Lethal Truths

Blackwood University #2

by Sybil Reese

Blackwood University is an illusion. I've faced bullying, betrayal, and brutal beatings. And this is only the beginning. My heart's in pieces, my body's a wreck, and the only person I have to lean on is someone I struggle to trust after all he's done. But it’s that or give up, and I've come too far to even entertain that idea. I marched into this college with one find answers about my mom's harrowing past. Even after all I've endured here, that hasn't changed. I will pry those answers from the shadows of this place, no matter the cost. A little torture? Bring it on. I won't be stopped. Yet, when the absolute worst happens, I'm left shaken. I can't tell what's real, what's worth fighting for, and why the hell I should even bother pushing forward anymore. Asher, Creed, and Griffin once orchestrated my suffering. But now, as I'm spiraling and fighting to stay sane, they transform from tormentors to saviors, becoming lifelines for me in a reality I no longer recognize. I may not trust them completely, but with my world imploding and devastating revelations thrown at me, what choice do I have?

Lethal Truths is book two in the Blackwood University series, and it must be read in order. This is a dark, MMFM why choose romance with topics that may be difficult for some readers. Triggers include, but are not limited mental illness, bullying, abuse, and death. Find a comprehensive list of triggers at the front of the book.

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

246 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

Sybil Reese is a dark romance author who longs to bring all the depraved, terribly sinful thoughts from her mind onto the page. She writes under a pen name because her family (grandma, mom, and mother-in-law, included) are way too supportive and want to read and review every single one of her books... But these stories aren't for their eyes. Sorry, Mom.

When she's not writing, she's most likely reading filthy, dark stories and loving every second of it.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This was such a great continuation! Definitely check TWs and read book one first. These characters and story .. I don’t know how she trusted and kept moving. Awe-struck.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

These men.. *swoon* I swear they just are amazing with the FMC. & she is one amazingly strong bad character. I love the stronger character development in this second book and I also liked that it didn't end in a "OMG what just happened" cliffhanger.

[Adison Kapitzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 🌟
4.5/5 🌶️

After the first book, I immediately jumped into this one and it did not disappoint. So much spicier than the first, definitely still read the trigger warnings. Much faster paced story as well. We learn a lot more than what we knew before and get some questions answered from the first book. I will definitely be jumping into the third book now!!

[ziyuan ʚɞ Reads Dark Smut. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh because of the first book.

[Saralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin with this book, y'all?! I love, love, love this series! Thank you @scrappydoomomoftwo for bringing this author into my life. Answers were given and more questions have risen in this book. Maybe not quite as many as the previous book but more than plenty to keep the anticipation of needing more. The cliffy at the end was a smoother blow to take yet still leaves you needing the next book in your life soon. At least I wasn't screaming at my kindle in total distress knowing my wait for book three will be a little longer this time.

Can we just talk about Creed for a second, though? I just fucking love him...tortured little soul and all. He's definitely my favorite of the guys. Griffin is still like a big, ol' teddy bear to me but...dude still has some work to do to be all the way back on my favorites list. Outlook is good, though. Now for the last one...Asher, Asher, Asher..he still has some work to do if he's going to win me over. But I love that they're all on the same page about protecting Prudence now.

Prudence set out to get answers for her mom and she is getting them the hardest ways possible. This poor girl has got to be ready for things to calm the hell down for a few minutes. She's definitely a badass FMC! I love her!

We learned so much in this book and I loved that! I'm so obsessed with this series! And I can't wait to read the next book already! It's not going to be for everyone, so do your research before reading. If you love spicy, dark academia and secret societies then this series is a must.

Sybil, your books are fantastic! I'll definitely be reading anything that you write forever!

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready for some brutal emotional damage people; “Lethal Truths” is not for the faint of heart… Prudence already had to deal with a lot in the first book, but this second one absolutely broke my heart. Even though the men slowly start to redeem themselves in this second book, the Celestials are absolutely not done with Prudence yet and they decide to keep on throwing punches.

So while this book is high on triggers, I also swooned multiple times over Creed. My God, if you love an unhinged psycho in your harem you’ll swoon over him alongside me! He’s all in from the start of this second book and it’s absolutely wonderful to watch. Even the other two guys slowly start to turn around, but they definitely have some more groveling to do!

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next in book three!

[Grace Farnsworth PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about being hooked on a book. Can’t wait to read the next one!

Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness 💀💀💀💀
Spice 🥵🥵🥵🌶

[Micronova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lethal Truths, the second book in the Blackwood University trilogy, is all about redemption. And, a little bit of truth.

In this book, we learn some truths about Prudence but not enough! The Celestials and their inner workings and how exactly Prudence’s mother was involved are still vague. We know that a Celestial got her mother pregnant so, a Celestial is Prudence’s father. Did her mother escape a full moon ritual? We also learn about a sibling. Literally, that’s all we know. That there is one. We learn who was behind Griffins attack. We learn more about Creeds previous hospitalization at a mental institute. We learn who was behind the Fright Night attack. The Celestials seem to have another death on their hands after what happened to Prudence’s mother.

In my review of the first book, Deadly Sacrifice, I commented that I hoped there would be more plot and character development. We definitely got the character development. We also got some relationship development. Creed!! Ugh! He’s the perfect psycho of the harem with a soft spot for Prudence. He loves her with every bit of his black, crazy little soul. He definitely redeemed himself in this book. Griffin too, has begun to redeem himself . And he gets the best of both worlds, he gets to have Asher and Prudence. Asher has a lot of work and groveling to do still but at least he’s on the same page as the others now. They’ve all come to the conclusion that they have to destroy The Celestials. Asher also learned a lot about each of them, especially Prudence when he broke into his fathers office. He just hasn’t divulged what he’s discovered yet!

So, the plot keeps chucking along and the pace of the book is fast. We’ve learned some things about what The Celestials have done to each of the characters and two of the boys have begun to redeem themselves with Prudence. This is the book where the reverse harem aspect finally comes into play. They all realize that they’ve got to get away from and destroy the Celestials. I can’t wait for the last book to find out how they go about doing that and I can’t wait to see how they destroy Heather. I hate that bitch. This second book was so much better than the first one.

I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kyara Gevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i read the first book, i was completely hooked by this story and when it ended on a major cliffhanger, i just couldn't wait for the second one. And now it's finally here and it was so worth the wait. OMG i freaking love this story. It's very dark so always check trigger warnings before reading!

The book picks up just where book 1 ended. Our fmc on the brink of .. And she is so strong, she still has the same intentions, not giving up, figuring out what happened to her mother many years ago when she went the black wood college, how did she get sick and bringing down the stars. Whatever happens to her, that is her motivation, what keeps her going. I can't tell you enough how many times i thought wow i want to be strong like her, while reading the book. Luckily she has Creed by her side. Creed is the playboy bad boy that had fallen so hard for her, he sees her for who she is, all of her broken parts and still thinks she's beautiful. He redeemed himself quite well if i say so myself. Then we have Griffin, i love the silent, broody type. This guy knows he did wrong, he knows he broke her heart and tries to fix it, even if he has to remain in the shadows for a while to protect her. Towards the end of the book when he .... ( not gonna spoil) Omg i almost cried, i had to stop reading for a moment and take a breather because wow, didn't see that coming at all. And then we have Asher another playboy but if bully would have a picture in the dictionary, his would be next to it. He got strict guidelines by his father and the only thing he wants, is to finally make him proud, finally see him for what he's worth but daddy dearest is just too far gone. The doubts in Asher are so good, you can feel it, while reading that he doesn't wanna hurt her in a way that he can't take back. He just wants to rile her up, see that crazy, confident side of her, see and feel her push back against him. Grrr i really liked that. These men are just ... Incredible. i couldn't choose one, even if i had to. I don't want to! The spice boy oh boy, so steamy, so hot, the temperature went through the roof. And what i really liked is their nicknames for her, i said it with the first book, this one isn't any different. Love love love them so much.

I'm very excited to see where this story takes them.. if she will get her answers, will they figure things out together? Haaaa so excited!

[Haley Grizzaffi · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Prudence, battered and bleeding, appears on the doorstep of the Beta Epsilon Rho house after a harrowing Fright Night, the mystery deepens. Her quest for answers about her mother's condition leads her to the enigmatic Celestials, a journey that Asher, Creed, and Griffin are determined to assist with. This is a continuation of Deadly Sacrifice, a must-read for those who want to unravel the secrets of this thrilling series.

I enjoyed some aspects of this book. I read straight through and didn't put it down. But, I find Asher not to be redeemable. Doing what he did just because he wants his dad to smile at him? Wanting to do whatever is needed to join the secret society just for power? I like my heroes to be more alpha, able to hold their own, and not be so under someone's thumb. However, I love Creed and Griffin, which kept me going. I'm hoping Asher can be redeemed in the next installment.

In the second book, Lethal Truths, we get more into the redemption arc and a little bit of truth.

We learn some truths about Prudence, but we need more! The Celestials, their inner workings, and how exactly Prudence's mother was involved, are still vague. We know that a Celestial got her mother pregnant, so a Celestial is Prudence's father. Did her mother escape a complete moon ritual? We also learn about a sibling. That's all we know; she has one. We learn who was behind Griffin's attack. We learn more about Creed's previous hospitalization at a mental institute. We learn who was behind the Fright Night attack. The Celestials seem to have another death on their hands after what happened to Prudence's mother.

We got the character development. We also got some relationship development. Creed!! Ugh! He's the perfect psycho of the harem with a soft spot for Prudence. He loves her with every bit of his black, crazy little soul. He redeemed himself in this book. Griffin, too, has begun to redeem himself, and he gets the best of both worlds: he gets to have Asher and Prudence. Asher still has a lot of work and groveling to do, but at least he's on the same page as the others. They've all concluded that they have to destroy The Celestials. Asher also learned much about them, especially Prudence, when he broke into his father's office. He just has yet to divulge what he's discovered!

So, the plot keeps chugging along, and the book's pace is fast. We've learned some things about what The Celestials have done to each character, and two boys have begun to redeem themselves with Prudence. This is the book where the reverse harem aspect finally comes into play. They all realize that they've got to get away from and destroy The Celestials. I can't wait for the last book to find out how they do that, and I can't wait to see how they destroy Heather. I hate that bitch. This second book was so much better than the first one.

I love Prudence's determination and stubbornness. I'm a sucker for a feisty, sarcastic main character. I also loved reading about the development of the characters' relationships.

[Cinnamon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I didn't like this book as much as I did the first one, though I can't figure out why. It was good, but it felt like something was missing, and it really annoys me that I can't pinpoint what it is.

Aside from my mystery pet peeve or whatever I should call it, the book itself is pretty good. There's lots of character development, a lot of action, and finally a steamy scene between Asher and Griffin.

I love that this author gives us some sexy times here and there instead of pages and pages of pure smut. The sex scenes are hot without being cringy and cringingly descriptive. Like, I don't need to know the precise anatomy of an MMCs trouser snake. Just tell me it's large and thick, and that's all I need to know.

So, props to Sybil for writing these perfect little scenes. I'm totally in love with her.

Now, I gotta fly away to dive into the third book, because I'm betting it'll be a goddamn blast.

But just because I can't help myself, I need to mention that there is a significant amount of typos in this second book, and in a couple of instances words that are plain wrong. I don't know how explain this last because I'm not a native speaker or a grammarian, so I'll just give an example:

"Would it even work? Work I want it to?"

I seriously read this half a dozen times to make sure it wasn't my ADHD playing tricks on me. I really wish authors would start coughing up some green to pay for proofreaders, because for me, things like this kind of ruin the experience.

Okay, rant concluded.

*Flies away*

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not a fan of Asher. Even after Prudence gets beaten and cut up, he’s still a complete ass to her and still wants to destroy her. I thought he was a snitch and how betrayed Creed to his dad just to cover his own ass was pathetic. He may have felt guilty, but the fact he was willing to do whatever his dad asked for so long just to make him happy made him such a pathetic human being. I am hopeful that now that he knows the truth about what happened to Griffin, and the info he uncovered in the files that we’ll see him try to redeem himself. But honestly after 2 books of his behavior I am doubtful.
Griffin showed how remorseful he felt about his actions at the end of book 1, and while I know his motives for doing it, he still has a lot of groveling to do. He was my favorite and I loved the friendship that was developing between him and Prudence before he went and screwed up.
Now Creed! He’s my favorite psychopath and he definitely has proved himself and is really trying with Prudence. And my favorite moment in the book was when Creed stood up to Asher’s dad and told him to shove a 12” dildo up his a$$!!
Book 2 was good, secrets are starting to come out and I’m still anxiously waiting for the reveal of Prudences sister. I’m almost expecting it to be Heather! As far as spice goes, not a whole lot. So far there’s nothing between Prudence and Asher or Griffin. However there was a little action between Asher and Griffin that I’m excited to see what happens in book 3!

[CheysBookLoverReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Blackwood University series by Sybil Reese continues the story of Asher, Creed, Griffin, and Prudence. This book contains major revelations and developments for the 4 MMC’s. Will these revelations and new relationships break them? Will they all fall at the hands of the Celestials? After the ending in book 1, will Prudence give up and move on from finding the answers she has been searching for? Will the 3 men bow to their leaders and ruin her even further or will they confront their feelings head on and do what’s right? In a world where they have done everything they can to break her down, will the cycle continue?

This book had me glued to the page. The crucial developments for each character, are captivating. The world-building is up to par and the spicy scenes aren’t anything crazy but they are oh-so perfect for where the characters are at in their lives. Despite everything Prudence has gone through, seeing how she continues to grow into a fierce and unwavering force keeps me coming back to see where the story leads.

[Ya-ting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heat: 2/5

Creed, my favorite chaotic hottie from book 1, continues to make me fall in love with him. Of the 3 guys orbiting Prudence, he’s the one who’s been quickest the shed the weight and pressure of the Celestials and declare himself for his girl. Sigh. Swoon. He’s definitely a chaotic cinnamon roll, and those are my favorite kinds of men.

Asher is such a brat! He has so much groveling to do… he needs to buy some hockey pads for how much time he’s gonna spend in his knees, kissing the ground Prudence walks on. Griffin will get there, that sweet softie with a heart of gold. I am crossing my fingers for a big group project scene, with no fade to black! Please??

The quest for answers continues for Prudence, but her journey is fraught with pain and death. Book 2 seemed to raise more questions than answers for me, so I’m looking forward to the next book to really clarify the history of Prudence’s mom. I cannot wait to see the fresh hęłl that Pru and her crew will rain down on the Celestials - there are some terrible fathers that deserve harsh punishment!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a whirlwind for sure and here's just a highlight reel. Prudence is found mostly dead on the doorstep of the boys house after being attacked and assaulted. The boys turn tables when truths start coming out and try protecting her harder. She is kidnapped at one point and they search high and low. She meets her father while kidnapped. So many secrets come out I lost count. Now they can just run and hide.

The boys were all kinds of back and forth in this book. But as they truths started coming out they pretty firmly stayed on her side. I absolutely loved Griffin and Creed in this book. Even when he was trying to follow orders he was also trying to protect her and get her to leave. They both disagreed with Asher until Asher started believing the truths coming out and joined the band of protectors.

I one hundred percent cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. I mean there was even a point in this book where I was in absolute tears because I didn't want something to be true but it was. The plot and character development are absolutely amazing. The first book was a little slow in places but this book was almost a little too fast in places. This band of men and the girl they want to protect are still at the beginning of their journey and I can't wait to see how it ends for sure. I will also be looking for more books by this author.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood, love, sex, adventure, trauma, life and death! This book is filled with it all! I didn't want this book to end, but I struggled to put it down. I absolutely enjoyed this so much! Every page kept you on your toes and you didn't know what was coming next! Normally you can predict how a book is going to go, but not this. Yes somethings are predictable, but even those events in the books have twists and turns! For anyone who loves a dark and I mean DARK romance this is the series for you!!

This book follows three college students who life has handed them so many unfortunate things. If you think you know how to the good guy is you are wrong! There is not a good guy in this story, but you will grow to love each character and all the pain they bring with them!

**Warning: Be sure to read all the trigger warnings as this book is filled with things that may not be for everyone!**

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

After showing up on their doorstep half alive, Creed vows to protect prudence. Even if it's from his best friends. The Celestials are getting impatient and Heather has taken it upon herself to do the job they were tasked with. Will asher realize how horrible the Celestials are? Especially his father? Can they repair what they've done to prudence before they lose her for good? This will pull at all the heartstrings. It will rip your heart out at the end, but put it back together after. The spice was hot and I am officially obsessed with Creed. Him and Griffin both war for favorites in my heart. And asher and Griffin are hopefully finding their way back to one another as well, after an eye opening secret is revealed to asher about his father. Can't wait for the next one!

[Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!

Alright so I got the first book on stuff your kindle day and went in blind with reading it.

The series is unfinished but I will say there is a like “soft” cliffhanger in this one, meaning it’s really easy to handle.

These first two books were amazing. I love why choose romance but have become very picky and this series is definitely done right!! I have been on the edge of my seat the entire time. Usually with series I sort of start to lose interest at the end of book two if the plot isn’t the best but this one keeps you interested all the way until the last page.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers especially because book three isn’t even out yet butttt please read these.

[Hanah Zerbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two had me hooked it really did book one was really good and I was like yeah I’m really excited to continue this series and the ending of book one had me wanting more this ending had me pacing around waiting now there is mention of human sacrifice if that isn’t something that you are into then I recommend moving on there isn’t any one page human sacrifice but they definitely bring it up but the non-con isn’t really in this book no more so yay and the spice is pretty good a little vanilla but it’s pretty good and in this book she is with least one of the guys but it’s definitely worth a read and I will reread and I will recommend I give it 4 but it was so close to being a 3.5 ⭐️ and the spice a 2🌶️

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I thought I'd had enough of bully/enemies to lovers trope until I read Deadly Sacrifice and this book Lethal Truths. So many things come out in this book but mainly how dangerous The Celestials are and what they will do to protect themselves and their power. The only person that this really shocks is Asher, while the chaos that is Creed and the protector Griffin know all too well how bad things can get. Prudence loses so much in this book and my heart breaks for her. The ending sets up for what will be a momentous showdown in the next book, but with all the power that The Celestials have, I don't know if Prudence and her guys will win without losing everything.

[RomanceBookLoverinSeattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book!

There were definitely aspects to this one I really enjoyed. I read straight through and didn’t put it down. But, I find Asher not to be redeemable. I read dark romance and have had a lot of heroes do really messed up things and still been able to root for them as the hero, but here? Not so much. Doing what he did just because he wants his dad to smile at him? Wanting to do whatever is needed to join the secret society just for power? I like my heroes to be more alpha and able to hold their own and not be so under someone’s thumb. I do however love Creed and Griffin, which is what has kept me going. Hoping Asher can be redeemed in the next installment.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up the pieces from book 1.

Battered, bloody, broken, knocking on deaths door....

From bullied to nearly murdered and it hasn't even been a semester yet.

Suddenly Prudence finds herself in a battle of survival with those who had tried to tear her apart. Who can she trust and will she come out okay on the other side of everything she has discovered?

Follow as she uncovers more and more details about The Celestials and all their extracurricular activities. With more secrets dropping and more threats becoming apparent will everyone make it out alive?

This book will keep you guessing and waiting for the next blow to hit. I inhaled this series and wish there was more.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK, possibly more than I loved book 1, the character arcs, the redemption, the teen situations, the fact that I have so many effing questions about literally EVERYTHING like Sybil left more questions than answers and I'm slowly dying bc of it, I CAN NOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3 aka the final book, I ignored my tbr and binge read this today and it's the best decision everrr, seriously though this book is amazing and I would definitely say that you read it if you like a secret society, reverse harem, redemption, MM, and morally gray characters.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was even better than book 1 and it had me hooked from the first page. This book picked up where we left off with Prudence’s life hanging in the balance. What I really enjoyed was seeing the guys care for her and how their relationships evolved and changed as the story developed and more was revealed about all of their histories. Whilst they still have a lot of making up to do it was great to see them learning and realising their feelings for Prudence. I can’t wait to see what else happens in book 3.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint. I’m desperate for the third book and need it immediately.

The second book was just as intriguing and fast paced as the first. A lot happened over the course of just a few weeks. The danger level has amped up significantly and relationships are thoroughly tested. Creed and Griffin are easy to love and Asher will get there. My heart is thawing for him slowly but surely.

I am excited to see what secrets are revealed in the next book and how everything plays out.

Exciting read.

[Eliza_lovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, one of my favorite series of 2023. Lethal Truths definitely upped the spice, but I know book three will be fire! There were some big reveals but so many more secrets and truths to be shared, I can’t wait for book three. If you love why choose, bully, college, MMFM, spicy books with great plot I implore you to read this book.

If you liked the Filthy Wicked Psychos, Dirty Crazy Bad, Forsaken Series, Broken Beauty then you’ll love this, I promise!

[Scarlett Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat level: 3/5. Book 2 brings the story back and carries quite a punch. This one is a heavier, darker book than the previous one so read those TWs. I love how Creed has stepped up to be the safety she needed. Griffin's gift to her came after the lowest place she's been and that was a powerful scene. MM action happens and accidental voyeurism. I need all 3 with her so badly because that would be hot! I need the last book! I can't wait to see how this all ends.

[Kayleigh Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation from the first book with more bullying and higher stakes. Annoyingly answers are secretly discovered by one character but not shared or revealed for more cliffhanger action. The plot is getting a bit convoluted but cults are complicated so it sort of works. Some moments seem really out of character for some of the characters. But overall the pacing is good and the relationship development is believable and engaging.

[Skye Lemar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank god i picked this book up to keep reading this series the questions you had from book one are answered MOSTLY in this book.
There were tears and wth moments within this book that will have you hating the author for not having finised the next book in the series.
So glad that one of my few quesses was correct, cant wait to see if the rest of my theorys will be.

[Dolores Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed!

The author did an incredible job writing this series. I love that it is a Why Choose novel but also includes an amazing plot. I absolutely love all of the main characters but I wanna Wap Asher, that much is for sure. I still don't know which main male character is my favorite though cause gahhhh they're pretty much amazing