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Rebels of Ridgecrest High #2
The Lie
The Pact is Over.
And the lies keep building.
The Pact is over.
I’m going to make Mila mine.
She will know how much I love her. Everyday.
I predicted this when I was ten.
Mila Hart destroyed everything.
But I will get it all back…anyway I can.
I couldn’t protect her.
I almost lost her.
I will never be the man she needs.
Everything’s changed.
But I will do anything for them.
I will lie…to protect the ones I love.
And the lies keep building.
The Pact is over.
I’m going to make Mila mine.
She will know how much I love her. Everyday.
I predicted this when I was ten.
Mila Hart destroyed everything.
But I will get it all back…anyway I can.
I couldn’t protect her.
I almost lost her.
I will never be the man she needs.
Everything’s changed.
But I will do anything for them.
I will lie…to protect the ones I love.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
556 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Belle Harper
56 books1,122 followersBelle has an addiction to reading, notebooks, coloured pens and mint chocolate. She lives in the beautiful Australian bush, surrounded by wildlife and the smell of eucalyptus trees. She also has a strong love for all 60’s music, believes she was born in the wrong era and should have been at Woodstock.
If you would like to find out more about Belle, please come like and follow her
Facebook Page or join her facebook group "Author Belle Harper Reading Group"
If you would like to find out more about Belle, please come like and follow her
Facebook Page or join her facebook group "Author Belle Harper Reading Group"
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 26, 2023
Of course I’d fall for the damaged, broken boy with the fucked up home situation.
Jace, meh, haven’t really warmed up to him
Hunter, he’s the caretaker, the one that looks after the ones he loves.
Roman, he loves fiercely and Mila has ensnared him, but to love her has endangered her life.
Even though I'm committed to the end and hae been inhaling these books, like bees to honey she sure does attract the boys with her butterflies. Now throw in the possible step brother who are drawn to each other and are trying to keep it on the straight and narrow things are gonna get messy.
Another cliffy in this book has me jumping into the next. Love not having to wait no matter how big that cliffy.
Jace, meh, haven’t really warmed up to him
Hunter, he’s the caretaker, the one that looks after the ones he loves.
Roman, he loves fiercely and Mila has ensnared him, but to love her has endangered her life.
Even though I'm committed to the end and hae been inhaling these books, like bees to honey she sure does attract the boys with her butterflies. Now throw in the possible step brother who are drawn to each other and are trying to keep it on the straight and narrow things are gonna get messy.
Another cliffy in this book has me jumping into the next. Love not having to wait no matter how big that cliffy.
November 13, 2022
As much as I liked the first book, I didn't like this one.
I don't understand the author's 180 writing choice for Jace. You tell me he was scared to death when he learned Mila was drugged in "The Pact" but in this one, he doesn't care she's badly hurt in a hospital?! Like what?! Britney walked all over him, that wouldn't have happened with the first Jace. He would have shut her up and be there for his brother. This Jace made no sense.
He was more of a secondary character to his own story here and it was confusing because in the first book, the different POVs were balanced neatly.
The Roman's stuff went too far for me. Between the MC, his father, the fights, he's just 16 years old for Lorde's sake.
Why is Asher back in being another option for Mila and why is Grady not one anymore? Grady went from "I have feelings for her" to "I'm just your friend". And the butterflies, gimme a break, Mila had them for Grady and now it's Asher. That changed in a couple of weeks. Will Emerson or the other one give her butterflies in the next two books?
The blurb of the first book let me think it was going to be a slow burn bullies to lovers story but now it feels like a mafia clusterfuck.
I don't understand the author's 180 writing choice for Jace. You tell me he was scared to death when he learned Mila was drugged in "The Pact" but in this one, he doesn't care she's badly hurt in a hospital?! Like what?! Britney walked all over him, that wouldn't have happened with the first Jace. He would have shut her up and be there for his brother. This Jace made no sense.
He was more of a secondary character to his own story here and it was confusing because in the first book, the different POVs were balanced neatly.
The Roman's stuff went too far for me. Between the MC, his father, the fights, he's just 16 years old for Lorde's sake.
Why is Asher back in being another option for Mila and why is Grady not one anymore? Grady went from "I have feelings for her" to "I'm just your friend". And the butterflies, gimme a break, Mila had them for Grady and now it's Asher. That changed in a couple of weeks. Will Emerson or the other one give her butterflies in the next two books?
The blurb of the first book let me think it was going to be a slow burn bullies to lovers story but now it feels like a mafia clusterfuck.
April 23, 2023
Umm. Not even sure where to go with this review. These books are interesting. Like a train wreck- you know it’s not good but you can’t look away. That’s how I feel. I literally cringe when I read some of this- but I have to keep going. I need to see what happens.
Roman. I don’t know. I get his messed up life- but dude. You know people are out to get you and Mila. Did you think that was just gonna go away?
Hunter. He is my jam. I really don’t have anything bad to say about him.
Jace. Kid is also broken. I feel bad for him even though I shouldn’t. He is actually still my favorite.
Mila. I think she is a majority of my issue. I just don’t love her. Her inner dialogue annoys the shiz outta me.
Asher is where it’s at though. And Walker. It’s like they are the only two characters in this book that are actually age appropriate. Horny 16 year old boys? Yes. They fit the bill.
The rest of this book reads like these people are in at least their mid-twenties or older. Like 16 year olds? So bizarre. I have zero issues with Mila and her need to have literally all of the guys- it’s just hard to believe the wacky storyline.
Anyway. Will I read the next one? Obviously.
Roman. I don’t know. I get his messed up life- but dude. You know people are out to get you and Mila. Did you think that was just gonna go away?
Hunter. He is my jam. I really don’t have anything bad to say about him.
Jace. Kid is also broken. I feel bad for him even though I shouldn’t. He is actually still my favorite.
Mila. I think she is a majority of my issue. I just don’t love her. Her inner dialogue annoys the shiz outta me.
Asher is where it’s at though. And Walker. It’s like they are the only two characters in this book that are actually age appropriate. Horny 16 year old boys? Yes. They fit the bill.
The rest of this book reads like these people are in at least their mid-twenties or older. Like 16 year olds? So bizarre. I have zero issues with Mila and her need to have literally all of the guys- it’s just hard to believe the wacky storyline.
Anyway. Will I read the next one? Obviously.
January 22, 2023
2.50 regarding trigger warnings I believe homophobia and outing and slurs should have been added. I was disappointed with this book. Jace was almost a completely different character than he was in the first one.
September 27, 2023
i feel like so much yet also nothing is happening.
the first book i loved, this book was chaotic and not in a good way.
i’m confused as to who the love interest are because one second she’s loving the 3 interests and the next second she’s all over someone else completely WHICH IS FINE but i’m confused if people are going to be added into the harem or what because she literally drools over walker one second and the next she’s like “nah” and the same thing with emerson and grady.
like we need a line somewhere because i’m getting confused 😭
jace felt like he fell off the face of the planet in this one, like he was an asshole the first book but this one he let himself be walked over? like britney walked him like a dog in this one even after what she exposed.
hunter is sweet and roman is a fucking mess and asher is giving me a headache
the first book i loved, this book was chaotic and not in a good way.
i’m confused as to who the love interest are because one second she’s loving the 3 interests and the next second she’s all over someone else completely WHICH IS FINE but i’m confused if people are going to be added into the harem or what because she literally drools over walker one second and the next she’s like “nah” and the same thing with emerson and grady.
like we need a line somewhere because i’m getting confused 😭
jace felt like he fell off the face of the planet in this one, like he was an asshole the first book but this one he let himself be walked over? like britney walked him like a dog in this one even after what she exposed.
hunter is sweet and roman is a fucking mess and asher is giving me a headache
September 13, 2023
Roman is touch starved. Hard not to love him. To death.
Jace is a self centered little prick with mommy and daddy issues. And brother issues. Just kill him. It knock up britney!
Better yet. Kill off brit.
Hunter is the golden retriever of the group.
Asher, is exactly what they say, forbidden fruit.
Grady, I think would make a great sandwich!
I think they should all be together.
Jace is a self centered little prick with mommy and daddy issues. And brother issues. Just kill him. It knock up britney!
Better yet. Kill off brit.
Hunter is the golden retriever of the group.
Asher, is exactly what they say, forbidden fruit.
Grady, I think would make a great sandwich!
I think they should all be together.
February 9, 2026
Book rating overall: 4 ⭐️
Story/writing: 3.75 ⭐️
Characters: 3.75 ⭐️
Enjoyment: 4 ⭐️
Spice and enjoyment of the spice: 1🌶️/3 🌋
Main characters: Mila, Jace, Hunter, and Roman.
Tropes: NA, childhood friends to lovers, enemies/friends to lovers, second chance, sports, low angst, coming of age, why choose and light bully.
The Lie is a more enjoyable book than the first!
These books are interesting. You know it’s not the best book you have read, but you can’t stop reading.
Roman is my favorite. I always like the tall gentle giants.
Also I did feel for him! He is a damaged, broken and his home situation is terrible.
Nobody deserves this kind of shit!
Hunter, is my second choice as book boyfriend lol!
He’s HOT, the caretaker and the one that looks after the ones he loves.
Jace, also broken. And in this book a real jerk!
Mila. I think she is just OK! I just don’t love her. Her inner dialogue annoys me.
She attracts boys like bees to honey and she doesn't know what her feelings are.
On this rate she will ending with too much boyfriends lol!
Like all why choose series there is another cliffy.
Why settle with two books if you can write four books? I am jumping into the next book and hopefully it will surprise me again.
Are there any positive things to say about this book? Sure.
- This would be a good first book to try a why choose book.
- The sex is there, but it's on the lighter side.
Would I recommend? Maybe
Would I reread this book? No
Would I read something else from this author? Yes, because I liked her "New Moon" series.
Hopefully my review will help you decide whether you want to read this book.
Disclaimer:
This review is based on my own reading experience, thoughts, reading style and likes.
So always check en read more reviews, too make a fair decision.
Story/writing: 3.75 ⭐️
Characters: 3.75 ⭐️
Enjoyment: 4 ⭐️
Spice and enjoyment of the spice: 1🌶️/3 🌋
Main characters: Mila, Jace, Hunter, and Roman.
Tropes: NA, childhood friends to lovers, enemies/friends to lovers, second chance, sports, low angst, coming of age, why choose and light bully.
The Lie is a more enjoyable book than the first!
These books are interesting. You know it’s not the best book you have read, but you can’t stop reading.
Roman is my favorite. I always like the tall gentle giants.
Also I did feel for him! He is a damaged, broken and his home situation is terrible.
Nobody deserves this kind of shit!
Hunter, is my second choice as book boyfriend lol!
He’s HOT, the caretaker and the one that looks after the ones he loves.
Jace, also broken. And in this book a real jerk!
Mila. I think she is just OK! I just don’t love her. Her inner dialogue annoys me.
She attracts boys like bees to honey and she doesn't know what her feelings are.
On this rate she will ending with too much boyfriends lol!
Like all why choose series there is another cliffy.
Why settle with two books if you can write four books? I am jumping into the next book and hopefully it will surprise me again.
Are there any positive things to say about this book? Sure.
- This would be a good first book to try a why choose book.
- The sex is there, but it's on the lighter side.
Would I recommend? Maybe
Would I reread this book? No
Would I read something else from this author? Yes, because I liked her "New Moon" series.
Hopefully my review will help you decide whether you want to read this book.
Disclaimer:
This review is based on my own reading experience, thoughts, reading style and likes.
So always check en read more reviews, too make a fair decision.
November 27, 2023
Book: The Lie
Read By: Ebook
Author: Belle Harper
Genre: Reverse Harem, Dark Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I got introduced to this author after I attended Babe. And let me tell you I love her writing style. This is the 3rd series I have read by her now, and I loved them all.
“I love you, Mila Hart. Always have, always will. I’m yours.” My heart races at the words. He’s never said that before. No one has ever said that to me. My breath hitches as I pull his face to mine and kiss him softly. I draw away, tracing his lips with my thumb, and look into his eyes. “I love you, Hunter West. Always have and always will.”
Book two was just as good as book 1. I was totally invested in the group dynamics now. Granted I wanted to kill Jace, and not allow him into the Harem after his act. I mean seriously I wouldn't forgive him at all.
“You want me to fuck you hard? I can do that. Faster? I can make you scream my name so loud the whole house will know your pussy is wrapped around my cock. I can spank your ass and play with your clit, then watch you fall over the edge…over and over until you’re satisfied. And only then will I stop.”
As for Roman he is the dominant one of the group for sure, I feel like he is the main MC of the men. I'm not sure if that’s how it's meant to be but that's how I read it, but for me, he is the M before the FMMM.
Is Roman a virgin? No. There’s no way. “Was that your first time?” I ask hesitantly, not wanting to ruin this moment by asking him. He nods, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he sits up a little. He reaches for me. I move up and kiss him. He reaches for my head and pulls me in closer. “I saved all my firsts for you, Mila.”
I highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
This review is for all three out of four books in this series. This is my first time reading Belle Harper books, and I have to say, her books don't disappoint. For a why chose/enimes to lovers/ friends to lovers kind of book.
(This book talks about a lot of everyday things that can happen, trigger warning: child abuse, talks about gangs/mob, profanity, sexual content, mfm scenes.)
Mila is back in town after four years away. Her mom made her move with her when she left her father. Her mother has always kind of ignored her and been mean to her.
Her besties (Jace, Hunter, and Roman) are still mad at her for not keeping in touch. They have dealt with it in their own ways.
These series go in depth the relationships between friends (Mila & the besties) and how they figure out how to all together. How she learns her dad is dating and she meets her future stepbrother Asher.
A lot of drama unfolds with Roman's dad, and then Roman has to deal like he's always had it (dad's a druggie).
It's definitely a series you don't wanna miss out on! Book three does end on a cliffhanger, but book four comes out February 28th!
Overall rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
(This book talks about a lot of everyday things that can happen, trigger warning: child abuse, talks about gangs/mob, profanity, sexual content, mfm scenes.)
Mila is back in town after four years away. Her mom made her move with her when she left her father. Her mother has always kind of ignored her and been mean to her.
Her besties (Jace, Hunter, and Roman) are still mad at her for not keeping in touch. They have dealt with it in their own ways.
These series go in depth the relationships between friends (Mila & the besties) and how they figure out how to all together. How she learns her dad is dating and she meets her future stepbrother Asher.
A lot of drama unfolds with Roman's dad, and then Roman has to deal like he's always had it (dad's a druggie).
It's definitely a series you don't wanna miss out on! Book three does end on a cliffhanger, but book four comes out February 28th!
Overall rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
November 8, 2022
Wow, these characters just keep getting better and better. I love Mila and her strong character and these boys steal your heart, well all but one.
October 7, 2022
ugh idk
It was physically painful in parts… why does Roman have to go through so much? Why does Mila get treated as a literal punching bag? Why are we forgiving Jace so quickly? There’s no way he’s has real remorse. I wanted to know how the first one ended and now with this ending… I don’t know if I care to see what happens.
It was physically painful in parts… why does Roman have to go through so much? Why does Mila get treated as a literal punching bag? Why are we forgiving Jace so quickly? There’s no way he’s has real remorse. I wanted to know how the first one ended and now with this ending… I don’t know if I care to see what happens.
July 14, 2023
Idk how these are rated so high, but they are weirdly addictive
April 4, 2025
TW: *Cheating. HOMOPHOBIA and homophobic slurs and remarks by a side character as well as allusions to homophobic bullying or ostracism to a semi-main character.
*admittedly debatable cheating. But for me it was close enough that it soured my whole stomach. No offense to those who like the trope. More info below.
I have been loving the story so far, even though I have majorly aged them up in my head, lol.
However…. Gunna need some serious Jace groveling because if not I will never be cool with him basically cheating in revenge for a KISS, and letting that same person he cheated WITH, out his brother. It was disgusting, and honestly even if he grovels I don’t think I’ll ever have my heart set with him in the group ever again.
Also FMC gets almost killed and is put into a medically induced coma. Guess who refuses to go see her or hear how she’s doing. OVER A KISS SHE WAS HONEST ABOUT WHEN THEY WERENT TOGETHER
There ain’t enough thurrapy on this planet for him
—
I know cheating is debatable since they weren’t committed or together, but she WAS back home for an entire book and all the moments after with him wanting to be with her and call her his and… yeh. She was honest about a spontaneous kiss she had with someone else and that ‘shattered’ his heart. So he intentionally gets a BJ (and possibly more) with the FMC’s bully outside her window so she can see. Makes EYE CONTACT with her and uses their childhood walkie talkie so she hears him saying the other woman’s name, too.
Again.. they weren’t together officially but for ME? Him thinking how much she’s his and he loves her..? And he is able to just sleep around that easily while being in love? I don’t know. I reaaally don’t know if I can do it.
It takes him an entire book to even REALLY talk to and apologize to his brother about his sexuality being outed by that SAME WOMAN. To an entire half of the school in a parking lot. And his brother is very much treated differently at school because of it. Including him being nervous and scared to go into the locker rooms or other members of the team giving him stares like they expect him to “watch them undress”.
Semi-cheating for a PETTY REASON and allowing homophobia to perpetuate PERIOD much less to his own brother?? Boy bye
I sincerely hope more happens than just him finally apologizing (“I’m sorry for taking everything out on you..”) and her saying “I forgive you.”
Cause that’s what happened at 98%. And they all go to lunch together and the FMC is pleased he looks “happier and more like his old self”. Scuse meeee??
Will update if my feelings change after the next book buuut. Idk. And I actually can’t tell yet who all is end game in the love group, which is a surprise.
*admittedly debatable cheating. But for me it was close enough that it soured my whole stomach. No offense to those who like the trope. More info below.
I have been loving the story so far, even though I have majorly aged them up in my head, lol.
However…. Gunna need some serious Jace groveling because if not I will never be cool with him basically cheating in revenge for a KISS, and letting that same person he cheated WITH, out his brother. It was disgusting, and honestly even if he grovels I don’t think I’ll ever have my heart set with him in the group ever again.
Also FMC gets almost killed and is put into a medically induced coma. Guess who refuses to go see her or hear how she’s doing. OVER A KISS SHE WAS HONEST ABOUT WHEN THEY WERENT TOGETHER
There ain’t enough thurrapy on this planet for him
—
I know cheating is debatable since they weren’t committed or together, but she WAS back home for an entire book and all the moments after with him wanting to be with her and call her his and… yeh. She was honest about a spontaneous kiss she had with someone else and that ‘shattered’ his heart. So he intentionally gets a BJ (and possibly more) with the FMC’s bully outside her window so she can see. Makes EYE CONTACT with her and uses their childhood walkie talkie so she hears him saying the other woman’s name, too.
Again.. they weren’t together officially but for ME? Him thinking how much she’s his and he loves her..? And he is able to just sleep around that easily while being in love? I don’t know. I reaaally don’t know if I can do it.
It takes him an entire book to even REALLY talk to and apologize to his brother about his sexuality being outed by that SAME WOMAN. To an entire half of the school in a parking lot. And his brother is very much treated differently at school because of it. Including him being nervous and scared to go into the locker rooms or other members of the team giving him stares like they expect him to “watch them undress”.
Semi-cheating for a PETTY REASON and allowing homophobia to perpetuate PERIOD much less to his own brother?? Boy bye
I sincerely hope more happens than just him finally apologizing (“I’m sorry for taking everything out on you..”) and her saying “I forgive you.”
Cause that’s what happened at 98%. And they all go to lunch together and the FMC is pleased he looks “happier and more like his old self”. Scuse meeee??
Will update if my feelings change after the next book buuut. Idk. And I actually can’t tell yet who all is end game in the love group, which is a surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
Good things first:
-I really like that Mila didn't take Jace's bullshit;
-The sex scenes were some of the first that I saw that it was just normal sex. What do I mean? The girl had fun, enjoyed herself, and for that, she didn't need to be submissive, a "good girl", or a puppet in general, but also she wasn't all dome. It was one of the most realistic sex interactions that I've read, where both had autonomy and not just "do what I say". Don't get me wrong, kink stuff is nice too, but basically EVERY book when it comes to this part is JUST kinky, so it was nice to see a change. It was also realistic in the sense that they guys weren't "monsters" or "sex machines", because we girls know that is not the majority; usually the guy comes way before the girl, which is completely normal, or bodies work differently.
Now the bad:
All the rest, honestly, I skipped a lot of chapters or read just some stuff; it really didn't make me that interested, but I was kind of expecting since the second half of the first book went downhill.
Also, everyone knows that even though you are with someone and love them, you CAN find other people hot, but the way it keeps being described? That's just weird; it seems that the FL wants everyone, which is fine if she has a completely open relationship, but being what it is, is just...I don't even know; it just makes her seem shallow.
-I really like that Mila didn't take Jace's bullshit;
-The sex scenes were some of the first that I saw that it was just normal sex. What do I mean? The girl had fun, enjoyed herself, and for that, she didn't need to be submissive, a "good girl", or a puppet in general, but also she wasn't all dome. It was one of the most realistic sex interactions that I've read, where both had autonomy and not just "do what I say". Don't get me wrong, kink stuff is nice too, but basically EVERY book when it comes to this part is JUST kinky, so it was nice to see a change. It was also realistic in the sense that they guys weren't "monsters" or "sex machines", because we girls know that is not the majority; usually the guy comes way before the girl, which is completely normal, or bodies work differently.
Now the bad:
All the rest, honestly, I skipped a lot of chapters or read just some stuff; it really didn't make me that interested, but I was kind of expecting since the second half of the first book went downhill.
Also, everyone knows that even though you are with someone and love them, you CAN find other people hot, but the way it keeps being described? That's just weird; it seems that the FL wants everyone, which is fine if she has a completely open relationship, but being what it is, is just...I don't even know; it just makes her seem shallow.
September 20, 2022
Man this series just keeps getting better. I love Mila so much. Jace was pretty much on my ish list the entire book I really needed him to pull his head out of his butt I couldn't believe how he was acting. UGH... But then his moment came and my heart thawed a bit for him. Him and Mila have this really special bond and while it may be a little bent right now maybe even slightly cracked it is not broken and I really need them to mend it back together because they belong with one another along with Roman and Hunter. JFC did my heart ache for Roman and everything he is going through and then with what happened to Mila broke my heart. Keeping secrets always makes everything worse. I love how Mila would do anything and everything to protect her guys which is exactly what she did and I love her even more for it. My emotions were all over the place with this one. Also can we talk about the fire that Mila, Hunter and Roman are... Lord help me... This was an amazing read and I seriously cannot wait to get my greedy hands on the next one I need to know how everything is going to play out because I still feel like things are barely scratching the surface and it about to get a whole lot crazier.
February 21, 2023
Not as strong as the first book for me but I am on to the next one
Mila is recovering from the accident and Hunter has been there every step of the way. Roman stays away in the hopes he is keeping them safe and Jace stays away because he doesn’t know how to not be an ass.
This one was an emotional rollercoaster but not sure if it was one I completely enjoyed. First book was an easy 4 star read for me. But this one felt watered down. I didn’t like the multiple interests in different guys at this point. Is she into this guy or that guy? I though they were just friends? And then what happened to only 3 giving her butterflies? I like my romance pretty obvious who the love interests are, even in dark romances you can tell, so that might be a me problem with the book. So for me it lost a star. I still enjoyed it and I still loved the flashbacks.
We see more of the guy’s home lives and their characters were deeper in this one and Roman’s home life hurt every time it came back to it. And then you find out why he doesn’t kiss or touch? Uh, Hunter was my fave just because he was instantly team Mila and now he is tied with Roman, took most of the book but Roman redeemed himself for me.
Why can’t Mila have guy friends that aren’t into her?????
Mila is recovering from the accident and Hunter has been there every step of the way. Roman stays away in the hopes he is keeping them safe and Jace stays away because he doesn’t know how to not be an ass.
This one was an emotional rollercoaster but not sure if it was one I completely enjoyed. First book was an easy 4 star read for me. But this one felt watered down. I didn’t like the multiple interests in different guys at this point. Is she into this guy or that guy? I though they were just friends? And then what happened to only 3 giving her butterflies? I like my romance pretty obvious who the love interests are, even in dark romances you can tell, so that might be a me problem with the book. So for me it lost a star. I still enjoyed it and I still loved the flashbacks.
We see more of the guy’s home lives and their characters were deeper in this one and Roman’s home life hurt every time it came back to it. And then you find out why he doesn’t kiss or touch? Uh, Hunter was my fave just because he was instantly team Mila and now he is tied with Roman, took most of the book but Roman redeemed himself for me.
Why can’t Mila have guy friends that aren’t into her?????
June 29, 2023
Okay, so this book solidified that I actually do like the heroine... which, for me is kinda rare.
Once again, the plot is alright, I like the characters and the angst. However, I needed more groveling from Jace. He was the literally the antihero of this book, and for what... because he's self-destructive? He def went way too far. I also really liked Roman, but I'm a bit confused about his change in mind to be with Mila. Like sis got licked by a car and he still refused here. I understand what happened with his dad changed him however with his logic she was still in danger so why be with her now and not before? Anyways, the last thing I didn't like was how everyone was into Mila and she found every male in her life hot. I get it she's flirty but cmon, she's kissed 4 boys, is feeling "butterflies' for another and flirting with 2 more. Seriously, I couldn't even count on one hand all of her love interests.
Also, as I'm turning 18 soon it's a bit weird reading about a 16 year old girl being with so many people. Really wished her relationships started at atleast 17 and well, it could have spanned into her adulthood. With all that being said, I still found this book very engaging and it kept my interest.
Once again, the plot is alright, I like the characters and the angst. However, I needed more groveling from Jace. He was the literally the antihero of this book, and for what... because he's self-destructive? He def went way too far. I also really liked Roman, but I'm a bit confused about his change in mind to be with Mila. Like sis got licked by a car and he still refused here. I understand what happened with his dad changed him however with his logic she was still in danger so why be with her now and not before? Anyways, the last thing I didn't like was how everyone was into Mila and she found every male in her life hot. I get it she's flirty but cmon, she's kissed 4 boys, is feeling "butterflies' for another and flirting with 2 more. Seriously, I couldn't even count on one hand all of her love interests.
Also, as I'm turning 18 soon it's a bit weird reading about a 16 year old girl being with so many people. Really wished her relationships started at atleast 17 and well, it could have spanned into her adulthood. With all that being said, I still found this book very engaging and it kept my interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
What started as a sweet high school romance has turned a few shades darker.
With the underground fight ring, drug deals, mafia and more happening here its no wonder these characters are a tad strung out.
We are still here with our core four - although after the dirty trick Jace pulled on Mila he can stay on the outs as long as possible. Sub in Asher I say.
Anyway - the story continues with us hating Roman's situation, feeling bad for Hunter, wishing Jace would wake up to himself and wondering if maybe Walker wants to join the fun? Emerson was on the fence but think he's out now too.
I just want to give roman a big hug, he deserves better.
Anyway, I have to keep reading as I am invested and the narrators have done a fabulous job!
I do think I missed listing a few triggers last time though...
Homophobia / slurs
Outing someone out of spite
Underground fight ring
Abuse
Attempted SA (book one)
I actually don't even remember exactly what The Lie was ... but I am moving onto book three, The Game!
With the underground fight ring, drug deals, mafia and more happening here its no wonder these characters are a tad strung out.
We are still here with our core four - although after the dirty trick Jace pulled on Mila he can stay on the outs as long as possible. Sub in Asher I say.
Anyway - the story continues with us hating Roman's situation, feeling bad for Hunter, wishing Jace would wake up to himself and wondering if maybe Walker wants to join the fun? Emerson was on the fence but think he's out now too.
I just want to give roman a big hug, he deserves better.
Anyway, I have to keep reading as I am invested and the narrators have done a fabulous job!
I do think I missed listing a few triggers last time though...
Homophobia / slurs
Outing someone out of spite
Underground fight ring
Abuse
Attempted SA (book one)
I actually don't even remember exactly what The Lie was ... but I am moving onto book three, The Game!
September 21, 2022
Ahhhhhh I'm not going to Lie, I devoured this book within 2 hours of downloading it. Thankfully it picks up basically right where The Pact left off. I will say this I may or may not be mad at Mrs. Harper right now. Hopefully we won't have to wait to long for book three.
I still like Mila in this book. She definitely still made me Crack up at times. And I loved watching her relationship with Hunter grow and even Roman.
As I just mentioned I loved seeing Mila's relationship grow with her guys. Now I expected more from Jace, some groveling or something, something more. In this book all he did was just tick me off more and I feel like Mila let him off the hook way way way too easily. At this point Asher, Walker, Grady, heck even Emerson would be a much better choice for Mila's Harem.
Anyways I did really enjoy this book and will sit patiently or not so patiently wait for book three!!!
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!
I still like Mila in this book. She definitely still made me Crack up at times. And I loved watching her relationship with Hunter grow and even Roman.
As I just mentioned I loved seeing Mila's relationship grow with her guys. Now I expected more from Jace, some groveling or something, something more. In this book all he did was just tick me off more and I feel like Mila let him off the hook way way way too easily. At this point Asher, Walker, Grady, heck even Emerson would be a much better choice for Mila's Harem.
Anyways I did really enjoy this book and will sit patiently or not so patiently wait for book three!!!
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!
October 24, 2024
This book was fine. I guess I don’t even know there’s a whole lot of nothing going on to be honest.
There’s no real progression in the relationships there’s no sex really I don’t even know, like I said there’s a whole lot of nothing going on.
And unfortunately, and this is my mistake. I didn’t look to the fourth book in the series to see if it has any MM in it. I usually always do that because they’re assholes who don’t put it in the description in the first book. So I always have to be a sleuth and try and find out before I read a series. And this time I didn’t look further into the series. But I just found out, and I hate MM especially random MM that comes out of fucking nowhere and ruins beautiful relationships. So this will be my last book of the series.
Mila and Roman forever ♾️❤️🔥💕 in my mind the two of them end up together and ride off into the sunset and love happily ever after.
There’s no real progression in the relationships there’s no sex really I don’t even know, like I said there’s a whole lot of nothing going on.
And unfortunately, and this is my mistake. I didn’t look to the fourth book in the series to see if it has any MM in it. I usually always do that because they’re assholes who don’t put it in the description in the first book. So I always have to be a sleuth and try and find out before I read a series. And this time I didn’t look further into the series. But I just found out, and I hate MM especially random MM that comes out of fucking nowhere and ruins beautiful relationships. So this will be my last book of the series.
Mila and Roman forever ♾️❤️🔥💕 in my mind the two of them end up together and ride off into the sunset and love happily ever after.
July 11, 2023
Not Smutty enough..
Book two is better than book one. It's not dark if I had to give it a number on the scale of one being not dark five being dark I would give it like a two and a half. Yes it's a reverse harem the story flows are very well. Friendships are being tested there is a big lie that Roman Hunter and Mila have to keep. Jace is out of the picture for right now but he slowly is making his way back. The butterflies that Mila feels for the three boys that was her best friends growing up have now flooded over to another person which you learn is Asher. Will she make a move on those feelings she has for him or has she friends with him because of the positions they are both in? The crying family that has Roman wrapped around their finger is now watching Mila and everything is going to crash and burn as though it seems
Book two is better than book one. It's not dark if I had to give it a number on the scale of one being not dark five being dark I would give it like a two and a half. Yes it's a reverse harem the story flows are very well. Friendships are being tested there is a big lie that Roman Hunter and Mila have to keep. Jace is out of the picture for right now but he slowly is making his way back. The butterflies that Mila feels for the three boys that was her best friends growing up have now flooded over to another person which you learn is Asher. Will she make a move on those feelings she has for him or has she friends with him because of the positions they are both in? The crying family that has Roman wrapped around their finger is now watching Mila and everything is going to crash and burn as though it seems
May 7, 2025
I'm not as forgiving
For me, Jace is out, Asher is in. Ugh, I hate that Mila just decided to forgive him when he hasn't really groveled enough.
Also, yay butterflies! I think/hope that I'm getting my wish about Asher. Is it too greedy to want Walker too, now that we know the chance with Grady is slim? Or maybe Emerson? 😩🥵
Roman's trouble is escalating and I am anxious to get that resolved. At first, I yelled at him for being stupid about not asking for help from anyone but I remembered that they're supposed to be 16-year-olds only. They're just kids so I can't expect him to be able to get it all figured out. Btw, I would've totally done what Mila did for someone I loved like that.
Hunter being the first to become Mila's boyfriend of the three is so well-deserved. He's funny, flirty, caring, and sweet. It's easy to fall for a guy like him.
For me, Jace is out, Asher is in. Ugh, I hate that Mila just decided to forgive him when he hasn't really groveled enough.
Also, yay butterflies! I think/hope that I'm getting my wish about Asher. Is it too greedy to want Walker too, now that we know the chance with Grady is slim? Or maybe Emerson? 😩🥵
Roman's trouble is escalating and I am anxious to get that resolved. At first, I yelled at him for being stupid about not asking for help from anyone but I remembered that they're supposed to be 16-year-olds only. They're just kids so I can't expect him to be able to get it all figured out. Btw, I would've totally done what Mila did for someone I loved like that.
Hunter being the first to become Mila's boyfriend of the three is so well-deserved. He's funny, flirty, caring, and sweet. It's easy to fall for a guy like him.
March 29, 2023
I’ve waited a long time for this series to be completed before I started reading and I’m so glad I did because I cannot put this series down. I love a good ex-best friends story and this one is perfect. I was sad with Jaces character the whole book he was a non factor so I’m hoping that in the next book he will have the time and story line to shine. This is also one of the only RH stories where I’m desperate for her to be with even more guys. I normally find myself annoyed if the group is over 4 people this is the only time when I have genuinely liked 6-7 guys I think could be with her. For the most part I’m just desperate for more. More drama, more relationships, more funny moments, and more flashbacks.
April 15, 2025
Sometimes a series comes across your FYP and you have to drop everything and read it. This was that for me!!! @authorbelleharper wrote a series that is both heartbreaking and beautiful, sweet and spicy, and a sign that when you know you know.
Mila is forced to leave her best friends when she is 12. She moves to New York with her mom who doesn’t really care for her. Mila is then shipped back to her dad when she is 16. She can’t wait to see Jace, her neighbor since birth, Hunter, her friend since kindergarten and Roman, her friend since 1st grade when he pushed Jace and Hunter down. She thinks they will welcome her back only they are hurt by her leaving and her not contacting them. Will they listen to her? Will they welcome her back? Also what will happen when she starts to have butterflies for her soon to be step brother Asher!
This was amazing!
Mila is forced to leave her best friends when she is 12. She moves to New York with her mom who doesn’t really care for her. Mila is then shipped back to her dad when she is 16. She can’t wait to see Jace, her neighbor since birth, Hunter, her friend since kindergarten and Roman, her friend since 1st grade when he pushed Jace and Hunter down. She thinks they will welcome her back only they are hurt by her leaving and her not contacting them. Will they listen to her? Will they welcome her back? Also what will happen when she starts to have butterflies for her soon to be step brother Asher!
This was amazing!
February 22, 2023
to be completely honest, this was a bit of a letdown from the first book. the tension at the end of the first book was so high, and i was really anticipating this book, but i feel like it followed the exact same ideas and plotlines as the first book, and there really wasn't anything achieved. also, what the fuck is up with jace? really thought he'd turn pure and good in this book, but hes still a little dick bag? disappointing. i might check out the third book in the future, but i dont feel really pushed to, so i guess well see. i like roman though, so a least theres that. hes a really good and complex character, so i hope he stays good in the last books.
April 21, 2023
The storyline went nuts for me in comparison to the last book. It sort of seems like the author is trying to fit ALL the romance tropes into one series (mafia, sports, biker, stepbrother, virgin, best friends). I also dislike when someone is added to the harem when the others aren’t on board. I can feel that Asher will be added and it seems a bit disloyal to Hunter when he’s expressed his concerns about Asher hitting on Mila. *sigh* I just also can’t get down with high school drama, and that’s on me bc it’s clearly a high school book ha. I will unfortunately not be reading the rest of this series.
June 29, 2023
This one is wasn’t quite as good in some ways as the first- Mila survives her ordeal (poor tormented Roman 😕)…and what’s up with Jace? The deal with Gabe? And speaking of Gabe…ugh. Asher? Stepbro is a rather predictable kink. This is a why YA + RH/WC novels are difficult when commitment isn’t built into the plot like other series I’ve read (usually with moral commitment or Fates involvement). Despite Mila’s efforts to balance her love interests- they are all hormonal teens who make poor decisions. Can we all mourn over the walkie talkie scene though? I feel like that was a turning point. Hopefully book 3 will balance things out!
November 11, 2025
(Audible) Another epic ride. I just don't understand "the lie" they told. It seems unnecessary. Self-defense is self-defense. But okay. Let's roll with it. The story is still really good, even though I am confused by certain characters behaviors, the plot thickens and keeps you coming back for more. This one is also left on a cliffhanger. Roman is still caught up in the wrong crowd and Mila is the way to keep him under thumb. Their lives are being threatened, but instead of getting authorities involved, Roman will probably just keep fighting - and Mila will probably keep collecting her harem. Wouldn't be a fun filled, action packed, wild ride otherwise!
September 26, 2022
Lies and truths
Belle Harper has walked us back into the world of Hunter, Roman, Mila and Jace. Their paths are being torn away from eachother, as they fight with everything they can to get back to those four kids who live eachother. Darkness surrounding them on all sides, had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what came at then next. Just when I think they are safe and happy... watch out for the cliff, its coming. Incredible part two, cannot wait for the next one.
Belle Harper has walked us back into the world of Hunter, Roman, Mila and Jace. Their paths are being torn away from eachother, as they fight with everything they can to get back to those four kids who live eachother. Darkness surrounding them on all sides, had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what came at then next. Just when I think they are safe and happy... watch out for the cliff, its coming. Incredible part two, cannot wait for the next one.
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