Heartless Monster

Misfits #1

by Rachel Leigh

Rome Cromwell isn’t just football royalty in our town.

He’s a heartless monster out for revenge,

And I'm the ordinary girl with his target on her back.

One year ago my knight in shining armor stepped out of the fog and rescued me.

With a simple thank you and an “I owe you one”, I was on my way.

Little did I know, that was only the start of our deranged story.

Now our parents are married and we’re living under the same roof.

Rome presents himself as a masked villain with strikingly good looks and a hypnotic appeal.

Girls want him.

His friends want to be him.

But I only want to run from him.

I see beneath his cracked facade into the heart of the beast.

He blames me for the fight that left his football career in shambles.

And he hasn’t forgotten I’m in his debt.

Now his claws are digging in so deep, I fear I won't survive.

Rome no longer wants to save me.

He only wants to own me.

To break me.

Piece by piece by piece.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, Dark

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2024

About the author

Rachel Leigh is a USA Today and international bestselling author of new adult, dark romances. She’s drawn to writing flawed, irresistible heroes and strong, resilient heroines. Her stories blend dark elements, a touch of suspense, and plenty of steam—perfect for readers who crave passion with an edge.
Her goal is to sweep readers away on an unforgettable adventure while reminding them that even in the darkest moments, love conquers all.

Rachel resides in Michigan with her husband, three kids, and a couple of spoiled fur babies. When she isn’t lost in a book, you’ll find her in cozy leggings with a coffee in hand, binge-watching her favorite reality TV shows.


Rachel Leigh is represented by Beck Literary: Josi@beckliterary.com


Join Rachel's Readers Group: http://bit.ly/rl_ramblers
Facebook: rachelleighauthor
Instagram: rachelleighauthor
www.rachelleighauthor.com

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm done playing games, Freckles. You cost me my life, now I want yours in return."

One night changed everything.
Elodie Astor was saved by a knight in shining armor.
Little did she know that was the start of everything.
Now she finds herself at the mercy of her new step brother.
Football royalty Rome Cromwell.
Who also saved her that one night.
But that was also the night that ruined everything for him.

"You wanna start some shit, Rome Cromwell? Bring it on. I showed you who I was once before, I'll happily do it again."

Rome Cromwell hates Elodie Astor.
The night he thought he was saving her, she was ruining his life.
She took away his scholarship, his football career, his life.
And now, he's going to make her pay.
He's going to punish her.
He's going to ruin her.
Piece by piece.

"I don't know what I'm going to do with Elodie Astor, but one way or another, she's going to feel the same pain I've lived with for the past twelve months. Even if it breaks her."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"No matter what I do, I can't win. Rome quite literally has me wrapped around his finger."

Rome Cromwell is the school's football star. Elodie's one night savior. But also her worst nightmare…

"You're not going to be just another secret, Elodie. You're going to be my dark and dirty one."

I said this when I finished this book I swear to you - if I could inject this book into my veins I MF would!!
OMG I am obsessed!!
We have step-siblings, we have enemies-to-lovers, we have revenge, we have me going on because I am obsessed and I love it!

"I want to destroy Elodie for what she did to me, but I have a feeling she's going to be my demise in the process."

Elodie Astor is a book worm introvert but don't let that fool you because she is badass and sassy. You want to serve her trust me she will serve you right back with a boot in your face and I love her for that. The way Rome hates her so she's like "you ain't seen nothing buddy." AHHHHH OMG I legit fell in love with her I swear. She's also pre-law so we love that for us (WOMEN IN S.T.E.M) (I know that makes no sense but I'm on a roll so just go with it). Anyways her and Rome are literally electricity and chemistry flickering off the page and I inhaled it like a vacuum.

"Please give me a warning before you enter the room I'm in, Rome. I'll be sure not to take a drink of water at the risk of choking on it when I see your face." - ICONIC

Rome Cromwell.
Now again this will say so so so much about me and my mental state but automatic book boyfriend. I know I know. He's getting revenge. He's owning her. He's pissed off. But I mean come the fuck on the way Rachel Leigh writes him I would fold so quick and that's the honest truth. Is his reasoning sound? No, no it's not. But saving a girl by beating up 3 deadbeats in a park? You have me hooked already and I will forgive most of what you do… especially if he has a dirty mouth I'm just saying…

"You wanted to play a game, Freckles? You picked the wrong opponent."

"Then get on your knees and fix it." 👀👀👀

The author made an AMAZING playlist as always and as always I always overhype myself so I add songs and then you get my playlists so either you're welcome or I'm sorry but anyway have fun (or don't… I'm not in charge of you 😘😘) but these are the songs that I added:

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6To... )

🎵 "Rain" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Here" - Alessia Cara
🎵 "Coincidence - Sped Up" - Rosse
🎵 "this is how I learn to say no" - EMELINE
🎵 "You Don't Know Me" - Elizabeth Gillies
🎵 "Rich Kids" - Bea Miller
🎵 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "She Keeps Me Up" - Nickelback
🎵 "Control" - Halsey
🎵 "Control" - Zoe Wees
🎵 "Love The Way You Hate Me" - Like A Storm
🎵 "Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎵 "Cross My Heart I Hope U Die" - Meg Smith
🎵 "MF Diamond" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "Mad World" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "Monster" - Lady Gaga
🎵 "Deal With It" - Ashnikko, Kelis
🎵 "Invitation" - Ashnikko, Kodie Shane
🎵 "Bubblegum Bitch" - MARINA
🎵 "Freckles" - Lawrence
🎵 "Devil's Advocate" - The Neighbourhood
🎵 "It Is What It Is" - Jenna Raine
🎵 "Drama King" - Bellah Mae
🎵 "Like A Boy" - Jillian Rossi
🎵 "Because Of You" - Kelly Clarkson
🎵 "The Fighter" - In This Moment
🎵 "Tattoos" - Renee Rapp
🎵 "Ocean Eyes" - American Avenue
🎵 "Over It" - Fame On Fire
🎵 "Misfits" - Magnolia Park, Taylor Acorn
🎵 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Bombshell" - Halestorm
🎵 "Like A God" - Lia Marie Johnson
🎵 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎵 "Mount Everest" - Labrinth
🎵 "Wild Ones" - Jessie Murph, Jelly Roll
🎵 "Don't Stop The Party" - Drunk Girl, Deanna
🎵 "My Own Monster" - X Ambassadors
🎵 "She's So Nice" - Pink Guy
🎵 "Don't Go Insane" - DPR IAN
🎵 "GASOLINE" - Maneskin
🎵 "Devil In Her Eyes" - Bryce Savage
🎵 "Devil" - Barren Gates
🎵 "Drag Me Down" - Loveless
🎵 "Blacklist" - Lost Stars
🎵 "Alkaline" - Sleep Token
🎵 "The Me In Me" - Watt White
🎵 "engravings" - Ethan Bortnick
🎵 "Skin and Bones" - David Kushner
🎵 "Beg" - Aryia
🎵 "That Girl" - Emei
🎵 "Lightning" - Little Mix
🎵 "Electricity" - Ashley Jana
🎵 "Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "Addicted" - Saving Abel
🎵 "Tongue Ties" - Lauren Sanderson
🎵 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎵 "Touch" - Little Mix
🎵 "HONEY (ARE U COMING?)" - Maneskin
🎵 "Flicker" - Niall Horan
🎵 "WE ARE CHAOS" - Marilyn Manson
🎵 "MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT" - Elley Duhe
🎵 "Love On The Brain" - Rihanna
🎵 "I Like Me Better" - Lauv
🎵 "Everytime We Touch" - Cascada
🎵 "do you really want to hurt me?" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "NFWMB" - Hozier
🎵 "Francesca" - Hozier
🎵 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎵 "Dandelions (Violin)" - Joel Sunny
🎵 "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "King Of My Heart" - Taylor Swift

And remember when I said Rome had a dirty mouth…

"Watch me, Freckles. I wanna see those eyes when I come in your mouth."

"You're not going anywhere, unless it's in my room, on your knees, with my cock in your mouth."

"Come for me, Freckles."

🏈 Tropes 🏈

🌼 Enemies to Lovers
🌼 Sports Romance (Football)
🌼 Bully Romance
🌼 Step-Siblings
🌼 Forced Proximity
🌼 Revenge

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C4vklImI7...

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

'H𝐄A𝐑T𝐋E𝐒S M𝐎N𝐒T𝐄R' Is a full length, enemies to lovers sports romance book by Rachel Leigh. 'Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' ❥ Rome & Elodie (aka Freckles) ❥

This was the one book I was anticipating this month, seeing the teasers shared spiked my anticipation levels skyrocketing, once it landed on my iPad, game over, life put on hold, to say this was inhaled is an understatement.

This ticked all my angsty boxes
Touch her and die
I’ll be all your firsts
Feisty fearless heroine
Revenge seeking hero



One night changed the course of his life in the blink of an eye
That night had the words ‘I owe you one’ uttered from her lips as she fled the scene. She may have seen him as a knight in shining armour, but he’ll be her worst nightmare.

He’s the type of guy who will uncover your secrets and then turn around and manipulate you into doing his bidding, the heartless monster everyone’s scared of.

She’s the type of girl who keeps her head down and studies for fun, but push her buttons and her claws will come out.

Rome pushed and shoved at boundaries that many wouldn't cross, some of his behaviour was deplorable, and in some ways I wish she had've shoved back harder, even though he swore he wasn't her knight in shining armour, he was always the first one to rescue her, which in some ways made up for his douchecanoe ways.

But it's that angst that gets you by the throat, the push and pull, the banter, the hate to like you but like you I do that's what pulled me in.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *

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[ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

i normally love a good bully forbidden typical high school romance but this wasnt it at all

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girls do not snub Rome Cromwell. Elodie Astor does and this piques his interest even more. When she flees the party she never even wanted to attend, Rome unwittingly becomes her hero while she becomes his ruination.

Can you say angst? Whew! These two tried so hard to remain enemies, but the chemistry won and so did we!! 🥵

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😧😳😠🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Sports

✨ Tropes: Blackmail, Bully, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, Athlete, College, Jealous/Possessive, Miscommunication, Virgin FMC

💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good, Orgäsm Denial

⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!

🚩 Safety Squad: Attempted SA (Not by MMC, On-Page), OWD and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Heartless Monster is a standalone.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: step-sibling, bully
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2

So there were a ton of things I loved about this book. I thought it had a great storyline, was fast paced, and had a nice bit of suspense. Then there were the tropes:

✅ taboo: step siblings
✅ bully/enemies to lovers
✅ forced proximity
✅ OTT jealous and possessive hero
✅ nerdy (ish) heroine

All things I love. My only issue was that I felt like the hero was a bit tantrum-y (is that a word, lol) in the first 1/4 of the book. There were definitely “reasons”, but it still made it a bit difficult for me at first. It got better as the book went on and eventually I was all in. Some great breadcrumbs for the next book, excited to see how that plays out.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like enemies to lovers, bully, step siblings and forced proximity then this is the book for you!! The angst was real in this one. This one kept me on my toes until the very end. Nothing is better than when the bully falls hard, and boy did Rome fall for Elodie. I can’t wait to see if we get more stories from this family.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ★

I'm not strong enough to refuse Rome everything he wants. Even if what he wants is me.

By now, I will read any book that Rachel Leigh writes as they hit every single time. This one of course was no exception, it was emotional and while I wouldn't call it super dark, it has a lot of dark elements that I ate up like I was starving.

I am a sucker for books with stepsiblings, they just carry a certain type of angst that initiates feelings within me, and Heartless Monster was just so darn good! It packed a punch in terms of characters and also depth to the story and I couldn't put it down at all. Think delicious spice, smoking chemistry and the ultimate ending! Overall another hit from an author who has become an auto-buy for me.

What To Expect:
⨳ MF Romance
⨳ Stepsiblings
⨳ Enemies to Lovers
⨳ Forced Proximity
⨳ Football
⨳ Bully

You're not going to be just another secret, Elodie. You're going to be my dark and dirty one.

❤︎ ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ❤︎

[wolfiebella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartless monster!?? 😭 🤡
A total overstatement 💀
More like, wannabe anti hero
Being a drama Queen bully does not classify Rome as monster without emotions.
He is one most tame dark hero I have ever read 🤣

The smut was 🐣 and there but definitely not to the degree a heartless monster would have.


Cute slow burn, bully high school romance with a 2.5/5 smut level. It’s a palate cleanser and appetizer for my next book that will hopefully satisfy my secretly obsessed hero trope I’m desperately looking for.

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This week I was thinking about Rachel’s book. It’s funny, because her books were my first ARC that I ever read, and two years later I still receive them (and I am really glad, because her books are a comfort for me). Okay, I’m a bit nostalgic right now, but the essence is: I really like Rachel’s books and, even if a trope that I read many times, always surprises me how she was capable of grabbing my attention.
Okay, about the book:
*Stepbrother/stepsister (CLASSIC)
*Enemies to lovers (best trope ever)
*Bully (a light one)
*Good girl/Football player (also classic, and also one of my favorites)
Okay, this is the classic: ‘I hate her, but only me can make her suffer’. The step-brother who had hate for the new ‘sister’ because of his past. The stepsister dislikes her new life and fights to control everything in her life. Mix with some bully and crazy person who wants Elodie to pay for her past and we have a good (and really easy to read) story.

P.S.: I really hope that we can see more about the other siblings.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been really excited about this book from the moment it was announced and it did not disappoint 🔥!  Rome Cromwell is out for revenge and Elodie Astor, his new stepsister, is his target. Rome blames her for his life spiraling and she wants nothing more than to resolve their problems so she can move on with her life and her future. Rome has a powerful presence and although everyone else in Willow Creek fears him, Elodie refuses to let him push her around without a fight. But when she fights back, Rome’s possessiveness truly knows no limits and it becomes intense! Rachel Leigh creates a world of mystery, suspense and angst that kept me guessing throughout the entire book. The connection between Rome and Elodie was on fire from the start and even when you were unsure if they were going to move beyond enemies, you could feel their chemistry!

[shanelle maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟 2🌶️

ROME, BABY!! 😍😍

Keeping this review sweet and simple, cause I just think you should read it blind if you enjoy the tropes!

I think this might be my new favorite Rachel Leigh book. 💕
I was pulled in from the start, and the book did not let up on its grip until I finished it! The pacing was so good and I loved how everything unfolded. It was perfection. 🫶🏼

Rome.. one of my favorite mmc’s Rachel has written. I was immediately attached from the beginning, and I loved his growth over the course of the book. 🥰 plus who doesn’t love an mmc who’s obsessed with his woman??

Elodie.. an fmc with a backbone! I love fmc’s that are strong but know when to submit, and Elodie was exactly that.

WHEWWWW. Them together?? 🤯 So much chemistry, and the spice was spicin between these two! 🥵

Honestly, I could see so many books coming out of this world with the characters that were introduced! Especially Rome’s brothers and Elodie’s sisters. I especially want Wilder to get a book! 😍

Pick this book up if you enjoy:
🏈 bully romance
💘 step siblings
🏈 sports romance
💘 enemies to lovers
🏈 forced proximity
💘 V heroine

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Monster is truly a masterpiece. Elodie and Rome will have you hook from the very beginning. You can’t help yourself from loving and hating Rome at the same time.

Rome has his life all figured out, play college football just like his dad. But it all changes one faithful night. He was trying to do the right thing. But it ends in disaster. He blames all this to his new stepsister Elodie. Elodie is the perfect daughter, student and well loved by everyone. So when Rome starts bullying her she doesn’t understand. Until everything boils over and Rome tells her exactly why he hates her. And she does everything to help him and undo what happened a year ago.

The tug and pull is much stronger than the hate. The chemistry is off the charts, and can’t help root for them. He does everything to prove to her what he feels are real. When thing turn bad to good it will leave you in the edge of your seats. This story had everything you look for in an enemies to lovers and more. I was completely blown away from start to finish. Elodie and Rome story was absolutely amazing. 🩷🔥🏈

Arc provided by for honest review.

[Rachel Leigh]

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨’𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥

🤭 step-Sibling
👀 enemies to lovers
🔥 bully
😏 forced proximity
🌷 virgin heroine
🏈sports romance

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/4aOBquM
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/HeartlessMonster

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NOsmfm

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I wish I didn’t crave more of him the way I do. I wish he didn’t taste so good—like sweet sin with a hint of butter and salt.

This one surprised me! I love enemies to lovers romances. Throw in some football and forbidden relationship vibes, and I’m hooked. The book grabbed me from the drop and kept me hooked throughout. Definitely one that will keep you up all night to finish.

My initial impressions of Rome had me convinced he couldn’t be redeemed. (Exact thoughts: What an immature prick. Dude, football isn’t worth destroying someone over. 100% misplaced anger.) Rachel changed my mind by the end. It helped that Rome showed remorse and proved with actions and words that he deserved forgiveness.

Heartless Monster is a medium-burn and moderately spicy MF romance.

It is a complete standalone with a HEA. Great for Bully/Enemies to Lovers romance lovers.

⚠️ This is a dark and angsty read. Rome and Elodie do not easily fall into their HEA. Check the listed TWs. ⚠️

Genre: Dark Bully Romance
Tropes/Features: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, step-siblings, football, playboy MMC, virgin FMC, revenge, high school, coercion/blackmail
POV: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, medium burn, moderate spice
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Available in book

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bully romance - check
Step siblings - check
Feisty lead lady but still a quiet soul - check
Morally grey A$$wipe but possibly redeemable lead fella - check

= Perfect 🤗

Elodie and her two sisters are moved across town when her mum remarries and it seems to be a genuine marriage which was nice!
However Rome and his two brothers are a different story until it's only Rome who is the different story and has a problem - a big problem - with Elodie!

There's underlying heat amongst the hate, and a lot of secrets as well as a major misunderstanding!

I'm excited to see if we get any of the siblings stories - I hope so because they've intrigued me and I love when that happens, not only the main characters, but all the characters draw you in!!

Well don't Rachel Leigh, a really good read!






*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Rachel, and I liked it! Stepsiblings, plus an enemies to lovers, kind of bully situation. I like all three of those tropes. Poor Rome, like my heart broke for that guy and how much he was hurting. It was hard to ever really picture him as mean, because we got to see how he was feeling and all he dealt with. Plus Elodie was no victim, she was strong and stood up for herself.

The author does a good job of portraying high school characters acting how they actually would in high school. I've read so many books where they act like they're like 30 in high school and it pulls you out because it's so unrealistic. So I appreciated that. And it was just a straight up enjoyable read.

[Shelf.indulgence__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel’s Bully Romance are always top tier and this new Bully Step Siblings did not disappoint.

It had me in a choke hold from the beginning. 24 hours and I was finished. I didn’t want it to end.

If you love Bully Romance, Step-Sibling, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Virgin heroine, Football, J/P Hero then I highly recommend this book.

It touches on some dark subjects so please check TW first!

The way these two want to loathe one another but just can’t 🫠 I loved the push and pull tension between Rome and Elodie. Rome definitely needed someone that didn’t cave to him, and Elodie has a fire in her that I love to see!

This had suspense, character building, drama, and it keeps you turning the pages…and the spice is spicing 😉

I will always recommend Rachel’s books but hands down she knocked it out of the park with this one! Loved these characters!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book

[Sarah Guzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

All right, Ms. Rachel! It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Rachel Leigh book, but this one sucked me right in. I started this on a Tuesday afternoon and finished it Wednesday morning. Amongst work and other life things lol. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. There was tension, there was aggression, suspense, and so many elements that had me on the edge of my freaking seat. The way Rome finally softened up for Elodie was perfect. We definitely had to work for it before we got to our happily ever after, but man was it worth it.

There’s just something about the way Rachel writes her suspenseful, angsty romances that always leave me wanting more. I could not put this book down! Thank you so much to Rachel and VPR for my ARC copy!

What to expect:
- football
- angst
- suspense
- bully romance
- step siblings
- forced proximity
- secrets
- spice
- HEA

[sunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars — it was alright

Trigger warning: sexual assault and multiple attempted rapes

RL books are a hit or miss for me. This one was okay. It was a typical dramatic high school bully romance. Alpha golden boy hates the heroine for something she did but she doesn’t know it so he bullies her. There’s an antagonistic chick who hates the heroine and plans to hurt her with the help of other evil dudes blah blah.

Will not be reading the next book because it’s hinted as a teacher-student relationship and I physically cannot read those without wanting to die so hard pass

[momaddictedtobooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I absolutely loved it! It was soooo good! I didn’t want it to end. I loved Rome and Elodie. I’m a sucker for
bu!!y and step sibling tropes and it was so dang good! The spice was hot. The storyline was awesome. I’m going to have to go back and read all of Rachel’s books now!

[elara · Rating 3 out of 5]

bully romance my #1 go-to trashy read

[Jaidyn Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is my newest obsession. 10/10, 5⭐️/5⭐️, and any other rating you can give it.

If you love:
-Step siblings
-Bully
-Sports
-Enemies to lovers
-Forced proximity
-V heroine

You’ll LOVE this book. When Rome falls, he falls hard for Elodie. And boy, does he have a dirty mouth on him 😮‍💨

[Shelby Willeford · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read

I could not put this down! Literally! I absolutely loved this book and it had me in such a chokehold.

Good girl Elodie and bad boy Rome cross paths at a high school party one night. She decides to push him in a pool for his jock tool behavior. She figured she would never see him again. Little did she know Rome Cromwell eventually be her stepbrother. Can the school QB maintain his hold on everyone including Elodie?

Trigger warnings for this book include but not limited to bullying, kidnapping, sexual assault, and harassment. This book is delivered in dual POV!

Rome is such a tool and has classmates in the palm of his hands, but Elodie loves to stand up him. My girl! Love a girl that can take control when necessary. Rome hates Elodie and there are plenty of reasons why. Honestly Rome just hates life in general for most the book I feel. Only ONE person turns that around.

I loved their banter and arguing. I was on the edge of my seat with the progression of the story. This book was so well written and had so many pops of suspense.

- enemies to lovers
-stepbrother/stepsister
-small town
-sports romance
-dark romance

This is book one in a series and I am already impatient for book 2! This book will live rent free in my head until then.

[Jane | Book Flutter ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Monster is my first read by Rachel Leigh, and it is a gripping tale of love and revenge. The story revolves around Rome Cromwell, the enigmatic football star with a chip on his shoulder, and Elodie, the ordinary girl who unwittingly finds herself in his crosshairs. As their lives intertwine under the same roof due to their parents' unexpected marriage, tensions escalate, revealing layers of hidden emotions and simmering resentments. Elodie finds herself the new target of her step-brother, and she has no idea why.

The author crafts a story that delves into the complexities of her characters, particularly Rome, whose facade of charm and allure belies a darker, more vulnerable core. This is a very twisted tale filled with hate to a whole other level. Rome's bullying gets a bit out of hand, but it doesn't take away from the reason why he feels a certain way. I was drawn into a web of suspense, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind Rome's vendetta and whether redemption and forgiveness are attainable in the face of such deep-seated animosity.

The dynamics between Rome and Elodie are electric, fraught with tension, angst, and longing as they grapple with their shared past and uncertain future. The spice factor was most definitely present! The secondary characters were another great addition to this story. I loved the other brothers and sisters involved. I was getting a bit of My Life with the Walker Boys vibe.

Overall, Heartless Monster is a must-read for fans of mature YA dark romance seeking a captivating story that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

[Brittni W]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’ll come back to the stars rating because I want to be fair with my rating. I did not realize this was set in high school when I applied for the ARC. In general, I avoid high school romances, especially with dark themes. This is another novel that could have easily been aged up a little to make the plot more believable, even at the risk of losing some of the taboo.

Separating the ages from the plot, I think all-in-all it was a fine book, nothing to write home about. It’s a quick, standalone read. In terms of writing style/prose, it definitely fits the high school setting. Lots of hormone-fueled angst and drama.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartless Monster is the first book I have read by Rachel Leigh. And I absolutely devoured this book in one day. I could not get enough of Elodie and Rome.

From the start, Heartless Monster drew me in. And the story and these characters kept me turning the pages.

Elodie might come across as this quiet, mousy girl, but she is quite the spitfire.

Rome is used to getting what he wanted and people just doing what he wants and asks for until he met Elodie.

One night changed both their lives, but in two completely different ways.

Rachel wrote a fantastic angsty story. The push and pull between Rome and Elodie was addicting. While Rome was beyond an asshole at times, Elodie wasn't going to go down easily. And I loved that she knew when to submit and when to push back.

Heartless Monster moves at the perfect pace. The tension, chemistry, and with the added suspense of secrets lurking around the corner, this book keeps you right on edge the whole time.

I pray we get more from this family in the future.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection!

If you’re a fan of bully, enemies to lovers, forbidden step sibling romances then Heartless Monster by Rachel Leigh is definitely for you!!!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEARTLESS MONSTER

5⭐️

I want to say a huge thank you for this ARC - I really enjoyed it.

Every book by Rachel is a fantastic read, with great spice and a big ol’ plot twist!!!!

I thoroughly enjoy step sibling romances and this one was no different. I ❤️ red flags and Rome definitely has some, but for good measure ok!!!!

I loved Elodie’s character and how she was eventually able to connect with Rome.

I reallyyy hope we get more books from this family/universe cause I have some questions!!!

It’s a bully romance with some darker themes, so definitely keep that in mind if you’re planning on reading it!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comes out March 29th ARC provided by ValentinePR Management #rachelleigh

Step Siblings
Taboo
High school seniors
Drama / a little dark
Spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Good girl /bad boy
Great happy ending
Left it open for a duet or series

Highly recommend for anybody that is open to a spicy high school seniors good girl, bad boy romance ! This is the first one I’ve had from this author, and I will definitely go back for more drama, but trauma, and how this all wraps up is great! 😊