What do you think?
Rate this book
Boys of Willowbrook #1
The Devils They Are
Ridgeview Valley was known for two things.
Well before any of us were alive, a chunk of asteroid smashed into the town’s center and left a miniature crater which they celebrate atrociously.
And On either side of the town, there are two competing schools that wage war over a long-time feud.
Cedar Heights Academy was clearly the superior winner. But after a mysterious, totally not-suspicious fire temporarily closes it down, we’re all forced to attend the rival Willowbrook Academy.
We frequently take our decades-old feud to the cage and fight it out, but not even that could prepare me to deal with Rylan Astor, Hunter Lannister, and Tai Beckett on a daily basis – the so-called Kings of Willowbrook.
I know one thing for Just because I am walking into enemy territory, it doesn’t mean I’m about to give up my crown.
There’s a reason Cedar Heights only needs a queen to rule… And I’m about to dethrone the kings once and for all.
What better way to bring down an empire than from inside their own castle.
The Devils They Are is a why choose romance with some dark features. It is Book 1 in the Boys of Willowbrook series. There are some elements of bullying between the enemies and is recommended for 18+ due to adult situations, language, and themes.
Well before any of us were alive, a chunk of asteroid smashed into the town’s center and left a miniature crater which they celebrate atrociously.
And On either side of the town, there are two competing schools that wage war over a long-time feud.
Cedar Heights Academy was clearly the superior winner. But after a mysterious, totally not-suspicious fire temporarily closes it down, we’re all forced to attend the rival Willowbrook Academy.
We frequently take our decades-old feud to the cage and fight it out, but not even that could prepare me to deal with Rylan Astor, Hunter Lannister, and Tai Beckett on a daily basis – the so-called Kings of Willowbrook.
I know one thing for Just because I am walking into enemy territory, it doesn’t mean I’m about to give up my crown.
There’s a reason Cedar Heights only needs a queen to rule… And I’m about to dethrone the kings once and for all.
What better way to bring down an empire than from inside their own castle.
The Devils They Are is a why choose romance with some dark features. It is Book 1 in the Boys of Willowbrook series. There are some elements of bullying between the enemies and is recommended for 18+ due to adult situations, language, and themes.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
237 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Steph Macca
35 books1,951 followersBestselling Dark Romance Author
Author of Unhinged 🔪
Knock Knock, Little Killer
Author of Unhinged 🔪
Knock Knock, Little Killer
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 13, 2025
I got this book in advance as an Arc. I had to ask Ms. Dess what that meant. LOL I'm not sure if I'm supposed to put this disclaimer in, but I see everyone else do it so I want to do it right!!
This is Book 1 in this series, and we start and end with a bang. It's hard to write a review like this without giving too much information away and not knowing where the story is going to end, but I'll do my best. Keep in mind that this is a high school, enemies-to-lovers fic with some mild bullying. It's listed as dark, but compared to what I usually read, I don't consider it to be such. That said - the series isn't finished so it could get darker the further we go. Personally, I can't wait for the next book!
The sleepy little town of Ridgeview Valley is divided by the affluent Willowbrook Academy (privately funded high school) and Cedar Heights Academy (state funded high school). They do have one thing in common, cage fighting, and they meet regularly to settle differences in the ring.
Bexley Spencer is leading her band of misfits at Cedar Heights when disaster strikes their school. The great leaders of the town decided that the perfect solution is to move all the students to Willowbrook temporarily, which doesn't go over so well.
Willowbrook is led by the Kings: Rylan Astor (the sensitive one), Tai Beckett (computer geek, the funny one), and Hunter Lannister (the jerk) . The guys are eager to make Bex's life hell and prove to everyone that they are the kings of the castle. But they don't count on her fighting back, much less her being just as ruthless as they are. But why fight when you can love? Just when things start to settle at Willowbrook, Bex's life is hit with an unexpected tragedy. Instead of asking for help, Bex tries to handle everything on her own. Things get interesting from there....
Glow sticks, Wildcats, glue sticks, dick pics, Tampax, steamy smut, saddest cries, blazing theaters, and a cliffy that'll make you GASP.
SEX: I absolutely love the way Steph writes smut. First time at 44% with 1:1 and it was sooooo good. Another 1:1 session at 65%, thank the Goddess! There's a 2:1 at 82% which only ends with a happy ending for 1 person. Then another 1:1 at 89% and holy yums it was scrumptious. I actually had to go back and read all the scenes again just to make sure I had the percentages right (insert my winky face here). Thankfully, there are no condoms used. Everyone here has a clean bill of health so please don't complain about it.
CHEATING: Remember this is a reverse harem, but outside of the group activities, there is no one else. Before Bex and the guys actually start talking to each other, both Bex and Rylan had booty calls with other people, but that's only briefly mentioned. Bex comes close to hooking up with her booty call at the beginning of the book, but nothing ends up happening. Steph is an awesome supporter of women having sexual freedom without judgment, and she also isn't known to have cheating in her books, so I doubt there will be any in the future books.
HIGH SCHOOL: When I went into this, I was thinking they were college age, and I pictured the characters more along the lines of the "Dance With My Demons" series (if you haven't read it yet, it's stellar - go read it now), so I was confused by the pranks. When I figured out that everyone is 18, it makes so much more sense. The pranks really are funny as hell. To me, this book feels really similar to the Spades series, but I'm hoping we'll go in a different direction in the next book. Side note: I'm confused why the kids are buying their own textbooks. I've never heard of that in private or public schools.
CLIFFY: It was so good. I can't say what happened and it's killing me! I absolutely LOVED the sneaky way Steph ended this. Ugh I wish I could tell you. But she was sneaky about it - that's all I'll say. I need the next book NOW. Get busy, Steph. Chop Chop!
FAMILY TREE: This info is especially important for a series that's just starting out. By the time Book 2 comes out, I'm going to need a refresher. If it says "spoiler", be sure you really want to know before clicking.
Bexley Savanna Spencer
Savanna Spencer: Bex's mom.
Father: Name Unknown.
Rylan Astor
Max Astor: Rylan's father. Mayor.
Mother: Unknown.
Hunter Lannister
Marcus Lannister: Hunter's father. Dean of Willowbrook Academy.
Mother: Unknown.
Tai Beckett
George Beckett: Tai's father. Occupation unknown, but involves extensive travel.
Mother: Deceased.
Mary: Tai's mother figure, housekeeper.
Calvin & Klein: Tai's dogs.
Cedar Point Crew
Archie Roberts: Bex's BFF.
William Roberts: Archie's dad. Fire chief.
Steele Turner: Bex's long-time friend and booty call.
Abby: Cheerleader, Archie's girlfriend.
Parker: Bex's friend. Milie's brother.
Millie: part of Bex's friends. Parker's sister.
Joshua: Mentioned as a non-friend at beginning of book involving photography.
Mr. Martin: Teacher from Cedar Heights.
Principal Samson: Principal at Cedar Heights.
Willowbrook Crew
Sophia: Tampax girl.
Liv (Olivia): Head cheerleader. Rylan's booty call.
Sierra: Liv's "friend".
Peyton: Liv's "friend".
Tamara Hamilton: School girl. Fighter.
Perkins: Football player at Willowbrook. Insignificant at this point.
Jenna: Student.
Jay Bereman: Tried to flirt with Sophia.
Mr. Hardwood: History teacher
Ms. Smythson: Detention teacher.
Coach Carter: Gym teacher.
Mr. Valkov: Algebra teacher.
Elizabeth: Dean Lannister's assistant.
Lark Kory: Mystery name found in Bex's cell phone. I think the person is Karl York - but there's no character with that name at this point. I'm eager to find out who this is.
This is Book 1 in this series, and we start and end with a bang. It's hard to write a review like this without giving too much information away and not knowing where the story is going to end, but I'll do my best. Keep in mind that this is a high school, enemies-to-lovers fic with some mild bullying. It's listed as dark, but compared to what I usually read, I don't consider it to be such. That said - the series isn't finished so it could get darker the further we go. Personally, I can't wait for the next book!
I'm stronger than my demons. I'm stronger than the lies that haunt me. I just need to take it day by day.
The sleepy little town of Ridgeview Valley is divided by the affluent Willowbrook Academy (privately funded high school) and Cedar Heights Academy (state funded high school). They do have one thing in common, cage fighting, and they meet regularly to settle differences in the ring.
Bexley Spencer is leading her band of misfits at Cedar Heights when disaster strikes their school. The great leaders of the town decided that the perfect solution is to move all the students to Willowbrook temporarily, which doesn't go over so well.
Willowbrook is led by the Kings: Rylan Astor (the sensitive one), Tai Beckett (computer geek, the funny one), and Hunter Lannister (the jerk) . The guys are eager to make Bex's life hell and prove to everyone that they are the kings of the castle. But they don't count on her fighting back, much less her being just as ruthless as they are. But why fight when you can love? Just when things start to settle at Willowbrook, Bex's life is hit with an unexpected tragedy. Instead of asking for help, Bex tries to handle everything on her own. Things get interesting from there....
Glow sticks, Wildcats, glue sticks, dick pics, Tampax, steamy smut, saddest cries, blazing theaters, and a cliffy that'll make you GASP.
SEX: I absolutely love the way Steph writes smut. First time at 44% with 1:1 and it was sooooo good. Another 1:1 session at 65%, thank the Goddess! There's a 2:1 at 82% which only ends with a happy ending for 1 person. Then another 1:1 at 89% and holy yums it was scrumptious. I actually had to go back and read all the scenes again just to make sure I had the percentages right (insert my winky face here). Thankfully, there are no condoms used. Everyone here has a clean bill of health so please don't complain about it.
CHEATING: Remember this is a reverse harem, but outside of the group activities, there is no one else. Before Bex and the guys actually start talking to each other, both Bex and Rylan had booty calls with other people, but that's only briefly mentioned. Bex comes close to hooking up with her booty call at the beginning of the book, but nothing ends up happening. Steph is an awesome supporter of women having sexual freedom without judgment, and she also isn't known to have cheating in her books, so I doubt there will be any in the future books.
HIGH SCHOOL: When I went into this, I was thinking they were college age, and I pictured the characters more along the lines of the "Dance With My Demons" series (if you haven't read it yet, it's stellar - go read it now), so I was confused by the pranks. When I figured out that everyone is 18, it makes so much more sense. The pranks really are funny as hell. To me, this book feels really similar to the Spades series, but I'm hoping we'll go in a different direction in the next book. Side note: I'm confused why the kids are buying their own textbooks. I've never heard of that in private or public schools.
CLIFFY: It was so good. I can't say what happened and it's killing me! I absolutely LOVED the sneaky way Steph ended this. Ugh I wish I could tell you. But she was sneaky about it - that's all I'll say. I need the next book NOW. Get busy, Steph. Chop Chop!
FAMILY TREE: This info is especially important for a series that's just starting out. By the time Book 2 comes out, I'm going to need a refresher. If it says "spoiler", be sure you really want to know before clicking.
Bexley Savanna Spencer
Savanna Spencer: Bex's mom.
Father: Name Unknown.
Rylan Astor
Max Astor: Rylan's father. Mayor.
Mother: Unknown.
Hunter Lannister
Marcus Lannister: Hunter's father. Dean of Willowbrook Academy.
Mother: Unknown.
Tai Beckett
George Beckett: Tai's father. Occupation unknown, but involves extensive travel.
Mother: Deceased.
Mary: Tai's mother figure, housekeeper.
Calvin & Klein: Tai's dogs.
Cedar Point Crew
Archie Roberts: Bex's BFF.
William Roberts: Archie's dad. Fire chief.
Steele Turner: Bex's long-time friend and booty call.
Abby: Cheerleader, Archie's girlfriend.
Parker: Bex's friend. Milie's brother.
Millie: part of Bex's friends. Parker's sister.
Joshua: Mentioned as a non-friend at beginning of book involving photography.
Mr. Martin: Teacher from Cedar Heights.
Principal Samson: Principal at Cedar Heights.
Willowbrook Crew
Sophia: Tampax girl.
Liv (Olivia): Head cheerleader. Rylan's booty call.
Sierra: Liv's "friend".
Peyton: Liv's "friend".
Tamara Hamilton: School girl. Fighter.
Perkins: Football player at Willowbrook. Insignificant at this point.
Jenna: Student.
Jay Bereman: Tried to flirt with Sophia.
Mr. Hardwood: History teacher
Ms. Smythson: Detention teacher.
Coach Carter: Gym teacher.
Mr. Valkov: Algebra teacher.
Elizabeth: Dean Lannister's assistant.
Lark Kory: Mystery name found in Bex's cell phone. I think the person is Karl York - but there's no character with that name at this point. I'm eager to find out who this is.
May 18, 2025
This was the kind of enemies-to-lovers that grabs you by the throat and then kisses you without warning. The tension? Off. The. Charts. From the savage banter to the accidental touches that felt like war, the chemistry between these two was a ticking time bomb of desire.
You know that kind of book where you're screaming, "Just kiss already!" but also praying they don’t because the angst is so good? Yeah, it’s that kind of read.
The spice? 100% worth the wait. When it finally ignites, it’s not just hot, it’s explosive, real, and completely satisfying. But the heat isn’t the whole story. Beneath all the sharp words and tension-filled stares, there’s real emotional depth, complex characters, and a tenderness that sneaks up on you and hits just as hard as the chemistry
If you're into:
Sharp witty banter
Slow-burn sexual tension
Power plays and pride battles
And that moment where hatred turns into need...
Then trust me — this book is a must on your tbr, get ready releasing on May 27th
You know that kind of book where you're screaming, "Just kiss already!" but also praying they don’t because the angst is so good? Yeah, it’s that kind of read.
The spice? 100% worth the wait. When it finally ignites, it’s not just hot, it’s explosive, real, and completely satisfying. But the heat isn’t the whole story. Beneath all the sharp words and tension-filled stares, there’s real emotional depth, complex characters, and a tenderness that sneaks up on you and hits just as hard as the chemistry
If you're into:
Sharp witty banter
Slow-burn sexual tension
Power plays and pride battles
And that moment where hatred turns into need...
Then trust me — this book is a must on your tbr, get ready releasing on May 27th
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
I enjoyed this. It did take me a second to warm up to the FMC, but a few chapters in and I liked her after all. I believe that that's on purpose, so the reader gets the same impressions of Bexley at first as all the others do. Bex is the queen from the wrong side of the tracks, at least it's the wrong side if you ask our MMCs and their fathers who are the kings and previous kings of the "right" side. I enjoyed seeing the rivalry between the schools, heavy in the beginning, begin to shift somewhat as the book progresses. I enjoyed all of the relationships blooming between people that it never would have if not for a case of arson forcing the two schools to unite. That mystery continues as Bex faces other difficult life situations, and the cliffhanger this ends on had me screaming and checking to see when the next book comes out so I know how long I gotta sweat it out before I get questions answered!
May 17, 2025
Wow wow wow!!! I was enthraled by this book. Fast paced with plenty of angst. The FMC is one tuff bada$$. Loyal to her friends and scared of no one. Though he she has faced her own personal challenges through the book she remains strong. I love Bexley’s scarasm and take no crap attitude.
As for the MMCs, well they are three hard a$$es. Each fighting to maintain their top spots in ruling the school while struggling with how they feel about Bex.
This in a way gave me very much Outsiders vibes. Two different parts of town raised to hate each other but when forced together things don’t go as planned. I had so much fun reading this book. I could not put it down. Steph Macca has left me on another cliffhanger waiting desperately from the next book.
As for the MMCs, well they are three hard a$$es. Each fighting to maintain their top spots in ruling the school while struggling with how they feel about Bex.
This in a way gave me very much Outsiders vibes. Two different parts of town raised to hate each other but when forced together things don’t go as planned. I had so much fun reading this book. I could not put it down. Steph Macca has left me on another cliffhanger waiting desperately from the next book.
May 18, 2025
Oh my god. I wish I would have discovered Steph Macca sooner, but I sure am I did now. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC copy of her latest series and ..wow. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. Bex is a total bad a$$ and the guys….oof. I am obsessed with Tai right now but Ry and Hunter are a close second. Make sure you read this one. It is sooooo good and kept me turning pages well into the night.
August 1, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
May 16, 2025
oh i absolutely loved Bexley!! i love a good enemies to lovers & this was perfect
Rylan might be my fav but there’s just something about Tai 🥵
now i absolutely need the second book because that cliffhanger was insane!!
thank you to the Steph Macca for the ARC!
Rylan might be my fav but there’s just something about Tai 🥵
now i absolutely need the second book because that cliffhanger was insane!!
thank you to the Steph Macca for the ARC!
May 28, 2025
The little preface at the beginning of the book had me feral!!!
The first sentence had me hook line and sinker. Yes ma'am, book sold! I'll take a deluxe edition, please 😆.
I have found my new favorite author of 2025.
Poor Bexley, man, she really went through it in this book. The loneliness and weight of responsibility on her shoulders.The feeling like she has to take care of everything and everyone, I related to that.
I just want it to be known that the ending was rude. I do not approve of you devastating me like that, ma'am.
The first sentence had me hook line and sinker. Yes ma'am, book sold! I'll take a deluxe edition, please 😆.
I have found my new favorite author of 2025.
Poor Bexley, man, she really went through it in this book. The loneliness and weight of responsibility on her shoulders.The feeling like she has to take care of everything and everyone, I related to that.
I just want it to be known that the ending was rude. I do not approve of you devastating me like that, ma'am.
June 18, 2025
And this is exactly why I will read anything Steph Macca writes!
I was sent this ARC late Wedneaday night. It's Friday at 5pm now and I spent yesterday finishing another read. That's how fast I absolutely binged this book, and I could not put it down!
Our FMC Bexley was a badass! She wasn't annoying. She didn't whine all the time or leave everything up to everyone else. She was the exact opposite, actually. Everything she went through, and she was still as tough as nails!
Rylan and Tai were everything! The way they stepped up when they needed to 😍 I loved them!!!
And Hunter... those final scenes broke me! 😭 He might be a dick but I neeeeeeed more.
I love how the writing had me caring about all the side characters individually, as well as hating on others! Soph was especially cool!
The plot was a little on the predictable side, but only in the best way, honestly. And the ending?! I can't believe I'm now fully invested in yet another Steph Macca series and begging for more, but here we are!
😃 Help.
Do I need to summarise, or can I just tell yall to read this ASAP?
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
I was sent this ARC late Wedneaday night. It's Friday at 5pm now and I spent yesterday finishing another read. That's how fast I absolutely binged this book, and I could not put it down!
Our FMC Bexley was a badass! She wasn't annoying. She didn't whine all the time or leave everything up to everyone else. She was the exact opposite, actually. Everything she went through, and she was still as tough as nails!
Rylan and Tai were everything! The way they stepped up when they needed to 😍 I loved them!!!
And Hunter... those final scenes broke me! 😭 He might be a dick but I neeeeeeed more.
I love how the writing had me caring about all the side characters individually, as well as hating on others! Soph was especially cool!
The plot was a little on the predictable side, but only in the best way, honestly. And the ending?! I can't believe I'm now fully invested in yet another Steph Macca series and begging for more, but here we are!
😃 Help.
Do I need to summarise, or can I just tell yall to read this ASAP?
➛ 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
May 30, 2025
*ARC Reader Review - some potential spoilers and some snips of my fav quotes I highlighted while reading*
This was my 2nd ever ARC, so of course I was nervous in the sense of ‘oh no what if its not good and i cant finish it’ plus I also have a hard time reading without an audiobook keeping me on track (thanks adhd lol) but not the case with this book! That cliffhanger ending had me like 😰😬🫣🥹😳🤯😵 I usually have tons of theories on what/how/who but this time, I was literally so wrapped up that I have no freaking clue for once!! I'll absolutely be doing a re-read to see what I may have missed to try to get some answers to all the thoughts and questions while waiting for book 2 to drop! I will also be signing up for the ARC of book 2 because I needs to know!!! I guess I’ve been under a rock since this was my first book to read by Steph Macca, but my gracious, it won’t be my last if this is how she writes books. I 100% would’ve read this in less than a day if not for having to go to work.
“Devils are meant to be creatures of seduction. If they weren’t, how else would we sin?” -Bexley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Unlike them, I don’t need a dick to rule-let alone three. I’m strong enough to hold that title on my own.” -Bexley
This is a "Why Choose Dark Romance" with an academy style setting. From that, I expected a lot of drama, bickering, and rivalrys which you definitely get, but I was not expecting the deep emotional hardships, both past and current, and the crazy twists and suspense!! That ending!! *insert meme of Jennifer Lawrence saying, "What do you mean? But like, what do you mean?!"* That was me when I realized it was over, and I was left flabbergasted, staring at a wall. I need to know more, Steph! 😫😂
I loved the tropes such as enemies to lovers, why choose, academy rivalry, cage fighting/sparing, reverse harem, forced proximity, baddy fmc, multi pov, poly romance, and more. Definitely 18+ due to dark triggers, family issues/death/abandonment, mental health, bullying, adult themes, etc, so check the triggers if things like that bother you. The past and current trauma had me gripped and in my feels. It hit so deep and at home that I felt it in my bones, which hooked me even harder. All the emotions with this book - I laughed, cried, screamed, got hot and bothered, pissed, wanted in the cage myself, just everything.
“I don’t think he realizes that even when we’re on our knees, we’re still in control.” -Bexley
The writing had me emersed like I was there, and I was so connected to the characters, even most of the side characters. The plot had some predictable parts, but as soon as I thought I knew where it was going, I got whipped a different way, especially at the end.🫣😱 It was fast-paced, angsty, hilarious, emotional, addicting, just everything you want in a book.
“I can only imagine the chaos that would ensue with white shorts if it rained. No one wants to see wet sausage flinging around.” -Bexley
I really enjoyed the world building. It gave me kinda "step-up" movie ish vibes where you have the poor side of town with the state funded school and the rich pretentious side of town with the big named fancy academy, except swap out the dancing/dance battles and put in cage fighting instead. I loved every bit of it and ate it up!
“If anything was going to bring mortal enemies together, it was always going to be our disdain for periods. That’s why women should be in positions of power. Dick fights? Unproductive. Sharing tampons? World peace.” -Bexley
The Queen:
Bexley Spencer - What can’t I say about our FMC? She’s a badass bitch, totally fuck around and find out, protective, loyal, strong, sarcastic, fearless, cocky, I can keep going on and on. She has these guys by the balls within 2 weeks, literally. She cares so much for everyone and everything except herself and I can’t tell you how many times I said “mood” while reading this book. She wasn’t annoying and whiney and I didn’t want to strangle her like a lot of FMCs. She went through a lot in life early on and kept going through it all the way through the end of the book. I also loved her dark purple hair and emerald eyes combo.
“Like any woman who loves to accessorize, I matched my fingernails…curved into a classic almond shape, perfect for gorging out eyes if need be-” -Bexley
The Kings: (Loyal to their trio….but eventually her and hers too 😉)
—before getting into each one, I just need to say…. Their dads can eat a dick. Ok moving on 😂😂
Rylan Astor - 😍 He was my fav from the start. He has baby blue eyes and dark brown hair with hints of caramel. He’s the athletic runner of the trio. He has a dominating edge to him but you can tell he’s actually pretty sweet. He definitely fell first (love that) and was a sneaky shit by secretly talking and hanging with her til later on when the others found out/gave in. The sparks were sparking with their love-hate tension. He was everything….until Tai…and then THEY were everything 😂 best of both worlds! What he was missing, Tai filled (🤭teehee) and vice versa.
“I want nothing more than to go over there and rip it off her. Actually, that’s a lie—I want to rip his hand off his body so he never touches her again.” -Rylan
“Spencer. A pleasant sight as always.””It’s as pleasant as a Pap smear.” -Rylan and Bexley
“Don’t bother, Astor. All it will do is make me smile. And you know what they say about a woman if she smiles when your hands are around her neck…” -Bexley
Tai Beckett - 🤤 I thought I wasn’t going to like him at first, but there’s just something about him that reeled me in! He has hazel eyes and dyed ashy silver hair. He’s the nerdy tech genius of the trio. He was immediately known as the comedian, always cracking jokes and he was actually funny and had me cackling. He gave off this hard-ass, give no shits front but was such a teddy bear. Definitely golden retriever energy and I was all for it. Where Rylan had that dominating edge to him, Tai was the soft, kind-hearted snuggler. He fell second, before even knowing about Rylan and Bex by being tech guy turned stalker (in the cutesy way of course lol). Even though he knew about them though, he also starts being a sneaky shit by talking and hanging out with her for a little bit…until Rylan catches on of course 😏
“Chill, Spencer. I was just kidding. It’s a joke, not a dick. Don’t take it so hard.” -Tai
“I would recommend he visit the doctor because it can’t be healthy to have shit coming out of your mouth.” -Bexley
Hunter Lannister - At first I was annoyed and disliked him, then I LOATHED him, then I wasn’t sure how I felt, and ended with starting to like him. He has forest green eyes and jet black hair with the tips dyed red. He was mentioned as the musician of the trio but I don’t remember much more discussed on that topic with him throughout the rest of the book. Possibly because I hated him 😂 He gave off more of a political leader with a pompous ass attitude vibe to me. He was the moody mystery guy, a complete ass, and I wanted him to get the shit kicked out of him constantly but he does get better. Towards the end you can tell he’s struggling with wanting to stay firm in hating Bex but starts to VERY SLOWLY let some of his walls crack. I do think he’s secretly sweet, just too afraid of what his father and others would think of him so it’s like he’s walled off his feelings. I do like him though after that ending which makes me need book 2 so much more to see how he develops.
“I mean, sure, he’s driving the speed limit. But fuck him anyway. Any excuse to be mad at him works for me.” -Bexley
I won’t even get into the side characters because I loved the majority of them and was immediately connected to them. I could say so much about the ones I love (Archie, Abby, Sophie, Millie, Parker) but I’m trying to wrap it up since I’ve said a lot already. The side characters were just all around well written. There were those I hated, Liv especially, that I got so worked up wanting to jump in the book to throw a few punches myself and the parents/caretakers were also well described/depicted.
“And the three of them are a package deal, so I’m a bit screwed either way—pun intended.” -Bexley
Cons: No notes from me! I just need book 2 asap! Also I need the creative people to make fan art to give myself a better mental image 🤪
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to ARC this book. Again this is my first book to read by Steph Macca and wow, just wow. I will be buying a physical copy as a bookshelf trophy 😍
This was my 2nd ever ARC, so of course I was nervous in the sense of ‘oh no what if its not good and i cant finish it’ plus I also have a hard time reading without an audiobook keeping me on track (thanks adhd lol) but not the case with this book! That cliffhanger ending had me like 😰😬🫣🥹😳🤯😵 I usually have tons of theories on what/how/who but this time, I was literally so wrapped up that I have no freaking clue for once!! I'll absolutely be doing a re-read to see what I may have missed to try to get some answers to all the thoughts and questions while waiting for book 2 to drop! I will also be signing up for the ARC of book 2 because I needs to know!!! I guess I’ve been under a rock since this was my first book to read by Steph Macca, but my gracious, it won’t be my last if this is how she writes books. I 100% would’ve read this in less than a day if not for having to go to work.
“Devils are meant to be creatures of seduction. If they weren’t, how else would we sin?” -Bexley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Unlike them, I don’t need a dick to rule-let alone three. I’m strong enough to hold that title on my own.” -Bexley
This is a "Why Choose Dark Romance" with an academy style setting. From that, I expected a lot of drama, bickering, and rivalrys which you definitely get, but I was not expecting the deep emotional hardships, both past and current, and the crazy twists and suspense!! That ending!! *insert meme of Jennifer Lawrence saying, "What do you mean? But like, what do you mean?!"* That was me when I realized it was over, and I was left flabbergasted, staring at a wall. I need to know more, Steph! 😫😂
I loved the tropes such as enemies to lovers, why choose, academy rivalry, cage fighting/sparing, reverse harem, forced proximity, baddy fmc, multi pov, poly romance, and more. Definitely 18+ due to dark triggers, family issues/death/abandonment, mental health, bullying, adult themes, etc, so check the triggers if things like that bother you. The past and current trauma had me gripped and in my feels. It hit so deep and at home that I felt it in my bones, which hooked me even harder. All the emotions with this book - I laughed, cried, screamed, got hot and bothered, pissed, wanted in the cage myself, just everything.
“I don’t think he realizes that even when we’re on our knees, we’re still in control.” -Bexley
The writing had me emersed like I was there, and I was so connected to the characters, even most of the side characters. The plot had some predictable parts, but as soon as I thought I knew where it was going, I got whipped a different way, especially at the end.🫣😱 It was fast-paced, angsty, hilarious, emotional, addicting, just everything you want in a book.
“I can only imagine the chaos that would ensue with white shorts if it rained. No one wants to see wet sausage flinging around.” -Bexley
I really enjoyed the world building. It gave me kinda "step-up" movie ish vibes where you have the poor side of town with the state funded school and the rich pretentious side of town with the big named fancy academy, except swap out the dancing/dance battles and put in cage fighting instead. I loved every bit of it and ate it up!
“If anything was going to bring mortal enemies together, it was always going to be our disdain for periods. That’s why women should be in positions of power. Dick fights? Unproductive. Sharing tampons? World peace.” -Bexley
The Queen:
Bexley Spencer - What can’t I say about our FMC? She’s a badass bitch, totally fuck around and find out, protective, loyal, strong, sarcastic, fearless, cocky, I can keep going on and on. She has these guys by the balls within 2 weeks, literally. She cares so much for everyone and everything except herself and I can’t tell you how many times I said “mood” while reading this book. She wasn’t annoying and whiney and I didn’t want to strangle her like a lot of FMCs. She went through a lot in life early on and kept going through it all the way through the end of the book. I also loved her dark purple hair and emerald eyes combo.
“Like any woman who loves to accessorize, I matched my fingernails…curved into a classic almond shape, perfect for gorging out eyes if need be-” -Bexley
The Kings: (Loyal to their trio….but eventually her and hers too 😉)
—before getting into each one, I just need to say…. Their dads can eat a dick. Ok moving on 😂😂
Rylan Astor - 😍 He was my fav from the start. He has baby blue eyes and dark brown hair with hints of caramel. He’s the athletic runner of the trio. He has a dominating edge to him but you can tell he’s actually pretty sweet. He definitely fell first (love that) and was a sneaky shit by secretly talking and hanging with her til later on when the others found out/gave in. The sparks were sparking with their love-hate tension. He was everything….until Tai…and then THEY were everything 😂 best of both worlds! What he was missing, Tai filled (🤭teehee) and vice versa.
“I want nothing more than to go over there and rip it off her. Actually, that’s a lie—I want to rip his hand off his body so he never touches her again.” -Rylan
“Spencer. A pleasant sight as always.””It’s as pleasant as a Pap smear.” -Rylan and Bexley
“Don’t bother, Astor. All it will do is make me smile. And you know what they say about a woman if she smiles when your hands are around her neck…” -Bexley
Tai Beckett - 🤤 I thought I wasn’t going to like him at first, but there’s just something about him that reeled me in! He has hazel eyes and dyed ashy silver hair. He’s the nerdy tech genius of the trio. He was immediately known as the comedian, always cracking jokes and he was actually funny and had me cackling. He gave off this hard-ass, give no shits front but was such a teddy bear. Definitely golden retriever energy and I was all for it. Where Rylan had that dominating edge to him, Tai was the soft, kind-hearted snuggler. He fell second, before even knowing about Rylan and Bex by being tech guy turned stalker (in the cutesy way of course lol). Even though he knew about them though, he also starts being a sneaky shit by talking and hanging out with her for a little bit…until Rylan catches on of course 😏
“Chill, Spencer. I was just kidding. It’s a joke, not a dick. Don’t take it so hard.” -Tai
“I would recommend he visit the doctor because it can’t be healthy to have shit coming out of your mouth.” -Bexley
Hunter Lannister - At first I was annoyed and disliked him, then I LOATHED him, then I wasn’t sure how I felt, and ended with starting to like him. He has forest green eyes and jet black hair with the tips dyed red. He was mentioned as the musician of the trio but I don’t remember much more discussed on that topic with him throughout the rest of the book. Possibly because I hated him 😂 He gave off more of a political leader with a pompous ass attitude vibe to me. He was the moody mystery guy, a complete ass, and I wanted him to get the shit kicked out of him constantly but he does get better. Towards the end you can tell he’s struggling with wanting to stay firm in hating Bex but starts to VERY SLOWLY let some of his walls crack. I do think he’s secretly sweet, just too afraid of what his father and others would think of him so it’s like he’s walled off his feelings. I do like him though after that ending which makes me need book 2 so much more to see how he develops.
“I mean, sure, he’s driving the speed limit. But fuck him anyway. Any excuse to be mad at him works for me.” -Bexley
I won’t even get into the side characters because I loved the majority of them and was immediately connected to them. I could say so much about the ones I love (Archie, Abby, Sophie, Millie, Parker) but I’m trying to wrap it up since I’ve said a lot already. The side characters were just all around well written. There were those I hated, Liv especially, that I got so worked up wanting to jump in the book to throw a few punches myself and the parents/caretakers were also well described/depicted.
“And the three of them are a package deal, so I’m a bit screwed either way—pun intended.” -Bexley
Cons: No notes from me! I just need book 2 asap! Also I need the creative people to make fan art to give myself a better mental image 🤪
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to ARC this book. Again this is my first book to read by Steph Macca and wow, just wow. I will be buying a physical copy as a bookshelf trophy 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
✨ Kindle Review ✨
The Devils They Are -(The boys of Willowbrook book 1)
Stepth Macca
27/05/25
371pgs
🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤Fave Quote-🖤 "Devil's are meant to be creatures of seduction.If they weren't, how else would we sin. "
ARC Review – The Devils They Are by Steph Macca
I was gladly given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for the amazing Steph Macca & what a privilege it was, especially with this being my very first ARC read!
First & foremost, please make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in this story it does contain dark elements, bullying, & is recommended for 18+ readers due to adult themes & language.
Now onto the book…
From bestselling author Steph Macca comes a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, academy-style romance that hooks you from the very first line. Literally I laughed so much at the opening sentence & instantly knew I was in for a five-star read. Steph has a gift for grabbing your attention & keeping it page after page. We’re thrown into the wild world of Ridgeview Valley, a town split by a ridiculous rivalry & one very dramatic asteroid crater. When a fire shuts down Cedar Heights Academy, our fierce FMC Bexley & her classmates are forced to transfer to their rival school, Willowbrook Academy. What unfolds? Pure chaos, tension, & chemistry. Bexley is an absolute badass strong, loyal, fearless. I adored her. She goes through it in this book, & I mean through it. Her strength & defiance made her such a compelling lead. Also… can we talk about Chapter 37?! I have never laughed so hard reading a book. Easily one of the best moments.
Then we have the Kings of Willowbrook:
Rylan – I liked him from the start. That man does something to me. The chemistry between him & Bex? Electric. The love hate tension, was chef’s kiss.
Tai – My personal favorite. His golden retriever energy is EVERYTHING. The scene with the math issues zoning out? I felt that deep in my soul so god dam relatable.
Hunter – Oh, the moody mystery asshole. He seriously made me mad at one point, but of course, as always, I ended up falling for him by the end. The emotional walls slowly came down, & I was hooked.
The side characters were just as loveable, shoutout to Archie & Sophia, who totally stole my heart. & the cliffhanger?! I was gobsmacked. Steph, how could you leave us like this?! I need Book 2 ASAP.
Steph Macca proves once again that she’s the queen of reverse harem, bully academy romance. The Devils They Are is fast paced, intense, hilarious, emotional & downright addictive. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, dark romance, & a fierce heroine ready to dethrone the kings, this is your next must read. I’m absolutely obsessed & already begging for more.
5 stars – Highly recommend.
Thank you again to the author for the chance to be an ARC reader , I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to ARC reading!
Trope's-
🥊 Reserve Harmen
🖤Forced Proximity
🥊Cage Fighting
🖤 Bullying MMCs
🥊Strong FMC
🖤 Academy
🥊 Enemies to Lovers + Rivals
🖤 Multiple Povs
🥊Why Choose Romance
🖤 Polyamory Romance
The Devils They Are -(The boys of Willowbrook book 1)
Stepth Macca
27/05/25
371pgs
🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤Fave Quote-🖤 "Devil's are meant to be creatures of seduction.If they weren't, how else would we sin. "
ARC Review – The Devils They Are by Steph Macca
I was gladly given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for the amazing Steph Macca & what a privilege it was, especially with this being my very first ARC read!
First & foremost, please make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in this story it does contain dark elements, bullying, & is recommended for 18+ readers due to adult themes & language.
Now onto the book…
From bestselling author Steph Macca comes a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, academy-style romance that hooks you from the very first line. Literally I laughed so much at the opening sentence & instantly knew I was in for a five-star read. Steph has a gift for grabbing your attention & keeping it page after page. We’re thrown into the wild world of Ridgeview Valley, a town split by a ridiculous rivalry & one very dramatic asteroid crater. When a fire shuts down Cedar Heights Academy, our fierce FMC Bexley & her classmates are forced to transfer to their rival school, Willowbrook Academy. What unfolds? Pure chaos, tension, & chemistry. Bexley is an absolute badass strong, loyal, fearless. I adored her. She goes through it in this book, & I mean through it. Her strength & defiance made her such a compelling lead. Also… can we talk about Chapter 37?! I have never laughed so hard reading a book. Easily one of the best moments.
Then we have the Kings of Willowbrook:
Rylan – I liked him from the start. That man does something to me. The chemistry between him & Bex? Electric. The love hate tension, was chef’s kiss.
Tai – My personal favorite. His golden retriever energy is EVERYTHING. The scene with the math issues zoning out? I felt that deep in my soul so god dam relatable.
Hunter – Oh, the moody mystery asshole. He seriously made me mad at one point, but of course, as always, I ended up falling for him by the end. The emotional walls slowly came down, & I was hooked.
The side characters were just as loveable, shoutout to Archie & Sophia, who totally stole my heart. & the cliffhanger?! I was gobsmacked. Steph, how could you leave us like this?! I need Book 2 ASAP.
Steph Macca proves once again that she’s the queen of reverse harem, bully academy romance. The Devils They Are is fast paced, intense, hilarious, emotional & downright addictive. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, dark romance, & a fierce heroine ready to dethrone the kings, this is your next must read. I’m absolutely obsessed & already begging for more.
5 stars – Highly recommend.
Thank you again to the author for the chance to be an ARC reader , I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to ARC reading!
Trope's-
🥊 Reserve Harmen
🖤Forced Proximity
🥊Cage Fighting
🖤 Bullying MMCs
🥊Strong FMC
🖤 Academy
🥊 Enemies to Lovers + Rivals
🖤 Multiple Povs
🥊Why Choose Romance
🖤 Polyamory Romance
May 20, 2025
Arc review for the devils they are.
I absolutely love stephs books, they suck you in from the beginning and have you always wanting more.
“If you'd ask me how I ended up with a glowstick shoved into my nether region like some kind of flesh lantern, I should probably lie and say… I don't know.”
See?! Wouldn’t you want to keep reading if this was the first chapter, first line? 🤣
I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive and arc copy and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The devils they are made me feel all the feels.
We have a badass fmc and I mean BADASS! Bexley spencer goes through her own personal things in this book and still doesn’t take shit from no one. Especially from our 3 mmc’s “the kings” of willowbrook academy. Rylan Astor, Hunter Lannister, and Tai Beckett who have it out for Bexley, even more since a mysterious, totally not-suspicious fire at cedar heights academy has forced Bexley and her mates to attend the rival Willowbrook academy.
This book had everything, there’s cage fighting, it’s full of banter, witty comebacks ( "Spencer. A pleasant sight as always." "It's as pleasant as a pap smear," 😂) spice, heartbreak, anger( hunter I’m looking at you🥊) and so much more.
If you love a whychoose, enemies to lovers, spicy book with a good plot then I highly recommend reading the devils they are releasing may 27th.
Oh and Miss Steph! That ending! You sure do love a cliffhanger 😫🤣. Thank you so much and I honestly can’t wait for the monster I am to come out. ( please don’t make us wait to long 🙏🏼)
*As always check triggers if you need to.
I absolutely love stephs books, they suck you in from the beginning and have you always wanting more.
“If you'd ask me how I ended up with a glowstick shoved into my nether region like some kind of flesh lantern, I should probably lie and say… I don't know.”
See?! Wouldn’t you want to keep reading if this was the first chapter, first line? 🤣
I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive and arc copy and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The devils they are made me feel all the feels.
We have a badass fmc and I mean BADASS! Bexley spencer goes through her own personal things in this book and still doesn’t take shit from no one. Especially from our 3 mmc’s “the kings” of willowbrook academy. Rylan Astor, Hunter Lannister, and Tai Beckett who have it out for Bexley, even more since a mysterious, totally not-suspicious fire at cedar heights academy has forced Bexley and her mates to attend the rival Willowbrook academy.
This book had everything, there’s cage fighting, it’s full of banter, witty comebacks ( "Spencer. A pleasant sight as always." "It's as pleasant as a pap smear," 😂) spice, heartbreak, anger( hunter I’m looking at you🥊) and so much more.
If you love a whychoose, enemies to lovers, spicy book with a good plot then I highly recommend reading the devils they are releasing may 27th.
Oh and Miss Steph! That ending! You sure do love a cliffhanger 😫🤣. Thank you so much and I honestly can’t wait for the monster I am to come out. ( please don’t make us wait to long 🙏🏼)
*As always check triggers if you need to.
May 21, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Wow I loved this book! I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and a why choose trope! I knew from when I read dance with my demons that Steph was going to be a must read author and this book did not disappoint!
Steph gave us just the right amount of sexual tension that had me screaming at my kindle to just kiss already! And boy I did the happy dance when they did! I could feel the tension and chemistry coming off the page.
And if there is one thing I do love is a strong fmc! And Bexley is was bad ass b*tch! I loved her attitude and the way she’s so loyal to the people she cares about but also giving glimpses of a softer side.
As for the boys well, Rylan was a quick favourite for me, Tai he’s just got this aura about him that you can’t help but love him and his quick wit. And Hunter well… wasn’t a fan at first but I think he’s going to surprise us in the next book.
And in true style Steph left us wanting more after that cliffhanger, it had me at the end of my seat and I need the next book like yesterday! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
So if you love enemies to lovers, why choose trope with one hell of a strong FMC.. full of tension and suspense then this is the book for you. Highly recommend
“We can go back to hating each other tomorrow”
“But for right now, you’re mine Bex”
Set those reminders cause the devils they are is dropping May 27th ❤️
Wow I loved this book! I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and a why choose trope! I knew from when I read dance with my demons that Steph was going to be a must read author and this book did not disappoint!
Steph gave us just the right amount of sexual tension that had me screaming at my kindle to just kiss already! And boy I did the happy dance when they did! I could feel the tension and chemistry coming off the page.
And if there is one thing I do love is a strong fmc! And Bexley is was bad ass b*tch! I loved her attitude and the way she’s so loyal to the people she cares about but also giving glimpses of a softer side.
As for the boys well, Rylan was a quick favourite for me, Tai he’s just got this aura about him that you can’t help but love him and his quick wit. And Hunter well… wasn’t a fan at first but I think he’s going to surprise us in the next book.
And in true style Steph left us wanting more after that cliffhanger, it had me at the end of my seat and I need the next book like yesterday! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
So if you love enemies to lovers, why choose trope with one hell of a strong FMC.. full of tension and suspense then this is the book for you. Highly recommend
“We can go back to hating each other tomorrow”
“But for right now, you’re mine Bex”
Set those reminders cause the devils they are is dropping May 27th ❤️
May 27, 2025
“𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰”
Wow what a book!! Thank you Steph Macca for an ARC I literally devoured it until the early hours * 𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬*
This was really a fast paced book which I enjoyed, 𝐁𝐞𝐱𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 is a powerhouse FMC, I loved everything about her. Strong willed, loyal, loves like no other & will never back down.
This book is based on high school characters around the age of 18. Which makes sense with some of the pranks and behaviour coming across. Bexley’s school Cedar Heights Academy (state funded) is set on fire, it is decided that the students will attend Willowbrook Academy (Private funded) this doesn’t go down well with anybody.
I loved the 3 MMC; 𝗥𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗧𝗮𝗶 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘁 & 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 3 top dogs of their private school, each wanting to stay at the top. A close friendship between the boys with nothing getting in-between them; until Bexley. At first they try to make her life hell pulling some really low pranks on her but she gives it back just as good, if not better!
I loved this enemies to lovers vibe & I can’t wait to see what the next book brings, though I need it NOW! The ending like omg! What a cliffhanger, though that doesn’t surprise me with Steph’s books!
𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙜, 𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧.
Wow what a book!! Thank you Steph Macca for an ARC I literally devoured it until the early hours * 𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬*
This was really a fast paced book which I enjoyed, 𝐁𝐞𝐱𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 is a powerhouse FMC, I loved everything about her. Strong willed, loyal, loves like no other & will never back down.
This book is based on high school characters around the age of 18. Which makes sense with some of the pranks and behaviour coming across. Bexley’s school Cedar Heights Academy (state funded) is set on fire, it is decided that the students will attend Willowbrook Academy (Private funded) this doesn’t go down well with anybody.
I loved the 3 MMC; 𝗥𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗧𝗮𝗶 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘁 & 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 3 top dogs of their private school, each wanting to stay at the top. A close friendship between the boys with nothing getting in-between them; until Bexley. At first they try to make her life hell pulling some really low pranks on her but she gives it back just as good, if not better!
I loved this enemies to lovers vibe & I can’t wait to see what the next book brings, though I need it NOW! The ending like omg! What a cliffhanger, though that doesn’t surprise me with Steph’s books!
𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙜, 𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧.
June 2, 2025
WTF was that ending, I am still reeling even hours later.
Make sure you check your trigger warnings before reading this one.
When the 2 high schools get combined due to fire things don’t go as they expect. Instead of just having the normal Friday night fighting in the cage they bring things to school too. A few twists in this one and some things we don’t see coming.
Make sure you check your trigger warnings before reading this one.
When the 2 high schools get combined due to fire things don’t go as they expect. Instead of just having the normal Friday night fighting in the cage they bring things to school too. A few twists in this one and some things we don’t see coming.
June 19, 2025
He ruled the school like a storm—until the one girl who wasn’t afraid of lightning walked in.”
Tension thick enough to cut. And two enemies so close to breaking—they might kiss… or kill each other.
Fists fly, sparks ignite, and the line between love and hate gets bloodied—if you crave brutal showdowns and enemies one breath away from losing control, this one’s for you.
Burnt to the ground we find two school filled with fighters—both literal and metaphorical. The students have each other’s backs and pride themselves on their raw talent and street-smart hustle.
One school is Polished, privileged, and cocky they think they’re unstoppable, and rule . The other surviving to stay on top by any means . Playing dirty if need be to show them they mean business .
The tension between Rylan, Tai and Hunter and the razor-sharp FMC is a masterclass in slow-burn enemies-to-lovers. She’s strategic, ruthless when needed, and absolutely no one’s rescue project. Their banter is savage at times. Their chemistry? Dangerous. Their near-touch moments? Scorching !!
The characters are delivered with depth and definition !
We see the developments as the chapters progress and see different sides to all .
Mean girls try to intimidate Bexley, she talks smack back, fights dirty, and plays the game better than anyone. Giving them a taste of their own medicine.
The author delivers her storyline with a slow burn fire, slow progression at start but picks up momentum .
Moments where your breath is baited and your fist pumping .
Moments you’ll be giggling at the antics and come backs !! Bexley has some great ones !!
We are left with a wtf !!! Cliffhanger , wanting the next book !!!
Tension thick enough to cut. And two enemies so close to breaking—they might kiss… or kill each other.
Fists fly, sparks ignite, and the line between love and hate gets bloodied—if you crave brutal showdowns and enemies one breath away from losing control, this one’s for you.
Burnt to the ground we find two school filled with fighters—both literal and metaphorical. The students have each other’s backs and pride themselves on their raw talent and street-smart hustle.
One school is Polished, privileged, and cocky they think they’re unstoppable, and rule . The other surviving to stay on top by any means . Playing dirty if need be to show them they mean business .
The tension between Rylan, Tai and Hunter and the razor-sharp FMC is a masterclass in slow-burn enemies-to-lovers. She’s strategic, ruthless when needed, and absolutely no one’s rescue project. Their banter is savage at times. Their chemistry? Dangerous. Their near-touch moments? Scorching !!
The characters are delivered with depth and definition !
We see the developments as the chapters progress and see different sides to all .
Mean girls try to intimidate Bexley, she talks smack back, fights dirty, and plays the game better than anyone. Giving them a taste of their own medicine.
The author delivers her storyline with a slow burn fire, slow progression at start but picks up momentum .
Moments where your breath is baited and your fist pumping .
Moments you’ll be giggling at the antics and come backs !! Bexley has some great ones !!
We are left with a wtf !!! Cliffhanger , wanting the next book !!!
June 20, 2025
⭐️3.75 🌶️4
why choose? SAT
dark academia? SAT
my legs? SPREAD
my holes? WILLING AND READY😇
THATS ALL FOLKS😆
why choose? SAT
dark academia? SAT
my legs? SPREAD
my holes? WILLING AND READY😇
THATS ALL FOLKS😆
June 16, 2025
Yess !! Oh my gosh yes !! The rivalry ! The banter ! The cockiness !! God I loved the fmc. Her strength and confidence and her pure wit was amazing and I loved watching how she dealt with everything thrown at her. She was so amazingly fun to read about. She is who I want to be when I grow up lol and I’m 25 🤣 honestly thou I really enjoyed all the characters and the interactions between each other. I’m also obsessed with what happened in Chapter 37 ! Oh my gosh Bexley is everything in that scene it was freaking hilarious !! Ok enough about the fmc..
I really enjoyed the whole concept of the different sides of the town and the fight club ring that they have to work out the tension between the two sides. It’s very interesting and I enjoyed reading about the fights and the hierarchies of both sides as well as watching the transition of conflict throughout. The chemistry between Bexley and the boys kind of differs for each boy and I can’t wait to see how much more they develop. Her and Rylan I think have great chemistry as two people who are troubled with a lot of the same things and struggle in the same way, they are very alike and I think that makes their connection work really well. As for her and Tai, I think it’s still early stages but they do show a promising amount of chemistry between them. Something a bit more fun and sweet so I’m excited to see where that goes from here. As for her and Hunter well the jury is still out but I feel it’ll be explosive.. just a hunch. In terms of spice in this book, it definitely wasn’t the main focus at all so it’s a 2/5 but the few scenes we did get were super good and detailed fairly well. I definitely think it was the right amount for this book, I think if there was more it would cause the rivalry between the MCs to become more like background noise than the actual plot point that it was so I think the spice level was done really well. Overall, I loved this book so much and I cannot wait for more because god damn that ending ! That damn cliffhanger and I’m salivating for more !! It was a 5/5 read for me and I will be recommending it to everyone and all because it deserves all the hype.
I really enjoyed the whole concept of the different sides of the town and the fight club ring that they have to work out the tension between the two sides. It’s very interesting and I enjoyed reading about the fights and the hierarchies of both sides as well as watching the transition of conflict throughout. The chemistry between Bexley and the boys kind of differs for each boy and I can’t wait to see how much more they develop. Her and Rylan I think have great chemistry as two people who are troubled with a lot of the same things and struggle in the same way, they are very alike and I think that makes their connection work really well. As for her and Tai, I think it’s still early stages but they do show a promising amount of chemistry between them. Something a bit more fun and sweet so I’m excited to see where that goes from here. As for her and Hunter well the jury is still out but I feel it’ll be explosive.. just a hunch. In terms of spice in this book, it definitely wasn’t the main focus at all so it’s a 2/5 but the few scenes we did get were super good and detailed fairly well. I definitely think it was the right amount for this book, I think if there was more it would cause the rivalry between the MCs to become more like background noise than the actual plot point that it was so I think the spice level was done really well. Overall, I loved this book so much and I cannot wait for more because god damn that ending ! That damn cliffhanger and I’m salivating for more !! It was a 5/5 read for me and I will be recommending it to everyone and all because it deserves all the hype.
June 23, 2025
Steph Macca has done it again. Honestly, she could publish her shopping list and I’d preorder it in hardback, paperback, e-book and probably petition for a collector's edition. This book? Chef’s kiss. 😍
Let’s start with Bexley — our queen. She’s all sharp edges and survival instinct, with more backbone than some of the MMCs I’ve read . She’s been through hell and still doesn’t let anyone walk over her. That ride-or-die loyalty, the glimpses of softness beneath the armour? I was rooting for her the whole bloody way.
Then we’ve got Rylan and Tai. The way they showed up when it mattered thr most had me giggling like a teenager and fanning myself in the same breath. 🤣 Absolute cinnamon rolls with a side of 🔥.
And Hunter… aaaahhhh! The man is a walking red flag but also? Surprisingly wholesome (in his own way). That ending had me. Just when I thought I had him figured out, he delivered those final scenes and I was left clutching my Kindle like it had personally betrayed me. 😮💨
Steph, being the menace she is (love you really! 🤣), hit us with that cliffhanger — and I’m now floating in book limbo, stalking her DM's for any whispers about the next release.
One of the things I loved most? The side characters weren’t just there for filler — they mattered. Some I wanted to protect at all costs (Soph, you legend), and others I wanted to strangle with the power of a thousand spoilers. The drama was drama-ing and I was INTO IT.
Sure, the plot had a few familiar beats, but honestly? That’s half the charm. Sometimes I want to see certain moments coming, just to watch them explode with emotional carnage. 🙂↕️ This isn't as spicy as some of her other books, but when it got spicy it really delivered
If you’re here for badass heroines, moral greys, enemies-to-lovers and why-choose vibes and scenes that make you pause mid-page to scream into the void — this one’s got your name written all over it.
TROPES:
🔥 why choose
🔥 multiple pov
🔥 enemies to lovers
🔥 bully
🔥 forced proximity
🔥 cage fighting
🔥 strong fmc
🔥 rival academies
Let’s start with Bexley — our queen. She’s all sharp edges and survival instinct, with more backbone than some of the MMCs I’ve read . She’s been through hell and still doesn’t let anyone walk over her. That ride-or-die loyalty, the glimpses of softness beneath the armour? I was rooting for her the whole bloody way.
Then we’ve got Rylan and Tai. The way they showed up when it mattered thr most had me giggling like a teenager and fanning myself in the same breath. 🤣 Absolute cinnamon rolls with a side of 🔥.
And Hunter… aaaahhhh! The man is a walking red flag but also? Surprisingly wholesome (in his own way). That ending had me. Just when I thought I had him figured out, he delivered those final scenes and I was left clutching my Kindle like it had personally betrayed me. 😮💨
Steph, being the menace she is (love you really! 🤣), hit us with that cliffhanger — and I’m now floating in book limbo, stalking her DM's for any whispers about the next release.
One of the things I loved most? The side characters weren’t just there for filler — they mattered. Some I wanted to protect at all costs (Soph, you legend), and others I wanted to strangle with the power of a thousand spoilers. The drama was drama-ing and I was INTO IT.
Sure, the plot had a few familiar beats, but honestly? That’s half the charm. Sometimes I want to see certain moments coming, just to watch them explode with emotional carnage. 🙂↕️ This isn't as spicy as some of her other books, but when it got spicy it really delivered
If you’re here for badass heroines, moral greys, enemies-to-lovers and why-choose vibes and scenes that make you pause mid-page to scream into the void — this one’s got your name written all over it.
TROPES:
🔥 why choose
🔥 multiple pov
🔥 enemies to lovers
🔥 bully
🔥 forced proximity
🔥 cage fighting
🔥 strong fmc
🔥 rival academies
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
I received an ARC of The Devils They Are and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect—I was so in the mood for a bully romance, and Steph Macca absolutely delivered.
I’ve been a huge fan of her work, and in typical Steph fashion, she left us hanging with a killer cliffhanger (why do you do this to us?!). From page one, I was hooked. The tension was just right, the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night, and the vibes—it’s giving The Outsiders with all the gritty rivalry and street loyalty.
Bexley is fierce, resilient, and loyal to a fault. No matter what she’s put through, she never backs down. She’s scared of no one, and I loved that about her. The multiple POVs added so much depth and complexity to the story, giving insight into each character’s motivations and emotions in a way that made me even more invested.
And let’s talk romance—the enemies to lovers arc is done so well. Watching these relationships shift and evolve had me completely enthralled. The electricity between Bexley and Rylan? Fire. The intimacy with Tai? Raw. And Hunter… let’s just say he’s a work in progress, but the ending? So redeeming. I’m really excited to see where things go from here.
The only thing that gave me pause was that it wasn’t immediately clear the characters were high school seniors—I found myself trying to place their age and setting at first.
If you’re into fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers tension, gritty rivalries, and emotionally charged romance, this one’s for you. Steph Macca has once again delivered a gripping, addictive story—and I’ll be first in line for book two.
I’ve been a huge fan of her work, and in typical Steph fashion, she left us hanging with a killer cliffhanger (why do you do this to us?!). From page one, I was hooked. The tension was just right, the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night, and the vibes—it’s giving The Outsiders with all the gritty rivalry and street loyalty.
Bexley is fierce, resilient, and loyal to a fault. No matter what she’s put through, she never backs down. She’s scared of no one, and I loved that about her. The multiple POVs added so much depth and complexity to the story, giving insight into each character’s motivations and emotions in a way that made me even more invested.
And let’s talk romance—the enemies to lovers arc is done so well. Watching these relationships shift and evolve had me completely enthralled. The electricity between Bexley and Rylan? Fire. The intimacy with Tai? Raw. And Hunter… let’s just say he’s a work in progress, but the ending? So redeeming. I’m really excited to see where things go from here.
The only thing that gave me pause was that it wasn’t immediately clear the characters were high school seniors—I found myself trying to place their age and setting at first.
If you’re into fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers tension, gritty rivalries, and emotionally charged romance, this one’s for you. Steph Macca has once again delivered a gripping, addictive story—and I’ll be first in line for book two.
May 22, 2025
Well, here I go again, getting sucked into another Steph Macca world.
So we have our fmc Bexley. She is a total baddie who is just so relatable and down to earth. I really love her personality. She looks after everyone before herself and doesn't expect a lot in return.
Our mmc's are Rylan, Tai and Hunter. I really grew to like Rylan and Tai. They are themselves when they are with Bexley. But Hunter, he can go suck on a you know what. I think he may get his Redemption arc, and knowing me, i'll be utterly obsessed with him, but it's going to take a lot from Hunter to prove he's worthy of Bexley.
The plot was so good. Bexley is kind of shoved into Hunter, Rylan, and Tai's world with no other options, and she fights tooth and nail to prove that she is a true queen and deserves respect. But it doesn't come without its problems, especially with the 3 King's. I kind of get the sense that someone is possibly after Bexley on a more personal level, but I'm not sure why just yet. I'm probably totally wrong, but I know something is definitely off.
It was a great start to the series, and I'm intrigued as to what comes next because that cliffhanger was a little intense.
Thank you so much, Steph, and your lovely team for the opportunity to read this story. I am truly grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥 why choose
🔥 multiple pov
🔥 enemies to lovers
🔥 bully
🔥 forced proximity
🔥 cage fighting
🔥 strong fmc
🔥 rival academies
So we have our fmc Bexley. She is a total baddie who is just so relatable and down to earth. I really love her personality. She looks after everyone before herself and doesn't expect a lot in return.
Our mmc's are Rylan, Tai and Hunter. I really grew to like Rylan and Tai. They are themselves when they are with Bexley. But Hunter, he can go suck on a you know what. I think he may get his Redemption arc, and knowing me, i'll be utterly obsessed with him, but it's going to take a lot from Hunter to prove he's worthy of Bexley.
The plot was so good. Bexley is kind of shoved into Hunter, Rylan, and Tai's world with no other options, and she fights tooth and nail to prove that she is a true queen and deserves respect. But it doesn't come without its problems, especially with the 3 King's. I kind of get the sense that someone is possibly after Bexley on a more personal level, but I'm not sure why just yet. I'm probably totally wrong, but I know something is definitely off.
It was a great start to the series, and I'm intrigued as to what comes next because that cliffhanger was a little intense.
Thank you so much, Steph, and your lovely team for the opportunity to read this story. I am truly grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥 why choose
🔥 multiple pov
🔥 enemies to lovers
🔥 bully
🔥 forced proximity
🔥 cage fighting
🔥 strong fmc
🔥 rival academies
May 28, 2025
Cedar Heights Academy versus Willowbrook Academy, two rival schools with a long-standing feud. When a suspicious fire nearly destroys Cedar Heights, the students are forced to join Willowbrook Academy until the buildings are repaired—how will Bexley keep her crown against the Kings of Willowbrook?
This was such an amazing start to the series! I loved how Bexley was a total badass and held her own, even while dealing with her own personal struggles.
"ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ɪ'ʟʟ ɢᴏʀɢᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴇʏᴇꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ. ᴏᴋᴀʏ, ꜱᴡᴇᴇᴛ ᴘᴇᴀ?"
Rylan, Tai, and Hunter—oh, they all grew on me as I read, some more quickly than others... *cough, cough Hunter*
ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ ʜᴇ'ꜱ ʀɪᴘᴘᴇᴅ ᴛᴏᴏ—ᴡʜʏ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅɴ'ᴛ ʜᴇ ʙᴇ? ᴅᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍᴇᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴇᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ɪꜰ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇɴ'ᴛ, ʜᴏᴡ ᴇʟꜱᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴡᴇ ꜱɪɴ?
The cliffhanger at the end totally caught me off guard, and now I’m all impatient waiting for book two.
I can't wait to see more of the Willowbrook boys and to enjoy more of their fun banter!! The banter was absolutely fantastic 😂
ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀꜰᴜᴄᴋᴇʀ. "ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴛᴀʟᴋ ᴍᴇ, ᴀꜱꜱʜᴏʟᴇ?" "ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀ ʜᴏʙʙʏ—ʟɪᴋᴇ ʙɪʀᴅ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ."
ꜱꜱʜʜ—ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ ᴍᴇ, ʙᴇxʟᴇʏ." ɪ ᴄᴏᴄᴋ ᴀɴ ᴇʏᴇʙʀᴏᴡ. "ɪ ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʟᴏᴀꜰ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴏʟᴅʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴅ." "ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍᴇ,"
ʜᴜɴᴛᴇʀ ꜰᴏʟʟᴏᴡꜱ, ʜᴜꜰꜰɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜɪᴍꜱᴇʟꜰ. "ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ʀᴀɢɪɴɢ ʙɪᴛᴄʜ?" "ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ʜᴏʀᴍᴏɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴍᴏʀʀʜᴏɪᴅ?"
This was such an amazing start to the series! I loved how Bexley was a total badass and held her own, even while dealing with her own personal struggles.
"ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ɪ'ʟʟ ɢᴏʀɢᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴇʏᴇꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ. ᴏᴋᴀʏ, ꜱᴡᴇᴇᴛ ᴘᴇᴀ?"
Rylan, Tai, and Hunter—oh, they all grew on me as I read, some more quickly than others... *cough, cough Hunter*
ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ ʜᴇ'ꜱ ʀɪᴘᴘᴇᴅ ᴛᴏᴏ—ᴡʜʏ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅɴ'ᴛ ʜᴇ ʙᴇ? ᴅᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍᴇᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴇᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ɪꜰ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇɴ'ᴛ, ʜᴏᴡ ᴇʟꜱᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴡᴇ ꜱɪɴ?
The cliffhanger at the end totally caught me off guard, and now I’m all impatient waiting for book two.
I can't wait to see more of the Willowbrook boys and to enjoy more of their fun banter!! The banter was absolutely fantastic 😂
ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀꜰᴜᴄᴋᴇʀ. "ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴛᴀʟᴋ ᴍᴇ, ᴀꜱꜱʜᴏʟᴇ?" "ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀ ʜᴏʙʙʏ—ʟɪᴋᴇ ʙɪʀᴅ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ."
ꜱꜱʜʜ—ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ ᴍᴇ, ʙᴇxʟᴇʏ." ɪ ᴄᴏᴄᴋ ᴀɴ ᴇʏᴇʙʀᴏᴡ. "ɪ ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʟᴏᴀꜰ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴏʟᴅʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴅ." "ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍᴇ,"
ʜᴜɴᴛᴇʀ ꜰᴏʟʟᴏᴡꜱ, ʜᴜꜰꜰɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʜɪᴍꜱᴇʟꜰ. "ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ʀᴀɢɪɴɢ ʙɪᴛᴄʜ?" "ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ʜᴏʀᴍᴏɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴍᴏʀʀʜᴏɪᴅ?"
December 25, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
💛WHY CHOOSE ROMANCE
🖤ENEMIES TO LOVERS
💛RIVALS
🖤FORCED PROXIMITY
💛STRONG FMC
🖤ACADEMIA
💛CAGE FIGHTING
🖤MILD BULLYING
💛BANTER
The Devis they are is book 1 in the Boys of Willowick series from author Steph Macca. Please be aware that it does contain a lot of triggering material so please read before proceeding. That being said absolutely could not put it down.
There are two rival schools in Ridgeview. Willowbrook Academy and Cedar Heights. But when Cedar catches on fire and is temporarily shut down the Queen of Cedar, Bexley Spencer along with all her classmates are then forced to now attend their rival school, Willowbrook Academy.
What happens from there is a tough as nails FMC that doesn’t just crap without fighting back. She’s stronger than she looks and loyal through and through.This story is filled with tension, angst and some heartfelt moments as well as banter as we get to know Bexley and the three kings of Willowbrook… Ryland, Tai and Hunter.
All 3 were bad ass but yet different. Hunter is like the angry one of the three. Ryland and Bexley have this insane chemistry and then there is Tai who i think has some cinnamon roll hero underneath his tough exterior and often shares similarities with Bexley.
I can’t wait for book 2 as it does end on a cliffy. Highly recommend
Tropes:
💛WHY CHOOSE ROMANCE
🖤ENEMIES TO LOVERS
💛RIVALS
🖤FORCED PROXIMITY
💛STRONG FMC
🖤ACADEMIA
💛CAGE FIGHTING
🖤MILD BULLYING
💛BANTER
The Devis they are is book 1 in the Boys of Willowick series from author Steph Macca. Please be aware that it does contain a lot of triggering material so please read before proceeding. That being said absolutely could not put it down.
There are two rival schools in Ridgeview. Willowbrook Academy and Cedar Heights. But when Cedar catches on fire and is temporarily shut down the Queen of Cedar, Bexley Spencer along with all her classmates are then forced to now attend their rival school, Willowbrook Academy.
What happens from there is a tough as nails FMC that doesn’t just crap without fighting back. She’s stronger than she looks and loyal through and through.This story is filled with tension, angst and some heartfelt moments as well as banter as we get to know Bexley and the three kings of Willowbrook… Ryland, Tai and Hunter.
All 3 were bad ass but yet different. Hunter is like the angry one of the three. Ryland and Bexley have this insane chemistry and then there is Tai who i think has some cinnamon roll hero underneath his tough exterior and often shares similarities with Bexley.
I can’t wait for book 2 as it does end on a cliffy. Highly recommend
May 16, 2025
@TrishSparklerReads Bookstagram:
“The Devils They Are” by Steph Macca
Series: Boys of Willowbrook Book 1
Genre: Reverse Harem Academy Romance
POV: Multiple
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness: 3🩶
Highlights:
🖤Why Choose- Polyamory MFMM
🖤Academy
🖤Strong FMC
🖤Enemies to Lovers/Rivals
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Bullying MMCs
🖤Cage Fighting
Thoughts:
Steph knocks it out of the park with her new enemies to lovers bully academy romance. The chemistry between Bexley and some of the Devils was scorching- hate kissing is my favourite. I loved how one after another they saw their equal in Bex and go from enemies, to sort of friends to lovers. They aren’t all convinced though, but I have hopes for a triple play. These seniors deal with their differences in the fight ring and they were some great butt kicking scenes. And the bullying pranks on both side were unbelievable. I devoured this in one day, so hopefully there’s not long to wait for the next book in the series, as this one ended on a shocking cliffhanger.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“The Devils They Are” by Steph Macca
Series: Boys of Willowbrook Book 1
Genre: Reverse Harem Academy Romance
POV: Multiple
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness: 3🩶
Highlights:
🖤Why Choose- Polyamory MFMM
🖤Academy
🖤Strong FMC
🖤Enemies to Lovers/Rivals
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Bullying MMCs
🖤Cage Fighting
Thoughts:
Steph knocks it out of the park with her new enemies to lovers bully academy romance. The chemistry between Bexley and some of the Devils was scorching- hate kissing is my favourite. I loved how one after another they saw their equal in Bex and go from enemies, to sort of friends to lovers. They aren’t all convinced though, but I have hopes for a triple play. These seniors deal with their differences in the fight ring and they were some great butt kicking scenes. And the bullying pranks on both side were unbelievable. I devoured this in one day, so hopefully there’s not long to wait for the next book in the series, as this one ended on a shocking cliffhanger.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Now, I'm not overly fond of the bully romance genre (I find it can be over done and unoriginal as to why) HOWEVER, this one was mostly just pranks (except for one that took things too far and Tai and Rylan stepped up) and the FMC gave as good as she got.
Not once did the FMC sulk and cower. No, she really was a strong fmc. She's the 'leader' of her school who puts on an emotionless front but really she cares about every single kid at her school. Something Rylan and Thai learn when they actually spend time with her and get to know her.
Something Hunter couldn't fathom until the ending. Bet he's gonna have a real 'okay, now I see it' kinda moment in the next book.
So far the relationship between the guys and our fmc is limited to just two - the other one firmly still 'brainwashed' (yeah, idk I'm calling it that cause Rylan had a good point when he said what was the point to it all? They were upholding their fathers' images, doing their fathers wishes and for what? What about them? What did their dads ever do for them?) It was they were all brought up to know but when they're forced together you see friendships sprouting from both sides of the 'tracks' as they get to know one another and realise...they're not so different.
Not once did the FMC sulk and cower. No, she really was a strong fmc. She's the 'leader' of her school who puts on an emotionless front but really she cares about every single kid at her school. Something Rylan and Thai learn when they actually spend time with her and get to know her.
Something Hunter couldn't fathom until the ending. Bet he's gonna have a real 'okay, now I see it' kinda moment in the next book.
So far the relationship between the guys and our fmc is limited to just two - the other one firmly still 'brainwashed' (yeah, idk I'm calling it that cause Rylan had a good point when he said what was the point to it all? They were upholding their fathers' images, doing their fathers wishes and for what? What about them? What did their dads ever do for them?) It was they were all brought up to know but when they're forced together you see friendships sprouting from both sides of the 'tracks' as they get to know one another and realise...they're not so different.
June 1, 2025
The Devils They Are is the first book in the Boys of Willowbrook series, and it's a why choose enemies to lovers story with a touch of darkness. This is the first book I've read by Steph Macca, and I will happily follow this author down into the deepest depths of hell just to read anything they write.
I’ve read a lot of books, and I have to say that Bexley Spencer is one of my top FMCs. I loved her strength, fierceness, protectiveness, and her sassy comebacks that hit like a punch to the throat and had me laughing out loud.
Rylan Astor, Tai Beckett, and Hunter Lannister were interesting characters. They had some laugh out loud moments and other moments that made me want to jab them in the throat.
I’m not going to spoil anything, but there is a character I LOVED so much!!! I want more A_ _ _ _E!! There was just something about this character that made me swoon.
I’m not one to get emotional often, but that cliffhanger felt like being hit in the face with a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire. Did I cry? Maybe. Or maybe someone in the world was cutting onions. I guess we’ll never know the truth. Now I have to patiently wait an eternity (also known as 2026) to find out what happens next.
Thanks to Steph Macca for my advanced copy.
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book reminded me exactly why I’ll read anything Steph Macca writes.
From the very first chapter. The story pulled me in and refused to let go.
Bexley was an incredible heroine. She’s strong, capable, and resilient without ever feeling overdone or unrealistic. She doesn’t rely on others to fix things for her, and after everything she endures, she still stands tall. I loved her balance of strength and vulnerability.
Rylan and Tai completely stole my heart—their loyalty, their quiet strength, the way they showed up when it mattered most. And then there’s Hunter… those final scenes absolutely shattered me. He may not always make the best choices, but I can’t help wanting more of him.
One of my favorite aspects of Steph Macca’s writing is how she brings every side character to life. I found myself caring deeply about each one (and passionately disliking a few others). Soph, in particular, stood out as a highlight.
The plot had a few familiar beats, but in the best way—it delivered exactly what I hoped for while still surprising me with emotional depth. And that ending? Let’s just say I’m fully invested in another Steph Macca series and already counting down until the next one.
Highly recommend picking this up as soon as possible—you won’t regret it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book reminded me exactly why I’ll read anything Steph Macca writes.
From the very first chapter. The story pulled me in and refused to let go.
Bexley was an incredible heroine. She’s strong, capable, and resilient without ever feeling overdone or unrealistic. She doesn’t rely on others to fix things for her, and after everything she endures, she still stands tall. I loved her balance of strength and vulnerability.
Rylan and Tai completely stole my heart—their loyalty, their quiet strength, the way they showed up when it mattered most. And then there’s Hunter… those final scenes absolutely shattered me. He may not always make the best choices, but I can’t help wanting more of him.
One of my favorite aspects of Steph Macca’s writing is how she brings every side character to life. I found myself caring deeply about each one (and passionately disliking a few others). Soph, in particular, stood out as a highlight.
The plot had a few familiar beats, but in the best way—it delivered exactly what I hoped for while still surprising me with emotional depth. And that ending? Let’s just say I’m fully invested in another Steph Macca series and already counting down until the next one.
Highly recommend picking this up as soon as possible—you won’t regret it.
October 29, 2025
If you love a dark academy romance that includes enemies to lovers, why choose, forced proximity, and interactions between the characters that are filled with witty and humorous banter then this is your next read!!
When Steph Macca creates her FMCs she does NOT disappoint! Bexley Spencer is our badass and spicy FMC, she is the reigning queen of Cedar Heights Academy leading her fellow student body into enemy territory of rival school Willowbrook Academy after a suspicious fire closed down Cedar Heights Academy.
Rylan Astor, Tai Beckett, and Hunter Lannister are the three kings of Willowbrook Academy and at the very first encounter of Cedar Heights queen they try to make her life a living hell. Don't worry though, our girl gives it right back to them and does it better.
Throughout this fast pace book readers will be on the edge of their seats with cage fights to relieve tension and have bragging rights between the schools, unexpected friendships, and finding similarities between the kings and queen that shows there just might be more to explore than feeding fuel to this rival. Add in some delicious spice and a nail bitting, adrenaline spiked cliffhanger you won't be able to get enough.
When Steph Macca creates her FMCs she does NOT disappoint! Bexley Spencer is our badass and spicy FMC, she is the reigning queen of Cedar Heights Academy leading her fellow student body into enemy territory of rival school Willowbrook Academy after a suspicious fire closed down Cedar Heights Academy.
Rylan Astor, Tai Beckett, and Hunter Lannister are the three kings of Willowbrook Academy and at the very first encounter of Cedar Heights queen they try to make her life a living hell. Don't worry though, our girl gives it right back to them and does it better.
Throughout this fast pace book readers will be on the edge of their seats with cage fights to relieve tension and have bragging rights between the schools, unexpected friendships, and finding similarities between the kings and queen that shows there just might be more to explore than feeding fuel to this rival. Add in some delicious spice and a nail bitting, adrenaline spiked cliffhanger you won't be able to get enough.
May 27, 2025
Bexley Spenser leads the Cedar Heights group, the high school on the wrong side of the tracks so to speak.
“Unlike them I don’t need a d!ck to rule - let alone three. I’m strong enough to hold that title on my own.”
The Kings of Willowbrook; Rylan, Tai and Hunter are legacies who have followed in their father’s footsteps to lead their school full of privileged students.
It’s a feud that’s been going on for generations. Tensions are high especially after a fire at Cedar Heights forces both groups to attend Willowbrook. The kings are the bane of Bexley’s existence.
This is a high school enemies to lovers, why choose romance with some mild bullying. I found myself loving the characters as they developed. There are some lovable side characters as well. It was a fast paced read that held my attention quite well. I understand why so many readers enjoy Steph Macca’s books.
That ending though! I will be back for book two, The Monster I Am because I need to know! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
“Unlike them I don’t need a d!ck to rule - let alone three. I’m strong enough to hold that title on my own.”
The Kings of Willowbrook; Rylan, Tai and Hunter are legacies who have followed in their father’s footsteps to lead their school full of privileged students.
It’s a feud that’s been going on for generations. Tensions are high especially after a fire at Cedar Heights forces both groups to attend Willowbrook. The kings are the bane of Bexley’s existence.
This is a high school enemies to lovers, why choose romance with some mild bullying. I found myself loving the characters as they developed. There are some lovable side characters as well. It was a fast paced read that held my attention quite well. I understand why so many readers enjoy Steph Macca’s books.
That ending though! I will be back for book two, The Monster I Am because I need to know! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
June 5, 2025
I think enemies to lovers may be by new favorite trope alongside reverse harem because holy cow I devoured this book and loved every single second.
Bexley is the main female character who has been through her fair share of trauma and uses it to her advantage by being the strong leader of her pack. When her school Cedar Heights mysteriously catches on fire, they must cohabitate with their rival school, Willowbrook. This leads to a lot of tension and problems due to differing views and class levels. While trying to keep an eye on their enemy, Rylan and Tai slowly start to develop a soft spot for Bexley. They want to help her find out who set Cedar Heights ablaze and who is still attempting to cause even more damage while her and Hunter are in the building. We're left on a cliffhanger where we don't know if Bexley makes it out of the burning building alive, but I know these three men will do anything to save her.
Are we team Rylan, Tai, or possibly Hunter??
I cannot wait to read the second book!
Bexley is the main female character who has been through her fair share of trauma and uses it to her advantage by being the strong leader of her pack. When her school Cedar Heights mysteriously catches on fire, they must cohabitate with their rival school, Willowbrook. This leads to a lot of tension and problems due to differing views and class levels. While trying to keep an eye on their enemy, Rylan and Tai slowly start to develop a soft spot for Bexley. They want to help her find out who set Cedar Heights ablaze and who is still attempting to cause even more damage while her and Hunter are in the building. We're left on a cliffhanger where we don't know if Bexley makes it out of the burning building alive, but I know these three men will do anything to save her.
Are we team Rylan, Tai, or possibly Hunter??
I cannot wait to read the second book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews