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Bad Inceptions #4

Forgotten Prejudice

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Soren and Kai were like fire and ice, two men who could never work together with only one thing in common—me.

I was loved and hurt by both at separate times in my life, until it had all collided, and I was left to watch the walls I’d built around my heart collapsing.

From the beginning, I knew that having them both would never be possible and that, eventually, I’d have to choose between the two—my endless summer or my forever winter.

Only that choosing felt impossible, and it brought out the worst in us.

There were no saints in our story—only three men willing to fight for what their heart desires, the consequences be damned.

They say love is the deadliest drug of all, and I learned that the hard way. But love also cures, and maybe, just maybe, this type of true love could be found amongst our ruins.



Forgotten Prejudice is book 4 in the Bad Inceptions series and cannot be read as a standalone. This is the love triangle between Ash ( Chief ), Soren, and Kai and is not an MMM. Some tropes include Second Chance Love Triangle, Law Drama, Found family, HurtComfort.

***This is not an MMM

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

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

602 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

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480 people want to read

About the author

Tal Lewin

6 books239 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,297 reviews694 followers
November 24, 2025
4.5***** stars


I FUCKING HATE LOVE TRIANGLES! Like, I really do. From the bottom of my heart. So much so I even did something I would otherwise NEVER do. I skipped to the epilogue to see who ends up with whom. And God, I’m glad I did. Not knowing would’ve eaten me alive.

I realized how much better life could be. We were always meant to be together. Unfortunately, I was too stupid to realize it sooner […].


For most of the book I thought, neither Kai, the best friend, nor Soren, the ex-boyfriend deserved Ash (we all know as Chief from the previous books, he’s the boys’ guardian) with how both of them fucked up big time with him in order to get or keep him. In the end I’m very happy with the author’s decision and the HEA they’ve got - well, two of them, not all of them.



Throughout the whole series Tal Lewin chose to bring in many heavy topics like several mental health issues, substance abuse and alcohol addiction as well as trauma response for several of her characters. And while I’m no expert on either of these topics it felt like the author was very thoughtful and thorough in how they were portrayed and handled.

I really admire Tal for her writing and talent to tell such intense stories with so much depth and without any of it coming off as trivial or shallow. There are probably only a handful of new authors (or authors in general) I can think of immediately who managed that in my eye.




And now… now, we’re waiting. For Diesel & Shay-Lee to return. Man, this is going to be agony.

I might have sold my soul to the devil, yet Shay-Lee was the one holding my heart. And for as long as he’d have it, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and accept my fate because I’d return to him come hell or high water.




⇢ 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
Profile Image for Renae Reads.
766 reviews755 followers
October 23, 2024
Forgotten Prejudice is an incredible story that features redemption, forgiveness, and a second chance within an emotional love triangle. I was so invested in the story of Ash, Kai, and Soren. These men are complicated and never quite what you expect. Two of these characters appear so different from their authentic selves, so getting to see their layers slowly reveal their true character was both fascinating and riveting.

One of my favorite aspects of this story is how hard I fell for Ash. He has a huge heart and watching it get taken advantage of was so hard to see. His journey towards standing up for himself while remaining open to love is so beautiful and I loved watching Kai and Soren work for his affections and earn his trust and love in return.

Another amazing aspect of this story is the guessing game of who will eventually win Ash's heart. In the first half of the story, I had a strong answer, which completely flipped by the end of the story. I loved how unpredictable this story was while remaining true to its characters. I was surprised many times by character reveals, which took the story in many fascinating and shocking directions.

Overall I loved this story. I loved the characters and I loved how I could initially strongly dislike one character while having the complete opposite reaction by the end. This story is complex and covers many challenging subjects that were handled with the utmost care while serving as pivotal moments for each character.

I cannot wait for the conclusion of this epic series and hopefully, some hinted-at future moments between a certain couple.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Profile Image for Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader.
295 reviews53 followers
December 21, 2025
'Trapped between two men who meant the world to me, I realized having them both would never be possible and that, eventually, I’d have to choose between the two—my endless summer or my forever winter.'


I have read this book 3 times now, and I am no closer to finding the words to describe how much I love it. Every book in this series just gets better and better, and this was no exception!

Forgotten Prejudice takes us back in time to follow Ash (Chief) throughout his teenage years and early adulthood, as he navigates his sexuality and relationship with his best friend, Kai, and his newfound love interest, Soren. It's a messy story involving addiction, toxic relationships, love triangles, pining, heartbreak, and all of the character growth that I've come to expect from reading Tal's books. And if you’re still dying over the cliffhanger from Explosive Prejudice, don’t worry, this one has got you covered!

Throughout the book we become intimately acquainted with all three main characters through their POVs, and it's really interesting how my perception of each character could change so drastically over the course if the story. Who I thought Ash should choose at the beginning completely changed by the end, and I found myself vehemently disliking characters who I had expected to love. Tal is an artist when it comes to character development, and I always admire how well-crafted her character arcs are.

Firstly, we have Ash, our sweet little Sparrow with a saviour complex, who can do just about anything except make a decision for himself (love you really, Ashy). We’ve seen in the previous books how much responsibility he has taken on with the boys, but in this instalment he feels almost innocent, and it was satisfying to watch him grow in confidence over the course of the story to become the person we know today.

Kai’s story is a little more complicated, riddled with addiction and personal challenges that sometimes get in the way of his relationship with Ash. He’s a complex character with a one track mind (namely, busting a nut), and he doesn’t always make the best choices, but his chemistry with Ash is undeniable. Kai to me is a broken boy in disguise - one who hides behind a happy-go-lucky personality (and sex), without truly confronting his issues, and that can make him hard to like at times.

And what can I say about Soren Dane? I love him, Your Honour. He’s the sort of character you love to hate, and then you just love (jk, I never hated you baby). His progression throughout the story was phenomenal. He may be morally grey in a lot of ways, but he more than makes up for it with his… everything. Ugh. And then Tal went and gave him glasses and made him even more perfect. He is suave, determined, sometimes ruthless, meticulous, and devoted - especially when it comes to Ash. I don’t condone some of his behaviour, but I like him enough to ignore it, okay?

Each of the character arcs are interwoven seamlessly throughout the years this book covers, coming full circle as we reach the present day, and Diesel’s trial. I loved this part of the book - the courtroom drama, the tension, seeing all of the boys again, SHAY-LEE AND DIESEL, all of it was so well executed and exciting to read. At the same time, Ash’s love life is in chaos again, and he is finally forced to make a decision (*gasp!*).

Everyone will have their own opinion, but the end result felt natural and inevitable to me. It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful story, and it hit me in all the feels. The final chapters are just absolute perfection, and that epilogue?! Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover it. Book 5 cannot come soon enough!

I realise this is more of a love letter than a review, but sometimes it’s warranted. I know this book is thicc AF, but don’t let that deter you. There is never a dull moment, and so much is covered within these pages. I loved getting to know each of the characters and their history in real-time, it made the whole story so much more impactful, and I’m sure that the next one will be just as amazing!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bettina.
261 reviews19 followers
October 12, 2024
5 ⭐ What an amazing journey this was - this book deserve nothing but praise!

We follow Ash, Kai and Soren all the way back to when they attend school. As the story progress we get to experience friendship, love, addiction and tons of heartbreak. As the story continues, we are taken back to present day where the last book ended, and we follow the three men, and how their relationship has developed over the years.

Throughout the 4 books I have read so far in this series, I have come to experience what a great and remarkable storyteller Tal Lewin is. The way they can make you love a character one second, and then hate them the next is s talent not many writers are capable of. The characters have so much depth, you feel like these are people you know personally, and you can’t help but be invested in everything about them.

I think I’m in the minority with whom I was rooting for, so for me personally, this book was a gut-wrenching and heartbreaking love story - and yet so beautiful! I felt like screaming at my Kindle screen form time to time, just for them to get the other person to understand or make them tell what they had done - You could really feel the desperation to be loved by someone who doesn’t love you.

I cried so much during this book, and the number of times my stomach dropped, I was a mess. I always had a feeling in the back of my mind that I was rooting for the wrong person. The emotions I felt while reading this story.. totally and utterly destroyed.

Even tho this book wrecked me, I absolutely loved it, and couldn’t for the life of me put it down. An incredible, sad and emotional love story about people addicted to love. A must read for anyone who wants to read an amazing and beautifully written love story!

A huge thank you to Tal Lewin who gave me an opportunity to read this ARC! 🖤
Profile Image for Steph.
13 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2024
Bueno y ahora?? Quién me paga el psicólogo??
Profile Image for peoniesandmm.
267 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2025
I don’t even really know what to say. The angst in this book had me banging my head against the wall, but like happy about it? Like thank you, Tal for making me want to bang my head against the wall, I guess? Anyways, this was good as hell PER USUAL. I’m ready get get back to my babies Shay-Lee & Diesel 🥹
Also, the spice NEVER MISSES 🔥🔥🔥

I will say, I was super nervous for the outcome of the book LITERALLY THE WHOLE TIME, but then it ended in the best possible way. Trust the process.🙂‍↕️

Not sure what I’m going to do when I finish this series because these books are engraved into my brain.
Profile Image for A.E. Jensen.
Author 16 books196 followers
September 22, 2024
RTC but hands down my favorite book in the Series with my fictional soul mate 🩷🩷🩷
Profile Image for Leigh Gaskill.
841 reviews32 followers
October 14, 2024
Tal has had me in a chokehold since Mistaken Prejudice. The pressure on my windpipe and my heart has only gotten tighter with each book that has been released.

This review will have less rambling due to the love triangle and not wanting to spoil the ending. I got all my rambling out in Tal’s DMs (thank you Tal 😘). It was a lot of ‘f*ck Kai’ and f*ck Soren’ and ‘neither of them deserve him’ and also ‘I’m taking everyone away from you’. Also lots of memes. I swear I took my meds today.

This book is divided into past and present, and while initially I was like ‘GET TO THE GOOD BITS! (aka Diesel’s trial) you really need to experience it this way to get the full emotions of the story.

All men in love triangle make mistakes, no doubt about that. But while reading, especially after the first half, it’s pretty apparent how the chips are going to fall based on character priorities and growth. I implore you not to cheat and read the end before experiencing the whole book! It should be experienced as a journey.

*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
Profile Image for TeeReads.
623 reviews23 followers
October 21, 2024
4.25 stars

This is another great addition to the Bad Inceptions series. This book is so different from the rest of the books in the series. This will be a pretty vague review to avoid any big spoilers since the love triangle is a huge part of the story. I really enjoyed getting all the backstory of the past for Ash, Kai, and Soren. And the law drama aspect of the story was so intriguing. Tal Lewin is so good at writing complicated characters with so much depth. They are realistic and flawed like any real person. I really connected with Ash in his younger years, as he is coming into his own. The way the story ended made a lot of sense and flowed naturally. There was one point where I got a little annoyed by Ash's actions in the present, which surprised me. I wasn't expecting that, and I might be alone in that feeling. Overall, this is great. It's not my favorite in this series so far (nothing can beat Diesel and Shay-Lee's story in my mind, so I am biased), but this was still an amazing read. Tal never disappoints and already has me looking forward to Diesel and Shay-Lee's next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Willow P.
151 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2025
6⭐️

Can someone feel starstruck by a book?
I was sucked in from the first page to the last.

Ash. Witnessing his growth from his people pleasing ways to him maturing was truly beautiful. Even though he made mistakes he was so human. It’s hard to believe he isn’t a real person. I love him and his kids.

Kai. One of the most complex characters ever read. I kept going back and forth with my feelings toward him, but ended up love him. Kai biggest hinder in life was himself, which is the case for so many people.

Soren. Soren… what can I say about this man. He is a complicated man. For many people he might be a lot at first, but you grow to love him. For me, the second he appeared I was obsessed. Everything he did made me fall deeper and deeper.

The representations from addiction to mental illness was wonderful and done so authentically.

The story was ended perfectly. I couldn’t be more happy with who ended up with who. Tal showed how messy and beautiful love can be.

Cannot wait for the next book. I need more Shay-Lee and Diesel.

Thank you Tal for giving me opportunity to read the ARC.
Profile Image for Tare.
370 reviews31 followers
May 18, 2025
I probably would have DNF'd this if I wasn't sooooo highly invested in Diesel and Shay-Lee's story (fuck me these boys need their HEA).

But I found the 3 MCs of this one to be pretty unlikeable tbh and it was looooong.

Since this is a love triangle and not an MMM I won't go into more detail (also it is the fourth in a series and absolutely cannot be read as a standalone).

I can't wait to finish Diesel and Shay-Lee's story - praying I don't get my heart too shattered on the journey 😭
Profile Image for Joana Pozo.
156 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2025

Disfrute mucho el libro pero hubieron momentos que todos los personajes me estresaban mucho y siento que eso fue lo que le bajó la calificación.

Me gustó con quien quedó Ash porque siento que fue el más “maduro” entre todos. Con el paso del tiempo fue el que más maduró de los tres, aunque me hubiese gustado que la autora nos haya dado un poco más de transformado de su pasas. Supimos que problemas tenía pero me hubiese gustado leer un poco más de él.
Profile Image for Kristen .
47 reviews
October 22, 2024
**Please note that this is NOT a standalone! You must read the first three books in the series to understand the characters and story arc**

ARC review:
Forgotten Prejudice is a heart wrenching journey through the past and present with unrequited and addictive loves. We get a deeper look into the situationship between Chief (Ash) and Kai, which we’ve seen glimpses of over the course of the first three books, and an introduction to a new love interest and subsequent relationship for Ash with Soren. There is a heavy theme of addiction in this book, so proceed with care if this is a trigger for you.

Teenage Ash has been in love with his best friend Kai for years, who has no idea. He also meets Soren, the handsome, rich, slightly older man who sweeps Ash off his feet. What follows is years of a friendship being pushed to its limits, a relationship that has toxicity seeping in, two very different types of love, and one sweet but confused boy caught in the middle until his choice is taken away from him.

Years later when Soren returns to help Diesel’s court case, Ash’s past comes back to slap him in the face and heart. He finds himself struggling to choose between the man who has always been his summer, and the one who was his winter. If there’s anything to take away from these books, it’s that everything is not always as it seems and to expect the unexpected. Sometimes summer can be unbelievably, cruelly cold, and winter can warm our very souls.

This book is the perfect love triangle/second chance trope. Someone will get a broken heart, but everyone ends up where they’re supposed to be. We get to see our beloved boys, Diesel and Shay-Lee too, and there is a HEA. As always, Tal writes a brilliant story with multi-dimensional characters and enough twists to always keep you guessing. And of course, the spice is just *chef’s kiss*. I can’t wait to see how this gorgeous series wraps up!
Profile Image for ʚ⋅ɞ .ᐟㅤem..
115 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ

Going through this book, you get to realize why it had to be this long. 65 chapters in which I lost my mind and heart between two men who showed their love and adoration so differently. So intensely. And for me, this is probably the first time I'm bouncing between two men without knowing who's gonna be MY endgame, no matter what the ending dictates.

Who's the good guy? Who loves Ash more? Who's more dedicated and faithful? Who's true to the core?

I never knew for real. Because both Soren and Kai poured their hearts into Chief's universe, but their obsessive love, in their singular forms, burned differently. They both left marks that will never heal, but at the same time, one set Ash's heart on fire, while the other protected it maturely.

Soren was the man who helped Ash see the world through grown-up lenses. He taught him how to live a pretentious life with high standards, he taught him that it's okay to have high expectations from life, but didn't stop to enjoy Ash's childish side enough. It was probably much needed because he was just a teen at that time. Ash matured next to Soren and discovered from an early age what it felt like to be loved with determination and to be seen with sure eyes. At first, I thought Soren was nothing but a replacement after that bitter rejection Ash suffered. But then... the raw forms of love between them happened, which made me confused and question Ash a lot.

On the other side, there was Kai, who, because of an unfortunate background, didn't know how to love Ash without thinking about the gender. He fought his internalized homophobia until he lost everything, even when the universe gifted him something special anyway. Hello, baby Paris! ♥ Until he realized that life is worth living, that HE, as a human being, is worth living, he went through hell and back. And then... his love for Ash happened, and I felt it like the best part of his life. Not only did it feel like a miracle because he got to be close to him again and express himself in all forms, but it felt like it healed him completely. That's when I saw his true colors and how this love changed him for the better.

Too bad, though, that both he and Soren focused on their redirected vendetta and how to get back at each other every single time they crossed paths. At some point, I lived under the impression that their sole purpose in life was to set the score and be one step ahead of one another every single time. That was confusing and exhausting, but it gave me some damn jumpscares with all the lengths they were ready to go to get back at each other.

And here's another thing that would probably make you lose your mind: things would've been much easier if Ash listened to his heart from the start. Through manipulation and lies, his heart knew and it knew only one name. ♥

Not spoiling the end for you guys, especially for the ones that haven't read it yet, but here's my fair warning for you: you won't be able to decide whose side you're on, it's gonna be a constant tennis match between favorite characters and their complicated feelings and you'll probably demand more answers for their actions. I know I did, cause they fucking surprised the hell out of me, both Kai and Soren. More than once!!! They both have their major flaws, but they're good people... doing hideous stuff in the name of love. Sounds familiar, right?

Ah... how am I gonna be good again after reading this? One more book then... what? Life's good, but my feelings are scattered all over the place. 😮‍💨🤧🫠
Profile Image for ✶.
93 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2025
There's not a single sane person in this book and I love it. These people are unhinged, some more than others. At the beginning I was struggling to sympathize with any of them, except maybe Ash because he's a cutie who can do no wrong, but man I hated Soren. He was a terribly toxic boyfriend and Kai wasn't a great best friend either, and throughout the whole book I was going back and forth trying to figure out who Ash ends up with, and for the life of me I couldn't figure it out until like 70%. And to avoid spoilers, I will just say that I was not expecting it at all, but at the end I was absolutely rooting for Ash and lover boy.

I usually don't like love triangles but of course Tal knows how to change my mind and positively surprise me. There's something about this story that just clicked and it was so chaotically fun read.
On another note, I love the law related plot of this book. The law drama kept me on my seat and my heart was hurting for my boys Diesel and Shay-Lee.

To me, this book stands out especially because of how intricately and interestingly the characters are written. Both Soren and Kai and even Ash have their flaws, and not in a quirky way, but in a deeply ugly and raw way. I like that because it reflects on reality. There's also significant growth in Tal's writing and it's just amazing how she can string you along in this story and make you overlook details, like the revelation about Shay-Lee?? Did not see that coming, and it definitely made me want to reread book 3 to try to spot the hints. And again, Tal's representation of mental illness, like in all the previous books, is admirable and I truly appreciate how the topic is handled in this book in particular.

That cliffhanger regarding Diesel and Shay-Lee is once again just evil and left me with so many confusing emotions. This book is an absolute rollercoaster. I will not rest until I know they are happy and safe together.
Profile Image for Julianne  Darlen.
123 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
Este libro por mucho… supera a los anteriores, yo odio los triángulos amorosos, pero este libro me gusto demasiado.

Quiero hablar con libertad así que iré full spoilers

Empezando por el inicio desde que nos presentan a kai, fue un personaje que me desagradó de muchas maneras distintas, el abuso que le hizo a ash en su cumpleaños fue simplemente el punto de no retorno para mí, yo desde ese momento ya estaba odiando al personaje de una manera indescriptible, en este punto como la historia solo tenía los pov de ash y kai pensé que en la historia soren era solo un relleno y nos enseñarían cómo llego a interpretar el tercer ro en discordia y al final iba a ser un extra que llegó y se fue, no imaginan mi alegría cuando a mitad del libro empezaron los pov de soren, me dio esperanza, pero me estoy desviando

Yo jamás entendí hasta el final del libro la malsana insistencia de aiden y la mamá de ash de perdonarle todo a kai y querer metérselo por los ojos a ash, gran parte del libro yo estaba como PERO EL NO ES TU HIJO tienes al tuyo ahí a tu lado y le estás dando prioridad a alguien autodestructivo, sentí demasiada satisfacción cuando ash por fin se lo hechh ha o en cara a su mamá

Ahora Soren💖 por dios que hombre!!!! Que personaje, enamorarse de soren para mí ocurrió tan sencillo y natural como para ash, sin exagerar es de los hombres literarios en los que simplemente lo vi y dije SI A TODO, su manera de adoración y amar para mí simplemente tenía sentido, no negaré era algo snob pero el odio de la mamá de ash era un sinsentido, que madre no estaría orgullosa que de la pareja de su hijo lo impulse a superarse y estudiar, ok no era su sueño, pero por dios era solo un adulto joven, yo con 25 años muchas veces nose ni que quiero hacer con mi vida y me arrepiento de muchas decisiones académicas que tome o no tome, y al final del día las personas cambias de opinión a cada momento, que tu pareja tu ayude a estudiar no es algo malo desde mi perspectiva, una pareja que te haga comer más sano y te cuide, demándenme pero si mi novio me tuviera a dieta estricta de webos estaría muy feliz jajajajajajaja pero pues quizá es gusto más que anda personal mi atracción por ese tipo de hombre, continuando, no me ciego Soren llego a ser tóxico en algunos puntos de obsesión al querer aislar a ash por miedo a perderlo y cuando lo dejo…. Mierda yo estaba desesperada preguntándome que le había llevado a Soren a decidir hacer eso, pero jamás dudé de él siempre sentí hubo un motivo y pues si lo había, sus traumas fueron horribles de leer pero nos dio otra perspectiva del complejo personaje que es, la gran diferencia por la cual desde el inicio yo escogí a él como la pareja amorosa que quería ganara al final fue sencilla, sus traumas fueron madurez me tenía enamorada y al final fue el único que maduró, creció y avanzó, él podría ser una mala persona en muchos aspectos peor todas sus decisiones fueron en favor de amar y cuidar a ash

Mientras que con la mierda de kai es solo una basura egoísta, narcisista y autodestructiva, solo pensó en el siempre, para el querer estar con ash siempre fue un capricho de la infancia, la destrozó cuando supo sus sentimientos, abusó de él, y cuando reapareció en su vida después de años, solo pensó nuevamente en estar con él por como lo hacía sentir a él. No me extenderé a hablar de él como con Soren pero simplemente fue un personaje asqueroso y desagradable, tuve mucho miedo de que ash se quedara con el, ya que lo conocíamos desde el libro 1 y veía poco probable que un personaje nuevo llegara y se quedara con ash, pero me alegra haberme equivocado

Soren y ash simplemente siempre funcionarían juntos💖 y en cada interaccion que tenían se sentí lo sólidos que eran como pareja a nivel sentimental, agradecida de que tengan su felices para siempre

Ya para terminar ame tanto a esta pareja que a pesar de terminar el libro anterior mortificada de no saber nada de shay-lee y Diésel por un libro entero, cuando salieron me importo una mierda xd yo estaba en el drama de ash y soren a fondo, pero leer el capítulo final de Camilo de destrozo, ahora mismo iré a leer el último libro, nuevamente 5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Jenni.
307 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2025
I know the book has been good when I feel a little empty/emotionally drained after finishing it. I feel happy, but also a little sad. Once again, a very powerful book by Tal Lewin—this series is one of the most interesting I've read. The author has an excellent ability to write different, strong characters—once again, as a reader, I was able to understand the characters, their actions, and their motives, and I felt for them all in a different way. Like the previous books in the series, this one was fast-paced, full of emotions, and also emotionally stirring.

I didn't think I would be so invested in Ash's book, but I was proven wrong—and I'm not really surprised. I love that we got Ash, Soren, and Kai's story from their young age, through the middle, and the ending. Another great thing about the book is that it's not clear who Ash will end up with, we can only guess, and the reader's own opinion also changes many times. There is nothing predictable here. I also couldn’t have predicted this kind of story at all after getting glimpses of Ash and Kai during previous books.

Although it was excellent and I don't want to give it less than 5 stars, it still didn't beat Explosive Prejudice, and I can't wait to continue the story of Diesel and Shay-Lee.

_________

’Trapped between two men who meant the world to me, I realized having them both would never be possible and that, eventually, I’d have to choose between the two—my endless summer or my forever winter.’
_________

’My lips, chin, jaw, and neck—Kai put his lips anywhere he could reach while his fingers dug into my flesh. Painfully. Possessively. Like a thief holding on to his stolen goods, Kai kept me close, the two of us fully aware that I wasn’t his to hold this way. Not yet, anyway.’
_________

’I knew tonight was only temporary. It didn’t matter because, for that moment, my little Sparrow was back at my mercy. It had taken me years to learn that unless its wings were cut, a sparrow could never be tamed; therefore, if I wanted to be with Ashton, I had no choice but to let go and hope that he’d return.’
Profile Image for Birgit.
524 reviews21 followers
October 19, 2024
Spoiler-free review, please be aware that it contains spoilers for previous books.

Forgotten Prejudice is a book I highly anticipated. After the shocking events at the end of Explosive Prejudice (book 3), I needed to know what was happening with Shay-Lee and Diesel, and all our boys. The author did warn us in book three that book four will not follow the same couple, and not everything will be answered. 😯

Ash 'Chief', who took our four boys in, has to make a decision. In order to help Diesel, he has to contact his ex-boyfriend and first love, Soren. Soren, who is one of the best lawyers you can have, and the only hope Diesel has to get out of this scam. While the first parts of the book let us all know about the past of Ash, Kai and Soren and their hurtful relationships and conflicts, the latter parts show what is happening in the present, where we get more answers about how Diesel and Shay-Lee are doing. And also get the whole Law and Order vibe with Soren being the investigative Lawyer he is to help our boy get his freedom and love back.

I'm not the biggest fan of love triangles, mostly because one of the three people is always told something a bit weird or bad, so you always have a favorite early on. BUT what Tal Lewin created here is the same thing that made me fall in love with their storytelling in the second book. Not everyone is nice or bad, and not everything is as it seems. The way the different POV's and reasons behind each action are told is amazing. I haven't had such a connection to characters in a long time. I'll be honest, for me, it took a long time to have a favorite in that triangle, and for the most part, I thought they were all not good for each other.

The way the decision at the end is made is heartbreakingly beautiful, and I love how matured Ash got over the course of this book. He'll do everything for his boys, and that is something wonderful to read. ❤️🥹

These books are not lighthearted, and contain dark elements that are not for everyone. Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Hayman.
189 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2024
God, I hope I can put into words how much I loved this book, because I don’t think another series will ever compare to this 😭
This book technically starts before the previous 3, but eventually catches up to the events that follow book 3 and I was not ready for how this would make me feel ❤️
This book is a love triangle but it is not MMM & there aren’t any MMM scenes, so one person does end up with a broken heart
This love triangle was so perfectly done, honestly until around 60% I wasn’t even sure who Ash would end up with, I obviously had a favourite but I wasn’t sure they’d end up together 🥺
Once we pick up from after the events of book 3, we do get to see some moments of Shay Lee in the aftermath of his attack and we have Soren representing Diesel during the trial
and god Soren went above and beyond not only for diesel but especially for Shay Lee, I felt that Soren and SL bonded some what, as Soren become (some what) of a confidant and father like figure to SL, and I was not prepared for how much that would make me feel ❤️
It was so good to see Ash, by the end of the book, finally putting himself first and making a decision that makes him happy, because Ash sacrificed a lot in his life for others ! Also I am very mad at his Mum & Uncle tbh
And Kai, god, he was broken and desperate, an addict and in recovery & I love him as well 🥺🥺❤️
This book played out so perfectly but god, the final chapter with diesel seriously broke my heart 😭
If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I definitely would
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for bookedwith_sam.
96 reviews19 followers
October 11, 2024
ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

As soon as I found out this book would be a love triangle, I knew it’d hurt. And boy oh boy did it hurt but in the best way 🥺

Now, with that being said- I’m going to try and keep this review pretty vague to avoid any spoilers since it’s a love triangle.

This book follows Ash (chief), his childhood best friend/hookup Kai, and Soren who was Ash’s first boyfriend. When I started reading, I had a pretty good feeling I knew who Ash would end up with. To me, it seemed so obvious. But as I kept reading the book- my opinion kept changing. I really was back
and forth most of the time 🥹

Both Kai & Soren were extremely flawed characters (especially in the first half of the book) and it made it hard for me to like either of them. But then, the second half of the book happens and I fell in LOVE. The character development in this book was TOP NOTCH. Only Tal can make me go from a strongly disliking a character to loving them in the end.


I am so happy with who Ash decided to be with in the end. I honestly can’t imagine it any other way and I think most people will agree.



This book has easily become my favorite book in the series. Now I’m ready for book 5 to see my babies Shay-Lee & Diesel get their happy ending 🥹🫶🏻
Profile Image for Zephyr.
Author 1 book14 followers
September 3, 2025
If I could give this infinite stars, I would!

Soren, Kai, and Ash have such a complicated and twisted story. There is so much pain between the three of them, but so much love. I don’t usually like love triangles, but this one was different. I couldn’t put the book down with all of the twists and turns that popped up. As always, I loved seeing the boys growing and maturing and seeing Ash be the dad to them he was always meant to be.
On to the next (and the last…I’m not ready for this series to be over)
Profile Image for the.aquarius.booklover .
334 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2025
I've always wanted to know chiefs story, and I was not disappointed. this book was full of surprises. I really enjoyed all the backstory and world building that went into chiefs storyline. chief had a lot of history with Kai and Soren. the different POVs and flashbacks were intricatal. they really made the story and lent insight into each character.
before reading this book make sure to check your cw to decide if this book is right for you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cangrejito Lector.
73 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
Si pudiera poner 10 estrellas, las pondría. El primer libro de la serie que me hizo llorar como bebé
Profile Image for Jordan Conway.
252 reviews34 followers
October 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️x♾️

ANOTHER ONE TAL!? ANOTHER ONE!??? Tal Lewin hit me right deep in my feels with this book you guys. “Forgotten Prejudice” is another home run and I couldn’t be more obsessed with this series if I actually tried. They get better and better! And the set up for book #5?! *insert meme of falling belly first into a pool*

ALRIGHT. Time to get into this book. And this one is a doooooooozey. This book has 3 main male characters but this is NOT a MMM book! Ash (our sweet baby angel) is the center of Soren and Kai’s life.. the sun they revolve around. Kai is the childhood best friend turned lover(ish) and Soren is the first love, the epic love, the one who left. Kai and Soren are very much NOT friends, enemies if you will, but this isn’t an enimies to lovers scenario… they just are enemies. period. The push and pull that Ash has to handle being in the middle of the two of them is exhausting. They straight up hate each other. But Ash? Sweet angel, Ash. He cares for them both, deeply, in different ways and just wants one big happy family type of life.

OKAY. The story? Welp. It is a straight up emotional roller coaster. Laughs, tears, major swooning, sweating to death from the steam, angst, anger, you name it. I went THROUGH IT with this book. And she’s a thick one babes! Ash, affectionately known as Chief to us, has always just wanted to be loved and he loved his childhood best friend, Kai, with everything he had. When he tells him how he feels, shit goes to the left. This is when we see the true colors of Kai - trying to deal with so many things and come to terms with his relationship with Ash. Soren steps in the picture right around the time Kai is going off the rails and its lights out. Soren sweeps Ash right off his feet and Kai AINT about it. Once Soren whisks Ash off to NYC for a big job opportunity, Kai has to figure out how to live without his best friend. When fate, and a horrible breakup, send Ash back to California, Kai is there to pick up the pieces. And then it just goes OFF from there! 🫣

So many twists and turns, confessions and life lessons, and SO MUCH DIESEL, my head was spinning. There is a HEA, but you’ll have to read what that looks like for Ash. He has to choose… try and guess who he chooses! You’ll probably be wrong about 1,000 times while reading 🤣

I couldn’t have been happier with Chief’s story, and the way Tal just knows how to expertly weave this series together. The characters are all present in one way or another and I am so obsessed. Tal knows how to write a damn series yall. NOW. Book 5 is Diesel and Shay-Lee and I won’t make it through it. Period. Stop.

If you HAVENT started reading, DO IT! but start at the beginning! You need every single detail and you don’t want to miss anything! 🖤 You’ll thank me later, I promise.
Profile Image for Er Harta.
21 reviews
December 29, 2025
I was sure I’d race through this book just to reach the fifth and finally learn what happens with Shay-Lee and Camilo.

But no. The moment I started, I sank straight into this new story and didn’t come up for air.

I loved how grounded the characters felt — their thoughts, fears, impulses all shifting with their age in a way that made every reaction believable.
And the love triangle? Written with the precision of a Christie mystery. I didn’t just read it; I lived it. Every emotion, every hesitation, every choice felt real.

It pulled me in completely, and I genuinely had a great time with it. Thank you Tal Lewin ❤️
Profile Image for paula reads.
339 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2025
4.5 stars ☆⋆˙

Review:

Forgotten Prejudice tells the story of Ash from when he was a teenager. Throughout the book, we can read the POVs of three different characters: Ash, Kai, and Soren. Little by little, we get to know them, which helps us understand how each of them experienced their version of the story.

Ash is a man who, from a young age, only sought to be loved, cared for, and valued, and who gives everything for others. Kai is someone who may appear to be very happy, carefree, and easy-going, but in reality, he has problems just like everyone else. Soren, though he may seem cold and manipulative, actually has many ghosts from his past that haunts him, and he’s only been trying to find a way to survive.

As the story progresses, we can see how the characters grow and change for the better (though sadly, not all of them). We also get to see our favorite characters like Andrei, Miles, Levi, and Jessie, and of course, Shay-Lee and Diseal. Reading about them healed me and broke me again. I desperately need their book so they can have their happy ending.

For me, it was always obvious who Ash would end up with—it was inevitable, meant to be, and it was truly beautiful to read their story. I couldn’t be happier with the ending. Tal, thank you so much for your incredible book, as always. This is one of my favorite series, and I can’t wait to read what you have plan for us for the final book.
Profile Image for _readwithtee_.
111 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2025
I was really nervous going into this book because I absolutely love the series, but a love triangle trope isn’t really a trope that I usually for. But as I said, I love the series, so of course it was must. I needed to see who Ash chooses!!

I'm so glad I came out of my comfort zone because it was perfect, so good! Literally did not put the book down! I loved how the past and present were intertwined. Honestly, there were times when I didn't like Kai or Soren for Ash, and then there were times I was loving one more over the other. A crazy cycle. In the end, the perfect person for Ash was chosen, I'm so glad he got his happiness.

And oh my gosh, that teaser for Shay and Diesel's next book!! I'm just like, when can these sweet babies get their happy ending? Please!
Profile Image for Orita.
65 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
es el q menos ganas tenia de leer y EL QUE MAS ME GUSTÓ x favor que obra maestra
Profile Image for Katkejt ☾..
564 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2024
Soren • Ashton (Chief) • Kai

….

“Tell me, my love, what lengths will you cross for me?” - “All seven seas…”

….

Tal Lewin wrote a book that you just can’t review - not because it wasn’t good (brilliant what it was - I pulled my hair) but because you have to read and experience this world yourself to grasp it all. How to write a review without spoiling a damn thing? I think this was the first time while reading I was going back and forth like a lunatic, frustrated and huffing and puffing who’s heart is the one, who’s in the right, who’s in the wrong. But then somewhere in the middle I was like *hold up* this isn’t about right and wrong this is about a journey, a destination and growth. I am a very sentimental simp so seeing Ash’s origin story how the boys came to be you bet I teared up.

So if I can’t say anything not to spoil the fun, here’s a little run dow what you can expect and how I felt:

- This is the fourth book of an interconnected story, there’s no skipping (I see you) but trust me the whole thing is so rewarding, this book was like coming almost full circle
- I will forever admire Tal’s writing. A true storyteller, when you see yourself in the middle of it all, you know it was done right
- Unique characteristics of each character introduced
- You like spice? Never disappoints
- A love triangle? Yes but hearts get broken
- Compassion? You will have it for them all, this isn’t a story who’s the villain, it’s a story about soulmates
- Diesel and Shay-Lee? All the glimpses I needed to mend my heart a little after book three
- Tears? A few.
- Feelings? Shattered and slowly put back together but we still have one book to go

I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of the road but after this one, I was never ever more ready for that HEA.

Congratulations Tal, now I know why this one was your favorite yet.

….

Artemas - you’re simply wonderful

.

Adam Hurst - Sparrow

.

Lauv, BTS - Who

….

“It will always be too soon, too little, too much, or too hard, Chief, and before you know it, it will be too late.” // “As I brushed my fingers over my cheek, my stomach flipped with butterflies.” // “I have no doubt you can bring a man to his knees without even trying.” // “…He was my summer and spring, but lately, I was learning to like winter, too.” // “Think about it.” // “I was his precious little thing, his to do with as he pleased, and I had no intention of ever changing that.” // “My soul yearned to be loved and cherished—even if it was by the wrong person.” // “Join me, and you’ll find out.” // “It just feels right.” // “I was a selfish man. That much was true, but not when it came to him. Never with him.” // “For years, this man was the sole star in my sky. The only star I needed.” // “I miss you so much.” // “Ashton deserved a million times better.” // “How would you live with yourself, knowing you could have done something different?” // “I’ll make sure to deliver your message.” // “…but it feels like it’s never enough.” // “I’m sorry for bringing us to this place.” // “Now, whenever I close my eyes, I have two hundred and twenty-two pictures of you…” …

….

*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.

….
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