Tricky Girls

by Holly Thorne

Hazelhurst University was it for me.
Doesn’t matter that it’s not-so-secretly Mafia-run, that the lecturers are dodgy, that there’s a whole slew of illegal going-ons just beneath the surface.
I’m scholarship. Forever on the fringes. Away from all that stuff.
Until the night I meet them.
Elly with her gentle dominance and large heart.
Haz with her dark, sweet possessiveness.
And Nic, the dangerous girl who hates me.
They were there when I needed them, but now they’re relentless.
Bent on claiming me. To make me theirs.
They’re wearing me down, I’m losing the fight.
I want to lose the fight.
But there’s something else brewing with Nic. Something sinister.
Something I’m just not getting...
It’s hard to keep my head down when they’re everywhere I look.
To leave this place unscathed, I’ll have to watch my step with these tricky girls.

*
Tricky Girls is part one in a sapphic, why-choose duet.
Tropes include enemies to lovers, sapphic awakening, found family and hidden identity.
Content warnings can be found inside the cover.

Genres: Lesbian, Why Choose, Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Queer

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2025

Reviews

[Sapphic Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This damn slow burn 😭 Just when things were heating up the book was over and I have to wait for the second one! Ugh. Look, if you can get past the predatory, toxic bs this is a very enjoyable read. I like my dark romances but Elly has my heart. I really loved the connection between Tilda and Elly. And now I’ll be (im)patiently waiting for book two to publish.

[tane'a · Rating 5 out of 5]

the fact that this just came out and i already need the next book by TOMORROW

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Some fixations are made to last.’

Not gonna lie... this was a kind of frustrating read. It's been a few days since I finished, so I've forgotten some of those frustrating things, but something about it is still stuck in my craw in a not-great way. I mean, I DID enjoy certain aspects of it, and it employs some of my absolute favourite tropes. But it does so in ways that are just... not appealing to me. Sometimes while reading this book I just had to pause and wonder, 'Am I the right audience for this?' I don't always get along with college romances, but it wasn't that aspect that I didn't click with. It was... other stuff. More on that later. Anyway, this is a sapphic why choose romance set at a prestigious, mafia-owned college in the UK. (The mafia stuff doesn't really play into the plot.) The main character is Tilda, who's always thought of herself as straight. After breaking up with her terrible boyfriend, she ends up becoming roomies with the two girls who rescued her on Halloween night: Elly, sweet and kind and dominant; and Haz, brash and cocky and hench and also dominant. Their third roommate, Nic, is an asshole moody loner, also dominant, and she absolutely hates Tilda's guts. There always has to be one who hates the MC's guts, apparently.

(I haven't read a lot of sapphic why choose, or why choose in general; usually when I read polyamory, all the characters are involved with one another. This is the first book in a duet, and as of right now, it doesn't look like Elly, Haz and Nic are going to be romantically involved. The three of them are lesbians and best friends and they sometimes share girls, but there's no romantic feelings involved. But they're all going to get with Tilda. Kind of a bummer for me, personally, but ah well. I knew what I was getting into, with a why choose romance.)

This doesn't really have much of a plot; it's all about the characters, and their slow movement towards romance, developing deeper feelings and Tilda discovering her sexuality, their different dynamics, delving into their pasts. Character focused romance can be great! But in this case, I only really liked one of the characters (Elly). Tilda, the protagonist, is not my favourite. Listen, I LOVE toaster oven/bisexual awakening/gay awakening romances. Reading about that period of self discovery, the people and experiences that push a character towards it, make them realise they're not straight... I love it. But I did NOT enjoy the way this author approached Tilda's sexuality. I was optimistic at first, because it seemed like it was going to be pretty slow burn, her journey towards realising she's attracted to women. And that's great. I love slow burn. But the more we progressed through the book, the more she interacted with Elly and Haz and Nic, the more they showed just how desperately into her they are, how borderline obsessed they are with her... Tilda seemed to be at a standstill. Seriously, no matter what little inklings of feelings she gets, she insists that she's straight. Which is maybe understandable in the first half of the book, but I would have thought in the latter half we'd be making SOME kind of progress. But we kinda didn't. At around 90% of the book, she's still saying that she feels most comfortable with the label 'straight' (after saying that bi/pan/demi don't quite feel right). And this is AFTER she's kissed and had sex with a couple of the other girls. Her journey is absolutely her own, and she should approach it as quickly or as slowly as she needs. However, at a certain point, it started to feel like the book was specifically kinking on the fact that she's 'straight', and has all these lesbians desperate for her. And that's just not something I'm interested in reading. It skeeves me out.

(I'm not saying that this was the author's intent, not at all! This is the first book in a series, and like, clearly, Tilda has more growing to do. She WANTS to grow; she WANTS to get to a point where she feels comfortable enough to reciprocate physically. But it's just that the way her journey is written doesn't appeal to me. It's not fun or sexy that she has these three lesbians desperate for her, and it becomes even less fun and sexy when she starts using them to get off. (Which she does feel bad about, at least.) There were so many scenes in this book that I know I was supposed to find hot or appealing, and I just didn't. I didn't think it could happen, but this was the only toaster oven romance I've read where I kinda just wanted to skip straight to the part where she accepts she's not straight. Because the discovery part of the journey was just kinda painful.)

Some brief notes on the love interests:

- Elly. SHE'S PERFECT. CAN TILDA FIGHT. Sweet, funny, cuddly, but also dominant in a caring way. Rich characters can be kinda annoying to me, so I was glad she came from a humbler background, unlike the other two, and was more down to earth. She's meant to be the stereotypically 'nice' one in the why choose polycule, but IMO she was more dynamic and had more personality than the others. AND SHE'S SO HOT. There's a scene near the end where Tilda rejects her (because Tilda is still too nervous to reciprocate) and I wanted to throw my phone. Imagine you have the sweetest, sexiest butch who wants to give you the world, and she just wants a little bit in return... and you practically sprint from her bed. >:[ Tilda, if I catch you... (I'm obviously joking. Again: Tilda's not ready, she's on her own journey, she's anxious about it, she deserves to react however she wants to/needs to, etc. But it did make me a little wild. ELLY IS SO SWEET.)

- Haz. Super obnoxious, but she grew on me, because I'm a simpleton when it comes to girls with muscles. Her connection with Tilda thus far seems the shallowest, so I hope to see it develop more!

- Nic. Annoying, pathetic, gross. Easily my least favourite person in the book.

I was gonna stop there, but actually, fuck Nic fr fr, I'm going to rant a teensy bit. I just have very little patience for her type of character. At first I was really intrigued about her potential relationship with Tilda, because we learn pretty early on that she and Tilda have some kind of past together, and Nic hates her because of whatever happened back then. To make matters even worse, Tilda doesn't recognise or remember Nic at all, which makes Nic hate her all the more. I understood that at first, but after a while, when it becomes clear that Tilda really doesn't remember, it's like... why doesn't Nic just tell her? If she's so mad about it, why doesn't she just say something, instead of being mean and cruel to Tilda? "Because, Laura, the author needs to draw out the reveal of how they knew each other; it's not the type of detail you can just drop in the first act." Okay, sure, understandable. ...On the story front. But on the character front, it just makes Nic really annoying and pathetic, like she's throwing a tantrum because Tilda doesn't remember and can't intuit her feelings. Like, girl, she can't read your mind!! If you don't want to tell her 'Hey, we were stepsisters back in the day' then just leave her alone!! Pouting about it is simply annoying as fuck!! I'm sorry; it didn't make her seem broody and cool. It was just childish.

And then she spat in Tilda's mouth when Tilda went in for a kiss and it was over for me. It's subjective, of course, but spitting is just one of those things that I find REALLY gross in general. And spitting into someone's MOUTH????? HER MOUTH????????? The grovelling would have to be IMMACULATE for me to ever want to see Nic as a love interest for Tilda after that. Uuuuuugh, even thinking about it makes my gorge rise. As 'the one who hates her guts', Nic was never going to be my favourite, but that? Oh man. HORRIBLE.

(I know, it's weird that THAT'S where my line is. Haz pushes the boundaries of consent a couple times, but I thought all of HER scenes were really sexy. Oh well. Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself. Large, multitudes, et cetera.)

The plot was fine? Like I said, most of it is wrapped up in character stuff. Nic's past with Tilda is obviously going to come into play in a larger way in future books. The writing was meh; far from my favourite. Some good lines here and there, but also lots of moments where words were misused or things were phrased awkwardly. We skipped over a lot of moments, which is unfortunate, in a book that's so much about self discovery. The passage of time often felt weird. Something significant would happen between two characters, and you'd think that we would stick around tp describe the aftermath, to see how they react or if there's any shift in their dynamic. But nope, suddenly it's a new scene or a new chapter, and a week or two weeks or several weeks have passed.

I have soooo many highlights that I could talk about, but it'll just turn into me nitpicking the writing and ranting about the fact that Tilda doesn't even want to be in the ROOM when Elly comes, so I'll restrain myself. I'll probably continue this series, especially since it's going to be a duet, and one more book isn't too much to commit myself to. The fact that I'm not interested in one of the romances doesn't really bode well? Lol. But hopefully all the groundwork the author laid in this book will pay off. And I hope we get at least a liiiittle bit of polyamory. Like, some butch/butch kissing at LEAST, please.

Content warnings: self harm, suicide ideation, drug use, csa (past)

[cleoྀི ˚⊹ · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay when I saw why choose I thought here we go it's gonna be all smut but turns out its veryyy slow burn and it was burning bad😔😔😔

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of Tricky Girls by Holly Thorne. Thank you Holly for the opportunity to read this book.

Tricky Girls is a dark sapphic romance of why choose and sapphic awakening that takes place at a mafia run college called Hazelhurst. There is four main characters; Matilda (goes by Tilda), Haz, Elly, and Nic. All four are students at Hazlehurst. Tilda ends up rooming with Haz, Elly and Nic and the tension between the three is strong. Haz and Elly are two very butch lesbians trying to change Tilda's straight heart to be with them through constant flirtation, while Nic just broods at her for unknown reasons. Nic's hate for Tilda brings tension between the three friends. Haz and Elly's attmepts to convince Tilda that she is also gay is hilarious and in some sceens very hot. All four characters are unique and very different from eachother yet at the same time compliment eachother.

Overall this book is a slow burn that leaves many mysteries in the shadow. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff

A book with a good sense of morally grey humor, how about that? I loved it, especially the laughter I got. The friendship is deep so I am explicitly curious about book 2. I want to know what happened between Nic and Matilda.

[brynn helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

the lesbians were lesbianing and it was truly and unequivocally giving LESBIAN. SPECTACULAR GIMME 14 OF EM' RIGHT NOW.

[Jawairia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ohohohohoHOHOHHOHOHOooHO I need the next book NOW

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy

I enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamics between the characters and the plot.

The spice was well written and 🔥

My only gripe with this was that it takes too long for any hints as to what caused the beef between two characters

Overall a really enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next book

[Hadiya Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wtf???

I need more!
I think I knew when I got halfway that I wouldn't be satisfied with the ending. This book could've been 1000 pages and it still wouldn't have been long enough. This was an insanely fun and hot read with lots of depth that drew me in completely. I love characters that are a mess when they can be a mess together, and that's exactly what you get in this story. Tilda, Elly, Haz, and Nic are all messed up, but you can tell that together they help each other. The friendships and cuddling warmed my heart, tbh. I think I could've predicted just how much I would enjoy this read. I'll be VERY impatiently waiting for the next installment.

[Britni MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Tricky Girls, and I went into it almost entirely blind. I will say this is my first book by Holly so I wasn’t even sure what the writing style would be. I rated this 4 stars because the book itself was good and there was nothing really wrong with it at all. I am not super into why choose romance stories and this is probably a perfect reason why.

Tilda and Elly was just not fun for me. I knew early that she would be the original chosen and felt like it should have been Haz. Actually felt a bit bad for Haz for the majority of this book.

I did adore the way I essentially had no clue was Nic’s deal was for nearly the entire book. Going in nearly blind hurt me as I did not go in with the understanding that this was the first of two books. It may have changed my perception just a bit.

My only actual hope for book 2 is that she choose one or she gives Elly the book and let Nic and Haz double domme.

I said repeatedly as I read this, there is nothing wrong with this book at all but I hate it. Written super well, the story is interesting just didn’t go as I would have liked.

[Itzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading it without knowing what it was about at all. I was just going by the cover, lol. And I won't deny it, it took me a couple of chapters to get used to the author's writing style and vocabulary.

I want to give it a lower rating, but I won't because I know it's more for a personal reason and not because the book was bad as such.
It's just not my vibe of plot, tbh.

I finished reading it anyway because there were parts that were funny about the dynamics of the characters, and Nic's mystery held my attention quite a bit.

I'm still not sure if I'll read the second part, I'll think about it when it comes out

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to have fallen down a Sapphic Why-Choose hole, so I’m glad I found this book. It was actually recommended to me many times on my social media accounts. It’s a slow burn but there’s definitely a lot of tension along the way! And just when it starts to heat up….it ends! So, roll on book two.

This books is written in first person with 4x POV’s. 7x spicy scenes. Students. Slow burn. First time with a woman (coming out). Masc/Femme. Mental health rep. This is a dark romance with dark themes, so please read trigger warnings.

[Darcy Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars

A sapphic, teasing why-choose romance where the MC learns she's not as straight as she thinks she is.

Loved the multi-perspectives, the insight we got into the character's backstory and the slow burn into spice. I also thought the impact of past trauma was handled authentically which I appreciated.

However I found the Harry Potter references jarring given how shitty JK Rowling notoriously is so that really took me out of the story at points.

Overall I enjoyed the characters, the flirty banter and the exploration of sexuality and I will be catching part two when it releases though!

Honest review in exchange for an ARC of the book

[Tori Lindbloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, good lord this book has become my Roman Empire. I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. Every single part of this book is written to perfection, the characters, the plot, the spice, everything.

The storyline is fantastic, and I was hooked from the very beginning, I didn’t want to put it down, and absolutely devoured this book. I found myself so invested in every character and desperate to figure out the past and secrets.

This is a 1 of 2 story, so it ends in a cliffhanger, but when I tell you it’s worth it, I absolutely mean it.

I cannot recommend this book more, to anyone who wants some fantastic sapphic spice with an incredible storyline this is the book for you.

Honest review in exchange for an arc copy.

[adiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a looootttt of UK slang/sayings that google couldn’t really translate. I thought the book was confusing and poorly written. I’ll read the sequel if it’s on Kindle Unlimited, but I wouldn’t pay for this book. I would rate the spice as a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ when you finally get to it. Definitely a slow burn if that’s your thing.

[all_things_tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure I received this book as an ARC however all opinions are my own 🩷
Holy guacamole what a high angst book this is 🥵
I loved this book because the amazing balance of spice, plot, angst, mystery and most importantly affirming the fact you don’t need to know who you are, you can change, you don’t have to put a label on you or the people your with. 🩷
The angst through the whole book between Matilda and Nic is high stakes bro! You never knew what was going to happen between them and I love it! I was waiting for Nic to punch Tilda in the face or waiting for her to pin her up against a wall and fk her stupid! 🥵
The ending leaves you on the edge of your seat to see what happens between Tilda and Nic and how the relationships between the two and Haz and Elly develop. 🤩
Even though this is a girl pal trying to learn her sexuality coming from a m/f relationship the sex scenes through the book are ff or fff

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Marina Feliz Imba · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book was very interesting. The author did not feel the need to present to us with ordinary characters as is usually the case in most books about lesbians. Instead she introduced characters with unique personalities, with bad attitude and bad habits. This alone, I personally thought, made me hooked while reading the book and my curiosity peaked at the end.
I'm looking forward for book two because I can't wait to read about Nic and Tilda's love story finally. I got sick of Haz and Ellie. They're fun and all but this book focused a lot to them and their need to fuck Tilda, that I'm so ready for some romance, some actual tension and real feelings other than attraction. I'm also so so so curious to know what happened in the past between Nic and Tilda.
Please author don't take too long to publish the next one!!

[COURTZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly cannot wait for the second book! Haz and Tilda moments are just!! Honestly this author is amazing, her writing and everything! Haz is definitely my fav character the way she speaks and treats Tilda!😍🔥


‘Once you’re mine, you’re mine for fucking life. And death. And all our lives after that.’

‘You distinctly said it wasn’t a date. Because believe me if it was, baby, you’d have got the full princess package.’

‘You do something to me. You’re prettier than any fucking cloud.’ When she sees the direction we’re heading,

‘Need, baby. Need to know. Did she take your lesbian v-card? Tell me. Tell Haz.’

‘That’s you, baby. You’re all up in my mind. It’s just you.’

‘I’d love nothing more than to spend my days racking up regrets with you, baby girl.’

If you love a bodybuilder girl who takes no crap, will literally kill for you and is possessive then you NEED to read this book!!🤌🏼🔥

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review.

Oh my goodness this book. I loved the characters and the "found family" dynamic between them, as well as the story of Tilda's bisexual awakening. I found it to be oddly cozy, the way she was able to relax and allow herself to connect to Ellie and Haz.

Ellie and Haz are my favorite part of the book! Their camaraderie, slight rivalry, and differences creating such a fun, flirty dynamic throughout the book. I kept waiting for a scene with both of them and Tilda. I can hope for one in Book 2!

Nic is the other main character, and she is dark and interesting and morose, which I enjoyed as a counterbalance to the others, but I did feel like her thoughts on Tilda got a little tedious--like she kept repeating the same things each time they interacted without it moving things forward too much.

The setting is a creepy medieval university, in a forest, owned by the mafia. (!!!) Enough said. (And without giving too much away, I will never think of catacombs the same way again. 😂🌶️)

Overall I enjoyed this very much and look forward to book 2!

[Celestial Voyage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time. In this why choose romance we meet self proclaimed straight girl Tilda. She finds herself drawn into a trio of girls and she doesn’t quite know what do to with herself, but she wants to learn…She thinks… Maybe… 🥰 The plot is well placed: mystery, challenging pasts, family drama, mafia elements in an academic setting. The characters are complicated, messy, full of intrigue and I easily related to many components or feelings. It felt like they could be people you know. This is a slow burn that makes you want more… If competitive sharing and hateful pinning are your thing, you’re in a good place. Cannot wait for part 2. This will be in my rereads list. I did receive this as an ARC reading, and this is my honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. It was the first book by this author and I was lucky enough to get and ARC copy of it. I've already started reading some of her other books.

Usually in books there's always a spot that I think "that's not what I would do" and it takes me out of the story. This book did not have that. I loved the exact order that everything happened in.

Haz and Elly were so great. Elly was definitely my favorite out of everyone. The friendship between the two of them was so fun and unique. I loved the competition between them both. They made it fun without being too serious and making it uncomfortable.

I can't wait to learn more about Nic! I'm so intrigued by her story and what's going on with her. The drama that's going to happen when everything comes to light about Tilda and Nic is going to be crazy!!

Part 2 cannot come soon enough! I recommend this book so much.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

never been edged so badly before. but not for sex (although jesus hitting 70% and only just leaving the denial station was crazy) but instead i was edged for plot, for the mystery. why would you cliffhanger me like that.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for book 2!

[Evone Elia-Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHEESH! 🥵🥵 very much enjoyed this book! I need a second one!

[Aria Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphic why choose with bully elements a secret past and some hot as sin women? Yes please.

[TasmanianQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy

Wow, wow, wow!!!!! I was immediately pulled into this story and could not put the book down. The author's ability to portray so much emotion throughout the story is incredible and leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

Amazing plot with an excellent level of spice! I only wish the 2nd book was out already.

[Eiranelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in just a few hours, I liked it. There were a few parts I could’ve done without. Like Harry Potter references in a Sapphic book. But in total I liked the premise and it was still easy to get into.

[Jane_asmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely different from what I usually read, and I had no idea what to expect—but I really enjoyed it!

The vibe is dark, the spicy scenes are excellent, and what makes it even better is that each character brings a unique dynamic to the story.

I especially enjoyed the scenes with Elly or Haz—for obviously different reasons. The balance between the two is perfectly done, and each of their interactions with Tilda is really well-crafted.

So to wrap it up: I really liked it and can’t wait to read the next one!

[Sophie Bojo · Rating 2 out of 5]

tricky girls? NO I was tricked into thinking this was going to be good