The Misfit

Oakmount Elite #5

by J.L. Beck, Renee Thorn (Reader), Ryan Stone (Reader)

Golden boy. Party king. Trust fund brat.

That's what they call me - Lee Sterling, Oakmount University's favorite disaster.

Everyone thinks they know me, but they only see what I let them.

I’m the guy who can charm his way out of anything and never takes life seriously. But it's all a ruse. They don't see the mask I wear or the cage of family expectations slowly threatening to suffocate me.

Three months. That's how long I have to find someone "suitable" to present at the Sterling New Year's Gala, or it's over.

I tell myself I can handle it, like I handle everything else - with a smile and a shot of bourbon, but deep down, I know I'm inching closer and closer to the edge.

Then I meet Salem Masters in a dark pantry at a party, and suddenly, nothing feels simple anymore.

They call her crazy, and broken. The girl who wears latex gloves and counts her steps.

I call her beautiful, careful, haunted.

One encounter and I’m obsessed. I need to know more about her. I need to know if she's just like me.

When I discover we share a common interest, I convince her to be my fake girlfriend. She could use the protection, and I need to convince my family I’m normal…but when our fake relationship turns real I discover just how close to danger I am.

Because for the first time in my life, I want something that I can't have, that I don't deserve.

Genres: Dark Romance, Fake Dating, College, Dark, Romance, Mental Health, New Adult

1 pages, Audio CD

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

Reviews

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my heart!!!! 😭🥺
Lee and Salem's story was perfection.
I mean, I’m speechless, and that’s a first. This was such a raw, emotional story I couldn’t put it down. They had me in my feels ♥️
I was not prepared for this one 🥺


I love this series so much, and I can’t wait to read Aries' book, The Psychopath 😈

[yuvi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Petition to change the cover.😔✋🏻
Ughhh😭😭😭

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest with you, I didn't think anyone or anything could top my love for Sebastian but then JL Beck said hold my beer and gave me Lee Sterling. Lee's book is so vastly different from the first two duets in the Oakmont Elite series. His book is the most beautifully heartbreaking story of two people who never felt worthy of the love that they so desperately deserve. Lee and Salem have buried themselves so deeply in my soul.

If you have read any of the books in the Oakmont Elite series you know how unhinged these men are. Now Lee Sterling is no different than Drew or Sebastian but his story is not as dark as the others. His story is not meant to be dark. Now don't get me wrong, there are dark topics but Lee and Salem’s story is so different. In the best possible way. Lee and Salem both have mental health struggles that they are going through that make them feel unworthy. You have Lee who suffers from ADHD, feels as if he is always wearing a mask and dealing with family trauma regarding his bisexuality. Salem, she suffers from sever OCD and anxiety. The struggles and tribulations these two had to go through to find themselves, love themselves and ultimately love each other was so damn beautiful. The character growth was also beautiful.

Words cannot describe the love that I have for Lee and Salem. I have never rooted for a couple more than I did for these two. I loved these two individually. I loved them together. I loved their self discovery journey and their journey to find love. I was all up in my feels while reading this book. My heart broke for these two. But JL Beck put my heart back together in the end. So be prepared to fall in love, have your heart broken and even she a tear or two. Lee and Salem's journey is a rollercoaster!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Dark Romance
- Tortured and Bisexual Hero
- Fake Dating
- OCD/ADHD Rep
- Playboy x Wallflower
- Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
- He Falls First and HARD

* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to JL Beck for allowing me to read The Misfit as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I related so much to Lee and masking due to ADHD. I loved how he fell first. I'm not going to lie after reading this and learning the true Lee Sterling. He's now one of my favorite book boyfriends. This book had all of my fave tropes, and the audiobook was top tier. The narration was done perfectly! And that ending! Yall! I'm swooning. All around, it's a wonderful book and amazing audiobook!

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and DreamScape Media to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.

[Smutty Little Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much but I might love this couple even more. I didn’t think anything would top the Wildflower and Wallflower duet for me but this one is fighting for its place at the top. Lee and Salem were this beautifully messy perfect pair that found safety in each other and I loved every single second of it! This book is for those mental health representation besties. For the lovelies who love a flawed character full of trauma and fighting to cope. Read the book, it’s amazing.

#dark romance
# mental health representation
# fake dating

[Pranjal · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️Check TWs before reading‼️

THIS BOOK ISTG IT WRECKED ME!!!!!!!
This was definitely not a easy read for me. I had a hard time reading it, not because it was bad, but because it triggered tf outta me. Although I read it in a day but had to stop several times. It deals with mental health rep in very raw and real way.
Both Lee and Salem are struggling and fighting from their inner demons. Their journey focuses on healing, self acceptance and self-love. The way both tried to support each other in their worst phases- 🥹❤️. THE WAY LEE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR HER WHEN SHE WAS STRUGGLING TO KEEP HERSELF SANE- 😭😭💖.

I'm saying this again- CHECK TWS BEFORE READING. The book deals with ADHD and OCD rep deeply.

Genre/Tropes:
Misunderstood hero
He falls first
Fake dating
"Who hurt you"
Playboy VS Grumpy heroine
OCD/ADHD REP
Frienemies to
lovers
Bully
Romance
Opposites Attract
Touch her and die

[BookSiren Baddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ½ Stars Audiobook review from me. A Good Attempt, but Fell Short for Me.
The Misfit by JL Beck had the bones of a compelling dark romance, with fake dating and mental health tropes woven into the plot. I appreciated the effort to explore OCD and its impact on a relationship, and I think the concept had a lot of potential.
That said, the execution didn’t quite land for me. I did not like the narrators, and I found them hard to connect with, and that made it difficult to stay engaged. I also thought that the depiction of OCD was touched on too much at times, to the point where it felt overdone, and Lee's constant enabling of it came across as unrealistic and frustrating rather than supportive.
Lee's "instant love" also felt more like infatuation than anything deep or believable. IMO his feelings developed too quickly to feel earned, which made the romance feel flat for me.
Overall, I’d give it 2.5 stars. It’s a decent attempt, but it didn’t resonate with me the way I hoped.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC anyway.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just finished reading this trash so be prepared for a stream of consciousness.

This was awful. With the exception of Salem and *maybe* her brother Noah, every character in this book was fucking awful. Lee was terrible, manipulative, and sometimes cruel. I get this is dark romance but even the more morally grey love interest have the knowledge to at least apologize to the women they torment.

I understand Lee went through some terrible shit at a young age but god he was just the absolute worst to Salem. Anytime they made up he managed to fuck it up all over again and also had the audacity to blame Salem! Him being hurt that she had the wherewithal to walk away from him?!? As if it wasn’t his fault????? Him being upset that she didn’t want to hear him out after the photoshoot????? And don’t even get me started on the “friends” (and Noah) guilt tripping Salem for being hurt and upset with how Lee treated her at the first fancy party and telling her how sad Lee is like what the fuck??? He also never apologized to her! And I don’t care that he apologized to her at the end of the book that shit means nothing to me.

This book really pissed me off and what should’ve happened was Salem taking the $5 million dollars and fleeing the fucking country.

Truly horrendous, mad I wasted five hours of my precious time reading this absolute garbage.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones that don't align perfectly.'

'Some patterns are worth keeping; some chaos is worth fixing; and some love is worth earning.'

I really enjoyed this! I just didn't like the 'pantry girl' name and a few other minor things. The portrayal of mental health—specifically OCD and ADHD—was handled with remarkable authenticity, giving both characters depth and genuine complexity. Grief and abuse are also mentioned. 4.25-4.5 stars!

[bel · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my favorite broken soul couples

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite from this Series! Absolutely engrossed by the depth and realism in this story. The way J.L. Beck instinctively layered the plot and developed the characters was incredible.

I loved Lee and Salem despite their flaws and idiosyncrasies. I felt their emotions as they dealt with their inner struggles. I felt how they coped and ultimately helped each other through their struggles even when they had to deal with them on their own and learn to love themselves before they could love each other.

Salem possessed a strength and her determination to find herself was a powerful thing, making the ultimate sacrifice in order for Lee to make his own way to find himself. The fact that they came to realize it separately exemplified their growth and the strength of their love.

The inclusion of Drew, Sebastian and Aries was an important part of this story. I can’t wait for Aries’ story to come!

There are cautionary situations listed before reading but, for me, I found the plot, situations and topics compassionately written.

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book from J.L. Beck and I felt like it read easily as a standalone in this series! Devoured it in one day! Both Lee and Salem have experienced trauma and are coping the best they can. What neither of them expected was to find comfort and safety in each other's presence, but I love seeing the softer side of Lee. He is so sweet in wanting to understand Salem and I truly love them together.

What to expect:
-He falls first
-Fake dating
-Misunderstood MMC
-Who hurt you?
-Mental health rep

Thank you so much to J.L. Beck for letting me read/review an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready for Lee and Salem. I've been a Sebastian girl, but damn Lee has stolen my heart. This read was raw and emotional, hit me all up in my feels. One quote gutted me and had me holding back tears.

These two were perfectly imperfect, but so perfect for and with each other. The theme of mental health issues was done so well and I adored these two because of it. Both so strong and courageous fighting their battles. Definitely not high on spice, but heavy on plot. Perfectly balanced.

This story is going to stick with me for some time. Lee and his Pantry Girl are going to stick with me. Can't wait to see them flourish even more in Aries' book.

[ceci]

Rtc

[Kristy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is full of mental health issues, and I could see myself in them. It was hard to read at parts, but more so than not it was a great read. We find Salem with so many issues suffering because her friend died. We find Lee also suffering, and fighting again himself and his family. I loved the two of them together. He brought her back to life. She loved him, but he didn’t love himself. This book had a lot of bullying, depression, and crippling anxiety, but it was also hopeful. It was a beautiful story.

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely took awhile for me to get into. I’m not a fan about reading about mental health issues … just because life is real enough and I want my books to be an enjoyable escape.

That being said, while it took a bit to get into it, I enjoyed it a lot more once characters back stories came out.

So glad by the end these characters were in a better place.

[Flavia Florean-Dumitru · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never expected Lee’s story to be so heartwarming. But I wished it to be a little more dark since he was supposed to be the golden bad boy.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed being back in the Oakmount Elite universe.

This story is different, it’s a story of healing, grief and acceptance. OCD meets ADHD. Scared girl meets the bad boy. They both have their dark past and they have to accept their broken parts in order to continue their love story. And it’s beautiful.

The bits and pieces of dark romance that were scattered here and there fit really well in the story: “Note to self: Don't let him call you a good girl. You may spontaneously combust.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

Don’t we all love when the guy just accepts his attraction to the shy girl? “Three reasons I'm terrified: Because it is real. Because I'm falling for her. Fuck, I already have. I'm obsessed with her…. If I'm being honest, none of this was ever fake, at least on my side.”

Debating if I like this “Fuck, I can't get enough of her” or this more “You're mine. All fucking mine, every perfectly imperfect inch of you.”

But at the end of the day, I must admit that although some lines speak sparkles to my heart, they seemed a little way too used in this book. We all know what we want to hear and the author knew this.

All in all, I still think that the first 2 book were the best, but it was still nice to meet Lee. Now we just have to wait for Aries’s story.

[Al Q · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this book. I can appreciate the plot shedding light on OCD illnesses, but that’s about it.

Same issue I have with her other books, certain parts/thoughts are very repetitive. I’m thinking this and then on the next page it’s the exact same thought, just said differently.

I think the author forgot Lee graduated from college at one point. It was Salem’s POV and a comment was made about how they both have classes still. Like nope, he actually already graduated. Then later in the book it says how he had already graduated college.

Big issue I had in this book, wtf was Lee doing the whole time Salem was in class or studying? Just drinking?

Another issue, the level of bi-Polaris Aries had was all over the place. And the fact you created Salem’s character to be wary of people. Aries tried to con her into a threesome, yet the next time she sees him he’s his “normal” self and all is forgive without a single conversation?! It was very strange.

Another issue was when Lee said he went over to Salem’s house for the first gala and helped her get ready IN HER ROOM. Then 2 weeks later he’s now in her room for the first time and is detailing it?!?! But he was JUST in her room 2 weeks ago, so what?!

I was more annoyed reading this book with the repetitiveness of it all.

Let’s not talk about the fact Salem wanted to know about Lee’s experience at the camp but Salem couldn’t express what happened to Chelsea to Lee?!?!?! That’s hypocritical. I’m mad Lee won’t tell me about a life changing experience but I’m not telling him about mine either.

This book was a total shift from the other books in the series. Thought about DNFing multiple times. Glad it ended well, but I think I’m done reading any of her books. They need to be written better, less repetitive, and don’t forget what is going on with your characters.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lee and Salems story! This one was probably my favorite out of the series yet. This one had all the drama and twist and turns that I love and definitely kept me turning the pages trying to see how it was going to end. The spice scenes were really spicy and the chemistry between these two was off the charts!!! Definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait for Aries story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 30% of this book DRAGGED, & was not what I was expecting. Once this book got to 30%,I was invested 😌.

“From this moment on, you belong to me. There will be no one else. Not for pretend, not for real. I’m claiming you until we see this through. If another man touches you, looks at you, or even breathes in your direction, I will lose my shit.”

Liked the book, & excited to add it to my collection, I was just hoping for more spice 🌶️.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nothing matters except this. Us. Whatever this terrifying, beautiful thing is.”


3.75 ⭐️

Author J.L. Beck is back with the newest release from Oakmount Elite series.
Book 5 The Misfit is an interconnected Standalone following Mill House member Lee Sterling and Salem Masters in this He Falls First, Mental Health, Dark Romance.

From all the very thorough details author J.L. put into making the characters come to life, it made them feel authentic, realistic as well. Particularly in the mental health aspect. Being able to get down into the nitty, gritty of what Lee and Salem were dealing with and going through in their personal lives. Especially Salem.

The Misfit made for a very interesting story seeing where Lee and Salem’s journey would take them. And even more when you took into account what was at play in the subplots that bought forth outside interference from secondary characters, such as Lee’s family and friends and Salem’s brother. Paving the way for more drama and further tension, whilst building on the suspense level too.
On top of that, the story was highly emotionally charged given the intensity of the ups and downs and highs and lows of emotions at play, causing an emotional whirlwind being tension filled a lot of times. Mostly since there was more downs and lows that Lee and Salem ventured through, all of which was showcased in their individual POV chapters and voiced within their inner monologue.

A lot of exploration within the layers presented made up the characters of Lee and Salem. Something author J.L. showcased on a thorough level from all that we saw and learnt throughout the story.
It not only allowed an in-depth, deep dive of the characters, all the while slowly yet surely showing the changes and growth that took place through the progression.
But also seeing how their relationship changed and evolved with the way they were there for one another throughout. Bringing Lee and Salem even more to life given the pace set in helping to build their journey within the story.

Author J.L. definitely tugged at your heartstrings watching Lee and Salem try to navigate their lives upon the rocky terrain they walked.
Hitting deep and hard at times from all the pain, heartache, grief and struggles encountered and faced. Particularly in Salem’s case, battling her demons from a past tragedy. But that was to be expected given the emotional side of the plot.

I can’t deny that the story did take me awhile to connect to in the beginning.
It just didn’t seem to capture my attention for some reason, leading me to force myself to push through.
However after some time something just clicked, which caused my attention to be snapped back, having me holding on through the rest of the way.

The Misfit made for quite an emotional intense read. Yet it’s what captured my attention in the end with wanting to get to know Lee and Salem and see where they story would eventually lead them to.
And now given the further peeks of Aries that author J.L. Beck included throughout, it has me curious for his book The Psychopaths.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

When ones actions and decisions change the course of one's life and all Salem is trying to do is survive, but the last thing she expected was to come face to face with Lee Stirling, Oakmounts favourite disaster.

Because that one encounter sets them on a path that neither expected.

They're both learning how to live and survive in a world where Salem is determined to stay hidden, and Lee is determined to stand out.

They show their friends and family what they want to see, but deep down, they're both facing trauma, trauma which speaks to them on a deeper level.

Because if Lee is to escape the plans that his mother has for him, he must convince her, and in doing so, draws Salem in.

In doing so, he becomes something more to Salem, he begins to understand what makes her who she is, and in doing so he breaks down her walls, encourages her to open up, challenges her, changes her, because she is changing him, and because of her, she has impacted his life in many ways, because her habits become his habits and when trust is established do they share their secrets.

But what they both don't know is that there are people conspiring to keep both of them apart. To see Lee fail. Because he is a Sterling and he has a reputation to uphold. And Aries, his friend, who can see him spiralling, doing what friends do, steps in between him and Salem, helping Salem to see who the man that Lee is and what she see scares her.

Drew, Bel, Sebastian, and Elyse are very concerned for their friends. They can see that Salem and Lee are both hurting, but it's not enough. Despite the arrangement they have in place, the feelings they have for each other, Lee wants more, but Salem doesn't know if she can take that risk with her heart.

Because despite Lee's mother trying to get between them, Salem has a lot more integrity, and when Lee learns what his mother did, he plays a dangerous games that will likely have him coming out scathed.

And in one night truth's are laid bare as to how Salem was drawn into Lee's world, and Lee shares the painful memories of what he endured, secrets that paint him and his family in a different light, but for him, in this moment, he liberates himself from the machinations of his family, walks away from the money, his legacy, his future, and for the first time in years he feels free and he can finally breathe.

Salem begins to see Lee in a different light. Despite their beginnings, they found their ending with each other. In between, they found themselves in a place where neither wanted to be, but they found a path of healing and acceptance, their growth bringing them back together in the most beautiful way.

Those smexy scenes were the right amount of spice and were on point. J.L. Beck took realistic issues and wove them into a story worthy of Lee and Salem. Because these characters showed that despite what has happened in there lives that they are both worthy of happiness and love.

I received an ARC. Therefore, I am submitting a voluntary review.

Highly recommend both the author and the book, now to anticipate book 6: The Psychopaths - Aries story.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee and Salem 😩 These two took me on a journey alright. The feelings of pain, trauma, and absolute hurt these two shared and went through in their pasts 😭 I just wanted to bundle them up and keep them safe. Thank you so much, JL Beck, for the ARC 😭❤️

Lee 😭 This man is an enigma! He's been such an intriguing and mysterious character since the start of the Oakmount series 🔥 We finally have his book and let me tell you it was more intense than what he portrayed himself to be 😭 Tall, handsome, intelligent, hidden identity you could say, the party boy, player, troublemaker, charming, seductive, billionaire, a Misfit 🤧 traumatized, obsessed, possesive, protective and can't seem to get the woman from the pantry out of his mind 😏 When he meets Salem Masters, this man is instantly drawn to her, he becomes a stalker 😏🥵 And now if you didn't know, that is one of my favourite tropes and Lee did not disappoint.

Salem Masters 😭😭😭❤️ Oh my God 😭 This broken angel! She deserved so much more than what she went through. As someone who suffers from OCD, I understand how painful and stuck you feel. I could understand what Salem was feeling because I lived through it, I'm much better now, and I am so proud of myself. I am even more proud of Salem for how brave she was through everything she went through. Beautiful, intelligent, reserved, vulnerable, reclusive, sassy, protective, possessive, suffers from OCD, traumatized, brave enough to make the move to heal, intrigued by the party boy who she sees another side of in the pantry at the party, and falls head over heels for him.

Their story made me laugh, cry, feel their pain, smile, and I could not stop cheering them on. The characters and plot line were perfect and even perfectly spaced. The writing, care, and inclusivity were absolutely brilliant. The spice 🥵🥵🔥 Holy shittttt ma'am! So dayum good.
I am so intrigued now by Aries because he's been acting so weird and suspicious since the end of Book 4, and I don't know how I feel about him 😂

[Half.sassed.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have yet to dive into the chaos of the Oakmont Elite series, then you already know: these men are wild. Like, “hold onto your seat and pray for mercy” levels of unhinged. And guess what? Lee Sterling is NO exception. Oh, sure, he's not as dark and brooding as Drew or Sebastian—thankfully—but let’s not kid ourselves: he’s got his own brand of chaos. And no, it’s not the typical “dark and twisted” stuff, but don’t let that fool you, this story is still a wild ride.

Now, before you think this is all sunshine and rainbows, let’s talk about the struggles. We’ve got Lee, poor guy, wrestling with ADHD, feeling like he’s always performing some tragic, never-ending play, and carrying the weight of family trauma because, plot twist, he’s bisexual. And then there's Salem, bless her soul, struggling with severe OCD and anxiety. Together, they’re a beautiful disaster. Seriously, I can’t even. Watching these two go through their personal rollercoasters to find self-love, and eventually love each other? It’s so freaking beautiful, my heart could barely handle it.

You know when you love a couple so much, you can’t even articulate how much you adore them? That’s Lee and Salem. I’ve never rooted for a couple harder in my life. I loved them individually. I loved them together. I adored watching them grow and discover themselves like a pair of beautifully awkward, healing souls. I was on an emotional journey. My heart shattered into a million pieces for them. But you know what? JL Beck fixed me, putting my heart back together, piece by piece.

So, buckle up, because Lee and Salem’s love story? It’s a full-on emotional rollercoaster. Prepare to swoon, to cry a little (okay, maybe a lot), and to fall head over heels. You’ve been warned!

Due to the character crossovers, I highly recommend reading in order for the best experience.

💜The Wallflower
💜The Wildflower
💜The Predator
💜The Prey

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know if I was going to like this book or not. When I learned prior to reading this that the heroine wore sterile latex gloves because of some OCD reason, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I loved Lee and Salem’s book. I loved Seb and didn’t think any of the other guys could top him, but I was wrong. Lee definitely did. And Salem, she was absolutely incredible. Her growth in character throughout the book was incredible and I respected her so much in the end when she chose herself and realized she couldn’t fix Lee, he needed to want to fix himself. Lee was truly the best guy and it was great to get his story and see who he truly is behind the entitled, cocky, rich, playboy mask he portrays himself to be. He’s incredibly sweet, and I was totally shocked to learn that this playboy had never been with a woman. That was a huge surprise and one that I loved because it made his first time with Salem so much more special. There was only one time I wanted to throttle him and that was over the whole situation with overbearing, snotty ass mother trying to push Charlotte on him and he allowed it to happen. I wish both him and Salem had spoken up and said something. I hated seeing Charlottes hands on Lee and him allowing her to do it, and I hated that Salem never confronted him and told him that it was wrong. I hate in these books when another woman gets away with thinking they’re so special and their shit doesn’t stink, and that they have control over the guy. It’s frustrating as hell, lol.
One more book to go in the series, Aries’s, and I’m so excited! I’m also kinda curious about Salem’s brother too.

[Claudia Degen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever left a review crying, but here we are.
*plays Healing Hands by Conrad Sewell in the background.

Wow, just wow. I’m completely blown away by Lee & Salem’s story. These characters are written so incredibly well.

I love Lee and his tortured soul but I also fell as a rock for our Salem.
Both their personal stories are so genuine and equally heartbreaking.

The Misfit tells a beautiful love story of how two people who feel broken in this society, but somehow their broken pieces fit together and make each other stronger. Giving the other what they never thought they needed.

One of the things I love most is that neither ‘fixed’ the other’s ‘problems’.
Lee fully embraced Salem as she was and everything she needed to feel safe and get through the day. There was not one moment where he wanted to change her or made her feel bad about it.
I also loved that Salem did not automatically ‘fix’ Lee’s problems just by being around him.

This story goes deep into the personal trauma of two young people who are trying to navigate their way through life. It’s real and not sugarcoating anything. Keep that in mind while reading this book.

The Misfit gets 5 ⭐️and 2🌶️. It’s simply incredible!

✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Fake Dating
✨ He Falls First
✨ OCD / ADHD Rep
✨ Possessive MMC
✨ 1st Person / Dual POV

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna cry some more in silence.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, J.L. Beck broke me into pieces. I was not expecting that. “The Misfit is Book 5 in the Oakmount Elite Series, focusing on Lee and Salem. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading the entire series. It’s a great one! Readers will also better understand Lee's commandery with his friends from the other books who make cameos in “The Misfit.”

In the other books, Lee’s character always comes across as the fun one, the jokester, the life of the party, and relatively carefree. Who knew behind all those qualities were challenges he struggled with and often hidden from his friends? With parents, especially a mother, who imposed the belief of specific values that needed to be conveyed because of their wealth and company, Lee was required to do things he did not want to do, including marrying someone his mother selected. Throughout the story, I can’t tell you how furious I became with his mother. And how heartbreaking it was for what Lee went through during his teen years—to be said he wasn’t “normal.”

When he meets Salem, he finds they are alike and share similar challenges, though hers are stronger. Lee makes a deal to fake date her, but of course, things don’t go as planned. Both Lee and Salem are holding back. I adore J.L. Becks writing. I feel all the turmoil these characters go through, and there’s quite a bit in “The Misfit.” I enjoyed every moment, including the little teasers of Aries, who I’m predicting as the following story.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Sterling is a trust fund brat and the life of the party, or so everyone thinks. He only lets everyone see the carefully constructed mask... until he meets Salem Masters in a vulnerable moment and she sees the real him. Something about her OCD calls to everything he tries to hide in himself and quiets his mind. He has to find a way to keep her and suggests a fake dating relationship. For her as protection against her bullies, and him as a buffer against his family. As time goes on, the relationship starts to feel real, but they both have to fix themselves before they can have a future.
I listened to the audiobook version as an ARC. The narrators were easy to listen to and brought personality to the characters. I'm ending up reading this series backwards as I just finished The Psychopaths and The Reckoning. It was interesting reading the scenes with Aries knowing what would happen next. I liked how the mental health aspect of both characters was handled so sensitively and how both characters grew stronger throughout the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

J.L. Beck really put me through all my feels with this book. I really enjoyed Sebastian's duet, but The Misfit is my new favorite in the Oakmount Elite series. Lee literally stole my heart!

Lee has been living his life behind the party boy mask, but he has a lot of issues being the perfect son for his elite family. He is bisexual and his family will not accept his sexuality. They are forcing him to date a woman for the family image, or he will be cut off. He has a few months to get a girlfriend for his sister's engagement party and has decided Salem would be the perfect fake girlfriend. Salem has suffered a big loss and is trying so hard to get back to a normal life after she had a breakdown. She has very intense OCD, anxiety, and germaphobia, which has made her life very difficult. Lee manipulates a situation, so she feels like she needs him for protection, and they agree to help each other by fake dating.

Salem and Lee were both struggling with mental health, but they were the perfect support system for each other. They seemed like a mess, but together, they were perfect. I loved the way Lee did everything in his power to help make Salem's surroundings safer and more comfortable for her OCD. He was so sweet and tender with Salem, but he has been using alcohol to numb his trauma and pain, which leads to some conflict.

This was much more emotional and moving than I expected for this series. I loved their journey and growth as a couple and as individuals. I am very excited to get to Ares' book next.

TW: OCD, emotionally abusive parent, alcoholism, panic attacks

Thank you to Literally Yours PR for providing the ARC.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really enjoying this book up until the last 20%. I’m sorry, but Salem and Lee would never ever ever last. Lee would definitely relapse and Salem might be able to beat her OCD but who knows. Lee and his victim mentality was so annoying. He continue to make mistakes and make Salem feel less than, but then got upset when she didn’t talk to him or immediately apologize to him. Like my girl Salem didn’t do anything. We never did get a true apology from him about the manipulation in the library by hiring those two guys to scare her or how he treats her in front of his family. I can’t remember exactly how old he was, but he had graduated from college already and I believe he had been out for a couple years. And I understand he has a lot of trauma from his family and his childhood, but that is no excuse for the way he treated Salem. Also, I’m sorry but the MMC got to have a job cause why don’t you you’re a whole adult. I don’t know just the last like five chapters where he would try to guilt trip us the readers and Salem, even though he’s the one that was constantly drunk and was using Salem. Even though he did have feelings for her, he never told her until the end of the book he just hid behind his insecurities and acted like a victim, which I hated. Also, I hated the abrupt ending. I feel like they shouldnt have reconnected until Lee was at least a year in sobriety. Anyway, I hope Salem gets whatever she wants in life and I hope Lee stays sober.