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Fire Fight
Drake Arlington is a raging psycho.
I thought he might be the first boy to break my heart, but no. He doused me with fuel and tossed a lighter instead.
Forget heartache.
He broke my brain.
Cue the anxiety sweats. The panic attacks. Caffeine jitters without drinking a single cup.
Drake got hauled off to boot camp for three months while I paid ten times that price in sleepless nights alone.
But that's in the past.
I'm determined to move on and heal.
A task made easier when mum's latest conquest enrols me at the city's swankiest school, inviting us to live it up in his seaside mansion.
Everything is perfect… until he introduces his prodigal son.
Under the watchful eye of his father, Drake acts reformed, but his searing gaze in class tells a different story. A chair under my doorhandle will keep him out—for now.
But senior year just became a battle for survival and this time, I'll fight fire with fire.
This is a DARK/BULLY standalone romance and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the content notice in the preface of the book.
I thought he might be the first boy to break my heart, but no. He doused me with fuel and tossed a lighter instead.
Forget heartache.
He broke my brain.
Cue the anxiety sweats. The panic attacks. Caffeine jitters without drinking a single cup.
Drake got hauled off to boot camp for three months while I paid ten times that price in sleepless nights alone.
But that's in the past.
I'm determined to move on and heal.
A task made easier when mum's latest conquest enrols me at the city's swankiest school, inviting us to live it up in his seaside mansion.
Everything is perfect… until he introduces his prodigal son.
Under the watchful eye of his father, Drake acts reformed, but his searing gaze in class tells a different story. A chair under my doorhandle will keep him out—for now.
But senior year just became a battle for survival and this time, I'll fight fire with fire.
This is a DARK/BULLY standalone romance and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the content notice in the preface of the book.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
560 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 23, 2024
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️
Darkness: 1 🖤
Would Recommend: Yup!
My Review:
I’ve loved Layla's work for a while now, and this book did not disappoint! While it’s labeled as a dark bully romance, I’d say it’s much tamer compared to some others I’ve read. That said, it was still SO captivating. The way the first chapter ended had me hooked from the start! 🔥
The MCs, Drake and Cadence, both carry heavy trauma, which creates a lot of tension between them. But despite everything, their love for each other shines through, and it is beautifully portrayed.
The spice, emotions, and angst were woven together so perfectly. I was feeling everything, especially with Drake. That boy has been through it, and my heart just ached for him. 💔
The writing was brilliant, and although I guessed the plot twist (yay me! 😏), it was still super well-executed and satisfying to see unfold.
Tropes:
Bully
Virgin h
Trauma
Mental Health
Spice: 2🌶️
Darkness: 1 🖤
Would Recommend: Yup!
My Review:
I’ve loved Layla's work for a while now, and this book did not disappoint! While it’s labeled as a dark bully romance, I’d say it’s much tamer compared to some others I’ve read. That said, it was still SO captivating. The way the first chapter ended had me hooked from the start! 🔥
The MCs, Drake and Cadence, both carry heavy trauma, which creates a lot of tension between them. But despite everything, their love for each other shines through, and it is beautifully portrayed.
The spice, emotions, and angst were woven together so perfectly. I was feeling everything, especially with Drake. That boy has been through it, and my heart just ached for him. 💔
The writing was brilliant, and although I guessed the plot twist (yay me! 😏), it was still super well-executed and satisfying to see unfold.
Tropes:
Bully
Virgin h
Trauma
Mental Health
January 9, 2025
This whole story didn’t make sense to me.
A lot of telling and no showing.
Spice was dull compared to what expectations are for this type of story.
The whole story hinged on what a journalist was going to write about one of the characters but said journalist was in the story twice.
Just…..nothing made complete sense.
As always, research your triggers. This is a dark, bully romance so there are triggers aplenty.
A lot of telling and no showing.
Spice was dull compared to what expectations are for this type of story.
The whole story hinged on what a journalist was going to write about one of the characters but said journalist was in the story twice.
Just…..nothing made complete sense.
As always, research your triggers. This is a dark, bully romance so there are triggers aplenty.
October 22, 2024
I'm rating this book 3.5 stars. I loved it but in between I felt like the FMC is either too desperate to find a good loving man or she is dump. But later, I loved her courage when she confronted others.
Book Review:
What happens when a guy who used to be your friend is now your enemy? What happens when one day he comes right at you and start asking questions? What happens when he gets angry and ends up throwing a lighter at you? What happens when a year or so later, your mother finds a lover and now you are shifting to his home? What happens when you get to know you have a step-brother? What happens when you finally meet your step-brother and he is none other than your enemy who tried to burn you? What do you think will happen now?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark Bully romance
>> Friends to Enemies to lovers
>> Mental health rep / Trauma
>> V!rgin FMC
>> Bad boy MMC / Pyro MMC
>> High School Setting
>> Forced proximity
>> Taboo romance
>> Secrets / Suspense
>> Obsessed MMC
>> HEA
If you love bully romance with secrets and pure hate but obsession, do read this book. I loved it. I loved the MMC and somewhere along the story, FMC started acting dumb. Overall, I loved it.
Book Review:
What happens when a guy who used to be your friend is now your enemy? What happens when one day he comes right at you and start asking questions? What happens when he gets angry and ends up throwing a lighter at you? What happens when a year or so later, your mother finds a lover and now you are shifting to his home? What happens when you get to know you have a step-brother? What happens when you finally meet your step-brother and he is none other than your enemy who tried to burn you? What do you think will happen now?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark Bully romance
>> Friends to Enemies to lovers
>> Mental health rep / Trauma
>> V!rgin FMC
>> Bad boy MMC / Pyro MMC
>> High School Setting
>> Forced proximity
>> Taboo romance
>> Secrets / Suspense
>> Obsessed MMC
>> HEA
If you love bully romance with secrets and pure hate but obsession, do read this book. I loved it. I loved the MMC and somewhere along the story, FMC started acting dumb. Overall, I loved it.
January 2, 2025
Officially a DNF (which is unfortunate because I tried multiple times to push through and finish this). Everything about this book is too immature and illogical for me.
September 27, 2024
Fire Fight
By Layla Simon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥Dark Bully Romance
🔥High School Setting
🔥Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥Almost Taboo 😉
🔥Bad Boy MMC
🔥Mental Health rep
🔥HEA
Wow. Just wow. This amazing Dark Bully romance blew my mind!
They say trauma makes you stronger, I think it depends on a lot of factors one of which is how you go about facing your trauma and healing from it, and this amazing book has not one but multiple characters dealing with trauma in their pasts that they are trying to cope with.
This book, tells the epic story of Cadence the FMC who faces a horrific incident at school, who then moves to a new school and new home with her mum thinking it would be a new start but little does she know the past has a funny way of always coming back to haunt us in the mist unexpected ways.
And then comes Bryce or rather Drake as he is more commonly known, the damaged MMC who also has a heap of trauma he is facing after losing him mum to a suspected overdose he blames Cadence for, which as we know in life if you hold anger in it turns you into an angry person, so Drake has become a mega Bully but he does it oh so well 🤤😉
This book has some pretty amazing twists and turns as the truth unfolds, some of which I never saw coming which made Fire Fight even more incredible 🖤
Layla Simon the way you write is extraordinary 😘
Fire Fight is due for release on Amazon and KU on the 30th of September, I highly recommend this book for all my lovelies that love the bully romances 😉 you will NOT be disappointed 😘🖤
By Layla Simon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥Dark Bully Romance
🔥High School Setting
🔥Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥Almost Taboo 😉
🔥Bad Boy MMC
🔥Mental Health rep
🔥HEA
Wow. Just wow. This amazing Dark Bully romance blew my mind!
They say trauma makes you stronger, I think it depends on a lot of factors one of which is how you go about facing your trauma and healing from it, and this amazing book has not one but multiple characters dealing with trauma in their pasts that they are trying to cope with.
This book, tells the epic story of Cadence the FMC who faces a horrific incident at school, who then moves to a new school and new home with her mum thinking it would be a new start but little does she know the past has a funny way of always coming back to haunt us in the mist unexpected ways.
And then comes Bryce or rather Drake as he is more commonly known, the damaged MMC who also has a heap of trauma he is facing after losing him mum to a suspected overdose he blames Cadence for, which as we know in life if you hold anger in it turns you into an angry person, so Drake has become a mega Bully but he does it oh so well 🤤😉
This book has some pretty amazing twists and turns as the truth unfolds, some of which I never saw coming which made Fire Fight even more incredible 🖤
Layla Simon the way you write is extraordinary 😘
Fire Fight is due for release on Amazon and KU on the 30th of September, I highly recommend this book for all my lovelies that love the bully romances 😉 you will NOT be disappointed 😘🖤
October 2, 2024
I received an ARC of this book.
This is a new author to me and I’ll definitely be reading more of their work!
I really enjoyed this book actually.
I felt there was a lot of sensitivity around the subject of parental mental health, but that excuses weren’t made because of it.
I did feel there was a bit of a jump in the FMC and MMC characters relationship, that I felt I’d missed something but overall I enjoyed their character arcs.
This is a new author to me and I’ll definitely be reading more of their work!
I really enjoyed this book actually.
I felt there was a lot of sensitivity around the subject of parental mental health, but that excuses weren’t made because of it.
I did feel there was a bit of a jump in the FMC and MMC characters relationship, that I felt I’d missed something but overall I enjoyed their character arcs.
September 23, 2024
OH MY GOSH!
This is deliciously steamy and oh so crazy obsessive!
Layla Simon, is honestly such an artist with this trope and the alpha male character type.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is deliciously steamy and oh so crazy obsessive!
Layla Simon, is honestly such an artist with this trope and the alpha male character type.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2024
Well this was refreshing. The bullying just felt more "real life " It wasn't over the top and just hit right. It was a good story and thoroughly enjoyed it. Cadence and Drake(also known as Blaine) had good chemistry. It was action packed and fast paced.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2024
A bully romance on the surface, but underneath is a great exploration of grief and how a person reacts to trauma and abuse.
Cadence and Drake are both extremely damaged from the experiences of their youth. Drake blames Cadence for what happened to his Mom (not a spoiler, first chapter), and Cadence has major PTSD because of how Drake lashes out. When their paths cross again a year later, they are forced to come to terms with the past.
Their relationship goes back and forth a lot. Drake makes Cadence's life a living nightmare, but then is quick to be sweet and vulnerable with her. The writing is good, but I often felt like I was missing something with how frequent the transitions were. Like chapters were weirdly edited. When they finally decide to stop letting the past control them, their chemistry is fantastic. The spicy scenes aren't overwhelming, and they actually feel meaningful for their relationship. They heal each other's trauma, and their relationship felt genuine even though what Drake puts Cadence through is practically unforgivable. Drake really pulled on my heart in the end, but I felt like he really didn't try to understand Cadence's PTSD symptoms or redeem himself for any of it. I feel like Cadence helped him so much, but he didn't help her on the same level. I think this really lessoned that aspect of Cadence's character, and the plot wouldn't have suffered if her PTSD wasn't a thing. I wish he would have addressed his actions more. The ending is so unhinged with lots of twists and turns, but still fitting for the characters.
I highly recommend this author. I think Layla Simon is a fantastic writer for Dark Romance stories. Her characters are always so complex and memorable. This is my second read from her after reading Spoilsport. This isn't as dark as that one, but still a lot of triggers and extreme content.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and all opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Cadence and Drake are both extremely damaged from the experiences of their youth. Drake blames Cadence for what happened to his Mom (not a spoiler, first chapter), and Cadence has major PTSD because of how Drake lashes out. When their paths cross again a year later, they are forced to come to terms with the past.
Their relationship goes back and forth a lot. Drake makes Cadence's life a living nightmare, but then is quick to be sweet and vulnerable with her. The writing is good, but I often felt like I was missing something with how frequent the transitions were. Like chapters were weirdly edited. When they finally decide to stop letting the past control them, their chemistry is fantastic. The spicy scenes aren't overwhelming, and they actually feel meaningful for their relationship. They heal each other's trauma, and their relationship felt genuine even though what Drake puts Cadence through is practically unforgivable. Drake really pulled on my heart in the end, but I felt like he really didn't try to understand Cadence's PTSD symptoms or redeem himself for any of it. I feel like Cadence helped him so much, but he didn't help her on the same level. I think this really lessoned that aspect of Cadence's character, and the plot wouldn't have suffered if her PTSD wasn't a thing. I wish he would have addressed his actions more. The ending is so unhinged with lots of twists and turns, but still fitting for the characters.
I highly recommend this author. I think Layla Simon is a fantastic writer for Dark Romance stories. Her characters are always so complex and memorable. This is my second read from her after reading Spoilsport. This isn't as dark as that one, but still a lot of triggers and extreme content.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and all opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
October 7, 2024
Themes
• Bully Romance
• Step Siblings
• Bad Boy MMC
• High School Setting
• Trauma/MH Rep
• HEA
After a horrific incident at school, and equally horrific incidents at home, Cadence finally thinks she’s finally getting a fresh start. Moving to a seaside mansion to live with her mum’s latest partner, starting a new elite private school, she even has a new stepbrother. It seems like the past is truly behind her, that is until it sneaks up on her in her new home. The past, with the same gorgeous face, but a different name. Drake – the boy she once thought she would love, the boy who instead set her alight. After three months at bootcamp – is her tormentor truly reformed? Or is it all an act? It’s time to fight fire with fire.
Oh, I do love a good Bully Romance, and Fire Fight did not disappoint. This book hits the ground running and doesn’t slow down. The opening was so suspenseful and full of intrigue. I was immediately hooked.
Both of our MC’s have had difficult upbringings and have experienced heavy trauma. For Drake this is particularly compounded by the death of his mother. To say this causes major tension between the two is an understatement, but gods, the build-up, the push/pull, the emotions…the author captures it all, exquisitely.
Fire Fight has that lovable toxicity that I’ve come to associate with Layla’s work. Don’t doubt me when I say we have a Queen of the bully trope here. Her writing is so captivating and emotionally evocative I literally could not put this one down. The plot was so well executed with all of the twists and turns needed to keep you on your toes.
If there was a blueprint on how to weave passion, trauma, spice, vulnerability, anger and angst together into an intense plot, Fire Fight would be it 5 🌟
• Bully Romance
• Step Siblings
• Bad Boy MMC
• High School Setting
• Trauma/MH Rep
• HEA
After a horrific incident at school, and equally horrific incidents at home, Cadence finally thinks she’s finally getting a fresh start. Moving to a seaside mansion to live with her mum’s latest partner, starting a new elite private school, she even has a new stepbrother. It seems like the past is truly behind her, that is until it sneaks up on her in her new home. The past, with the same gorgeous face, but a different name. Drake – the boy she once thought she would love, the boy who instead set her alight. After three months at bootcamp – is her tormentor truly reformed? Or is it all an act? It’s time to fight fire with fire.
Oh, I do love a good Bully Romance, and Fire Fight did not disappoint. This book hits the ground running and doesn’t slow down. The opening was so suspenseful and full of intrigue. I was immediately hooked.
Both of our MC’s have had difficult upbringings and have experienced heavy trauma. For Drake this is particularly compounded by the death of his mother. To say this causes major tension between the two is an understatement, but gods, the build-up, the push/pull, the emotions…the author captures it all, exquisitely.
Fire Fight has that lovable toxicity that I’ve come to associate with Layla’s work. Don’t doubt me when I say we have a Queen of the bully trope here. Her writing is so captivating and emotionally evocative I literally could not put this one down. The plot was so well executed with all of the twists and turns needed to keep you on your toes.
If there was a blueprint on how to weave passion, trauma, spice, vulnerability, anger and angst together into an intense plot, Fire Fight would be it 5 🌟
October 1, 2024
Take a chance by MeemsAngel82
I loved this!!! She is a new author for me and I was so excited by the description. I started reading this right away and was so happy with it! There are some triggers in here for some so read responsibility. I was worried at the beginning but kept reading and love the chemistry between these two leads. This is a full book and has an exciting plot and there is never a dull moment as everyone kept me guessing.
She was glad to be away from bad memories and a certain someone. Then she learns that he is her new step brother.
I was so intrigued by this! She went though a lot and her mom as well. Our H did too and the reveal is heartbreaking as we read and makes this guy slowly grow up. The fire between them was so good and I was so happy when they finally realized that they both were in one another's hearts for much longer than they both knew. Great writing and intense chemistry and a couple that goes through a lot but they were always there for one another. I cannot wait for more!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this!!! She is a new author for me and I was so excited by the description. I started reading this right away and was so happy with it! There are some triggers in here for some so read responsibility. I was worried at the beginning but kept reading and love the chemistry between these two leads. This is a full book and has an exciting plot and there is never a dull moment as everyone kept me guessing.
She was glad to be away from bad memories and a certain someone. Then she learns that he is her new step brother.
I was so intrigued by this! She went though a lot and her mom as well. Our H did too and the reveal is heartbreaking as we read and makes this guy slowly grow up. The fire between them was so good and I was so happy when they finally realized that they both were in one another's hearts for much longer than they both knew. Great writing and intense chemistry and a couple that goes through a lot but they were always there for one another. I cannot wait for more!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2024
TITLE: Fire Fight
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: Layla Simon
TROPE: Enemies-to-Lovers
TYPE: Standalone
POV: Dual POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers
WHAT TO EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Bully
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️🔥 Pyro MMC
❤️🔥 Revenge
❤️🔥 Trama
❤️🔥 Obsessed MMC
❤️🔥 Stepbrother
Drake and Cadence’s story was intense, dark, intriguing, and spicy! In this standalone dark bully romance, former childhood friends turned enemies must figure out how to live under the same roof. Fire Fight was my first read by Layla Simon, which I enjoyed reading late into the wee hours to finish. Cadence and Drake had a rough upbringing before entering this new blended family. The only thing that could have made this even better, in my opinion, would be a bit more intensity to have Drake see and feel more of Cadence's anxiety panic attacks from his previous stunt and maybe a bit more grovelling to make amends for his decisions in their past. Overall, I enjoyed Fire Fight, for which I am rating 4 / 5 Stars.
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: Layla Simon
TROPE: Enemies-to-Lovers
TYPE: Standalone
POV: Dual POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers
WHAT TO EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Bully
❤️🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️🔥 Pyro MMC
❤️🔥 Revenge
❤️🔥 Trama
❤️🔥 Obsessed MMC
❤️🔥 Stepbrother
Drake and Cadence’s story was intense, dark, intriguing, and spicy! In this standalone dark bully romance, former childhood friends turned enemies must figure out how to live under the same roof. Fire Fight was my first read by Layla Simon, which I enjoyed reading late into the wee hours to finish. Cadence and Drake had a rough upbringing before entering this new blended family. The only thing that could have made this even better, in my opinion, would be a bit more intensity to have Drake see and feel more of Cadence's anxiety panic attacks from his previous stunt and maybe a bit more grovelling to make amends for his decisions in their past. Overall, I enjoyed Fire Fight, for which I am rating 4 / 5 Stars.
September 28, 2024
Review for “Fire Fight” by Lyla Simon
“Fire Fight” by Lyla Simon is an absolute rollercoaster of a read that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The book’s unhinged nature and the unexpected twist at the beginning set the tone for an exhilarating journey.
Cadence, the protagonist, is eager to start fresh in a new state, with a beautiful house and a new school. However, her past trauma, which is gradually revealed, adds depth to her character and brings a raw, emotional edge to the story. The portrayal of her PTSD is both poignant and realistic, making her journey all the more compelling.
This book is a masterclass in delivering emotional highs and lows, with every trigger warning adding to the adrenaline rush. The toxicity and intensity of the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself thriving on the chaos and drama.
“Fire Fight” is a book that I will revisit time and time again, just to relive the thrill. If you’re looking for a read that will keep you captivated and leave you breathless, you won’t regret picking up this one!
“Fire Fight” by Lyla Simon is an absolute rollercoaster of a read that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The book’s unhinged nature and the unexpected twist at the beginning set the tone for an exhilarating journey.
Cadence, the protagonist, is eager to start fresh in a new state, with a beautiful house and a new school. However, her past trauma, which is gradually revealed, adds depth to her character and brings a raw, emotional edge to the story. The portrayal of her PTSD is both poignant and realistic, making her journey all the more compelling.
This book is a masterclass in delivering emotional highs and lows, with every trigger warning adding to the adrenaline rush. The toxicity and intensity of the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself thriving on the chaos and drama.
“Fire Fight” is a book that I will revisit time and time again, just to relive the thrill. If you’re looking for a read that will keep you captivated and leave you breathless, you won’t regret picking up this one!
October 4, 2024
ARC Review;
Rating; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥Dark Bully Romance
🔥High School Setting
🔥Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥Almost Taboo 😉
🔥Bad Boy MMC
🔥Mental Health rep
🔥HEA
Drake and Cadence’s story was intense, dark, intriguing, and spicy! In this standalone dark bully romance, former childhood friends turned enemies must figure out how to live under the same roof.
They say trauma makes you stronger, I think it depends on a lot of factors one of which is how you go about facing your trauma and healing from it, and this amazing book has not one but multiple characters dealing with trauma in their pasts that they are trying to cope with.
Cadence and Drake are both extremely damaged from the experiences of their youth. Drake blames Cadence for what happened to his Mom and Cadence has major PTSD because of how Drake lashes out. When their paths cross again a year later, they are forced to come to terms with the past.
Their relationship goes back and forth a lot. Drake makes Cadence's life a living nightmare, but then is quick to be sweet and vulnerable with her.
Rating; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥Dark Bully Romance
🔥High School Setting
🔥Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥Almost Taboo 😉
🔥Bad Boy MMC
🔥Mental Health rep
🔥HEA
Drake and Cadence’s story was intense, dark, intriguing, and spicy! In this standalone dark bully romance, former childhood friends turned enemies must figure out how to live under the same roof.
They say trauma makes you stronger, I think it depends on a lot of factors one of which is how you go about facing your trauma and healing from it, and this amazing book has not one but multiple characters dealing with trauma in their pasts that they are trying to cope with.
Cadence and Drake are both extremely damaged from the experiences of their youth. Drake blames Cadence for what happened to his Mom and Cadence has major PTSD because of how Drake lashes out. When their paths cross again a year later, they are forced to come to terms with the past.
Their relationship goes back and forth a lot. Drake makes Cadence's life a living nightmare, but then is quick to be sweet and vulnerable with her.
October 8, 2024
Spicy, taboo, delicious. Those are the three words I'd use to describe this bully/revenge/high school dark romance. It's a wonderfully written book that has the two main characters, Cadence, and Bryce/Drake. Both have had a lot of trauma in their past, and where Cadence uses her trauma to grow and gain empathy, Drake focuses on nothing but revenge and anger. Seeing their relationships past as friends, to where they are now as enemies/bully, to seeing how they come together in the end, was written so well and so fluidly that I didn't want to book down. I WAS there with them, experiencing their pain and struggles.
I LOVE Layla Simon's bully romances, and this was no exception. They're dark, so make sure to read the trigger warnings beforehand.
“You’re mine to take whenever I feel like it. I’ll even be a nice guy and give you back your pills if you want them.” His eyes lock to mine. “Just be aware, every time you take one to sleep, I’ll sneak into your room and help myself to whatever I want. Your choice.”
4.75 / 5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I LOVE Layla Simon's bully romances, and this was no exception. They're dark, so make sure to read the trigger warnings beforehand.
“You’re mine to take whenever I feel like it. I’ll even be a nice guy and give you back your pills if you want them.” His eyes lock to mine. “Just be aware, every time you take one to sleep, I’ll sneak into your room and help myself to whatever I want. Your choice.”
4.75 / 5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 11, 2024
The overall story was pretty good. However, in the beginning, I was confused. I found myself rereading sentences to try and figure out what was happening. After getting past the first few chapters, the story seemed to go at a study pace. Revealing things in the manner in which they needed to happen. Now, towards the end, the last couple of chapters seem to be rushed a bit. It felt like there were things missing on how the characters got to where they were. But again, the overall story was pretty good.
I love reading step-sibling/ bully romances. It is one of my favorite tropes. Some of the trauma that the two main characters face throughout the book felt gut-wrenching to read based on how old they were. I loved once Drake got his head out of his ass and actually listened to Cadence. How good they were together. But I understand where Drake was coming from, and he acted the way he did. Still, it was inexcusable what he put her through, making her believe he wanted to seriously harm her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love reading step-sibling/ bully romances. It is one of my favorite tropes. Some of the trauma that the two main characters face throughout the book felt gut-wrenching to read based on how old they were. I loved once Drake got his head out of his ass and actually listened to Cadence. How good they were together. But I understand where Drake was coming from, and he acted the way he did. Still, it was inexcusable what he put her through, making her believe he wanted to seriously harm her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2024
This story is about trauma, grief, revenge, bullying, love and high school. Cadence and Drake have known each other years and, unbeknownst to them, had crushes on each other. And then Drake turns on her after discovering damming evidence of singing she did. He gets sent away and they don’t see each other until a year later when she moves into her mother’s bf’s home and they become roommates. Drake is out for revenge against her. Cadence just wants to be left alone. So much on within the school and their classmates too in regards to bullying and cliques. But underneath the surface is suspense and danger that they don’t see coming.
I enjoyed this book and the relationship between the two mc’s and how, even though they want to hate each other, they just have this undeniable attraction and chemistry. There are some British proper words in here that some might not understand but I love them. It was intense sometimes and the twist and everything that was uncovered was so good.
I enjoyed this book and the relationship between the two mc’s and how, even though they want to hate each other, they just have this undeniable attraction and chemistry. There are some British proper words in here that some might not understand but I love them. It was intense sometimes and the twist and everything that was uncovered was so good.
September 25, 2024
When I see a another book coming out of Laylas, I read it. All of them are one clicks for me because her books are dark, angsty, full of chemistry and tension - which is all me.
Fire Fight didn’t disappoint AT ALL. This second chance, forbidden dark romance was everything.
After a drastic action from Drake to Cadence at their old school, Drake gets shifted off to boot camp and cadence thinks she’ll never see him again… how wrong she was!
Months down the line Cadences mum meets a new man and they move in with him, new beginnings, a new school, all great news until she discovers she has a new stepbrother who is none other then Drake himself.
Drake is the perfect alpha hole, the push and pull of the pair had me turning the pages so fast.
While secrets need to be uncovered regarding Drakes past, the outcome and ending shocked me… totally didn’t expect it.
If you love dark romance please take a chance with Layla.
Fire Fight didn’t disappoint AT ALL. This second chance, forbidden dark romance was everything.
After a drastic action from Drake to Cadence at their old school, Drake gets shifted off to boot camp and cadence thinks she’ll never see him again… how wrong she was!
Months down the line Cadences mum meets a new man and they move in with him, new beginnings, a new school, all great news until she discovers she has a new stepbrother who is none other then Drake himself.
Drake is the perfect alpha hole, the push and pull of the pair had me turning the pages so fast.
While secrets need to be uncovered regarding Drakes past, the outcome and ending shocked me… totally didn’t expect it.
If you love dark romance please take a chance with Layla.
October 1, 2024
3.5 stars- Possible spoilers ahead. I was furious at the MMC from the very start. He poured lighter fluid on the FMC and threw a lighter at her. He also burned the stuff in her locker. (we do find out later it wasn't lighter fluid but water....but still) WHO DOES THAT? That goes beyond bullying. That's attempted murder.
The reason he does it? It's all a big misunderstanding. His mom overdosed and died from some pills he thought the FMC gave her.
This book starts a year later...and you start unraveling the mysterious plot. MMC's dad ends up hooking up with FMC's mom. It's a complicated mess. There are some spicy parts. There are some triggers the author has listed at the start of the book. Personally, as somebody who reads a lot of smut- I felt like this was mild.
The book was very entertaining. I still have a HARD time getting over the fact that the MMC did what he did and she decided to get with him. I'm not sure any amount of groveling would have made a difference to me.
The reason he does it? It's all a big misunderstanding. His mom overdosed and died from some pills he thought the FMC gave her.
This book starts a year later...and you start unraveling the mysterious plot. MMC's dad ends up hooking up with FMC's mom. It's a complicated mess. There are some spicy parts. There are some triggers the author has listed at the start of the book. Personally, as somebody who reads a lot of smut- I felt like this was mild.
The book was very entertaining. I still have a HARD time getting over the fact that the MMC did what he did and she decided to get with him. I'm not sure any amount of groveling would have made a difference to me.
October 8, 2024
Whew girl…read the trigger warnings as this is a bully romance but had some heat to it! The author did a fantastic job with giving the back story with all the trauma. Unfortunately Cadence is struggling to escape her trauma because Drake was a huge part of it and is constantly at her. Drake blames Cadence for what all went down with his mom and completely targets Cadence and torments her. The twist and turns in this book kept you engrossed in the story especially when you think Cadence is getting a fresh start only to find out that her mom’s new partner’s son is Drake. The chemistry between this is “fire” on its own but then the fight between them to see who comes out on top is explosive to witness and makes it hard to put the book down. The only thing I wish was that there was a little more understanding of Cadence’s PTSD from Drake’s side but overall I would highly recommend!
October 18, 2024
This book was exciting, suspenseful and I enjoyed every minute of it!!! This book is a dark forbidden step sibling bully romance. It did touch on dark themes and topics, so check the CW T to make sure this is a book for you. I loved the mystery, suspense, bullying and spice in this book. My heart broke for both characters for what they both went through in this book. I laughed, cried and fist -pumped a few times while reading this book. The storyline was original and page-turning. The characters were complex and a dark and heartbreaking past and had an undeniable and intense chemistry. Layla Simon’s writing style is gritty, vivid in detail and creates amazing worlds and characters that have me devouring anything she writes!!! Tors book was un-put-downable and I can’t wait to get my hands on what she brings next!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2024
Here we go.
Girl & boy secretly crush on each other and nobody has the nerve to shoot their shot.
Families know each other and boys mom dies from something that he thinks involves the girl he has a crush on. Instead of talking to her boy goes off the deep end and makes her think he’s setting her on fire 🫠
Needless to say the journey continues when they end up living together while their parents date. The sexual tension was killing me. He’s such a stalker breaking into her room and the bullying was annoying but not as bad as I expected.
When they finally get their life together the author decides to plot twist us and then everything explodes leaving me sitting there like what just happened??
Over all I love the two of them together even though I feel like half of the stuff could have been avoided if someone would have communicated 😩
Girl & boy secretly crush on each other and nobody has the nerve to shoot their shot.
Families know each other and boys mom dies from something that he thinks involves the girl he has a crush on. Instead of talking to her boy goes off the deep end and makes her think he’s setting her on fire 🫠
Needless to say the journey continues when they end up living together while their parents date. The sexual tension was killing me. He’s such a stalker breaking into her room and the bullying was annoying but not as bad as I expected.
When they finally get their life together the author decides to plot twist us and then everything explodes leaving me sitting there like what just happened??
Over all I love the two of them together even though I feel like half of the stuff could have been avoided if someone would have communicated 😩
September 27, 2024
Wow! This is definitely a BULLY romance, but it's written so well! There were so many surprises and twists that I have whiplash! The FMC has faced incredible hardship and a lot of it was at the very hands of the MMC. But when they realize that there's far greater danger than themselves, they stick together and take matters into their own hands. I loved the MMC, while he was such a turd bully, he also didn't let anyone disrespect what's his. Trauma makes you do some crazy things, and both MCs got to experience that, honestly all the characters involved, had trauma they needed to work through. I loved the ending and was absolutely blown away at how it came to fruition.
⭐4/5
🌶️3/5
⭐"With his sunny good looks and gentle manner, he’s lovely. It disturbs me that his touch does nothing, yet the bully across the hallway treats me with disdain, and I get shivers."⭐
⭐4/5
🌶️3/5
⭐"With his sunny good looks and gentle manner, he’s lovely. It disturbs me that his touch does nothing, yet the bully across the hallway treats me with disdain, and I get shivers."⭐
September 27, 2024
All hail the queen of bully romance Layla Simon! There is no one else who can write them like Layla, i don't know how to describe it but these guys she writes are just so delicous, so yummy, so dark, and just so obsessed. And don't even get me started on the fmc's, they are incredible, they find their strength and ofcourse an insane love. The stories are always so different and so captivating. I just couldn't put it down, i wanted to know what would happen next. I could just feel that tension built and built until it exploded in all the best ways possible. And everytime i think okay this is my favorite bully romance by Layla she brings out another and makes me go insane over these characters!
I love you Layla Simon and thank you for writing such great characters and stories.
I love you Layla Simon and thank you for writing such great characters and stories.
September 18, 2024
“Looks like you’re enjoying yourself. Again.” My lips find her ear to whisper, “This is supposed to be a penalty. I’ll have to think of something worse for next time.”
Great read. I always enjoy discovering the root cause of the hatred. He was so determined to make her life miserable that it is funny that he truly only succeeded once. Cadence is terrified of him, however, not necessarily of him, but of how she loses herself in him. Her fear was what her bully ignited in her. How can her body burn for her bully?
I was intrigued the whole time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Great read. I always enjoy discovering the root cause of the hatred. He was so determined to make her life miserable that it is funny that he truly only succeeded once. Cadence is terrified of him, however, not necessarily of him, but of how she loses herself in him. Her fear was what her bully ignited in her. How can her body burn for her bully?
I was intrigued the whole time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2024
This was a good stepbrother bully romance. Drake hates Cadence for reasons you find out throughout the story as more questions get answered. Both characters have had a rough upbringing but throughout all of it they eventually find each other. They start out as each other’s first crush, then hate, then lovers. When the hate blossoms into love it was amazing to see as well as the growth between the two. I personally still have some questions as to the motives of some of the situations, especially for the dad, that happened . But, overall I very much enjoyed this story. Once I started I couldn’t put the book down.
September 26, 2024
When I read the premise I thought that Drake would be obnoxious and sadistic, but he isn’t. In fact he has valid reasons to do what he did, but he went about it the wrong way. Cadence is the receipient and is traumatised by the experience. They meet up 12 months later and this is where the twists and turns begin and where the secrets and lies are exposed.
I loved how this author didn’t make Drake into the typical sadistic participant, but instead made him lonely and vulnerable.
This is a very good read and I felt empathy for both of the main characters. This is the sort of book that you cannot put down, even if you read it during the early hours of the morning.
5 stars!
I loved how this author didn’t make Drake into the typical sadistic participant, but instead made him lonely and vulnerable.
This is a very good read and I felt empathy for both of the main characters. This is the sort of book that you cannot put down, even if you read it during the early hours of the morning.
5 stars!
October 7, 2024
This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️ bully-ish dark romance. Don't get me wrong the elements are there but this bully was tame to what I usually read but the author didn't disappoint! This was the first book by the author I've read and it was fabulous! There were so many elements that made this a 5 ⭐️ read for me!
First I loved how it was friends to enemies to lovers, had bully elements, tension and angst, past trauma/ptsd but there's growth and a HEA. I was hooked from chapter one. Drake and Cadence's journey has you in your feelings! You will be angry, feel sad but when you see growth and confidence you will root for them!
First I loved how it was friends to enemies to lovers, had bully elements, tension and angst, past trauma/ptsd but there's growth and a HEA. I was hooked from chapter one. Drake and Cadence's journey has you in your feelings! You will be angry, feel sad but when you see growth and confidence you will root for them!
October 8, 2024
I absolutely shouldn’t but I couldn’t help but fall for Drake! Dark, brooding, mean and sexy as all heck. He has a chip on his shoulder about his mother’s death and will make all those involved pay.
Cadence lives with her mother who suffers from mental health and they struggle in so many ways until the day Arnold takes them in. What should be a fairytale ends up being a nightmare.
This is dark but the plot was fab and the ending was explosive to say the least.
It’s spicy..deliciously so and I loved every second.
This is definitely an author I’ll go back to again because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to dark romance/bully romance lovers 🖤
Cadence lives with her mother who suffers from mental health and they struggle in so many ways until the day Arnold takes them in. What should be a fairytale ends up being a nightmare.
This is dark but the plot was fab and the ending was explosive to say the least.
It’s spicy..deliciously so and I loved every second.
This is definitely an author I’ll go back to again because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to dark romance/bully romance lovers 🖤
September 19, 2024
I don’t usually read bully romances, but this was pretty good! Drake wasn't overly cruel (were his actions questionable at times, sure but that’s what we love about the morally grey men right?) and I loved watching him and Cadence help each other heal from their similarly messed up childhoods and navigate their current chaos as well. It also wasn’t overly sappy once they start mending their relationship, so that was a big plus for me. Great plot and writing style that kept me engaged and ready to see what would happen next.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for the ARC!
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for the ARC!
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