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The Brute
Cosette Evangelista.
That’s me. The plus-size academic achiever, known as the third wheel of the school’s IT the quarterback and the queen bee.
But now it’s senior year at Fallen Oaks High, and everything’s different.
A mysterious bad boy barreled into my life while I explored my newfound closeness with my front-door neighbor, my ex-best friend’s ex-boyfriend.
Was that confusing? Good, that makes the two of us.
You might as well join me on my adventures.
The Broken, Seen, and Jagged series is a light and sweet reverse harem set in high school, with elements of mafia. All books in this series will consist of sexual scenes, colorful curses, and, judging by the author, probably violence in the future if she can’t help it. The books will need to be read in order, and the FMC will end up with three or more men.
That’s me. The plus-size academic achiever, known as the third wheel of the school’s IT the quarterback and the queen bee.
But now it’s senior year at Fallen Oaks High, and everything’s different.
A mysterious bad boy barreled into my life while I explored my newfound closeness with my front-door neighbor, my ex-best friend’s ex-boyfriend.
Was that confusing? Good, that makes the two of us.
You might as well join me on my adventures.
The Broken, Seen, and Jagged series is a light and sweet reverse harem set in high school, with elements of mafia. All books in this series will consist of sexual scenes, colorful curses, and, judging by the author, probably violence in the future if she can’t help it. The books will need to be read in order, and the FMC will end up with three or more men.
- GenresContemporary
278 pages, ebook
Published May 9, 2024
69 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
AJ Vile
4 books5 followersAJ Vile is a self-published author who rekindled her love for books during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding comfort in morally grey fictional men, and ended up discovering the world of reverse harem in that time of uncertainty.
After reading 225 books in a single year, AJ was inspired to write her own stories, starring characters from her own mind, hoping to give someone out there the same feeling that her favorite authors had made her feel.
If you want to have a conversation with her introverted self, please join her reader group or reach out to her Facebook or Instagram.
After reading 225 books in a single year, AJ was inspired to write her own stories, starring characters from her own mind, hoping to give someone out there the same feeling that her favorite authors had made her feel.
If you want to have a conversation with her introverted self, please join her reader group or reach out to her Facebook or Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 14, 2024
“Like my cock and spunk inside her, I’m afraid I’m already in too deep.” 💀💀💀
Kinda weird to read a millennial’s self-insert fanfiction about them fucking bad boys in high school.
———
Couple notes:
- I genuinely like the relationship between Cosette and Siege, that is why I read the book. Even though I didn’t feel that big of a connection between the two, for whatever reason I really loved the stolen moments that they had.
- There is no plot. Nothing happens to Cosette. And I genuinely do not understand why they are even high school age. Why is there a bar that just doesn’t ID people where high schoolers go? Why not have this take place in a country with a lower drinking age? So many plot holes, things not explored, etc.
- Their names are fucking weird. Cannot get over this girl moaning Siege. Nero is also odd.
- The pop culture references ruin this book’s longevity and also don’t make sense. Hate to break it to you, but no, teenagers today do not watch Friends. That show ended before they were even born. By including specific songs, TV shows, movies, celebrities—I cannot imagine picking this up for a reread in the future.
-
Kinda weird to read a millennial’s self-insert fanfiction about them fucking bad boys in high school.
———
Couple notes:
- I genuinely like the relationship between Cosette and Siege, that is why I read the book. Even though I didn’t feel that big of a connection between the two, for whatever reason I really loved the stolen moments that they had.
- There is no plot. Nothing happens to Cosette. And I genuinely do not understand why they are even high school age. Why is there a bar that just doesn’t ID people where high schoolers go? Why not have this take place in a country with a lower drinking age? So many plot holes, things not explored, etc.
- Their names are fucking weird. Cannot get over this girl moaning Siege. Nero is also odd.
- The pop culture references ruin this book’s longevity and also don’t make sense. Hate to break it to you, but no, teenagers today do not watch Friends. That show ended before they were even born. By including specific songs, TV shows, movies, celebrities—I cannot imagine picking this up for a reread in the future.
-
May 20, 2024
What an amazing debut book! Love the characters, very well fleshed out. And the plot may be simple (which is definitely not a bad thing as some authors combine a 1001 troupes) and is very well done. Can't wait to see what happens next!
May 14, 2024
Maybe, just not for me. ✌🏼
Okay, I knew it was part of the series. But I never imagined the finale would be so hanging. Every book in the series that I've read has a satisfying conclusion and will continue with a new conflict in the next book. Perhaps building suspense?—not what I had expected. Perhaps again, it's just not my style.
Reading this book officially convinced me that I am not for smuts and dark romances. I only started this book to show my support for my fellow Filipina, the author. While I enjoyed the first half of the book, I read the second half merely to finish it. And I just decided to finish it, hoping to see the end of Cosette's, Siege's, and Nero's narratives, only to discover that it was hanging. Had I known, I would have read another book instead—one that I really intended to read.
Nonetheless, the novel was beautifully written. Character and story build up are spot on. I'll give that to the author. It was so good for her first publication. 👏🏼
It’s just... not my cup of tea.
Okay, I knew it was part of the series. But I never imagined the finale would be so hanging. Every book in the series that I've read has a satisfying conclusion and will continue with a new conflict in the next book. Perhaps building suspense?—not what I had expected. Perhaps again, it's just not my style.
Reading this book officially convinced me that I am not for smuts and dark romances. I only started this book to show my support for my fellow Filipina, the author. While I enjoyed the first half of the book, I read the second half merely to finish it. And I just decided to finish it, hoping to see the end of Cosette's, Siege's, and Nero's narratives, only to discover that it was hanging. Had I known, I would have read another book instead—one that I really intended to read.
Nonetheless, the novel was beautifully written. Character and story build up are spot on. I'll give that to the author. It was so good for her first publication. 👏🏼
It’s just... not my cup of tea.
May 14, 2024
NEED BOOKS 2 PRONTO🏍️🔥🔫
When I say that I’ve been in a KU book slump while searching recently released RH to get my fix & read this book description; I said huh this might actually be good why not & took a chance!
Holy shiznits am I glad. I needed a break from fantasy & even though this was a high school setting a contemporary was a change I didn’t know I needed
Sometimes reading debut authors is a huge hit or miss. But then you get these gems and it makes it worth it!
Things I enjoyed:
Fmc- she was just so likable to me. I feel like all that’s out there lately are these strong baddies which I don’t have a problem with so it’s nice to read a fmc who’s more relatable in the sense that she’s quirky, KU READER, horror movie lover & just overall a kind person if not a little naive. She was also diverse as a half German half Hispanic myself it’s nice to see dynamics into culture come into play
Mmc- two so far, one oblivious & the other 🥵 bad boy. The quarterback bff I’m not going to lie annoyed me at times. For instance only “noticing” her recently after a breakup or mentally admitting it was her childness/innocence that he wasn’t into when he first met the girls & chose the friend who was more “feminine” 🤮🙄 but I guess that guys for ya. Now for a certain mafioso..he’s accepted his fate in life but notices her immediately and comes to an arrangement with our fmc that their relationship is only temporary but boy the chemistry they have is impossible to ignore.
I don’t really write reviews but I just had to jot down how much this book surprised me. I even risked baby spit up with burping and typing this one handed!
When I say that I’ve been in a KU book slump while searching recently released RH to get my fix & read this book description; I said huh this might actually be good why not & took a chance!
Holy shiznits am I glad. I needed a break from fantasy & even though this was a high school setting a contemporary was a change I didn’t know I needed
Sometimes reading debut authors is a huge hit or miss. But then you get these gems and it makes it worth it!
Things I enjoyed:
Fmc- she was just so likable to me. I feel like all that’s out there lately are these strong baddies which I don’t have a problem with so it’s nice to read a fmc who’s more relatable in the sense that she’s quirky, KU READER, horror movie lover & just overall a kind person if not a little naive. She was also diverse as a half German half Hispanic myself it’s nice to see dynamics into culture come into play
Mmc- two so far, one oblivious & the other 🥵 bad boy. The quarterback bff I’m not going to lie annoyed me at times. For instance only “noticing” her recently after a breakup or mentally admitting it was her childness/innocence that he wasn’t into when he first met the girls & chose the friend who was more “feminine” 🤮🙄 but I guess that guys for ya. Now for a certain mafioso..he’s accepted his fate in life but notices her immediately and comes to an arrangement with our fmc that their relationship is only temporary but boy the chemistry they have is impossible to ignore.
I don’t really write reviews but I just had to jot down how much this book surprised me. I even risked baby spit up with burping and typing this one handed!
October 25, 2025
I flew through this book in less than a day! The Brute is fast-paced and addicting. I was hooked early on and couldn’t stop turning pages to see what happens next. The characters are so interesting and intriguing and I can’t help but get invested. I especially loved Cosette and the two boys I met so far. They have such strong and complex personalities. (they are in senior HS in the US so that makes them around 18 y/o? ☺️)
What also made me glued were the funny and relatable inner monologues. They add so much personality to the story and make it easier to connect with them even with the dark themes. The small-town setting gives off an atmosphere that is both familiar and a bit constricting. It matches the tone.
This book touches on dark and heavy themes. These are glimpses so far, and I hope these are handled sensitively as the story unfolds in the next books. I also really appreciate that the main character is half-Filipino. I am also eager to see more about that representation as the trilogy continues.
For anyone intrigued, let me give you a heads-up: The Brute is a dark reverse harem romance featuring graduating high school students, with elements of mafia and trauma. It is book one in the Broken, Seen, and Jagged trilogy, and the author provides clear content warnings, including mentions of domestic violence and trafficking.
This is actually my first read from this subgenre. I enjoyed the ride and want more! The recent book tour by @thefilipinoshelf pushed me to finally pick it up, and I’m so glad I did. ☺️ And with that ending, I am itching to dive into book two. ❤️
3.5/5
What also made me glued were the funny and relatable inner monologues. They add so much personality to the story and make it easier to connect with them even with the dark themes. The small-town setting gives off an atmosphere that is both familiar and a bit constricting. It matches the tone.
This book touches on dark and heavy themes. These are glimpses so far, and I hope these are handled sensitively as the story unfolds in the next books. I also really appreciate that the main character is half-Filipino. I am also eager to see more about that representation as the trilogy continues.
For anyone intrigued, let me give you a heads-up: The Brute is a dark reverse harem romance featuring graduating high school students, with elements of mafia and trauma. It is book one in the Broken, Seen, and Jagged trilogy, and the author provides clear content warnings, including mentions of domestic violence and trafficking.
This is actually my first read from this subgenre. I enjoyed the ride and want more! The recent book tour by @thefilipinoshelf pushed me to finally pick it up, and I’m so glad I did. ☺️ And with that ending, I am itching to dive into book two. ❤️
3.5/5
July 5, 2025
Cosette celebrated her birthday alone in a bar after her best friend betrayed her by inviting random people over to her house (even though Cosette had explicitly invited only her best friend and her guy best friend). While singing her heart out, she met a mysterious guy who fell for her at first sight. Their short encounter was sweet yet left on a cliffhanger.
At the start of the new school year, Cosette was shocked to find out that the mysterious guy, Siege, was the new student on campus, and even more surprised to see him in her class.
The Brute is the first book in the Broken, Seen, and Jagged series. It was my first time reading a spicy novel by a Filipina author (excluding my teenage stash of PHRs), and it did not disappoint. Though the story is set in a small town in the US, it still carries touches of Filipino culture.
The spicy scenes? Absolutely hot, especially that tease in the ladies’ room. While some scenes may feel predictable, the chemistry and interaction between the characters perfectly complement the explicit parts. It’s a mafia or a syndicate story, though that aspect is slightly introduced. The suspenseful ending sets the tone for a darker, more thrilling storyline in the next books.
At the start of the new school year, Cosette was shocked to find out that the mysterious guy, Siege, was the new student on campus, and even more surprised to see him in her class.
The Brute is the first book in the Broken, Seen, and Jagged series. It was my first time reading a spicy novel by a Filipina author (excluding my teenage stash of PHRs), and it did not disappoint. Though the story is set in a small town in the US, it still carries touches of Filipino culture.
The spicy scenes? Absolutely hot, especially that tease in the ladies’ room. While some scenes may feel predictable, the chemistry and interaction between the characters perfectly complement the explicit parts. It’s a mafia or a syndicate story, though that aspect is slightly introduced. The suspenseful ending sets the tone for a darker, more thrilling storyline in the next books.
November 30, 2025
As a refresher before November ends, I picked this up and I’m captivated. This is actually my first time reading a reverse harem story, and I’m surprised on ow much I enjoyed it.
This book is a reverse harem dark romance with heavy themes. The author includes content warnings for mentions of domestic violence and trafficking. Since the characters are seniors in high school, we can assume they’re 18+.
The characters are incredibly interesting. I especially love Cosette and her honest, unfiltered inner thoughts. I’ve met Siege and Nero, two of the mmc and honestly the build-up between Siege and Cosette was chef’s kiss! I'm really intrigued by Nero’s potential role in the story.
The changing points of view work so well for this kind of romance I love getting inside the characters’ heads, especially in a reverse harem setup. And the spicy scenes? I was shocked. No words can describe how much I blushed reading them! (please, I’ve been reading thrillers for two months I almost forgot I could read smut!)
The ending was such a cliffhanger that I desperately need to read the book two I have a feeling the next installment will be even darker and more thrilling.
See you in the next book!
This book is a reverse harem dark romance with heavy themes. The author includes content warnings for mentions of domestic violence and trafficking. Since the characters are seniors in high school, we can assume they’re 18+.
The characters are incredibly interesting. I especially love Cosette and her honest, unfiltered inner thoughts. I’ve met Siege and Nero, two of the mmc and honestly the build-up between Siege and Cosette was chef’s kiss! I'm really intrigued by Nero’s potential role in the story.
The changing points of view work so well for this kind of romance I love getting inside the characters’ heads, especially in a reverse harem setup. And the spicy scenes? I was shocked. No words can describe how much I blushed reading them! (please, I’ve been reading thrillers for two months I almost forgot I could read smut!)
The ending was such a cliffhanger that I desperately need to read the book two I have a feeling the next installment will be even darker and more thrilling.
See you in the next book!
May 13, 2024
** I got this free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review **
Storywise, I'm very excited for the 2nd book! that was such a cliffhanger. Although i'm more accustomed to those super Dark romance men, i really love how the author creates Seige. Really loves how much he love Cosette and i really wish they would be the endgame please! HAHAHAHA. and who is that 'X' Person? I'm so intrigued.
Just a little comment about the flow of the story, At first there are some parts that i was very confused maybe because of the construction of the sentences or how the author describes the scene, but it was very minimal. And the point of view of the characters can still be improved, because sometimes the character (POV) of the chapter is nero or siege already but when i was reading it, i thought it's cosette, i don't know if it's just me, hehe
Overall! I LOVE IT
Thank you so much
Storywise, I'm very excited for the 2nd book! that was such a cliffhanger. Although i'm more accustomed to those super Dark romance men, i really love how the author creates Seige. Really loves how much he love Cosette and i really wish they would be the endgame please! HAHAHAHA. and who is that 'X' Person? I'm so intrigued.
Just a little comment about the flow of the story, At first there are some parts that i was very confused maybe because of the construction of the sentences or how the author describes the scene, but it was very minimal. And the point of view of the characters can still be improved, because sometimes the character (POV) of the chapter is nero or siege already but when i was reading it, i thought it's cosette, i don't know if it's just me, hehe
Overall! I LOVE IT
Thank you so much
June 17, 2024
strange book
Not sure how a book that heavily talks about DV and human trafficking is “sweet and light”. Not sure if anything of note really happens in this book. 74% and she has one kinda boyfriend, and yet she’s supposed to get a harem of three or more men? How? Why did the dad leave for months? How does that make sense? There were things stated that were treated like we should’ve known it had happened. Like the weird plot of Andy cheating, why? And Cosette being the one to tell Nero? The names are weird, the lore of the characters is weird. I’m not sure what was supposed to happen in this one but it honestly felt like a long prologue/back story. It was fine and I’ll probably read the next one so i understand what happened but it wasn’t great and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
Not sure how a book that heavily talks about DV and human trafficking is “sweet and light”. Not sure if anything of note really happens in this book. 74% and she has one kinda boyfriend, and yet she’s supposed to get a harem of three or more men? How? Why did the dad leave for months? How does that make sense? There were things stated that were treated like we should’ve known it had happened. Like the weird plot of Andy cheating, why? And Cosette being the one to tell Nero? The names are weird, the lore of the characters is weird. I’m not sure what was supposed to happen in this one but it honestly felt like a long prologue/back story. It was fine and I’ll probably read the next one so i understand what happened but it wasn’t great and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
May 10, 2024
Cute
This was such a cute, low angst, high romance book, so far only mf but will evolve into rh. And oh my how I have fallen for Siege already!! Definitely top tier book boyfriend right there!! And Nero is cast perfectly into the best friend with lingering looks role. I love that she and Nero didn't go straight into lovers as it was too soon after Andy and he needed to heal and she needed to experience love from someone else, but I'm looking forward to their relationship eventually - hopefully- progressing!! But that ending- oh man!!! I wanna know who X is sooooo bad!!! I suspect Dex, but how does Cosette know him??!?! Come onnnnnnn book 2!!!
This was such a cute, low angst, high romance book, so far only mf but will evolve into rh. And oh my how I have fallen for Siege already!! Definitely top tier book boyfriend right there!! And Nero is cast perfectly into the best friend with lingering looks role. I love that she and Nero didn't go straight into lovers as it was too soon after Andy and he needed to heal and she needed to experience love from someone else, but I'm looking forward to their relationship eventually - hopefully- progressing!! But that ending- oh man!!! I wanna know who X is sooooo bad!!! I suspect Dex, but how does Cosette know him??!?! Come onnnnnnn book 2!!!
June 9, 2024
I'm thinking of reviewing this book as i read it.
So far the grammar is very awkward, even as a non native english speaker i could tell, it makes some part difficult for me to understand some part, but i believe with a good editor and multiple beta readers, this could do wonders for the book. It also seems like they're teenagers but honestly it seems like it would have make way more sense for them to be college students...
So far the grammar is very awkward, even as a non native english speaker i could tell, it makes some part difficult for me to understand some part, but i believe with a good editor and multiple beta readers, this could do wonders for the book. It also seems like they're teenagers but honestly it seems like it would have make way more sense for them to be college students...
May 13, 2024
great debut
Great first book for the debut author. I can’t wait to read more. I’m not sure how many books the author intends for this, if it’s a duet, trilogy or series, nut I’m here for it. The characters are dynamic, the story line is great and the world building wraps it all up nicely. Told in multiple pov, this is pretty great .
Great first book for the debut author. I can’t wait to read more. I’m not sure how many books the author intends for this, if it’s a duet, trilogy or series, nut I’m here for it. The characters are dynamic, the story line is great and the world building wraps it all up nicely. Told in multiple pov, this is pretty great .
May 28, 2024
Definitely a much needed break from fantasy novels, it was an easy read (in a good way) as I’ve finished it for at least a day. It was not a slow burn and I definitely liked the FMC. It also has you hooked on what happens next, and I think book 2 would have an even exciting plot as I think it will be action-packed. :)
May 15, 2024
ooooooo loved this!
This book was action packed, spicy, mysterious, sweet, funny and draws you in. As much as parts of this book was fast paced others were a nice slow burn and keeps you guessing.
Looking forward to seeing what’s to come!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book was action packed, spicy, mysterious, sweet, funny and draws you in. As much as parts of this book was fast paced others were a nice slow burn and keeps you guessing.
Looking forward to seeing what’s to come!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 20, 2024
the Brute
Book was recommended through fb group as in book slump. Didn’t disappoint! Couldn’t put the book down! Straight onto the next one!!
Book was recommended through fb group as in book slump. Didn’t disappoint! Couldn’t put the book down! Straight onto the next one!!
July 29, 2024
Cliff hangers should be a crime tbh 👀☠️
But I know book 2 will be worth it! Anyways, 4 stars for this book. AND my heart is for the guy bsf, Nero. Can I have him because daaamn 🧎
Anyways, I'd like to mention first the elements of the book that I appreciate:
✨ Curvy Half-Filipina FMC
✨ Bad boy MMC
✨ Athletic best friend
✨ A touch of mafia
✨ Mysterious texts from an unknown number
These elements aren't anything new. HOWEVER, the author knows how to hook readers through her storytelling: plot pacing is just right, mystery sprinkled throughout the story, and a solid background on the major characters. All these make this book a good foundation for the rest of the series.
Although, I'd have to lay out the trigger warnings for this one as well because it can get heavy:
✨Cites death of a parent
✨Mentions human trafficking
✨Topics on body image issues/ struggles
✨Girl best friend break up
✨Graphic and sexual scenes
✨Explicit language
✨MMC can be a big f*cking jerk
I'd like to highlight the story of the main couple since their stolen moments that only they know, makes what they have more special. BUT, I still can't get over how bad they started 😔 I was shaking my head so hard and screaming noooo at a certain scene (iykyk so chop chop go ahead and read the book!)
Although, seem there's a brewing love triangle in the story. Plus, the author mentioned "growing reverse harem" in her trope maps. So... maybe more guys in the future? We'll see in the next book/s.
But I know book 2 will be worth it! Anyways, 4 stars for this book. AND my heart is for the guy bsf, Nero. Can I have him because daaamn 🧎
Anyways, I'd like to mention first the elements of the book that I appreciate:
✨ Curvy Half-Filipina FMC
✨ Bad boy MMC
✨ Athletic best friend
✨ A touch of mafia
✨ Mysterious texts from an unknown number
These elements aren't anything new. HOWEVER, the author knows how to hook readers through her storytelling: plot pacing is just right, mystery sprinkled throughout the story, and a solid background on the major characters. All these make this book a good foundation for the rest of the series.
Although, I'd have to lay out the trigger warnings for this one as well because it can get heavy:
✨Cites death of a parent
✨Mentions human trafficking
✨Topics on body image issues/ struggles
✨Girl best friend break up
✨Graphic and sexual scenes
✨Explicit language
✨MMC can be a big f*cking jerk
I'd like to highlight the story of the main couple since their stolen moments that only they know, makes what they have more special. BUT, I still can't get over how bad they started 😔 I was shaking my head so hard and screaming noooo at a certain scene (iykyk so chop chop go ahead and read the book!)
Although, seem there's a brewing love triangle in the story. Plus, the author mentioned "growing reverse harem" in her trope maps. So... maybe more guys in the future? We'll see in the next book/s.
October 10, 2025
solid 4.5 stars - rounded up!
the characters are very much lovable ❤️
the characters are very much lovable ❤️
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews