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Oakmount Elite #3
The Prey
Filthy rich. Monstrous. Vile.
He calls me prey.
I call him a bully.
Sebastian Arturo isn’t just cruel, he’s downright terrifying.
With piercing green eyes, a body made for doing very bad things, and a charming demeanor, it’s no wonder everyone thinks the world of him… everyone except me.
When I wake up with pieces of my memory missing he’s the only one who can give me answers.
But he doesn't give me answers, instead he tells me to stop asking questions, or else...
I heed his warning and do my best to avoid him but since he’s my boss and I live in his house that's kinda difficult.
Then one night his hate for me reaches its breaking point... and the lines blur.
Hate twists into lustful obsession.
His cruel words become seductive praises.
One touch sparks a raging inferno of desire, and I find myself burned to ash beneath his fingertips.
Just when I think I'll finally find happiness my memories return bringing with them a vicious truth.
Turns out the man I’m falling for isn't who I thought he was... and escape isn''t an option.
He has me right where he wants, caught in a trap, just like prey.
** This is a standalone, however for better reading enjoyment please consider starting with The Wallflower before reading The Prey. Again this is a dark romance novel, but does contain a happily ever after. It also contains triggering material, and adult content. Please do not start reading till you check the trigger warning at the beginning of the book. **
He calls me prey.
I call him a bully.
Sebastian Arturo isn’t just cruel, he’s downright terrifying.
With piercing green eyes, a body made for doing very bad things, and a charming demeanor, it’s no wonder everyone thinks the world of him… everyone except me.
When I wake up with pieces of my memory missing he’s the only one who can give me answers.
But he doesn't give me answers, instead he tells me to stop asking questions, or else...
I heed his warning and do my best to avoid him but since he’s my boss and I live in his house that's kinda difficult.
Then one night his hate for me reaches its breaking point... and the lines blur.
Hate twists into lustful obsession.
His cruel words become seductive praises.
One touch sparks a raging inferno of desire, and I find myself burned to ash beneath his fingertips.
Just when I think I'll finally find happiness my memories return bringing with them a vicious truth.
Turns out the man I’m falling for isn't who I thought he was... and escape isn''t an option.
He has me right where he wants, caught in a trap, just like prey.
** This is a standalone, however for better reading enjoyment please consider starting with The Wallflower before reading The Prey. Again this is a dark romance novel, but does contain a happily ever after. It also contains triggering material, and adult content. Please do not start reading till you check the trigger warning at the beginning of the book. **
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2024
1761 people are currently reading
5160 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
235 books7,192 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews
March 22, 2025
Don’t come for me…. Let me explain myself….
I know this one is everyone’s favorite and I thought was going to be mine too since Sebastian intrigued me since the first duet. The problem is, I saw all the strength, dominance and power the author wrote about him in the first duet, slowly diminished. And why was that? It’s not because we are slowly leaning what happen to him, but it’s because you don’t write a RUTHLESS powerful man and than make him look so powerless in his own book. For example, why the hell he accepted Tonya back in his house when he knows exactly who she is and what she is capable of? The Sebastian from the first duet would’ve thrown her out and dealt with the consequences, not literally allow her to act like the queen of the castle ! So stupid….. also ONE SCENE changed my rate from 4.5 to 3 and it was when Seb sees the pregnancy test with Ely. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING irritates me more in books than the fish out of water response. I can’t stand when a person asks you something in a bad situation and the author writes the other person only opening and closing their mouth “unable” to say anything to defend themselves, the “I couldn’t speak, my mouth wasn’t working type of thing” is so ridiculous to me that I automatically dropped 1 point of the rate. I understand that this happens a lot in books but when if is in a life or death situation or a super top secret and they person literally can’t say anything is different, but the stupid ones like “I couldn’t say anything “ just for the heck of it’s just ridiculous. Also in the first duet Seb was so smart, calculating everything and being one step ahead, and in his own book it seems like he has no control of anything and all he does is drink and growl. Drew in the Wallflower duet made me feel for him, because he was in a awful situation and he was doing all the wrong things BECAUSE his piece of shit of a father was holding his mother’s life against him. So you see all his conflict and pain and how tortured he was. On the other hand here in this book Sebastian manages to irritate me, I don’t even feel bad for him with the Tonya situation because the writer did not write him as a tortured soul like she did with Drew, so my sympathy is non existent.
Now let’s go to Ely. She also irked me. Her whole story is supposed to make you like her because the poor thing suffer. But the thing is , she also seemed very stupid at times, she doesn’t have a backbone and she her personality didn’t do anything for me.
Now I do like the plot and the story is cool, but I found myself more interested in what is going on with Lee and wanting to know things about him, it looks like his book will break me. Also I wanted more crumbs of my favorite psycho, Drew. I love him. Still I am reading now the second book in the duet and everything can change, and I might come with a stellar review of the second one, who knows ? 😂😂😂
I know this one is everyone’s favorite and I thought was going to be mine too since Sebastian intrigued me since the first duet. The problem is, I saw all the strength, dominance and power the author wrote about him in the first duet, slowly diminished. And why was that? It’s not because we are slowly leaning what happen to him, but it’s because you don’t write a RUTHLESS powerful man and than make him look so powerless in his own book. For example, why the hell he accepted Tonya back in his house when he knows exactly who she is and what she is capable of? The Sebastian from the first duet would’ve thrown her out and dealt with the consequences, not literally allow her to act like the queen of the castle ! So stupid….. also ONE SCENE changed my rate from 4.5 to 3 and it was when Seb sees the pregnancy test with Ely. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING irritates me more in books than the fish out of water response. I can’t stand when a person asks you something in a bad situation and the author writes the other person only opening and closing their mouth “unable” to say anything to defend themselves, the “I couldn’t speak, my mouth wasn’t working type of thing” is so ridiculous to me that I automatically dropped 1 point of the rate. I understand that this happens a lot in books but when if is in a life or death situation or a super top secret and they person literally can’t say anything is different, but the stupid ones like “I couldn’t say anything “ just for the heck of it’s just ridiculous. Also in the first duet Seb was so smart, calculating everything and being one step ahead, and in his own book it seems like he has no control of anything and all he does is drink and growl. Drew in the Wallflower duet made me feel for him, because he was in a awful situation and he was doing all the wrong things BECAUSE his piece of shit of a father was holding his mother’s life against him. So you see all his conflict and pain and how tortured he was. On the other hand here in this book Sebastian manages to irritate me, I don’t even feel bad for him with the Tonya situation because the writer did not write him as a tortured soul like she did with Drew, so my sympathy is non existent.
Now let’s go to Ely. She also irked me. Her whole story is supposed to make you like her because the poor thing suffer. But the thing is , she also seemed very stupid at times, she doesn’t have a backbone and she her personality didn’t do anything for me.
Now I do like the plot and the story is cool, but I found myself more interested in what is going on with Lee and wanting to know things about him, it looks like his book will break me. Also I wanted more crumbs of my favorite psycho, Drew. I love him. Still I am reading now the second book in the duet and everything can change, and I might come with a stellar review of the second one, who knows ? 😂😂😂
August 4, 2024
4.5 STARS
Well, Elyse, I definitely already knew that much. Sebastian was a deliciously intriguing secondary character in The Wallflower & The Wildflower. But as an MC, this man is in a league of his own and I worship at his alter.
Now I definitely liked Drew and Bel's book, but I went absolutely FERAL for Sebastian. When I tell you that the first chapter grabs you by the throat, I mean brace yourself. Because holy moly! But I digress. I loved seeing Sebastian's protective big brother side in The Wildflower, but seeing his dark and deranged side in his own book wa s an experience unparalleled.
We don't quite know the full details of how, but Elyse ends up working as a maid for Sebastian to work off her father's debt. Her past is shrouded in mystery as are the full circumstance of how she came to work for Sebastian. All you know is that he hates her as much as he wants her, and the more he wants her, the harder he pushes her away with his a-hole behavior. And this reader was here for every second of it.
Now Sebastian is one fascinating, multilayered character that I couldn't get enough of. He may be an entitled a-hole to Elyse, but beneath the suits and the money is the dark soul of a man who went through hell himself. And while we only get snippets of what made him the way he is, you. just know that when the full history is revealed, it will hurt so good.
Sebastian fights his attraction to Elyse at every turn, until it becomes unbearable and her past comes knocking on his door. There is still a lot of unknown and I ended the book with more questions than answers, but I can tell you that I absolutely devoured this story.
Elyse is a perfect dichotomy of silent strength and vulnerability. Her circumstance puts her in an impossible position where she will never come out the victor, but she is no pushover, and I loved that about her. When we finally get more morsels about her past, I was absolutely rabid for more. But in true JL Beck fashion, she leaves on a cliffhanger so painful that I dang near cried when I finish. So off to stalk her for the next book I go and I have no regrets!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Sebastian isn’t the gentleman the world thinks he is...
Well, Elyse, I definitely already knew that much. Sebastian was a deliciously intriguing secondary character in The Wallflower & The Wildflower. But as an MC, this man is in a league of his own and I worship at his alter.
Now I definitely liked Drew and Bel's book, but I went absolutely FERAL for Sebastian. When I tell you that the first chapter grabs you by the throat, I mean brace yourself. Because holy moly! But I digress. I loved seeing Sebastian's protective big brother side in The Wildflower, but seeing his dark and deranged side in his own book wa s an experience unparalleled.
We don't quite know the full details of how, but Elyse ends up working as a maid for Sebastian to work off her father's debt. Her past is shrouded in mystery as are the full circumstance of how she came to work for Sebastian. All you know is that he hates her as much as he wants her, and the more he wants her, the harder he pushes her away with his a-hole behavior. And this reader was here for every second of it.
Now Sebastian is one fascinating, multilayered character that I couldn't get enough of. He may be an entitled a-hole to Elyse, but beneath the suits and the money is the dark soul of a man who went through hell himself. And while we only get snippets of what made him the way he is, you. just know that when the full history is revealed, it will hurt so good.
Sebastian fights his attraction to Elyse at every turn, until it becomes unbearable and her past comes knocking on his door. There is still a lot of unknown and I ended the book with more questions than answers, but I can tell you that I absolutely devoured this story.
Elyse is a perfect dichotomy of silent strength and vulnerability. Her circumstance puts her in an impossible position where she will never come out the victor, but she is no pushover, and I loved that about her. When we finally get more morsels about her past, I was absolutely rabid for more. But in true JL Beck fashion, she leaves on a cliffhanger so painful that I dang near cried when I finish. So off to stalk her for the next book I go and I have no regrets!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
August 3, 2024
STAYED UP TIL 3AM READING 🥹
I have to say that the more J.L. Beck books I read the more I think she's becoming one of my favorite authors for her writing style. I can perfectly picture it all in my head.
Glad I got to read an early copy because I was so ready for Seb and Ely's story!
I have to say that the more J.L. Beck books I read the more I think she's becoming one of my favorite authors for her writing style. I can perfectly picture it all in my head.
Glad I got to read an early copy because I was so ready for Seb and Ely's story!
October 31, 2025
Trigger Warning: Everything.
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂🤣🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🛡️ Audiobook Review: The Prey
Series: Oakmount Elite
Genre: Dark Bully Romance
Narrators: Renee Thorne & Ryan Stone
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Spotlight: Sebastian Arturo
Sebastian Arturo is the reluctant heir to a legacy soaked in blood and control. Raised under the iron fist of his grandfather and the cold indifference of his uncle, Sebastian was molded into a weapon—brutal, calculating, and emotionally fractured. Though he teeters on the edge of psychosis, he’s not the monster his grandfather was. When that monster crosses a line even Sebastian can’t stomach, he makes a desperate call to Dr. Brooks. The mission: save her. Elyse. The woman whose blood was spilled for the Arturo name. The woman whose fate is now tangled with his.
Sebastian knows he should have let her die. It would’ve been kinder. But kindness isn’t in his DNA. Instead, he pulls her into his world, a place where loyalty is currency and freedom is a myth. As truths unravel and family secrets surface, Sebastian finds himself protecting not just Elyse, but his sister Maybelle Jacobs—his last tether to something pure.
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Elyse
Elyse hates Sebastian with every fiber of her being. He’s her savior and her captor, her employer and her tormentor. After surviving a brutal attack at the hands of her own father, she wakes up in Sebastian’s mansion—alive, but not free. Her debt binds her to him, and his rage is a constant companion. Doors slam. Tempers flare. And yet, she endures.
But things shift. Sebastian wants her to accompany him to a business event—not as a date, but as a shield to keep other women away. It’s a twisted arrangement, and Elyse knows it. Still, she plays along, because survival means adapting. What she doesn’t know is that the venue, Pound of Flesh, will dredge up memories and fears she’s tried to bury. And Sebastian? He’s counting on it.
📃 Plot Pulse
Sebastian’s vendetta against his aunt Tanya—who styles herself as his stepmother—is personal. She holds half the deed to the mansion, and he wants her gone. But Tanya’s presence is just one thread in a web of manipulation, trauma, and control. Sebastian has kept Elyse at arm’s length for months, but now he needs her close. Her memories of that night are dangerous, and fear is his chosen leash.
The outing to Pound of Flesh isn’t just business—it’s psychological warfare. Sebastian believes Elyse belongs to him, but he refuses to claim her. His restraint is its own kind of cruelty. Raised in a house where love was a weapon and pain was tradition, Sebastian is now the last Arturo standing—and the nightmare is his to live.
💘 What Hit Home
• Sebastian’s internal war is palpable. He wants Elyse, but punishes himself for it. His cruelty is a shield, a twisted form of protection that keeps her at a distance while tethering her to him.
• The emotional push-pull between them is raw, painful, and deeply compelling.
🧐 What Fell Flat
• The trigger warnings were extensive—and for good reason. Even as a seasoned dark romance reader, I paused before diving in. Some themes felt especially heavy.
• Sebastian’s lingering fear of Tanya, despite his brutal persona, felt inconsistent.
• A scene in a sex club involving coercion under the guise of gangster politics was deeply uncomfortable and felt gratuitous.
🎧 Narration Notes
Told in dual POV, the audiobook features Renee Thorne and Ryan Stone. Renee’s voice is soft, expressive, and age-appropriate for Elyse—she brings vulnerability and grit in equal measure. Ryan Stone’s gravelly tone suits Sebastian’s menace, though it skews older than expected. Still, he captures the character’s volatility and darkness with chilling precision.
📝 Final Takeaway
This is not a love story. It’s a descent into power, trauma, and twisted loyalty. Sebastian and Elyse are two broken souls bound by blood, debt, and circumstance. If you crave morally gray characters, emotional torment, and mafia dynamics that blur the line between protection and possession—this audiobook delivers. But tread carefully. The darkness here doesn’t ask for permission.
---
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂🤣🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🛡️ Audiobook Review: The Prey
Series: Oakmount Elite
Genre: Dark Bully Romance
Narrators: Renee Thorne & Ryan Stone
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Spotlight: Sebastian Arturo
Sebastian Arturo is the reluctant heir to a legacy soaked in blood and control. Raised under the iron fist of his grandfather and the cold indifference of his uncle, Sebastian was molded into a weapon—brutal, calculating, and emotionally fractured. Though he teeters on the edge of psychosis, he’s not the monster his grandfather was. When that monster crosses a line even Sebastian can’t stomach, he makes a desperate call to Dr. Brooks. The mission: save her. Elyse. The woman whose blood was spilled for the Arturo name. The woman whose fate is now tangled with his.
Sebastian knows he should have let her die. It would’ve been kinder. But kindness isn’t in his DNA. Instead, he pulls her into his world, a place where loyalty is currency and freedom is a myth. As truths unravel and family secrets surface, Sebastian finds himself protecting not just Elyse, but his sister Maybelle Jacobs—his last tether to something pure.
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Elyse
Elyse hates Sebastian with every fiber of her being. He’s her savior and her captor, her employer and her tormentor. After surviving a brutal attack at the hands of her own father, she wakes up in Sebastian’s mansion—alive, but not free. Her debt binds her to him, and his rage is a constant companion. Doors slam. Tempers flare. And yet, she endures.
But things shift. Sebastian wants her to accompany him to a business event—not as a date, but as a shield to keep other women away. It’s a twisted arrangement, and Elyse knows it. Still, she plays along, because survival means adapting. What she doesn’t know is that the venue, Pound of Flesh, will dredge up memories and fears she’s tried to bury. And Sebastian? He’s counting on it.
📃 Plot Pulse
Sebastian’s vendetta against his aunt Tanya—who styles herself as his stepmother—is personal. She holds half the deed to the mansion, and he wants her gone. But Tanya’s presence is just one thread in a web of manipulation, trauma, and control. Sebastian has kept Elyse at arm’s length for months, but now he needs her close. Her memories of that night are dangerous, and fear is his chosen leash.
The outing to Pound of Flesh isn’t just business—it’s psychological warfare. Sebastian believes Elyse belongs to him, but he refuses to claim her. His restraint is its own kind of cruelty. Raised in a house where love was a weapon and pain was tradition, Sebastian is now the last Arturo standing—and the nightmare is his to live.
💘 What Hit Home
• Sebastian’s internal war is palpable. He wants Elyse, but punishes himself for it. His cruelty is a shield, a twisted form of protection that keeps her at a distance while tethering her to him.
• The emotional push-pull between them is raw, painful, and deeply compelling.
🧐 What Fell Flat
• The trigger warnings were extensive—and for good reason. Even as a seasoned dark romance reader, I paused before diving in. Some themes felt especially heavy.
• Sebastian’s lingering fear of Tanya, despite his brutal persona, felt inconsistent.
• A scene in a sex club involving coercion under the guise of gangster politics was deeply uncomfortable and felt gratuitous.
🎧 Narration Notes
Told in dual POV, the audiobook features Renee Thorne and Ryan Stone. Renee’s voice is soft, expressive, and age-appropriate for Elyse—she brings vulnerability and grit in equal measure. Ryan Stone’s gravelly tone suits Sebastian’s menace, though it skews older than expected. Still, he captures the character’s volatility and darkness with chilling precision.
📝 Final Takeaway
This is not a love story. It’s a descent into power, trauma, and twisted loyalty. Sebastian and Elyse are two broken souls bound by blood, debt, and circumstance. If you crave morally gray characters, emotional torment, and mafia dynamics that blur the line between protection and possession—this audiobook delivers. But tread carefully. The darkness here doesn’t ask for permission.
---
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
July 25, 2024
JL Beck did it again folks. She’s left me speechless and saying wtf. Like I went into this book with so many questions. I wanted to know more about Sebastian. No scratch that, I NEEDED to know more about Sebastian. And guess what? I finished this book with unanswered questions and about 20 new questions. But you know what? I straight devoured this book!
When I read The Wildflower, I fell in loved with Sebastian over protective big brother side. And I was so excited for his book. Did it live up to my expectations? Yes it did! I love this man even more. Now I won't lie, as you read this book you will love to hate him. You might even hate him at first because let's face it, he's a real bully towards Elyse but then you see the why and you will love him. And I know the why may not be justification how he treated her but at the end of the day I do believe he is just trying to protect her.
It's so hard for me to write this review because I don't really want to talk much about the plot because even the minute details will give away too much I think but just know Sebastian, he's a real jerk. And he might actually be morally black. But I will say, he had a terrible upbringing which groomed him to be who he is today. But throughout the book, you can see his inner struggles and battle with himself to do what's right. Even if he rarely does what's right lol But believe it or not he has a heart under that rock hard exterior and it was obvious with things that he said and he did. But don’t get me wrong he also did things that made you saw come on Seb, really? But at the end of the day he tries to keep Elyse at an arms length to keep her safe but his love for her was stronger. I mean it was obvious our boy was down bad from the jump.
Now as for Elyse, I felt so bad for this girl. Her life has never been easy. She has never been loved. And she found herself in a situation that she never asked for. But I will say she makes the best out of it. No matter what is thrown her way she always seems to find the joy in life. At first, you may find her to be weak. But she's in survival mode. And she really grows throughout this book. She finds her voice. And she has no problem pushing Sebastian's buttons.
Ok now let's get to the cliffy. As we all know, this was supposed to be a standalone but Sebastian and Elyse's story turned into a duet and this makes me both happy and frustrated. I am so happy to get more of Sebastian and Elyse because I truly can't wait to see how their story unfolds. But I am frustrated because I am left with another cliffy! Oh I want to mention, JL Beck drops not just one bomb but two! I will say I didn't see the cliffy happening that way but I also did. The people involved in the cliffy makes sense. And that is all I am going to say. You will have to read the book to find out what I am talking about.
Lastly, I just want to say there are a lot of characters in this book that I wish I could junk punch. Sebastian's "aunt" or whatever she is the first one. If I was Sebastian I would have sent her to the graveyard a long time ago. What an evil witch. I also want Elyse's dad to have the day he deserves.
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Dark Bully Romance
- Morally Grey/Black Tortured Hero
- Virgin FMC
- Dub Con
- Secret Society
- Amnesia
- Enemies to Lovers
- Primal Play
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- Boss x Employee
* I would like to say THANK YOU to JL Beck and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read The Prey as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review! I am so excited for the second book in this duet! I NEED to know what happens!
When I read The Wildflower, I fell in loved with Sebastian over protective big brother side. And I was so excited for his book. Did it live up to my expectations? Yes it did! I love this man even more. Now I won't lie, as you read this book you will love to hate him. You might even hate him at first because let's face it, he's a real bully towards Elyse but then you see the why and you will love him. And I know the why may not be justification how he treated her but at the end of the day I do believe he is just trying to protect her.
It's so hard for me to write this review because I don't really want to talk much about the plot because even the minute details will give away too much I think but just know Sebastian, he's a real jerk. And he might actually be morally black. But I will say, he had a terrible upbringing which groomed him to be who he is today. But throughout the book, you can see his inner struggles and battle with himself to do what's right. Even if he rarely does what's right lol But believe it or not he has a heart under that rock hard exterior and it was obvious with things that he said and he did. But don’t get me wrong he also did things that made you saw come on Seb, really? But at the end of the day he tries to keep Elyse at an arms length to keep her safe but his love for her was stronger. I mean it was obvious our boy was down bad from the jump.
Now as for Elyse, I felt so bad for this girl. Her life has never been easy. She has never been loved. And she found herself in a situation that she never asked for. But I will say she makes the best out of it. No matter what is thrown her way she always seems to find the joy in life. At first, you may find her to be weak. But she's in survival mode. And she really grows throughout this book. She finds her voice. And she has no problem pushing Sebastian's buttons.
Ok now let's get to the cliffy. As we all know, this was supposed to be a standalone but Sebastian and Elyse's story turned into a duet and this makes me both happy and frustrated. I am so happy to get more of Sebastian and Elyse because I truly can't wait to see how their story unfolds. But I am frustrated because I am left with another cliffy! Oh I want to mention, JL Beck drops not just one bomb but two! I will say I didn't see the cliffy happening that way but I also did. The people involved in the cliffy makes sense. And that is all I am going to say. You will have to read the book to find out what I am talking about.
Lastly, I just want to say there are a lot of characters in this book that I wish I could junk punch. Sebastian's "aunt" or whatever she is the first one. If I was Sebastian I would have sent her to the graveyard a long time ago. What an evil witch. I also want Elyse's dad to have the day he deserves.
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Dark Bully Romance
- Morally Grey/Black Tortured Hero
- Virgin FMC
- Dub Con
- Secret Society
- Amnesia
- Enemies to Lovers
- Primal Play
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- Boss x Employee
* I would like to say THANK YOU to JL Beck and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read The Prey as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review! I am so excited for the second book in this duet! I NEED to know what happens!
November 20, 2024
4⭐️
This book started a bit slow for me, but once it got going I was all in.
Elyse hasn’t gotten a single break in her life, and just when things were coming together for her and Sebastian everything went to crap again for her again 🥺.
And that cliffhanger 😭 😡.
This book started a bit slow for me, but once it got going I was all in.
Elyse hasn’t gotten a single break in her life, and just when things were coming together for her and Sebastian everything went to crap again for her again 🥺.
And that cliffhanger 😭 😡.
July 27, 2024
You’ll definitely hate Sebby before you even begin to like him. He was unhinged AF.
I want the next book now. You can't leave us hanging like that, Beck. 😫
I want the next book now. You can't leave us hanging like that, Beck. 😫
October 19, 2025
I don't know why I went into this thinking it was a standalone? it isn't, and the ending/cliff hanger will have you begging for book 2.
This is one of those stories where you have no idea what is truly going on, until pieced start to unravel. Sebastian is cruel but infatuated with Elyse (Our heroine). There are definitely secrets lurking and a past that we are searching for answers to. Why is Elyse indebted to the Arturo's? Who is her father in this society? What role does Sebastian play? and so many more.
Elyse is Sebatian's Maid and in debt to his family, Shes forced to be in close proximity to him, at least until her Fathers Debt is paid off. Like all great bully romances, the tension draws you in. There's something they see in each other, that they both find intriguing... and can't stay away. The chemistry, the push and pull, the secret society... it had me invested until the last page... and now I'm screaming for book 2.
I will say this book although similar vibe to the Wall flower and Wildflower... is also a completely different dynamic. Seb is different then Drew, But he's equally as possessive.
This is one of those stories where you have no idea what is truly going on, until pieced start to unravel. Sebastian is cruel but infatuated with Elyse (Our heroine). There are definitely secrets lurking and a past that we are searching for answers to. Why is Elyse indebted to the Arturo's? Who is her father in this society? What role does Sebastian play? and so many more.
Elyse is Sebatian's Maid and in debt to his family, Shes forced to be in close proximity to him, at least until her Fathers Debt is paid off. Like all great bully romances, the tension draws you in. There's something they see in each other, that they both find intriguing... and can't stay away. The chemistry, the push and pull, the secret society... it had me invested until the last page... and now I'm screaming for book 2.
I will say this book although similar vibe to the Wall flower and Wildflower... is also a completely different dynamic. Seb is different then Drew, But he's equally as possessive.
August 18, 2024
Visų pirma, labai gražus vyras ant viršelio 🤭💖! Visų antra, dar viena banaloka istorija apie sexy alfa mafijozui "prasiskolinusią" varguolę, kurią šis skriaudžia, bet tik dėl to, kad labai myli. Pagrindinė veikėja – tradicinis durų kilimas, traumuota varguolė / mažytė porcelianinė lėlė, tokia graži coliukė, kad skaitydama norėjau atsisėst ant jos kaklo su savo stora subine bei ją sutraiškyt. Rimtai, kas jums yra su tomis trapiomis mažytėmis lėlytėmis? Kada kas apie prastai koordinuotas drimbas parašys? 😭 Kur mano reprezentacija? Nepaisant visko, visai smagiai suskaičiau šią knygą.
Deja, kvailai padariau, kad perskaičiau šią knygą nepalaukusi išpublikuoto tęsinio... tikrai pamiršiu sugrįžt prie šio šedevro, o dabar nežinau ką veikt su savo gyvenimu.
Deja, kvailai padariau, kad perskaičiau šią knygą nepalaukusi išpublikuoto tęsinio... tikrai pamiršiu sugrįžt prie šio šedevro, o dabar nežinau ką veikt su savo gyvenimu.
August 9, 2024
I have been waiting for Sebastian’s story and this was one wild ride; along with a crazy cliffhanger. Seb is now head of the Arturo mafia family and Elyse is his maid, as well as fellow college student. Elyse has had a traumatic life, and when her past comes back to haunt her, Seb tries everything in his power to protect her. The two of them start off hating each other and Seb really is just so mean and rude to her. Elyse is a sweet girl just trying to live her life while also having to pay for her father’s sins. I really despise Seb’s “aunt” Tanya. I literally wanted to crawl through the book and slap her.
The first half of the book is a lot of internal dialogue and some back story. And Sebastian reminds me of Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl in the early years where he is just so ruthless and pompous. After the halfway point the plot starts to pan out and it gets really good. As always, the author is great at angry banter, spice, morally gray men and suspense.
The first half of the book is a lot of internal dialogue and some back story. And Sebastian reminds me of Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl in the early years where he is just so ruthless and pompous. After the halfway point the plot starts to pan out and it gets really good. As always, the author is great at angry banter, spice, morally gray men and suspense.
July 27, 2024
I had such a good time reading the previous books in this series that I was really looking forward to know more about Sebastian and his amnesic maid.
And Sebastian is everything I was hoping for and more ! Yes he is a walking red flag and still, I was drawn to him : he is so cold and so passionate at the same time and Elyse is a much needed ray of sunshine in that dark story.
Let's just say that the author wrote a story that had me sucked in from the beginning. And I can't wait for the second book in the duology.
And Sebastian is everything I was hoping for and more ! Yes he is a walking red flag and still, I was drawn to him : he is so cold and so passionate at the same time and Elyse is a much needed ray of sunshine in that dark story.
Let's just say that the author wrote a story that had me sucked in from the beginning. And I can't wait for the second book in the duology.
December 25, 2024
i don’t understand when they fell in love and how fmc fell in love when he was nice to her like one time. and fmc gets walked over all the time that it’s annoying and she js does whatever she’s told which gets annoying
August 1, 2024
My Rating: 4.5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Deviously dirty. Check.
Highly erotic. Double check.
Intoxicatingly unputdownable. Triple check.
Oakmount Elite’s next damaged MMC will keep you on the edge of your seat and tightly wound. There is so much mystery right from the very beginning that it’ll instantly have you intrigued. The ominous atmosphere is set early on and it only builds further suspense from there.
I loved the thrills and spills this book elicited. Beck’s storytelling is very much for the avid dark romance reader who love unhinged characters and twisted storylines. And, I tell you Sebastian and Elyse will have you enveloped in their dicey little world in no time.
After having read The Wallflower and The Wildflower duet, and discovering that this third book in the series included another pair of MCs from “opposite sides of the tracks”, I knew it was a story not to be missed. It has a giddy-inducing employer/housemaid dynamic between Sebastian and Elyse that I could not get enough of. It not only brought about zingy interactions all throughout, but it made for a more anxious slow-burn romance, and an overall highly-entertaining reading experience.
There are a lot of layers to this story with a handful of secondary storylines developing simultaneously with the main narrative. It’s steady-paced, gradually providing more and more of Sebastian’s and Elyse’s backstories, giving insight into the reasons behind their fractured lives and the circumstances they find themselves in in the present day.
This book is the first half of a duet, and concludes on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I was practically foaming at the mouth and cursing the book gods that it ended the way it did. You can bet I’ll be counting the days, weeks, and months until the next book because with all the action and suspense, secrecy and manipulation, there is no way I will be missing out on the conclusion of Sebastian and Elyse’s story.
Fair warning, this book is dark romance, with adult themes and sensitive subject matters that some readers may find triggering or disturbing. It contains graphic violence, kidnapping, domestic and child abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking— all resulting in mental, physical, and emotional trauma/PTSD. It’s not for the fainthearted, and/or for romance readers who are not familiar with Beck’s style of writing. If dark romance is not in your usual wheelhouse, I would proceed with caution and read through the author’s detailed list of TWs (which you can find at the beginning of the book) before starting it.
I’m not going to lie, there were some elements in this story that even had me clutching at my imaginary pearls. But I’m glad I rolled with the punches because I ended up really enjoying the hell out of this book to the point that there are certain parts I’ve gone back and reread way too many times now.
Sebastian lives up to his broody, alpha-hole hype from when he was first introduced in the The Wallflower. I couldn’t get enough of seeing him navigate through is chaotic emotions and fighting his ever-growing fascination of Elyse.
Elyse is a spitfire and seeing her struggle with keeping her composure around Sebastian was just one of the light-hearted highlights of this book. I think this half of the story only scratches the surface of her character, and I hope with the next book, we’ll get to see her at her full potential.
The premise will have you curious, and the story itself will have you turning the pages. You’ll find a range of personalities amongst Sebastian’s close-knit group of friends, and with complex familial dynamics present, they lend the much-needed support system for not only Sebastian but Elyse as well.
It’s easy to follow and told from first person, dual POVs. If you’ve read and enjoyed the first duet from the series, then this newest spicy addition is not to be missed. Add it to your TBR if you're a fan of bully romance reads.
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Deviously dirty. Check.
Highly erotic. Double check.
Intoxicatingly unputdownable. Triple check.
Oakmount Elite’s next damaged MMC will keep you on the edge of your seat and tightly wound. There is so much mystery right from the very beginning that it’ll instantly have you intrigued. The ominous atmosphere is set early on and it only builds further suspense from there.
I loved the thrills and spills this book elicited. Beck’s storytelling is very much for the avid dark romance reader who love unhinged characters and twisted storylines. And, I tell you Sebastian and Elyse will have you enveloped in their dicey little world in no time.
After having read The Wallflower and The Wildflower duet, and discovering that this third book in the series included another pair of MCs from “opposite sides of the tracks”, I knew it was a story not to be missed. It has a giddy-inducing employer/housemaid dynamic between Sebastian and Elyse that I could not get enough of. It not only brought about zingy interactions all throughout, but it made for a more anxious slow-burn romance, and an overall highly-entertaining reading experience.
There are a lot of layers to this story with a handful of secondary storylines developing simultaneously with the main narrative. It’s steady-paced, gradually providing more and more of Sebastian’s and Elyse’s backstories, giving insight into the reasons behind their fractured lives and the circumstances they find themselves in in the present day.
This book is the first half of a duet, and concludes on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I was practically foaming at the mouth and cursing the book gods that it ended the way it did. You can bet I’ll be counting the days, weeks, and months until the next book because with all the action and suspense, secrecy and manipulation, there is no way I will be missing out on the conclusion of Sebastian and Elyse’s story.
Fair warning, this book is dark romance, with adult themes and sensitive subject matters that some readers may find triggering or disturbing. It contains graphic violence, kidnapping, domestic and child abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking— all resulting in mental, physical, and emotional trauma/PTSD. It’s not for the fainthearted, and/or for romance readers who are not familiar with Beck’s style of writing. If dark romance is not in your usual wheelhouse, I would proceed with caution and read through the author’s detailed list of TWs (which you can find at the beginning of the book) before starting it.
I’m not going to lie, there were some elements in this story that even had me clutching at my imaginary pearls. But I’m glad I rolled with the punches because I ended up really enjoying the hell out of this book to the point that there are certain parts I’ve gone back and reread way too many times now.
Sebastian lives up to his broody, alpha-hole hype from when he was first introduced in the The Wallflower. I couldn’t get enough of seeing him navigate through is chaotic emotions and fighting his ever-growing fascination of Elyse.
Elyse is a spitfire and seeing her struggle with keeping her composure around Sebastian was just one of the light-hearted highlights of this book. I think this half of the story only scratches the surface of her character, and I hope with the next book, we’ll get to see her at her full potential.
The premise will have you curious, and the story itself will have you turning the pages. You’ll find a range of personalities amongst Sebastian’s close-knit group of friends, and with complex familial dynamics present, they lend the much-needed support system for not only Sebastian but Elyse as well.
It’s easy to follow and told from first person, dual POVs. If you’ve read and enjoyed the first duet from the series, then this newest spicy addition is not to be missed. Add it to your TBR if you're a fan of bully romance reads.
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
August 13, 2024
Hate-Hate yet irresistible desires and Secretive past...
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
💌 Dark Bully Romance
💌 Enemies-to-Lovers
💌 Boss - Employee
💌 Hidden Past Secrets
💌 Amnesia
💌 𝖯𝗋𝗂𝗆𝖺𝗅 𝖯𝗅𝖺𝗒
💌 V1rg1n h
💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴 💕
Developing an obsession for the quiet, fearful brunette is not necessary to my end goal.
📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢
Please do read the author's TWs without fail before starting this one.
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Ok, first off this one does end on a cliffy but I suppose it will definitely be worth the wait with the way it ends.
We are back to the chaos of the hunt and all the debaucery that the gang has going on and this time it's Sebastian's turn for his story.
As Bel's brother he was such a charmer and one of my favourite characters from the previous books in this series.
Also we met Elyse in the previous book as a shy and hard working maid and these two had me truly intrigued for their match.
Right from the beginning, it is apparent that there's a huge secret that Sebastian's hiding especially relating to how Elyse came into his employment but moreover what happened regarding her that Sebastian doesn't want her to find out at any cost.
Yet what truly at times had me annoyed but also perplexed was the fact that Sebastian hated Elyse as if it was her mistake for whatever had happened in the past.
I was shocked to find him as such a bully and outright rude man when it comes to Elyse. Be really ready to be angry with him because I was really too for the way he treated Elyse time and again.
We also have the added drama of evil stepmother/ step aunt but there's more there that I was shocked to find out and also had me feeling hurt for the Sebastian of the past.
There's a lot of hate-hate vibes going on in this one coupled with fierce attraction that they both do their best to deny but it was interesting to see Sebastian's soft sides peeking out although rarely but definitely something that said that he denied but did care.
But honestly I haven't forgiven Sebastian for all his outright rude behaviour and I'm waiting to see if he does redeem himself in the second book.
The last part of the book gave us a glimpse of the changed Sebastian in his attitude towards Elyse yet I want to see more of this.
That ending was shocking and scary too because the worst nightmare has come true now and I don't know what will happen next. Can't wait to find out.
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
💌 Dark Bully Romance
💌 Enemies-to-Lovers
💌 Boss - Employee
💌 Hidden Past Secrets
💌 Amnesia
💌 𝖯𝗋𝗂𝗆𝖺𝗅 𝖯𝗅𝖺𝗒
💌 V1rg1n h
💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴 💕
Developing an obsession for the quiet, fearful brunette is not necessary to my end goal.
📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢
Please do read the author's TWs without fail before starting this one.
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Ok, first off this one does end on a cliffy but I suppose it will definitely be worth the wait with the way it ends.
We are back to the chaos of the hunt and all the debaucery that the gang has going on and this time it's Sebastian's turn for his story.
As Bel's brother he was such a charmer and one of my favourite characters from the previous books in this series.
Also we met Elyse in the previous book as a shy and hard working maid and these two had me truly intrigued for their match.
Right from the beginning, it is apparent that there's a huge secret that Sebastian's hiding especially relating to how Elyse came into his employment but moreover what happened regarding her that Sebastian doesn't want her to find out at any cost.
Yet what truly at times had me annoyed but also perplexed was the fact that Sebastian hated Elyse as if it was her mistake for whatever had happened in the past.
I was shocked to find him as such a bully and outright rude man when it comes to Elyse. Be really ready to be angry with him because I was really too for the way he treated Elyse time and again.
We also have the added drama of evil stepmother/ step aunt but there's more there that I was shocked to find out and also had me feeling hurt for the Sebastian of the past.
There's a lot of hate-hate vibes going on in this one coupled with fierce attraction that they both do their best to deny but it was interesting to see Sebastian's soft sides peeking out although rarely but definitely something that said that he denied but did care.
But honestly I haven't forgiven Sebastian for all his outright rude behaviour and I'm waiting to see if he does redeem himself in the second book.
The last part of the book gave us a glimpse of the changed Sebastian in his attitude towards Elyse yet I want to see more of this.
That ending was shocking and scary too because the worst nightmare has come true now and I don't know what will happen next. Can't wait to find out.
December 12, 2024
The blurb says it’s a standalone but it ends on a cliffhanger? And don’t even get me started on the miscommunication - it starts around 70%, drags on until 90% and is just SO stupid. Then there’s the random aunt drama 🙄 I was loving the book up until that miscommunication started but after that it all went downhill. Such a shame.
November 9, 2024
This books was so odd. The H is supposed to be a mafia king…? But he acts like a spoiled teenager. The h has gone through a lot of abuse in her life so she’s very submissive. I don’t know if she changes her demeanor but I didn’t care for either MC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
I want to scream! The way Author J.L. Beck’s stories crescendo to their peak is almost indescribable. It’s a combination of excitement, panic, desperation, anger, sadness, and pain—because of whatever the characters are going through—and then maybe you can finally breathe. I say maybe because of the ending. Yes, that ending.
“The Prey” is Sebastian’s story––Belle’s brother and Drew’s best friend from the Wallflower Duet. That alone, I knew he and Elyse would have a painful story to share. The two characters have an immense amount of trauma. J.L. Beck’s writing always pulls me into the character’s world. I feel their pain, darkness, and tragedy. The cleverness of “The Prey” leads readers to a world that will be on a level that is filled with more excitement, action, and, of course, fantastic spice. October can’t come soon enough!
“The Prey” is Sebastian’s story––Belle’s brother and Drew’s best friend from the Wallflower Duet. That alone, I knew he and Elyse would have a painful story to share. The two characters have an immense amount of trauma. J.L. Beck’s writing always pulls me into the character’s world. I feel their pain, darkness, and tragedy. The cleverness of “The Prey” leads readers to a world that will be on a level that is filled with more excitement, action, and, of course, fantastic spice. October can’t come soon enough!
November 7, 2024
God damn it i saw it coming but Jesus christ it didn't hurt any less 😭
My poor baby Sebi!!
My poor baby Sebi!!
September 4, 2024
DNF'D... He was just tooo much!! Just mean & hurtful, to over the top
September 5, 2024
DNF!
Just couldn’t get into this book. Didn’t like any of the characters and the story. Seb was just a meanie man. Always been a fan of the author unfortunately this one was not for me
Just couldn’t get into this book. Didn’t like any of the characters and the story. Seb was just a meanie man. Always been a fan of the author unfortunately this one was not for me
September 22, 2024
I am so pissed. Blurb says it's a standalone. It ends in a cliffhanger wtf
August 29, 2024
“Wrong, Little Prey. You won’t just break for me. You’ll fucking shatter.”
✨ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Spice Rating: 2.5/5
📈 Plot: 4/5
🖋️ Writing: 4/5
🗺️ World Building: 4/5
👤 Characters: 4/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships: 4/5
Themes:
🖤 MF Dark Romance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Employee x Boss
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Bully MMC
🖤 Amnesia
🖤 Masks, Primal Play & Dub Con
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Cliffhanger
Great read by Beck! Had me staying up late reading! Sebastian is a true bully and had me feeling soooo bad for Elyse, and yet their tension had me just about drooling!!!!
Cannot wait for the second part of this duet!!
Please read TW’s before starting this book. Your mental health matters.
*I received an ARC and am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
September 5, 2024
AGGHH. That ending?!? I literally read this in one day. I need to read the next part ASAP. 😭
September 2, 2024
“I don’t think you’re the monster you want me to believe you are, and even if you are, I could never see you like that.”
“Maybe it’s time I let you see the real me, let you feel what it’s like to be broken in two.”
“That’s the problem, Sebastian. I’m already broken, and so are you, but maybe there’s still hope for us. Maybe we can break free of the chains trapping us in who we used to be. Maybe we can be whole.”
My reading mojo had gone away for a bit. I had a whole list of books to read that I knew were releasing around the same time. (This one being one of them) I was so looking forward to Sebastian's story. But alas, I just wasn't feeling it. Took me a few days to read this. I LOVED Sebastian in The Wallflower books, but somehow it fell flat for me.
I read the next book since it was left off on a cliffhanger.
“Maybe it’s time I let you see the real me, let you feel what it’s like to be broken in two.”
“That’s the problem, Sebastian. I’m already broken, and so are you, but maybe there’s still hope for us. Maybe we can break free of the chains trapping us in who we used to be. Maybe we can be whole.”
My reading mojo had gone away for a bit. I had a whole list of books to read that I knew were releasing around the same time. (This one being one of them) I was so looking forward to Sebastian's story. But alas, I just wasn't feeling it. Took me a few days to read this. I LOVED Sebastian in The Wallflower books, but somehow it fell flat for me.
I read the next book since it was left off on a cliffhanger.
August 11, 2024
Seb and Ely did not disappoint! I fell hard for Sebastion is books 1 and 2 so I knew I'd be so ready for him and his little prey. Gahhh! He's the kind of unhinged you have to hate to love.
Little by little he'll break you to what he wants and you'll love every second of it. He's ruthless with a soft touch, but obsesses with his entire soul. Just wanna make sure you're on his good side.
I can't wait to see what happens next with these two!!
Little by little he'll break you to what he wants and you'll love every second of it. He's ruthless with a soft touch, but obsesses with his entire soul. Just wanna make sure you're on his good side.
I can't wait to see what happens next with these two!!
August 9, 2024
I always suspected Sebastian of having a dark side with Drew as his best friend, you’d need to have a few red flags of your own to survive.
Why Sebastian? How could you, how dare you ??
You’re a bloody red flag, not caring who you destroy next, and I should be pissed.
I really should be.
Then tell me why I wore out my rechargeable rabbit 🐇 😏 before the book ended. 😮💨
Why Sebastian? How could you, how dare you ??
You’re a bloody red flag, not caring who you destroy next, and I should be pissed.
I really should be.
Then tell me why I wore out my rechargeable rabbit 🐇 😏 before the book ended. 😮💨
November 11, 2024
WOW, it was a wild ride! Fair warning: it's pretty dark and has some intense trigger warnings, so be prepared.
This one really tugged at my heartstrings. Elyse was such a compelling character; I felt every bit of her emotional journey. 😢❤️ Sebastian, though? He started off as a total a-hole, but I have to admit, he grew on me as the story went on. Slowly but surely, he started to redeem himself.
Now, about Tanya—I'm counting down the days until 'The Predator' drops because I’m seriously hoping she gets what’s coming to her. 😈
And honestly, I need the second book like yesterday! 🙈📖 More spice, more drama—bring it on! 🌶️🔥
This one really tugged at my heartstrings. Elyse was such a compelling character; I felt every bit of her emotional journey. 😢❤️ Sebastian, though? He started off as a total a-hole, but I have to admit, he grew on me as the story went on. Slowly but surely, he started to redeem himself.
Now, about Tanya—I'm counting down the days until 'The Predator' drops because I’m seriously hoping she gets what’s coming to her. 😈
And honestly, I need the second book like yesterday! 🙈📖 More spice, more drama—bring it on! 🌶️🔥
August 14, 2024
Not a standalone. 3 stars for effort, zero stars for lying for an average of .75
I don’t like deception. The blurb clearly states this is a standalone. There should be no second book if it’s a standalone. Book 2 comes out in October. I went back to see if I missed an explanation from the author but could find nothing. So, she lied. If you want a duet, dive in. I’ve followed Ms. Beck for a while now and always enjoyed her books. This one is as well written as all her work. I’m on chapter 5 but probably won’t finish nor buy more books from her. No matter how well written a work is, lying has ruined it for me.
I don’t like deception. The blurb clearly states this is a standalone. There should be no second book if it’s a standalone. Book 2 comes out in October. I went back to see if I missed an explanation from the author but could find nothing. So, she lied. If you want a duet, dive in. I’ve followed Ms. Beck for a while now and always enjoyed her books. This one is as well written as all her work. I’m on chapter 5 but probably won’t finish nor buy more books from her. No matter how well written a work is, lying has ruined it for me.
October 16, 2024
Sebastian and Elyse. Elyse works for Sebastian after her father sold her to his grandfather (I think). Sebastian has always had an attactration to her so when she lands in his hands he is determined to avoid her at all costs so that he doesn’t act on those plans. Elyse has an intriguing past that we don’t know the full details about yet but from what little we know her father is a grade A douche canoe who sold her so some man named Yahan but ended up in debt to Sebastian’s family. Sebastian wants to use her to get out of the family business. He just wants to live his life with his sister and friends. Tensions between Elyse and Sebastian escalate when Sebastian says that Elyse is no one’s but his.
I really enjoyed the tension between Elyse and Sebastian. I became intrigued with them after reading Bel’s story. Sebastian has always been likeable to me so I am looking forward to what the next book has in store especially after finishing this book. The cliffhanger on this has me reeling and not in a good way. I am dying to find out what happens next.
I really enjoyed the tension between Elyse and Sebastian. I became intrigued with them after reading Bel’s story. Sebastian has always been likeable to me so I am looking forward to what the next book has in store especially after finishing this book. The cliffhanger on this has me reeling and not in a good way. I am dying to find out what happens next.
July 27, 2024
I want more!!! That ending was not fair! I waited a VERY long time for these two to finally get together and that’s how it ends?!?
I hated Sebastian. I honestly still hate him so much. I truly hope in the next book he can redeem himself and I have this gut feeling he’s going to do just that. Elyse is such a sweet soul and I adore her. She has a horrible upbringing and she’s sooo strong. She makes herself see the best in situations and I really enjoy that about her. The plot!!!!! WHAT!!!! Ugh I can’t wait for the next book.
JL Beck and Candi Kane PR, thank you for allowing me to read this ARC. It was such a roller coaster of emotions, but I enjoyed every second of it! 🖤🔪📚🩸
-Dark bully romance
-V!rgin
-Found Family
-Enemies to lovers
-Amnesia
-Pr!mal play
I hated Sebastian. I honestly still hate him so much. I truly hope in the next book he can redeem himself and I have this gut feeling he’s going to do just that. Elyse is such a sweet soul and I adore her. She has a horrible upbringing and she’s sooo strong. She makes herself see the best in situations and I really enjoy that about her. The plot!!!!! WHAT!!!! Ugh I can’t wait for the next book.
JL Beck and Candi Kane PR, thank you for allowing me to read this ARC. It was such a roller coaster of emotions, but I enjoyed every second of it! 🖤🔪📚🩸
-Dark bully romance
-V!rgin
-Found Family
-Enemies to lovers
-Amnesia
-Pr!mal play
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