Very Evil Things: Briarwood University, T2

Briarwood Academy #3

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

« L’amour n’est pas pour elle. Ni pour lui. Mais l’amour n’a pas de loi ».

Dovey, étudiante boursière en danse, est déterminée à prouver qu’elle mérite sa place à l’Académie Briarwood, malgré ses origines modestes. Elle veut réussir, et pour ça, elle est prête à tout. Elle veut bien renoncer à son corps, mais personne ne lui volera son cœur.

Enfin, ça c’était le plan. Parce que le jour où elle croise Cuba, toutes ses certitudes volent en éclats.

Cuba est le garçon le plus populaire du campus, star du football américain, il a tout ce qu’il veut, quand il le veut. Voitures de sport, petites amies toutes plus superficielles les unes que les autres, il mène la grande vie. Il n’a qu’une seule règle : ne pas s’attacher. Jamais. Ses secrets sont trop sombres pour qu’il coure ce risque.

Jusqu’au jour où il croise Dovey. Cette fille pas comme les autres qui remet en question toutes ses certitudes.
Il la veut, mais il rejette l’amour.
Elle le veut, mais la réussite passe avant tout.
Bienvenue à l’Académie Briarwood, où le risque n’a jamais été aussi tentant.

Un new adult intense, où le cœur et la raison se livrent un combat sans merci.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Music, Audiobook, Musicians

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2015

About the author

#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.

A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺


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New Book News:

Dear Ava is live!
Not My Romeo is live!
I Promise You drops October 12/20
Not My Match drops January 19/21 (pre-order on Amazon)

Reviews

[Ilsa Madden-Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep reading for an exclusive excerpt from Sebastian's POV!! MARCH 1!



Blurb:

A sassy violinist who lives next door...
An obsessed rock star who watches her through binoculars...
And one night when she bares it all...
Life will never be the same in Tinseltown...

*****************************************

Excerpt: Sebastian Tate POV

From my back patio in the Hollywood Hills, I watched the girl next door with a pair of high-powered binoculars. She flicked on her porch lights, and a low whistle came out of me at the sexy red-as-sin robe she wore, its silky material flashing around her long legs as she moved around. Her hair was down, too.

This was new. Where were the usual yoga pants? The ponytail?

She looked as if she knew someone watched, but that was impossible since our outside lights were off. Even the light from the moon hit our house at such an angle that she shouldn’t be able to see us just by glancing over.

Usually she played her violin facing her rose garden, but this time she walked to the right side of her patio, which faced us. Weird. But she didn’t play. She just stood there without moving. Staring. I squirmed a little, trickles of unease going up my spine.

What was she doing?

Could she see me?

As if it were a fragile bird, she positioned the violin under her chin and began playing, arms bent and wrist poised, making the most exquisite sounds. And I don’t mean classical like Beethoven or Mozart. Fuck, no. I mean body-thrashing, blood-thumping music that had me rooted to the ground, like she’d slapped iron chains on me.

Dark and seductive notes rose up in the air, and I got jacked up, recognizing a Led Zeppelin song, only she’d ripped it guts out and twisted it into something electric. She pushed the bow hard, upping the tempo abruptly, her movements controlled yet wild. My pulse kicked up and my eyes lingered, taking in the slightly parted toned legs and the way her breasts bounced as she jerked her arms to manipulate the strings.

Her body arched forward in a curve, seeming as if she might break into a million pieces before she finished the piece or climaxed first. Then, her robe slipped off her right shoulder, exposing part of her breast. Creamy and full, it quivered, vibrating as she moved her arms. Her rosy nipple teased me, slipping in and out of the folds of the material. Erect from the cool mountain air and deliciously bitable, and I pictured my mouth there, sucking, my fingers plucking, strumming her like my guitar until she begged me to—

Stop, I told myself just as an appreciative groan came out. Whoever Violin Girl was, she didn’t deserve me lusting after her while she was pouring her heart out with music.

I zoomed in as far as the binoculars would go, watching her surrender to the music as she bent and swayed from side to side with her eyes closed, black lashes like fans on her cheeks. Every molecule in my body focused on her, hanging on to each note she pulled from her instrument.

She finished and kept her head bowed for the longest time, perhaps letting the emotion wash over her like it had me. Then, she bowed to the banana trees and gnomes in her garden, waving her hands in a flourish as she rose.

The entire event was surreal, yet poignant as f*cking poetry.

I let out a deep breath I didn’t even realize I’d been holding.

Who plays "Stairway to Heaven" with a violin? She did.

She was music with skin. She was real and dark and twisted and I wanted to eat her up. I wanted to consume her and every single note she ripped from her violin.

Bam! She snapped her head up, her wide eyes open and lasering in on mine, making me stiff at the awareness that raced down my spine and went straight to my c*ck. Every hair on my body stood at attention.

And then…

Standing there in the moonlight, she untied her robe and spread apart the sides ever so slightly, her movements seeming almost hesitant as she’d had to work herself up. Unfamiliar jealousy hit me and I panned out and checked the rest of the patio, expecting to see a lover. Whoever it was, I wanted to rip him apart piece by piece.

And didn’t that thought surprise me.

My gaze searched her patio, the backyard, her upstairs balcony. Nothing. No one.

She flicked her dark hair back and stroked the lapels of the robe, her fingers lingering over the lacy material. Suddenly the evening smacked of something more than just music. Her arms moved back and forth across the front, opening the robe halfway and then closing it as if she couldn’t make up her mind.

My eyes went up, trying to read her face. Still as a statue, the only movement was her mouth as it trembled, her full upper lip resting against the pouty lower one.

Violin Girl was trapped in a cage of darkness.

She’d known loss—death or love or something.

It still didn’t stop me from holding my breath, silently begging her to bare herself to me. She’d already laid bare her music. I needed the rest of her.

She jerked the robe closed, making me groan in disappointment.

And then she did something completely crazy.

The lonely girl next door flipped me the bird.


© Ilsa Madden-Mills, NYT and USA Today bestselling author

–Unedited and may change before publication

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood romance!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: ☺️🥸😎🤩

Favorite Quote: “The remedy is the poison.”

The heroine: Violet St. Lyons (a.k.a. V) - comes from old money. Violet was in a plane crash while on a trip for her 18th birthday. Her parents died in that crash and she blamed herself since they were on the plane for her birthday trip. She now has PTSD from the crash and is holed up in her mansion. She plays her violin on her back patio because she can no longer play for the symphony without getting anxious and nauseous.

The Hero(es): Sebastian Tate - Lead singer of Vital Rejects. Best friend to Nora from “Very Bad Things” and Cuba from “Very Wicked Things”. Sebastian was hurt by a girl named Emma in high school who claimed she wanted him but then slept with her Ex-boyfriend who was a complete jerk. Sebastian is famous, is fake-dating an A-list Hollywood Actress to improve his image and get a part in a movie.

The story: Sebastian was the all around good guy in the first two books. Sebastian kicks around with Spider, the english guy who is the guitarist in his band. Spider was best friend to Dovey in “Very Wicked Things”. Sebastian has become a bit of a stalker of the woman in the mansion behind his. Sebastian watches Violet every night on her patio through a pair of binoculars and one night when she plays Led Zeppelin on the violin while nearly nude, he is entranced.



The narration was good, though I hated Spider. He sounded like a disgusting old man instead of a hot British Rockstar. The story was good, though I liked Sebastian so much better in the first book. Though I suppose that is to be expected since someone who is a best friend is easier to make likable than a broken Hero.

I liked that Sebastian was fake dating Blair Storm who was an actress that was trying to keep herself in the public eye and looking like a young leading lady by dating a hot young musician. Blair is quite the witchy diva and took an immediate dislike to V and was a terrific villain.

I must say that I am getting a bit sick though of people that get so hurt from being cheated on that they decide never to love again. Seems to me that is just a huge cop out for a weak mind. Though it is a pretty standard thing for a lot of romance novels. I liked the PTSD angle though, that worked well.

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*Re-read via Audio…

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's me about this book...I just loved it :D

I've been waiting for Sebastian's story from the first book and I knew I would love him but I had no idea how much I would love Violet :D If I had a thing for girls the she would be my book girlfriend...definitely :D



She is the only survivor of a plane crash and after witnessing her parents death she is no longer the Violet who got on that plane. The Violet who was saved from the ocean is damaged, lonely, afraid to live her life an wishing that she would have died instead of her parents. She now lives a secluded life and, except for the patio shows she puts on for her neighbor, she has given up plaing the Violin.



Sebastian is the lead man for Vital Rejects and he has come a long way from the Briarcrest Academy student he once was. Now besides wanting to succeed in the hard movie industry he spends his days spying on the sexy neighbor next door and being mesmerized by her music.



Their journey to each other isn't easy but in that time they manage to change for the better. Violet gives up her secluded lifestyle and brings out the brave woman that is inside her but was lost for a while. Meanwhile Sebastian starts believing in love again and that there are more ways to get what you want.



Bonus we get some hot sex because this two can't seem to get to a bed and stick to it...NO...they much rather prefer a swing (outside), a freezer (thank god they stop in time), the patio, a storage room...and the list could go on :P

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Sebastian’s book but now I’m disappointed.
I really loved this series but this book just didn't work for me. It just felt like it was missing something and I had a hard time connecting with the main characters.
I really hope that Spider's story will be much better.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG I wouldnt know where to start with this book. The first 20% was ok, then someone flipped a switch on me and I just didnt enjoy the rest of the book. Why didnt I just quit?? Good question.

The beginning is Violet's very worst moment of her life. So it's understandable why she would have some issues and why she became a recluse. She lives all alone in her mansion.

Sebastian lives in another mansion, and uses binoculars to watch Violet.Yeah, sounds creepy to you too?

Well, once he learns she's onto his spying, then commences the game of cat n mouse. Theres weird flirting. Like.. weird and awkward flirting. There's the ex boyfriend that **POOF** is suddenly in the picture wanting her back. There's the crazy startlet that is fake dating Sebastian.

They play these stupid games with each other forfreakingever! I was so over both of them. She became awkard and looney to me and some of the shit she said was just..No.
They did the whole back and forth, I want you but dont want you. I just want sex but then I'll want more. I cant have her, I cant be normal...blah blah blah. I honestly did not enjoy them.

The Epilogue was a huge disappointment for me. Like i was reading the fake tabloid magazine. This was a bust for me.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The gang has graduated and Sebastian & Spider up and moved to LA to give touring a break (for Spider’s sake) and to give Sebastian a go at Hollywood. But something catches his eye. Or more like someone.

Violet lost everything in one tragic moment. Leaving New York for LA, hiding, but hoping to regain a little bit of the girl she lost. Playing the violin had been her life, but now she plays for an audience of one. Sebastian. Tucked away in the night she finds herself able to be watched by the stranger spying on her private moment as she gets lost to the music. There is a connection in the dark, but the sparks are there when she finally meets her new neighbor face to face.

I really enjoyed watching these two, from Sebastian’s desire for fame to V’s need to free herself of the ghosts of her past... it came together nicely. There was a bit of angst tossed in for good measure and of course Sebastian was the cocky but lovable character that we’ve seen throughout this series.

There were two things that really kept me from loving this story full out. I struggled to connect to the pace that V came out of her shell. It felt like even though she may have had some inner struggle that played out throughout the book, outwardly she really lost some of the tragic girl that I was craving. The epilogue was another part that I just didn’t feel. I know for die-hard fans of this series that the epi might have held some inside jokes or even a bit of humor; but I felt like I didn’t get an ending to Sebastian and V’s story that it truly deserved. Especially given that this is not the last in the series, it felt out of place. I think had this been the conclusion to the series, something whimsical like what we got could have been a very fitting end to the series – but I just really wanted a few more moments with these two.

So although this did not hit all the marks, it hit enough of them to still be enjoyed and I am looking forward to Spider’s story.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Twisted Things is Briarcrest Academy grown up style!

For the record, you CAN read this book as a stand alone - you will not be lost for not having read Very Bad Things or Very Wicked Things. That being said, you should read both of those books. ;)

The prologue of Very Twisted Things is one of the saddest and scariest things I've ever read. It completely drew me into Violet's head and compelled me to know how anyone could survive what she experienced.

Violet is a woman after my own heart. She's part fragile dove, part fierce lioness. She's lost her entire world, become somewhat of a recluse and is scared of so much life has offer her. Yet, when an absolutely gorgeous man moves in next door and starts spying on her with binoculars, she's all to willing to brave giving him his own private show. Even if that show ends with her flipping him the bird.

Sebastian Tate came to L.A. for one thing and one thing only. Fame. He'll do whatever it takes to be successful and not let his brothers sacrifices go to waist. Love only gets in the way and he's been burned by it before. He's not about to let it hold him up again. Yet, something about his quiet neighbor won't let him rest until she's part of his life.

And boy...when Sebastian sets his mind to something...damn. That boy is is fucking hot!

Trust is what these two both struggle with. Violet struggles to believe she can trust someone with her secrets and they won't just disappear, while Sebastian has to learn to trust that if he gives someone his heart they won't shatter it.

Both are cautious, both are drawn to one another like nothing before, both can be the ruin of each other or everything they never knew they wanted.

Madden-Mills has shown me with Very Twisted Things that she can write a story with much less of the drama she threw at previous characters and still have it hit its mark. You still feel the stress of life, the pain of heartache, the joy of new love. It's a more stripped down story, yet still dramatic enough to pull at all your emotions.

Like the previous titles, I find myself absolutely, wholeheartedly, forever in love with the characters Madden-Mills delivers.

[Sarah Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

as always, perfection!

I love this series. Everything about it, and this book only adds to that. It's one of my favorite series I've ever read. It's hot and sexy, but sweet and warm. The characters are not just likeable- they are lovable! And of course, I can't wait for more!

[❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃]

DNF @ 28%

Felt far too phony & false.

[Jessica *The Lovely Books* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duh, does it come as any surprise that this is a five star read for me?! I want more Sebastian!

"I'm your king, will you be my queen tonight?"

Sebastian Tate. I've been waiting for his book since VBT. He's the charming younger brother of Leo Tate. And that's all that you should care about; he's a Tate! Very Twisted Things didn't disappoint, in fact I think the books keep getting better and better. Upon the opening scene I knew this story was going to be emotional but I also knew that there'd be some light at the end of the tunnel.

"He was trouble with a capital T and hott with two t's."

Violet lost her family due to a terrible tragedy while they were on their way to a family vacation. The lone survivor was Violet; who couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't lucky enough to die right a long with her family. A prodigal violinist and heiress, she's all alone. Those things don't matter anymore because she's broken. Keeping everyone at arms length until a beautiful blond boy moves in next door to her and shows her what it's like to live again.

"Violin Girl was music with skin. She was real and dark and twisted and I wanted to eat her up."

Sebastian Tate is on his way to MAJOR stardom. In order to land the movie role that will get him there, he must "date" a Hollywood starlet that will show he isn't as wild as they think he is. But that can be hard when a distractingly beautiful girl who plays the violin, is well... Distracting. Who is she? There's only one way to find out!

"Crazy, right? You called me a wiener, and I'm still falling all over you."

Being friends with V is harder than it needs to be. Not only is he not allowed to date her( his job depends on it) he wants to bone her every chance he can get! Heh. Yes, there are some seriously HOT scenes. There's only so much these two can take before they combust. I don't blame V in the slightest though. It's a Tate brother after all.

"Favorite color?" I asked
"Red and lacy."
My robe was red... and lacy.

It was nice getting to see and hear from some of the characters from the first two books. Namely Spider! I think Ilsa does good in setting up his book which I've been waiting for since we met him in VWT. I fully recommend this wonderful book. It's full of angst, emotion, romance, and drama all rolled up into one. Readers won't be disappointed.

"I turned around and ran as hard as I could, away from those eyes, that body, that smile-and that fucking perfection I didn't need."

[Andrea Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ilsa has done it again, only better. She wrote a book that captured my heart and attention. She sucked me in and kept me hooked. She played up scenes that needed it, but pulled back exactly when needed. She didn't just write this book, she lived it, and that was evident in her writing.

Very Twisted Things can be read as a standalone, but is the third book in the Briarcrest Academy Series.

First off, any book that begins with a BOOM is destined to be good. I mean, it doesn't get any better than that...

Until, you realize what the boom symbolizes and your heart breaks.

Because of the boom, Violet St. Lyons life is forever changed. Within a matter of minutes everything she has ever loved is taken from her. Forever. She may have escaped the boom, but a part of her also died that day.

Sebastian Tate is the lead man for the Vital Rejects. They are beginning to make their mark on the world and Sebastian is loving it, but there is something missing from his life. Something he didn't know he needed or wanted until her...

Very Twisted Things is the story of Violet and Sebastian. It's a story of love, heartbreak, growth, and new beginnings.


4 HUGE stars!

[Sarah Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first book of Ilsa’s I picked up, she set the precedence of what I would come to expect, and that was I would never get what I thought. Because the thing you must understand about her books is that they will cut you deep in the most unexpected of ways. Cut you so deep you will be feeling it for days and weeks to come. What you think you see on the surface can’t even begin to describe the depth she delivers once you’re in the thick of it. Because even if you have nothing in common with her characters, they are 100% relatable. They all have characteristics and traits that every one of us possesses. I love the emotion that she invokes deep within me, and even more, I adore the places she makes me go. She keeps you invested and makes you think; she allows you to believe in the hope that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to want it and work for it. Because in the end, love is all that matter. Ilsa doesn’t simply write stories; she weaves tales.

He’d given me another chance at life. He’d wanted me to live. When was I going to start?

Violet. Oh V. What a beautifully, damaged, guilt ridden character. When I say this story starts out with a book, it quite literally does in every sense of the word. Violet wrecked me. She hid herself, believing that to love was to lose. She pushed everyone away and put up her walls. But when those walls started to crack, well, it was a thing of beauty. I didn’t mind the wait; the anticipation was half the enjoyment. She just had so much love to give and no idea what to do with it. The emotional growth in V as the pages got thinner was a thing of wonder. To watch her come into her own skin and accept that her new reality was what she made it gives you a heavy dose of reality. You question. You think. You hope.

Combustible and wired to the teeth, our connection was like a bomb about to explode. She was a grenade, and I wanted to pull her pin so bad I could taste it.

Sebastian infuriated me, but in such a delicious way that I found myself not minding one little bit. I understood he had dreams and goals he wanted to achieve, but the constant push and pull, hot and cold, had be wanting to wring his gorgeous neck. He’d been burned before and needed honesty. But the heat between these two? Well, get ready for your Kindle to melt. This story was wrought with tension, the best being sexual. I’m all about the build-up, I need to be invested, but it’s always worth the wait. Because when they finally do come together? Combustible electricity the likes of which we haven’t yet seen in Ilsa’s books. Well, I guess I should rephrase that. Let’s just say she kicks it up a notch and you will not be left disappointed. Not one little bit.

Her darkness had called to me, her music has enthralled me, but it was her soul that was mine. Was that love?

I’m always left breathless at the end of her books, and this one was no different. Ilsa = anticipation, for she carefully crafts every syllable that goes into her books. She doesn’t release multiple times a year, and I really love that. Because I know when I finally do get that gem in my hands, it will be just that. Why deliver ten when you knock it out of the park with one? Humor, heartache, swoon, despair, and steam fill the pages of this book, but it’s always love that remains. I eagerly anticipate what she will deliver us next!

“My heart aches to see you-playing me. Because you have been where I am. You know my pain.”

[Lisa Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Yep, if one small word could cover so many enormous thoughts, that would be the word I'd chose. WOW. I've been a fan of the Briarcrest series since the beginning, but this installment was hands over fist my favorite. Do you need to read the other book in order to understand this one? NO!! Will there be ANYTHING standing in your way from fully appreciating, loving, connecting with both of the MCs from the beginning to the end? NO!!! Ms. Madden-Mills completely did what so many authors try to do - she wrote a book in a series that truly is a standalone story. Yes, if you read the others, you'll feel the warm embrace of characters past but never will you feel lost.

Now, on to my review of Very Twisted Things - This is the much awaited, long anticipated story of the great and lovable Sebastian Tate. And frankly, the only thing that could make Sebastian better than he already was would be a fantastic female counter part...(enter Violet St. Lyons). Violet has endured a tragedy that is beyond belief or imagination and while she has physically survived she is barely living until she meets Sebastian. Have we seen rock star romances before? Yes we have. BUT we have never seen them done Madden-Mills style...until now. Let me tell you, (fanning self) it was sexy, sophisticated, sinful, and downright scrumptious the way the words lifted from the pages. Without being gratuitous or over indulgent Ms. Madden-Mills paints some of the most breathing scenes this girl has ever read (and I've read thousands of books).

With poignant lines, fantastic lessons, amazing characters and a villain that I absolutely LOVED to hate, Very Twisted Things is definitely a book that should be on everyone's TBR list! Wow!!

[Jessica Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilsa, my love, you have done it again!!! I thought my love for Leo couldn't be touched....until we get to fully understand Sebastian!!! He is sexy, funny and IN LOVE with V! The life lessons we are taught in this book will forever be with me. The love and struggles these two go through make my head spin!! We get to see more of Spider in this book!! He is hysterical and dark...which leave you wanting his story more ;)

HUGE 5 STARS for me!!!! LOVED IT!!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Twisted Things
5 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Omg!! I'm in love with another Tate!!!!

Hold the phone there's another hot Tate in the house!!! I knew Sebastian was going to be fun but I didn't think he could steal my heart like Leo did in Very Bad Things. I should have known with llsa you just never know.

Front man Sebastian Tate from Vital Rejects never imagined his YouTube video going viral would shoot to the success in Hollywood like it did. Or so he leaves you to believe anyways. He's a cocky hot as hell and it was only a matter of time before someone took notice.

But life in Tineseltown is never what it seems.

Being cheated on by his ex-lover, his only rule was to never fall in love again. Spying on his mysterious new neighbor with binoculars no less seemed innocent enough. He quickly found that it escalates into an naughty game between two very unlikely people.

Violet St. Lyons is a twenty year old world renowned violinist who's loss of her parents has made her lose her love for playing for others. She hides away in her Hollywood mansion, trying to find her way through the pain of her past in order to make her future.

Always the life of the party Sebastian is chased down by girls for his autograph. Violets is introverted with a sailors mouth who doesn't even know who he is.

When they meet, stars collide, sparks fly, and clothes come off. Will Sebastian be able to get past the hurt from deception from his past and give his heart to another or will he be to stubborn and never let love in?

Once you dive into this book it sticks its claws in you and holds you hostage. Putting it down is really not an option either. Very Bad Things is my all time favorite but this Tate is a fast two and Sebastian is yumtastic!! I seriously recommend this book. You can read it as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the others in this series especially Very Bad Things. You just can't go wrong. Sebastian is a sexy as hell raising rock star. I loved him in the other three books with his cocky witty mouth. He had me laughing but also I got to see a different side to this Tate brother. Violet was dealing with her own chaos. She is the sweetest standoffish with a wicked mouth that gives Sebastian a run for his money. I loved there banter and how V gave him a run for his money. I can say enough about this book. It's really fabulous. I'm forever a fan of llsa Madden-Mills Thank you llsa for bringing me into your world of fabulous tortured souls making me fall head over heels in love with your yummy boys.❤️❤️❤️

[Tahsin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5+ stars

i don't know, just didn't feel it with this one

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Lisa Kane

Sebastian Tate may not be over the hurt he suffered in high school when his girlfriend Emma became pregnant by her ex, but it's five years later and life is sweet. He and his classmate Spider are phenomenally successful with their band, Vital Rejects. He has tons of money, fame, a huge house in the Hollywood Hills and plenty of chicks. But he wants more. He wants to break into films and by staging a fake romance with the actress Blair Storm he is hoping to do just that. She is an aging actress trying to stay youthful with her young, hot "boyfriend". Except for hooking up one time, there is nothing sexual going on-of course Blair would like to change that. She may be America's sweetheart, but she is ruthless.


Violet St Lyons wakes up from her nightmares with memories no one should suffer. When she was 18, this New York heiress was flying with her parents to Ireland as a birthday present. The plane had an explosion, and she saw her mom die in front of her. Her father and she both made it to the ocean alive, but he died saving her. Once she was a confidant, talented violinist, now she is a mess; insecure, traumatized and hiding out. She left her musical career, her friends, her almost fiance, Geoff in New York, packed up and drove to California. She and Sebastian are neighbors.


Sebastian waits for the nightly show that his neighbor puts on. She comes outside and plays her violin and he is mesmerized. She fascinates him and he is under her spell. Her playing is beautiful and she is gorgeous. He needs to find out more about her. Violet, or V as she prefers to be called, is well aware that she is being watched and messes with Sebastian's head. The prey may just be the hunter in this little game.


Violin Girl was trapped in a cage of darkness. It still didn't stop me from holding my breath, silently begging her to bare herself to me. She'd already laid bare her music. Part of me needed the rest of her.

She jerked the robe closed, making me groan in disappointment.

And then she did something completely crazy.

The lonely girl next door flipped me the bird.


There is a connection that they both feel from the very first time they meet. But Sebastian hasn't found any peace from his ex's deception and women are not to be trusted. In spite of all her therapy, V is still not in a good place. She hasn't been able to resume playing in front of others. Both are scarred, but both may be just what the other needs.


Sebastian's ambition to succeed in Hollywood causes him to continue a pretend relationship with Blair which means nothing can develop with V.


"Hey, don't be mad at me. I was up front with you about her."

The old me reared up. She'd been doing it more and more lately, and I was glad to see her. "Yeah? Well, let me be upfront. I don't play second violin. I play first. Always."


To throw in a little more drama, Geoff makes a reappearance. He's had two years of playing around while V needed time and space from him, but he wants her back. To say Sebastian is going all Apha over that situation is an understatement. There are unscrupulous actresses, meddling friends, phobias and insecurities plaguing this couple.


I have to say I was frustrated more than a few times with this book. Sebastian's charade with Blair made me see red. This is a talented guy who has connections and resources to help him achieve his own goals without needed to deceive the public. Yet, he kept putting all his eggs in Blair's basket. V was much more grounded and had a lot more patience with him than I would have had. The sex scenes are smoking hot and I will never be able to look at a swing in the same way again. Getting a glimpse of Leo and Nora is always a bonus as they remain my favorite couple. The next book will be Spider's story.


"You make me a better man. I promise you, right here, I will love you until the day I die. I will do everything in my power to make sure you're happy."

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of Very Wicked Things, Sebastian Tate’s view of love and commitment was upended by Emma, the lying, cheating whore from Briarcrest Academy. She twisted everything he believed in and was shown by his parents and his brother, Leo and his girlfriend, Nora, and turned Sebastian into a man, who for the last five years, has done nothing but advance his career and make his dreams come true, never allowing another woman close enough to hurt him.

For the last two years, Violet “V” St Lyons has done nothing but exist, shutting herself off from the world and refusing to allow anyone in because the pain of losing anyone else is too much for her to bear. She lives in her mansion alone, has an extreme obsession with junk food, and shrouds herself in the darkness that has been her life since she lost her parents.

The remedy is in the poison.

Both Sebastian and V are twisted up in a way that it’s going to take just the right person to unwind them and smooth the jagged edges that have left them more fragile than anyone truly knows. But in order for Violin Girl and Blond Guy to see that what’s standing in front of them is worth the risk…worth the pain…worth the upheaval of V’s private life and even more important than Sebastian’s ticket to success, they’re going to have to open themselves up to the possibility of becoming even more twisted, their lives even more chaotic because besides the tangible connection that’s been between them since their stalkerlike peeping, they’re each other’s resolutions – the calm to Hollywood’s storm, and if they can get twisted up in each other instead of in their own heads, maybe, just maybe, they’ll find themselves back to who they once were before they were irrevocably changed by situations that were completely out of their control.

Ilsa Madden-Mill’s Briarcrest Academy series is one of my absolute favorite New Adult series, and I have wanted Sebastian’s story since meeting him in Very Bad Things. I love that Ilsa gives readers a view of what happens after Briarcrest, taking us in a new direction but still staying true to her characters’ roots and what made Sebastian who he is in the first place. He may be grown up and jaded, but he’s still the same caring guy whose family means everything to him. But this version of Sebastian is even sexier, panty dropping, and filthy mouthed, leaving a lot more ladies than just V obsessing over him.

Nora’s always going to be my girl in this series, but V is right there with Nora. V’s passion for music and how it both torments and soothes her is brilliantly portrayed in each and every performance, both naked and fully clothed;) The walls she’s built are perfectly natural for the events that have defined her young life and the fight within her is evident from the start of the text, but it is brought out even more as the story progresses, and she realizes what’s at stake for not only herself but for Sebastian as well.

Very Twisted Things is brilliantly written; its story line seamlessly flows between witty banter, steamy scenes, and heartfelt discussions that illustrate who Sebastian and V are at their core. The secondary characters add another dimension to the story, and I’m definitely looking forward to Spider’s story. Readers are also graced with a bonus scene from Leo and Nora’s lives, which made me a smiling fool!

This series is a definite MUST CLICK!

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I was really happy to see that Very Twisted Things was much more of a standalone than book 2, Very Wicked Things. Where I got a little lost in that story, this one grabbed me at the Prologue and never let me go. This was an extremely quick read for me, at 2 days, and it was torture having to put it down. I loved both the storyline and the characters.

Where Book 1 and 2 take place in high school at Briarcrest Academy in Texas, book 3 takes place five years later in Los Angeles. Sebastian Tate is now a famous rock star, taking a break from touring and recording to hang out in LA with his bandmate, and former Briarcrest Academy classmate, Spider. At night he spies on his reclusive neighbor V, not knowing that she is doing the same to him. V is a violin prodigy and stands outside at night playing her instrument, it seems just for Sebastian. He nicknames her 'Violin Girl'.

V's story is quite traumatic. Madden-Mills opens the story with a very detailed description of a plane crash involving V and her parents that is terrifying and violent. V is the lone survivor and it has had such an impact on her, that she's holed up in her house, not wanting to explore relationships again. When Sebastian and V do finally meet, their connection is scorching hot.

"...I'd die to taste every single inch of your softness with my tongue. And not just your mouth. I'd want my lips all over you. I'd lick every corner and crevice. I'd want to eat you raw, consume you until there was nothing left."

Things are not easy for the couple though. V suffers from extreme anxiety over the plane crash and fears that she will lose the person that she loves again. Sebastian, on the other hand, is afraid of committing as he tries to put his career before anything else. Although his feelings for V are making it very difficult to stick to his plans.

" Dammit. I'd been deluding myself. This may have started out as music, but I realized it was so much more. Cloaked in her dark sounds, she was everything I never knew I wanted..."

I really loved Sebastian and V, but I may have found my favorite character though in swoon-worthy rock star Sebastian Tate! The secondary characters, Mila and Spider, were also fantastic. Mila is as straight laced as they come, and Spider is the complete opposite. They have absolutely nothing in common, but you can tell that something is brewing underneath and I absolutely can't wait until book 4, which centers around these two!

Be forewarned that the book ends at 92%. There is a Bonus Scene from Leo and Nora, the main characters in Very Bad Things, after that, and then an excerpt from another author's book at 97%.

Overall, I love Mills writing style - each book in the Briarcrest Academy Series is both quirky and unique. How would I describe Very Twisted Things?…So.Freakin’.Good!!

An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.

Review posted at Love Between the Sheets

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[Carrie Richardson-horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ilsa said she would be writing Sebastian's story I knew it would be an absolute must read for me!

Sebastian Tate- good lawd I claimed this man a long time ago, and now he's back with all his hotness! When we last left Sebastian he was heartbroken and swore off love and getting close to anybody again. He's carrying around a huge chip on his shoulder because of this. He doesn't want to feel anything like that again, so shutting people out is what he does. He thinks he has closed off his heart....but....just wait!

Violet- a violinist that has moved in next door to Sebastian. She's had tragedy in her life. She's very closed off trying to carry on the only way she knows how by shutting out the world and the people in it. I really loved Violet. My heart broke for her. She feels all alone in the world just trying to find her way that is until Sebastian Tate walks into her life. <----sweet baby Jesus moment...take notes ;) "Violin Girl" as Sebastian calls her is about to show him a thing or two. She might just be his biggest challenge yet. He won't know what hit him.

As their two worlds meet up we get to see just how maybe they can fix each other. It's not all a bed of roses along the way. Things happen that I can't say but you will love these two. The chemistry is off the charts! Their banter back and forth will leave you laughing one minute, and your heart will break at the same time.

I give VTT 5 HUGE stars! Go one click your copy and fall for Sebastian Tate all over again. Must read of 2015!! Ilsa remember he's MINE!! Lol

[Chelcie Dacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

She makes me want to never stop reading. She makes me want to dive inside this world she has created and stay there forever.

She made me weep for these characters and cheer for them. She gave me angst that wasn't too much and it was in all the right places.

There was drama and I yelled a few times and I loved it.

She gave me flawless character development and I feel deeply in love with v. That is what Ilsa does best. She makes me fall in love with amazing leading ladies.

This might be my favorite of the series. It was everything I wanted and so much more.

Bravo ilsa bravo.

[Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Sebastian's story!! This is a book I've been waiting for, for what seems like forever! I have always loved Sebastian and couldn't wait to get my hands on his story, and it did not disappoint!

Very Twisted Things is book 3 in the Briarcrest Academy series, but can be read as a stand alone. This book takes place 5 years after all of the characters we know and love graduated highschool. Sebastian and Spider are living the dream, their band is huge, and Sebastian is up for a major role in a big movie. Everything seems to come spiraling out of control with Violet (aka "V") enters Sebastians world.

Violet has had an easy life, up until a few years ago when her world came crashing around her (literally). My heart broke for her as I read the prologue and was instantly drawn to her story. She lost everything and everyone and doesn't know how to live life like she used to.

Sebastian and Spider have moved to L.A. to grow some roots and that's when he notices his mysterious neighbor that plays the violin. Sebastian has become obsessed with her and watches her all the time from his window. Things change when she knows she's being watched and gives him a little show. "Violin Girl" is definitely different than any girl Sebastian has ever known.

The first meeting between these two is quite hilarious, and made me laugh. It was funny, yet awkward, and you could feel the chemistry and tension between these two immediately. When "Blonde Guy" and "Violin Girl" (Sebastian and Violet) get to know one another, you can tell they are meant to be together, they want each other, but aren't sure what to do with those feelings. Violet is just starting to learn to live again, and Sebastian is in a "Fake" relationship for publicity to help him with a movie. All Sebastian can offer Violet is friendship, or sex without a relationship.

The friendship route with these two is sweet to watch, yet you know that it is never going to remain just friends between them. Not with how they act and the things they think about one another. When things finally change between them I was like "YES!!!!" but then Violet says something that makes Sebastian pull away. She may know how she feels about him, but Sebastian, he has no clue how he feels about Violet. We as the reader know, but it takes him a long time to figure it out (typical man).

I loved the ups and downs of their relationship, and I loved how these two definitely were meant to be together. Their story is amazing! I also enjoyed seeing Mila, Spider, Leo, and Nora in this book. We didn't get a lot of Nora and Leo, but enough to know what is going on in their lives now. I loved Mila and can't wait to read Spider's story (I really hope these two end up together!!).

I've been a huge fan of this series from the beginning, and each book seems to get better and better. Sebastian and Violet story is beautiful, full of hot sexual tension and chemistry, and about learning to move on from the past and living again. I definitely recommend this book to everyone! Ilsa Madden-Mills has a way of drawing the reader in and not letting you go until the very last word has been read!

[Debi Barnes- Mean Girls Luv Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I fell in love with Sebastian Tate when we were first introduced to him in Very Bad Things. My love for him only grew during Very Wicked Things. And now I want to marry him and live happily ever after with him forever and ever!

This book is part of a series but you could totally read this book as a standalone. However, I HIGHLY recommend reading the other books, it will enhance your experience.

In Very Twisted Things, Sebastian is living in LA and is a hot rock star with the Vital Rejects. He is all grown up and far away from Briarcrest Academy. His new neighbor, Violet St Lyons, turns him into a peeping Tom. Violet isn’t only gorgeous she is a talented violinist. Every night she plays on her back patio and Sebastian can’t get enough.

I loved these characters so much. Their mutual attraction was the only part of their relationship. I think Violet is my favorite character of Ilsa Madden- Mills. She was so down to earth. Her sense of humor is hilarious. Violet is the type of person I want to be best friends with. And she didn’t let Sebastian take over her world. She still remained her own person.

This book is also Ilsa Madden- Mills sexiest book! And boy can she write a great sex scene. I will never look at a swing the same again! I loved every single word on the pages!
This author is an automatic one click for me!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing is one word I would use to describe this book! I had been waiting impatiently for Sebastian's book and it was well worth the wait!

Sebastian and Violet are perfectly matched. He's living the rock star life, trying to escape from being broken hearted. Little did he know when his neighbor Violet started playing her violin, it would rock his world in more ways than one.

I loved how Ilsa brought these two broken souls together into such a great love story. Neither of them have had it easy and you can really tell how well they belong together. They open each other's hearts to feelings they never thought possible.

I fell in love with Sebastian in book one and have simply loved the Briarcrest series. There's romance, sexual tension, and plenty of heat written into such amazing books that will pull at your heart. You will fall in love with each character in each book and this one didn't disappoint. My heart broke for Sebastian and Violet knowing they were so broken but were able to repair each other's hearts.

Ilsa never fails to amaze me with how well she writes because she is always so precise in her writing. You are pulled in and feel like you're a part of the story and feel like you're right there with them. I'm looking forward to see what Ilsa comes up with next.

[Ivette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this entire series could be a TV SERIES! I would totally watch it. Sebastian and Violet’s story was emotional , I was scared, excited, nervous and of course happy. Violet has not played her violin for anyone since the horrible accident. Except for her HOT new neighbor which she has no idea is Rock God. Her struggle with losing her family has made it difficult for her to move on with her passion to play for an audience. Sebastian’s has his music career together as the Lead Singer for Vital Rejects he wants to trying to get on the big screen. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. Although, he does have time to spy on his neighbor the plays hard rock on her violin like a boss. The way she plays her violin with so much passion has him fascinated with her. All it takes is a small dog, a pool and some wet clothes to change his mind. Ilsa’s books are absolutely fantastic! This book was an excellent addition to this series but it can be read as a standalone.
“Well, Let me be upfront. I don’t play second violin, I play first Always” - Violet
“Take all your deep breathes with me, V” - Sebastian

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Sebastian in Ilsa's debut novel Very Bad Things. I couldn't wait to get my hands on a book about him! I crossed my fingers book two would be his, but it wasn't. I get it now! Sebastian had to grow up a bit to have his story and OMG! Has he ever grown up! He's hot, he's sexy, he's sweet but most of all, he's a rock star! As Rachael Ray would say, YUMM-O! And he's found his perfect match in V!

This prologue! Oh my! What an absolute hook! I dare you to read the first few pages and not devour this book in one sitting! And thanks to this book I'll NEVER be able to take my kids to the playground and not think very twisted, dirty things! You've ruined swing sets for me, Ilsa!

I really enjoyed this story. Perfect amounts of drama, a little bit of angst and loads of sexual tension. Very Twisted Things was a perfect addition to the Briarcrest Academy series! I'm looking forward to reading Spider's book, so write fast, Ilsa!!

Very Twisted Things is the third book in the Briarcrest Academy series, it can be read as a standalone, no cliffhanger. ~ Erin, 4.5 stars

[Tera Chastain (Co-Creator of The Book Bistro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Sebastian's turn and what a turn it is ....this story is beautifully done ..
V is going trough so much as a character ...you really feel for her and she's the type of chick I'd want to be friends with
Sebastian is ..well Sebastian ...of course ...he has goals though ..
That is until V comes along and even then he can be very stubborn but he's the kind of character you just love to read about ...Original ..Real...Sexy..
I loved that things weren't predictable ..wasn't sure what these 2 were gonna do next...
Ilsa has a way of writing that draws you right into the story ..grips you from beginning to end ..I can't wait to read about a few other characters ..in the future ...I hope...lol

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read!
*Please checked out the other Briarcrest books as well ..if you haven't ...they're wonderful reads!

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST book yet, in this series. And the others were all 5 STARS too. What an amazing story of 2 people who are barely breathing, but are surviving. What a mind blowing Prologue, you don't know if you're in someone's dream or their worst living nightmare. Ilsa's words in this book, Ahhh-mazing! You just wanted to devour this story in one sitting. I loved loved loved the alternating POV's and the unique story telling. One of my favorite lines in this book is: "Even wrapped in sorrow, she lived in color."-Sebastian Tate. You just can't help but fall in love with these characters. You feel their heart ache. You care for them and you want more. Can NOT wait for the next book!! And this book can be read as a stand alone too.

[Tina Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, Ilsa babe you have done it again! Love, love, love Sebastian's and Violet's story. I have been a fan of The Briarcrest Academy books and Ilsa's writing style since the very first book and this one doesn't fail. After I finished reading it I had to give myself a little bit because I had no words to describe this book besides absolute perfection. And I still feel I have no other words to explain this book, heck this whole series but absolutel perfection. If you have not read Ilsa's books you need to. I would highly recommend it. I cannot wait for more of this series. can be read as a stand alonhttps://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/....