The Psychopaths

Oakmount Elite #6

by J.L. Beck

ARSON
Fear. Rage. Pain.

I’ve endured it all.

Seen it all.

I’m the bad brother, the evil one—the psychopath.

I wasn’t born this way. I was made this way.

Neglect, abuse, trauma, and pain really mess a person up.

Then the day I never thought would come finally does …

It’s time for revenge.

ARIES

Liar. Golden boy. Hero.

I thought I had it all figured out.

Then he showed up.

Arson is your worst nightmare brought to life and my twin brother.

He’s hell-bent on revenge and willing to hurt anyone who gets in his way, the person he wants to hurt the me, and he’s going to use Lilian to do it.

But if he thinks he plays a good villain, I can't wait for him to see just how ruthless I can be.

LILIAN

Fragile. Innocent. Broken.

With a rare heart condition, everyone in my life treats me like I’m seconds away from death. Everyone but him—my stepbrother.

What started as an annoying crush becomes an obsession when I realize Aries might feel the same. That is, until he rejects me, and I lose all hope.

When I arrive at Oakmount, I am determined to make him see me.

But the man I meet isn’t Aries, even if he looks just like him.

When I discover his secret for revenge, it’s too late.

There’s no escaping the psychopaths I’m falling for...

** This book can be read separate from the other books in the series, however for best reading experience it's better to start with book 1: The Wallflower. Please check the TW's at the start of the book. **

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Why Choose, College, Suspense

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

Reviews

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book where you get to the last page and you jaw drops to the floor and you was what in the actual fuck? And then you proceed to stare at the wall trying to process what you just happened? Well be prepared because this book was one psychological rollercoaster of saying what in the actual fuck is happening? Like at one point, I was like whose book is this, who is in control and who is manipulating who? In fact I'm pretty sure I experienced every single emotion and now I am left wondering how this story is going to unfold in the next book because if you were unaware, this is a duet which means you are left with a cliffy!

If you have read and loved the Oakmont Elite series so far, then you will love this one as well! JL Beck really hit it out of the park with the OTT J/P morally grey identical twin MMCs with mommy and daddy issues. Now throw in an equally unhinged FMC who likes to dance with the darkness and also happens to be their step sister. Yeah, you read that right. This one dives deep into the dark revenge romance world with all of the triggers that we love.

I love Aries, but I caught on over the last couple of books that there was something off with him. Come to find out, that was NOT Aries, but his IDENTICAL TWIN brother, Arson, who was causing havoc! [insert shocked face] And his twin is out for revenge, but I won't tell you why. You will have to read the story to find out. Now I will say, this book is mainly in Arson and Lilian's POV with Aries POV sprinkled in and there is a reason for that I am sure. And I am hoping to get more of Aries in the next one.

Now I won't go into detail of this book because it will ruin the plot, which will ultimately ruin the cliffhanger, but be prepared for ALL of the emotions. This book had be feeling bad for Aries but then he irrationally pissed me off where I wanted to junk punch some sense into him. I loved how Arson embraced his unhinged dark side but has this softness to him that only Lilian sees. But at the same time, I wanted to shake him for being a royal pain in my bum. Lilian, I loved that girl! She is fierce. She's not that fragile girl her family makes he out to be. She dances with the darkness and I loved that. But I also felt her torment with her feelings with both boys. Like I said, you will experience ALL of the emotions. So hope on the rollercoaster and enjoy the ride!!

Time to wait to see what direction JL Beck decides to us with the next book!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Dark Revenge Romance
- Morally Grey OTT J/P MCs
- Identical Twin MMCs
- Step Siblings
- Why Choose/MFM
- Heroine is a Stalker
- DubCon
- Hidden Identity

* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to JL Beck for allowing me the pleasure to read The Psychopaths as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Isabella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝕾𝖍𝖊’𝖘 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖇𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕴’𝖛𝖊 𝖕𝖑𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖊𝖉. 𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 𝖜𝖍𝖔 𝖕𝖑𝖆𝖞𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖞’𝖗𝖊 𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖕𝖊𝖙𝖘.”

Holy. Chaos. I swear…every book in this series gets better and better and more unhinged and it makes my dark romance loving heart squeal with delight!! And…have I found a new favorite trope? Step siblings? I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. 😍😍😍

This review is going to be HARD to write. I want to scream about every single line but I don’t want to ruin it! The plot is INSANE and you absolutely need to go into it blind to get the full effect of it. I need everyone to be emotionally traumatised along side me. I refuse to suffer alone 😩

This book is a duet, and this is part one. We see glimpses of one of the MCs in previous books throughout the series. But trust me. Everything you THINK YOU KNEW…wrong lol my flabbers were gasted.

Lillian is our sweet FMC…she’s treated as a fragile flower who is incapable of doing anything, simply because she has a heart condition. Everyone including her family underestimates her…but beneath that fragile exterior is a fierce woman ready to pounce. Using people’s false perception of her as a way to hide her true nature.

Aries and Arson are twins and Lillian’s step brothers. Aires is the golden boy…the favorite. And Lillian has had a crush on him for years. But Aires has always pushed her away to kept her safe. But is she really safe? Not at all. Not when Arson exists. He’s the problem child. The one his family does not want to deal with so they send him away for 10 years. But he’s back and ready to f**k $**t up. He’s out for blood and revenge…and you know what? HELL YEAH!

Arson is as morally grey as it gets. He’s dark , depraved and the literal definition of a psychopath. But he’s also damaged and neglected. He has a secret soft spot but only for certain people.

Aries ???? Everything I thought I knew about him was wrong. This man was giving me whiplash with the way his moods went from hot to cold, good to evil. Honestly it left me wondering who the hell were the actual psychopaths in this book. And the answer is ALL OF THEM. All three MC’s are psychopaths. All three are unhinged and thrive off of each others darkness and honestly…I love it 😍 I love a good unhinged man…brings me to my knees. Twins who are unhinged?? Even better. But when the WOMAN is just as unhinged and unwilling to bow to ANY MAN?!?! 🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️

This is definitely a slow burn but it’s full of tension and angst. A deliciously sinister push and pull and battle of wills. But…when the spice hits??? 🥵🥵🥵 cold showers will be needed. Actually…skip that. Just dive into an ice bath head first. These men are filthy. And their mouths are just as dangerous.

Be warned. This book leaves off with a cliffhanger that will have you screaming and panicking. I’m feigning for the next book like an addict. I need to know what happens NOW!!! This book has left me rattled. I need a Xanax and a glass of wine. Happy reading ❤️

Thank you to J.L. Beck and The Smuthood PR for the emotional trauma and being able to read this phenomenal ARC 🫠❤️

❤️Dark Romance
🔪Step-Siblings
❤️Identical Twin MMC’s
🔪Stalker FMC
❤️Forbidden Love
🔪Unrequited Love
❤️Dub-Con/Primal Play
🔪Hidden Identity
❤️MFM/Why Choose
🔪Morally Grey MC’s
❤️Revenge Plot-line
🔪Chronic Illness Rep
❤️Slow Burn
🔪Multi-Timeline
❤️Kidnapping
🔪Toxic Parents
❤️Enemies to Lovers
🔪Multi-POV
❤️Cliffhanger
🔪Duet

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gobbled this darkness packed book up. Nom, nom, nommmm! High on emotion, tension, hate, lust, angst, mystery. It was a perfect addition to the Oakmount series and an amazingly captivating intro to the duet of Aries, Lillain and Arson's story.

This read was twisted and ruthless. I don't know if I really like anyone at this point and I'm ok with that. Makes the redemption that much sweeter.

Lillian was hot and cold. One minute she's naive and acting so young, the next she's this siren wanting to be a big-time player in a complex revenge plan. I'm thinking it was a ploy to get what she wanted since everyone sees her as this fragile child due to her illness.

I think Arson was my favorite. His character was so raw and broken. My heart hurt for what he went through. Flawed and damaged, just wanting, needing to be seen... for once. His mask is on tight, but little bits of the real him shined through. I feel like he was truly himself with only one person.

Aries, Aries, Aries. I don't even know what to say. I am pretty much speechless. I thought I knew, but maybe I know nothing. I loved him and now, I'm not too sure. I think he'll shock us all in the next book and I'm all for it. Once a god on campus, now a captive. Hidden away and enduring all that his twin went through.

I can't wait to see how these three and their dynamic will play out in the conclusion of this duet.
That cliffhanger!!!! Holy hell. I was not expecting that at all. I kept swiping my kindle to switch the page and nothing. NOOOOOOO - exactly what I said, out loud to myself, hahaha

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Triangle (MFM)
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Dark Elements
*Jumping timeline
*Step-Siblings
*Health Issues
*Revenge plotline
*Cliffhanger
*Medium Burn
*Book 1/2
Twisted twins and the girl who found herself 😍
Ooo so this was my first read of J L Becks and I really enjoyed it! I’m a lover of dark romance and this had some dark elements to it (dub-con, captivity, amongst others) but certainly not one of the darkest out there. I found the language a little repetitive at times with some points “super enforced”. What I really liked of this book was the twists with characters themselves - they are all master manipulators 🙈 our FMC is Lillian who at first is portrayed as quite naive and insulated due to her heart condition; however as the story progresses you see she has a spark to her that allows her to seek her own justice against everyone who’s kept her down 👸 then we have Aries, her childhood crush and stepbrother, who’s pushed her away despite there being a connection there - he has a whole other level to him that you are not prepared for 😳; then there’s Arson the secret two with a twisted past, denounced as being a monster yet has a vulnerability to him that may be his downfall 😩 they’re a complicated web mind games and survival against a family that appears to be ‘disappearing’ people 😖 looking forward to the next one and seeing whether the twins can actually get their heads out the jacksies and work out what’s happened to the girl their scrapping over 😮😮

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

The Psychopaths is the first part of a duet and the 6th book in the Oakmount Elite series. This was one wild ride, and I consumed this toxic love triangle.

Aries is the golden boy of the Hayes family, but he is hiding a big secret. His twin Arson was put in an institution and basically erased from the family. Arson has escaped the institution and kidnaps Aries to act out his elaborate plan for revenge against him and the family. He starts living as Aries and cutting himself off from his friends and family. However, Arson was not prepared for Aries stepsister Lillian to see through his act.

Lillian has been in love and pining after Aries for years, but he pushed her away to protect her from his father. Aries has wanted her just as bad but had to act indifferent to her. Now Arson is willing to take what Aries was too afraid to. He doesn't expect to fall hard for Lillian, though, and things get CRAZY when he tries to use her against Aries.

I loved Aries in the beginning of this book, but by the end, I don't know how I feel about him. I love Arson, probably because he is the most damaged/tortured one.

I am diving into the second part now since I got the ARC

🖤 Love Triangle
🖤 Step Brother
🖤 Revenge
🖤 DubCon
🖤 Hidden Identity
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Morally Grey Hero

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY FUCK THAT WAS AMAZING!

Well that was PERFECTION. Dark romance at its finest. I absolutely devoured this book, in almost one sitting. Like i couldnt put it down it was so so good. I was gripped from the first page and every page there after. It was totally unexpected how this book went, the ending?! Ughh so your telling me i have to wait to find out what happens? Na, i aint happy.

This entire series has been nothing but 5 star reads for me, and this one is no exception. It had everything, tension, angst, that slow burn we all go feral for? Yup.. tick. A delicious unhinged OTT MMC? Also, tick. Great plot, greats twists, and spice? 🥵🥵 TICK TICK TICK. I didnt think id love this one more than any of the others in the series, but maybe, just maybe its topped them all. Another great addition to the Oakmount series. I am feral for the next one, i dunno how im going to wait. I already wanna do a reread it’s so fucking good 😭😭my poor heart broke for them at times, i wanted to swoop in and protect him.. another one beautifully broken.

Lilian was everything, she grew into her own, and she gave them hell. He took her into his darkness, and bathed her in it.

Because you're a fascinatingly beautiful creature. Because you’ve transformed from prey to monster. Because the darkness in your eyes matches mine.

It was dark, fiery and delicious…. spicy & I’m OBSESSED.

This is one of my favourite series, ever…. J L Beck, can do no wrong. Another 5 star read…. In fact.. better than 5 star… 5 is not enough.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg finally we get twins!!! This book took ahold of me and didn’t let go it was so darn good it’s full of revenge hot intense sexual tension brutal twists and turns and a crazy dark forbidden romance that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning till that EPIC cliffhanger ending!!! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Drew, Seb, and Lee’s stories I couldn’t wait to read more about Aries and where J.L. Beck would go with his story.

Boy, what a surprise to read about him and Arson and their relationship with each other and their step sister Lilian. Their dynamic is complicated to say the least with so many twists and turns and all of the events that happened to them. This is not over by any means and I can’t wait to see how this will ultimately unfold!

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot of this book is just feel like certain moments dragged on.
I was so excited for this book, and for me it just fell flat.
The brothers gave me whip lash which is great to an extent.

[Yami’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.L. Beck’s *The Psychopaths* is a dark, addictive, and emotionally charged addition to the Oakmount Prep series, plunging readers into a world where trauma breeds monsters and love is both a weapon and a lifeline. This book stands out for its unflinching portrayal of pain, revenge, and the blurred lines between villain and victim.

**Plot & Characters:**

The story is told through the perspectives of three characters: Arson, Aries, and Lilian.

Arson, the “bad brother,” is a product of cruelty and neglect, shaped into a force of vengeance.

His twin, Aries, is the golden boy with a hero’s mask, but beneath the surface, he’s just as ruthless as his brother.

Caught between them is Lilian, fragile in body but fierce in spirit, whose heart condition makes her vulnerable but never weak.

The dynamic between the twins is electrifying—Arson’s rage and pain contrast sharply with Aries’s calculated coldness. Lilian’s journey from innocence to obsession, and ultimately to entanglement with both brothers, is both heartbreaking and gripping. Beck does a masterful job of making each character sympathetic, even as they make questionable choices.

**Themes:**

*The Psychopaths* doesn’t shy away from dark themes: childhood trauma, abuse, revenge, and obsession are at the forefront. The book explores how pain can twist people, but also how love—however flawed—can be a path to redemption or destruction. The romance is intense, taboo, and fraught with danger, making it impossible to look away.

**Writing Style:**

Beck’s writing is sharp and evocative, pulling readers into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The pacing is relentless, with twists that keep you guessing and a tension that never lets up. The author’s willingness to delve into the uncomfortable makes the story feel raw and real.

**Trigger Warnings:**

This book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with heavy topics, including abuse and psychological trauma. Readers are strongly encouraged to check the trigger warnings at the beginning.

**Final Thoughts:**

*The Psychopaths* is a dark romance that will appeal to fans of morally gray characters, twisted family dynamics, and high-stakes drama. While it can be read as a standalone, starting with *The Wallflower* will provide deeper context. If you’re looking for a romance that challenges boundaries and keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is for you.

**Rating: 4.5/5**
A haunting, addictive read that lingers long after the last page.

[Half.sassed.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I am zipping my lips on plot spoilers. Scout’s honor. But just know this book had more drama than a reality TV finale during a full moon.

We are talking emotions. Capital E. Maybe even bolded. Hate. Lust. Mystery. Angst. It is like the author threw every intense human feeling into a blender, hit purée, and served it in a martini glass rimmed with salt and betrayal. A fantastic addition to the Oakmount series and a dazzlingly dysfunctional start to the story of Aries, Lillian, and Arson.

Let’s talk tone. Twisted? Check. Ruthless? Double check. My moral compass is spinning like a fidget spinner in a hurricane. Do I like anyone? Nope. Do I need to? Also nope. The less I like them now, the sweeter their redemption arc will taste. Like revenge but emotionally fulfilling.

Lillian. Oh Lillian. One second she is all “I am delicate, please protect me,” and the next she is slinking through the shadows plotting like she is auditioning for a role in Revenge the Musical. Honestly, I cannot keep up. I think her mood swings are part of her strategy. That or she is just a walking contradiction in expensive shoes.

Now Arson. My beautiful broken cinnamon roll dipped in gasoline. I mean, who hurt you? Oh wait. Everyone. He has got issues stacked higher than my laundry pile and yet, my heart. He is mysterious, tragic, and gives off strong "I write poetry at 3am but deny it" vibes. Total favorite.

And Aries. Sighs dramatically into the void. I thought I had him figured out. Nope. This man is a Rubik’s cube in human form. Except instead of colors, it is trauma and secrets. He was a god on campus. Now he is a prisoner in the angst Olympics. I am not sure if I want to hug him or shake him. But either way, I need to know what happens next.

And then. Cue dramatic gasp. That cliffhanger. I literally kept swiping my Kindle like it owed me money. Nothing. Nada. Just me staring into the abyss screaming “NOOOOO” like I was in a soap opera. If I had pearls, I would be clutching them.

I cannot wait to see what chaos this unholy triangle unleashes in the finale. Bring snacks. And tissues. And maybe a stress ball.

Written in multiple 1st POV, Ends with a cliffy.
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Darkness 🖤.5

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sides and a sinister plot… things aren’t always black and white, nor are they what they seem.

Aries is the golden child, hating his family but going through the motions but has kept his desire for his stepsister Lilian hidden for years, trying to protect her from their family. Lilian has wanted her stepbrother for years, but is also playing a role in the family drama - broken and docile daughter. When Aries personality seems to change overnight, Lilian realizes there is something deeper going on, but doesn’t realize that Aries is a twin and that his twin Arson is out for revenge.

This is a psychological twisty and dark forbidden romance that ends on a cliffhanger. The plot is interesting and layered and will have you questioning what you think you know. There are aspects to the story that seem like loose ends, but I am assuming that they will get tied up as nicely as the characters in the novel are in the next book. If you like morally gray male characters, an underestimated “weak” female, twists and turns, stalking, and steamy scenes which questionable consent, this book fits the bill. The story continues in a book that will release in September 2025, so if you don’t like to wait for resolution, maybe add this to your TBR and start it in September.

This is book six in the Oakmount Elite interconnected series. While this book is one entry point to the series, things will make more sense if you start with book one. The series is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[simona ♱ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received a free copy from booksprout in exchange of an honest review

firstly, i want to say that i loved this book a lot. it was fast paced, interesting, and full of subtle plot twists, like a mindfuck. i’ve been interested in aries since the first book, and this didn’t disappoint. the only thing that annoyed me is that it ended on a cliffhanger so now i have to wait for the second book to come out, but overall i really liked it

[Kris-Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise be the TWISTED DELICIOUSNESS of this book!

Still reeling— need more time to digest…

Seriously though, a cliffhanger?

Send help!!
Need the next one… Yesterday.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This as an amazing story!!!!! I love me a good book and the title really drew me in and this book didn't disappoint me at all!

[Flavia Florean-Dumitru · Rating 3 out of 5]

You cannot leave me on such a cliffhanger. Come oooon.

Other than that, I will add that this is my first MFM. Not great, not terrible. And I still feel that I do not have enough information about both of them: 2 brothers Aries and Arson. One is looking for revenge, the other is the prey. But who will the girl choose in the end?

Come on, September. I need my happy end

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready for this book!

Omg! All those twist were insane, you have to carefully read this or you could get lost. I didn’t want it to end I couldn’t put it down.

I loved this so much

[delusioanal | emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book. Heard step brother, MFM and signed up immediately. Started off catching my attention, kept me engaged and interested into how this was going to play out. Only to be disappointed and underwhelmed. Some parts were too slow, other parts felt too rushed. One of those reads where you have to suspend reality to get through it. Forgive and forget, mistakes and inconsistencies just so you can finish.

I understand that this is a dark romance but not one of the men had ONE redeemable quality. The way they both kept saying one thing and doing another. Couldn’t trust anyone and the moment I started to tolerate even one of them, they’d do something so despicable and unforgivable. I went back and forth, hating one brother more than the other. By the end I wanted them both dead.

Took all my will power not to DNF, was hoping WAITING for one of these men to not be a giant POS only to end on a cliffhanger. ATP I don’t care. I don’t want to know what happens. In my brain she chooses her self and gets as far away as humanly possible from these men. The only smart thing they ever said was that she deserves better than both of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Let me show you how good it can feel”
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC through The Smuthood for this book and it exceeded all my expectations. This was my introduction to J.L Beck and I shall be going back to immerse myself in the Oakmount Elite series! This book was dirty, thrilling and captivating, I kept going back for more. This book was a great dark romance that involves two twin brothers and the main female lead who is their step sister, scandalous right?
I knew that this would be something that would draw me in and was actually one of the reasons I applied for the ARC along with the wonderful other tropes.
This is going to be a duet so you are left on a cliffhanger but I feel that this makes it all the more exciting waiting for the second book to come out and then re-immerse myself in the world of Aries and Arson, I must say I am a particular fan of Arson and he can honestly call me a “Good girl” any day of the week. One thing about J.L Beck is that she can write DELICIOUS spicy scene that will never leave me bored! I just wanted more and more.
Lillian, just her. Honestly. She captivated me! She was set out as this very fragile step sister to Aries one that was rejected and tossed aside however she had so much development as a character and I felt as if I was really able to connect to her! She is innocent but strong willed and I just loved that about her.
I do now need the next book!
Thank you for this ARC.

[Laura Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just start with, you know that feeling when you are totally lost in a book and it's one thing happening after another and before you know it the chapter ends on a cliffhanger and you go to read the next one and find it is actually the end of the book?? Yep, that's just how this book leaves you. I was screaming at my kindle thinking how could it end like that? And I have to wait till September for part 2 to find out what's these two, ok three because let's be honest Lilian is half way there with Aries and Arson, psycopaths deal with what's going on?!?!?! Sign me on right now.

Now that's out the way i will tell you this book is fast-paced full of plot twist after plot twist. Slow burn. Forbidden love. Revenge. Love triangle... a great combination to have your mind going 🤯 and on the edge of your seat. And the 🌶 is 🌶ing!!! The actual plot is so good and mysterious and just goes to show what overly rich families would do to maintain that pristine facade they so desperately want the outside world to see.

Nothing is at it seems, nothing is set on stone, and no stone will be left unturned to find the truth.

I can not wait to read how this story ends.

Thanks for choosing me as an ARC reader, it was a ride I won't forget!!

[Catherine - mygreenlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)

Lilian, Arson & Aries 🔥

This is my first book by J.L. Beck, and it was good! There’s action, there’s spice, and there’s a bit of mystery too.

The backstory was very intriguing. I knew that the second Arson entered the chat that I’d be a fan… I’m a SUCKER for a morally gray tortured soul. And he fit the bill perfectly 🖤 I wanted to learn more about Aries, but I’ve heard he’s mentioned more in the earlier books of the series.

I did have trouble getting into the book at the beginning, and I wish there were so plot points that were explored more (hence the ⭐️ rating). This is an ongoing series so I’m sure there are more answers to come!

I really enjoyed the sides and characteristics that these three had. They’re all a little psycho, aren’t they?

I’m sad that the plot wasn’t resolved at the end of the book… yes it has a cliffhanger!


✨tropes:✨
- dark romance
- step siblings
- twin brothers
- enemies to lovers
- unrequited love
- morally gray (borderline black) heroes

** this is NOT an MFM or sharing situation between twins**


Thank you to the Smuthood, Booksprout & J.L. Beck for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review 💕

[itsjustjasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

PURE CHAOS, PURE PERFECTION

This is my first read from J.L. Beck & I'm so happy I got the opportunity to ARC read The Reckoning because without that, I wouldn't know about this series. And I'm so glad I followed through the instructions to read The Psychopath first before going into the ARC.

I can’t even measure which main character I love more. Honestly, I love them equally. I devoured this duet like I’d been starved for days. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I needed to know what happened next.

The romance? Absolute chef’s kiss. But the plot? That heavily driven, edge-of-your-seat plot paired with emotions so intense I’m surprised I wasn’t hyperventilating? Unreal.

The desperation to be seen and loved, the simmering revenge, the psychotic urge to destroy what’s good and pure, the unrelenting anger. It all hit so hard, I had to pause just to catch my breath and ground myself.

And then there’s J.L. Beck’s writing. It’s not overly complicated, but not too simple either. It strikes that perfect balance that makes the entire experience even more addictive. Truly incredible.

I can’t wait to devour the rest of the Oakmount Elite series.

[Shyla S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Psychopaths is book 6 of J.L. Beck’s Oakmount Elite series.

A dark romance at its finest. From beginning till the very end, you are on a dark twisted ride with 2 twins who keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what’s around the corner. The Pyschopaths follows 3 different characters through a drama filled plot filled with morally grey men, lies/betrayals, suspense, angst and forbidden desires.

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Aries Andrew Hayes, Aaron Alexander Hayes and their step-sister, Lilian Hayes
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes!
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = yes but it helps to read previous standalone books to have an intro.
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance • Enemies to Lovers • MFM • Stepbrothers • Secret Society • Psychological/ Suspense • Revenge • Sibling Rivalry • Multiple POVs
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language • Sexual Content • Graphic Violence • Kidnapping / Captivity • Stalking • Bullying • Death • Drug Use • Mental Health
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥🔥 1/2
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Devonne Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars out of 5 because HOW CAN THE AUTHOR LEAVE US ON A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THAT!? What?

J.L Beck ... why? How rude of you to pull me into this whirlwind story between identical twins and their stepsister, completely baffled by who is manipulating who throughout, loving one twin & hating the other more only for it to switch up so many times? I need answers. I need to know what happens but most importantly ... which twin gets the girl? Im hoping they both do because honestly, why choose?

This story, although at times I had to re-read a few scenes to clarify some things, overall pulled me in and I didn't stop until the cliffhanger. Side note * prepare for unexpected and crazy cliffhanger ending and the devastating blow of waiting to find out what happens.

If you enjoy step-siblings, MFM, possessive & growly MMC's, suspense... you'll enjoy this story. Please check TW as this does contain dark themes.

[Krista Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this author and I'm so glad I started with this one. I will say I need to read the others in this series even though it's a standalone but seeing as they are interconnected I think it would be beneficial to read the first book.

Aries and Arson are twins that I wouldn't mind having around. They are monsters but monsters with a purpose and I just love to see them break.

Aries....I'm not sure how I feel about him. I couldn't really figure him out and after that he did to Lillian I was ready to punch him in the face.

The growth I saw with Arson was great. He was still the monster but there was light in his life in the form of Lillian.

Now that girl grew from the weak person she was viewed as to being strong and I loved her growth. The cliffhanger was unexpected and I'm mad I have to wait but this book was awesome!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book kept me on the edge of my seat.

a story full of family secrets.

aries if tired of being the picture perfect son for a corrupt and disgusting family. lilian has always had a crush on her step brother, after confessing he distance himself even more but one day he interacts with her and she automatically notices something isn’t right.

little does she know aries has a secret twin, he’s been locked up and turned into this monster that’s hungry for revenge.

most things in this story are open ended which had me hungry for the next book, im dying to find out what happens with this trio. but these characters have so many layers. i’m so glad we get to see lilian become stronger as the story goes on, to see how she truly is.

[Pflanz Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a marathon, but ultimately, I'm glad I ran it. The author crafted an intriguing premise with plenty of layers to unravel, which kept me hooked. However, my main critique is the pacing. It felt like an endless stream of questions was introduced, and while the eventual payoffs were satisfying, it took a very long time to get there. There were stretches where I found myself wishing for a quicker resolution to some of the mysteries. If you have the patience for a slow burn and enjoy a story that truly makes you work for the answers, you'll likely appreciate this one. Just be prepared for a long journey!

[Erika Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I walked into this sign up relatively blind. I have heard of this author before but I haven't had the opportunity to read any of their work, let alone any of this series. That being said, I really loved this book. Aries and Arson are so unhinged throughout this entire book. But the fact that both of them had feelings for Lillian and they were so mad about it, lmao. Arson is the black sheep of the family, and was kept a secret from the entire world. The mother is definitely shady as hell (again, what is with the shitty mom books this month?). Overall, if you want practically pitch-black mmcs, taboo relationships and secret society mystery, this one is a great read!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down! The tangled web of the lives of Aries, Arson, and Lillian had my head spinning, as did the revelations that came as a shock. So Arson.. he's been lurking longer than I knew, and he's here to create havoc, extract revenge, and generally f up the life of the Hayes family. And, as the story unfurls, you can understand why. Oh, he's dark, but then again, so is Aries, and what of Lillian? She's definitely not a wilting, weak flower! I loved her determination and courage! She grows with each encounter.
This story is so fast-paced that it whips you up and carries you along on its tide. And I loved every minute. But that cliffhanger! Heavens above!!! 💖💖💖💖💖

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared some of the content in this book is dark so read the trigger warnings before starting reading it.

Lillian (FMC) is stuck in the middle of a dangerous game of tug of war between Aries & Arson. One that they don't seem to care one way or another if they hurt Lillian or not whilst doing it either. Lillian is not the naive good girl that everyone including her family seem to believe she is. Which only seems to emerge the more she is around the guys. They definitely had a twisted dynamic between the three of them that escalated to a cliff-hanger ending that was knockout. Bring on the next book because I can't wait to get my hands on it.