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Pretty Ugly Girl
The Quarterback
I had it all planned out until that night with her.
She’s my secret obsession, an escape I desperately need.
I want to use her, discard her, forget her entirely.
But I’m insatiable, ready to devour her every chance I get.
Yet now, I feel her drifting away, each pull more devastating.
The Underdog
I loathe my reflection, yearning to be beautiful like the others.
Then one night, alone at work, my bully emerged, cruel and unmatched.
Despite his harshness, my longing for him consumes me.
Just when I thought I couldn’t fall further, my world shatters with an impossible choice.
But how can I deny the man I love most, even if we’re not meant to be?
This is a dark romance. Please review trigger warnings prior to reading.
I had it all planned out until that night with her.
She’s my secret obsession, an escape I desperately need.
I want to use her, discard her, forget her entirely.
But I’m insatiable, ready to devour her every chance I get.
Yet now, I feel her drifting away, each pull more devastating.
The Underdog
I loathe my reflection, yearning to be beautiful like the others.
Then one night, alone at work, my bully emerged, cruel and unmatched.
Despite his harshness, my longing for him consumes me.
Just when I thought I couldn’t fall further, my world shatters with an impossible choice.
But how can I deny the man I love most, even if we’re not meant to be?
This is a dark romance. Please review trigger warnings prior to reading.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
191 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Endley Tyler
10 books52 followersEndley Tyler writes twisted, boundary-pushing dark romance for readers who crave jealous alphas, emotionally wrecked heroines, and the kind of love that scars.
Expect morally gray men, high heat, and power struggles disguised as passion. Her stories are intense, fast-paced, and often leave readers breathless, ruined, and begging for more.
If you like your books dark, steamy, and dripping with obsession — you’re in the right place.
Expect morally gray men, high heat, and power struggles disguised as passion. Her stories are intense, fast-paced, and often leave readers breathless, ruined, and begging for more.
If you like your books dark, steamy, and dripping with obsession — you’re in the right place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
dnf
October 18, 2024Dnf 28% mmc got off on another female character being r@ped. 💀 Hell to the no.
August 20, 2024
RTC! Could not put this down!!
This was an all-nighter. Thank you Valentina for your review, read the sample, and got it!
I really quite enjoyed this story. Libby also known as Lip is a doormat. I know, I know. Doormat heroines. But I find them extremely compelling characters when they have an obsession with the hero. They have these thoughts that are just !!! to read.
Lip has similar vibes to Lizzie from Brenda Joyce's The Masquerade: They both have hero worship to the point where being propositioned by their crush as just another notch on his belt is taken as the most romantic thing. It makes me laugh because Lip (and Lizzie) doesn’t come off as desperate or pick-me. They are so elated and happy that they become almost confident, leaving aside their low self-worth for a moment or two...
This book could be funny at times. Libby's dad walking in on her made me laugh out loud. And there were moments of humour in dramatic scenes that just worked for me, such as with Rylan, Chris, and Libby. Rylan coming back with a trash can was meant to be intense but it was humourous in a Kate Raven sort of way. Also the running gag where Rylan is not good at sex was a fun subversion, a foil to most modern heroes who are perfect sex gods (or perhaps a throwback to the old school heroes where it was not uncommon for them to be bad at sex with women).
But most of the book was angst. I felt so much for Libby’s hero worship for Rylan. Her pure happiness to be with him to eventually wanting someone who will love her more than a side piece. Mmhmm give me all of this. Meanwhile, Rylan’s transformation from garden-variety sexist and sex-occupied football jock to a dude who loves, cares for, and stands up for Libby was absolutely irresistible.
There are some little typos like “mind” but it’s meant to say “might.” And “ruffie” for “roofie.”
Good news: the author mentioned they have a dark hockey romance for late August release… I can’t wait!
This was an all-nighter. Thank you Valentina for your review, read the sample, and got it!
I really quite enjoyed this story. Libby also known as Lip is a doormat. I know, I know. Doormat heroines. But I find them extremely compelling characters when they have an obsession with the hero. They have these thoughts that are just !!! to read.
Lip has similar vibes to Lizzie from Brenda Joyce's The Masquerade: They both have hero worship to the point where being propositioned by their crush as just another notch on his belt is taken as the most romantic thing. It makes me laugh because Lip (and Lizzie) doesn’t come off as desperate or pick-me. They are so elated and happy that they become almost confident, leaving aside their low self-worth for a moment or two...
This book could be funny at times. Libby's dad walking in on her made me laugh out loud. And there were moments of humour in dramatic scenes that just worked for me, such as with Rylan, Chris, and Libby. Rylan coming back with a trash can was meant to be intense but it was humourous in a Kate Raven sort of way. Also the running gag where Rylan is not good at sex was a fun subversion, a foil to most modern heroes who are perfect sex gods (or perhaps a throwback to the old school heroes where it was not uncommon for them to be bad at sex with women).
But most of the book was angst. I felt so much for Libby’s hero worship for Rylan. Her pure happiness to be with him to eventually wanting someone who will love her more than a side piece. Mmhmm give me all of this. Meanwhile, Rylan’s transformation from garden-variety sexist and sex-occupied football jock to a dude who loves, cares for, and stands up for Libby was absolutely irresistible.
There are some little typos like “mind” but it’s meant to say “might.” And “ruffie” for “roofie.”
Good news: the author mentioned they have a dark hockey romance for late August release… I can’t wait!
January 3, 2025
I pull an all nighter to read this because I just couldn’t put it down. I was completely pulled in by the story the characters and their relationship.
I’m amazed that it was the author’s first time experimenting with the classic (V heroine)good girl/bad boy trope with a twist. She should definitely write more since everyone I know pretty much devoured this book.
Can’t wait to read more from her next book!
I’m amazed that it was the author’s first time experimenting with the classic (V heroine)good girl/bad boy trope with a twist. She should definitely write more since everyone I know pretty much devoured this book.
Can’t wait to read more from her next book!
June 30, 2024
Libby "Lip" and Rylan
Libby has been enamored with Rylan since childhood, and when she has the opportunity to fulfill her dreams of being with him, she takes it. What starts for Rylan as a selfish indulgence soon turns into feelings of ownership, possessiveness, and love. This story recounts their angst-filled journey of romance for the deemed ugly girl who is beautiful inside and star quarterback.
There is manipulative other woman drama, flirty other man drama, and Rylan's flaws canvased against Libby's giving spirit that makes this story so bittersweet, sorrowful that one wonders if the two main characters will get their HEA in a very anxiety-filled denouement. Lots of push and pull, from the hero, this book kept me both wanting to throw my e-reader at the the quasi-miscommunication trope and controlling other woman. If you're looking for a vengeful, unbalanced other woman, look no further than Rylan's girlfriend.
I loved Libby: so sweet, so altruistic, and the relationship she had with her supportive father. This girl was strong even as she was bullied, picked on for looks. Her only desire was to not make others feel uncomfortable and be able to spend time with the man she always loved.
Rylan was the star among his teammates, good looking with a popular girl and a future paved in success. He was also a bully and jerk to Libby while secretly coming around to be interested in her to the extent he didn't want to share. He claimed her, making her vow to only be his. It took a bit for the initially caustic Rylan to see that inner beauty reflects a true outer beauty, and once he realized that, it was fun to read his jealousy over his perception of her appeal to other guys. Classic "his dirty little secret" trope.
Great progressive plot, not the longest of stories but just the right length for great character and story development; even side characters held interest. Rylan's girlfriend was one of the more manipulative and bitchy other women I've read in a while. Talk about having someone by the balls. And it didn't help that Rylan was a flawed character, yet still good enough, that I wanted and rooted for his and Libby’s happiness.
Those who like a bit of groveling redemption, you find it here. It was done well, not over the top, and this coming from someone who typically doesn't like it. Rylan simply adored Libby, realizing his happiness was caused by being with her.
Spice level was great (4/5 🌶️ ), and a nice twist of plot and a hero who wasn't exactly the most skilled in the bedroom — at least at first. Learn how he turns that around in this book and about his kink with the added amazing twist to the storyline.
If there was something I would have liked to have seen was Libby standing up at least once to those who abused her, had it out for her. She was just endearing sweet and willing to promote and protect Rylan at her loss. And that is where the lack of communication came into play -- although I'll admit it was true to her character and didn't feel contrived.
Once I arrived to the end of the book, I felt free, moved, and happy in their finally being able to be together, but with all that had happened, I would have asked for a longer epilogue. I missed more closure. Overall, great read and different from the norm.
Libby has been enamored with Rylan since childhood, and when she has the opportunity to fulfill her dreams of being with him, she takes it. What starts for Rylan as a selfish indulgence soon turns into feelings of ownership, possessiveness, and love. This story recounts their angst-filled journey of romance for the deemed ugly girl who is beautiful inside and star quarterback.
There is manipulative other woman drama, flirty other man drama, and Rylan's flaws canvased against Libby's giving spirit that makes this story so bittersweet, sorrowful that one wonders if the two main characters will get their HEA in a very anxiety-filled denouement. Lots of push and pull, from the hero, this book kept me both wanting to throw my e-reader at the the quasi-miscommunication trope and controlling other woman. If you're looking for a vengeful, unbalanced other woman, look no further than Rylan's girlfriend.
I loved Libby: so sweet, so altruistic, and the relationship she had with her supportive father. This girl was strong even as she was bullied, picked on for looks. Her only desire was to not make others feel uncomfortable and be able to spend time with the man she always loved.
Rylan was the star among his teammates, good looking with a popular girl and a future paved in success. He was also a bully and jerk to Libby while secretly coming around to be interested in her to the extent he didn't want to share. He claimed her, making her vow to only be his. It took a bit for the initially caustic Rylan to see that inner beauty reflects a true outer beauty, and once he realized that, it was fun to read his jealousy over his perception of her appeal to other guys. Classic "his dirty little secret" trope.
Great progressive plot, not the longest of stories but just the right length for great character and story development; even side characters held interest. Rylan's girlfriend was one of the more manipulative and bitchy other women I've read in a while. Talk about having someone by the balls. And it didn't help that Rylan was a flawed character, yet still good enough, that I wanted and rooted for his and Libby’s happiness.
Those who like a bit of groveling redemption, you find it here. It was done well, not over the top, and this coming from someone who typically doesn't like it. Rylan simply adored Libby, realizing his happiness was caused by being with her.
Spice level was great (4/5 🌶️ ), and a nice twist of plot and a hero who wasn't exactly the most skilled in the bedroom — at least at first. Learn how he turns that around in this book and about his kink with the added amazing twist to the storyline.
If there was something I would have liked to have seen was Libby standing up at least once to those who abused her, had it out for her. She was just endearing sweet and willing to promote and protect Rylan at her loss. And that is where the lack of communication came into play -- although I'll admit it was true to her character and didn't feel contrived.
Once I arrived to the end of the book, I felt free, moved, and happy in their finally being able to be together, but with all that had happened, I would have asked for a longer epilogue. I missed more closure. Overall, great read and different from the norm.
November 8, 2024
I'm convinced that the author hates women cause this book is one of the most misogynistic books I've ever read
Rylan (MMC)
This man deserves hell. Tbh, it's better if he just died at the end cause istg he pisses me off since the very first page. He cheated on his gf because she didn't want to have sex with him, and there was one scene where he got turned on seeing another girl getting r*ped. In fact, he even r*ped the fmc in the last few chapters of the book. He's an insecure loser that I won't even be surprised if he ends up being a trump1e irl
Libby (FMC)
This girl is just pathetic. Like girl, have some backbone. When Rylan offered her a $50 in exchange for sex, she immediately said yes knowing that he has a gf. No wonder she is called a prostitute multiple times in the book. The number of times Rylan insulted this woman is just ridiculous. He kept calling her ugly and a wh*re due to his insecurity while claiming that he loved her. Even after he insulted her many times, she still wanted him. Like girl stop embarrassing yourself and leave that man
I have read tons of dark bully romance, but this one is just the worst thing I have ever read. This book belongs to the trash. Both characters are a mess and they definitely deserve each other (not in a good way).
Rylan (MMC)
This man deserves hell. Tbh, it's better if he just died at the end cause istg he pisses me off since the very first page. He cheated on his gf because she didn't want to have sex with him, and there was one scene where he got turned on seeing another girl getting r*ped. In fact, he even r*ped the fmc in the last few chapters of the book. He's an insecure loser that I won't even be surprised if he ends up being a trump1e irl
Libby (FMC)
This girl is just pathetic. Like girl, have some backbone. When Rylan offered her a $50 in exchange for sex, she immediately said yes knowing that he has a gf. No wonder she is called a prostitute multiple times in the book. The number of times Rylan insulted this woman is just ridiculous. He kept calling her ugly and a wh*re due to his insecurity while claiming that he loved her. Even after he insulted her many times, she still wanted him. Like girl stop embarrassing yourself and leave that man
I have read tons of dark bully romance, but this one is just the worst thing I have ever read. This book belongs to the trash. Both characters are a mess and they definitely deserve each other (not in a good way).
September 6, 2024
3.5 stars.
Warning, this review is just a long rant written after pulling an all nighter to finish this book. The lack of sleep may or may not have had any influence lol.
Damn! I have so many different feelings. I hated this book yet loved it at the same time. I’ll be honest, I was thoroughly invested from start to finish. The drama and angst was intense yet incredibly addictive; I wasn’t able to put it down at all. I read this in one sitting, which automatically is a win for me. The characters had chemistry and I ate up their toxicity. It was so good!
I really felt for Libby, the girl has been through so much: Losing her mother, her dad’s dementia, battling insecurity, and enduring all the cruel comments that chip away at her self-esteem. I understand why she clinges onto the smallest scrap of attention and love shown her way. It saddens me that she’s willing to take the bare minimum because she thinks that’s all what she’s worth. But there’s a limit to how much tragedy a character, it was WAY TOO prolonged. She deserved a break, but no even in their breakup she had to be the fucking bad person. I HATED the miscommunication but I rejoiced at Rylan’s misery like no other at the same time lol. It was so satisfying to see him moping around in misery 🤌🏻.
But I got more and more frustrated as I neared the end, I don’t need Libby to suddenly grow a backbone and go on a rampage , but I did want to see her recognize her own worth and stop settling for the bare minimum. Maybe unrealistic but I am enraged on her behalf that she let all those assholes who only accepted her after she became “beautiful” by society’s standard back into her life. At that point, it felt like torture Libby and the reader. My heart breaks for that girl. Tragic life of Libby or torture Libby would’ve been a fitting title for this book.
At this point, I don’t know if I am mad at the characters (I definitely am) the author, myself or the fucking society that ruins people’s self esteem.
A few things I’d like to add: I wish we had more background information on the characters. We never learn their ages or what they studied in college. I would have loved to know more about Libby’s hobbies or interests or just something about them. For some reason, I just didn’t feel like I got to know both the characters on a personal level. The writing has room for improvement but it wasn’t bad or distracting.
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. It’s a short and straightforward story but stirred a lot of emotions in me. It was a frustrating read but I still really liked it. Unrealistic as it is, I just wish Libby punched and cussed those assholes to their face.
Warning, this review is just a long rant written after pulling an all nighter to finish this book. The lack of sleep may or may not have had any influence lol.
Damn! I have so many different feelings. I hated this book yet loved it at the same time. I’ll be honest, I was thoroughly invested from start to finish. The drama and angst was intense yet incredibly addictive; I wasn’t able to put it down at all. I read this in one sitting, which automatically is a win for me. The characters had chemistry and I ate up their toxicity. It was so good!
I really felt for Libby, the girl has been through so much: Losing her mother, her dad’s dementia, battling insecurity, and enduring all the cruel comments that chip away at her self-esteem. I understand why she clinges onto the smallest scrap of attention and love shown her way. It saddens me that she’s willing to take the bare minimum because she thinks that’s all what she’s worth. But there’s a limit to how much tragedy a character, it was WAY TOO prolonged. She deserved a break, but no even in their breakup she had to be the fucking bad person. I HATED the miscommunication but I rejoiced at Rylan’s misery like no other at the same time lol. It was so satisfying to see him moping around in misery 🤌🏻.
But I got more and more frustrated as I neared the end, I don’t need Libby to suddenly grow a backbone and go on a rampage , but I did want to see her recognize her own worth and stop settling for the bare minimum. Maybe unrealistic but I am enraged on her behalf that she let all those assholes who only accepted her after she became “beautiful” by society’s standard back into her life. At that point, it felt like torture Libby and the reader. My heart breaks for that girl. Tragic life of Libby or torture Libby would’ve been a fitting title for this book.
At this point, I don’t know if I am mad at the characters (I definitely am) the author, myself or the fucking society that ruins people’s self esteem.
A few things I’d like to add: I wish we had more background information on the characters. We never learn their ages or what they studied in college. I would have loved to know more about Libby’s hobbies or interests or just something about them. For some reason, I just didn’t feel like I got to know both the characters on a personal level. The writing has room for improvement but it wasn’t bad or distracting.
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. It’s a short and straightforward story but stirred a lot of emotions in me. It was a frustrating read but I still really liked it. Unrealistic as it is, I just wish Libby punched and cussed those assholes to their face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
I truly wish I would suffer a TBI just to be able to forget this book. The MMC decides to offer $50 to sleep with the “ugly” FMC that he’s bullied for years. $50! And the pathetic desperate loser accepts and says the entire time she believes he is “making love to her” even while he is telling her to turn her head around so he doesn’t look at her ugly face while they do it. She also describes his dick as a “thingy”
September 17, 2025
★. what the fuck was this😭😭😭😭😭 regardless of his bullying, HE RAPES HER AND she forgives him because he wrote one LETTER😭😭😭😭 GET REAL
April 17, 2025
this is one of the worst books i’ve ever read literally what was the point of this i honestly don’t think this should be classified as a romance novel at no point was there something actually romantic going on unless you count the random “ i love you”s and sex. this girl need to learn some serious self respect because she’s the biggest doormat fmc that i’ve ever read about (and i’ve read a lot of rina kent and sam marino books) he’s just a guy HIT HIM WITH UR CAR!
August 22, 2024
I desperately wanted to like this book. I enjoy a good bully romance from time to time, and I’m used to the MMC being mean. Rylan…Rylan was immature and manipulative until the end. Libby (FMC) was born with a cleft lip. They call her Lip because of her cleft lip, it’s not a term of endearment but he calls her that till the end of the book. Anyway, Libby is constantly bullied by Rylan and the people around him. He thinks she’s a hooker and wants to pay for sex and she goes along with it because she’s so lonely. I get that she’s never experienced certain milestones and wants to achieve them, but his approach was so ew I wouldn’t fuck him lol. Back to the story, I feel like Rylan never truly learned. He didn’t want her to get the cleft lip surgery because other men would notice her. He didn’t want her to realize she has other options outside of him because he’s insecure. The way he would rip her apart with his words when she broke up with him was crazy. He even punched a hole in the wall, it’s giving high school. And idk this is just a personal opinion but I would have liked if she kept her Cleft lip. She wasn’t seen as beautiful or even as a person until she got the surgery. Now she’s partying and mingling with the men and women who shitted on her for years. I thought this was a book about accepting deformities and people who are different. Except she conformed to societal standards in the end. I liked the idea of love being love no matter the looks, but she was a whole new woman in the end. It just kinda felt like the trope they give bigger women in media. Where she has to lose weight to find love and acceptance. It would have been so cool if she said fuck all of them and learned to love herself, maybe even put the mask down. That isn’t what happened though. And for most of when they were dating openly HE STILL DIDNT KISS HER. It wasn’t until she was leaving him did he decide to give in and kiss her. It’s the same way his girlfriend decided to suck his dick thinking it would keep him, even thought that idea repulsed her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
This was horrible. All the positive reviews? Liessss.
The MC treated her so bad it’s not even funny, it thought the will be a moment when he will regret what he did but no.
He is terrible only “loved” his girlfriend because she is hot, he was bad at everything and refused to change that about himself instead he would lash at her.
He literally wanted her to not have the surgery and keep suffering just for his own selfish reasons when he himself humiliates her.
The MC treated her so bad it’s not even funny, it thought the will be a moment when he will regret what he did but no.
He is terrible only “loved” his girlfriend because she is hot, he was bad at everything and refused to change that about himself instead he would lash at her.
He literally wanted her to not have the surgery and keep suffering just for his own selfish reasons when he himself humiliates her.
July 28, 2024
Is Rylan redeemable?
Libby has always had a crush on Rylan, but all he ever did was make fun of her and bully her. Libby never felt pretty, being born with a cleft palate always had her hiding her mouth when others were around. What do you think happens when to a girl when her crush finally pays her some intimate attention? So soaks it all up even if he's still cruel to her. Can Rylan be redeemed after all the terrible things he's said and done to Libby?
Libby has always had a crush on Rylan, but all he ever did was make fun of her and bully her. Libby never felt pretty, being born with a cleft palate always had her hiding her mouth when others were around. What do you think happens when to a girl when her crush finally pays her some intimate attention? So soaks it all up even if he's still cruel to her. Can Rylan be redeemed after all the terrible things he's said and done to Libby?
June 28, 2024
What a Rollercoaster!!
I don't think I've ever despised a character so much yet loved him at the same time. Rylan was oh so flawed, a far cry from the typical "can do no wrong/s£x god" bully mmc as we always see in other College bully dark romance novels. He is more mentally abusive/unstable with Lip than I've read before, which really never ended so I couldn't help but laugh throughout the last 1/4th of the book when he was still a hot then cold douche and she kept taking him back.
This may be a controversial opinion, but I really liked that the FMC had a birth defect (cleft lip) and how the book provided endless instances of the bullying she faced because of it. I think it's important to remember that it's unrealistic for people with a birth defect to not 100% accept themselves for their appearance, and it's the bullies who are in the wrong. The author isn't trying to say that an adult with a cleft lip isn't beautiful. It's the criticism the main character couldn't deal with anymore, which is 100% natural.
I would love to see more stories about MCs who struggle with their appearances/birth defects outside of weight/plain jane insecurities. This was giving Hunchback of Notre Dame vibes, and I loved it.
I don't think I've ever despised a character so much yet loved him at the same time. Rylan was oh so flawed, a far cry from the typical "can do no wrong/s£x god" bully mmc as we always see in other College bully dark romance novels. He is more mentally abusive/unstable with Lip than I've read before, which really never ended so I couldn't help but laugh throughout the last 1/4th of the book when he was still a hot then cold douche and she kept taking him back.
This may be a controversial opinion, but I really liked that the FMC had a birth defect (cleft lip) and how the book provided endless instances of the bullying she faced because of it. I think it's important to remember that it's unrealistic for people with a birth defect to not 100% accept themselves for their appearance, and it's the bullies who are in the wrong. The author isn't trying to say that an adult with a cleft lip isn't beautiful. It's the criticism the main character couldn't deal with anymore, which is 100% natural.
I would love to see more stories about MCs who struggle with their appearances/birth defects outside of weight/plain jane insecurities. This was giving Hunchback of Notre Dame vibes, and I loved it.
July 27, 2025
I loved this depraved little book. I couldn’t put it down. Libby was such an insecure doormat because of her deformity which her parents selfishly chose not to fix. She gave up her life to help her father and he purposely left her with a deformity. It was heartbreaking!
Rylan was merciless. He said such horribly cruel things and tried to force Libby not to have corrective surgery even though she couldn’t had trouble eating, drinking, and not drowning while swimming. All because he wanted to keep her to himself. He was depraved as heck, but it sure was entertaining.
Everyone in the book was messed up. The ending was a hot mess with soap opera-level drama llama. I was here for all of it. Check the TW’s!
Rylan was merciless. He said such horribly cruel things and tried to force Libby not to have corrective surgery even though she couldn’t had trouble eating, drinking, and not drowning while swimming. All because he wanted to keep her to himself. He was depraved as heck, but it sure was entertaining.
Everyone in the book was messed up. The ending was a hot mess with soap opera-level drama llama. I was here for all of it. Check the TW’s!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
This is book is so bad a child could have written it on Wattpad 💀💀
August 22, 2024
3.5
The book has good bones, most of the time bully romances can be a bit repetitive but this plot I really enjoyed. I think there can be a bit of pull to the heart for the female main character because you can tell she just wants to be liked as a person, just like most of us. I think there can be a bit of a better progression towards the end, the way she pregnant kinda came out of nowhere and I think could have have a better written scene that I think could have better identified with the book. Although for a bully romance which are (my guilty pleasures) this book really did bring something fresh and new which is is a breath of fresh air and an actual bully romance. (and has really good writing!)
The book has good bones, most of the time bully romances can be a bit repetitive but this plot I really enjoyed. I think there can be a bit of pull to the heart for the female main character because you can tell she just wants to be liked as a person, just like most of us. I think there can be a bit of a better progression towards the end, the way she pregnant kinda came out of nowhere and I think could have have a better written scene that I think could have better identified with the book. Although for a bully romance which are (my guilty pleasures) this book really did bring something fresh and new which is is a breath of fresh air and an actual bully romance. (and has really good writing!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2024
In the beginning I thought about “Dnfing” it, mostly because of the characters, not only the girlfriend and his friends but the main male character was extremely rude and disrespectful to the main female character and in all honesty, I hated it until I noticed that if this were to happen in real life, it would probably go like that. Some things were unrealistic (realistic to few) and others were not. There’s things I liked and disliked like any other book but if you are interested in reading it, be sure u like and are used to dark romance and please read the authors note and be warned if you’re not used to it.
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March 25, 2025How does one rate a book that they hated reading, but read it to the very end? Cause I was invested, but I also wanted to put the book down for good constantly 😭
July 2, 2024
This story was a fun read. Had me laughing throughout, even though it’s a bully romance. The characters had some good one liners. Anyway on to the review. This story was really unique. Normally the girl is hot AF maybe just a little shy and the MMC just teases her a little. No this story is actually about a bully seriously hurting the FMC. Some of the scenes you could predict what would happen but when I tell you there were some twists and turns that I absolutely did not expect (I won’t say you’ll have to read it for yourself). I was like woah. Wait a minute, wait a dang minute!
The FMC Libby, my god gurrrrllll. I wanted to both hug and shake some sense into her. Babyyyyy don’t be doing all that for no man! Have some self respect. Are your standards really that low? The bar was under hell for her. Lord have mercy. I mean she was a loveable character and naive to the fullest. Bless her heart. My heart ached for her reading this story. Side note, f**k her dad (not literally) he did her dirty.
Rylan the MMC is really a bully. He is an absolute gutter rat! How you gonna love on my girl libby like that but then do her so dirty? Hmmm. Just because people were gonna talk and whisper behind ya back. That girl loves you! There were so many times I wanted to jump into the book and actually jump you with a bat! He did have some redeeming moments only to go back to being a grade A douchebag. A villain. But sometimes the villain gets the girl.
Overall, the characters were well written and not too complicated and the story was easy to follow. There were no jumping timelines or side characters that didn’t make sense to be there. I enjoyed this book.
Endley Taylor keep writing because I can’t wait to see what you publish next.
The FMC Libby, my god gurrrrllll. I wanted to both hug and shake some sense into her. Babyyyyy don’t be doing all that for no man! Have some self respect. Are your standards really that low? The bar was under hell for her. Lord have mercy. I mean she was a loveable character and naive to the fullest. Bless her heart. My heart ached for her reading this story. Side note, f**k her dad (not literally) he did her dirty.
Rylan the MMC is really a bully. He is an absolute gutter rat! How you gonna love on my girl libby like that but then do her so dirty? Hmmm. Just because people were gonna talk and whisper behind ya back. That girl loves you! There were so many times I wanted to jump into the book and actually jump you with a bat! He did have some redeeming moments only to go back to being a grade A douchebag. A villain. But sometimes the villain gets the girl.
Overall, the characters were well written and not too complicated and the story was easy to follow. There were no jumping timelines or side characters that didn’t make sense to be there. I enjoyed this book.
Endley Taylor keep writing because I can’t wait to see what you publish next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
I devoured this book
Jeez, what a story, lots of angst and excitement. I Thoroughly I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.
Some will say Libby(Lip) was weak, but really she was a gentle soul.
Some will say the book was a bit far fetched especially the ending but I loved it.
Some will say Rylon was an asshole for the way he treated Libby, but he was supposed to be the bully of the book that fell for the ugly girl.
All in all this was a brilliant debut book and the author will I’m sure take on any critique for her next book which I wholly will look forward too!!
Jeez, what a story, lots of angst and excitement. I Thoroughly I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.
Some will say Libby(Lip) was weak, but really she was a gentle soul.
Some will say the book was a bit far fetched especially the ending but I loved it.
Some will say Rylon was an asshole for the way he treated Libby, but he was supposed to be the bully of the book that fell for the ugly girl.
All in all this was a brilliant debut book and the author will I’m sure take on any critique for her next book which I wholly will look forward too!!
February 9, 2025
I pulled an all nighter to read this, (which seems to be a common occurrence with other readers 🙃😂) started at midnight went to 2pm I was completely pulled in by the story the characters and their relationship.
There were times that I wanted to physically shake both Libby and Rylan.
I wanted to give reach into the book and give Libby all the hugs she truely deserves, comparing to other certain characters that I personally wanted to slap across the face!
There were times that I wanted to physically shake both Libby and Rylan.
I wanted to give reach into the book and give Libby all the hugs she truely deserves, comparing to other certain characters that I personally wanted to slap across the face!
June 28, 2024
Libby and Rylan
Libby was known as lip because of her cleft palate an open split in the roof of her mouth, and also she had heterochromia a person with different colours eyes, one iris is different color the the other eye. She thinking she is ugly. And people call her lip. But she had a crush. Dylan comes what a jerk but a twist is coming out and drama will start. It dark ( Bullying) romance, and embrace the emotions as you read, but the end result is entertaining.
Libby was known as lip because of her cleft palate an open split in the roof of her mouth, and also she had heterochromia a person with different colours eyes, one iris is different color the the other eye. She thinking she is ugly. And people call her lip. But she had a crush. Dylan comes what a jerk but a twist is coming out and drama will start. It dark ( Bullying) romance, and embrace the emotions as you read, but the end result is entertaining.
May 20, 2025
dnf @ 20%
minus -0 stars, absolutely horrible.
minus -0 stars, absolutely horrible.
November 2, 2025
Waiting for Book bestie to finish so I can discuss before giving my review.
Read
March 28, 2025This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have quite a few thoughts, a lot of it positive. Firstly, this is EXACTLY what I wanted to read today, quite a fast-paced bully romance with a real bully, like my God Rylan was downright cruel and awful I cannot lie. This was also unexpected in many ways, good and bad, as I was expecting a simple cookie cutter bully romance but I was surprised. However the same things that I liked also had a downside let me explain.
Pro
- The story does not mess around you are just dumped right into the plot and it gets into it straight away which I loved!
Con
- Fast pace is good but you also don’t really understand shit some of the time, one example is for some reason they think Libby is a prostitute or a “lot lizard” but we have no idea what this is based on, her Dad owns the gas station and she works there why would she be turning tricks? Is she poor? Was this a rumour from high school? We have no idea. We also get a lot of unnecessary extra POVs like Chris and Kerry.
Pro
- Rylan was a real bully, the shit he said cut DEEP and I liked that
Con
- Rylan was also a straight up criminal weirdo, he rapes her, there’s a scene near the beginning where one of his “friends” is literally about to sexually assault her and he still hangs out with him, this friend also fucking drugs her and although he drops Chris into a coma for getting too friendly he does not touch rapist Garrett dude what the fuck? That does not make sense. Oh and he is also a drunk driver . . . twat.
Pro
- Libby was a great character, I have never read a romance with a character that has a deformity and I had to google cleft palate because I don’t think I have ever seen a cleft palate on a grown adult only babies in adverts, so I think this was really good representation. And generally I liked her, some scenes had me tearing up but on my period so leave me alone like her insecurity just made me so sad I wanted to give her a big hug in spite of her ridiculous willingness to please it was understandable that she was just too far gone and grateful for any attention whatsoever because the writing does not shy away from just stating she is plain desperate for any type of male attention.
Con
- The surgery, I really wish she had opted to get the surgery just because she wanted to, not as a way to push Rylan away.
Pro
- Kerryanne as a nemesis was great for like the first 70%, she stood on business she was just about her man and it felt very clear that Rylan and hers’ relationship was transactional but Rylan just has no idea because he is dumb. I liked that she was just like you will do this and shut up and like it, she was cold and yet not too crazy and bothered about Libby. This made the cheating aspect totally fine in my eyes and I also would really like to know were she and Chris fucking? I want to know!
Con
- Last 30% the recording the waving the pistol around threatening to kill family members and whatnot, was just too much. It was just getting comical and didn’t keep the same energy as Kerryanne for the majority of the book (first 70%)
Pro
- Rylan is not some sex god and is actually kind of bad at sex? This was totally unexpected as usually that is not the way of these tropes but it actually worked well here and I wasn’t mad about it.
Con
- The sex scenes were fine but sometimes a little off, his penis is described as white? I have never seen a white penis even on a white man, they are usually like pink/purplish that’s such a nitpicky thing to say but it was just an image that I found hysterical in my head as I was reading. I did want Libby to have some positive experiences maybe with the Dr it didn’t even have to be sexual but like just one nice date with someone who didn’t make her feel like her shit her whole life.
Pro
- unhinged jealousy is always a pro in my book and Rylan delivered
Con
- again inconsistency I wanted him to kill Garrett and am frankly deeply upset that he didn’t make it make sense but then Rylan is just fundamentally a bad person I also would have really liked it if he had punched his Dad at the wedding but that’s just me things were getting crazier by the second so why not just commit.
Other general cons are I did spot a few typos but that’s okay, Libby has a dead Mom and a Dad with dementia like damn did we really have to pile on the sad for this girl, can she not have one nice thing? We also don’t know anything about what she wants to do with her life, interests or whatever and now she has a baby BORN OF RAPE please did that need to happen.
Again this was a positive reading experience for me I read it in one sitting and would happily read more from this author. I would ultimately describe it as a palate cleanser read in the best way and it was worth signing up for a free trial for Kindle Unlimited because the other bully romance I am reading was not hitting at all (a great pun based on the title of the book).
Want to finish by saying I have never read anything before like this, it had a lot of unique elements, and that is a big pro.
Pro
- The story does not mess around you are just dumped right into the plot and it gets into it straight away which I loved!
Con
- Fast pace is good but you also don’t really understand shit some of the time, one example is for some reason they think Libby is a prostitute or a “lot lizard” but we have no idea what this is based on, her Dad owns the gas station and she works there why would she be turning tricks? Is she poor? Was this a rumour from high school? We have no idea. We also get a lot of unnecessary extra POVs like Chris and Kerry.
Pro
- Rylan was a real bully, the shit he said cut DEEP and I liked that
Con
- Rylan was also a straight up criminal weirdo, he rapes her, there’s a scene near the beginning where one of his “friends” is literally about to sexually assault her and he still hangs out with him, this friend also fucking drugs her and although he drops Chris into a coma for getting too friendly he does not touch rapist Garrett dude what the fuck? That does not make sense. Oh and he is also a drunk driver . . . twat.
Pro
- Libby was a great character, I have never read a romance with a character that has a deformity and I had to google cleft palate because I don’t think I have ever seen a cleft palate on a grown adult only babies in adverts, so I think this was really good representation. And generally I liked her, some scenes had me tearing up but on my period so leave me alone like her insecurity just made me so sad I wanted to give her a big hug in spite of her ridiculous willingness to please it was understandable that she was just too far gone and grateful for any attention whatsoever because the writing does not shy away from just stating she is plain desperate for any type of male attention.
Con
- The surgery, I really wish she had opted to get the surgery just because she wanted to, not as a way to push Rylan away.
Pro
- Kerryanne as a nemesis was great for like the first 70%, she stood on business she was just about her man and it felt very clear that Rylan and hers’ relationship was transactional but Rylan just has no idea because he is dumb. I liked that she was just like you will do this and shut up and like it, she was cold and yet not too crazy and bothered about Libby. This made the cheating aspect totally fine in my eyes and I also would really like to know were she and Chris fucking? I want to know!
Con
- Last 30% the recording the waving the pistol around threatening to kill family members and whatnot, was just too much. It was just getting comical and didn’t keep the same energy as Kerryanne for the majority of the book (first 70%)
Pro
- Rylan is not some sex god and is actually kind of bad at sex? This was totally unexpected as usually that is not the way of these tropes but it actually worked well here and I wasn’t mad about it.
Con
- The sex scenes were fine but sometimes a little off, his penis is described as white? I have never seen a white penis even on a white man, they are usually like pink/purplish that’s such a nitpicky thing to say but it was just an image that I found hysterical in my head as I was reading. I did want Libby to have some positive experiences maybe with the Dr it didn’t even have to be sexual but like just one nice date with someone who didn’t make her feel like her shit her whole life.
Pro
- unhinged jealousy is always a pro in my book and Rylan delivered
Con
- again inconsistency I wanted him to kill Garrett and am frankly deeply upset that he didn’t make it make sense but then Rylan is just fundamentally a bad person I also would have really liked it if he had punched his Dad at the wedding but that’s just me things were getting crazier by the second so why not just commit.
Other general cons are I did spot a few typos but that’s okay, Libby has a dead Mom and a Dad with dementia like damn did we really have to pile on the sad for this girl, can she not have one nice thing? We also don’t know anything about what she wants to do with her life, interests or whatever and now she has a baby BORN OF RAPE please did that need to happen.
Again this was a positive reading experience for me I read it in one sitting and would happily read more from this author. I would ultimately describe it as a palate cleanser read in the best way and it was worth signing up for a free trial for Kindle Unlimited because the other bully romance I am reading was not hitting at all (a great pun based on the title of the book).
Want to finish by saying I have never read anything before like this, it had a lot of unique elements, and that is a big pro.
November 27, 2024
I love me a dark romance. I felt bad for Libby and her condition and subsequent confidence issues. It really made me think. That said the dad and mom deciding not to fix her as a child I just can't imagine as a parent not doing that for your child?!?! Rylan was my favorite kind of a$$hole loved it couldn't put it down
October 5, 2024
I was so anxious the entire book
I missed sleep reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. The plot was a little basic with more s*x than story but I read it in one day.
I missed sleep reading this book. I couldn’t put it down. The plot was a little basic with more s*x than story but I read it in one day.
July 23, 2024
Difficult
This was a hard book to read. I would get so angry at Libby for allowing the bullying to continue and then cheer her on with Rylan. I did enjoy the book and had to finish it in one evening just to find out what happened!
This was a hard book to read. I would get so angry at Libby for allowing the bullying to continue and then cheer her on with Rylan. I did enjoy the book and had to finish it in one evening just to find out what happened!
August 11, 2024
Couldn't put this down
This book is so captivating you think you know what is going to happen but than it takes a different turn. I will be reading more from this author just because of this book.
This book is so captivating you think you know what is going to happen but than it takes a different turn. I will be reading more from this author just because of this book.
December 22, 2024
I love dark romance and its themes. However, I always find it weird when one of the morally wrong things is acknowledged as bad and the other is just considered to be fine. Rape was acknowledged in this book as bad. But the reader just had to sit with the fact that Libby thought it was a failing to be ugly. I get the whole argument of life being easier without coming across as disabled. But that wasn’t the argument being made by the book. Here it felt like it was reinforced that being ugly makes you unloveable and it is deserved. The worst fate a person could have is being disabled.
I try not to give low ratings for disagreeing with dark themes of a book. But here coupled with one dimensional characters and the portrayal of people with disability, I just couldn’t do this book.
I try not to give low ratings for disagreeing with dark themes of a book. But here coupled with one dimensional characters and the portrayal of people with disability, I just couldn’t do this book.
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