he decides she’s going to be his tutor. Then a hallway collision with Royce throws her into the path of someone darker, sharper, and far more unpredictable. And just when she thinks she might find her footing, Grayson Van Doren walks back into her life, dragging old wounds and buried grudges right to the surface.
Riley thought surviving her past was the hard part. But navigating Halston’s tangled web of secrets, obsession, and blurred lines might be even more dangerous. And this time, she’s not sure she’ll make it out untouched.
🎭 Characters
Riley – Quiet, guarded, and deeply resilient. She’s not here to impress anyone, and her internal strength carries the entire story. She doesn’t break easily, even when everything around her is designed to push her to the edge.
Logan – Golden retriever energy with a stubborn streak. Charismatic, loyal, and way too persistent. He softens the edges of the story but isn’t afraid to push Riley’s boundaries.
Royce – Dark, brooding, and unreadable. He challenges Riley in ways she isn’t prepared for. There's fire between them from the start, even if neither of them knows what to do with it.
Grayson – Cold, calculated, and absolutely feral with hatred. The tension between him and Riley is razor-sharp and laced with history. He's not just a villain, he's a walking grudge.
✍️ Writing/Pacing
The writing is gritty and emotionally charged, drops horror-tinged suspense into classic college life, and does not shy away from dark trauma triggers. The narrative unfolds deliberately, hooking you early and suspending you with a brutal cliffhanger. The pacing in the audiobook makes the emotional beats land hard.
💭 Final Thoughts
I devoured this. It’s dark, addictively messy, and full of emotional landmines. Every character brings a different energy to the page, and Riley holds her own through it all. If you’re into morally grey chaos, twisted tension, and stories that mess with your head, welcome to Halston.
Am I hooked on this series? Hell yes.
🖤 Who Would Love This:
✨️ This one’s for readers who loved Royals of Forsyth University and Dance Butterfly Dance—but want it with an even darker twist.
✨ Fans of dark reverse‑harem/new adult romance
✨ Listeners who enjoy college‑set hockey drama with layers of trauma
✨ Readers who like morally grey love interests and emotional depth
✨ Anyone who doesn’t mind intense content and loves cliffhangers
Am I about to ginge this series..... hell yes!!!
Mode:
🎧 Dual narratuon Audiobook from Netgalley
☆ KU ebook read along
✅ Reverse harem (3)
✅ College hockey setting
✅ Stepbrother/forbidden edge
✅ Trauma redemption arc
✅ Brooding love interests
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Morally grey dynamics
✅ Slow trust build
✅️ Golden Retrieve/Silent x Broody/Angry x Vengful MMCs
✅ Touch her and die vibes
🔥 Medium
🌶 Medium
⚠️ Check TW - Childhood trauma!, Dub Con etc
📖 Storyline
Riley arrives at Halston University with one goal—stay invisible. She’s here on a scholarship, with a past she’s desperate to leave behind and no intention of getting involved in anyone else’s drama.
But Halston has other plans.
It starts with Logan, the charming hockey captain who won’t take no for an answer when he decides she’s going to be his tutor. Then a hallway collision with Royce throws her into the path of someone darker, sharper, and far more unpredictable. And just when she thinks she might find her footing, Grayson Van Doren walks back into her life, dragging old wounds and buried grudges right to the surface.
Riley thought surviving her past was the hard part. But navigating Halston’s tangled web of secrets, obsession, and blurred lines might be even more dangerous. And this time, she’s not sure she’ll make it out untouched.
🎭 Characters
Riley – Quiet, guarded, and deeply resilient. She’s not here to impress anyone, and her internal strength carries the entire story. She doesn’t break easily, even when everything around her is designed to push her to the edge.
Logan – Golden retriever energy with a stubborn streak. Charismatic, loyal, and way too persistent. He softens the edges of the story but isn’t afraid to push Riley’s boundaries.
Royce – Dark, brooding, and unreadable. He challenges Riley in ways she isn’t prepared for. There's fire between them from the start, even if neither of them knows what to do with it.
Grayson – Cold, calculated, and absolutely feral with hatred. The tension between him and Riley is razor-sharp and laced with history. He's not just a villain, he's a walking grudge.
✍️ Writing/Pacing
The writing is gritty and emotionally charged, drops horror-tinged suspense into classic college life, and does not shy away from dark trauma triggers. The narrative unfolds deliberately, hooking you early and suspending you with a brutal cliffhanger. The pacing in the audiobook makes the emotional beats land hard.
💭 Final Thoughts
I devoured this. It’s dark, addictively messy, and full of emotional landmines. Every character brings a different energy to the page, and Riley holds her own through it all. If you’re into morally grey chaos, twisted tension, and stories that mess with your head, welcome to Halston.
Am I hooked on this series? Hell yes.
🖤 Who Would Love This:
✨️ This one’s for readers who loved Royals of Forsyth University and Dance Butterfly Dance—but want it with an even darker twist.
✨ Fans of dark reverse‑harem/new adult romance
✨ Listeners who enjoy college‑set hockey drama with layers of trauma
✨ Readers who like morally grey love interests and emotional depth
✨ Anyone who doesn’t mind intense content and loves cliffhangers
July 28, 2025
1 star
~
Frozen hearts by R.A. Symth is a dark why choose romance that centers around Riley, a young women with a traumatic past who accepts a scholarship to Halston University to have a fresh start. There she meets Logan, the golden hockey player who she tutors, dangerous and brooding Royce, and Grayson her estranged stepbrother. But what happened when her traumatic past comes knocking at her door in the form of a vengeful Grayson? Will her lingering attraction conquer or will it leave her broken after it is all done?
The beginning of the book was quite interesting, especially with the engaging prologue. I appreciated that there was no instalove or instalust when she met Logan. I felt that this made their relationship a bit more believable and naturally flowing. There were adorable little acts of kindness from Logan and I felt like he was the only one who liked Riley and tried to understand her. Royce can also be seen later on in the book trying to engage with Riley and we see this softness to him that puts his whole brooding mask in question. The narrators were great and managed to embodied the characters emotions, so I did not have any problems with their work.
Something I didn’t like was Riley’s personality and actions, especially towards the last half of the book where she gets attached too quickly and becomes somewhat desperate at times. She talks about self-respect, but yet she doesn’t have any. I don’t like the transition from nearly having a panic attack from SA memories to suddenly being horny. Not to mention that her stage name as a dancer at a strip club is a child’s name, one who is of importance to Riley. I think there was a lot of emotional and mental work that Riley should have done to better herself and achieve her goals. As for two of the main male characters, Logan and Royce, I felt like they lacked in critical thinking and simply thinking for themselves when sucked into Grayson’s plan. They simply went along with whatever Grayson said most of the time even when they had their doubts. Grayson, I felt was a vile character just like his father, following his steps and forcing Riley to relive her trauma. So, I’m not sure how he’ll come back from this one in the second book.
Overall, I think the audiobook was good, but the actual story was not my favorite. There were just so many moments where consent seemed lacking and bordered more on noncon than dubious consent. Therefore, I suggest looking at the trigger warnings before starting this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook arc.
~
Frozen hearts by R.A. Symth is a dark why choose romance that centers around Riley, a young women with a traumatic past who accepts a scholarship to Halston University to have a fresh start. There she meets Logan, the golden hockey player who she tutors, dangerous and brooding Royce, and Grayson her estranged stepbrother. But what happened when her traumatic past comes knocking at her door in the form of a vengeful Grayson? Will her lingering attraction conquer or will it leave her broken after it is all done?
The beginning of the book was quite interesting, especially with the engaging prologue. I appreciated that there was no instalove or instalust when she met Logan. I felt that this made their relationship a bit more believable and naturally flowing. There were adorable little acts of kindness from Logan and I felt like he was the only one who liked Riley and tried to understand her. Royce can also be seen later on in the book trying to engage with Riley and we see this softness to him that puts his whole brooding mask in question. The narrators were great and managed to embodied the characters emotions, so I did not have any problems with their work.
Something I didn’t like was Riley’s personality and actions, especially towards the last half of the book where she gets attached too quickly and becomes somewhat desperate at times. She talks about self-respect, but yet she doesn’t have any. I don’t like the transition from nearly having a panic attack from SA memories to suddenly being horny. Not to mention that her stage name as a dancer at a strip club is a child’s name, one who is of importance to Riley. I think there was a lot of emotional and mental work that Riley should have done to better herself and achieve her goals. As for two of the main male characters, Logan and Royce, I felt like they lacked in critical thinking and simply thinking for themselves when sucked into Grayson’s plan. They simply went along with whatever Grayson said most of the time even when they had their doubts. Grayson, I felt was a vile character just like his father, following his steps and forcing Riley to relive her trauma. So, I’m not sure how he’ll come back from this one in the second book.
Overall, I think the audiobook was good, but the actual story was not my favorite. There were just so many moments where consent seemed lacking and bordered more on noncon than dubious consent. Therefore, I suggest looking at the trigger warnings before starting this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook arc.
October 6, 2023
Incredible start to the Halston U series!!!
Oh my gosh I’m obsessed with these characters. Okay so there is so much to unpack in this first book and I will say that this felt super heavy at times too. Riley has had a rough life and is finally getting something good going with her scholarship until her past catches up to her. I admire her character and how tough she is. I thought at times that she would be a mess but she is a total baddie with a spine of steel. She also was super guarded at times which makes sense and then also very vulnerable and authentic too.
Now for the guys… I’ll be honest here. I don’t know how to feel bout Grayson. I get that there is a revenge plot in the mix but it felt like it went to far there towards the end. I mean the primal moment they had and some of the more innocent things done up to that didn’t phase me but that last part in the house felt a little too far. I’m not sure how he is going to redeem himself and fix it with Riley but I cannot wait for him to grovel HARD.
I really liked Royce and Logan. Logan is a golden retriever but also has some pit bull in him too at times in the story. He is so playful and fun with Riley while studying and starting to date her that I just wanted them to be so happy together! He went along with everything but I don’t think he is as unforgivable as Grayson but still hope he has to grovel too.
Royce is still a bit of a mystery but I like him a lot. He is our broody grump but still has a soft spot for our girl too. There is so much chemistry between them at the club and when they are just hanging out. It’s much more charged than what Riley has with Logan but it suits them.
That ending though… I mean come on!!! My heart hurt for Riley so much and I really hope she makes them pay in return for what they put her through. I also want more of the people from The Depot like Tara and Dex or even a Xander story too.
Oh my gosh I’m obsessed with these characters. Okay so there is so much to unpack in this first book and I will say that this felt super heavy at times too. Riley has had a rough life and is finally getting something good going with her scholarship until her past catches up to her. I admire her character and how tough she is. I thought at times that she would be a mess but she is a total baddie with a spine of steel. She also was super guarded at times which makes sense and then also very vulnerable and authentic too.
Now for the guys… I’ll be honest here. I don’t know how to feel bout Grayson. I get that there is a revenge plot in the mix but it felt like it went to far there towards the end. I mean the primal moment they had and some of the more innocent things done up to that didn’t phase me but that last part in the house felt a little too far. I’m not sure how he is going to redeem himself and fix it with Riley but I cannot wait for him to grovel HARD.
I really liked Royce and Logan. Logan is a golden retriever but also has some pit bull in him too at times in the story. He is so playful and fun with Riley while studying and starting to date her that I just wanted them to be so happy together! He went along with everything but I don’t think he is as unforgivable as Grayson but still hope he has to grovel too.
Royce is still a bit of a mystery but I like him a lot. He is our broody grump but still has a soft spot for our girl too. There is so much chemistry between them at the club and when they are just hanging out. It’s much more charged than what Riley has with Logan but it suits them.
That ending though… I mean come on!!! My heart hurt for Riley so much and I really hope she makes them pay in return for what they put her through. I also want more of the people from The Depot like Tara and Dex or even a Xander story too.
October 2, 2023
R.A. Smyth absolutely nailed it with the first book of the Halston U series, Frozen Hearts. Since the first teaser I saw for this book, my expectations were high, and after reading I can easily say they were blown to smithereens and I couldn't be happier. Frozen Hearts truly has it all from completely relatable characters who you connect with on a deep level, to a beautiful setting that I wish was real, to a fantastic storyline that continuously builds up with plenty of plot twists, keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what comes next.
From the moment I started reading Frozen Hearts, not only did I not want to put this book down but also I never wanted to reach the end. The writing itself makes the story so special and these characters were on point. Riley is moving on from an extremely traumatic past, not as a survivor but as a true thriver, finding her path to achieve a great future and I felt all this deep in my bones. Logan and Royce I felt the same as well. Both have their own personal issues and demons and are trying their best to hang on and push forward, with the help of their bond as friends/brothers. Grayson was a bit more mystery since he comes a bit later, but no complaints because I know it's all part of how the story should be. I look forward to knowing more of the real Gray once he figures everything out. Overall, Frozen Hearts was an epic read and I'm beyond grateful to have received this review copy. I am absolutely dying for more and can't wait for book two.
From the moment I started reading Frozen Hearts, not only did I not want to put this book down but also I never wanted to reach the end. The writing itself makes the story so special and these characters were on point. Riley is moving on from an extremely traumatic past, not as a survivor but as a true thriver, finding her path to achieve a great future and I felt all this deep in my bones. Logan and Royce I felt the same as well. Both have their own personal issues and demons and are trying their best to hang on and push forward, with the help of their bond as friends/brothers. Grayson was a bit more mystery since he comes a bit later, but no complaints because I know it's all part of how the story should be. I look forward to knowing more of the real Gray once he figures everything out. Overall, Frozen Hearts was an epic read and I'm beyond grateful to have received this review copy. I am absolutely dying for more and can't wait for book two.
December 1, 2025
I always forget how much I enjoy RA’s books. This one has so many layers. I like Riley a lot and I love Logan, Royce I’ll take. But as of right now Grayson can eat a bag of dicks, though I know she’ll make me at least like him by the end. Logan really breaks my heart in this one though and he will have to do some serious groveling. Royce, I get his stance, I’m not too surprised. Riley comes to school to get out of her current situation, though we don’t know everything as to why until later in the book. This story is a bit long and I felt could have been paced better. But overall I really enjoyed it and with the cliffhanger at the end I’m immediately jumping to the second book.
Read: Hoopla🎧/Ebook📱
MMC: Logan Astor, Grayson Van Doren, Royce King
FMC: Riley James
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes: Why Choose, Stepbrother, Stepbrothers BF, Hockey, Golden Retriever, He Falls First, Stalker/Obsessed MMCs, Enemies to Lovers, Jock/Nerd
Read: Hoopla🎧/Ebook📱
MMC: Logan Astor, Grayson Van Doren, Royce King
FMC: Riley James
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes: Why Choose, Stepbrother, Stepbrothers BF, Hockey, Golden Retriever, He Falls First, Stalker/Obsessed MMCs, Enemies to Lovers, Jock/Nerd
October 3, 2023
4/5 stars
3/5 peppers
I won't lie, I was hesitant. One thing I will say, it's not a true sports romance, the book solely doesn't revolve around the game, but it has elements that involve the character development.
Riley comes to the university for a fresh start for herself and one day make life better for a certain secret of hers. Soon she gets suckered into tutor a hockey star for a math class. soon sparks come alive and bliss comes alive and for the first time she's able to let go. But things take a turn when past history start to rear it's ugly head. Riley must stand strong when her world turns upside down and the dangers of the secrets get her into a tougher situation.
PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS!
This is a dark, formative why choose book and does end on a cliffy. The author promised us a HEA, but it's not there yet.
Will I keep reading? Yes.
Why? Because there's a certain character that I hope get's his behind handed to him. And I'm ready for the moment where Riley comes in and says "You want to call me a liar again?"
3/5 peppers
I won't lie, I was hesitant. One thing I will say, it's not a true sports romance, the book solely doesn't revolve around the game, but it has elements that involve the character development.
Riley comes to the university for a fresh start for herself and one day make life better for a certain secret of hers. Soon she gets suckered into tutor a hockey star for a math class. soon sparks come alive and bliss comes alive and for the first time she's able to let go. But things take a turn when past history start to rear it's ugly head. Riley must stand strong when her world turns upside down and the dangers of the secrets get her into a tougher situation.
PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS!
This is a dark, formative why choose book and does end on a cliffy. The author promised us a HEA, but it's not there yet.
Will I keep reading? Yes.
Why? Because there's a certain character that I hope get's his behind handed to him. And I'm ready for the moment where Riley comes in and says "You want to call me a liar again?"
December 31, 2024
4⭐️ this was a roller coaster.. like the way this book took me to hell and back again was CRAZY😭 if you know me you know i always eat up a why choose book and yall… the prologue IMMEDIATELY had my heart in my ass. Then, as the story progresses and as the plot develops, we get different sides to the characters and it gave me whip lash LMAO. ugh i know the guys better GROVEL in book 2 or I will literally scream, especially Grayson because right now????? Trash.
July 13, 2025
This is the first book in the Halston U series. I am hooked. I have to continue. This book comes with many content warnings but if those don't bother you, try this read. It's worth it! 5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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