Explosive Prejudice

Bad Inceptions #3

by Tal Lewin

Nothing in my life mattered. Just an endless walk through hell, until a stranger in an angel mask gave me a glimpse of heaven.

I should have known looks can be deceiving and that this stranger was nothing but the devil in disguise.

Yet, by the time I realized it, Shay-Lee Rogers had already burned himself into my skin and taken my heart hostage.

Prejudice made me believe we were different, only to discover he and I were the same. Because devils are not born; they’re made, and we’re living proof of that.

Hate blinds you, but so does love, and mixed together, it’s the beginning of our end.



Explosive Prejudice is book 3 in the Bad Inceptions series and cannot be read as a standalone. This is the first book in Shay-Lee and Diesel's story that ends with a cliffhanger (their second book would be book number 5). This part of the series is significantly darker than the others, and the story will only get darker from here.

Some tropes include Enemies to Lovers, High School, Hurt/comfort, Possessive MC x 2, Masks, 3ex Club, and Bad Broken Boys.


***Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age

***Triggers are listed inside the book ( they contain spoilers )

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Romance, New Adult, Dark, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2024

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 5 READ 2024 :･ﾟ☘︎ *


re-read December 2024

Shay-Lee & Diesel were probably the most intense couple I’ve read this year (twice!) and I can't let them go. So I'm reveling in their suffering until they get their more than deserved HEA. Next March just can’t come fast enough.


4.75***** stars


FUCKING EPIC! I knew it.

As I shifted his head just a bit to see his face, I understood that in my arms wasn’t an angel but a devil. But didn’t they say that the devil, too, was once an angel?

It’s pretty clear to everyone who read this that Shay-Lee, the villain to everyone’s story so far, the malicious devil, is this author’s favorite character. And so is he mine (alongside Diesel ofc). And what a delicious… okay I’m not sure to actually call it a redemption but we go with that…

“I’m here,” [Diesel] said, his calm voice chasing away my fears and making it possible to move again. “I’m right here.”

This book was hot, it was vicious and damn, it was dark and heartbreaking but also bursting with emotions of the best kind.

“Maybe you’re a monster, [Diesel]. But you’re one of the good ones. After all, it takes a monster to take one down.” I caressed his jaw. “I should know because I’m one myself.”

There is no HEA for Shay-Lee and Diesel in this one. The author stated, they're going to suffer some more first.


⇢ please heed TW’s and note that these books are not standalones and have to be read in order

***********
Bad Inceptions Series

Book 1 - Mistaken Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Unexpected Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Explosive Prejudice - 4.75 stars ♡
Book 4 - Forgotten Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Dissolving Prejudice - 4.5 stars

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diesel and Shay-Lee's story is here and I could not be more impressed and obsessed. These two are tortured, haunted, and completely smitten with one another. I could not get enough of their story. Their journey towards one another is intense, violent, dangerous, and completely unavoidable as their connection and ability to unravel the other person makes for one incredible and hard-to-forget story.

I knew this was going to be my favorite pairing of the series. I was so intrigued with these two from the first two entries and the tiny hints given at the possibility of a pairing. So with this story, I was curious as to how much I would enjoy their dynamic, and my goodness, did their story not disappoint. It was everything I wanted and more and now I anxiously await for their story to continue as that cliffhanger left many threads remaining.

So happy to have read their story and see how well these two go together. Diesel and Shay-Lee are a one-of-a-kind pairing and I cannot wait to see how their HEA is achieved after reading the first part of their story.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of Beta reading this and reading it again as an ARC.

Tal is a master story teller and I just adore everything about this series! The characters, the way she has laid out the story throughout the books and the way she doesn't shy away from complicated topics.

This story is not for the weak! There is so much heartache at the end before the cliff hanger, but it will be worth it when they get their HEA.

I can't wait for more from this series.

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps I was the fire, and he was gasoline, and touching him would set my whole life in flames.

THIS IS THE BOOK WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR Y’ALL. Shay-Lee and Diesel’s chemistry could be spotted a mile off in the previous two books, and their story is nothing if not explosive in this one.

Whereas the second book ran in tandem with the first, this story kicks off right after the epilogue of Unexpected Prejudice, and shifts the tone from high school drama to a shit-your-pants level of intensity, in more ways than one. If the drama and angst isn’t enough to keep you enraptured, then you will melt at the unexpected affection and devotion between these characters. They may be enemies to lovers, but not as you know it.

My sweet Shay-Lee has a bad rep (and it’s well deserved tbh), but I would still die for him. He is one of the most broken boys I’ve ever read, but still manages to be a sassy king with a secret heart of gold. He is a self proclaimed monster, and we aren’t expected to forgive him for his misdeeds, but this book helps us to understand him and love him anyway (as if I didn’t already). He’s not a perfect person, but his character growth is so satisfying, and perfect is overrated anyway.

Then we have PLANT DADDY D who has been a firm favourite of mine since book 1, and just went ahead and surpassed every expectation I had in this story. Diesels character is so multifaceted, and nothing at all what you’d expect from the other characters perceptions of him so far. He’s still rough around the edges, but also so caring and thoughtful. He’s everything you could want in a book boyfriend, and more, and did I mention he can dance? Yep. He can dance, and I’m obsessed. I loved getting a deeper insight into Diesel, and I think I fell in love with him almost as much as Shay-Lee did.

Diesel and Shay-Lee compliment each other perfectly - from their playful banter, to their thoughtful conversations, and especially when it comes to spice. They are ridiculously hot together, but also make me melt inside with how adorable they are. They may have needed to hide behind masks to finally see each other, but the soulmate energy has always been there. They are two broken boys whose jagged edges mesh together flawlessly, creating solace and understanding where once there was only hate.

We still see glimpses of the rest of the characters throughout the book, as well as a few new ones. Dion needs his own story ASAP, just saying.

I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but suffice it to say that it’s tough-going in places, and the ending will probably make you want to scream, cry, and throw up. There is a nasty cliffhanger, but I also can’t wait to see where Tal takes the story from here. I know it will get worse before it gets better, but I’m confident that it will be worth it, and my boys will eventually get the ending they deserve.

You never know what to expect with Tal’s books, and that’s why I love her so much. Nobody surprises me quite like she does, and I love how well developed and distinct her characters are. It’s one thing to write a character on page, but it’s another to make them feel like a living and breathing person. All of these characters feel alive to me, and that’s the best compliment I can give an author.

So overall, this book was everything I wanted and more. I’ve read it three times already and it just gets better each time, and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ʚ⋅ɞ .ᐟㅤem. · Rating 5 out of 5]

₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ (Warning: Chaotic review down below)

Beyond broken is a misunderstanding. A modest way to express how I feel after reading this book. It took me a long time to finish it because, from the very first chapter, it felt different from the other two before. I took my time to savor every chapter, and God knows how much I wanted to keep doing that to reassure myself that it won't end. So grateful we have part two for it, otherwise I would've lost my shi-
(I already lost them with that ending. WHAT WAS THAT???????????)

I came to the conclusion after living every page of this book: it took a love interest who loves you back to see that one character you hated the most with different eyes. Nobody can change my mind, I've already seen and experienced it, and it left me speechless every single time. The most despicable character from book 1 and book 2 made me 'awww' for him more than once???? That's probably a first for me, cause I never hated a character the way I hated Shay-Lee, but then... his story happened, and don't get me wrong. He's still awful and morally gray, but what do you do when they both are and they're perfect for each other in their dark universe? You gotta... kinda accept it and root for them because author dearest DELIVERED!!!

I can't believe it happened- THEY happened, Diesel and Shay-Lee. Here's one of the many reasons I loved this book so much more: everything happened gradually. And the mysterious element hit the right spot, the tension those masks brought along with their alter egos?? Please, I was rooting for that part, must be my favorite. Camilo and his Lloron, name a more beautiful thing, I dare you. And might be just me, but here's another thing I noticed: the tender moments between them felt... truly taken care of. Tal really took all the sweet time for them in order to make them feel so right and so sweet. The dialogue, the loving gestures... they were a couple before even knowing I'm telling you.

I think we could all agree that our collective hatred for Shay-Lee's dad beats our hatred for Shay-Lee, right? Good, because that man was pure evil and deserved nothing but hell. “You know, he and I made a bet. I said it would take you at least an hour before you’d start screaming for him, but he said it would take no longer than ten minutes.” A monster. Y'all have no idea how many times I punched my pillow, bit my fist, and cussed at this particular individual every single time he appeared. I was ruined... the ending ruined me completely. I never felt so much sadness and pain before, but that ending?... How much pain can one human being take? Because Shay-Lee had known pain all his life, but this much? THE DETAILS RUINED ME!!!!! I'm not okay. I'm not, okay? You can't do this to me when this was basically my most anticipated book of this series, apart from Elliot and Daniel's book.

I declare myself ruined.

I can't believe Diesel promised he would never go anywhere from Shay-Lee, but someone else took him away anyway... I wish I could describe my heart shattering while reading the ending. I'm speechless. And if I didn't want to meet Kai and Ash so badly, I would've skipped book 4 just to reach these tormented babies faster. Is it even legal to feel THIS MUCH PAIN OVER FICTIONAL CHARACTERS??????? Goodness, I cried my eyes out while reliving the ending and writing this, and at this point, just take my heart out of my chest with bare hands and it would hurt less, I can assure y'all. If they don't get their happy ever after, I quit reading. (Not really, but I'm gonna cry my heart out)

Someone please end the dad in book 5, PLEASE I'M BEGGING!!!! It's all I'm asking, I don't even have high hopes for anything else, just end the mf. PLEASE. I can't do this anymore, knowing he's gonna be there, keep damaging his own son.

[Bettina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ ⭐️ THIS. BOOK! I thought I had a clue to what was going on to this story, but then Lewin just flipped all my thoughts 180° and served a book that just blew me away! This book was so not what I expected, and I friking loved it!!

– "Just… feel me," he whispered, leaning into my touch. With my eyes closed and my heart open, I traced every inch of his face. Getting a picture of who he was without seeing. And just like I figured, he was remarkable. 🖤

In the 3rd book of this series, we follow Shay-Lee and Diesel, and how they become involved. We all know that these two are true enemies, but with both of them losing their closest, they soon understand that they are more alike than they thought. There is SO much I want to write about this book, but as mentioned, I was not excpecting the things that happend in the story, and I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone starting this - all I will say is that I fell in love with the characters and it is an amazing, exciting, heartbreaking, brutal and thrilling story! Tal Lewins talent is real, and I’m truly looking forward to the next installment of this great series! 10/10 - will forever recommend!

[Katkejt ☾. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diesel • Shay-Lee

….

“Perhaps I was the fire, and he was gasoline, and touching him would set my whole life in flames.”

.

“Just… go easy on me, will you?”

.

“Are you two happy?” - “Almost.”

….

Tal didn’t come out to play cat and mouse with us - she came out and said “hold my mic, please…”. I was set ablaze. It’s been a few days and I am still coming off a high. I should’ve known by now that nobody surprises me like she does. Her characters actually feel like they’re breathing. Due to her writing style, I am able to see everything so vividly through my own eyes. It’s like being sat down in the middle watching it all unfold, with your mouth wide open. And you know who can do that? A true storyteller who doesn’t shy away, doesn’t excuse.

Since my first talks with Tal, I’ve waited (not) patiently for Diesel and Shay-Lee as I felt true protectiveness coming of her for these two characters. Book 1 and 2 showed us their exterior but the interior? Made me want my own personal Diesel and take away all the sorrow from Shay-Lee, protect both at all cost. I don’t think that’s news - Tal made me feral for all the characters in her created world. Even though we are far away from being done I am calling it one of the most exciting book journeys. The third book ends with a cliffhanger but with the way these books are written I wasn’t disappointed at all, it made me automatically yearn for what’s next and I can’t wait to discover it all.

If you haven’t started your journey with Bad Inceptions. Dive deep.

….


Michael Kiwanuka - Cold Little Heart

.

Artemas - if u think i’m pretty // ur special to me

….

“…but his guttural crying shredded my stone heart like nothing had for years.” // “I understood that in my arms wasn’t an angel but a devil. But didn’t they say that the devil, too, was once an angel?” // “He’s my Gatto Nero. My black cat.” // “Crop tops look the best on dudes…” // “Because I already figured out what Dion saw in him. He was out of reach, dangerous…” // “Who did this to you?” // “What makes you so sure I’m fatal?” - “It’s written in your eyes.” // “Now we meet.” // “I’m going to break my rule for you.” // “I’m facing the consequences.” // “Vamos, chico. Stop being a brat.” // “You’re going to be the end of me.” // “No wonder I dreamed about koala bears when you cling to me like one.” // “It was unbelievable how he always knew what to say. I could thrive on his affection and survive decades in his comfort.” // “…he’d see me for the monster I was because devils are not born, they’re made, and he just created a new one.” …

….

*I received an advance copy of this book via Passion Author Services and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

….

[Liseth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Explosive Prejudice tells a clear, simple story that sometimes loses its way, plus most twists were easy to see coming and the big topics never dug as deep as I wanted. That left me wanting more.
Shay Lee, the main character, is the best part:real, layered, easy to care for. Still, some of his choices pop up without warning and the book never tells us why, so much that I stopped trusting him for a moment. Camilo looks like the classic bad boy with a sad past, so cliche it almost hurts, and the side-villains feel cartoonish. The adults do things I simply couldn’t believe, which pulled me out of the scene again and again.
The writing voice while sometimes smooth and a pageturner, where mixed with long blocks of detail and some cheesy lines kept snapping me awake. In many spots the story rushes the feelings and slows down for long sex scenes; so I missed the balance.
The way the book shows parental abuse is strong, raw, and sticks in your gut. The love story also has sparks that warmed me. At the same time, Camilo’s grief and anger are mostly talked about, not shown, so they stay on the surface.
I liked pieces of this read: the hard-hitting abuse scenes and a few sweet beats between Shay Lee and Camilo, but too many jarring lines and the shallow first half made it hard to stay inside the book. The second half is better, yet the heavy focus on sex keeps pushing the emotions aside.
In the end, the story has heart and promise, but the bumpy characters, rushed feelings, and sex-over-emotion tilt left me at two stars instead of three.

[Esha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay-Lee and Diesel own my whole heart.❤️🥹😭
This book was everything I wanted and more. I can’t believe it ended like that.The cliffhanger has me losing my mind.🥲

[ash[hearts]angst · Rating 5 out of 5]

what. the. fuck
RTC

Absolutely unhinged. I had my doubts on how these two characters could redeem themselves but Shay-Lee definitely did. Diesel on the other hand? Get fucked. 😒

The hidden identity aspect drew me in immediately. The change in atmosphere, and the change in pace from the rest of the story was striking. It was literally as if nobody existed except for these two. I loved how they kept the masks on until that one moment. It was really beautiful to witness.

Shy-Lee is such an interesting character, my god. We get glimpses of his sweet side in the previous book, and Andrei makes some assumptions in book one that are spot on. One thing that bothered me tho was this kid never actually APOLOGIZED. To any of the other boys. Only Miles, and that’s a lost cause let me tell you. My heart went out for him. He’s truly a broken boy. That last chapter from him… destroyed me. But the love he has for Diesel was so pure. I hope they figure it out.

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel. He’s an idiot, truly. A childish, hot headed idiot. He’s convinced himself that he is destined to remain a “fuck up” and he’s pissed at his best friend because he wants a better life for himself? It made me so angry. All these boys have issues, and trauma, and instead of grabbing onto Andrei and being like “yeah bro, we can have better lives for ourselves” he’s like nahhh fuck this, fuck you, fuck everyone. I really didn’t feel bad for him at all until the end. Absolutely hated his piss poor attitude. He’s possessiveness and jealousy was annoying. Wasn’t until the last 10% that I truly started to like and understand him.

The story was amazing. The twists and turns. That cliffhanger was real. I’m nervous and scared but on we go!

[the.aquarius.booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read books one and two before beginning this one.This series must be read in order because of the timeline of events with each couple.This installment in the series featured Shay-Lee and Diesel. I've been waiting for book three, and it didn't disappoint.These two men have been dancing around each other since book one. They were inevitable. I knew their story would be intense. It would be explosive. I was still blown away by their story. Its my favorite entry in this series, and I can't wait for their next book. I can't wait for book four, either. No spoilers from me. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. It's best to experience it yourself to get the full effect. Be prepared it ends on a cliffhanger, but don't let that deter you. It's absolutely worth that read. MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR CW. This book might not be for you. It has content that may be difficult for some readers. Make sure to cw and make sure if this is the right or wrong book for you to read.

[Tare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow 🫠 That ending?!?!?!?!?!

RTC once I can get my thoughts fully together but holy shit this series has me in a chokehold and Diesel and Shay-Lee were everything.

[Bookloversofantastic · Rating 5 out of 5]

∞⭐️
I had the wonderful chance to Beta read this book and I was really excited to read it again as an ARC. It is as explosive as the title intends, it’s a f*cking ride, intense, heartbreaking. To finally see them for real, to understand how they think, to see how they interact, and the best thing seeing them fall for each other 😍

This book is expected and Tal Lewin truthfully gives Shay-Lee and Diesel justice, I have been waiting for them since Book 1 and it was better than I could expect 🩷
This story is unbelievable and with so many layers. There is a build-up of tension, the hate, the passion, the understanding, the back and forth, the games. They have much to learn about each other behind closed doors, they’re more similar than they thought. They’re both a side of the same coin, completing each other and making their relationship so real.

It’s truly hard to talk about it without spoiler 😅 so my DM are totally open to talk about it. Truth be told some characters are hateful but necessary to the build-up of course, one is peculiarly scary 😱
Also, I was disappointed in one character I felt it was coming and when it went down I just wanted to cry !! This plot is a masterpiece, so unexpected !! That cliffhanger is way too intense for my poor heart, but I can’t wait for Chief’s story and then Shay-Lee and Diesel's ending.

Another thing, I love how this book also shows the other side of some characters and things that happened in the previous books and the effect it has on this timeline.

Truly that book was unbelievably amazing and I will read it all over again and again.

[Courtney Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diesel & Shay-Lee

This series has consumed my life for the last 3 days. But this book. THIS. BOOK.

If you had told me after reading Mistaken Prejudice that I would love Diesel and Shay-Lee, I would have told you that your mom’s a h0€. Well guess what. I don’t ever want to hear anyone ever say anything bad about these two precious babies. I’m ready to fight, don’t come at me.

The entire time, I felt like I could read FAST ENOUGH. It wasn’t getting into my brain QUICK ENOUGH. My god Tal, what have you done to me?!

Are Diesel and Shay-Lee a$$h*l€s, absolutely. Are they broken and hurting? Undoubtedly. Do I want to hug them? Come to mama. Do they need an a$$ whoopin? Again, come to mama.

What am I going to do now? How am I going to live my life when the next book isn’t out yet?

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I feel completely exhausted after reading this book—in a good way. Like the previous books, this one was very fast-paced, full of plot twists and turns, and especially in this book, there are a lot of strong emotions and traumatic events. As the author mentions at the beginning, things get a lot darker here. I couldn't have expected or prepared myself for everything that happened in this book. It was impossible to stop reading and put the book down. This completely hooked me and wouldn't let go.

Tal writes all the characters really well and strongly; they are very different and flawed (as we all are), but at the same time, he manages to bring out the sides of them that allow the reader to sympathise with and understand their actions. This book does a great job of introducing the characters of Diesel (Camilo) and Shay-Lee, and we understand why they are the way they are and can empathize with them. I haven't forgotten everything Shay-Lee did and how he behaved in the first book, but my heart breaks for him as I read. He is definition of a broken boy and has suffered so much, I really hope he will get revenge and peace towards the end. (Btw, If Jordan had anything to do with what happened to Camilo at the end, I want to step into the book and punch him in the face myself.)

The chemistry between Diesel and Shay-Lee has been there from the start, but the author still manages to write their story really well and in a different, kind of unpredictable way. Although, I have to say I don't believe that people who know each other wouldn't recognize each other behind masks, but let's just ignore that fact and read with vibes. Their chemistry just gets better and better, and their relationship and feelings go really deep. And the spice... oh, the spice. Wow. Camilo and Shay-Lee's scenes... I have no words. They definitely became one of my favourite couples.
__________

’Yes, he was an arrogant, crazy son of a bitch who did bad things, but his heart was fucking pure. Broken but pure. When he fucked up, and so help me God did he fuck up a lot, he did it out of pain and fear. A direct result of living life in the shadows of monsters. Not that it justified things, but after being hurt for his entire life, he didn’t know how to function without destroying shit that got in the way, but he was trying to do better. I knew he was. I saw it. Fucking lived it.’
__________

’As much as I feared loneliness, I also feared intimacy, simply because I’d never experienced it and had no idea how to endure it.
”Are you scared?” he asked, as if reading my mind. “Yeah,” I admitted, because lying to him was pointless. “Me too.” We were so much alike. Our circumstances were different, but the outcomes were the same.
”But I’m okay with it,” he continued, pulling me closer until our noses grazed and our lips nearly brushed.’

[bookedwith_sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Since the beginning, there had been this force that drew us to one another, and now it was a million times stronger. It was so strong that ignoring it seemed impossible. Call it madness, but we were a perfect fucking match.”

I know I only started this series a few days ago but I have been DYING to see how this book would go and it didn’t disappoint.

This book follows the two ✨insane✨ characters- Diesel & Shay-Lee. From the very beginning of this series you could just tell these two were SO similar & had some type of hot chemistry. And let me tell you, it is HOTTTT 🥵 I have an insane amount of highlights in this book at 70% of it is probably spice 😂


“He looked lost. He looked owned. He looked mine.”

I will say, going into this book I couldn’t even imagine how I could EVER like Shay-Lee. He has done some truly horrific things in the previous books. But deep down, Shay-Lee is just an extremely broken boy who has been abused & treated horribly since he was a little boy. I cried so many tears for him in this book and he’s now my favorite character of the series.

Overall, these two are my favorite couple in this series. They are perfect for one another and you could just feel their love for each other.

This book does end on an intense cliffhanger and I will be dying a slow death waiting to see what happens with these characters. I just need my sweet crazy babies to get their HEA but unfortunately we won’t get that until book 5 lol

Please go read this series ASAP. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading this book was like the worst high of my fucking life. started out so buzzed and ended up feeling like death has come for me. this was cinema. their buzz is sickening. one of the few books i could imagine as a movie playing in my head. BUT AT WHAT COST!!! that cliffhanger ended me. i need justice for my babies PLEASE. shay-lee is my fav feral twink to ever be written i’m obsessed with him. diesel!!!! that’s a real fucking man. psycho x his match…oh the way these guys own me.

“You’re the high before the crash. Fucking you would be as thrilling as driving a race car off a cliff. Absolutely exceptional until you die. You’re my fucking heaven, Llorón. My sweet, toxic, painful heaven.

I NEED THEIR HAPPY ENDING NOW!!!! 😭😭😭

[_readwithtee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears, tears, and more tears! This book freaking broke me. I wanted to scream, I wanted to be violent, I just wanted to jump into that book! I knew with all my heart that it was gonna be an emotional ride, and I could tell there were more layers to Shay- Lee and Diesel and we definitely got to delve deeper into that and Shay- Lee broke my heart!

But amidst all the sadness and tears, there was possessiveness, spice, and sizzling chemistry with a deep connection that I just freaking loved. I knew I was gonna be all for them, and the way it ended!? I literally screamed, "Oh my God!" I cannot wait for them; they need their happily ever after in abundance!

As always this series has me in a chokehold

[Emma Capella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve already blown up Tal’s messages with how much I loved this, but Explosive Prejudice by Tal Lewin is by far my favorite book in the Bad Inception series. Everything about it had me enthralled. Even when I saw things coming, they still hit me like a punch to the gut.

This story is packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, hate and fear, joy and love, corruption and forgiveness—just so much. I am absolutely obsessed with Diesel and Shay; these boys are god-tier characters.

This series hits for me the same way Nora Sakavic’s All For the Game does—and that’s high praise. If you know me, you know I’m completely obsessed with that series.

Just… wow. All around. I’m so ready to dive into what comes next. I need to know how this series plays out!

[May‧₊˚ ࣪ ִֶָ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explain how reading this book made me feel, it is simply impossible, I am still processing it.

I've been crying all morning, this book was wonderful and heartbreaking, both protagonists took my heart, this story is so good that I couldn't stop reading, it has a real plot that is definitely worth reading, the entire series itself okay, I read this book, this book is everything that is right, Shay-lee, I love you so much and that works for me but I will defend you all life, and Camilo, you are so special and everything that is right. They both are...

Anyway, I need with my soul to know how the story will end 🥹🩶

[Er Harta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me apart and put me back together piece by piece.
I felt every twist of anxiety for the characters, every moment of helplessness, every hit to the heart. It’s one of those stories that drags you under completely — intense, consuming, unforgettable.

The main characters didn’t just end up in my heart; they fused into it. Their journey is raw and devastating in the best possible way.

It’s powerful. It’s destructive. The kind of book that leaves you staring at the wall wanting a cigarette after.

And the moment I finish writing this, I’m diving straight into book four.
Bravo!

[Jasmine Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay-Lee and Diesel are my favorite book couple hands down. I am obsessed with them. This book did not disappoint. Honestly it left me wanting more of them. I will never get enough of them. The ending had me shook and now I haven’t wait till book 5 😭😭

[Musi ✨Vegacrux’s first child✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT ENDING IS A FUCKING CRIME WTF WHEN DOES NEXT BOOK DROP???

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal
Obsessed
Cant wait for the next book
This series as first i was like what am I reading
The third book hooked me
Cant wait
This series got me out of a slump
I could not settle on anything then all of a sudden I can't put the 3 books down
Loved it

[KEM · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very TALL order to make me like one of the MCs but I think you succeeded so well. I know the author warned us about the cliffhanger and still screamed when it came up. CAN'T wait for part two of this duet in book five. I'm about halfway through book four and the stage is certainly set.

[Kaitlyn Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000 🌟

[peoniesandmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes yes yes!! this book is just too freaking good 😭😭 this whole series is just perfection. RUNNING full speed ahead for the next book.
please do yourself a favor and read all of these.

[Joana Pozo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cómo se puede quedar este libro con un gran cliffhanger, ese final te deja con el corazón en la mano porque pasan tantas cosas a la vez.
Ame la pareja que hicieron Diesel y Shay-Lee. Soy fan de los libros de redención de personajes y leer el creciemiento de personaje por parte de Shay-Lee te da a entender el “por qué el es así”, pero siempre te da a entender también que el no trata de justificar sus malas acciones por todo el trasfondo de su vida. El fue el “villano” de los dos anteriores libros porque quiso y listo, y eso me gustó.
Pero el que se llevó mi corazón fue Diesel, amo los personajes que aman sobre todas las cosas e incondicionalmente y el me dio todo eso.

Ahora a leer el final de su historia, que se que será igual una montaña rusa de emociones ❤️

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Shay win me over like I was told he would?! Yes! I can admit I was reluctant to give him a chance but I was also willing to be completely wrong since it means someone is better than they made themselves out to be. Diesel I have always liked, I did however have moments where I just wanted to pinch him a little bit in book 1. I loved their relationship development. Their path was stressful, heartbreaking and their moments of happiness were well fought for. I’m excited to get back to there story! Now off to read book 4! 🖤🧡🖤


☑️ Trigger Warnings.