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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
35 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 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.
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.
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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.
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! ❤️
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. 😤😩
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! 🥰
June 27, 2024
They deserve everything <333
I need a story about ty and Jordy 😭😭
I need a story about ty and Jordy 😭😭
January 25, 2024
So so sooooo good!!
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when reading this. You get three different POVs telling the story and yet it’s most definitely NOT an MMM. This book is not a standalone and so you know going in to expect certain things, even so, I enjoyed this book more than the first.
I absolutely adored ❤️ how unbelievably sweet Jessie is and his capacity for love after all his trauma in the past. His love for Levi knows no bounds and their relationship was just the bee’s knees…lol!!! 🐝 I cried right along with Jessie near the end, that’s how invested I was in their lives.
Favorite quote from Jessie…“He’s my fucking soulmate, Jordy.” I smirked proudly. Levi wasn’t my boyfriend. He was my everything. My whole fucking world. He was colors. He was joy. He was laughter. Levi was the very reason I got up in the morning and went to sleep at night. All he needed to do was breathe, and my heart would miss a beat.
Jordan…I’m not sure how I feel about him because his love for Shay-Lee was toxic and just the fact that he loved him at all….don’t know?!?
Speaking of Shay-Lee…I want to hate him, really truly hate him after reading the first book and this. The things he did, the way he treated Miles and now Jordan…how can you not!?!? BUT as with all good books, we know there is more to his back story and we are left almost feeling sorry for him and hoping he gets a redemptive arc…almost…maybe…
Now Deisel…there’s a cliffhanger that I’m dying to read about!!! I want this grumpy storm cloud to find the sweetest cinnamon roll and fall head over heels for him and help him find love and a HEA. This boy needs that so bad and I just want to hug the ever-living sh*t out of him til he smiles and is happy.
Needless to say, I loved this story way more than ever thought I would, especially since it’s about highschool seniors. It’s angsty, steamy, sometimes spicy🔥🔥, with a few funny moments here and there but overall, it was excellent and very well done. I am dying to read the rest of the series and see how Jordy, Shay-Lee, and Diesel all get their HEAs. ♥️
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when reading this. You get three different POVs telling the story and yet it’s most definitely NOT an MMM. This book is not a standalone and so you know going in to expect certain things, even so, I enjoyed this book more than the first.
I absolutely adored ❤️ how unbelievably sweet Jessie is and his capacity for love after all his trauma in the past. His love for Levi knows no bounds and their relationship was just the bee’s knees…lol!!! 🐝 I cried right along with Jessie near the end, that’s how invested I was in their lives.
Favorite quote from Jessie…“He’s my fucking soulmate, Jordy.” I smirked proudly. Levi wasn’t my boyfriend. He was my everything. My whole fucking world. He was colors. He was joy. He was laughter. Levi was the very reason I got up in the morning and went to sleep at night. All he needed to do was breathe, and my heart would miss a beat.
Jordan…I’m not sure how I feel about him because his love for Shay-Lee was toxic and just the fact that he loved him at all….don’t know?!?
Speaking of Shay-Lee…I want to hate him, really truly hate him after reading the first book and this. The things he did, the way he treated Miles and now Jordan…how can you not!?!? BUT as with all good books, we know there is more to his back story and we are left almost feeling sorry for him and hoping he gets a redemptive arc…almost…maybe…
Now Deisel…there’s a cliffhanger that I’m dying to read about!!! I want this grumpy storm cloud to find the sweetest cinnamon roll and fall head over heels for him and help him find love and a HEA. This boy needs that so bad and I just want to hug the ever-living sh*t out of him til he smiles and is happy.
Needless to say, I loved this story way more than ever thought I would, especially since it’s about highschool seniors. It’s angsty, steamy, sometimes spicy🔥🔥, with a few funny moments here and there but overall, it was excellent and very well done. I am dying to read the rest of the series and see how Jordy, Shay-Lee, and Diesel all get their HEAs. ♥️
January 22, 2024
Un très grand merci à l’auteure pour non seulement m’avoir fait confiance en tant qu’ARC reader mais aussi en tant que Beta reader.
Ce second tome est encore meilleur, le worldbuilding s’élargit, et on en découvre plus sur l’univers des personnages et leur développement personnel.
L’histoire reprend au début du transfert de Jessie, Levi, Andrei et Diesel dans leur nouveau lycée sans pour autant tomber dans la redondance ou les longueurs. On passe assez rapidement sur les événements clefs tout en découvrant plus facilement les caractères de Jessie et Levi au passage.
Levi est le partenaire parfait pour Jessie, il veille sur lui, est toujours à l’écoute, pense pour lui parfois😂. Il est très protecteur et l’aime plus que tout.
Jessie, lui, est un désordre chaotique et hyper actif sauf lorsqu’il s’agit de sex où, là, les dynamiques s’inversent et il devient sûr de lui, de ce qu’il veut, et devient autoritaire pour l’obtenir (ce qui convient parfaitement bien à Levi)😆.
Il est pétillant de vie, tout en couleurs et en bonne humeur. Il vient contrebalancer le caractère plus terre à terre et sérieux de Levi.
Levi est vraiment une crème🥹, il se souci autans du bien-être physique qu’émotionnel de Jessie, qu’il aime garder joyeux et inconscient des choses laides de la vie.
Le point de vue de Jordan est aussi très intéressant. Il est autant un MC que Jess et Levi (bien que ce ne soit pas un MMM). Le travaille sur lui-même par lequel il passe est impressionnant. Il évolue énormément. C’est l’un des personnages les plus développés. Même si je pense que sur le long terme ce sera Shay Lee qui aura le plus évolué.
Ce tome fait la lumière sur beaucoup de choses qui se sont passées en coulisse pour les sides characters du tome 1 tout en impactant les personnages principaux. Et beaucoup de choses que vous pensez savoir sont plus complexes qu’il n’y paraît.😉
Je recommande vivement à celleux qui aiment les friends to lover avec un couple près établi. Pensez juste à checker les TW/CW avant.
Ce second tome est encore meilleur, le worldbuilding s’élargit, et on en découvre plus sur l’univers des personnages et leur développement personnel.
L’histoire reprend au début du transfert de Jessie, Levi, Andrei et Diesel dans leur nouveau lycée sans pour autant tomber dans la redondance ou les longueurs. On passe assez rapidement sur les événements clefs tout en découvrant plus facilement les caractères de Jessie et Levi au passage.
Levi est le partenaire parfait pour Jessie, il veille sur lui, est toujours à l’écoute, pense pour lui parfois😂. Il est très protecteur et l’aime plus que tout.
Jessie, lui, est un désordre chaotique et hyper actif sauf lorsqu’il s’agit de sex où, là, les dynamiques s’inversent et il devient sûr de lui, de ce qu’il veut, et devient autoritaire pour l’obtenir (ce qui convient parfaitement bien à Levi)😆.
Il est pétillant de vie, tout en couleurs et en bonne humeur. Il vient contrebalancer le caractère plus terre à terre et sérieux de Levi.
Levi est vraiment une crème🥹, il se souci autans du bien-être physique qu’émotionnel de Jessie, qu’il aime garder joyeux et inconscient des choses laides de la vie.
Le point de vue de Jordan est aussi très intéressant. Il est autant un MC que Jess et Levi (bien que ce ne soit pas un MMM). Le travaille sur lui-même par lequel il passe est impressionnant. Il évolue énormément. C’est l’un des personnages les plus développés. Même si je pense que sur le long terme ce sera Shay Lee qui aura le plus évolué.
Ce tome fait la lumière sur beaucoup de choses qui se sont passées en coulisse pour les sides characters du tome 1 tout en impactant les personnages principaux. Et beaucoup de choses que vous pensez savoir sont plus complexes qu’il n’y paraît.😉
Je recommande vivement à celleux qui aiment les friends to lover avec un couple près établi. Pensez juste à checker les TW/CW avant.
August 18, 2024
My newest obsession, this book series, is everything I never knew I needed. Unexpected Prejudice is book two, so please make sure to read Mistaken Prejudice first.
I really liked Andrei and Miles's story, but Levi, Jessie and Jordan they got me addicted. A clear 5 ⭐ read for me.
We have this amazing group of characters. There are our bad boys, Andrei, Levi, Jessie and Diesel. They had it rough in their lives; they have all been to juvenile detention. They live together with Chief, who took them all in. When they got the chance to start at Beverly Bay High, a new chance in life opened. I'm not getting too deep into that because each story is so important and emotional.
And then we have our supposedly good rich kids, Miles, Shay-Lee, Jordan and the others from the football team.
This series is full of soo many good stuff, high school drama, rich kids, bad boys, bullying, fighting, romance, found family, betrayal, tension, angst, secrets, mental health and so much more in each book.
Please, check TW these books are about a lot of dark topics.
Unexpected Prejudice is so wonderful, dark and emotional but so beautifully written. Levi and Jessie have known each other for 8 years, they're a couple for three years. These two are simply the sweetest and purest. Both have issues to work through and all their struggles are so relatable. I could connect with both ok so many levels. Jordan on the other hand has totally different things to work through, and his story is so heartbreaking.
I really liked Andrei and Miles's story, but Levi, Jessie and Jordan they got me addicted. A clear 5 ⭐ read for me.
We have this amazing group of characters. There are our bad boys, Andrei, Levi, Jessie and Diesel. They had it rough in their lives; they have all been to juvenile detention. They live together with Chief, who took them all in. When they got the chance to start at Beverly Bay High, a new chance in life opened. I'm not getting too deep into that because each story is so important and emotional.
And then we have our supposedly good rich kids, Miles, Shay-Lee, Jordan and the others from the football team.
This series is full of soo many good stuff, high school drama, rich kids, bad boys, bullying, fighting, romance, found family, betrayal, tension, angst, secrets, mental health and so much more in each book.
Please, check TW these books are about a lot of dark topics.
Unexpected Prejudice is so wonderful, dark and emotional but so beautifully written. Levi and Jessie have known each other for 8 years, they're a couple for three years. These two are simply the sweetest and purest. Both have issues to work through and all their struggles are so relatable. I could connect with both ok so many levels. Jordan on the other hand has totally different things to work through, and his story is so heartbreaking.
October 8, 2024
”Levi wasn’t my boyfriend. He was my everything. My whole fucking world. He was colors. He was joy. He was laughter. Levi was the very reason I got up in the morning and went to sleep at night. All he needed to do was breathe, and my heart would miss a beat.”
Well I am just DEVOURING these books. Once again, I can’t believe I don’t see people talking about these books?? This book follows Jessie & Levi who have been dating for a few years and Jordan who they meet at their new high school.
Levi & Jessie have been in love for so long but Levi has always struggled with not feeling good enough. Their relationship is definitely tested throughout this book and I hated watching them (mostly Levi) struggle 🥺
And then you have Jordan who has been “secretly” pining over Shay-Lee who is the biggest asshole in the series 😅 Of course, Shay-Lee knows about his not so secret crush and uses it to manipulate Jordan into doing things for him. I will say throughout this book I went from really hating Shay-Lee to kind of not hating him as much? Idk he still sucks a lot lol.
My heart hurt for sweet baby Jordan & I hope he gets him a HEA at some point because he was put through a lot of pain (emotionally AND physically) in this book.
Once again, if you love drama filled, angsty, hot, insane romances- you should definitely start this series.
I cannot wait to start Diesel & Shay-Lees book because as of right now I can’t imagine liking either of them. Of course, I’m sure that’ll change bc I’m a sucker for broken boys and I bet these two are the most broken of them all 🥺
Well I am just DEVOURING these books. Once again, I can’t believe I don’t see people talking about these books?? This book follows Jessie & Levi who have been dating for a few years and Jordan who they meet at their new high school.
Levi & Jessie have been in love for so long but Levi has always struggled with not feeling good enough. Their relationship is definitely tested throughout this book and I hated watching them (mostly Levi) struggle 🥺
And then you have Jordan who has been “secretly” pining over Shay-Lee who is the biggest asshole in the series 😅 Of course, Shay-Lee knows about his not so secret crush and uses it to manipulate Jordan into doing things for him. I will say throughout this book I went from really hating Shay-Lee to kind of not hating him as much? Idk he still sucks a lot lol.
My heart hurt for sweet baby Jordan & I hope he gets him a HEA at some point because he was put through a lot of pain (emotionally AND physically) in this book.
Once again, if you love drama filled, angsty, hot, insane romances- you should definitely start this series.
I cannot wait to start Diesel & Shay-Lees book because as of right now I can’t imagine liking either of them. Of course, I’m sure that’ll change bc I’m a sucker for broken boys and I bet these two are the most broken of them all 🥺
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
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