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Bad Inceptions #2
Unexpected Prejudice
Jessie and I had never fought.
Not in the eight years we’d known each other. Not once.
But when we started our senior year at Beverly Bay High, a school for the rich and the elite, we were exposed to a new reality. One that showed us how unexpected life could be. And when a guy with ocean eyes stepped into our lives, we couldn’t imagine the impact he would have on us.
This wasn’t a story about three people falling in love. Nor was it a love triangle.
Prejudices made us believe our hearts were safe, only they weren’t.
This isn’t just our story.
It never was
Unexpected Prejudice is book two in the Bad Inceptions series. The book focuses on the story of Levi, Jessie, and Jordan and cannot be read as a standalone. Although the book contains three POVs, it is not an MMM.
Some tropes include Found Family, High School, Grumpy x Sunshine, an Established Couple, a Toxic Relationship for those who enjoy the venom, Bad Boys, Rich Boys, Rich Boys Go Broke, Jocks, Hurt/Comfort, or just Hurt.
***Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age***Triggers are listed inside the book ( they contain spoilers )
Not in the eight years we’d known each other. Not once.
But when we started our senior year at Beverly Bay High, a school for the rich and the elite, we were exposed to a new reality. One that showed us how unexpected life could be. And when a guy with ocean eyes stepped into our lives, we couldn’t imagine the impact he would have on us.
This wasn’t a story about three people falling in love. Nor was it a love triangle.
Prejudices made us believe our hearts were safe, only they weren’t.
This isn’t just our story.
It never was
Unexpected Prejudice is book two in the Bad Inceptions series. The book focuses on the story of Levi, Jessie, and Jordan and cannot be read as a standalone. Although the book contains three POVs, it is not an MMM.
Some tropes include Found Family, High School, Grumpy x Sunshine, an Established Couple, a Toxic Relationship for those who enjoy the venom, Bad Boys, Rich Boys, Rich Boys Go Broke, Jocks, Hurt/Comfort, or just Hurt.
***Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age***Triggers are listed inside the book ( they contain spoilers )
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 24, 2024
Unexpected Prejudice is the emotional next installment of the Bad Inceptions series. This entry follows best friends Jessie and Levi as their relationship develops further and their dynamic deepens into something much more intense and significant.
The final main character, who is my favorite in this story is Jordan. Jordan is an athlete with a heart of gold, but he is dealing with some major family issues that affect his overall well-being. Jordan has an amazing arc in this story that I could not get enough of. Watching his relationships grow, change, and alter the direction of his future in such a tremendous way grabbed my heart and made me feel so many emotions.
Overall I enjoyed this entry and how the dynamics were changed due to having three POV's. All three of these main characters grow significantly in this story and I look forward to seeing their appearances in future installments.
I am so excited for the next entry. Getting a little glimpse into what is coming next makes me so excited for book 3's characters. I cannot wait!!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
The final main character, who is my favorite in this story is Jordan. Jordan is an athlete with a heart of gold, but he is dealing with some major family issues that affect his overall well-being. Jordan has an amazing arc in this story that I could not get enough of. Watching his relationships grow, change, and alter the direction of his future in such a tremendous way grabbed my heart and made me feel so many emotions.
Overall I enjoyed this entry and how the dynamics were changed due to having three POV's. All three of these main characters grow significantly in this story and I look forward to seeing their appearances in future installments.
I am so excited for the next entry. Getting a little glimpse into what is coming next makes me so excited for book 3's characters. I cannot wait!!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
November 24, 2025
4.5***** stars
God, my little sadistic self really digs all the hurt these characters cause each other. That’s the kind of drama I live for.
No matter my rating I wasn’t a huge fan of this part of the story as I already suspected before I started. But that was due to the tropes and plot itself not because of the execution. Because it was gooood. And I also see the necessity to tell it. And while I wasn’t really into it the writing and storytelling was once again so deliciously intense I couldn’t stop reading either.
I was probably a bit annoyed too that this book practically followed the exact same timeline as book one up to 75% until it ultimately took the whole overarching plot further.
Still. It WAS a fantastic addition to the series.
And now… let’s finally get to big, angry Diesel and the blond, malicious angel (aka Shay-Lee aka the villain to all their stories) to continue this epic teenage drama.
⇢ please heed TW’s and note that these books are not standalones and have to be read in order
***********
Bad Inceptions Series
Book 1 - Mistaken Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Unexpected Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Explosive Prejudice - 4.75 stars ♡
Book 4 - Forgotten Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Dissolving Prejudice - 4.5 stars
God, my little sadistic self really digs all the hurt these characters cause each other. That’s the kind of drama I live for.
No matter my rating I wasn’t a huge fan of this part of the story as I already suspected before I started. But that was due to the tropes and plot itself not because of the execution. Because it was gooood. And I also see the necessity to tell it. And while I wasn’t really into it the writing and storytelling was once again so deliciously intense I couldn’t stop reading either.
I was probably a bit annoyed too that this book practically followed the exact same timeline as book one up to 75% until it ultimately took the whole overarching plot further.
Still. It WAS a fantastic addition to the series.
And now… let’s finally get to big, angry Diesel and the blond, malicious angel (aka Shay-Lee aka the villain to all their stories) to continue this epic teenage drama.
I wasn’t a replacement, nor was I a casual hookup. I was simply another one of his tools to keep him away from those demons that tortured him relentlessly.
He looked like an angel. So beautiful and broken… my fallen angel.
—Jordan about Shay-Lee
⇢ please heed TW’s and note that these books are not standalones and have to be read in order
***********
Bad Inceptions Series
Book 1 - Mistaken Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Unexpected Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Explosive Prejudice - 4.75 stars ♡
Book 4 - Forgotten Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Dissolving Prejudice - 4.5 stars
August 16, 2025
Reread Sep 24: Still love this just as much as the first time. Levi and Jess are absolutely precious, Jordan is absolutely pathetic, and Shay-Lee is absolutely lovable in his own fucked up way. Having been immersed in the later books for a while, it was super weird going back to a time before SL and D were a thing, but I love the little insights we get into their characters in this instalment, especially Shay-Lee. And I just cannot get over how perfect Jessie and Levi are, even throughout their ups and downs (although *that* scene still makes me wanna die inside). I just love this book and everything about this series.
Original review:
These books have a HOLD ON ME, I swear.
Unexpected Prejudice is book 2 in the Bad Inceptions series, but it is not designed to be read as a standalone. The timeline runs in tandem with Mistaken Prejudice, but instead explores the points of view of Levi, Jessie, and Jordan, with Jessie x Levi and Shay-Lee x Jordan as the main couples.
Andrei and Miles’ little bubble is well and truly popped, so I feel like I got to experience the events of the first book in a completely different way, and then some. Just when you think you know what’s been going on, Tal Lewin throws a curveball and makes you question your whole existence. It’s refreshing to read a story that actually has you second guessing things, and takes you by surprise.
I really loved how nuanced the characters were in this story. Levi in particular is struggling with an immense feeling of inadequacy, heightened by his generational trauma, and I felt every inch of his uncertainty through the pages. He and Jessie are the purest of souls, but they don’t have it easy in this book. The relationship struggles that Jess and Levi experienced felt relatable, and I thought the way that they were dealt with was beautiful.
I liked how each of the characters has a unique way of handling trauma too, and it isn’t always what you would expect. Tal has done a great job with Jessie’s ADHD representation as well.
Then we have Jordan: a minor-turned-major character from Mistaken Prejudice, who is obsessively in love with our resident little troublemaker, Shay-Lee. I enjoyed getting to know his character more this time, and once again feeling my perception of the other characters change when seeing them through his eyes.
And that is what I really love about this series - I don’t know how to feel from one moment to the next, and nothing is ever black and white. The characters aren’t perfect, and they behave in inexcusable ways at times, but there is a depth within all of them that draws me in and makes me care for them regardless.
I’m throwing in an honourable mention for the spice too, of which there was plenty, but it fit perfectly with the story. All I really have to say is: Hide. And. Seek. Oof.
This book ends with some closure, but also plenty more intrigue, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. I sense one hell of a character arc coming up for Shay-Lee in the next book, and I am practically gagging for more Diesel at this point.
To summarise: I am obsessed. If you like morally grey broken boys, drama, heat, hurt, comfort, and complex characters, then you probably will be, too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Original review:
These books have a HOLD ON ME, I swear.
Unexpected Prejudice is book 2 in the Bad Inceptions series, but it is not designed to be read as a standalone. The timeline runs in tandem with Mistaken Prejudice, but instead explores the points of view of Levi, Jessie, and Jordan, with Jessie x Levi and Shay-Lee x Jordan as the main couples.
Andrei and Miles’ little bubble is well and truly popped, so I feel like I got to experience the events of the first book in a completely different way, and then some. Just when you think you know what’s been going on, Tal Lewin throws a curveball and makes you question your whole existence. It’s refreshing to read a story that actually has you second guessing things, and takes you by surprise.
I really loved how nuanced the characters were in this story. Levi in particular is struggling with an immense feeling of inadequacy, heightened by his generational trauma, and I felt every inch of his uncertainty through the pages. He and Jessie are the purest of souls, but they don’t have it easy in this book. The relationship struggles that Jess and Levi experienced felt relatable, and I thought the way that they were dealt with was beautiful.
I liked how each of the characters has a unique way of handling trauma too, and it isn’t always what you would expect. Tal has done a great job with Jessie’s ADHD representation as well.
Then we have Jordan: a minor-turned-major character from Mistaken Prejudice, who is obsessively in love with our resident little troublemaker, Shay-Lee. I enjoyed getting to know his character more this time, and once again feeling my perception of the other characters change when seeing them through his eyes.
And that is what I really love about this series - I don’t know how to feel from one moment to the next, and nothing is ever black and white. The characters aren’t perfect, and they behave in inexcusable ways at times, but there is a depth within all of them that draws me in and makes me care for them regardless.
I’m throwing in an honourable mention for the spice too, of which there was plenty, but it fit perfectly with the story. All I really have to say is: Hide. And. Seek. Oof.
This book ends with some closure, but also plenty more intrigue, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. I sense one hell of a character arc coming up for Shay-Lee in the next book, and I am practically gagging for more Diesel at this point.
To summarise: I am obsessed. If you like morally grey broken boys, drama, heat, hurt, comfort, and complex characters, then you probably will be, too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2025
i’m sorry? this book make me feel quite literally very emotion in the book.
jordan!!! someone give my boy a mf hug 😭😭😭
jessie & levi are just so perfect together!!🥹🥹
shay-lee!!! i cannot wait to get into his book, this book broken boy. he’s so easy to hate, but my heart breaks for him.
this book was so delightful, toxic, SWEET as sugar.
jordan!!! someone give my boy a mf hug 😭😭😭
jessie & levi are just so perfect together!!🥹🥹
shay-lee!!! i cannot wait to get into his book, this book broken boy. he’s so easy to hate, but my heart breaks for him.
this book was so delightful, toxic, SWEET as sugar.
May 16, 2026
Ohhh I am loving thiss! This book series should be a TV show. I mean, it feels like a “Gossip Girl” or “The OC” type of show, but MM, and I am loving the way this author is connecting the different storylines so far. I think I now understand how this series is meant to be. In the first book, I complained that the story also focused on other characters instead of only the main couple, and it was kind of the same here too, but the way it was done in this one has me obsessed with it.
I mean, the book has a main couple, but integrated into their story are all these other storylines that connect so perfectly and in a way that actually feels like episodes in a TV show. I’m loving the writing and the way Tal Lewin has created this series of what feels like interconnected stories between different characters, each going through different situations, getting hurt and hurting others while also finding love in sometimes toxic ways, and I’m loving it… and I’m barely on book two.
Now to the actual book, Jessie and Levi own my heart right now. I absolutely adored them both, but my god, Levi with his insecurities, his love for books, and just how caring and precious his soul is has become my favorite. I loved these two, I loved their love, and the way they saw each other. I mean, the way Jessie described how he saw Levi basically melted me.
Their story was nothing like I expected, and even though I knew it wasn’t a love triangle, I was still so nervous these two wouldn’t end up together. From the moment I met them in the first book, I knew I needed them not to break up, so I am indeed really happy with how this book ended for them.
Jordan was the wild card for me. I didn’t know what to expect or why he was being included in this book. But once it became clear that even though his story connected with Jessie and Levi’s, it was still its own separate thing, everything about this series started to fall into place in my head, and I absolutely loved the way Jordan’s story was told without completely taking away from Jessie and Levi’s spotlight.
I don’t know what will happen with Jordan in the next couple of books, but he really did something for me. He humanized Shay-Lee. He showed me, as a reader, a different side of him that, even though still toxic and mean, revealed just how broken this character truly is. And even though I’m still not loving Shay-Lee, I can’t deny that I can see that changing once I get to his book.
This book was definitely darker than the first, and I’m sensing that with each book the heavy stuff will get heavier and heavier. And I really have to applaud the author for that because the way she is creating this bigger picture of the situations from the different perspectives of the characters is so well done, and it doesn’t feel repetitive. It gives me, as a reader, more and more context for the whys and hows behind things we already know happened.
I am reading the next book immediately, and I do have to say that Shay-Lee and Diesel’s story has been built up heavily. I mean, in the first two books these two have had such a huge role, and it feels like the author is telling me to pay attention to them. It almost feels like these two, especially Shay-Lee, are like the main characters of the series, while never making the others feel less important.
So I do have really high expectations for the next two books. I love when a book actually makes me feel, and if this one already made my eyes water, I have a feeling the next one will be so much more painful. I’m excited but scared.
——————-
Quotes
I mean, the book has a main couple, but integrated into their story are all these other storylines that connect so perfectly and in a way that actually feels like episodes in a TV show. I’m loving the writing and the way Tal Lewin has created this series of what feels like interconnected stories between different characters, each going through different situations, getting hurt and hurting others while also finding love in sometimes toxic ways, and I’m loving it… and I’m barely on book two.
Now to the actual book, Jessie and Levi own my heart right now. I absolutely adored them both, but my god, Levi with his insecurities, his love for books, and just how caring and precious his soul is has become my favorite. I loved these two, I loved their love, and the way they saw each other. I mean, the way Jessie described how he saw Levi basically melted me.
Their story was nothing like I expected, and even though I knew it wasn’t a love triangle, I was still so nervous these two wouldn’t end up together. From the moment I met them in the first book, I knew I needed them not to break up, so I am indeed really happy with how this book ended for them.
Jordan was the wild card for me. I didn’t know what to expect or why he was being included in this book. But once it became clear that even though his story connected with Jessie and Levi’s, it was still its own separate thing, everything about this series started to fall into place in my head, and I absolutely loved the way Jordan’s story was told without completely taking away from Jessie and Levi’s spotlight.
I don’t know what will happen with Jordan in the next couple of books, but he really did something for me. He humanized Shay-Lee. He showed me, as a reader, a different side of him that, even though still toxic and mean, revealed just how broken this character truly is. And even though I’m still not loving Shay-Lee, I can’t deny that I can see that changing once I get to his book.
This book was definitely darker than the first, and I’m sensing that with each book the heavy stuff will get heavier and heavier. And I really have to applaud the author for that because the way she is creating this bigger picture of the situations from the different perspectives of the characters is so well done, and it doesn’t feel repetitive. It gives me, as a reader, more and more context for the whys and hows behind things we already know happened.
I am reading the next book immediately, and I do have to say that Shay-Lee and Diesel’s story has been built up heavily. I mean, in the first two books these two have had such a huge role, and it feels like the author is telling me to pay attention to them. It almost feels like these two, especially Shay-Lee, are like the main characters of the series, while never making the others feel less important.
So I do have really high expectations for the next two books. I love when a book actually makes me feel, and if this one already made my eyes water, I have a feeling the next one will be so much more painful. I’m excited but scared.
——————-
Quotes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Rating - 4.5 Stars
This series is honestly so addicting. I thought this book followed Levi and Jessie. And while it does it also equally followed Jordan and Shay-Lee.
These boys are messy (some more than others) but I am hooked. I can't wait to dive into Shay-Lee and Deisel's book next. I am bracing for the ride.
(Also somebody please tell me Jordan gets his HEA because 🥺🥺)
This series is honestly so addicting. I thought this book followed Levi and Jessie. And while it does it also equally followed Jordan and Shay-Lee.
These boys are messy (some more than others) but I am hooked. I can't wait to dive into Shay-Lee and Deisel's book next. I am bracing for the ride.
(Also somebody please tell me Jordan gets his HEA because 🥺🥺)
January 13, 2024
* ARC review *
I'm not sure you understand how much I was looking forward to carrying on reading this series. I have grown attached to each of the characters after book 1, and there was no way I would miss this!
When you decide to dive in bear in mind that it's quite unconventional love story or rather we follow two different couples Jessie + Levi and Shay-Lee + Jordan. Both of these couples navigate throughout the unexpected set of circumstances. Their paths will tangle, and things will get messy. When you think you figured out the motives behind the actions, you'll be surprised because more likely you were wrong.
There will be things or situations that might not sit right with everyone. I've learned quite quickly that I love unconventional lol. I also remember that these characters are teenagers. They are allowed to experiment and make mistakes along the way. They are far from perfect, but I guess that what made me love them so much. We will see that everyone can deal with trauma in their own and unique for them way. There is no right or wrong here. We learn that our insecurities can easily ruin the best things we have in life if you won't open up about them.
The story has a very similar timeline to the first book. We have a chance to see things from other characters' perspectives. But we not only have the behind scenes experience as the book takes up a bit further.
Jessie, my little ray of sunshine. I think that's the best way to describe him. He seems like a very carefree spirit with 100 different thoughts going through his mind every minute. But one thing you can't miss is the way he adores Levi. You need to understand that Jessie's logic and thinking are completely unique to him. There were a couple of moments when I was a bit worried because I thought that he approached a certain subject with very little care. But then I saw it from his perspective and quickly realised that that's just Jessie and his is wired slightly different than other people. You just need to give him a chance to understand him better.
I was a bit frustrated with Levi. I love him. How could I not? But his fears and insecurities played a huge part in the relationship struggles these guys went through. He was a bit confusing with things he wanted. Once he got onside the darker corner of his mind, there was no going back. It was a hard life lesson to him, but he needed to face his demons. I was really proud of him by the end.
We met Jordan in the previous instalment, but I didn't know the role he played in SL life. Their relationship was far from healthy. It was kept a secret for many different reasons. Some obvious others came to light along the way. Jordan is a good guy but is clear as a day that he can not say no to SL. He will give into him every time even after witnessing the monstrous side of SL. He is able to see how toxic SL behaviour is, but I don't think he is strong enough to actually help. He doesn't challenge SL. Giving in is not helping.
This book only convinced me more that I'm obsessed with SL. I understand that he might be seen as a villain by most. Don't get me wrong, he is far from being an angel after everything his done. I was questioning his true intentions throughout the story, but I believe we get a little glimpse of his other side. The part of him that cares and part that is hurting. There are many things we don't know about him, and I'm very excited to get to the bottom of everything.
I enjoy the concept of this series. Even when each of the books concentrates on different couples, there is a bigger picture playing in the background. Slowly, we picked up the breadcrumbs to put things together. It's exciting.
Tal, thank you for giving me a chance to read this ARC. You know, first hand, how addicted I am to these guys by now.
Can't wait to see where the book 3 is going to take us. Diesel baby, I'm ready!
I'm not sure you understand how much I was looking forward to carrying on reading this series. I have grown attached to each of the characters after book 1, and there was no way I would miss this!
When you decide to dive in bear in mind that it's quite unconventional love story or rather we follow two different couples Jessie + Levi and Shay-Lee + Jordan. Both of these couples navigate throughout the unexpected set of circumstances. Their paths will tangle, and things will get messy. When you think you figured out the motives behind the actions, you'll be surprised because more likely you were wrong.
There will be things or situations that might not sit right with everyone. I've learned quite quickly that I love unconventional lol. I also remember that these characters are teenagers. They are allowed to experiment and make mistakes along the way. They are far from perfect, but I guess that what made me love them so much. We will see that everyone can deal with trauma in their own and unique for them way. There is no right or wrong here. We learn that our insecurities can easily ruin the best things we have in life if you won't open up about them.
The story has a very similar timeline to the first book. We have a chance to see things from other characters' perspectives. But we not only have the behind scenes experience as the book takes up a bit further.
Jessie, my little ray of sunshine. I think that's the best way to describe him. He seems like a very carefree spirit with 100 different thoughts going through his mind every minute. But one thing you can't miss is the way he adores Levi. You need to understand that Jessie's logic and thinking are completely unique to him. There were a couple of moments when I was a bit worried because I thought that he approached a certain subject with very little care. But then I saw it from his perspective and quickly realised that that's just Jessie and his is wired slightly different than other people. You just need to give him a chance to understand him better.
I was a bit frustrated with Levi. I love him. How could I not? But his fears and insecurities played a huge part in the relationship struggles these guys went through. He was a bit confusing with things he wanted. Once he got onside the darker corner of his mind, there was no going back. It was a hard life lesson to him, but he needed to face his demons. I was really proud of him by the end.
We met Jordan in the previous instalment, but I didn't know the role he played in SL life. Their relationship was far from healthy. It was kept a secret for many different reasons. Some obvious others came to light along the way. Jordan is a good guy but is clear as a day that he can not say no to SL. He will give into him every time even after witnessing the monstrous side of SL. He is able to see how toxic SL behaviour is, but I don't think he is strong enough to actually help. He doesn't challenge SL. Giving in is not helping.
This book only convinced me more that I'm obsessed with SL. I understand that he might be seen as a villain by most. Don't get me wrong, he is far from being an angel after everything his done. I was questioning his true intentions throughout the story, but I believe we get a little glimpse of his other side. The part of him that cares and part that is hurting. There are many things we don't know about him, and I'm very excited to get to the bottom of everything.
I enjoy the concept of this series. Even when each of the books concentrates on different couples, there is a bigger picture playing in the background. Slowly, we picked up the breadcrumbs to put things together. It's exciting.
Tal, thank you for giving me a chance to read this ARC. You know, first hand, how addicted I am to these guys by now.
Can't wait to see where the book 3 is going to take us. Diesel baby, I'm ready!
June 9, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 4 ★ read .ᐟ
As I'm trying my best to come up with a decent review, I'm letting y'all know that my words are nothing but a jumbled mess. I'm hurt, and my emotions are pretty damaged right now after going through so much suffering with every chapter. Yes, it's THAT bad.
Oh, how I wish good people wouldn't offer so many second chances to those who don't deserve the goodness of their hearts. Things would've been way simpler. I think I'll never recover from Jordan's story after everything he went through just because he loved the wrong one. He had so many chances to make the right decisions that could've saved everything and everyone, including himself, but every damn time he chose Shay-Lee and for what? For being manipulated until the end, having his heart AND his body completely broken, and his poor soul withering into nothingness? And for those who have already read this book and the ones dedicated to Shay-Lee, don't come after me to tell me he had his reasons and trauma and all that. He toyed with Jordan willingly for his selfish reasons. He was nothing but an asshole until the very end and god, how much I hated it when he was described as having "angelic eyes". There was nothing angelic about that boy.
I'm at this point in life where I wanna give Jordan a big hug, then punch the hell out of him for being so stupid and blind. Am I the problem?
Don't believe the illustrations, guys! They almost made me fall in love with Shay-Lee 😆🤣
Moving on from my never-ending rent, I still stand by what I said yesterday: I couldn't focus on Jess and Levi's story as much as I wanted to because Jordan and Shay-Lee ruined me. Oh, how I wish Jordan had come clean at the end with everything he knew about what his beloved Shay-Lee did to Andrei and his group. But love is blind, and in his case, almost death-bringing. I bawled my eyes out from the moment Levi couldn't accept the threesome, to the moment I thought they broke up, they were literally the sweetest parts of this book, and I HOPED nothing bad would happen to them, they deserve the world and more. So made for each other... soulmates. The very definition of soulmates. I hope they get married one day and live happily ever after. 🤧
Now, there's another thing that's bugging the life outta me. How am I gonna see Diesel with Shay-Lee after I got so used to him being with Jordan? Even the most twisted parts of me hoped a tiny little bit that they would end up together... Now that's gonna be a big problem if I get to continue this series. Pff... who am I even kidding, I'm too hooked.
The author ruined me the moment they decided to give life to a character like Shay-Lee. And I have a gut-eating feeling that no matter how upset I am right now and how much I hate him, something's gonna shift in me and change my mind. I had a moment when I was like "oh, so you can be a decent and vulnerable human being. Oh, so you can be one" while reading 'Unexpected Prejudice'. Am I even ready for this ride? 🫠🫠
As I'm trying my best to come up with a decent review, I'm letting y'all know that my words are nothing but a jumbled mess. I'm hurt, and my emotions are pretty damaged right now after going through so much suffering with every chapter. Yes, it's THAT bad.
Oh, how I wish good people wouldn't offer so many second chances to those who don't deserve the goodness of their hearts. Things would've been way simpler. I think I'll never recover from Jordan's story after everything he went through just because he loved the wrong one. He had so many chances to make the right decisions that could've saved everything and everyone, including himself, but every damn time he chose Shay-Lee and for what? For being manipulated until the end, having his heart AND his body completely broken, and his poor soul withering into nothingness? And for those who have already read this book and the ones dedicated to Shay-Lee, don't come after me to tell me he had his reasons and trauma and all that. He toyed with Jordan willingly for his selfish reasons. He was nothing but an asshole until the very end and god, how much I hated it when he was described as having "angelic eyes". There was nothing angelic about that boy.
I'm at this point in life where I wanna give Jordan a big hug, then punch the hell out of him for being so stupid and blind. Am I the problem?
Don't believe the illustrations, guys! They almost made me fall in love with Shay-Lee 😆🤣
Moving on from my never-ending rent, I still stand by what I said yesterday: I couldn't focus on Jess and Levi's story as much as I wanted to because Jordan and Shay-Lee ruined me. Oh, how I wish Jordan had come clean at the end with everything he knew about what his beloved Shay-Lee did to Andrei and his group. But love is blind, and in his case, almost death-bringing. I bawled my eyes out from the moment Levi couldn't accept the threesome, to the moment I thought they broke up, they were literally the sweetest parts of this book, and I HOPED nothing bad would happen to them, they deserve the world and more. So made for each other... soulmates. The very definition of soulmates. I hope they get married one day and live happily ever after. 🤧
Now, there's another thing that's bugging the life outta me. How am I gonna see Diesel with Shay-Lee after I got so used to him being with Jordan? Even the most twisted parts of me hoped a tiny little bit that they would end up together... Now that's gonna be a big problem if I get to continue this series. Pff... who am I even kidding, I'm too hooked.
The author ruined me the moment they decided to give life to a character like Shay-Lee. And I have a gut-eating feeling that no matter how upset I am right now and how much I hate him, something's gonna shift in me and change my mind. I had a moment when I was like "oh, so you can be a decent and vulnerable human being. Oh, so you can be one" while reading 'Unexpected Prejudice'. Am I even ready for this ride? 🫠🫠
September 13, 2024
Wow!!! So I’m not the biggest fan of a second or third book in a series running the same time line as the first book, but Tal nailed it and the second half of the book just blew my mind. One minute I’m flying by through the reading because it was so similar to book 1 and then about halfway through my hearts breaking and I’m in tears and I just want to hug Levi and then Punch Levi and then I’m yelling at Jessie while also feeling so bad for him… and omg Jordy… Jordy Jordy Jordy you sweet sweet love sick obsessed boy…. My heart BROOOOOOKE for him and his ending…. But then all of a sudden I’m rooting for Shay Lee…. Like… what just happened!!! This book started like an easy ok read… like ok, same time line bla bla bla then just got me in a vice grip of a choke hold and never let me go. I cannot wait for the next books!!!!!!!
January 27, 2024
Unexpected Prejudice by @caravaggia13
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
My first five star read of the year 🙌🏽🙌🏽
I finished this book over the weekend and have not stopped thinking about it. I could honestly talk about it all day.
First, let’s talk timeline. This is the second book in the series but the timeline follows along with the first. This allows us to see some of the same events but get, what feels like, a peek behind the scenes. I know many authors do the same timeline through different books however, this felt like more to me. Somehow, this style, made it feel more about perception. These characters were experiencing some of the same things but we were able to see how it affected them individually.
The characters- Levi and Jessie 😍 I loved them and how much they loved each other. Their struggles felt so authentic, their love just bled from the pages. This is truly a situation of trying to fill from an empty cup. And such a good reminder that we have to take care of ourselves to care for others.
Shay-Lee and Jordan’s relationship introduces us to a new side of Shay-Lee and gives some insight as to why he behaves the way he does.
The mental health representation was so authentic. The author really showed their struggles. I think it’s important to see that just because they’re “kids” they still have very real problems.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Especially to keep learning more about my new favorite villain, Shay-Lee.
Seriously, I cannot say enough good things.
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC, these are my honest opinions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
My first five star read of the year 🙌🏽🙌🏽
I finished this book over the weekend and have not stopped thinking about it. I could honestly talk about it all day.
First, let’s talk timeline. This is the second book in the series but the timeline follows along with the first. This allows us to see some of the same events but get, what feels like, a peek behind the scenes. I know many authors do the same timeline through different books however, this felt like more to me. Somehow, this style, made it feel more about perception. These characters were experiencing some of the same things but we were able to see how it affected them individually.
The characters- Levi and Jessie 😍 I loved them and how much they loved each other. Their struggles felt so authentic, their love just bled from the pages. This is truly a situation of trying to fill from an empty cup. And such a good reminder that we have to take care of ourselves to care for others.
Shay-Lee and Jordan’s relationship introduces us to a new side of Shay-Lee and gives some insight as to why he behaves the way he does.
The mental health representation was so authentic. The author really showed their struggles. I think it’s important to see that just because they’re “kids” they still have very real problems.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Especially to keep learning more about my new favorite villain, Shay-Lee.
Seriously, I cannot say enough good things.
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC, these are my honest opinions.
January 1, 2026
Cry, Cry, Cry
Reading book 1, ‘Mistaken Prejudice’ which was a fabulous start in ‘meeting’ a new author Tal Lewin. So I was delighted that there was a whole series which I’ve jumped into by adding the whole series to my ‘ Waiting to Read’ list.
Well, clutch my pearls, I was not prepared for the events, characters, violence and cruelty that befell the friends that I ‘met’ in Book 1. That’s how my cry cry cry binge came about. The most cruel of (I can’t call him a side character, he looms too large here) all appalled me, but I just sensed there was much more to him, and I held off. It’s only in the last few pages that his truth comes out and then I just cried, and cried again for him.
So, this is really Jessie and Levi’s story, (all these characters surface in Book 1, some get their own book. I adored this pair who have been inseparable and in love with each other from the start, they ‘wobble’ a bit here when Jessie suggests an experiment. We still get updated on all original characters throughout this book.
There are 5 more books in the series, and I feel book 3 is going to be a heartbreaking one as it focuses on the character who filled the last pages of Book 2, a real villain who discovers he has a heart, or at least hid it in order to survive those who should have taken care of him. It is a wait and see what happens after reading 388 pages.
Despite the emotional turmoil I felt throughout this book, (I did have to take breaks to recuperate ) I still see it as a great piece of storytelling with super character development, especially as there are so many important people in this series to get to know. It is a page turner and keeps you on high alert for what happens next. I am looking forward to reading Book 3 and I’ll prepare my heart in advance for whatever it delivers. I just want to know what happens next to these guys who start out as misfits in a ‘posh’ school and face all kinds of prejudices from the snobby sons of the ultra rich.
Reading book 1, ‘Mistaken Prejudice’ which was a fabulous start in ‘meeting’ a new author Tal Lewin. So I was delighted that there was a whole series which I’ve jumped into by adding the whole series to my ‘ Waiting to Read’ list.
Well, clutch my pearls, I was not prepared for the events, characters, violence and cruelty that befell the friends that I ‘met’ in Book 1. That’s how my cry cry cry binge came about. The most cruel of (I can’t call him a side character, he looms too large here) all appalled me, but I just sensed there was much more to him, and I held off. It’s only in the last few pages that his truth comes out and then I just cried, and cried again for him.
So, this is really Jessie and Levi’s story, (all these characters surface in Book 1, some get their own book. I adored this pair who have been inseparable and in love with each other from the start, they ‘wobble’ a bit here when Jessie suggests an experiment. We still get updated on all original characters throughout this book.
There are 5 more books in the series, and I feel book 3 is going to be a heartbreaking one as it focuses on the character who filled the last pages of Book 2, a real villain who discovers he has a heart, or at least hid it in order to survive those who should have taken care of him. It is a wait and see what happens after reading 388 pages.
Despite the emotional turmoil I felt throughout this book, (I did have to take breaks to recuperate ) I still see it as a great piece of storytelling with super character development, especially as there are so many important people in this series to get to know. It is a page turner and keeps you on high alert for what happens next. I am looking forward to reading Book 3 and I’ll prepare my heart in advance for whatever it delivers. I just want to know what happens next to these guys who start out as misfits in a ‘posh’ school and face all kinds of prejudices from the snobby sons of the ultra rich.
![Profile Image for ash[hearts]angst.](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1765847299i/164504656._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
September 9, 2025
Wow wow wow wow??
Again I am utterly shocked. I felt every single feeling with this one. I laughed. I cried. I was angry. I was shocked. I was speechless.
This book takes us into the minds and relationship of Jessie and Levi and goes through the same timeline in the first book, but obvs from their POV. Let me just say, we had no idea all the shit going on in the first book because those two were utterly obsessed with each other (rightfully so) so to see everything that was going down without them? Holy hell.
Let’s start with Jessie and Levi. Adorable. “It’s always been you” vibes. The way Levi cares for Jessie is wonderful but definitely at the detriment of himself and his feelings. And it took a third person for them to realize their relationship wasn’t as perfect as they thought. I LOVED IT. I loved that part of the plot. The growth these two had from that one shared experience was everything. Watching Levi lower his walls and truly let Jessie in after all this time was beautiful. The way Jessie took responsibility for his part in Levi not feeling safe enough to do so. Absolutely loved it.
Now the second part to all of this is Jordan’s POV. And holy shit this kid. I loved him, I hated him. I pitied him, I felt for him. All the emotions with this one. Talk about a standout character. He’s a good guy. We all know it. Unfortunately, he’s straight up dickmatized. Caught up in the limerence from hell. Don’t want to say too much more without spoiling but I’m really hoping eventually Jordan does get his HEA.
These kids are fucking crazy y’all but I can’t stop 😂
Again I am utterly shocked. I felt every single feeling with this one. I laughed. I cried. I was angry. I was shocked. I was speechless.
This book takes us into the minds and relationship of Jessie and Levi and goes through the same timeline in the first book, but obvs from their POV. Let me just say, we had no idea all the shit going on in the first book because those two were utterly obsessed with each other (rightfully so) so to see everything that was going down without them? Holy hell.
Let’s start with Jessie and Levi. Adorable. “It’s always been you” vibes. The way Levi cares for Jessie is wonderful but definitely at the detriment of himself and his feelings. And it took a third person for them to realize their relationship wasn’t as perfect as they thought. I LOVED IT. I loved that part of the plot. The growth these two had from that one shared experience was everything. Watching Levi lower his walls and truly let Jessie in after all this time was beautiful. The way Jessie took responsibility for his part in Levi not feeling safe enough to do so. Absolutely loved it.
Now the second part to all of this is Jordan’s POV. And holy shit this kid. I loved him, I hated him. I pitied him, I felt for him. All the emotions with this one. Talk about a standout character. He’s a good guy. We all know it. Unfortunately, he’s straight up dickmatized. Caught up in the limerence from hell. Don’t want to say too much more without spoiling but I’m really hoping eventually Jordan does get his HEA.
These kids are fucking crazy y’all but I can’t stop 😂
January 8, 2024
Woweee this was amazing! I already cannot wait for the next book. I am ADDICTED to these characters!!
So, what's so neat and different about this book is the fact it's not technically a "sequel". Instead, for a majority of the book we see what happens behind the scenes of the events of book 1 through Jessie, Levi, and Jordan's eyes. And I've never seen that before, it's such a neat idea!
It does go a bit further in the timeline too so there is more than that, with how each character's story arc wraps up (for better or for worse).
Also, this book is NOT MMM romance or poly romance. It is a story of Jordan×Shay-Lee and Levi×Jessie at its core. And their worlds get very mixed up and very messy (to say the least). There is one MMM scene, but it's not like you'd expect, and I think it was handled very very well! These characters all feel so much pain, I just want to snuggle them up and tell them it's all right despite all the drama that goes down 🥺🥺 Levi was my favorite. The confusion and melancholy he was feeling was written so well, I could just feel all his pain and it got me! 😭😭
I have a love-hate relationship with Shay-Lee. I still hate him for all the crap he's caused but I also cannot WAIT to see what's in store with him and Diesel in the next book... 👀👀✨
So, what's so neat and different about this book is the fact it's not technically a "sequel". Instead, for a majority of the book we see what happens behind the scenes of the events of book 1 through Jessie, Levi, and Jordan's eyes. And I've never seen that before, it's such a neat idea!
It does go a bit further in the timeline too so there is more than that, with how each character's story arc wraps up (for better or for worse).
Also, this book is NOT MMM romance or poly romance. It is a story of Jordan×Shay-Lee and Levi×Jessie at its core. And their worlds get very mixed up and very messy (to say the least). There is one MMM scene, but it's not like you'd expect, and I think it was handled very very well! These characters all feel so much pain, I just want to snuggle them up and tell them it's all right despite all the drama that goes down 🥺🥺 Levi was my favorite. The confusion and melancholy he was feeling was written so well, I could just feel all his pain and it got me! 😭😭
I have a love-hate relationship with Shay-Lee. I still hate him for all the crap he's caused but I also cannot WAIT to see what's in store with him and Diesel in the next book... 👀👀✨
May 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I really liked the book — I’d give it four stars — but I found Jordan’s character quite boring for my taste. All his POVs and his personality seemed to revolve around Shay-Lee. We only got to know about 20% of his personal story. I imagine the author did this so we could start to “understand” Shay-Lee’s character and build up to his book.
The best part of the book, in my opinion, was definitely Jessie and Levi. They were such a beautiful couple, and their breaking were truly heartbreaking. The way they loved each other from the beginning, and getting a glimpse of their past, made their story even more meaningful.
I really liked the book — I’d give it four stars — but I found Jordan’s character quite boring for my taste. All his POVs and his personality seemed to revolve around Shay-Lee. We only got to know about 20% of his personal story. I imagine the author did this so we could start to “understand” Shay-Lee’s character and build up to his book.
The best part of the book, in my opinion, was definitely Jessie and Levi. They were such a beautiful couple, and their breaking were truly heartbreaking. The way they loved each other from the beginning, and getting a glimpse of their past, made their story even more meaningful.
September 19, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ It was exciting to continue the story of the four boys and their journey through their senior year at Beverly Bey High. This time the main focus is on Jessie and Levi, as well as Jordan, one of the jocks that seems to spark an interest for the couple - for better and worse. It was fun that the story was almost spilt into two different stories, and the characters were connected in different ways that made the two stories flow together. For the most part I liked it, but at the same time, it made me not connect as much with the main characters as much as I wanted to as I did in the first book. But besides that, I was invested in the story! This one, as the first, also had some really heartbreaking scenes, and these moments might be some of the best in my opinion.
Overall I really liked the 2nd book of this series, Tal Lewins writing-style is one that I’m really enjoying, and I had a very entertaining time! I’m so excited to continue this series, and I can’t belive I’m actually excited to see what is going on with our grumpy-bully-duo, Shay-Lee and Diesel (IYKYK).
Overall I really liked the 2nd book of this series, Tal Lewins writing-style is one that I’m really enjoying, and I had a very entertaining time! I’m so excited to continue this series, and I can’t belive I’m actually excited to see what is going on with our grumpy-bully-duo, Shay-Lee and Diesel (IYKYK).
January 16, 2024
First of all, it’s important to read the trigger warnings, to have read book 1 “Mistaken Prejudice” and to be ready for an emotional rollercoaster !!! It was really really intense and I couldn’t stop reading. I loved the concept: Levi and Jessie have been a couple for three years and their life collides with Jordan’s life.
Now I will try my best to write a review without spoilers!!! And it’s gonna be hard so my DM are totally open to talk about it 😊
I loved Jessie and Levi, they share a deep and beautiful bond, Jordan’s arrival and his effect on Jessie hit a hard spot for Levi, and impacted him on the inside, in a way Levi has a soul-searching moment. Meanwhile, Jessie is sooo full of light, despite everything that happened to him and happens to him, he just goes on with life, puts it behind it and moves forward. Levi is his everything and he cannot function without him.
Now whaooo whaoo Jordan, I wasn’t expecting that, he’s in love and he tries to chase it, to earn it. Seeing how Levi and Jessie are just lovely and simply together, makes his heartache, he would love to have the same. Jordan has his own journey and just like Jessie and Levi, it’s heartbreaking.
I had so many emotions while reading it, I’m even more immersed in the universe, we finally see more of Shay-Lee and understand him a little better but let’s be honest he does things that are from a true villain. And I still love him, because he’s soooo interesting and I can’t wait to read his story !!!
I received an ARC Copy of this book from passionauthorservices, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
Now I will try my best to write a review without spoilers!!! And it’s gonna be hard so my DM are totally open to talk about it 😊
I loved Jessie and Levi, they share a deep and beautiful bond, Jordan’s arrival and his effect on Jessie hit a hard spot for Levi, and impacted him on the inside, in a way Levi has a soul-searching moment. Meanwhile, Jessie is sooo full of light, despite everything that happened to him and happens to him, he just goes on with life, puts it behind it and moves forward. Levi is his everything and he cannot function without him.
Now whaooo whaoo Jordan, I wasn’t expecting that, he’s in love and he tries to chase it, to earn it. Seeing how Levi and Jessie are just lovely and simply together, makes his heartache, he would love to have the same. Jordan has his own journey and just like Jessie and Levi, it’s heartbreaking.
I had so many emotions while reading it, I’m even more immersed in the universe, we finally see more of Shay-Lee and understand him a little better but let’s be honest he does things that are from a true villain. And I still love him, because he’s soooo interesting and I can’t wait to read his story !!!
I received an ARC Copy of this book from passionauthorservices, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
January 25, 2024
4.5 stars
Oh wow. This one was intense. It's just as good as book one, Mistaken Prejudice. The biggest difference, other than this book being about different characters, is that it definitely doesn't have the same unhinged energy that book one worked up to. This one felt a lot heavier on the internalized goings-on of the MCs, which led to a LOT of feels. There were two scenes in particular in the last 25% that gave me the onion eyes just a bit. With each book so far, I am getting more and more curious about what all is going on with Shay-Lee. We definitely learn more here with his direct involvement with Jordan. I have almost reached a place of understanding to an extent (but still don't like what he did). I really empathize with a lot of Levi's internal struggles or worthiness and abandonment. That really hit me hard. Levi and Jessie had so much character development by the end. They had to go through it to reach #relationshipgoals. It's interesting to read about an established couple and experience some of their struggles because no relationship is perfect and sometimes books don't always relay that. I'm really loving what Tal Lewin is doing here with this series and I'm really looking forward to what Diesel and Shay-Lee's story will have to share.
Thank you, Tal Lewin, for a wonderful reading experience.
Oh wow. This one was intense. It's just as good as book one, Mistaken Prejudice. The biggest difference, other than this book being about different characters, is that it definitely doesn't have the same unhinged energy that book one worked up to. This one felt a lot heavier on the internalized goings-on of the MCs, which led to a LOT of feels. There were two scenes in particular in the last 25% that gave me the onion eyes just a bit. With each book so far, I am getting more and more curious about what all is going on with Shay-Lee. We definitely learn more here with his direct involvement with Jordan. I have almost reached a place of understanding to an extent (but still don't like what he did). I really empathize with a lot of Levi's internal struggles or worthiness and abandonment. That really hit me hard. Levi and Jessie had so much character development by the end. They had to go through it to reach #relationshipgoals. It's interesting to read about an established couple and experience some of their struggles because no relationship is perfect and sometimes books don't always relay that. I'm really loving what Tal Lewin is doing here with this series and I'm really looking forward to what Diesel and Shay-Lee's story will have to share.
Thank you, Tal Lewin, for a wonderful reading experience.
March 17, 2026
What. A. Fucking. Rollercoaster. Holyfuckingshitballs.
These are broken boys who will absolutely destroy you before they wreck themselves. I suffered. I loved every second of it. Would do it again immediately. Totally worth it. Fuck!
These are broken boys who will absolutely destroy you before they wreck themselves. I suffered. I loved every second of it. Would do it again immediately. Totally worth it. Fuck!
January 12, 2024
oh my god , what can I say!
I have been looking forward to this book since I read the first one and it did not disappoint !
NOW this book is not MMM
This is Jessie & Levi’s story but it’s also Jordan’s story ! (Jordan does NOT get a HEA
this book was equal parts amazing and heartbreaking💔 we get a beautiful HEA from Jessie & Levi, who had to work damn hard on themselves and their relationship and there was MANY tears shed !
I know lots of people have a love hate (or just hate hate) relationship with Shay-Lee but I think he’ll end up being my favourite, he acts like an idiot but deep down he’s a broken boy, I can’t wait to get more of his POV !
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings before starting the book🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars, Beautiful writing Tal! ❤️
I have been looking forward to this book since I read the first one and it did not disappoint !
NOW this book is not MMM
This is Jessie & Levi’s story but it’s also Jordan’s story ! (Jordan does NOT get a HEA
this book was equal parts amazing and heartbreaking💔 we get a beautiful HEA from Jessie & Levi, who had to work damn hard on themselves and their relationship and there was MANY tears shed !
I know lots of people have a love hate (or just hate hate) relationship with Shay-Lee but I think he’ll end up being my favourite, he acts like an idiot but deep down he’s a broken boy, I can’t wait to get more of his POV !
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings before starting the book🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars, Beautiful writing Tal! ❤️
December 18, 2025
Wow wow wow!!! The emotional rollercoaster that book just put me on? Incredible. Also… I know fine well that I’m going to fall in love with the character that I hated the most at the start of this book… scratch that, the character I’ve hated since book one. And if that isn’t good writing, then I don’t know what it is tbh. I’m devouring this, I need to know more about these characters!!
February 3, 2025
jesse jesse jesse jesse
i am down bad for jesse. what a beautiful soul and I am obsessed with him.
now this book is written a little differently, bc it runs alongside everything you saw in book 1 but from a totally different perspective - this put a huge twist in place and you get to know more of the most addictive characters.
levi my sweet insecure boy, you are lovely! you irritated me slightly towards the end bc i just needed you to communicate. jordan, my heart breaks for you love. i have never felt sorry for a character as i do with you, you deserve the world sad boy.
this story is probably my second favourite in the whole series (late writing review - binged in four days lmao) i just had so many emotions running through me, i still think about this book and the way this story unfolds, i just can’t love anymore more about these books i’m sorry, i’m obsessed.
another easy five stars istg
i am down bad for jesse. what a beautiful soul and I am obsessed with him.
now this book is written a little differently, bc it runs alongside everything you saw in book 1 but from a totally different perspective - this put a huge twist in place and you get to know more of the most addictive characters.
levi my sweet insecure boy, you are lovely! you irritated me slightly towards the end bc i just needed you to communicate. jordan, my heart breaks for you love. i have never felt sorry for a character as i do with you, you deserve the world sad boy.
this story is probably my second favourite in the whole series (late writing review - binged in four days lmao) i just had so many emotions running through me, i still think about this book and the way this story unfolds, i just can’t love anymore more about these books i’m sorry, i’m obsessed.
another easy five stars istg
January 23, 2024
Unexpected Prejudice is a satisfying follow up to the first book in the series, Mistaken Prejudice. I was excited to read this book and learn more about these characters. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect going in because the author is unpredictable and isn't afraid to push the boundaries with her characters.
This book did not disappoint with Levi, Jessie and Jordan. I also enjoyed learning more about Shay-Lee and all the glimpses we get of Diesel... who has me the most intrigued.
I enjoyed having three different POV's because it really told the story in a complete way. The characterization is done well here, with each character having their own dynamic and personality. Levi made my heart squeeze more than once. He is so strong... but so vulnerable. The things he's gone through in his life made me want to hug him. I really loved his growth throughout the book and really loved how Jessie showed up for him at the end.
Jessie is a bright ball of energy and I enjoyed how he changed his hair to suit his mood. I also loved that he is a hair stylist, something we don't see men doing much in novels (well, I haven't. I can't speak for everyone). I love how Levi and Jessie are pretty much ride or die for each other and I found myself biting my nails when they were going through their hardships with each other.
Jordan was a bit of a surprise in this book, I thought he too had a lot of depth in the book with his backstory and his loyalty to his mom. With Jordan, I can't really say much because I don't want to give a lot away, but I do feel like this is just the beginning with Jordan... an origin story if you will. This guy was put through a lot in this book, I couldn't help but feel empathy for him.
I really enjoy the way Tal weaves a story, how detailed oriented she is. I love her descriptions, the world she built and how each character is developed. I also really appreciate the "realness" of her characters. They aren't perfect, they are flawed... but still likable. They're human just like the rest of us and trying to get through life. Reading this series is sort of like watching a series or soap opera on TV. You get caught up in the characters lives and drama and just want to know what will happen next.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I definitely will be reading the next book in the series.
I'm really looking forward to more of Diesel. I want to know his backstory!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that breaks stereotypes, loves flawed characters, spicy times and page-turning drama!
This book did not disappoint with Levi, Jessie and Jordan. I also enjoyed learning more about Shay-Lee and all the glimpses we get of Diesel... who has me the most intrigued.
I enjoyed having three different POV's because it really told the story in a complete way. The characterization is done well here, with each character having their own dynamic and personality. Levi made my heart squeeze more than once. He is so strong... but so vulnerable. The things he's gone through in his life made me want to hug him. I really loved his growth throughout the book and really loved how Jessie showed up for him at the end.
Jessie is a bright ball of energy and I enjoyed how he changed his hair to suit his mood. I also loved that he is a hair stylist, something we don't see men doing much in novels (well, I haven't. I can't speak for everyone). I love how Levi and Jessie are pretty much ride or die for each other and I found myself biting my nails when they were going through their hardships with each other.
Jordan was a bit of a surprise in this book, I thought he too had a lot of depth in the book with his backstory and his loyalty to his mom. With Jordan, I can't really say much because I don't want to give a lot away, but I do feel like this is just the beginning with Jordan... an origin story if you will. This guy was put through a lot in this book, I couldn't help but feel empathy for him.
I really enjoy the way Tal weaves a story, how detailed oriented she is. I love her descriptions, the world she built and how each character is developed. I also really appreciate the "realness" of her characters. They aren't perfect, they are flawed... but still likable. They're human just like the rest of us and trying to get through life. Reading this series is sort of like watching a series or soap opera on TV. You get caught up in the characters lives and drama and just want to know what will happen next.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I definitely will be reading the next book in the series.
I'm really looking forward to more of Diesel. I want to know his backstory!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that breaks stereotypes, loves flawed characters, spicy times and page-turning drama!
July 13, 2025
It Doesn't Matter As Long As We're Together, Right?
OMG, this series keeps getting better and better! The plot and overall different character arcs in this story are insane. I don't know where to even start, lol. Jessie is one of my favorite characters. He is such a sweet and pure golden retriever. He has been through so much trauma but came out positive and always sees life on the brighter side. Levi is the complete opposite to him. He is insecure, quiet, and very reserved. He holds all his emotions/feelings in and never thinks he's good enough. These two were soul mates and their connection was everything 😭😭. Whatever we do, we do together 😭😍. Then there was Jordan and Shay-Lee. Boy, was that a sad and toxic relationship. My heart broke for Jordan. So much bad stuff kept happening to this poor guy. I hope we get a Jordan book later on. Shay-Lee is something else. I already know his books will break me. He is so broken and alone. I can't wait for him and Diesel's stories! Tal's writing and flow are phenomenal. Her descriptions and situations regarding mental health issues or situations are so life like and done perfectly. So far this is one of the best series I've ever read. Onto book 3!!!!
OMG, this series keeps getting better and better! The plot and overall different character arcs in this story are insane. I don't know where to even start, lol. Jessie is one of my favorite characters. He is such a sweet and pure golden retriever. He has been through so much trauma but came out positive and always sees life on the brighter side. Levi is the complete opposite to him. He is insecure, quiet, and very reserved. He holds all his emotions/feelings in and never thinks he's good enough. These two were soul mates and their connection was everything 😭😭. Whatever we do, we do together 😭😍. Then there was Jordan and Shay-Lee. Boy, was that a sad and toxic relationship. My heart broke for Jordan. So much bad stuff kept happening to this poor guy. I hope we get a Jordan book later on. Shay-Lee is something else. I already know his books will break me. He is so broken and alone. I can't wait for him and Diesel's stories! Tal's writing and flow are phenomenal. Her descriptions and situations regarding mental health issues or situations are so life like and done perfectly. So far this is one of the best series I've ever read. Onto book 3!!!!
September 16, 2024
W.O.W.
Tal. How dare you. HOW DARE YOU WRITE A BOOK THIS GOOD THAT CONSUMED MY ENTIRE LIFE WHILE I WAS READING IT! If I wasn’t alive writing this review right now I wouldn’t have even remembered I had breathed since yesterday when I started it.
This book is very different from the first, but no less stress inducing. I was less mad at Shay-Lee this time around (probably because his ire wasn’t directed at anyone I was reading about), but I was still angry at someone….(lookin at you Jordan).
We definitely see a different side of things this time. God I hate the miscommunication trope. Can it really be called that? I’m not sure. But it caused so much damage here.
I usually don’t read a series in order and tend to skip around, but I’m not gonna be able to do that. I’m jumping head first into Shay-Lee and Diesel’s book. Can’t help it. Tal why you do this to meeeee!
If you haven’t read this series yet….block of some time and dive in. You’re gonna want to beat some rich kid a$$, but do it anyways.
Tal. How dare you. HOW DARE YOU WRITE A BOOK THIS GOOD THAT CONSUMED MY ENTIRE LIFE WHILE I WAS READING IT! If I wasn’t alive writing this review right now I wouldn’t have even remembered I had breathed since yesterday when I started it.
This book is very different from the first, but no less stress inducing. I was less mad at Shay-Lee this time around (probably because his ire wasn’t directed at anyone I was reading about), but I was still angry at someone….(lookin at you Jordan).
We definitely see a different side of things this time. God I hate the miscommunication trope. Can it really be called that? I’m not sure. But it caused so much damage here.
I usually don’t read a series in order and tend to skip around, but I’m not gonna be able to do that. I’m jumping head first into Shay-Lee and Diesel’s book. Can’t help it. Tal why you do this to meeeee!
If you haven’t read this series yet….block of some time and dive in. You’re gonna want to beat some rich kid a$$, but do it anyways.
February 4, 2024
Levi • Jessie // Jordan • Shay-Lee
….
“Whatever we do, we do together.” <3.
….
Excuse me Ms. Tal but where is this all going? I ate it all up. Just like with the first installment - this feels like being present in a series… I saw everything so vividly. The KEY to these stories is the feel of originality and freshness to it, authentic young adult mistakes and over the top teen angst. Tal isn’t here to please us but to tell a story. She brought me Jessie and Levi and I felt it to my core, to my core <3.
As for Jordan and Shay-Lee… ouch Tal, ouch. For both sides. I am very much conflicted and in need of knowing so much moreeeeee… the aura of these two… uf.
I am not the most eloquent reviewer. I can’t express my feelings like some humans with beautiful words. But I stayed after book one and definitely staying after book two - hungry for more. The theories forming in my head…
….
Glass Animals - Youth
.
Troye Sivan - Lucky Strike
….
“Babydoll” // “He made everything better.” // “Kotik…” // “He’s my fucking soulmate, Jordy.” // “Who do you want to be?” // “If anything, it gave me a goal…” // “Keep reacting this cute, and you might just get me on all fours.” // “And I think it might kill me.” // “So, how about a little game of hide and seek?” // “…and I knew I had found the most valuable treasure in my life. Being the little bandit I was, I started to steal those smiles whenever I could.” // “I wanted to please him, but at what length?” // “How much I was willing to give up to have him.” // “Be strong, Levi.” // “My only rule is I keep you safe.” // “But a couple of days away from you will feel like an eternity.” // “Don’t hide yourself from me, Babydoll. I want to see everything.” // “Look what love did to you.” // “To have you by the throat.” …
….
….
“Whatever we do, we do together.” <3.
….
Excuse me Ms. Tal but where is this all going? I ate it all up. Just like with the first installment - this feels like being present in a series… I saw everything so vividly. The KEY to these stories is the feel of originality and freshness to it, authentic young adult mistakes and over the top teen angst. Tal isn’t here to please us but to tell a story. She brought me Jessie and Levi and I felt it to my core, to my core <3.
As for Jordan and Shay-Lee… ouch Tal, ouch. For both sides. I am very much conflicted and in need of knowing so much moreeeeee… the aura of these two… uf.
I am not the most eloquent reviewer. I can’t express my feelings like some humans with beautiful words. But I stayed after book one and definitely staying after book two - hungry for more. The theories forming in my head…
….
Glass Animals - Youth
.
Troye Sivan - Lucky Strike
….
“Babydoll” // “He made everything better.” // “Kotik…” // “He’s my fucking soulmate, Jordy.” // “Who do you want to be?” // “If anything, it gave me a goal…” // “Keep reacting this cute, and you might just get me on all fours.” // “And I think it might kill me.” // “So, how about a little game of hide and seek?” // “…and I knew I had found the most valuable treasure in my life. Being the little bandit I was, I started to steal those smiles whenever I could.” // “I wanted to please him, but at what length?” // “How much I was willing to give up to have him.” // “Be strong, Levi.” // “My only rule is I keep you safe.” // “But a couple of days away from you will feel like an eternity.” // “Don’t hide yourself from me, Babydoll. I want to see everything.” // “Look what love did to you.” // “To have you by the throat.” …
….
March 24, 2025
DAMN. This book was a lot. It got dark. So much darker than the last one. It was almost too much for me. There was A LOT of spice. A lot of plot too. Dark shit. Damn. It was fantastic. A lot of shit is happening and I am so obsessed with these characters. Dang!! I want to stay up all night and read the next book. 😤😩
November 6, 2025
I already really enjoyed book 1 of the series, but Unexpected Prejudice is on a whole other level. This book follows Jessie and Levi, who are an established couple, and Jordan, who's hopelessly in love with someone that doesn't give two shits about him. I haven’t read a book like this before, with a couple and a third who has his own separate story going on while not being a part of the couple, so this was really unique!
I love reading about established couples. I love seeing the struggles in a relationship, how they handle it, learning new things about each other, and seeing their love grow, and it was no different here. There was some miscommu-nication, which I normally don't like, but here it made sense for the characters. Levi is really insecure about himself and that translates itself into their relationship; he constantly thinks Jess will get bored of him and leave. Jess is the complete opposite. He's secure, always says what's on his mind, and constantly tells Levi how much he loves him. I noticed that Levi doesn't say it a lot, in fact he only says it once at the end of the book, but I don't think he loves Jess any less because of that. He may not say "I love you" a lot, but it's evident in the way he takes care of him, talks to him or even about him. He's a shy baby and I love him for it.
I instantly felt their connection and their love for each other. Jess and Levi are the type of couple that make me believe in soulmates, seriously. They were made for each other. They fit each other like two puzzle pieces, they orbit each other like two planets, they complement and complete each other. I rarely see a love so pure and honest in books, especially with teenagers. Jess and Levi are 19 and 18 and despite them being so young, I firmly believe they are it for each other.
"When we laugh, we laugh together. When we love, we love together, and when we hurt? We hurt together."
Jordan… well, it's complicated. At the beginning, I felt sorry for him and his unrequited love. Then he started to let Shay-Lee use him like a puppet in his sick games and I started to really dislike him. He was so blinded by "love" that he couldn't see what was right in front of him. I don't believe he actually loved Shay-Lee because he never actually knew the real him. What Shay-Lee presented was a well crafted, cruel façade that Jordan became obsessed with. To put it simple, he's pathetic, and at the end I pitied him. I wanted to be like, hah this is what you get for being stupid, but he was so destroyed that even I felt a little bad for him. I don't think he's a bad person and he absolutely didn't deserve what happened. He got pulled into a very toxic relationship that could've happened to anyone, which makes his character very realistic. I do hope he gets to heal and meet his match.
And Shay-Lee… is even more complicated. This guy gave me serious whiplash in this book. He was cruel, then he was kind of sweet, even let Jordan peek behind his façade for a millisecond, then back to cruel, all in the space of five seconds. In book 1, he was a fun character to hate, a fun villain. But now, I find it hard to hate him because there's obviously something darker going on with him. Regardless, he was being an absolute devil in this book and there's no excuse for that, but I am excited to discover more about him in his own book!
Regarding the Levi/Jess/Jordan thing, it didn't go like I expected at all. It was supposed to be fun, and while it was at first, it went downhill pretty quickly, and I just felt awful for Levi. Jess bringing up that idea was the worst thing he could've ever suggested because it fed all of Levi's insecurities, even if Jess would never intentionally hurt him. It broke my heart to see Levi struggle with so much self hatred afterwards, but it made their resolving conversation all the better. I love that Jess took that initiative, it showed again how deeply he loves Levi. It was so heartfelt and emotional and everything I'd wished for.
To summarize, I'm in love with Tal's storytelling and her characters, and I remain saying Jess and Levi are so underrated. 🫶
I love reading about established couples. I love seeing the struggles in a relationship, how they handle it, learning new things about each other, and seeing their love grow, and it was no different here. There was some miscommu-nication, which I normally don't like, but here it made sense for the characters. Levi is really insecure about himself and that translates itself into their relationship; he constantly thinks Jess will get bored of him and leave. Jess is the complete opposite. He's secure, always says what's on his mind, and constantly tells Levi how much he loves him. I noticed that Levi doesn't say it a lot, in fact he only says it once at the end of the book, but I don't think he loves Jess any less because of that. He may not say "I love you" a lot, but it's evident in the way he takes care of him, talks to him or even about him. He's a shy baby and I love him for it.
I instantly felt their connection and their love for each other. Jess and Levi are the type of couple that make me believe in soulmates, seriously. They were made for each other. They fit each other like two puzzle pieces, they orbit each other like two planets, they complement and complete each other. I rarely see a love so pure and honest in books, especially with teenagers. Jess and Levi are 19 and 18 and despite them being so young, I firmly believe they are it for each other.
"When we laugh, we laugh together. When we love, we love together, and when we hurt? We hurt together."
Jordan… well, it's complicated. At the beginning, I felt sorry for him and his unrequited love. Then he started to let Shay-Lee use him like a puppet in his sick games and I started to really dislike him. He was so blinded by "love" that he couldn't see what was right in front of him. I don't believe he actually loved Shay-Lee because he never actually knew the real him. What Shay-Lee presented was a well crafted, cruel façade that Jordan became obsessed with. To put it simple, he's pathetic, and at the end I pitied him. I wanted to be like, hah this is what you get for being stupid, but he was so destroyed that even I felt a little bad for him. I don't think he's a bad person and he absolutely didn't deserve what happened. He got pulled into a very toxic relationship that could've happened to anyone, which makes his character very realistic. I do hope he gets to heal and meet his match.
And Shay-Lee… is even more complicated. This guy gave me serious whiplash in this book. He was cruel, then he was kind of sweet, even let Jordan peek behind his façade for a millisecond, then back to cruel, all in the space of five seconds. In book 1, he was a fun character to hate, a fun villain. But now, I find it hard to hate him because there's obviously something darker going on with him. Regardless, he was being an absolute devil in this book and there's no excuse for that, but I am excited to discover more about him in his own book!
Regarding the Levi/Jess/Jordan thing, it didn't go like I expected at all. It was supposed to be fun, and while it was at first, it went downhill pretty quickly, and I just felt awful for Levi. Jess bringing up that idea was the worst thing he could've ever suggested because it fed all of Levi's insecurities, even if Jess would never intentionally hurt him. It broke my heart to see Levi struggle with so much self hatred afterwards, but it made their resolving conversation all the better. I love that Jess took that initiative, it showed again how deeply he loves Levi. It was so heartfelt and emotional and everything I'd wished for.
To summarize, I'm in love with Tal's storytelling and her characters, and I remain saying Jess and Levi are so underrated. 🫶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2024
**4.5**
Why can’t you just let me hate Shay-Lee.
First off my stupid self needed to pay attention more to the “this is not an MMM” book, because I didn’t realise till like 80% in that it wasn’t MMM.
I absolutely adore Levi, Jessie was good but got a little frustrating in how bad he was at reading Levi. He felt like Miles in that sense.
It breaks my heart a little bit that we don’t have a HEA for Jordan and that we probably won’t get one. I assume he is being written out of the rest of the series now.
I’m super critical with books, whilst this probably deserves the 5 stars I’m keeping it to 4.5 because I feel like this book is less of the romance and more filler story building. Jess and Levi weren’t a new couple or something unexpected, it was cool experiencing the ups and downs of Levi and the problems of adding Jordan in. Shay-Lee is Jordan’s HEA which was confusing a little bit.
Okay enough of my ramblings, this book was good
Why can’t you just let me hate Shay-Lee.
First off my stupid self needed to pay attention more to the “this is not an MMM” book, because I didn’t realise till like 80% in that it wasn’t MMM.
I absolutely adore Levi, Jessie was good but got a little frustrating in how bad he was at reading Levi. He felt like Miles in that sense.
It breaks my heart a little bit that we don’t have a HEA for Jordan and that we probably won’t get one. I assume he is being written out of the rest of the series now.
I’m super critical with books, whilst this probably deserves the 5 stars I’m keeping it to 4.5 because I feel like this book is less of the romance and more filler story building. Jess and Levi weren’t a new couple or something unexpected, it was cool experiencing the ups and downs of Levi and the problems of adding Jordan in. Shay-Lee is Jordan’s HEA which was confusing a little bit.
Okay enough of my ramblings, this book was good
May 9, 2024
I loved this book soooo much! I absolutely loved Levi and Jessie!! This book showed a great representation of ADHD and mental health. I would definitely recommend and read over and over again! 🥰
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