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Wicked Falls Elite #3
Unhinged Love
I hated her before I ever met her.
I hate everything about her. The sounds of her soft-spoken voice, the look in her always guarded eyes and the way she pushes her too big glasses up her small nose. I despise it all and now I can’t get away from her.
Elianna Montego is my new stepsister, living in the room next to mine. She is there when I wake up, she’s there at school, and seemingly every other place. I just can’t get away from little Elli.
I guess the only thing I can do now is make sure she is as miserable as I am.
***Unhinged Love is book three in the Wicked Falls Elite series but can be read as a standalone. No cliffhanger.
I hate everything about her. The sounds of her soft-spoken voice, the look in her always guarded eyes and the way she pushes her too big glasses up her small nose. I despise it all and now I can’t get away from her.
Elianna Montego is my new stepsister, living in the room next to mine. She is there when I wake up, she’s there at school, and seemingly every other place. I just can’t get away from little Elli.
I guess the only thing I can do now is make sure she is as miserable as I am.
***Unhinged Love is book three in the Wicked Falls Elite series but can be read as a standalone. No cliffhanger.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
319 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
C. Hallman
132 books2,710 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
April 19, 2025
From the get go Carter has an instant dislike to Elianna, his new stepsister. Her mother, married his father.
He goes out of her way to make her life miserable, through not fault of her own.
What he doesn’t realise is that Elianna has been subjected to cruel treatment by her own mother, but also having experienced bullying at her former school. She’s quiet and reserved, closed off.
But over time Carter and Elianna’s relationship begins to evolve into something more. He works hard to understand why she is the way she is, opening up about her trauma, does Carter help her to overcome some of her fears.
Behind closed doors is another story. Carter instills feelings inside Elianna that she’s never felt and or experienced before. Carter guides her in her sexual awakening, helping her to discover herself but more importantly what she and Carter can give each other.
Only when their relationship is discovered, everything they’ve both worked towards together is in tatters. But Carter won’t allow all there hard work to come undone and is able to help Elianna see reason. Thanks to Paul, Carter’s father supporting their relationship, not only that, Elianna is able to get out from under her mother’s thumb.
Those smexy scenes were on point - hot, steamy and spicy.
Recommend both the author and the book.
I received an ARC. Therefore, I am submitting a voluntary review.
He goes out of her way to make her life miserable, through not fault of her own.
What he doesn’t realise is that Elianna has been subjected to cruel treatment by her own mother, but also having experienced bullying at her former school. She’s quiet and reserved, closed off.
But over time Carter and Elianna’s relationship begins to evolve into something more. He works hard to understand why she is the way she is, opening up about her trauma, does Carter help her to overcome some of her fears.
Behind closed doors is another story. Carter instills feelings inside Elianna that she’s never felt and or experienced before. Carter guides her in her sexual awakening, helping her to discover herself but more importantly what she and Carter can give each other.
Only when their relationship is discovered, everything they’ve both worked towards together is in tatters. But Carter won’t allow all there hard work to come undone and is able to help Elianna see reason. Thanks to Paul, Carter’s father supporting their relationship, not only that, Elianna is able to get out from under her mother’s thumb.
Those smexy scenes were on point - hot, steamy and spicy.
Recommend both the author and the book.
I received an ARC. Therefore, I am submitting a voluntary review.
April 21, 2025
Carter’s anger and bitterness toward Elliana were intense, and the way he lashed out felt raw and real. Poor Elliana, so shy and broken from years of emotional abuse, made me root for her right away. Their dynamic was dark at first, full of blackmail and bullying, but watching their walls come down was so satisfying. I loved seeing Carter slowly realize Elliana was nothing like her mother. The story is emotional, messy, and ultimately heartwarming, with a happy ending that felt earned. If you like dark romances with deep character growth, definitely add this one to your list.
April 15, 2025
This was a really good bully romance. Carter was quite horrible but even from the beginning, you could see that he wasn't completely irredeemable. Elliana definitely didn't deserve any of the crap thrown her way and she's probably one of the most reserved FMCs I've read, but I appreciated her resilience. I really enjoyed how Carter and Elliana's relationship evolved; I would have loved a little more grovelling but overall, I'm happy with how things ended. Carter's dad was awesome.
December 1, 2025
5 - 🎧
4 - 📚/2🌶️
Let me start off by saying the audiobook was amazing! Chloe and Sean absolutely nailed it. The way they brought Carter and Elliana to life was so beautiful and so emotional that it elevated the entire story. 🙌🏼
Now, the book itself? This series just keeps getting better and better. The bully trope is done flawlessly here. The push and pull, the tension, the way you can practically see inside the MCs’ heads as they battle their feelings, it all hits perfectly.🤌🏼
And Cassandra’s bully mmcs? I love to hate them… and then slowly, inevitably, end up loving them. It’s her signature magic, and she delivered again.
4 - 📚/2🌶️
Let me start off by saying the audiobook was amazing! Chloe and Sean absolutely nailed it. The way they brought Carter and Elliana to life was so beautiful and so emotional that it elevated the entire story. 🙌🏼
Now, the book itself? This series just keeps getting better and better. The bully trope is done flawlessly here. The push and pull, the tension, the way you can practically see inside the MCs’ heads as they battle their feelings, it all hits perfectly.🤌🏼
And Cassandra’s bully mmcs? I love to hate them… and then slowly, inevitably, end up loving them. It’s her signature magic, and she delivered again.
June 21, 2025
“𝕳𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖕 𝖚𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖑 𝖍𝖊 𝖇𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖐𝖘 𝖒𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖆𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖘 𝖒𝖊 𝖈𝖗𝖚𝖒𝖇𝖑𝖊.”
Another amazing dark bully romance from C. Hallman. Honestly , no one’s does taboo , dark romance quite like her. It’s always deep and gritty…a bit too much in the best ways. As always, check your trigger warnings before diving in. C. Hallman’s books are always very dark and touch on very disturbing and painful topics, so please, protect yourself and your mental health…make sure you are comfortable with everything before you start your read.
This is book 3 in the Wicked Falls Elite series, and the story of Carter and Elianna.
Elianna moves into Carters house after her mother marries his father. Carter is not happy about this, pegging her and her mother as gold diggers set on stealing his father’s fortune and making his life miserable. So he decides to ruin Eliannas life instead.
Elianna is a very shy and reserved girl. She hides behind oversized clothing and glasses. Preferring to disappear in the background than stand out. She’s dealing with a lot of trauma and stress in her life…having come from a school where she was bullied relentlessly…and now she’s thrust into a new family and living with the guy who is hell bent on making her life a living hell.
Carter bullies Elianna relentlessly at school and at home. He’s convinced she’s exactly like her mom…money hungry and self centred. At home his bullying is even darker as he blackmails her into shmexual acts and taking lewd photos of her without her knowing.
He pushes his bullying a little too far and sends Elianna over the edge. He realises that she is nothing like her mother…in fact she has been being abused by her mother her entire life, the main reason for her severe introversion and guarded personality. He begins to care for her and see her as more than just a problem he needs to get rid of. He wants to protect and care for her. But Elianna doesn’t trust me. And with good reason. She’s always been shy and quiet but with Carter she learns to stand up for herself.
What I really loved about this book is his Carters family truly was a good man and good father. He made a terrible choice in marrying Eliannas mom but he cared for Elianna like she was his own and was a big support for her and Carter as they navigated the troubling waters of falling for your step sibling.
Where things fell apart for me was the end. The story was great. I loved the flow burn, the pained feelings and emotions and the way they finally allowed themselves to love each other. But once they got there it felt rushed. I wish we had gotten to see more of them being happy together and being able to be a normal couple for a bit longer.
Overall it was smother good read from C. Hallman, I always love the dark romances she puts out and I can’t wait until the next instalment comes out.❤️
Thank you to C. Hallman and Literally Yours PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book.❤️
🥀Bully Romance
🖤Step Siblings
🥀Taboo
🖤Dark Romance
🥀Forced Proximity
🖤Abuse From Parent
🥀Shy FMC
🖤Broody MMC
🥀Touch Her and 💀
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🥀Eyes Only For Her
🖤Possessive MMC
🥀Obsessive Hero
🖤Guarded Heroine
🥀DubCon
🖤Step Brother x Step Sister
🥀Dual POV
🖤HEA
Another amazing dark bully romance from C. Hallman. Honestly , no one’s does taboo , dark romance quite like her. It’s always deep and gritty…a bit too much in the best ways. As always, check your trigger warnings before diving in. C. Hallman’s books are always very dark and touch on very disturbing and painful topics, so please, protect yourself and your mental health…make sure you are comfortable with everything before you start your read.
This is book 3 in the Wicked Falls Elite series, and the story of Carter and Elianna.
Elianna moves into Carters house after her mother marries his father. Carter is not happy about this, pegging her and her mother as gold diggers set on stealing his father’s fortune and making his life miserable. So he decides to ruin Eliannas life instead.
Elianna is a very shy and reserved girl. She hides behind oversized clothing and glasses. Preferring to disappear in the background than stand out. She’s dealing with a lot of trauma and stress in her life…having come from a school where she was bullied relentlessly…and now she’s thrust into a new family and living with the guy who is hell bent on making her life a living hell.
Carter bullies Elianna relentlessly at school and at home. He’s convinced she’s exactly like her mom…money hungry and self centred. At home his bullying is even darker as he blackmails her into shmexual acts and taking lewd photos of her without her knowing.
He pushes his bullying a little too far and sends Elianna over the edge. He realises that she is nothing like her mother…in fact she has been being abused by her mother her entire life, the main reason for her severe introversion and guarded personality. He begins to care for her and see her as more than just a problem he needs to get rid of. He wants to protect and care for her. But Elianna doesn’t trust me. And with good reason. She’s always been shy and quiet but with Carter she learns to stand up for herself.
What I really loved about this book is his Carters family truly was a good man and good father. He made a terrible choice in marrying Eliannas mom but he cared for Elianna like she was his own and was a big support for her and Carter as they navigated the troubling waters of falling for your step sibling.
Where things fell apart for me was the end. The story was great. I loved the flow burn, the pained feelings and emotions and the way they finally allowed themselves to love each other. But once they got there it felt rushed. I wish we had gotten to see more of them being happy together and being able to be a normal couple for a bit longer.
Overall it was smother good read from C. Hallman, I always love the dark romances she puts out and I can’t wait until the next instalment comes out.❤️
Thank you to C. Hallman and Literally Yours PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book.❤️
🥀Bully Romance
🖤Step Siblings
🥀Taboo
🖤Dark Romance
🥀Forced Proximity
🖤Abuse From Parent
🥀Shy FMC
🖤Broody MMC
🥀Touch Her and 💀
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🥀Eyes Only For Her
🖤Possessive MMC
🥀Obsessive Hero
🖤Guarded Heroine
🥀DubCon
🖤Step Brother x Step Sister
🥀Dual POV
🖤HEA
April 8, 2025
When Ellians mother marries Paul she ends up with a new step brother in Carter, as if her life hadn't been easy to beging with Carter is determined to make her life as miserable. But soon things change between them, but where will it leave them? Well written steamy bully/off limits- shy, sheltered desires angst and more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️.7 This was an okay read for me. The story felt kind of rushed in some places yet had its moments as well. Carter despite his flaws was good for Elliana. The book isn’t a memorable one in my opinion as it has been done before many times in fact but it’s a time pass read for sure.
April 22, 2025
If you have ever seen the movie Duff and the scene where he gives her a makeover and films her and somehow falls in love…yeah that’s what this book is.
April 29, 2025
Really loved this book! I’m a sucker for a step sibling romance. Especially when it starts with them not liking each other, sign me up! I was obsessed from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. Their relationship is so hot 🥵 and the spicy scenes were SO GOOD! Definitely recommend reading!
May 13, 2025
It’s well written but he’s such a dick how the fuck like he’s unforgivable and lowkey rapes her. and she’s so annoying like completely ignoring him for no reason and then being surprised he doesn’t like her?
November 27, 2025
Unhinged Love by C. Hallman (Wicked Falls Elite # 3)
Duel narration by Chloe Ryan, and Sean Masters
Unhinged Love is book three in the Wicked Falls Elite series, but can be read as a standalone. No cliffhanger. HEA
Elliana is a skittish, shy, and self-conscious young woman who is forced to follow her narcissistic mother into the home of her soon-to-be stepfather. Her mother is a self-absorbed, selfish, gold digger who only cares about herself and isn't afraid to place any and all blame on her daughter, regardless of her never saying anything and trying to be as small as possible, never looking at anyone. Why bother when her mother doesn't care unless it directly affects her? She didn't even care when she almost died in high school when her mother forced her to go to a party she didn't want to attend, and she was thrown into a pool where the nasty girls tried to drown her. Now she has to deal with her gorgeous but bitter new stepbrother, Carter, who hates her because he hates her mother. Like, he blames her for his father marrying her mother when all she wants to do is be left alone. Apparently, his number one goal is to make her just as miserable, if not more, than she already is.
Carter's life just blew up in his face. Having to deal with his father (Chief of Police) eloping with some golddigger plastic woman and moving in after a few dates and bringing her weird, non-speaking, mousy, awkward daughter with her has officially ruined his life. How can he act like everything is fine when it's so obvious this woman is just out for his money, and her rude daughter, who won't even look at me, never mind talk to literally anyone, until her toxic mother basically kicks her to speak when asked a question. Now his father refers to Elliana as his sister? No, our life was fine without them, and she is NOT his sister. If she refuses to even speak to him, he plans on making her life hell on earth while living with them, especially when his father is making him cart her back and forth to college since she is now enrolled in his school.
When Carter's best friend's girlfriends decide they want Elliana to join their friend group to make her feel more welcome, they invite her out. Then, when their parents go out of town for the weekend, and Carter throws one of his infamous parties, they decide to give Elliana a much-needed makeover, even though they don't know that Carter told her she was not welcome and to stay locked in her room, as she usually does. When the girls find a form-fitting dress her mother bought for her, she did her hair and makeup, ditched her cokebottle glasses, and put in the contacts her mother wishes she would wear. Alliana transforms into the beautiful butterfly she hides from everyone. Carter is livid that she joined the party, and she is feeling very uncomfortable and exposed. When she decides it's too much and tries to retreat to her bedroom, she is stopped by a drunk guy who notices how hot she looks and backs her into a corner. When Carter notices, he loses it on him and tries to calm her down with obvious concern. Why? Doesn't he hate her? She retreats to her room, and things between them start to change...
Genres/Expectations:
- Small Town
- Dark Contemporary Romance
- Enemies To Lovers
- College Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Step Siblings
- Past and Present Bullying
- Popular MMC x Wallflower FMC
- Toxic Parent
- Don't Touch Her
I ate this up. The audiobook narration was outstanding (releasing December 2). Chloe Ryan was soft spoken when needed and fierce when the character was pushed to her limits. They delivered an emotion-packed performance, and Sean's voice makes me downright feral. The only thing that could have made it better is if the audiobook had been done in duet rather than dual narration, which is my preference, but I understand why some authors decide against it (it's costly).
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Duel narration by Chloe Ryan, and Sean Masters
Unhinged Love is book three in the Wicked Falls Elite series, but can be read as a standalone. No cliffhanger. HEA
Elliana is a skittish, shy, and self-conscious young woman who is forced to follow her narcissistic mother into the home of her soon-to-be stepfather. Her mother is a self-absorbed, selfish, gold digger who only cares about herself and isn't afraid to place any and all blame on her daughter, regardless of her never saying anything and trying to be as small as possible, never looking at anyone. Why bother when her mother doesn't care unless it directly affects her? She didn't even care when she almost died in high school when her mother forced her to go to a party she didn't want to attend, and she was thrown into a pool where the nasty girls tried to drown her. Now she has to deal with her gorgeous but bitter new stepbrother, Carter, who hates her because he hates her mother. Like, he blames her for his father marrying her mother when all she wants to do is be left alone. Apparently, his number one goal is to make her just as miserable, if not more, than she already is.
Carter's life just blew up in his face. Having to deal with his father (Chief of Police) eloping with some golddigger plastic woman and moving in after a few dates and bringing her weird, non-speaking, mousy, awkward daughter with her has officially ruined his life. How can he act like everything is fine when it's so obvious this woman is just out for his money, and her rude daughter, who won't even look at me, never mind talk to literally anyone, until her toxic mother basically kicks her to speak when asked a question. Now his father refers to Elliana as his sister? No, our life was fine without them, and she is NOT his sister. If she refuses to even speak to him, he plans on making her life hell on earth while living with them, especially when his father is making him cart her back and forth to college since she is now enrolled in his school.
When Carter's best friend's girlfriends decide they want Elliana to join their friend group to make her feel more welcome, they invite her out. Then, when their parents go out of town for the weekend, and Carter throws one of his infamous parties, they decide to give Elliana a much-needed makeover, even though they don't know that Carter told her she was not welcome and to stay locked in her room, as she usually does. When the girls find a form-fitting dress her mother bought for her, she did her hair and makeup, ditched her cokebottle glasses, and put in the contacts her mother wishes she would wear. Alliana transforms into the beautiful butterfly she hides from everyone. Carter is livid that she joined the party, and she is feeling very uncomfortable and exposed. When she decides it's too much and tries to retreat to her bedroom, she is stopped by a drunk guy who notices how hot she looks and backs her into a corner. When Carter notices, he loses it on him and tries to calm her down with obvious concern. Why? Doesn't he hate her? She retreats to her room, and things between them start to change...
Genres/Expectations:
- Small Town
- Dark Contemporary Romance
- Enemies To Lovers
- College Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Step Siblings
- Past and Present Bullying
- Popular MMC x Wallflower FMC
- Toxic Parent
- Don't Touch Her
I ate this up. The audiobook narration was outstanding (releasing December 2). Chloe Ryan was soft spoken when needed and fierce when the character was pushed to her limits. They delivered an emotion-packed performance, and Sean's voice makes me downright feral. The only thing that could have made it better is if the audiobook had been done in duet rather than dual narration, which is my preference, but I understand why some authors decide against it (it's costly).
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
UNHINGED LOVE
By: C. Hallman
Wicked Falls Elite Series:
Book 3 of 5
Can Be Read As Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Star Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 Spiciness Level
RELEASE INFO FOR ARC/ALC BOOKS:
The audiobook version released December 2, 2025. Ebook and paperback available.
FAVORITE QUOTE(S):
“So many years she’s been alone. I need her to know she doesn’t have to be alone anymore. If she wants me to, I’ll be here for her.”
RECOMMENDATION:
C. Hallman is an expert at writing bully romance! This book is recommended when in the mood for a spicy yet disturbing bully romance with a remarkable redemption story and a happily ever after!
GENRE, POV, PAGE COUNT:
Genre is dark bully romance. POV alternates between MMC & FMC by chapter in the first-person. Page count is 330.
TROPES:
Tropes include, MF, taboo, new step-siblings, college, forbidden romance, touch her and die, blackmailing, and dub-con.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW & TIME LENGTH:
This audiobook is recorded in dual-narration and is narrated by Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters, two amazing narrators. It is 8 hours 52 minutes long.
Audiobooks are magnificent. They have a way of immersing the reader further into the story and taking it to a whole new level. These narrators do an impeccable job of narrating their parts in this book. They do it flawlessly. The transition of voice and pitch changes are seamless and each character is easily distinguishable. Wonderful job!!
FMC:
Elliana “Elli” Montego tries to remain unnoticed by the world. She keeps her head down, wears baggy clothes and rarely speaks. After a traumatic event by a group of her peers, she has never been the same. Her mother is her opposite, dressing in revealing clothing, being loud and boisterous, and a real “look at me” attitude. Somehow, this caught her a wealthy man, though. Elli just doesn’t know if she will survive his son, Carter.
MMC:
Carter Kellan is 19 years old. It’s just been his dad and him for a very long time after his mom walked away. His dad is a police officer but they are very wealthy. Carter does seem to be a bit of an entitled brat. There are scenes within this book that make me very angry at Carter! He does redeem himself by the end, just like the previous MMC’s in this series do.
STORYLINE/PLOT:
When his new ridiculous stepmother and her mousey daughter show up to move in, Carter makes sure they know he does not want them there. Especially Elliana. He sets out to make her as miserable as he is. They go to the same college so the bullying is not just at home. It is definitely the worst at home.
Carter puts Elliana in a situation where he can blackmail her into doing whatever he wants to her. Oftentimes, the things he wants are s3xual in nature. Sometimes it even borders the line of dubious consent vs non consent. He does things that made me wonder how in the world he could ever redeem himself.
Slowly, though, Carter begins to soften to Elli. He learns of her traumatic past, sees for himself how she is treated by her own mother, and starts to actually like her. It takes Elli time to believe he cares for her. It takes Carter messing up big time and then groveling before he is forgiven.
This book was a wild ride. It is definitely a true bully romance. It does have a happily ever after!
NOTE:
Check trigger warnings!!! This could be a traumatic read for some.
THANKS:
Thank you to Author C. Hallman, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this amazing audiobook! I loved reading it, look forward to the next book in this series and look forward to reading future books by this author and publisher! Thank you!
Happy Reading! ♥☻
By: C. Hallman
Wicked Falls Elite Series:
Book 3 of 5
Can Be Read As Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Star Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 Spiciness Level
RELEASE INFO FOR ARC/ALC BOOKS:
The audiobook version released December 2, 2025. Ebook and paperback available.
FAVORITE QUOTE(S):
“So many years she’s been alone. I need her to know she doesn’t have to be alone anymore. If she wants me to, I’ll be here for her.”
RECOMMENDATION:
C. Hallman is an expert at writing bully romance! This book is recommended when in the mood for a spicy yet disturbing bully romance with a remarkable redemption story and a happily ever after!
GENRE, POV, PAGE COUNT:
Genre is dark bully romance. POV alternates between MMC & FMC by chapter in the first-person. Page count is 330.
TROPES:
Tropes include, MF, taboo, new step-siblings, college, forbidden romance, touch her and die, blackmailing, and dub-con.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW & TIME LENGTH:
This audiobook is recorded in dual-narration and is narrated by Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters, two amazing narrators. It is 8 hours 52 minutes long.
Audiobooks are magnificent. They have a way of immersing the reader further into the story and taking it to a whole new level. These narrators do an impeccable job of narrating their parts in this book. They do it flawlessly. The transition of voice and pitch changes are seamless and each character is easily distinguishable. Wonderful job!!
FMC:
Elliana “Elli” Montego tries to remain unnoticed by the world. She keeps her head down, wears baggy clothes and rarely speaks. After a traumatic event by a group of her peers, she has never been the same. Her mother is her opposite, dressing in revealing clothing, being loud and boisterous, and a real “look at me” attitude. Somehow, this caught her a wealthy man, though. Elli just doesn’t know if she will survive his son, Carter.
MMC:
Carter Kellan is 19 years old. It’s just been his dad and him for a very long time after his mom walked away. His dad is a police officer but they are very wealthy. Carter does seem to be a bit of an entitled brat. There are scenes within this book that make me very angry at Carter! He does redeem himself by the end, just like the previous MMC’s in this series do.
STORYLINE/PLOT:
When his new ridiculous stepmother and her mousey daughter show up to move in, Carter makes sure they know he does not want them there. Especially Elliana. He sets out to make her as miserable as he is. They go to the same college so the bullying is not just at home. It is definitely the worst at home.
Carter puts Elliana in a situation where he can blackmail her into doing whatever he wants to her. Oftentimes, the things he wants are s3xual in nature. Sometimes it even borders the line of dubious consent vs non consent. He does things that made me wonder how in the world he could ever redeem himself.
Slowly, though, Carter begins to soften to Elli. He learns of her traumatic past, sees for himself how she is treated by her own mother, and starts to actually like her. It takes Elli time to believe he cares for her. It takes Carter messing up big time and then groveling before he is forgiven.
This book was a wild ride. It is definitely a true bully romance. It does have a happily ever after!
NOTE:
Check trigger warnings!!! This could be a traumatic read for some.
THANKS:
Thank you to Author C. Hallman, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this amazing audiobook! I loved reading it, look forward to the next book in this series and look forward to reading future books by this author and publisher! Thank you!
Happy Reading! ♥☻
August 29, 2025
Eh? It was kinda building up to something but then all of a sudden the overly shy, closed off h gets a personality change at 30%. Someone who was flinching at slightest noise, wearing baggy clothes wanting to hide within herself like a turtle at every step of the way, wearing coke glasses, who couldn’t even look up from her shoes to confront anyone because she fears retaliation- suddenly starts wearing shorts and talking back? All because she had a few drinks and got ready for a party and started wearing lenses? And the H who wasn’t having the slightest physical attraction to the h before the change, even at one time wanting to smash her head into a burrito bowl, suddenly is so hot for her because she gote a makeover? Ridiculous.
This is why I usually don’t like these bully romance authors because they mostly lose their creativity half way. I think Miss Hallmann didn’t know what to do with such a shy and reserved character to make a way for them to sexually interaction, so she tosses the characterisation to the wind and gives an “epic makeover and personality change” to make it easier to write.
Also now that I know the author is German and English is probably her second or 3rd language, now I get to know why her writing seemed off a lot of times. The flow of sentences is clinical and is somewhat wrong sometimes. Like, it showed that she’s not a native English speaker because she was writing some words to describe something rather than using the actual word in English. Like she doesn’t know the word like how a native speaker will know. She basically translated some sentences in her brain while writing which she obviously thought in German. Also, a very annoying kind of writing habit I noticed in all books which she uses for every single character. Like how can all the characters basically speak the same way? She’s like writing as herself, instead of the character. One example is this type of dialogue-
“What, you just can’t resist the opportunity to make me feel like shit? Can I get one fucking night?”
“What, are you already finished with your girl? Or is she in your room, waiting?”
“What, afraid to come out and say hi?”
“What, she thought she could get rid of me?”
“What, are you hiding something in here?”
“What, go back and say she was wrong about what she thought she saw?”
“What, you just never learned how?
Do you see a pattern here? And these are from 3 different books from 4 different character POVs. The speech pattern annoyingly same and specific.
I wonder who taught the very German author to speak English like this. Because I have never seen an American or British person speak or write in such way.
Anywho. A lot of polishing and the author needs beta readers. Who need to point out her stilted writing and bad English vocabulary. Also a lot of times she writes disjointed sentences which has no context or was edited out during editing but failed to connect to the rest of story.
Seriously disappointed. Because I was liking this book so far. Better than Book 2. Although the first one will still remain only one I liked the most in this series.
This is why I usually don’t like these bully romance authors because they mostly lose their creativity half way. I think Miss Hallmann didn’t know what to do with such a shy and reserved character to make a way for them to sexually interaction, so she tosses the characterisation to the wind and gives an “epic makeover and personality change” to make it easier to write.
Also now that I know the author is German and English is probably her second or 3rd language, now I get to know why her writing seemed off a lot of times. The flow of sentences is clinical and is somewhat wrong sometimes. Like, it showed that she’s not a native English speaker because she was writing some words to describe something rather than using the actual word in English. Like she doesn’t know the word like how a native speaker will know. She basically translated some sentences in her brain while writing which she obviously thought in German. Also, a very annoying kind of writing habit I noticed in all books which she uses for every single character. Like how can all the characters basically speak the same way? She’s like writing as herself, instead of the character. One example is this type of dialogue-
“What, you just can’t resist the opportunity to make me feel like shit? Can I get one fucking night?”
“What, are you already finished with your girl? Or is she in your room, waiting?”
“What, afraid to come out and say hi?”
“What, she thought she could get rid of me?”
“What, are you hiding something in here?”
“What, go back and say she was wrong about what she thought she saw?”
“What, you just never learned how?
Do you see a pattern here? And these are from 3 different books from 4 different character POVs. The speech pattern annoyingly same and specific.
I wonder who taught the very German author to speak English like this. Because I have never seen an American or British person speak or write in such way.
Anywho. A lot of polishing and the author needs beta readers. Who need to point out her stilted writing and bad English vocabulary. Also a lot of times she writes disjointed sentences which has no context or was edited out during editing but failed to connect to the rest of story.
Seriously disappointed. Because I was liking this book so far. Better than Book 2. Although the first one will still remain only one I liked the most in this series.
December 3, 2025
Review of “Unhinged Love” by C. Hallman (Audiobook)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.5 rounded up to 3)
I listened to *Unhinged Love* on audio, and overall… it was fine. Not bad, not great, just very much *exactly* what you’d expect if you’ve read any bully romance before. The only thing that makes it stand out on paper is the stepsibling angle, but honestly, that barely counts as taboo here. These two have known each other for about six minutes, their parents aren’t even married until partway through the book, and they don’t act remotely like siblings. So if that dynamic is a dealbreaker for anyone, this barely registers.
The plot moves fast, almost too fast. The book is short, and we go from enemies to chemistry with no real explanation of why or how. One minute he’s a jerk for no reason, the next he suddenly likes her, and we just… roll with it. I didn’t feel the tension or the build-up that usually makes these pairings fun. There are no twists, no surprises. The biggest “oh my god” moment is when the parents walk in on them, and even *that* is brushed off like a minor inconvenience, which was wild to me.
The characters themselves are pretty flat. Her entire personality is basically “scared of everything,” but the book never really digs into why beyond one vaguely traumatic event. His personality is “asshole, then not,” with no explanation there either. Their attraction runs on pure “book magic,” not anything organic on the page. That said, I *did* like the side characters and how you can feel the connective tissue to the earlier books. I haven’t read the first two, but it did make me curious about the little universe Hallman is building.
Spice-wise, it’s a lot of sex, but not much variety. Just the same vibes over and over in slightly different locations. There’s also some non-consensual-ish content that’s treated extremely casually, which surprised me. It’s dark in a technical sense, but not “unhinged” the way the title suggests. Honestly, this is one of the tamer dark romances I’ve come across.
The saving grace was the audiobook narrators. Both were really good, and the male narrator especially stood out. I only wish the production had used dual narration even within chapters, the kind where each narrator voices their character’s dialogue regardless of POV. That would’ve elevated it even more. But overall, the audio definitely made the experience smoother and quicker.
In the end, it’s a fast, easy listen that I’m not mad I spent time on, but it didn’t leave much of an impression. If you enjoy bully romances, step-sibling setups, or the rest of this series, you’ll probably have a good time. For me, it lands squarely at 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.5 rounded up to 3)
I listened to *Unhinged Love* on audio, and overall… it was fine. Not bad, not great, just very much *exactly* what you’d expect if you’ve read any bully romance before. The only thing that makes it stand out on paper is the stepsibling angle, but honestly, that barely counts as taboo here. These two have known each other for about six minutes, their parents aren’t even married until partway through the book, and they don’t act remotely like siblings. So if that dynamic is a dealbreaker for anyone, this barely registers.
The plot moves fast, almost too fast. The book is short, and we go from enemies to chemistry with no real explanation of why or how. One minute he’s a jerk for no reason, the next he suddenly likes her, and we just… roll with it. I didn’t feel the tension or the build-up that usually makes these pairings fun. There are no twists, no surprises. The biggest “oh my god” moment is when the parents walk in on them, and even *that* is brushed off like a minor inconvenience, which was wild to me.
The characters themselves are pretty flat. Her entire personality is basically “scared of everything,” but the book never really digs into why beyond one vaguely traumatic event. His personality is “asshole, then not,” with no explanation there either. Their attraction runs on pure “book magic,” not anything organic on the page. That said, I *did* like the side characters and how you can feel the connective tissue to the earlier books. I haven’t read the first two, but it did make me curious about the little universe Hallman is building.
Spice-wise, it’s a lot of sex, but not much variety. Just the same vibes over and over in slightly different locations. There’s also some non-consensual-ish content that’s treated extremely casually, which surprised me. It’s dark in a technical sense, but not “unhinged” the way the title suggests. Honestly, this is one of the tamer dark romances I’ve come across.
The saving grace was the audiobook narrators. Both were really good, and the male narrator especially stood out. I only wish the production had used dual narration even within chapters, the kind where each narrator voices their character’s dialogue regardless of POV. That would’ve elevated it even more. But overall, the audio definitely made the experience smoother and quicker.
In the end, it’s a fast, easy listen that I’m not mad I spent time on, but it didn’t leave much of an impression. If you enjoy bully romances, step-sibling setups, or the rest of this series, you’ll probably have a good time. For me, it lands squarely at 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
April 20, 2025
Book Review: Unhinged Love by: C. Hallman
The story is book three in this series and I’ve loved every book so far I was so excited to read Carters book.
The story starts out with the the two MCs parents getting married the first interaction we see is the family dinner after Elianna and her mom moves in with Carter and his dad. Making these two step siblings. This is actually one of my favorite tropes at least when it’s either young adult or adult when they meet. Carter really doesn’t like her or want her and her mom around believing that it’s only for money. So he takes his annoyance and anger out on her.
Elianna wants to be invisible 🫥 after she was bullied in the past she is in survival mode.
Elianna's mother is toxic narcissistic person. She really has no maternal bone in her body only when she’s “on camera”. She also deals with the jerks we’ve seen in the past books. Elianna shows no gumption for a lot of the story preference to just let it go by breakdown in the comfort of her room and not in front of them.
You feel the angst and full hate to love with this story. But then slowly you see the growth Carter goes through and how he really tries to make life better and care for Elianna but he doesn’t quite hit the mark. There is a lot of forced proximity obviously but it really added to the story and how these two grow and change. I loved how he slowly sees that she’s not like her awful mother.
Elianna really SEES Carter something no ones else has done. He really changes and becomes a better version of himself for her.
I loved when Elianna begins to no care about what others think and stands up for herself. I also loved how she begins to trust again that not everyone is out to hurt her and that she can lean on others and build a friendship and family of her own. I love that we get to see the other couples from the other books and see how they are. I loved the ending and epilogue. Can’t wait for book four! It’s going to be good!
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ .5
Main Characters: Elianna & Carter
Darkness: Not really dark but the bullying is intense
Type of book: Duel 1st Person POV
Couple Type: MF
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters
Series: Yes Wicked Falls Elite Series- Title: Unhinged Love Book 3
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
🫠 Possessive and dominant MMC
👊 Bully
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Step-siblings (Parents just married)
👀 Eyes only for her
❌ No cheating or sharing
The story is book three in this series and I’ve loved every book so far I was so excited to read Carters book.
The story starts out with the the two MCs parents getting married the first interaction we see is the family dinner after Elianna and her mom moves in with Carter and his dad. Making these two step siblings. This is actually one of my favorite tropes at least when it’s either young adult or adult when they meet. Carter really doesn’t like her or want her and her mom around believing that it’s only for money. So he takes his annoyance and anger out on her.
Elianna wants to be invisible 🫥 after she was bullied in the past she is in survival mode.
Elianna's mother is toxic narcissistic person. She really has no maternal bone in her body only when she’s “on camera”. She also deals with the jerks we’ve seen in the past books. Elianna shows no gumption for a lot of the story preference to just let it go by breakdown in the comfort of her room and not in front of them.
You feel the angst and full hate to love with this story. But then slowly you see the growth Carter goes through and how he really tries to make life better and care for Elianna but he doesn’t quite hit the mark. There is a lot of forced proximity obviously but it really added to the story and how these two grow and change. I loved how he slowly sees that she’s not like her awful mother.
Elianna really SEES Carter something no ones else has done. He really changes and becomes a better version of himself for her.
I loved when Elianna begins to no care about what others think and stands up for herself. I also loved how she begins to trust again that not everyone is out to hurt her and that she can lean on others and build a friendship and family of her own. I love that we get to see the other couples from the other books and see how they are. I loved the ending and epilogue. Can’t wait for book four! It’s going to be good!
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ .5
Main Characters: Elianna & Carter
Darkness: Not really dark but the bullying is intense
Type of book: Duel 1st Person POV
Couple Type: MF
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters
Series: Yes Wicked Falls Elite Series- Title: Unhinged Love Book 3
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
🫠 Possessive and dominant MMC
👊 Bully
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Step-siblings (Parents just married)
👀 Eyes only for her
❌ No cheating or sharing
April 11, 2025
Carter and Elianna's parents marry, making them step-siblings. He doesn't want her around and dislikes her, thinking she is just out for their money, so he starts bullying her. She doesn't like to be seen, hiding away from the world, trying to disappear. Elianna's mother is toxic; she doesn't show her much love, and school isn't any better, which leaves her in a constant battle to survive. She doesn't stand up for herself in the beginning as she figures 'the better the devil she knows' than making a big scene (and her mother would get mad at her).
There's a lot of push-and-pull between Carter and Elianna. He tries to make things better, but in the end, it makes things worse. Since their parents are together, they are forced to spend time together, and slowly, he realizes that she is not like her mother. Carter understands Elianna and why she is the way she is; her mom is actually abusive towards her. He feels she gets him, and he's never had someone like that. Finally, when one of his plans backfires, he is ready to fight for her and do whatever it takes to make her forgive him. Even though they are step-sillings their parents just married and they didn't grow up together.
Elianna starts standing up for herself and doesn't give in to Carter right away. I loved that there was no way he would give up on her though, and he was ready to do whatever it took to have her! You could tell that he did really care for her.
I also liked that the other couples made an appearance and that the girls helped and defended Elianna.
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Carter & Elianna
Darkness: 1 out of 5 🖤 (didn't find it dark, 1 heart for bullying theme)
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters
Title: Wicked Falls Elite Series- Unhinged Love: Book 3
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*Possessive, obsessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Bully
*Step-siblings (Parents just married)
*Eyes only for her
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
There's a lot of push-and-pull between Carter and Elianna. He tries to make things better, but in the end, it makes things worse. Since their parents are together, they are forced to spend time together, and slowly, he realizes that she is not like her mother. Carter understands Elianna and why she is the way she is; her mom is actually abusive towards her. He feels she gets him, and he's never had someone like that. Finally, when one of his plans backfires, he is ready to fight for her and do whatever it takes to make her forgive him. Even though they are step-sillings their parents just married and they didn't grow up together.
Elianna starts standing up for herself and doesn't give in to Carter right away. I loved that there was no way he would give up on her though, and he was ready to do whatever it took to have her! You could tell that he did really care for her.
I also liked that the other couples made an appearance and that the girls helped and defended Elianna.
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Carter & Elianna
Darkness: 1 out of 5 🖤 (didn't find it dark, 1 heart for bullying theme)
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters
Title: Wicked Falls Elite Series- Unhinged Love: Book 3
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*Possessive, obsessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Bully
*Step-siblings (Parents just married)
*Eyes only for her
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 30, 2025
✨️ ALC REVIEW 4.5 ⭐️
"Maybe this kiss is an apology. Maybe it's my way of telling her I see her, all of her, when I can't find the words."
Unhinged Love, book three of The Wicked Falls Elite series, is the story of Carter and Elliana who became step-siblings when Carter's father married Elliana's mother. Carter hated Elliana instantly. He thought his father, the chief of police, married a gold digger and he assumed that her daughter was exactly like her so he made Elliana's life absolutely miserable. But that couldn't have been further from the truth. Elliana was quiet and shy, hiding from the world and trying to keep to herself. Her days were filled with anxiety, fear of humiliation, low self-worth and being a target for bullying.
I loved the push and pull between Carter and Elliana, all leading up to that moment when Carter transformed from a bully to a man obsessed. I loved Elliana's defiance, how she fought back with Carter, expressing her emotions and thoughts. Carter couldn't stop thinking about Elliana, protecting her, the anger and resentment turning into two people who craved each other as he broke down her walls, establishing a sense of trust between them. Elliana's character showed remarkable development as she found her voice, becoming comfortable in her own skin, regaining her power to make her own choices, growing confident and sassy.
This was a story about finding the courage and strength to face your fears instead of allowing them to control you, letting go and moving on from the past, love and acceptance and forgiveness. Carter and Elliana helped each other become better versions of themselves, as Carter took responsibility for his actions, trying to right his wrongs and making Elliana feel special and deserving of love.
Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters narrated flawlessly as they perfectly captured the characters and their vibe. This was my first time listening to them and I would happily listen to either or both again. I highly recommend this audiobook whether you're new to the series or have been reading it from the beginning. Look out for its release on December 2nd!!
✨️Bully romance
✨️Enemies to lovers
✨️Step-siblings
✨️Hate to love
✨️Forbidden romance
✨️Past trauma
*Thank you to author C. Hallman, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this ALC!
"Maybe this kiss is an apology. Maybe it's my way of telling her I see her, all of her, when I can't find the words."
Unhinged Love, book three of The Wicked Falls Elite series, is the story of Carter and Elliana who became step-siblings when Carter's father married Elliana's mother. Carter hated Elliana instantly. He thought his father, the chief of police, married a gold digger and he assumed that her daughter was exactly like her so he made Elliana's life absolutely miserable. But that couldn't have been further from the truth. Elliana was quiet and shy, hiding from the world and trying to keep to herself. Her days were filled with anxiety, fear of humiliation, low self-worth and being a target for bullying.
I loved the push and pull between Carter and Elliana, all leading up to that moment when Carter transformed from a bully to a man obsessed. I loved Elliana's defiance, how she fought back with Carter, expressing her emotions and thoughts. Carter couldn't stop thinking about Elliana, protecting her, the anger and resentment turning into two people who craved each other as he broke down her walls, establishing a sense of trust between them. Elliana's character showed remarkable development as she found her voice, becoming comfortable in her own skin, regaining her power to make her own choices, growing confident and sassy.
This was a story about finding the courage and strength to face your fears instead of allowing them to control you, letting go and moving on from the past, love and acceptance and forgiveness. Carter and Elliana helped each other become better versions of themselves, as Carter took responsibility for his actions, trying to right his wrongs and making Elliana feel special and deserving of love.
Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters narrated flawlessly as they perfectly captured the characters and their vibe. This was my first time listening to them and I would happily listen to either or both again. I highly recommend this audiobook whether you're new to the series or have been reading it from the beginning. Look out for its release on December 2nd!!
✨️Bully romance
✨️Enemies to lovers
✨️Step-siblings
✨️Hate to love
✨️Forbidden romance
✨️Past trauma
*Thank you to author C. Hallman, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this ALC!
December 3, 2025
Unhinged Love (Wicked Falls Elite Book 3) is a dark, intense, and emotionally charged step-sibling romance that takes readers on a rollercoaster of feelings. Another dark and delicious UNHINGED love story from C. Hallman and this juicy series.
Carter instantly dislikes Elliana when their parents marry, assuming she is just like her mother, whom he despises. Elliana, quiet, shy, and scarred by years of bullying and emotional abuse, becomes an easy target for his anger. From the beginning, Carter’s treatment of her is harsh and relentless, creating a tense and dark dynamic that drives the story.
As the story unfolds, Carter begins to see Elliana for who she really is, rather than judging her based on her mother. The push and pull between them is electric, and their relationship evolves from animosity and blackmail to mutual trust, respect, and passion. Elliana grows significantly throughout the book, finding her voice, learning to trust, and developing confidence while still navigating the lingering effects of her trauma. Carter, in turn, begins to take responsibility for his actions and becomes protective, understanding, and capable of love. Their journey is messy, emotional, but ultimately heartwarming, with a satisfying happy ending that feels well-earned. Just the right balance of staying dark but redemptive too.
The story handles difficult themes so check the CW... including past trauma, bullying, emotional abuse, and the challenges of overcoming fear and low self-worth. It is dark, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable, but it is balanced by moments of growth, healing, and sweeter (but edgey) romance. The chemistry between Carter and Elliana is steamy and undeniable, and the story explores their emotional and physical connection with chaotic glee.
The audiobook narration by Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters is great. Chloe captures Elliana’s vulnerability, intelligence, and gradual transformation, while Sean delivers Carter’s complex mix of arrogance, bitterness, and growing tenderness perfectly. I'm so obsessed with this vocal performances, and these types of roles are so perfect for his vibe.
All in all a great dark bully romances with heavy emotional stakes, character growth, and that delicious and juicy taboo step-sibling tension. Gripping, messy, emotional, and ultimately satisfying in the end.
Carter instantly dislikes Elliana when their parents marry, assuming she is just like her mother, whom he despises. Elliana, quiet, shy, and scarred by years of bullying and emotional abuse, becomes an easy target for his anger. From the beginning, Carter’s treatment of her is harsh and relentless, creating a tense and dark dynamic that drives the story.
As the story unfolds, Carter begins to see Elliana for who she really is, rather than judging her based on her mother. The push and pull between them is electric, and their relationship evolves from animosity and blackmail to mutual trust, respect, and passion. Elliana grows significantly throughout the book, finding her voice, learning to trust, and developing confidence while still navigating the lingering effects of her trauma. Carter, in turn, begins to take responsibility for his actions and becomes protective, understanding, and capable of love. Their journey is messy, emotional, but ultimately heartwarming, with a satisfying happy ending that feels well-earned. Just the right balance of staying dark but redemptive too.
The story handles difficult themes so check the CW... including past trauma, bullying, emotional abuse, and the challenges of overcoming fear and low self-worth. It is dark, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable, but it is balanced by moments of growth, healing, and sweeter (but edgey) romance. The chemistry between Carter and Elliana is steamy and undeniable, and the story explores their emotional and physical connection with chaotic glee.
The audiobook narration by Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters is great. Chloe captures Elliana’s vulnerability, intelligence, and gradual transformation, while Sean delivers Carter’s complex mix of arrogance, bitterness, and growing tenderness perfectly. I'm so obsessed with this vocal performances, and these types of roles are so perfect for his vibe.
All in all a great dark bully romances with heavy emotional stakes, character growth, and that delicious and juicy taboo step-sibling tension. Gripping, messy, emotional, and ultimately satisfying in the end.
Read
November 28, 2025This story had me hooked from the opening scene. Carter and Elianna’s relationship is emotional, and full of the kind of tension that makes a bully-to-lovers romance so addictive. Carter’s early treatment of his new stepsister feels intense and personal, but as their histories unfold, it becomes obvious that both of them are carrying deep emotional scars shaped by loss, betrayal, and years of being abandoned by the people who should have protected them.
Elianna is one of the most closed-off heroines I’ve come across lately, and seeing how her mother’s cruelty and her past bullying molded her reactions was heartbreaking. Carter starts out as the guy you love to hate, but you can feel that he isn’t truly a lost cause. Once he learns the truth about her pain, something shifts in him. He starts choosing her, supporting her, and repairing the harm he caused. Watching him go from the source of her hurt to someone who wants to keep her safe was incredibly rewarding.
Their emotional growth, paired with the seriously steamy scenes, felt powerful and so well executed. Carter’s dad ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the story, offering warmth and stability that balanced all the heavy moments. Seeing Elianna step into her confidence, form real friendships, and shake off the control of her mother was incredibly satisfying. These two broken souls slowly pull each other toward healing, even when the path is messy and painful.
And now… the audiobook. The dual performance in this edition was outstanding. Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters brought every moment to life with remarkable skill and emotion. Their ability to handle both masculine and feminine character voices with such natural flow is honestly amazing. Shifting from one tone or mood to another takes real talent, and they made every scene feel richer. The heartbreak, the bullying, the tenderness, the heat, the tension, everything felt amplified through their delivery. Their performances didn’t just tell the story, they transformed it into a full experience.
If you’re drawn to emotional bully romances with deep healing arcs, fiery chemistry, and a top-tier audiobook performance, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Elianna is one of the most closed-off heroines I’ve come across lately, and seeing how her mother’s cruelty and her past bullying molded her reactions was heartbreaking. Carter starts out as the guy you love to hate, but you can feel that he isn’t truly a lost cause. Once he learns the truth about her pain, something shifts in him. He starts choosing her, supporting her, and repairing the harm he caused. Watching him go from the source of her hurt to someone who wants to keep her safe was incredibly rewarding.
Their emotional growth, paired with the seriously steamy scenes, felt powerful and so well executed. Carter’s dad ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the story, offering warmth and stability that balanced all the heavy moments. Seeing Elianna step into her confidence, form real friendships, and shake off the control of her mother was incredibly satisfying. These two broken souls slowly pull each other toward healing, even when the path is messy and painful.
And now… the audiobook. The dual performance in this edition was outstanding. Chloe Ryan and Sean Masters brought every moment to life with remarkable skill and emotion. Their ability to handle both masculine and feminine character voices with such natural flow is honestly amazing. Shifting from one tone or mood to another takes real talent, and they made every scene feel richer. The heartbreak, the bullying, the tenderness, the heat, the tension, everything felt amplified through their delivery. Their performances didn’t just tell the story, they transformed it into a full experience.
If you’re drawn to emotional bully romances with deep healing arcs, fiery chemistry, and a top-tier audiobook performance, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
April 18, 2025
Unhinged Love
This bully, enemy to lovers story made me realize again how different damaged people can react
to certain things that happen in a persons life. And how we all get ‘damaged’ in our own ways
there is no guide line in how to act or react after certain actions. In this story you have Elliana
and Carter both damaged by life and how the loss of a parent in what ever way can have different
outcomes in how you react. But also the difference between a supporting parent and one that
blames you for everything that goes wrong even if it is very unreasonable and definitely not true.
I love how the FMC and MMC really started out as enemies even if there was no need just
because when she came to live in his dads house he felt threatened even if he doesn’t know it at
that time. And she wears he trauma’s like a shield hoping no one will notice her and she can just
disappear into the background.
Yes the MMC has (more then a few) red flags but the more he get to know his step sister the more
he wants to be with her and protect her. Although he is not immediately willing to admit to any of
that. The FMC and MMC really needed each other to become the best versions of themselves
and se needed the (girl) friends a well to get more self-esteem and seeing that not everyone in
the world is out to ruin her life and just bully her for the fun of it.
The FMC really got damaged by how her mom treats her and has treated her in the past and the
way when Carter finally realized that, he then went out of his way to build her up again even after
all the things he had already done to her. Yes he also hurt her but when he saw what it did to her
and how everything she does and how she reacts is because of all the trauma she had to endure
by bullies in high school but also by her mom, Carter does everything in his power to build her up
again not just to win her trust back but also her forgiveness and to show how she is worth it.
Please go read this book you really won’t regret it
I can’t wait for the next story in this series to see how it will develop further
This bully, enemy to lovers story made me realize again how different damaged people can react
to certain things that happen in a persons life. And how we all get ‘damaged’ in our own ways
there is no guide line in how to act or react after certain actions. In this story you have Elliana
and Carter both damaged by life and how the loss of a parent in what ever way can have different
outcomes in how you react. But also the difference between a supporting parent and one that
blames you for everything that goes wrong even if it is very unreasonable and definitely not true.
I love how the FMC and MMC really started out as enemies even if there was no need just
because when she came to live in his dads house he felt threatened even if he doesn’t know it at
that time. And she wears he trauma’s like a shield hoping no one will notice her and she can just
disappear into the background.
Yes the MMC has (more then a few) red flags but the more he get to know his step sister the more
he wants to be with her and protect her. Although he is not immediately willing to admit to any of
that. The FMC and MMC really needed each other to become the best versions of themselves
and se needed the (girl) friends a well to get more self-esteem and seeing that not everyone in
the world is out to ruin her life and just bully her for the fun of it.
The FMC really got damaged by how her mom treats her and has treated her in the past and the
way when Carter finally realized that, he then went out of his way to build her up again even after
all the things he had already done to her. Yes he also hurt her but when he saw what it did to her
and how everything she does and how she reacts is because of all the trauma she had to endure
by bullies in high school but also by her mom, Carter does everything in his power to build her up
again not just to win her trust back but also her forgiveness and to show how she is worth it.
Please go read this book you really won’t regret it
I can’t wait for the next story in this series to see how it will develop further
May 3, 2025
If you’re a fan of dark romance and the ever-addictive bullymance subgenre, Unhinged Love (Book #3 in the Wicked Falls Elite series) by C. Hallman will definitely hit your sweet spot. This time, it’s Carter’s turn to fall — though not gracefully — for Eliana, his brand-new stepsister.
From the start, you know you’re in for drama: Carter assumes Eliana and her mother, Irene, are gold-diggers targeting his wealthy father, Paul. He’s half right — Irene is manipulative and greedy — but Eliana herself is just trying to survive the last stretch of high school and escape to college, away from her toxic home life. Eliana is quiet, reserved, and emotionally battered, while Carter, fueled by assumptions and jealousy, takes his frustrations out on her. The bullying escalates harshly, even to the point of Carter taking intimate photos of Eliana without her consent — a line that many bullymance books flirt with, but here it’s particularly sharp and uncomfortable.
What set this book apart for me, though, was the portrayal of Paul, Carter’s father. In so many dark romances, the parents are absent, cold, or downright awful. But Paul genuinely loves both Carter and Eliana, trying to provide a safe and supportive environment. It added a refreshing layer of complexity, making the family dynamics more believable and emotional.
C. Hallman delivers her signature tension-filled push and pull, balancing dark moments with just enough vulnerability to make you root for the characters’ redemption. The chemistry between Carter and Eliana is electric, and watching Carter slowly realize the truth about Eliana’s situation makes for an engaging emotional arc.
I also caught the teaser for Book #4, Toxic Hope, which will feature Easton and Preston in an MFM relationship with a female lead. Honestly, I’m intrigued but a little skeptical — especially about Easton, who never struck me as someone for that kind of dynamic. Preston, on the other hand, I could see going either way!
Overall, Unhinged Love is a satisfying, addictive read for bullymance lovers, with a fresh twist on family roles and a romance that burns hot and dark.
From the start, you know you’re in for drama: Carter assumes Eliana and her mother, Irene, are gold-diggers targeting his wealthy father, Paul. He’s half right — Irene is manipulative and greedy — but Eliana herself is just trying to survive the last stretch of high school and escape to college, away from her toxic home life. Eliana is quiet, reserved, and emotionally battered, while Carter, fueled by assumptions and jealousy, takes his frustrations out on her. The bullying escalates harshly, even to the point of Carter taking intimate photos of Eliana without her consent — a line that many bullymance books flirt with, but here it’s particularly sharp and uncomfortable.
What set this book apart for me, though, was the portrayal of Paul, Carter’s father. In so many dark romances, the parents are absent, cold, or downright awful. But Paul genuinely loves both Carter and Eliana, trying to provide a safe and supportive environment. It added a refreshing layer of complexity, making the family dynamics more believable and emotional.
C. Hallman delivers her signature tension-filled push and pull, balancing dark moments with just enough vulnerability to make you root for the characters’ redemption. The chemistry between Carter and Eliana is electric, and watching Carter slowly realize the truth about Eliana’s situation makes for an engaging emotional arc.
I also caught the teaser for Book #4, Toxic Hope, which will feature Easton and Preston in an MFM relationship with a female lead. Honestly, I’m intrigued but a little skeptical — especially about Easton, who never struck me as someone for that kind of dynamic. Preston, on the other hand, I could see going either way!
Overall, Unhinged Love is a satisfying, addictive read for bullymance lovers, with a fresh twist on family roles and a romance that burns hot and dark.
April 12, 2025
I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully understand the beginning of this book.
We meet Elliana and her mother as they move into her mom’s new husband’s house — who also happens to have a son, Carter. Now, even though Elliana describes Carter as a bully (and yes, he does have his moments), for the most part, he’s actually not that bad. He tries to include her in this new life, like pointing out to his dad when he goes too far, and at school, he even offers to introduce her to his friends.
And what does she do? She completely ignores him. I get that she’s traumatized or painfully shy, but after about 50 pages of hearing how "weird" Elliana is, it starts to feel a bit frustrating. Honestly, she comes across as the one refusing to engage, while Carter doesn’t seem as much of a bully as she claims.
There’s this scene where he says: "Do you wanna come with me? Come and meet my friends?" And you can tell he’s genuinely trying: "I don’t know why, but I feel like I have to give her one more chance. Maybe it’s my way of reminding myself there’s only so much I can do." But nope — she just gets out of the car and leaves without a word.
Then, in her mind, she goes: "What have I ever done to him? The child. The spoiled, self-centered infant. He can’t stand someone not immediately bowing down and kissing his feet."
Honestly? It felt a bit much.
Then, out of nowhere, around page 70, she suddenly warms up to the girls at school, goes to a party, and — of course — we get that classic dark romance moment: a Non/Con scene with Carter.
Almost immediately after, there’s blackmail for oral sex, even though her parents were literally in the house, and she could have just called for help. It didn’t feel very convincing.
It’s only halfway through that we understand her behavior. Turns out she was traumatized in high school, but honestly, it wasn’t quite as dramatic as the build-up made it seem.
Overall, I felt like the pacing and character motivations were a bit off. It had potential, but I wish the development had been smoother.
We meet Elliana and her mother as they move into her mom’s new husband’s house — who also happens to have a son, Carter. Now, even though Elliana describes Carter as a bully (and yes, he does have his moments), for the most part, he’s actually not that bad. He tries to include her in this new life, like pointing out to his dad when he goes too far, and at school, he even offers to introduce her to his friends.
And what does she do? She completely ignores him. I get that she’s traumatized or painfully shy, but after about 50 pages of hearing how "weird" Elliana is, it starts to feel a bit frustrating. Honestly, she comes across as the one refusing to engage, while Carter doesn’t seem as much of a bully as she claims.
There’s this scene where he says: "Do you wanna come with me? Come and meet my friends?" And you can tell he’s genuinely trying: "I don’t know why, but I feel like I have to give her one more chance. Maybe it’s my way of reminding myself there’s only so much I can do." But nope — she just gets out of the car and leaves without a word.
Then, in her mind, she goes: "What have I ever done to him? The child. The spoiled, self-centered infant. He can’t stand someone not immediately bowing down and kissing his feet."
Honestly? It felt a bit much.
Then, out of nowhere, around page 70, she suddenly warms up to the girls at school, goes to a party, and — of course — we get that classic dark romance moment: a Non/Con scene with Carter.
Almost immediately after, there’s blackmail for oral sex, even though her parents were literally in the house, and she could have just called for help. It didn’t feel very convincing.
It’s only halfway through that we understand her behavior. Turns out she was traumatized in high school, but honestly, it wasn’t quite as dramatic as the build-up made it seem.
Overall, I felt like the pacing and character motivations were a bit off. It had potential, but I wish the development had been smoother.
November 21, 2025
Audio Release Date: December 2, 2025
Story Released In: April 2025.
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 31 mins
Narrated By: Chloe Ryan & Sean Masters.
This is book 3 in The Wicked Falls Elite series. This can totally be read as a stand-alone, but to better understand characters and relationships, I’d recommend reading in order.
I enjoyed the female narrator’s voice, felt kinda meh about the guy. But then again, I didn’t like the MMC in the story anyway so that might’ve overlapped.
In general, I’m not a fan of the bully trope. However, I was intrigued by the blurb for book 2 in this series and wound up listening to it and by the end of the book I actually enjoyed the overall story. That being said, I decided I’d give book 3 a try just to see if it also wound up being surprisingly good.
Sadly, this story didn’t do it for me. I honestly could not stand the MMC and although he was becoming a better version of himself by the end of the book, I still hadn’t forgiven him enough to be okay with it. I usually love the forbidden/step-sibling trope, but the way their relationship started in this book was so horrific to me, that I just couldn’t get over it. Also, I felt it was more centered on teenage lust/sex drive than actually falling in love. To say you’re in love after 6 weeks when you’re only like 19 yrs old and have blackmailed someone into doing sexual favors, not to mention a variety of other things, nope. I don’t buy it.
The bullying in this book was needless and unacceptable from my perspective. Perhaps I would feel different if more time had been spent on him reforming his ways, but the spice seemed to overwhelm character development.
My rating: 2.5/5. Spice: 5/5.
TW’s/Tropes 👇
- Non-con/Dub-con
- Bullying
- Blackmail w nud£ pics
- Virgin FMC
- Lack of protection during spicy scenes
- Step-siblings
- Body shaming (not by the MC’s)
- Mention of past incident of almost being drowned
- Narcissistic mother
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.
Story Released In: April 2025.
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 31 mins
Narrated By: Chloe Ryan & Sean Masters.
This is book 3 in The Wicked Falls Elite series. This can totally be read as a stand-alone, but to better understand characters and relationships, I’d recommend reading in order.
I enjoyed the female narrator’s voice, felt kinda meh about the guy. But then again, I didn’t like the MMC in the story anyway so that might’ve overlapped.
In general, I’m not a fan of the bully trope. However, I was intrigued by the blurb for book 2 in this series and wound up listening to it and by the end of the book I actually enjoyed the overall story. That being said, I decided I’d give book 3 a try just to see if it also wound up being surprisingly good.
Sadly, this story didn’t do it for me. I honestly could not stand the MMC and although he was becoming a better version of himself by the end of the book, I still hadn’t forgiven him enough to be okay with it. I usually love the forbidden/step-sibling trope, but the way their relationship started in this book was so horrific to me, that I just couldn’t get over it. Also, I felt it was more centered on teenage lust/sex drive than actually falling in love. To say you’re in love after 6 weeks when you’re only like 19 yrs old and have blackmailed someone into doing sexual favors, not to mention a variety of other things, nope. I don’t buy it.
The bullying in this book was needless and unacceptable from my perspective. Perhaps I would feel different if more time had been spent on him reforming his ways, but the spice seemed to overwhelm character development.
My rating: 2.5/5. Spice: 5/5.
TW’s/Tropes 👇
- Non-con/Dub-con
- Bullying
- Blackmail w nud£ pics
- Virgin FMC
- Lack of protection during spicy scenes
- Step-siblings
- Body shaming (not by the MC’s)
- Mention of past incident of almost being drowned
- Narcissistic mother
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.
May 9, 2025
“Unhinged Love” is the third book in the “Wicked Falls Elite Series. Carter disliked his new “stepsister” Elliana from the start. He decided to make her life a living hell without knowing or caring how she feels. Elliana has and still is been bullied by her mother for most of her life. To her mother, she is nothing but a disappointment. She try’s to be invisible by hiding behind “….lumpy and oversized, with long sleeves that cover her hands. It’s eighty degrees outside, and she’s wearing a long-sleeve sweater. She wears huge glasses with thick, black frames that are way too big for her face and keep sliding down her button nose.”
Gradually Carter and Eliana’s relationship begins to evolve into something more. He is trying to understand why she is the way that she is. Slowly Elianna opens up about her past trauma to him - he understands Elianna and why she is the way she is. He feels she gets him, and he's never had someone like that. Behind closed doors, Carter is Eliana’s teacher into the realms of sexual awakenings.
The dynamic of their relationship starts to change and he begins to have feelings for Eliana. Carter becomes very protective of her. Eliana slowly lets her guard down and starts to trust Carter. As they grow together, their relationship strengthens and they begin to heal other from the inside out. Will he be her knight in shining armour and save her? Will they save each other?
At times you will laugh, you will cry, you will even get frustrated, but over all, you have your fingers crossed that everything will work out for them. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all. There story of love, hate and redemption will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this story that goes from hate to love ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
Gradually Carter and Eliana’s relationship begins to evolve into something more. He is trying to understand why she is the way that she is. Slowly Elianna opens up about her past trauma to him - he understands Elianna and why she is the way she is. He feels she gets him, and he's never had someone like that. Behind closed doors, Carter is Eliana’s teacher into the realms of sexual awakenings.
The dynamic of their relationship starts to change and he begins to have feelings for Eliana. Carter becomes very protective of her. Eliana slowly lets her guard down and starts to trust Carter. As they grow together, their relationship strengthens and they begin to heal other from the inside out. Will he be her knight in shining armour and save her? Will they save each other?
At times you will laugh, you will cry, you will even get frustrated, but over all, you have your fingers crossed that everything will work out for them. They compliment each in some many ways - faults and all. There story of love, hate and redemption will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this story that goes from hate to love ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
December 3, 2025
🥀Bully Romance
🖤Step Siblings
🥀Taboo
🖤Dark Romance
🥀Forced Proximity
🖤Abuse From Parent
🥀Shy FMC
🖤Broody MMC
🥀Touch Her and 💀
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🥀Eyes Only For Her
🖤Possessive MMC
🥀Obsessive Hero
🖤Guarded Heroine
🥀DubCon
🖤Step Brother x Step Sister
🥀Dual POV
🖤HEA
I listened to the audio 🎧 and I absolutely loved it! The voice actors did fantastic bringing these characters to life and their emotions! And man they had a range of emotions. I mean anything by Sean masters is gold! Chloe Ryan did absolutely fantastic! I loved the emotion she brought to Elliana and her strength such beautiful work.
Carters anger and bitterness to Elliana was instant and intense. He could tell his new step mother was a gold digger and not a good person. Instantly assuming Elliana was the same not giving her a chance. He bullied her and black mailed her to do some horrible things and took advantage of her. But when he started to realize her feelings for her his protectiveness was fierce 🔥 Elliana was shy and liked to hide under baggy clothes but he brought out a side to her, and she would stick up for herself more. Her mother was absolutely horrible to her destroying her self confidence. Loved seeing Elliana realize her feelings for him and explore her sexuality but fighting with herself. Discovering herself. Opening up about her trauma to Carter. 💔 And Carter and his father helping her be free! So beautiful. 💕
Seeing both Carter and Elliana grow was beautiful her self confidence growing. Him fall for her first, hard! And realize she’s amazing! This story was emotional and messy and heart warming. I ate it up. Their undeniable chemistry the pull. And when the spicy scenes started to feel right they were hot 🥵 I’d 💯 recommend this read/audio I freaking want to listen to the first two books now 🔥 looking forward to more from this author!
Quotes:
“I wish I could keep myself from studying her like she’s a subject in school, but I can’t help myself. Everything I see makes me want to find something else to hate.”
“He won’t stop until he breaks me down and watches me crumble.”
"Maybe this kiss is an apology. Maybe it's my way of telling her I see her, all of her, when I can't find the words."
🖤Step Siblings
🥀Taboo
🖤Dark Romance
🥀Forced Proximity
🖤Abuse From Parent
🥀Shy FMC
🖤Broody MMC
🥀Touch Her and 💀
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🥀Eyes Only For Her
🖤Possessive MMC
🥀Obsessive Hero
🖤Guarded Heroine
🥀DubCon
🖤Step Brother x Step Sister
🥀Dual POV
🖤HEA
I listened to the audio 🎧 and I absolutely loved it! The voice actors did fantastic bringing these characters to life and their emotions! And man they had a range of emotions. I mean anything by Sean masters is gold! Chloe Ryan did absolutely fantastic! I loved the emotion she brought to Elliana and her strength such beautiful work.
Carters anger and bitterness to Elliana was instant and intense. He could tell his new step mother was a gold digger and not a good person. Instantly assuming Elliana was the same not giving her a chance. He bullied her and black mailed her to do some horrible things and took advantage of her. But when he started to realize her feelings for her his protectiveness was fierce 🔥 Elliana was shy and liked to hide under baggy clothes but he brought out a side to her, and she would stick up for herself more. Her mother was absolutely horrible to her destroying her self confidence. Loved seeing Elliana realize her feelings for him and explore her sexuality but fighting with herself. Discovering herself. Opening up about her trauma to Carter. 💔 And Carter and his father helping her be free! So beautiful. 💕
Seeing both Carter and Elliana grow was beautiful her self confidence growing. Him fall for her first, hard! And realize she’s amazing! This story was emotional and messy and heart warming. I ate it up. Their undeniable chemistry the pull. And when the spicy scenes started to feel right they were hot 🥵 I’d 💯 recommend this read/audio I freaking want to listen to the first two books now 🔥 looking forward to more from this author!
Quotes:
“I wish I could keep myself from studying her like she’s a subject in school, but I can’t help myself. Everything I see makes me want to find something else to hate.”
“He won’t stop until he breaks me down and watches me crumble.”
"Maybe this kiss is an apology. Maybe it's my way of telling her I see her, all of her, when I can't find the words."
April 8, 2025
In Unhinged Love, Eliana hides behind big sweaters, doesn’t talk to anyone, and is practically scared of her own shadow. She walks with her head down covering her face with her hair. It is as if she wants to disappear into herself. Now she has to deal with not only her mother getting married again but with her step brother Carter who hates her. She doesn’t even want friends, let alone girls who know him. She doesn’t stand up for herself not even to her mother. However with Carter, she breathes fire. She will take the abuse from everyone but him.
Carter is the typical popular guy in school. He throws the best parties, does what he wants, and has girls throwing themselves at him. When his dad remarries, his life is turned upside down. He refuses to befriend his stepsister so he decides to make her life hell. It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t do anything to him as long as she is miserable as him. He doesn’t care if his friends want to talk to her as long as she stays away from him. However, the more she stands up to him, the more intrigued he is by her.
C. Hallman makes me feel so much for Eliana. She goes through so much. It’s so emotional. I cried a lot during her sad scenes. She doesn’t trust anyone and why would she? She has been through it before at different schools. I really wanted to hate Carter but C. Hallman shows us a vulnerable side to him that has us understand why he acts out. However, him and Eliana have great chemistry. Whether they insult each other or are having an actual conversation, it’s there. He can’t help but have Eliana on his mind all the time. It’s the same with her. As much as she wants to hate him, she can’t stop thinking about him. As hard as it is to believe, they bring out the best in each other. Carter seems to be changing for the better and Eliana is coming out of her shell. I can’t help but root for them.
Carter is the typical popular guy in school. He throws the best parties, does what he wants, and has girls throwing themselves at him. When his dad remarries, his life is turned upside down. He refuses to befriend his stepsister so he decides to make her life hell. It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t do anything to him as long as she is miserable as him. He doesn’t care if his friends want to talk to her as long as she stays away from him. However, the more she stands up to him, the more intrigued he is by her.
C. Hallman makes me feel so much for Eliana. She goes through so much. It’s so emotional. I cried a lot during her sad scenes. She doesn’t trust anyone and why would she? She has been through it before at different schools. I really wanted to hate Carter but C. Hallman shows us a vulnerable side to him that has us understand why he acts out. However, him and Eliana have great chemistry. Whether they insult each other or are having an actual conversation, it’s there. He can’t help but have Eliana on his mind all the time. It’s the same with her. As much as she wants to hate him, she can’t stop thinking about him. As hard as it is to believe, they bring out the best in each other. Carter seems to be changing for the better and Eliana is coming out of her shell. I can’t help but root for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and @BrillianceAudio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Unhinged Love was one of those audiobooks that will get you hooked from page one with the tension, even when I sometimes wanted to scream at the characters. It's dramatic, messy, full on "we're step-siblings and I can't stand you but also I kind of ''I can't stop thinking about you" energy. That was one of the things that attracted me to this audiobook.
The story throws us straight into the hate. The intensity definitely made the softer moments land harder, though. The one thing I didn't like is the shift from enemies to something more tender felt too fast. I love a good slow burn, and this one leans closer to a quick simmer. I wouldn't have minded more angst, more build up, more time for those emotional gears to turn.
The narrators absolutely nailed it. Sean Masters and Chloe Ryan infused so much personality and emotion into these characters. Their performances made certain scenes resonate way more in audio than they likely would have on the page. Masters captures that broody, slightly unhinged vibe perfectly, while Ryan gives Elliana a quiet strength that makes her instantly relatable.
Even though it’s the third book in the Wicked Falls Elite series, it stands strong on its own. You can dive right in without needing any prior knowledge.
Unhinged Love is a quick, tension filled listen with fantastic narration. I just wish the emotional shift had taken a bit more time to develop. But if you’re into those toxic vibes, forced proximity, and loads of high drama, this one is definitely the book for you.
3.75 Stars!
#UnhingedLove, #WickedFallsElite, #CHallman, #DarkRomance, #NetGalley, #BrillianceAudio
Unhinged Love was one of those audiobooks that will get you hooked from page one with the tension, even when I sometimes wanted to scream at the characters. It's dramatic, messy, full on "we're step-siblings and I can't stand you but also I kind of ''I can't stop thinking about you" energy. That was one of the things that attracted me to this audiobook.
The story throws us straight into the hate. The intensity definitely made the softer moments land harder, though. The one thing I didn't like is the shift from enemies to something more tender felt too fast. I love a good slow burn, and this one leans closer to a quick simmer. I wouldn't have minded more angst, more build up, more time for those emotional gears to turn.
The narrators absolutely nailed it. Sean Masters and Chloe Ryan infused so much personality and emotion into these characters. Their performances made certain scenes resonate way more in audio than they likely would have on the page. Masters captures that broody, slightly unhinged vibe perfectly, while Ryan gives Elliana a quiet strength that makes her instantly relatable.
Even though it’s the third book in the Wicked Falls Elite series, it stands strong on its own. You can dive right in without needing any prior knowledge.
Unhinged Love is a quick, tension filled listen with fantastic narration. I just wish the emotional shift had taken a bit more time to develop. But if you’re into those toxic vibes, forced proximity, and loads of high drama, this one is definitely the book for you.
3.75 Stars!
#UnhingedLove, #WickedFallsElite, #CHallman, #DarkRomance, #NetGalley, #BrillianceAudio
April 19, 2025
I'm going to start with the good: Elliana's character development was great. It felt natural her development from a character who wants to blend in and hide to someone more confident with more growing to do. Carter's understanding of Elliana changed his view of the whole situation and he became a better person for it. Carter had the right amount of groveling and Elliana didn't let him off easily.
Now onto the not so good:
"Unhinged Love" is an enemies to lovers story, but the characters admitting their love for each other came a bit out of no where. They went from being done hating each other to admitting their love in the span of a couple of pages. The development up to that is amazing. I was completely sold on Carter and Elliana slowly building a loving relationship from hating each other (Carter hating Elliana unfairly and Elliana understandably hating Carter.), but the end of their "to lovers" story was rushed. The book could have easily had 50 - 100 more pages because the story and development wasn't done.
The book is great. My major problem with the book is how quickly the end wraps. The climax of the book happens 26 pages before the book's epilogue. There was no real stake to keep you engage. "Unhinged Love" relies on the chemistry and relationship and character development in Carter and Elliana to carry the book. The climax didn't feel natural. It felt like because you can't have a HEA in a step-siblings romance story without the discovery of their relationship that Hallman threw it in at the end. There was no real conflict with the discovery and the aftermath swept it under the rug. It could have came about more naturally.
Now onto the not so good:
"Unhinged Love" is an enemies to lovers story, but the characters admitting their love for each other came a bit out of no where. They went from being done hating each other to admitting their love in the span of a couple of pages. The development up to that is amazing. I was completely sold on Carter and Elliana slowly building a loving relationship from hating each other (Carter hating Elliana unfairly and Elliana understandably hating Carter.), but the end of their "to lovers" story was rushed. The book could have easily had 50 - 100 more pages because the story and development wasn't done.
The book is great. My major problem with the book is how quickly the end wraps. The climax of the book happens 26 pages before the book's epilogue. There was no real stake to keep you engage. "Unhinged Love" relies on the chemistry and relationship and character development in Carter and Elliana to carry the book. The climax didn't feel natural. It felt like because you can't have a HEA in a step-siblings romance story without the discovery of their relationship that Hallman threw it in at the end. There was no real conflict with the discovery and the aftermath swept it under the rug. It could have came about more naturally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
Unhinged Love, an all-new step siblings, dark bully romance. Please read the TW/CW prior to starting the book, as some themes may be difficult for some readers.
This is Carter & Elliana’s story. Their parents recently were married and they’ve only just met. Carter is so disgusted in his new step-mom. He assumes her daughter must be just like her - stuck up, gold digging. Attention seeking.
Eliana couldn’t be more different from her mom. She has trauma from being bullied throughout high school. She is 19 years old and retreats into her own protective shell any time she feels threatened (which is always).
Carter is awful to her. Absolutely horrendous. Intact, I did not like him. Not at all. Maybe the last 10% I warmed up to him - just barely though.
However, having said that, his character was so well written. I had to remind myself “he’s only 19, he’s still so young and has a lot of emotional growing up to do”. It’s easy to forget how young these characters are considering some of the heavy stuff they get into.
Elliana has some moments where you just want to fist pump the air and give her a high five. You will be proud of her as the story progresses.
C. Hallman is one of my favourite authors and, as usual, she did not disappoint. She invites you on an emotional story about preserverence, hurt/comfort, healing, atonement and love. Her characters have a darkness they need to work through, and Carter and Elliana are no exception.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
This is Carter & Elliana’s story. Their parents recently were married and they’ve only just met. Carter is so disgusted in his new step-mom. He assumes her daughter must be just like her - stuck up, gold digging. Attention seeking.
Eliana couldn’t be more different from her mom. She has trauma from being bullied throughout high school. She is 19 years old and retreats into her own protective shell any time she feels threatened (which is always).
Carter is awful to her. Absolutely horrendous. Intact, I did not like him. Not at all. Maybe the last 10% I warmed up to him - just barely though.
However, having said that, his character was so well written. I had to remind myself “he’s only 19, he’s still so young and has a lot of emotional growing up to do”. It’s easy to forget how young these characters are considering some of the heavy stuff they get into.
Elliana has some moments where you just want to fist pump the air and give her a high five. You will be proud of her as the story progresses.
C. Hallman is one of my favourite authors and, as usual, she did not disappoint. She invites you on an emotional story about preserverence, hurt/comfort, healing, atonement and love. Her characters have a darkness they need to work through, and Carter and Elliana are no exception.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
April 12, 2025
Thank you to C. Hallman and Literally Yours PR for my advanced copy of Unhinged Love to read and review!
Unhinged Love follows the story of Carter and Elianna, new step siblings who hate each other. Carter thinks Elianna is a freak and thinks her mother is a gold digger and wishes nothing but the worst for them. With this goal in mind, Carter takes some suggestive photos of Elianna to use as blackmail to get what he wants from her. However, as she begins to open up to him about her past, he realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye… aka big sweaters, big glasses, quiet tempered, etc.
The title of this book is called Unhinged Love, and that’s exactly what it is… a bit unhinged!
We’ve obviously got a bit of a taboo story on our hands, with our main characters being step siblings. You’ve also got a bully romance, HEAVY ON THE BULLYING might I add. And not just from Carter, but also past bullying and bullying from outside characters.
While the book primarily focuses on these topics, there’s also a story of healing, especially with Elianna. This healing journey is definitely a hard read, considering how much trauma the poor girl has dealt with, but it made the ending that much more with it
Based on my interest in taboo romance, I can tell you that this book is similar to Sabotage by Shantel Tessier (stepsibling/bully) and/or Little Stranger/Liar (foster sibling). If you read and enjoyed those, this one will be right up your alley!
Unhinged Love follows the story of Carter and Elianna, new step siblings who hate each other. Carter thinks Elianna is a freak and thinks her mother is a gold digger and wishes nothing but the worst for them. With this goal in mind, Carter takes some suggestive photos of Elianna to use as blackmail to get what he wants from her. However, as she begins to open up to him about her past, he realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye… aka big sweaters, big glasses, quiet tempered, etc.
The title of this book is called Unhinged Love, and that’s exactly what it is… a bit unhinged!
We’ve obviously got a bit of a taboo story on our hands, with our main characters being step siblings. You’ve also got a bully romance, HEAVY ON THE BULLYING might I add. And not just from Carter, but also past bullying and bullying from outside characters.
While the book primarily focuses on these topics, there’s also a story of healing, especially with Elianna. This healing journey is definitely a hard read, considering how much trauma the poor girl has dealt with, but it made the ending that much more with it
Based on my interest in taboo romance, I can tell you that this book is similar to Sabotage by Shantel Tessier (stepsibling/bully) and/or Little Stranger/Liar (foster sibling). If you read and enjoyed those, this one will be right up your alley!
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