Wicked Waters: Gods of Hatherley Hall, Book 2

Gods of Hatherley Hall #2

by Becca Steele, Will M. Watt (narrator), Scarlett Everdeen (narrator)

Roman Cavendish. The bad boy of Hatherley Hall.

Once we were friends. Once I thought I meant something more to him. Once I was the person who knew him best.

Until I left without an explanation, ruining everything between us.

Now, I'm back, but Roman is no longer the boy I once knew. He hates me, and he's determined to make my life miserable.

Then one night alters everything between us, and I don't know where to turn or who to trust.

Is Roman really my enemy? Or is he on my side?

One thing I know for sure. I'm about to find out what happens when you mess with one of the gods of Hatherley Hall.

Wicked Waters is the second book in the Gods of Hatherley Hall series from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele and is a standalone M/F new adult academy romance with enemies to lovers and second chance themes.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Sports Romance, Second Chance, Dark Romance, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.

Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele

Reviews

[nikki ౨ৎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

their relationship was so rushed for no reason :(

the firts one was better

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "Mine!!!" stars***



"Once upon a time, I'd fallen for a boy who hid his true self from the world, and I'd been his ever since. As much as we both hated it."

I was waiting a long time for Roman and Quinn's turn!!!
We have taken a glimpse on them in the "Bully Gods" anthology a couple of years ago and I was anticipating the full story of this couple!!!
I adore Becca Steele's M/M stories, but she is explosive when she is writing M/F stories!!!
I adore the Gods of Hatherley Hall and I am waiting impatiently Tristan's turn!!!
This time, Roman Cavedish (yes, he is cousin of Caiden and Weston!!) had some qualities taken from Poseidon, but it is very loosely based upon this god and his myth!!!

"He was the biggest temptation I'd ever had..."

Quinn and Roman had met back when they were fifteen and they have formed an unsual friendship that was leading to a great love story that ended abruptly before it even begun...
Now, three years later, Quinn is back in Hatherley Hall and things had changed around there... Roman is now one of the Gods of Hatherley Hall and he is out for blood after the way she vanished back then...
But Quinn doesn't want to have anything to do with this bad boy who is always causing troubles... She can not afford losing everything because of him, even though she is drown to him...
These two have unresolved issues and even though they are refusing to acknowledge them, the pull is too strong to keep going like that!!!

"Quinn Farrow is about to find out just what happens when you make an enemy of me."

I loved Roman and Quinn very much...
Roman was having a bad attitude and his anger made him reckless, but Quinn was calming his soul... Yep, he wanted her to pay for leaving him back then, but she meant something great for him...
Quinn from the other hand was still in love with this boy that she doesn't recognize anymore, and she wasn't suppose to, so she is fighting it, ofter with wrong ways...
These two were pefrect together, but there were too many things standing between them...
And now, I can not wait for Tristan's turn, hopefully with Aria!!!

"You're mine, Quinn, whether you like it or not.
Whether I like it or not."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rollercoaster this book had me on!!!

It’s books like this one that has you captivated from the very beginning that I will always remember and love. Both characters are equally intriguing and have you wanting to know more and more about them. Roman and Quinn are EPIC together because of their chemistry and the history that comes along with every single moment. Reading their moments together was interesting because of how intense they can be but also shows the feelings they have for each other. I enjoyed those moments the best because of their connection and how strong it really is.

All in all this series has been so interesting and intriguing. The characters, the friendships, the cameos from other characters!! It makes it worth reading and this author never misses in writing a story that will captivate and have you wanting to know more.

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I much preferred this book over book 1 - Cruel Crypts 😊❤️. The plot was not overly complicated but worked nevertheless. And I loved the connection between Quinn and Roman.

Straight onto the final book in the series 🥍👑

[ceci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, this was a good book that make me feel a lot of things.
This is my favourite of this series and I can't wait to read the next book.
Quinn and Roman had a lot of chemistry that made me love them so much.
I received an Arc copy in exchange of an honest review.

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Waters is book two in the Gods of Hatherley Hall series. This is a M/F academy, enemies to lovers romance story about Quinn and Roman.

Quinn first attended Hatherley Hall when she was fifteen. She was the good girl and the perfect student. During a moment of rebellion, Quinn ran into Roman, and that’s when they speak to each other for the first time. From that point on, they continued to meet up and formed a friendship. They could both be themselves, and it seemed like it was turning into more. Unfortunately Quinn’s parents were strict. They blamed her grades dropping on her being distracted with Roman, who they considered a bad influence. They pulled her out of Hatherley Hall, thinking it was what was best for her.

Roman was the bad boy, constantly getting expelled. His parents were overseas so he felt like he wasn’t wanted. His uncle stepped up to help him out and support him. Roman liked Quinn, and felt that she saw the real him. And just when things could have started to turn into more, they parted ways for the summer. Quinn ghosted Roman and she didn’t return to Hatherley Hall. Roman felt rejected and then angry that she didn’t even care to stay in touch.

Now eighteen, Quinn is back at Hatherley Hall with conditions from her parents that she has to follow to stay there. Roman, now one of the Gods of Hatherley Hall, is not pleased with her return. When Quinn tells Roman to stay away from her and forget that she exists, Roman gets angry and makes her life miserable. Quinn and Roman definitely go through ups and downs, and at times I was frustrated with both of them for their actions. They do try to stay away from one another, but they both can’t resist each other. The more time they spend together, the stronger their connection grows.

Bad things were happening to Quinn, and it was hard to know who to trust. I didn’t want to put the book down because I wanted to find out who was behind things and how it would all work out.

It was great to see Elena and Knox from book one, along with some other great side characters, including Tristian. This was an interesting read, and I really enjoyed Roman and Quinn’s story. I definitely look forward to book three in this series!

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Becca's works in anthologies she's participated in previously, but this was my first full novel from her.  I knew from the novellas that she was a stronger writer, and Wicked Waters absolutely proves that.

This is the second book in her Gods of Hatherley Hall series and a full standalone. It was very easy to follow along and not feel like I needed to read the first to understand anything happening in this book.  However, this book does have me wanting to go back and read the first book, which is Knox's story.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and when it's mature YA based, it's even more enticing to see how their stories play out.

Roman and Quinn had been friends til she was forced to leave Hatherley Hall and return her senior year. Their story is quite intense as she wants Roman to forget she exists, and this adds to Roman's hatred towards for her leaving in the first place and never telling him why. Quinn's story isn't as cut and dry as one may think and this just adds to the angst and suspense of the story. 

Becca definitely knows how to keep her readers right at the edge of their seats and vying for more at each turn of the page. I love the twists in this story to keep things lively and intriguing. There were some parts that I felt could have more development in them, but they didn't deter from the overall story or stop me from devouring this one.

I really enjoyed seeing the blend of all the characters and how they seamlessly interwove into each other lives; Becca knows how to write great supporting characters that have their own books, but don't overpower the current main character.  I cannot wait to read the first book in this series and I am really looking forward to book three.
 

Highly recommended read!!

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Quinn Farrow is about to find out just what happens when you make an enemy of me.”

Roman and Quinn were friends at some point, they were more than friends. Quinn got taken away, forced to break all contact by her parents. Now she is back and Roman hates her and she has vowed to stay away from him.

Roman hides behind all the crap he pulls, and Quinn is the only one who sees behind that façade. The pull between them is just too strong and they keep finding themselves drawn to the other. Their paths keep crossing and every time they give in, it chips away at their resolve to not go there again.

“No one else can make you feel this good. No one else will ever get to touch you the way I do.”

I loved how Roman and Quinn both didn’t want to go there again, both for different reasons but in the end couldn’t fight what they felt from the start. Those feelings never went away and resurfaced stronger than ever. Adding in everything that keeps happening to them, around them, messing with both is what made this a thrilling read. It really keeps you on your toes, having you guessing at who is behind it in the end. And for someone who always sees it coming, I was surprised!

I haven’t read Cruel Crypts and could follow along with the story just fine. But this world has intrigued me so I need to get on to reading it fast!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[K_Tyoko_Readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since the Bully god anthology I couldn’t wait to read Wicked waters. Topped that it is Enemies to lovers, it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024.

I was pleasantly surprised by the all the mystery, it kept me hooked and it was such a rollercoaster!

Roman is the perfect example of an MC that I love, a bad boy with a softer side.
Loved his relationship with the other 2 gods as well, the banter and always being there for eachother.

I had to get used to Quinn though, I wish she stood up for herself more but in the end she came through.

I am really enjoying this series so far and excited for the next one.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get Roman and Quinn’s full story and I devoured it! If there’s one thing I love about Becca Steele’s writing is her MF stories she is the queen of enemies to lovers mf romance throw in a lot of sexual tension angst hate and revenge oh and can’t forget the spice because man does she know how to heat up the pages with her characters and her found family that she develops in her stories is unmatched all of those combined make one helluva a story and one I didn’t put down till I read the last page . Amazing! I am loving this series and love the nod to Poseidon and his myth !

[This bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was really big fan of the four , but since Becca started M/ M I stopped reading her and I was so happy when those books came out but honestly I am very disappointed. She was much better when she started and now she writing anything so can bring as many books she can .. And she is filing them with air if you know what I mean .

[Emelie Gustafsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't choose between Knox and Roman because both are equally good looking🤭😂. But I liked that it was a secret relationship that Roman and Quinn had for reasons but it also made them show more love and that they wanted each other🥰. Just like the first book, this is enemies to lovers. There are quite a few hot scenes in this series, but to me it feels like a 1.5/2.5 on the spicy scale🔥.

[ash delmar · Rating 3 out of 5]

eh

this trilogy/standalone is kind of bland i was hoping this book would be better than the first one but it’s still pretty mid. they always forgive eachother super fast and then hook up like right away- need them to drag it on and beef a little more idk like at least play hard to get?!?!

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book swept me into the tumultuous world of Hatherley Hall, offering an intense standalone M/F academy romance. The story reintroduces Roman Cavendish and Quinn, whose once close relationship ended abruptly. Steele masterfully blends themes of trust, betrayal, and second chances, creating a dynamic and engaging plot. The characters are deeply developed, and their journey towards reconciliation is compelling and emotionally resonant. This book is a must-read for fans of academy romances with a twist of enemies-to-lovers and second chances.

[★ Greta Booklovers ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars! Decisamente migliore del primo libro...

Seguitemi su Greta Booklovers >> https://shorturl.at/u99OB

La serie Gods of Harthley Hall continua. In questo nuovo volume autoconclusivo, Becca Steele ci riporta tra i corridoi dell’accademia per svelare i segreti di un altro delle tre giovani promesse della squadra di lacrosse. Nuovi passioni travolgenti e sfide sul campo regaleranno ai lettori un mix perfetto di sport romance e tensione narrativa. Dopo Knox, i riflettori si spostano su Roman, pronto a tutto pur di vincere dentro e fuori dal campo. Un appuntamento pertanto imperdibile per le amanti del genere. L'apertura di ogni volume è affidata a un prologo di grande suggestione, che funge da preziosa chiave di lettura per l'intera opera. Il racconto mitologico costituisce il filo conduttore che permette di interpretare l'interconnessione tra i tre romanzi. Racconta di tre fratelli divini che, stanchi della loro vita immortale sulle pendici del monte Olimpo, decisero di avventurarsi sulla Terra, concedendosi comportamenti proibiti e finendo per essere banditi dai titani. Gli dèi giurarono che non avrebbero più messo piede tra i comuni mortali, ma guardando Harthley Hall sorge il sospetto che quel patto sia stato infranto. Ogni volta che viene al mondo un bambino la cui bellezza, forza e intelletto che trascendono i limiti umani, tanto da evocare la perfezione delle antiche divinità, una domanda sorge inevitabile: gli dei sono ancora tra noi? Osservando Roman Cavendish il dubbio svanisce per farsi certezza. Il suo aspetto pare scolpito nel marmo: una chioma corvina come la notte incornicia uno sguardo che riflette gli abissi blu dell'oceano, mentre il fisico possente richiama l'armonia statuaria delle statue della Grecia classica. Tuttavia, a Harthley, questa aura divina si scontra con una realtà ben più terrena e turbolenta. Roman è il "bad boy" indiscusso del campus, un leader carismatico e oscuro che domina l'università con un'autorità che incute tanto timore quanto fascino. Il terrore che emana paralizza i sensi, ma il suo carisma è una forza gravitazionale a cui è impossibile resistere. Non vedevo l’ora di leggere la storia di Roman e Quinn. Proprio quando tra loro stava sbocciando un sentimento profondo, il legame si era bruscamente spezzato. Quinn era svanita nel nulla, senza lasciare alcuna spiegazione. Roman, colto di sorpresa da quella fuga improvvisa, non era riuscito a darsi pace. Il dolore per il suo abbandono si è presto trasformato in un profondo risentimento, lasciando aperte ferite che il tempo non è riuscito a rimarginare. Sono passati tre anni quando Quinn ha deciso di ritornare a Harthley Hall e Roman è diventato un uomo che lei fatica a riconoscere. Il ragazzo ferito di un tempo ha lasciato il posto ad un estraneo dal cuore di pietra, un uomo che non ha mai perdonato il silenzio di quell'addio. Lui non ha mai dimenticato, né tantomeno accettato, il modo in cui lei lo ha piantato in asso. Ogni suo sguardo e ogni suo gesto ora è guidato da un unico obiettivo: la vendetta. Il futuro di Quinn è un castello di carte troppo fragile per reggere l'urto di uno come Roman. Lei sa che amarlo vorrebbe dire compromettere ogni cosa, e non si sbaglia: Roman ha la reputazione di chi semina il caos ovunque metta piede. Quinn teme che legarsi sentimentalmente con lui possa rivelarsi un errore fatale. Ho trovato questo secondo volume decisamente migliore del primo: la componente suspense dona alla narrazione un ritmo incalzante e avvincente, capace di tenere il lettore costantemente sulle spine nel tentativo di scoprire chi stia tramando contro Roman e Quinn. Le atmosfere, cupe e squisitamente gotiche, evocano le ambientazioni tipiche dei romanzi di Penelope Douglas. Tra i momenti più suggestivi spicca la scena del lago al crepuscolo, quando Roman traghetta Quinn in barca sull’isola dove è in corso una festa. È quello, a mio avviso, il punto che segna uno spartiacque e il preciso istante in cui Roman sente il muro che aveva meticolosamente costruito sgretolarsi sotto il peso di una verità inevitabile. Non è più una scelta, né un atto di volontà, ma la resa di fronte a un’evidenza: ogni difesa contro Quinn è stata solo un fragile rinvio. Lui comprende, con una punta di rassegnazione, che l'amore per lei non è una forza da domare, ma un destino contro cui non ha più senso lottare. Il romanzo è uno spunto per riflettere, indirizzato a tutte le persone che ingaggiano una logorante battaglia quotidiana con se stesse, erigendo barriere per proteggersi dall'inevitabile vulnerabilità dell'amore. Perché ogni tentativo di arginare il sentimento attraverso la ragione è destinato all’inevitabile fallimento. Reprimerlo non è un atto di disciplina, bensì una violazione della propria essenza. Come ogni impulso vitale, non può essere arginato: è la forza necessaria che spinge l'organismo a cercare ciò che lo rende completo. - Greta Booklovers

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
ARC

Wicked Waters follows Roman and Quinn. The “good girl” and the “bad boy” of Hatherley Hall. They met one day at fifteen years when being the good girl, following the rules, never toeing the line became a little too much for Quinn. Roman took her to a hidden lake that became their special place. A friendship bloomed, and then feelings on both their ends. Quinn was removed from school by her parents, and forced to lose contact with the boy who stole her heart and some friends. Leaving Roman to believe she didn’t care about him. As well as ghosted him. 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 to both now being eighteen. Quinn had returned to Hatherley Hall, and Roman wanted some answers. Quinn says some things she doesn’t mean, which hurts Roman in the process, but she’s only trying to protect him. The result of it causes Roman to seek revenge in a way. To get back at her for thinking she’s too good for him.

Quinn pissed me off in the beginning. Not because of the words she shot off to Roman. I hate when characters are old enough to make their own decisions and instead of having a mind of their own, they allow their parents to control every aspect of their lives. Even their thoughts. I understand considering she was threatened with a very specific condition she was given upon her return.

Roman was the “bad boy”, the things he has done were on the unhinged side lol, but I found myself loving his character from the first chapter. A bad boy with a soft side? Who doesn’t love that? However, I was so convinced that what he did to her on the boat was definitely heartless. She did not deserve that in any way. Especially when she had given him the partial truth about not meaning the hurtful words she had spoken. He was beyond wrong for leaving her. That’s how I felt in the moment of reading it. Part of my mind was not convinced he had intentionally done that to her. I’m so happy that he didn’t. I liked Quinn. Still, from a reader’s perspective, I felt so bad for her. Her heart was in the right place. All she was trying to do was the right thing. Being treated unfairly because of it had me screaming at my phone.

𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐚, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐨’𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞.

I knew that! I knew that wasn’t the type of person Roman was. At one point, I thought I was making so many excuses for his character, but I had to stick with my gut about him not being a complete and total asshole. I needed Roman to keep his anger under control. It wasn’t going to do him or Quinn any good. He was actually so sweet, though. I love him. 🥹 Quinn was getting on my last nerve when she said they needed to stay away, but at times would be the one who initiated their proximity. She would say things to give him hope only to say “we can’t”, “we need to stay away” or something along those lines. She would kiss him and then say words she didn’t mean. Like enough is enough.

Now, that plot twist? Omg I convinced I knew who was behind everything, but I was sooooo wrong! Like she didn’t even cross my mind. I’m happy everything (the truth) came to the light, and they got their happy ending. This was my first M/F read by Becca, and I absolutely loved it. I read all of her MM books and wanted to give her M/F books a chance. I was not left disappointed. I cannot wait to read the first book in this series. I especially can’t wait for Tristian’s book. I’m already sensing who his love interest is going to be and I’m excited!

[Sara Books & Tips · Rating 4 out of 5]

[🇬🇧 following the italian version]

𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒊𝒐̀ 𝒅𝒊 𝒄𝒖𝒊 𝒏𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒗𝒐 𝒅𝒊 𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒐.

❓Si può credere davvero di conoscere ancora un persona dopo tanti anni senza vederla?

Questa è la domanda che si è posta Quinn, la nostra protagonista, dopo tanti anni di lontananza da Roman. Un tempo erano migliori amici, si conoscevano profondamente ed erano in grado di vedersi davvero. Ma un giorno tutto è cambiato, lei è dovuta andare via e il tempo ha fatto il suo corso. Ora si sono incontrati di nuovo alla Hatherley Hall, ma Roman non è più lo stesso ragazzo… o forse si?

Il tempo e quello che ci succede ci possono cambiare, ma cambiano davvero anche nel nostro profondo? O cambia solo la parte superficiale, quella che mostriamo al mondo?
Forse si, o forse ci vuole solo la giusta persona per far tornare a galla quella parte di noi che teniamo nascosta, quella che proteggiamo per non soffrire. Ma, a volte, è proprio quella persona a darci il dolore più grande, magari inconsciamente. Riuscirà Quinn a ricucire le ferite di Roman? E Roman riuscirà a starle lontano come si è promesso, oppure il suo desiderio di proteggerla avrà la maggiore?

Il loro è un rapporto che viaggia sul filo del rasoio, che ci mostra quanto una persona può impattare ed influenzare la vita di un’altra, nel bene e nel male. Ma ci fa anche riflettere, perché quando Quinn inizia ad essere in pericolo, ecco che una parte sepolta di Roman torna a galla, e forse forse niente è perduto e tutto si può ricucire e ricostruire.

🇬🇧 ENGLISH REVIEW

Can you really believe you still know someone after so many years without seeing them?

This is the question Quinn, our protagonist, asked herself after so many years of being apart from Roman. They were once best friends, they knew each other deeply and were able to truly see each other. But one day everything changed, she had to leave, and time took its course. Now they've met again at Hatherley Hall, but Roman isn't the same boy anymore... or is he?

Time and what happens to us can change us, but do they really change our inner selves? Or does it only change the superficial part, the part we show the world?
Maybe so, or maybe it just takes the right person to bring out that part of us we keep hidden, the part we protect so as not to suffer. But sometimes, it's that person who causes us the greatest pain, perhaps unconsciously. Will Quinn be able to heal Roman's wounds? Will Roman be able to stay away from her as he promised, or will his desire to protect her prevail?

Theirs is a relationship that walks a razor's edge, showing us how much one person can impact and influence another's life, for better or worse. But it also gives us pause, because when Quinn begins to face danger, a buried part of Roman resurfaces, and perhaps nothing is lost and everything can be mended and rebuilt.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Knox's book first, I was excited to pick up Roman's book. I enjoy a good enemies to lovers romance and Becca has done that so well in this one.
Quinn and Roman were friends once upon a time. Could have been something more. But circumstances out of her control saw her leave Hatherley Hall and now she's back, but with conditions her parents have said. She has to heed these conditions or else suffer the consequences. I have to be honest and say I felt like those conditions were a bit weak. It would have been quite easy to pick apart those conditions. However, despite this, the story was enjoyable.
Roman is angry when she returns and doesn't understand what happened. Quinn refuses to tell him and their push and pull throughout the book was so good! There was so much tension and angst between them and the further we got, you start to realise that there might be more we don't know about keeping these two apart.
The banter between the three "gods" is really well done. Roman, Knox and Tristan have a close friendship and they do what they can to keep him out of trouble. He seems to be the more mischievous one, getting into too much trouble. There are a number of elements in this book that have me questioning the motives of some characters and I wasn't sure if it was just me and my "everyone has ulterior motives" mindset or if they were legitimately being kind.
My suspicions were well founded the further I got into this story, and it all of a sudden switched from Quinn worrying about her parents, to something more nefarious.
You think you know something, then it turns, I did like the little twists in there, they were well done.
I enjoyed the pacing and the suspense in this story, however there were some areas that maybe felt a little rushed, or not thought through properly. I still thoroughly enjoyed it though and this did not stop me from devouring this book. The standout in character development would have to be Roman, he went from a hot-headed young man, getting into trouble left and right, to someone willing to step up and be responsible when the time came.
I love the relationship between all of the characters and I'm especially looking forward to the last God standing, and what I think is his little scorpion!
This has been a great series so far, if you enjoy a young adult, enemies-to-lovers romance, with possessive alpha-holes, you can't go past this one!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Being young, having decisions made for you, having no say in said decisions? It can suck! When adults think they know what’s best without hearing your side or thoughts? It can suck! Being ripped away from your first love, with no chance to explain to him, leaving him broken and feeling abandoned? That can suck! Returning three years later, protecting you and him, only to leave him wanting revenge? That definitely sucks the most.

This is exactly the situation Quinn finds herself in when she returns to Hatherley Hall after leaving when she was 15. This is the hard thing about being 18 though. You think you are grown up, you want independence, but when presented with an opportunity to shed some light on the past, Quinn makes a decision that’s meant to protect, but instead it hurts. One of the biggest differences between being a child and being an adult is being able to understand not everything is black and white. As Quinn tries to follow the rules her parents have laid out for her, she can’t fight what she feels towards Roman. Hurting him is for his own protection, even if it breaks her heart in the process.

Roman is hurt, embarrassed, and wants revenge. He’s hurt, so he wants Quinn to hurt. He’s been labeled the “bad boy” yet he has a soft side, a good heart. He is misunderstood. He thought he had something special with Quinn, in fact he still feels it, but how could she say to him what she said? As he is trying to hurt her, his feelings for her become too big to want to hurt her any longer. How does he make this right?

Becca wrote a coming of age story that I devoured. I loved the development of both Quinn and Roman throughout the story and how they each grew into the person they wanted to be. Not only for each other, but for themselves. I did not see the plot twist coming, but it was a good one. Not only did she write MCs that stole my heart, but her side characters are present enough that you know they are getting their own stories. This book is beautiful, intriguing, and hooked me!

As always review trigger warnings before reading.

Tropes:
🖤 Good Girl/Bad Boy
🖤Academy Romance
🖤Second chance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Sport Romance

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides his two best friends, no one has really understood Roman. Roman the troublemaker who is always one step away from being expelled. But then he meets Quinn. And they form a friendship and understanding. And when they finally admit they have feelings for one another and promise that after the summer when they are reunited for the next school year, they’ll be together. But then Quinn disappears. No contact. Nothing. And she doesn’t come back to school. For three years. Now Quinn is back and Roman wants answers. But getting those answers will be a lot harder than he thought. But what he does know? That his feelings for Quinn are still there and she feels them too. And despite the hot and cold between them and the anger and misunderstandings? He knows that she is his and he is hers. Quinn was taken away from Hatherley Hall when her parents blamed her grades and rebellious acts on Roman and others from the school. But now they’ve given her a chance to come back. But the main rule? Stay away from Roman. Or else they’ll do everything in their power to see him gone from Hatherley Hall for good. So she’ll steel her heart and do what she must to protect him and stay away. Easier said than done. And it’s only a matter of time when the truth is revealed and these two will have some choices to make about their future. But if that isn’t enough? Someone has it out for them. Can they find out who it is before something happens that neither have the power to fix? Loved being back at Hatherley Hall! We have such a great cast of characters here and I of course just love the Greek myth mixed in here. It’s such a fun combo. And I loved Quinn and Roman! It’s so clear these two are meant to be but they have a lot to overcome if they have any chance of being together. Another great story! And I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Roman and Quinn. These two met when she was in school at Hatherley Hall. These two hit if off right away and had their own special spot. Until Quinn left school for summer and never returned. Nor did he ever hear from her again. In his mind she ghosted him. Now she is back and the time has come for the troublemaker that Roman is to get his revenge. He just never accounted for the way he feels about Quinn. Quinn is very closed off and tells him all the time that he can't speak to her, that she can't stand him. There are reasons that you will discover as you read the book. But, when mysterious things begin happening to both of them, can their core group pull together and figure out what is going on. Will Roman and Quinn be able to get about what they once had? You have to read to find that out. I loved these two. Quinn is really smart, a hard worker and she tires her best to be the daughter her parents want her to be, even when she doesn't want to. She is just a girl that you know you would want to be one of your friends. She is kind to everyone and never says a bad thing about them. Roman is a guy who isn't afraid to pull off a good prank. Even if it lands him in some seriously hot water. He is a guy that has absent parents and he feels at times like no one really cares except for his very best friends who are now his family. He's smart and funny and when he cares about something he does it with his whole heart. This was a fun book to read and has a little bit of a who done it that I didn't figure out till I read who it is. That's always fun to be surprised.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Waters( Gods Of Hatherely Hall Book 2 ) what an emotional rollercoaster that just sucks you right in from the very first page and does not let go . I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Romans story well now it’s here and it delivers in spades . Quinn and Romans story starts when they were 15 years old . Both attend the same school Hatherly Hall . Roman is Known as the bad boy on campus and Quinn the good girl . Both come from completely different worlds yet there is an undeniable pull between them . Very quickly an unplanned friendship develops between them and just as fast it disappears when circumstances lead to Quinn’s disappears. Roman is left heartbroken, angry and with so many questions. What happened to Quinn ? Fast forward many years later and Quinn has now returned home. . It looks like Roman’s about to get the surprise of his life . But can he forgive her and what does their future hold ? The intrigue, the suspense, the secrets, the betrayal, the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the love , the passion, the drama , the angst , the witty banter, the humor , the second chances, the family and friendships. All I can say without giving. Anything away is prepare yourself for all the feels , prepare yourself for the unexpected, prepare yourself to be completely blown away in all the best ways . I mean there were moments while reading I found myself utterly speechless, moments I actually started screaming outta pure frustration, moments I smile , laughed out loud sobbed like a baby and rooted so freaking hard . What never wavered was how hooked and invested I became from the very first page and the connection I felt to both Roman and Quinn’s characters . I just freaking adored every single second of their love story more then words can say 💜💜💜

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙 𝚆𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚆𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 💙
𝚋𝚢 @authorbeccasteele

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.25/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

↓↓
Roman and Quinn both attend Hatherley Hall, Roman seen as the bad boy and Quinn the Elite and a goody good. At 15, the slowly begin to share secret moments and got to know the real person behind the facade until one day Quinn disappeared and completely ghosted Roman. Now years later she is back at Hatherley Hall and Roman is set out to make her hate life for how she left him. Only thing is, nothing is as it seems and they can't stay away from each other, no matter the consequences.

Things were happening to both of them and they had to determine who they could trust and who was behind everything. I could not put this down because I just had to know what was going on and the reasoning for it. I had some suspicions but I just had to keep reading to find out if I was right or not. PLOT TWIST, I was NOT right,

The tension between these two was insane. They tried to stay away but the feelings were magnetic and they ended right back together again. I loved seeing Knox and Elena and some of the side characters. I love this series so far and can't wait for the next book!

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
💙Academy Romance
💙Second chance 
💙 Enemies to lovers
💙 Sport Romance

🏷️
#MF #EnemiesToLovers #AcademyRomance #GodsofHatherleyHall #WickedWaters #beccasteele #enemiestoloversromance #secondchanceromances #mfromancereads #WordsmithPublicity #summerreads #booktropes #smutbooks #romancereader #arcreaders #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #momswhoread #spicyromance #bibliophile #bookworm #kindleunlimited #romancebooks #ReadNow

[Michaella · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review- Wicked Waters by Becca Steele

4⭐️ rating and 3🌶️ level

I enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this author and eventhough it’s a book 2 stand alone and I definitely will go back to read book 1. I am also very excited to read book 3 when it comes out. She has a way of writing her chapters that really draw you in to keep reading.

TROPES

💙M/F standalone
💙Academia
💙Enemies to lovers
💙Second chance
💙Sports

QUINN— She is one of the good girls in school. She had good grades and she always obeyed her parents. As time went on she wanted to take time on the wild side which ended in meeting a boy she never knew she would enjoy talking to. As time goes she had a lot happen to her and when she came back even more happened.


ROMAN— He was a troubled kid. When he saw her he was intrigued but he also was quiet. As they got closer he let her in his world. However as time went on he went through so things and didn’t have what he wanted. Years later he was still troubled but then he also became one of the most wanted. He never stopped wanting her though and when he saw her he knew.


There are so many twists to the plot that you have no idea where it will all lead. First you think one thing and as it goes you think something else and have different emotions forwards the characters through the book. They are the gods and goddesses of Hartherley Hall but will they get everything they want and the one they want or will they have to lose it all. How much can money and power influence others to let them rule as they please.

[Isel4books · Rating 4 out of 5]

VOTO 4 Stelle e mezzo

Ho amato Cruel Crypts e avevo alte aspettative per il romanzo di Roman e Quinn.
Già nel primo volume quel ritorno annunciato faceva fremere dalla curiosità.
Un altro romanzo unico: se il prologo invitava a una lettura tenebrosa e cupa, già dal primo capitolo si intuiva lo schema del precedente.
Due personaggi spettacolari, uniti da un sentimento profondo contro cui molti remano contro, alle volte anche gli stessi amici di Roman.
Anche Roman parte come cupo bad boy, nero come gli abissi del lago in cui ama nuotare, ma durante le interazioni con Quinn, gli amici e i cugini si accenna alla sua soliudine che si nasconde dietro al buoi, per dare agli altri proprio quello che pensano di lui. Ma Quinn ha visto la sua aurea, l'ha già amata ed è qualcosa da cui non può scappare, anche se è quello che dovrebbe fare per rispondere alle aspettative che hanno su di lei. Quella di brava ragazza, di super figlia e mega studentessa: in sintesi una DEA.
Anche qui si ritrovano scene toccanti, che regalano sorrisi e che fanno venire il magone, per quello che si vorrebbe, ma non sembra possa esserci, per questi due ragazzi che vorrebbero amarsi, ma contro cui lottano tutti per tenerli separati.
Non manca lo spicy che fa da contraltare alla tenerezza e alla dolcezza del legame fra i due protagonisti.
Una lettura che consiglio, non lasciatevi impressionare dalle tinte un po' dark, perchè scivola pagina dopo pagina, e soprattutto perchè non è solo il trionfo dell'Amore ma del bene sul male.
Hasta la vista

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, especially when it comes back with the bite of enemies to lovers sprinkled in. Wicked Waters combined the best of angsty love moments with red hot burning need. It was everything I could have hoped for.

Roman Cavendish, yes...that's right a Cavendish book 😍🥵 and he's a bad boy who's troubled and seeking attention in the wrong ways 🥺 He's gotten expelled from school after school, until one person looks beyond his troubled past. Hatherley Hall is his last hope and he's not all that mad about it, especially when he meets Quinn Farlow. She sees Roman for who he really is, but just as he lets his defenses down she moves away and ghosts him. So much for trust. He doesn't plan on doing that again.

A few years later Quinn returns to Hatherley Hall, but it's not quite the same as when she left. Roman isn't the same outcast, he's now an elite, a god, someone she needs to stay away from at all costs. The sake of both of their futures rely on it.

The push-the pull-the reasons behind it all...this was another completely engaging book from The Gods of Hatherley Hall that I literally couldn't stop reading from the moment I picked it up. I was intrigued and shocked by the twists and totally enamored by the second chance love story.

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman Cavendish (insert sigh). I have been waiting to read his story since first encountering him in ‘The Four’ series, which included his cousins, Caiden, and Weston. He is a trouble-seeking/finding bad boy, who is on the verge of being kicked out of yet another boarding school. He has two good friends at Hatherly Hall, Tristan and Knox and they make up the gods.

Quinn Farrow is an only child who feels the pressure to perform well in all aspects of academics and life. When we first meet her, she is running away from the pressure put upon her and meets Roman. From this point on she feels that she has found someone who sees her for who she is and Roman feels the same. Quinn’s parents have eyes on her at school and when she starts to slip a little academically her parents pull her from Hatherly Hall only to re-enroll her when circumstances have changed for her father. However, this is not necessarily a warm welcome from all. She is warned that she needs to stay away from Roman and if she does not stay away or starts to slip in her academics, there will be consequences for her and Roman.

Becca is an expert when it comes to a second chance, push-pull, enemies-to-lovers books, and Wicked Waters is no different. The world that she has created is vivid and her characters are strong. I immensely adored Roman and Quinn’s story, so now the only god left is Tristan! 😉

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Waters by Becca Steele was a chef's kiss to a boarding school/high school bully romances. This book is the second in the Gods of Hatherley Hall series and can be read as a standalone. Becca Steele has created a captivating original story that is page-turning. This book is filled with suspense, drama, mystery, angst, and, of course, the scorching hot spice. The characters are complex and have a past filled with heartbreak and hurt. Their chemistry was undeniable and intense. I loved the mystery in this book; it kept me on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what would happen next to the main characters. There were exciting twists and turns that I did not expect. It made the story that much more interesting and surprising.

Quin led a somewhat sheltered life with overbearing parents. I loved her defiance and determination to break free. I think a lot of people underestimated her, especially her parents. Roman was intense, stubborn, and one of the gods of Hatherley Hall. He was a jock and always got what he wanted. I enjoyed their push and pull and the angst they put each other through in this book. Their love was epic and undeniable. Their chemistry was explosive and their feelings were forbidden, and I loved the devotion they had for each other even in the darkest moments.

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance, enemy to lovers story that left me wanting more!

Roman and Quinn at one point were friends but circumstances drift them apart. Now Quinn is back at Hatherley Hall trying to finish her last year of school and trying to stay away from Roman who is determined to show her what happens when you made an enemy out of him.

Roman is consider a bad boy. His bad reputation is well known and when he taught he had a friend in Quinn she ghosted him with no explanation making feel once again ignore and no worthy. Now he is one of the Gods of Hatherley Hall along with his two best friends Knox and Tristan and he will make sure make Quinn's life miserable.

The pull, the attraction and the chemistry between Roman and Quinn is too strong and when they tried to stay apart they can't. After learning the reasons why Quinn, left Roman becomes a total different person but their relationship is something not approved and with strange things happening around them, they need to act very carefully.

Now the plot twist was incredible, Becca Steele had me guessing until the very end and I just loved it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Only.ever.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
🖤Wicked Waters🖤
Gods of Hatherley Hall #2

By Becca Steele

⭐ 5/5 ❤️ 5/5 🌶 4/5

✨️ Second Chance Romance
✨️ Boarding School Romance
✨️ Friends to enemies to lovers

Roman
Bad Boy, on the verge of getting expelled, hurt by Quinn

Quinn
Good Girl, torn by her feelings and the consequences

Roman and Quinn are so special

This is the second book in the Gods of Heatherly Hall series and it only keeps getting better and better.
This story follows Roman and Quinn. Roman is acting out with pranks and more. It is his way of getting attention and compensating his feelings.
Abandonment by his parents, his uncle always gets him out of trouble but Roman seems to miss something in his life.
Quinn once was part of the school, but pressure and being young had her being on a rebel streak. Where she got close to Roman and they became friends. On the edge of becoming more she vanished and ghosted him.
Now three years later she is back. But there are rules and consequences if she breaks those rules. So she has to stay away from trouble and especially Roman.
But Roman doesen’t understand her behavior towards him and so leashes out at her. He makes things difficult for her and at the highest point something doesn't seem right. Someone else out there messes things up for both of them. What ultimately brings them closer. Only for bringing more trouble to them.
And suddenly friends, family and Roman and Quinn have to find out who has it out for them and wants them apart too. Quinn has to fight for the boy she loves, against an unknown enemy and for her future and happiness.