What do you think?
Watch Over You
Axel
Wrinley Jaymes is the bane of my existence… with her perfect life and her perfect little family… or so I thought. She’s always been easy to mess with. I should know. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember.
I left the house at eighteen to get away from everyone, but when we crossed paths again after she turned eighteen, something shifted. She was different and then I became different. Suddenly my world was consumed with thoughts of her and all it got me was pissed off.
I don’t need people in my life. I’ve done just fine on my own. Except every time I see her, I become a little more obsessed with ruining her. It’s all fun and games until I realize all I really want to do is put all of her broken parts back together for her. The funny thing is… I think she may also be fixing me.
Wrinley
I think I lost myself in the process of being strong for those around me. One tragic accident can do that to a person. I’m fine. Everything is fine. So I thought…
Running into Axel Bradley, my best friend’s brother and long time bully, while on my quest to lose my virginity, was not on my bingo card. Everywhere I turn, he’s there… irritating me in all his irritating glory. But there’s a darkness inside me that matches his… it yearns for him. I’ve tried to deny it, but every time I see him, I fight a not-so-silent battle of wills that part of me wants to lose.
He pushes me out of my comfort zone and as much as I want to punch him in the face for it, I can’t deny the trust and safety that’s building between us. It’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying and I don’t think I can stop.
Wrinley Jaymes is the bane of my existence… with her perfect life and her perfect little family… or so I thought. She’s always been easy to mess with. I should know. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember.
I left the house at eighteen to get away from everyone, but when we crossed paths again after she turned eighteen, something shifted. She was different and then I became different. Suddenly my world was consumed with thoughts of her and all it got me was pissed off.
I don’t need people in my life. I’ve done just fine on my own. Except every time I see her, I become a little more obsessed with ruining her. It’s all fun and games until I realize all I really want to do is put all of her broken parts back together for her. The funny thing is… I think she may also be fixing me.
Wrinley
I think I lost myself in the process of being strong for those around me. One tragic accident can do that to a person. I’m fine. Everything is fine. So I thought…
Running into Axel Bradley, my best friend’s brother and long time bully, while on my quest to lose my virginity, was not on my bingo card. Everywhere I turn, he’s there… irritating me in all his irritating glory. But there’s a darkness inside me that matches his… it yearns for him. I’ve tried to deny it, but every time I see him, I fight a not-so-silent battle of wills that part of me wants to lose.
He pushes me out of my comfort zone and as much as I want to punch him in the face for it, I can’t deny the trust and safety that’s building between us. It’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying and I don’t think I can stop.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
About the author
Ellie Gates
5 books57 followersEllie Gates is a contemporary romance author, that is just starting to put to paper the dirty things in her brain.
When she is not writing, she lives in Michigan with her husband, wife and daughter. She is a family-centered, home body that picks up new crafts on the fly and masters them just as quickly. She loves her cats, her coffee and exploring all the kinks you will be reading about
When she is not writing, she lives in Michigan with her husband, wife and daughter. She is a family-centered, home body that picks up new crafts on the fly and masters them just as quickly. She loves her cats, her coffee and exploring all the kinks you will be reading about
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
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September 27, 2025ARC review:
DNF at 54%. Gave it a go but ultimately had a hard time connecting with the FMC and MMC. There was a weird flow to the writing style. I found Wrinley a little annoying and her being a sex-crazed virgin looking for someone to dick her down throughout the first half was off-putting. Wasn’t the right vibe, may come back to it at a later time.
DNF at 54%. Gave it a go but ultimately had a hard time connecting with the FMC and MMC. There was a weird flow to the writing style. I found Wrinley a little annoying and her being a sex-crazed virgin looking for someone to dick her down throughout the first half was off-putting. Wasn’t the right vibe, may come back to it at a later time.
September 27, 2025
Ellie freakin Gates. 👏🏻 I’m obsessed. You gave these first two books such good spice and storylines…….and the humor!!!! I can’t tell you how many times I laughed during this. Two things- Fallopian Fiddler and the damn FACE CREAM! 🤭
This is book two in the Defying Gravity series, but can be read as a standalone. I’d highly advise not skipping book one though because you’re not going to want to miss all about our FMC, Arabella, and her mother’s ex boyfriend. 😜 The FMC in book two is Arabella’s best friend, Wrinley. Wrinley has always fantasized about Arabella’s brother, Axel, even though he continuously showed such hatred towards her growing up. We come to learn that Axel wasn’t even close to ever hating her, maybe only hated how he could never stop thinking about her. He always made sure she was protected and safe, especially since losing her mother at a young age. I never thought anyone would top my Daddy Ryker from book one, but Axel came barging into my life as one of my favorite most unhinged and possessive book boyfriends. The STALKING, the HATRED, the CAMERAS, and the OBSESSIVENESS were all his way of showing his love that he never understood or was given growing up.
Please run and grab this on release day so you can see how Axel made sure NO guy ever had Wrinley, and also may have hurt a guy or two for trying. But who are we to judge? He was perfect in my eyes. 😜
Bring on book 3 Ellie! 😍
This is book two in the Defying Gravity series, but can be read as a standalone. I’d highly advise not skipping book one though because you’re not going to want to miss all about our FMC, Arabella, and her mother’s ex boyfriend. 😜 The FMC in book two is Arabella’s best friend, Wrinley. Wrinley has always fantasized about Arabella’s brother, Axel, even though he continuously showed such hatred towards her growing up. We come to learn that Axel wasn’t even close to ever hating her, maybe only hated how he could never stop thinking about her. He always made sure she was protected and safe, especially since losing her mother at a young age. I never thought anyone would top my Daddy Ryker from book one, but Axel came barging into my life as one of my favorite most unhinged and possessive book boyfriends. The STALKING, the HATRED, the CAMERAS, and the OBSESSIVENESS were all his way of showing his love that he never understood or was given growing up.
Please run and grab this on release day so you can see how Axel made sure NO guy ever had Wrinley, and also may have hurt a guy or two for trying. But who are we to judge? He was perfect in my eyes. 😜
Bring on book 3 Ellie! 😍
September 23, 2025
⭐️5 🌶️4 “She’s a conundrum of the highest order and I need to get my shit together before I drown in the abyss that is Wrinley Jaymes.” - Axel Bradley
Well, holy fucking shit was that a dirty spice fest!! As my first read of Ellie’s, and with this being her second book, I had no idea what to expect beyond being told by everybody how great her writing is and BOY were they right!
Ellie has a way with words that is so intrinsically normal, and yet captivating. The conversations between Ari and Wrinley? Like I’m talking to my bestie. The way Axel and Wrinley have a banter filled, holds no bars, take no shit way of talking to each other? Like my husband and I. I felt so at ease in this book because of that… and then we get to the spice. HOLY MOLY.
I was not prepared for Axel’s depravity. Red flags? More like pitch fucking black! The man is unhinged, obsessed, possessed in his protection, a tad psychotic and stalker is not a strong enough word!! Did that stop me from loving him? Did it fuck. He’s hot, he’s filthy, he’s morally black and makes absolutely no apologies and gives no fucks about who he is. Simply… I love him. End of.
Wrinley, my dear sweet yet savage Wrinley. Oh my what a burning red hot spitfire you are! I LOVED that she didn’t lay down and take his shit or let him boss her around completely. She gave it back in spades! She’s tough, hardened, sarcastic as hell, a freak in the sheets… yet she’s so damn soft, and broken, and wrecked inside. She’s that little china doll you dropped and glued back together, and now love even more for it. She’s beautifully herself.
I really enjoyed this book wholly. I have now bought Ellie’s first book, Because Of You, to read Ari’s story too! Thank you to Ellie for the ARC, I’ve truly treasured it! 🖤🫶🏻🖤
Well, holy fucking shit was that a dirty spice fest!! As my first read of Ellie’s, and with this being her second book, I had no idea what to expect beyond being told by everybody how great her writing is and BOY were they right!
Ellie has a way with words that is so intrinsically normal, and yet captivating. The conversations between Ari and Wrinley? Like I’m talking to my bestie. The way Axel and Wrinley have a banter filled, holds no bars, take no shit way of talking to each other? Like my husband and I. I felt so at ease in this book because of that… and then we get to the spice. HOLY MOLY.
I was not prepared for Axel’s depravity. Red flags? More like pitch fucking black! The man is unhinged, obsessed, possessed in his protection, a tad psychotic and stalker is not a strong enough word!! Did that stop me from loving him? Did it fuck. He’s hot, he’s filthy, he’s morally black and makes absolutely no apologies and gives no fucks about who he is. Simply… I love him. End of.
Wrinley, my dear sweet yet savage Wrinley. Oh my what a burning red hot spitfire you are! I LOVED that she didn’t lay down and take his shit or let him boss her around completely. She gave it back in spades! She’s tough, hardened, sarcastic as hell, a freak in the sheets… yet she’s so damn soft, and broken, and wrecked inside. She’s that little china doll you dropped and glued back together, and now love even more for it. She’s beautifully herself.
I really enjoyed this book wholly. I have now bought Ellie’s first book, Because Of You, to read Ari’s story too! Thank you to Ellie for the ARC, I’ve truly treasured it! 🖤🫶🏻🖤
Read
September 28, 2025PROOF READ
November 11, 2025
Ellie baby you did it big with this one!!! 👏🏻🤌🏻
September 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 4🌶
Watch Over You is the second book in the Defying Gravity series but it can be read as a standalone. This book contains kink exploration, childhood enemies to lovers, virgin and pierced FMC, "surprised" pregnancy, over the top possessive and protective MMC. I loved this book, Axel gives off broody which was great. I have never had a character where going feral was a thing. HOLY did Axel break that. His dirty talk was phenomenal but so was his unhinged behavior. As for Wrinley, her depth and character development was great. She changed so much with Axel, he definitely was meant for her. I loved her brattiness when it came to Axel and putting him in his place. They were great together because both of their up bringing were unfortunate however together they strived to be better than they could.
Watch Over You is the second book in the Defying Gravity series but it can be read as a standalone. This book contains kink exploration, childhood enemies to lovers, virgin and pierced FMC, "surprised" pregnancy, over the top possessive and protective MMC. I loved this book, Axel gives off broody which was great. I have never had a character where going feral was a thing. HOLY did Axel break that. His dirty talk was phenomenal but so was his unhinged behavior. As for Wrinley, her depth and character development was great. She changed so much with Axel, he definitely was meant for her. I loved her brattiness when it came to Axel and putting him in his place. They were great together because both of their up bringing were unfortunate however together they strived to be better than they could.
September 19, 2025
“She’s infected my mind like a virus with no cure and I’m going to repay her by doing the same.”
When I tell you I devoured this book, I DEVOURED it. Axel was utterly perfect in his obsessive way and I can’t even fault him for it. How dare Wrinley have the audacity to catch his attention. And the quote at the top shows you what he’s going to do about it.
I love a man in a book who is so completely obsessed, no one is allowed to touch her even though he “hates” her. We know that’s code for love in these books. This book was a true bully romance with the FMC absolutely loving it in every way and giving it back to the MMC.
Wrinley had me cracking up with some of her come backs for Axel. These two seriously were so entertaining to read. The back and forth between them was priceless.
I will never be over Axel. Tattooed, glasses and a sharp tongue, sold! And the only way I could truly describe him was a sour patch kid. He had no qualms about what he did to get to Wrinley and he owned everything. He also made her better. Usually I’m not I got the FMC being completely fixed by the MMC but in this instance, I was.
Tropes:
🩶Dark bully romance
🩶Best friends brother
🩶Stalking
🩶Breèding k!nk
🩶K!nk club
🩶Primal k!nk
🩶Touched and d!e
🩶“Accidental” pregnancy
🩶Mental health rep
🩶Morally grey MMC
🩶Pierced FMC
When I tell you I devoured this book, I DEVOURED it. Axel was utterly perfect in his obsessive way and I can’t even fault him for it. How dare Wrinley have the audacity to catch his attention. And the quote at the top shows you what he’s going to do about it.
I love a man in a book who is so completely obsessed, no one is allowed to touch her even though he “hates” her. We know that’s code for love in these books. This book was a true bully romance with the FMC absolutely loving it in every way and giving it back to the MMC.
Wrinley had me cracking up with some of her come backs for Axel. These two seriously were so entertaining to read. The back and forth between them was priceless.
I will never be over Axel. Tattooed, glasses and a sharp tongue, sold! And the only way I could truly describe him was a sour patch kid. He had no qualms about what he did to get to Wrinley and he owned everything. He also made her better. Usually I’m not I got the FMC being completely fixed by the MMC but in this instance, I was.
Tropes:
🩶Dark bully romance
🩶Best friends brother
🩶Stalking
🩶Breèding k!nk
🩶K!nk club
🩶Primal k!nk
🩶Touched and d!e
🩶“Accidental” pregnancy
🩶Mental health rep
🩶Morally grey MMC
🩶Pierced FMC
September 24, 2025
♾️/5 ⭐
4/5 🌶️
This is Ellie Gates’ second book. How is that even possible? I can promise, when you read it you’ll be asking the same question, because this book reads like one written by a person that is many books into their career.
Axel and Wrinley are two of the most complex characters I have ever read.
Wrinley Jaymes is Axel’s sister’s best friend. After losing her mother at a young age, she lost a large part of herself as well. Wanting to care for her grief-stricken father, she shoved all of her own grief down deep and never dealt with it.
Axel Bradley is about as closed off as a person can get, thanks to a father that left, and a mother who is the least motherly mother ever. Because of this he doesn’t really know what love feels like. What he does know is that he feels some kind of way about Wrinley. When they’re younger it’s bitterness and resentment over her seemingly perfect family and home life. As they get older it turns into an obsession.
When they literally run into each other again as adults it sets off an explosion that pulls them both under. Watching them come to terms with their feelings is one of the greatest literary rollercoasters I have ever been on. They are the epitome of “there is fine line between love and hate”. Axel’s unhinged behaviors literally had me on the edge of my seat. Like there was a time that I gasped and laughed so hard I rolled off my couch! These two love to push each other’s buttons. Axel loves to test every limit when it comes to Wrinley and she has no problems taking what he gives and pushing right back!
I literally could not put this book down! Ellie had me absolutely transfixed. The way she mixes humor, emotion, and spice was masterful! On more than one occasion she had me crying, laughing, and overheating within just a few pages. She had me wholly in love with a man that should have had me running in the opposite direction, but because she’s insanely talented you could feel the underlying love in every crazy obsessive thing Axel did. Just like you could feel the vulnerability behind every one of Wrinley’s biting comments.
When Axel’s softer side starts to show, I was an absolute goner. He knew, and we knew, there was only one person he would go soft for, we just had to wait for it to happen. They are each other’s missing piece. There is no other person that could so perfectly understand and complete them. And then the spice…..Holy melt my kindle hotness! My jaw was on the floor every time Ellie gave us that deliciousness. These two are a match and a 5-gallon jug of gasoline and we’re the lucky ones that get to witness the inferno! There are scenes that I think about daily and will live in my head rent free forever!
The ending of this book was so perfect, Ellie gave us everything we could have asked for. We got the most beautiful closure! And now we get to wait with giddy excitement over what she’s going to gift us with next!
This book has quite the laundry list of trigger warnings, so be sure you protect yourself and your mental health and check those out.
4/5 🌶️
This is Ellie Gates’ second book. How is that even possible? I can promise, when you read it you’ll be asking the same question, because this book reads like one written by a person that is many books into their career.
Axel and Wrinley are two of the most complex characters I have ever read.
Wrinley Jaymes is Axel’s sister’s best friend. After losing her mother at a young age, she lost a large part of herself as well. Wanting to care for her grief-stricken father, she shoved all of her own grief down deep and never dealt with it.
Axel Bradley is about as closed off as a person can get, thanks to a father that left, and a mother who is the least motherly mother ever. Because of this he doesn’t really know what love feels like. What he does know is that he feels some kind of way about Wrinley. When they’re younger it’s bitterness and resentment over her seemingly perfect family and home life. As they get older it turns into an obsession.
When they literally run into each other again as adults it sets off an explosion that pulls them both under. Watching them come to terms with their feelings is one of the greatest literary rollercoasters I have ever been on. They are the epitome of “there is fine line between love and hate”. Axel’s unhinged behaviors literally had me on the edge of my seat. Like there was a time that I gasped and laughed so hard I rolled off my couch! These two love to push each other’s buttons. Axel loves to test every limit when it comes to Wrinley and she has no problems taking what he gives and pushing right back!
I literally could not put this book down! Ellie had me absolutely transfixed. The way she mixes humor, emotion, and spice was masterful! On more than one occasion she had me crying, laughing, and overheating within just a few pages. She had me wholly in love with a man that should have had me running in the opposite direction, but because she’s insanely talented you could feel the underlying love in every crazy obsessive thing Axel did. Just like you could feel the vulnerability behind every one of Wrinley’s biting comments.
When Axel’s softer side starts to show, I was an absolute goner. He knew, and we knew, there was only one person he would go soft for, we just had to wait for it to happen. They are each other’s missing piece. There is no other person that could so perfectly understand and complete them. And then the spice…..Holy melt my kindle hotness! My jaw was on the floor every time Ellie gave us that deliciousness. These two are a match and a 5-gallon jug of gasoline and we’re the lucky ones that get to witness the inferno! There are scenes that I think about daily and will live in my head rent free forever!
The ending of this book was so perfect, Ellie gave us everything we could have asked for. We got the most beautiful closure! And now we get to wait with giddy excitement over what she’s going to gift us with next!
This book has quite the laundry list of trigger warnings, so be sure you protect yourself and your mental health and check those out.
October 1, 2025
✨BETA/ ARC reread✨
It’s always the men who are mean as hell to you that are secretly obsessed with you… and when I say obsessed I mean OBSESSED. The toxic shit this man does is wild, but it’s fiiiine. His red flags be waving, but I’m colorblind so 🤷🏻♀️
Axel is a twisted, morally grey man. But guess who wants him just the way he is? Wrinley. And let’s face it that girl is just as toxic and they’re truly made for each other. Prime example: “I think I’d be lying to myself if I said there wasn’t some fucked up part of me that likes the idea of him watching me.”
Another thing about Axel- he’s an asshole. Like extremely so. But he’s also the sweetest asshole underneath that tough exterior and watching him come full circle with the realization that he’s got it bad for Wrinley is chefs kiss.
Wrinleys nickname is trainwreck and it suits that wild girl so well! She is absolutely hilarious and gives Axel hell. The back and forth between them gave me life. And although she’s really funny—she’s also been through hell and is clawing her way out of life altering ptsd and heartbreaking grief. It’s beautiful to see Axel help her realize she hasn’t been truly living. And while yes the emotions are strong at times—these two are also a bunch of sluts 🤣 like they are HOT. The degradation is strong between them and feminism? We don’t know her.
“It’s okay. You can fight me,” I reassure her. “I like it. Now, leave your tongue out and open that whore mouth wider for me.” Dead.
I loved this book so much and I cannot wait to see where Ellie’s going with book 3 👀
Thank you Ellie for letting me be apart of these babies story 🫶🏼
It’s always the men who are mean as hell to you that are secretly obsessed with you… and when I say obsessed I mean OBSESSED. The toxic shit this man does is wild, but it’s fiiiine. His red flags be waving, but I’m colorblind so 🤷🏻♀️
Axel is a twisted, morally grey man. But guess who wants him just the way he is? Wrinley. And let’s face it that girl is just as toxic and they’re truly made for each other. Prime example: “I think I’d be lying to myself if I said there wasn’t some fucked up part of me that likes the idea of him watching me.”
Another thing about Axel- he’s an asshole. Like extremely so. But he’s also the sweetest asshole underneath that tough exterior and watching him come full circle with the realization that he’s got it bad for Wrinley is chefs kiss.
Wrinleys nickname is trainwreck and it suits that wild girl so well! She is absolutely hilarious and gives Axel hell. The back and forth between them gave me life. And although she’s really funny—she’s also been through hell and is clawing her way out of life altering ptsd and heartbreaking grief. It’s beautiful to see Axel help her realize she hasn’t been truly living. And while yes the emotions are strong at times—these two are also a bunch of sluts 🤣 like they are HOT. The degradation is strong between them and feminism? We don’t know her.
“It’s okay. You can fight me,” I reassure her. “I like it. Now, leave your tongue out and open that whore mouth wider for me.” Dead.
I loved this book so much and I cannot wait to see where Ellie’s going with book 3 👀
Thank you Ellie for letting me be apart of these babies story 🫶🏼
September 24, 2025
ARC review
4.5⭐|5🌶|23% frequency
I'm pretty sure I've never started a review with an emoji, but that's the first thing that came into my mind right now 🙈
We all know morally grey men. And a lot of us love them. But Axel is more than just grey. He is definitely black. He is a walking 🚩🚩🚩 Absolute poster child for a red flag. And I absolutely love him 🥰 I know stalking in real life is a no-go. And the things he did, holy cannoli 😱 It's not just "simple" stalking. And not just touching her while she sleeps... And the reaction when he finally told her the one thing I laughed the most about, I had to laugh so loudly, I'm sure my neighbors heard me 🙈
As I said, in real life, lots of the things Axel did are no-gos, but when fictional men do them, we swoon 🤣
If you have read book 1, you might remember "Daddy C0ckt!mus Prime". And because Wrin and Ari are the bestest of best friends, it's only fair that Ari gives Wrin's "guy" a nickname. That was before she found out who Wrin's guy is. Otherwise, "Fallopian Fiddler" would not be the one she would have picked 🤣🤣🤣
But as black Axel is, he is also such a wonderful man. He loves Wrinley, even though he can't say it because he thinks he doesn't know what love is 😢 These two are two lost & broken souls. And they fit together perfectly 🩷
I'm now waiting for the next book, because I already know I'll love Hayes. Oh, who am I kidding, I've already loved him since book 1 😎
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
4.5⭐|5🌶|23% frequency
I'm pretty sure I've never started a review with an emoji, but that's the first thing that came into my mind right now 🙈
We all know morally grey men. And a lot of us love them. But Axel is more than just grey. He is definitely black. He is a walking 🚩🚩🚩 Absolute poster child for a red flag. And I absolutely love him 🥰 I know stalking in real life is a no-go. And the things he did, holy cannoli 😱 It's not just "simple" stalking. And not just touching her while she sleeps... And the reaction when he finally told her the one thing I laughed the most about, I had to laugh so loudly, I'm sure my neighbors heard me 🙈
As I said, in real life, lots of the things Axel did are no-gos, but when fictional men do them, we swoon 🤣
If you have read book 1, you might remember "Daddy C0ckt!mus Prime". And because Wrin and Ari are the bestest of best friends, it's only fair that Ari gives Wrin's "guy" a nickname. That was before she found out who Wrin's guy is. Otherwise, "Fallopian Fiddler" would not be the one she would have picked 🤣🤣🤣
But as black Axel is, he is also such a wonderful man. He loves Wrinley, even though he can't say it because he thinks he doesn't know what love is 😢 These two are two lost & broken souls. And they fit together perfectly 🩷
I'm now waiting for the next book, because I already know I'll love Hayes. Oh, who am I kidding, I've already loved him since book 1 😎
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
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October 6, 2025
"I hate you"
"Yeah...I hate you too, baby"
AXEL! SIR!!!
Mkay, this one is def a bit darker than the first (triggers if you need them are in the front of the book), but I love me some "touch her and be *un-aliv-ed*! Axel is the epitome of this, and his possessiveness of Wrinley is hot AF. Red flags?! I am color blind! You should know by now I love me a down bad man!
Wrinley is Arabella's (from the first book) best friend, and Axel is her brother. The super a**hole, closed off, cold, older brother. He also had a terrible relationship with their parents, but he was more impacted by their father leaving & that comes into play in this one.
Wrinley is also dealing with trauma and tragedy, and it shapes her into who she is. She struggles in several situations, but Axel has *interesting* ways to help her hehe. He also has been obsessed since looooong before she knows it, and the lengths he goes to so that she will only be his are endless!
I loved this one and both of their journeys. While it was a rough approach (the character, not the writing), and they initially "hate" one another, how they grow and grow TOGETHER is fantastic!
"Yeah...I hate you too, baby"
AXEL! SIR!!!
Mkay, this one is def a bit darker than the first (triggers if you need them are in the front of the book), but I love me some "touch her and be *un-aliv-ed*! Axel is the epitome of this, and his possessiveness of Wrinley is hot AF. Red flags?! I am color blind! You should know by now I love me a down bad man!
Wrinley is Arabella's (from the first book) best friend, and Axel is her brother. The super a**hole, closed off, cold, older brother. He also had a terrible relationship with their parents, but he was more impacted by their father leaving & that comes into play in this one.
Wrinley is also dealing with trauma and tragedy, and it shapes her into who she is. She struggles in several situations, but Axel has *interesting* ways to help her hehe. He also has been obsessed since looooong before she knows it, and the lengths he goes to so that she will only be his are endless!
I loved this one and both of their journeys. While it was a rough approach (the character, not the writing), and they initially "hate" one another, how they grow and grow TOGETHER is fantastic!
September 17, 2025
“Wrinley… Your lost soul matches my broken one.”
Ellie Gates delivered tenfold with Watch Over You! Axel Bradley is a walking red flag. He is the perfect amount of spice for this recipe Ellie whipped up for us.
Wrinley Jaymes had the perfect life until she didn’t. One tragic day broke her, and she has been lost ever since. Until her best friend’s brother caught sight of her. Now, as much as he hates her, she doesn’t seem to leave his thoughts. His obsession starts to grow the more he’s close to her. Axel is basically described as an asshole. He’s dark, grumpy, and angry, with slutty glasses and tattoos .Wrinley just can’t seem to stop admiring the hot specimen in front of her. For some odd reason, his soul calls to her. Since Axel watches her, he really sees her like no one else can. And as much as they hate each other, he seems to know how to help her fix her broken parts. In the meantime, Wrinley is doing the same to him without him noticing. What happens when the lost soul meets the broken soul?
I have an unhealthy obsession with Axel Bradley and Wrinley Jaymes. This story has so much heart and soul. It is so true that there is a thin line between love and hate. You see it with Axel and Wrinley. Axel is a walking sour patch kid. He shows Wrinley his love in so many different ways, but don’t touch what’s his, you may not see the light of day. Don’t get me wrong, Wrinley might be lost, but she’s not weak. She can keep up with Axel just fine and put him in his place. The banter is certainly their love language. It was top tier along with the spice. When I say spice, I mean spicy AF! Ellie rocked this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Tropes: dark, best friend’s brother,stalking, virgin, breeding, hate to love, bully, accidental-ish pregnancy, morally grey, grief rep, degradation, primal , touch her & 💀.
Thank you so much, Ellie, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Ellie Gates delivered tenfold with Watch Over You! Axel Bradley is a walking red flag. He is the perfect amount of spice for this recipe Ellie whipped up for us.
Wrinley Jaymes had the perfect life until she didn’t. One tragic day broke her, and she has been lost ever since. Until her best friend’s brother caught sight of her. Now, as much as he hates her, she doesn’t seem to leave his thoughts. His obsession starts to grow the more he’s close to her. Axel is basically described as an asshole. He’s dark, grumpy, and angry, with slutty glasses and tattoos .Wrinley just can’t seem to stop admiring the hot specimen in front of her. For some odd reason, his soul calls to her. Since Axel watches her, he really sees her like no one else can. And as much as they hate each other, he seems to know how to help her fix her broken parts. In the meantime, Wrinley is doing the same to him without him noticing. What happens when the lost soul meets the broken soul?
I have an unhealthy obsession with Axel Bradley and Wrinley Jaymes. This story has so much heart and soul. It is so true that there is a thin line between love and hate. You see it with Axel and Wrinley. Axel is a walking sour patch kid. He shows Wrinley his love in so many different ways, but don’t touch what’s his, you may not see the light of day. Don’t get me wrong, Wrinley might be lost, but she’s not weak. She can keep up with Axel just fine and put him in his place. The banter is certainly their love language. It was top tier along with the spice. When I say spice, I mean spicy AF! Ellie rocked this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Tropes: dark, best friend’s brother,stalking, virgin, breeding, hate to love, bully, accidental-ish pregnancy, morally grey, grief rep, degradation, primal , touch her & 💀.
Thank you so much, Ellie, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Axel's been watching over Wrinley for years and even taking out the trash men she's been trying to lose her virginity to. He's made her life more safe even if she has no idea from hidden cameras, his job at the bd$m club, his stalking in the shadows, and even setting up the primal play for her. Slowly, he pulls down her walls, even though they give off enemies to lovers' vibes with the addition of his bullying.
When these two finally give in, it's down and dirty in the rain on the bed of a pickup truck. This is the same pickup truck he commissioned to be the safest vehicle for her to drive later, roll cage and all. I do love watching them fall and the eventual primal play in the woods in the dirt. Who doesn't want a man who will get down and dirty with you? From those sl*tty little glasses to his showing love through actions, this was a great read. Can we get Hayes's book, please?
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the arc!
Release Day: September 30, 2025
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Axel's been watching over Wrinley for years and even taking out the trash men she's been trying to lose her virginity to. He's made her life more safe even if she has no idea from hidden cameras, his job at the bd$m club, his stalking in the shadows, and even setting up the primal play for her. Slowly, he pulls down her walls, even though they give off enemies to lovers' vibes with the addition of his bullying.
When these two finally give in, it's down and dirty in the rain on the bed of a pickup truck. This is the same pickup truck he commissioned to be the safest vehicle for her to drive later, roll cage and all. I do love watching them fall and the eventual primal play in the woods in the dirt. Who doesn't want a man who will get down and dirty with you? From those sl*tty little glasses to his showing love through actions, this was a great read. Can we get Hayes's book, please?
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the arc!
Release Day: September 30, 2025
September 29, 2025
First off, thank you to the author for allowing the opportunity to read this ARC. While I really enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC the flow wasn’t really for me.. the FMC has an extremely raw and realistic storyline of parental loss and grief and while that typically adds depth to a character, in this work (for me personally), it made me sort of question where we are in the storytelling— if that makes sense? One minute there is heavy tension and sex etc.. and very quickly it turns into an extremely heavy grief dialogue. Overall, the book was enjoyable and I’m grateful for the time I spent reading it but never really got the connection to the characters I was hopeful for.
September 24, 2025
If you love bully romance like I do, then this story is for you! It is incredible from beginning to end! After reading Because of You, I hoped Axel or Wrinley would get their own story. Axel is so hateable but oh so delicious! The way he treats Wrinley, his sisters best friend, can be questionable at times, but I just had a sneaking suspicion that he truly cared about her. His upbringing wasn’t the best so he never experienced what it was like to love someone. But after reading more about Wrinley, I just knew these two were perfectly imperfect for each other. She is so like able yet has a bit of a dark side too. The push and pull, the angst, and more importantly the lust had me devouring their story. Their chemistry is so hot that I swear I saw flames coming off the pages of my Kindle. Their journey is one that I never wanted to end! A definite must read!
September 23, 2025
I devoured this book in a day!!😍 The story is great and the spice is just right. It hits quick and leaves you wanting more. I’m so grateful to have received this ARC. This was my first book by her and it didn’t disappoint. Axel and Wrinley are the perfect odd couple. Take the time to read this, you’ll devour it too.
September 28, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Axel’s story since I read the first one! I’m so happy that I was able to get a copy early! I teared up a little bit in one scene.
Lots of spice!
- virgin FMC
- hate to love
- stalker
- best friend’s brother
- accidental pregnancy
Lots of spice!
- virgin FMC
- hate to love
- stalker
- best friend’s brother
- accidental pregnancy
October 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! This is the first book I've read from Ellie Gates, and I want to read more from her! This read had me laughing, glassy-eyed, and shaking my head with moments I couldn't believe.
An event that happens to Wrinley changes her as she gets older and Axel who pushes her helps along the way to overcome her fears and not to stop living in the past, but to live for the present and future. As Axel helps Wrinley, he doesn't realize that she is helping him, too. Not realizing it at first, but he sees what she's giving him that he never got from his parents.
Wrinley and Axel's relationship I loved! The banter between them had me laughing out loud and snickering. Axel is a walking red flag, but Wrinley holds that red flag high and waves it for all to see.
Thank you to the author for providing ARC for an honest review.
An event that happens to Wrinley changes her as she gets older and Axel who pushes her helps along the way to overcome her fears and not to stop living in the past, but to live for the present and future. As Axel helps Wrinley, he doesn't realize that she is helping him, too. Not realizing it at first, but he sees what she's giving him that he never got from his parents.
Wrinley and Axel's relationship I loved! The banter between them had me laughing out loud and snickering. Axel is a walking red flag, but Wrinley holds that red flag high and waves it for all to see.
Thank you to the author for providing ARC for an honest review.
September 20, 2025
Watch over You
Ellie Gates
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
You want a true 100% bully romance then You need to read this book!
Axel is a morally grey man. Hell bent on getting Wringley and not letting anyone else touch her, but God damn if she doesn't break down his walls and fall in love with her
I absolutely love the part where he got lessons on safety though, that's definitely the first time I've read that in a book.
The heartbeat and sadness in this book are so sad. But together Axel and Wringley make each other whole.
Ellie Gates
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
You want a true 100% bully romance then You need to read this book!
Axel is a morally grey man. Hell bent on getting Wringley and not letting anyone else touch her, but God damn if she doesn't break down his walls and fall in love with her
I absolutely love the part where he got lessons on safety though, that's definitely the first time I've read that in a book.
The heartbeat and sadness in this book are so sad. But together Axel and Wringley make each other whole.
September 24, 2025
It's a great dark romance book. Spice, obsession, love, family. Great 2nd book in Defying Gravity Series. Can't wait for book 3.
September 30, 2025
I thought it was a really good book and loved the view of the relationship with Wrinley and Axel! Their banter was great!!
September 19, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and am thrilled! What can I even say about this book?? Watch Over You is the second book in the Defying Gravity series. Can be read as standalone, but good grief the first book is good!! This book though? Even better. The kinks explored in this book are top tier, and the characters are amazing. Axel is obsessive, over the top, an asshole, and FERAL for Wrinley… and Wrinley is a strong, emotional character who gives it right back to him. The things Axel does to/for her had me panting and biting my lip. Would rate higher than 5 stars if I could!
September 21, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with these characters!!!! Must read!!!!
September 18, 2025
Loved this book how axel and wrinly came together heals each other and loved each other and the 🌶️ in the book I pictured axel in my head with his glasses and wow I just loved this book so much
September 8, 2025
I love this series. This one is no exception.
Axel and Wrinley have some top tier flanter. They were building each other up all while calling each other out. It was so fun. Even when they were facing some hard truths and working through things they kept each other first.
Axel was wanting to claim and protect. He wasn’t sure when hate turned to want and need but it had. Wrinley was his even if she didn’t know it.
Wrinley was living her life in segments. Before and after. Trying to rid her life of triggers and keeping the things she didn’t want to deal with down.
They came together and healed each other. Each having to face things that they didn’t plan on. They fought hard to face those things and love each other.
Axel and Wrinley have some top tier flanter. They were building each other up all while calling each other out. It was so fun. Even when they were facing some hard truths and working through things they kept each other first.
Axel was wanting to claim and protect. He wasn’t sure when hate turned to want and need but it had. Wrinley was his even if she didn’t know it.
Wrinley was living her life in segments. Before and after. Trying to rid her life of triggers and keeping the things she didn’t want to deal with down.
They came together and healed each other. Each having to face things that they didn’t plan on. They fought hard to face those things and love each other.
September 7, 2025
Axel Bradley and his slutty little glasses can bully me any damn day of the week.
October 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶🌶.25
🖤 Dark Bully
✨️ Best Friend's Brother
🖤 Virgin FMC
✨️ Hate To Love
🖤 Morally Grey FMC
✨️ "Accidental Pregnancy"
🖤 Mental Health Rep (Grief & PTSD)
✨️ Kink Club
🖤 Touch Her & ☠️
⚠️ Please Check Your Trigger/Content Warnings ⚠️
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
Where do I even begin? This book was EVERYTHING!! You may be looking at some of the tropes and content warnings and think WTH? Welllll, I like them dark and full of venom. Age Gap is only an extra added bonus. If you have looked at any of these and thought harder about it, then I'm going to say leave this one alone. Or READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL! This is a series that I will literally read ANYTHING & EVERYTHING! Ellie can write no wrong as far as these two books have shown me. I will literally hang onto every little single word she gives me! I didn't know how I would feel about this one, but I loved it even more than I did the first book!
Wrinley and Axel are each their own type of conundrum. But you best believe that they are also going to be each others conundrum. I loved that about them! They were so unhinged for each other that it only made sense for them to be together. Axel gave me un-hinged possessive man and gave it SOOOOO well! I loved that about him, even when he was like that to Wrinley behind his mask. IDK how you, but I do be loving me a masked man. Axel was the perfect masked man who knew exactly what Wrinley needed and wanted. He was more than happy to fulfill that role in her life. And boy did he fulfill it SO WELL. Only some people would find this attractive and all I have to say is it takes one to know one!
Wrinley knew what she wanted and was willing to do ANYTHING to make it happen. But we all know Axel had his eye on her for too long not to make sure that he was the one to take her V-Card, how he wanted to. Even if Wrinley knew who he was behind the mask I think that she would have played with him until she was ready to expose him. These two were the perfect storm. Not the regular summer storm, but the storm that happens right before that tornado hits the town. They have their own language together when it comes to the things that they are more than willing to do. With each other and for each other.
The tension between these two is like no other, The tension is so strong that you could literally feel it around you as you read! I was like YESSSS GIVE ME ALLL THE TENSION. I couldn't help but want the tension to ramp up to see where it would go! I wasn't prepared for the WHOLE shabang that I would call his obsession for her. I loved that he refused to allow anything to happen to her. Even if he is her best friend's brother. He had a moral compass of nothing less than black, and I would have to say black doesn't really even cover what he would do in order to keep her safe. Axel knew when he heard someone talking about her that he would do nothing less than take care of the problem.
Wrinley, bless her little horny obsessed heart, She knew that she shouldn't want Axel, but the heart wants what it wants. He was degrading but praised her. She gave him a run for his money and I loved that she was able to catch onto him and suss out what was what when it came to the masked man. She was never dumb, so there was never a question to if she would find out, but when. Same with the face cream she was using 😆. Not to mention the other unhinged things he would do to her and for her. And honestly, I think she would have done the same for him. There is nothing like a true ride or die relationship!
I loved seeing their evolution as their relationship was growing. I loved that they had those moments when they were the only ones in that moment. I honestly don't think this book could have been better than it is! I loved every single event that happened and I am FERAL for another book!!!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️🌶🌶.25 /5
🥵 Masked Man
🔥 Praise & Degradation
🥵 "Accidental Pregnancy"
🔥Dub Con/ CNC
🥵 Breeding Kink
🔥 Pet Play- Fox Tail Butt Plug
🥵 He 💦 in her face cream
🔥 Slight somnophilia
🙄 Bratting
🥵 Pierced FMC
🔥 Toys Are Teammates
🥵 Pain Play
🔥Anal Sex
The chemistry between these two was INSANE! They couldn't have had more chemistry when it came to all of the unhinged things they would try and continue to do! This book is full of sexy moments, and you truly get the full view of how it would be if you were in the kink club being the voyeur you are. That is how this feels, especially when you can feel the tension smack you in the face.It will be so THICK you'll feel sweat dripping down your neck.
Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Ellie Gates ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
🌶️🌶️🌶🌶.25
🖤 Dark Bully
✨️ Best Friend's Brother
🖤 Virgin FMC
✨️ Hate To Love
🖤 Morally Grey FMC
✨️ "Accidental Pregnancy"
🖤 Mental Health Rep (Grief & PTSD)
✨️ Kink Club
🖤 Touch Her & ☠️
⚠️ Please Check Your Trigger/Content Warnings ⚠️
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
Where do I even begin? This book was EVERYTHING!! You may be looking at some of the tropes and content warnings and think WTH? Welllll, I like them dark and full of venom. Age Gap is only an extra added bonus. If you have looked at any of these and thought harder about it, then I'm going to say leave this one alone. Or READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL! This is a series that I will literally read ANYTHING & EVERYTHING! Ellie can write no wrong as far as these two books have shown me. I will literally hang onto every little single word she gives me! I didn't know how I would feel about this one, but I loved it even more than I did the first book!
Wrinley and Axel are each their own type of conundrum. But you best believe that they are also going to be each others conundrum. I loved that about them! They were so unhinged for each other that it only made sense for them to be together. Axel gave me un-hinged possessive man and gave it SOOOOO well! I loved that about him, even when he was like that to Wrinley behind his mask. IDK how you, but I do be loving me a masked man. Axel was the perfect masked man who knew exactly what Wrinley needed and wanted. He was more than happy to fulfill that role in her life. And boy did he fulfill it SO WELL. Only some people would find this attractive and all I have to say is it takes one to know one!
Wrinley knew what she wanted and was willing to do ANYTHING to make it happen. But we all know Axel had his eye on her for too long not to make sure that he was the one to take her V-Card, how he wanted to. Even if Wrinley knew who he was behind the mask I think that she would have played with him until she was ready to expose him. These two were the perfect storm. Not the regular summer storm, but the storm that happens right before that tornado hits the town. They have their own language together when it comes to the things that they are more than willing to do. With each other and for each other.
The tension between these two is like no other, The tension is so strong that you could literally feel it around you as you read! I was like YESSSS GIVE ME ALLL THE TENSION. I couldn't help but want the tension to ramp up to see where it would go! I wasn't prepared for the WHOLE shabang that I would call his obsession for her. I loved that he refused to allow anything to happen to her. Even if he is her best friend's brother. He had a moral compass of nothing less than black, and I would have to say black doesn't really even cover what he would do in order to keep her safe. Axel knew when he heard someone talking about her that he would do nothing less than take care of the problem.
Wrinley, bless her little horny obsessed heart, She knew that she shouldn't want Axel, but the heart wants what it wants. He was degrading but praised her. She gave him a run for his money and I loved that she was able to catch onto him and suss out what was what when it came to the masked man. She was never dumb, so there was never a question to if she would find out, but when. Same with the face cream she was using 😆. Not to mention the other unhinged things he would do to her and for her. And honestly, I think she would have done the same for him. There is nothing like a true ride or die relationship!
I loved seeing their evolution as their relationship was growing. I loved that they had those moments when they were the only ones in that moment. I honestly don't think this book could have been better than it is! I loved every single event that happened and I am FERAL for another book!!!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️🌶🌶.25 /5
🥵 Masked Man
🔥 Praise & Degradation
🥵 "Accidental Pregnancy"
🔥Dub Con/ CNC
🥵 Breeding Kink
🔥 Pet Play- Fox Tail Butt Plug
🥵 He 💦 in her face cream
🔥 Slight somnophilia
🙄 Bratting
🥵 Pierced FMC
🔥 Toys Are Teammates
🥵 Pain Play
🔥Anal Sex
The chemistry between these two was INSANE! They couldn't have had more chemistry when it came to all of the unhinged things they would try and continue to do! This book is full of sexy moments, and you truly get the full view of how it would be if you were in the kink club being the voyeur you are. That is how this feels, especially when you can feel the tension smack you in the face.It will be so THICK you'll feel sweat dripping down your neck.
Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Ellie Gates ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
September 19, 2025
Hot damn... new author unlocked!
First, let's talk about anything-and-everything that is not the story:
I abso-fuckin'-lutely L.O.V.E. when a book that has that extra little sprinkle on top. Case in point:
🥵The cover photo. #hotdamn
🖤The dedication. [...]He'll meet you in the dark.
🎶The Spotify playlist (with scannable code!)
🔊The Spanish-English translations
🔚The two epilogues!
Back to the actual story:
The story starts 12 years ago, when teenage Axel has made it his mission to bully his sister's best friend Wrinley, because she has it all. A few years later, Wrinley loses her mom in a tragic accident, scarring her for life. 💔
Back to the present, where the now 24 year old Wrinley is desperate to finally lose her V-card to... well, just about anyone at this stage. 🤷♀️
Unbeknowst to her, Axel has been obsessively V-blocking her. ❌
And so the game begin...
...but are they even playing on the same board? 👀
My favorite quotes:
What I loved:
💀The trigger/content warnings, especially: dubious consent at best IYKYK
👨🦰That the first chapters are his POV. I have a soft spot for male POVs. 🫠
💕His love language. 👀
👩🦰Ellie Gates' personality reflecting in the words. I recognised her personality in certain phrases, which makes it so relatable and authentic.
✍️The word gymnastics
What broke my heart:
What I had mixed feelings about:
❌My initial thought was: Mmm... this is some very "diet" bully romance, why was it even listed in the TW? But as the story progressed, I started backpedal. I mean... I felt the hate in their hate sex... they were sooo very very angry with each other... 👀 I don't hate it.
❌What's this thing called "light somno"?! Hello?!?! Don't hold back, give it all to me! 🤣
This is the first book where I made so many annotations:
5️⃣ notes, scribling down my inner thoughts
8️⃣7️⃣ highlights‼️ I normally highlight a sentence here or there, a witty retort that was sooo on point. With this book? I highlighted whole paragraphs, because it triggered such emotion with me. If this was a paperback, I would have run out of highlighter... ⚡
What you need to know:
2️⃣nd book in the Defying Gravity series (first book is: Because of You)
📚interconnected standalones, occuring at the local kink club
🖤hate-to-love, dark stalker romance
💀touch her and die
🫂best friend's brother
For the safety squad:
⚠️For the tropes/kinks, just be aware that this book has #allthethings. 🫶
⚠️For your mental health, it covers death of a loved one, grief, PTSD and anxiety rep.
First, let's talk about anything-and-everything that is not the story:
I abso-fuckin'-lutely L.O.V.E. when a book that has that extra little sprinkle on top. Case in point:
🥵The cover photo. #hotdamn
🖤The dedication. [...]He'll meet you in the dark.
🎶The Spotify playlist (with scannable code!)
🔊The Spanish-English translations
🔚The two epilogues!
Back to the actual story:
The story starts 12 years ago, when teenage Axel has made it his mission to bully his sister's best friend Wrinley, because she has it all. A few years later, Wrinley loses her mom in a tragic accident, scarring her for life. 💔
Back to the present, where the now 24 year old Wrinley is desperate to finally lose her V-card to... well, just about anyone at this stage. 🤷♀️
Unbeknowst to her, Axel has been obsessively V-blocking her. ❌
And so the game begin...
...but are they even playing on the same board? 👀
My favorite quotes:
"Be ready to eat some pillow."
"I was thinking I don't want sunshine, rainbows and flowers. I'd rather have rain, clouds and dirt."
What I loved:
💀The trigger/content warnings, especially: dubious consent at best IYKYK
👨🦰That the first chapters are his POV. I have a soft spot for male POVs. 🫠
💕His love language. 👀
👩🦰Ellie Gates' personality reflecting in the words. I recognised her personality in certain phrases, which makes it so relatable and authentic.
✍️The word gymnastics
What broke my heart:
What I had mixed feelings about:
❌My initial thought was: Mmm... this is some very "diet" bully romance, why was it even listed in the TW? But as the story progressed, I started backpedal. I mean... I felt the hate in their hate sex... they were sooo very very angry with each other... 👀 I don't hate it.
❌What's this thing called "light somno"?! Hello?!?! Don't hold back, give it all to me! 🤣
This is the first book where I made so many annotations:
5️⃣ notes, scribling down my inner thoughts
8️⃣7️⃣ highlights‼️ I normally highlight a sentence here or there, a witty retort that was sooo on point. With this book? I highlighted whole paragraphs, because it triggered such emotion with me. If this was a paperback, I would have run out of highlighter... ⚡
What you need to know:
2️⃣nd book in the Defying Gravity series (first book is: Because of You)
📚interconnected standalones, occuring at the local kink club
🖤hate-to-love, dark stalker romance
💀touch her and die
🫂best friend's brother
For the safety squad:
⚠️For the tropes/kinks, just be aware that this book has #allthethings. 🫶
⚠️For your mental health, it covers death of a loved one, grief, PTSD and anxiety rep.
September 26, 2025
5⭐️s
Dedication:
To all my ladies who find peace and comfort in the darkness. Axel Bradley wants you to know you're perfect the way you are.... & He'll meet you in the dark.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark bully romance
🖤 Best friends brother
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 STALKING
🖤 Virgin FMC
🖤 "Accidental" Pregnancy
🖤 Breeding kink
🖤 Kink club
🖤 Touch her and ....
🖤 Hate to love
🖤 Dubcon/CNC
🖤 Degradation
🖤 Mental health rep
(Grief/PTSD)
This is my first book by this author and I have to say it will not be my last. The tropes is what drew me in but the story keep me entertained.
When seeing virgin FMC you are thinking Wrinley is going to be this sweet little quiet girl. That is the furthest thing from the truth. She has tried for years since she was 18 to get rid of that V-card but every guy either ditches her during the date or never shows up. She is getting desperate. What she doesn't know is Axel has been watching her. He doesn't just watch her. He is consumed by her. The crazy thing is she has NO idea.
Yes, you know Axel is a stalker but I don't think I could have wrapped my head around just how possessive and obsessive he was. There was times I was like girl I am kinda jealous because I am not sure my husband would do that 🥰.
When they say he is only soft for her. Axel is the man they are talking about. Both of them are hot messes in their own ways but they fit and it is beautiful. The ending is amazing!!!!!
Wrinley:
"Hold on there, killer. I'm not talking about other dudes. I'm talking about self-love, you know... flicking the bean... pressin' ye ole panic button... knocking on the devil's doorbell?"
How can you not laugh at this. She is like this throughout the story and I loved it all.
I'm hoping Dom gets his own story.
Please check your trigger warnings.
Thank you Ellie Gates for the ARC of this book. I absolutely loved it so giving my honest review is easy.
September 30, 2025
Axel Bradley grew up without a father and an almost nonexistent mother, so he pretty much raised himself. He’s a very independent person, and prefers it that way. He’s grumpy, has one best friend, and is just all around kind of a jerk. He’s not close with his sister, and he’s especially not close with his sister’s childhood best friend, Wrinley who he bullied all throughout their childhood.
Wrinley’s life changed in the blink of an eye after her mom passed away in a car accident. Since the accident, she has been dealing with car anxiety. She also put so much energy into taking care of everyone else after her mother died, she feels as if she never got to do anything for herself. So now Wrinley is on a mission, she wants to lose her virginity and do whatever it takes to make that happen.
What Wrinley doesn’t know is that Axel is waiting for her. He has been (what he calls) protecting her and waiting for his chance. He’s obsessed, and willing to do whatever it takes for her to be his, but does Wrinley know what she’s signing up for with this morally grey man?
I loved Ellie’s first book, and this book was just as good. A spicy good time with morally grey men, but this book also had a lot of moments where you could almost feel how these characters were dealing (or not dealing) with their traumas. Wrinley has never fully grieved her mother's death, and Axel’s family life growing up was really something awful. I loved how these characters let each other heal and helped where they could.
I can’t wait to see what is next for this series! Thank you to Ellie Gates for the ARC opportunity!
Wrinley’s life changed in the blink of an eye after her mom passed away in a car accident. Since the accident, she has been dealing with car anxiety. She also put so much energy into taking care of everyone else after her mother died, she feels as if she never got to do anything for herself. So now Wrinley is on a mission, she wants to lose her virginity and do whatever it takes to make that happen.
What Wrinley doesn’t know is that Axel is waiting for her. He has been (what he calls) protecting her and waiting for his chance. He’s obsessed, and willing to do whatever it takes for her to be his, but does Wrinley know what she’s signing up for with this morally grey man?
I loved Ellie’s first book, and this book was just as good. A spicy good time with morally grey men, but this book also had a lot of moments where you could almost feel how these characters were dealing (or not dealing) with their traumas. Wrinley has never fully grieved her mother's death, and Axel’s family life growing up was really something awful. I loved how these characters let each other heal and helped where they could.
I can’t wait to see what is next for this series! Thank you to Ellie Gates for the ARC opportunity!
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