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Bad Inceptions #5

Dissolving Prejudice

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In a whisper full of tenderness and love, he promised me a dream, only to sentence me to a nightmare—a never-ending nightmare that only sometimes resembled life.

Four long years had passed since that promise, and Camilo was still nowhere to be found. That was, until he came back out of nowhere, intruding on the lie I called a life. Only he wasn’t the same man he once was, not in the slightest.

He was broken, scarred by life, and so was I. But seeing his pain through my rage and his lies was nearly impossible, and our love, once again, was put to the test.

They say love conquers all, but what if that isn’t true? What if we couldn’t overcome the obstacles life, once again, put us through. What if the flames we lit together consumed us until nothing, not even love, would be left?


Dissolving Prejudice is book 5 in the Bad Inceptions series and cannot be read as a standalone. This is the final installment in the series and the second ( and last ) part of Shay-Lee and Diesel's story. Some tropes include Second Chance, Broken Men, Found Family, HurtComfort.

***Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age

***Triggers are listed inside the book ( they contain spoilers )

524 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2025

9 people are currently reading
237 people want to read

About the author

Tal Lewin

6 books208 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,256 reviews658 followers
April 17, 2025
4.5***** stars


Camilo and I were a force meant to be.

I was the fire, and Camilo was my fuel—my Diesel.



Absolutely, epically intense and dramatic, just as I expected. A worthy ending to this fantastic series. I’m honestly a bit stuck with finding words right now after this rollercoaster so I might add some more thoughts later but damn I think I need some breathing exercises first.


Anyhow, I’m glad the author decided these two have finally suffered enough. ♡

“I fucking love you,” he muttered.
“As you should…”



I’m so in love with all these characters and I loved seeing them all finding their happy ending. I also love that Tal Lewin is so damn bold with her characters that you’re not always sure how you feel about them and their actions. Especially when you encounter them through different perspectives throughout the series.


Thank you so much, Tal, for spontaneously gifting my begging ass this arc so I could read it in pease before my kids take over the house next week for Easter break. *lol I can’t wait for you to bring us Elliot and Daniel and eventually, Dion too.

***********
Bad Inceptions Series

Book 1 - Mistaken Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Unexpected Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Explosive Prejudice - 4.75 stars ♡
Book 4 - Forgotten Prejudice - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Dissolving Prejudice - 4.5 stars




---- pre-read notes ----

I CAN'T BELIEVE THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME!! 😭😭😭
My most anticipated read for this year.


I might have sold my soul to the devil, yet Shay-Lee was the one holding my heart. And for as long as he’d have it, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and accept my fate because I’d return to him come hell or high water.

⇢ [from #4, Forgotten Prejudice]

Profile Image for Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader.
288 reviews47 followers
August 16, 2025
Even though it didn’t seem like it at first, he and I were perfect for one another. A sick combination that somehow worked. An unexpected explosion that slowly dissolved into a love story, taking with it any prejudices we might have had at first.


Every time I review one of these books, I say it was better than the last, and every time, I mean it. But it’s more than just the story evolving; it’s the way my devotion to these characters deepens with every layer that’s peeled back. With this book comes the epic conclusion, and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

There are no words that can adequately describe what Shay-Lee and Diesel have. I’ve been frothing at the mouth for them since book one, clinging to every crumb like a starving Victorian child, pining over every loaded interaction. Watching them evolve into one of the most tender, chaotic, soul-consuming enemies-to-lovers ships I’ve ever read was genuinely the best. Their love isn’t the stuff of fairytales—it’s sharp-edged, bruised, and stitched together with equal parts trauma and devotion, but with that also comes a soul-deep, unsanitised acceptance of one another. They don’t just love in spite of their flaws, they love because of them. Yes, they’re still explosive, and you’ll likely want to bash their heads together, but there’s also this incredible undercurrent of healing and safety that makes their relationship so unique.

Shay-Lee’s character development has been one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read in a long time. From the scared school bully desperate to be loved, to the confident, cunty little bitch who still carries those cracks beneath the surface, he’s always felt so real. His growth hasn’t been smooth— he’s had setbacks, doubts, and plenty of trauma, but that’s what makes it feel authentic. He’s still a brat, still dramatic and spoiled, but now there’s this amazing strength and vulnerability underneath it all. He’s letting people see the softer parts of him, and he’s found acceptance because of it. I love to see it.

(Special shoutout to my husband Soren, whose cameos and relationship with SL in this book gave me life)

And while we’re at it, can we just take a moment to appreciate the walking god that is Camilo Gómez? He started off as this guarded, dangerous guy who nobody wanted to fuck with, and somehow became the most empathetic man in the entire series. He is just as layered, just as broken and complicated as Shay-Lee, and watching the two of them collide with each other again and again felt like watching two stars finally align.

As always, I love Tal’s writing. She finds the perfect balance between drama, humour, softness, spice, and almost everything in between. Her storytelling is unpredictable in the best way, always throwing something new at you, and the sense of found-family runs so deep that it almost feels like I’m a part of it too. This story doesn't shy away from the hard stuff, but everything is handled with care and nuance.

Overall, this book was the perfect ending to an amazing series. I’m gutted it’s over, but I'm also grateful I got to be a part of it. I’ll definitely be thinking of these characters for a long time, and no doubt rereading several times over!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Renae Reads.
754 reviews737 followers
April 22, 2025
I could not get enough of this story. I devoured it from beginning to end, nervously reading, waiting, and anticipating what could happen to this collection of characters. Camilo and Shay-Lee embarked on a crazy journey that tested their patience and willingness to persevere through the most doubt-filled moments.

I was heartbroken to realize there was a four-year gap where Camilo and Shay-Lee had no contact, and witnessing what transpired throughout those four years for both characters was so hard to bear. Both suffered and were clearly hurt from their separation, but seeing Camilo force his way back into Shay-Lee's life and grovel for his attention, time, and forgiveness was a perfect way to showcase Shay-Lee's bratty side while still harboring such deep and personal feelings for Camilo.

This is the perfect ending for the series. All of these characters have gone through so much; therefore, seeing Camilo and Shay-Lee fight for their love was nothing short of epic. The last act of the story was completely intense, with the uncertainty of these characters making for a gripping final act.

Overall, I couldn't get enough of this story, the characters, and the tremendous amount of growth they have experienced, especially Camilo and Shay-Lee. Their HEA is hard-won and nothing short of amazing.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Profile Image for paula reads.
328 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2025
5 stars+ ☆⋆˙

Review:

This book was one of my most expected reads of the year, I was so invested in Shay-Lee and Camilo’s journey, yearning for their well-deserved HEA and it went beyond my expectations. These two are my definition of destiny, of soulmates. I’ve been fully engrossed in them since book one and watching their growth has been nothing short of incredible.

Camilo, thinking he was only a lowlife criminal with a future that seemed destined for prison, learns to trust, to believe he’s worthy, to fight his demons, and most of all, to love with everything he has. And Shay-Lee—who once hurt others as a way to survive his own hurt—slowly grows into the man he was always meant to be: tender, kind, open-hearted, and most importantly, he is learning to love himself.

You will suffer reading this book—oh, how you’ll suffer—but trust me, it’s so worth it. The love between Camilo and Shay-Lee is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever read. They’re messy, flawed, explosive and far from perfect—but the way they make each other better, the length they go for each other, how they grow together, and love each other with such raw honesty? That’s true love.

If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Believe me when I say this, Tal delivers the best pining, hurt/comfort, angst, laughter, plot twists, tears—and of course, the ultimate couple: Shay-Lee and Camilo.

This final book was bittersweet for me, I’m heartbroken that the series is over, but so happy that Shay-Lee and Camilo got the ending they deserved, I’ll miss them deeply, but thank you, Tal, for this amazing series. I can’t wait to read what you have for us next!
Profile Image for Crex.
309 reviews48 followers
April 23, 2025
Forgive a girl for jumping book four but I was too impatient, I will clearly go back since I missed something’s but I needed to read about my babies asap, these boys were 23😭😭 and what they had being through had me scared and am so glad they got their happy ending. I was even having beef with the author if they hate them but it’s clear they don’t but if I don’t crash out, who will😂, Camilo hatred for Miles didn’t change tho 😂, I love the found family so damn bad, my fav toxic babies. I’m obsessed.

The way I knew Dion would get a book cux what do you mean we didn’t off him😂
Profile Image for ʚ⋅ɞ .ᐟㅤem..
100 reviews
July 3, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ

Since this isn't going to be a review filled with spoilers, I'll avoid talking about the ending. I feel like this one's ending deserves all the engagement and you have to go through it in order to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

But here's what I truly want to say about 'Dissolving Prejudice'. This book took care of my feelings in ways I never thought it would. It caressed my heart with heartwarming scenes, it held my heart carefully while I was a sobbing mess because what do you mean they're getting back together and it isn't easy but the pining, the entire 'hard to get' thing felt so pure and needed and hot. I never thought I'd get to see Diesel under this light where he did everything in his power to get his lover back no matter what. Jordan... and the bed... holy shit. Okay, he surprised me so much in this book that no one can convince me they don't deserve the title for "best couple" of Bad Inceptions series. Honestly, and I don't really care about other opinions around me right now. I'm in love. In so much love with Camilo and his Lloron. I need someone to fight for me irl the way Camilo fought for his Lloron, if I don't have it, then I don't want it. I felt like... how can I put it together. In this book, the darkness was finally submerged underwater and the softness of a new beginning happened and it shone so brightly. I loved it and how it felt, like a million breaths of fresh air all at once. Overwhelming and unreal, but it was there. It was as real as possible with every single time they levitated towards each other.

But Tal being Tal, even when they were working on a new life for these two, a new perspective, a new beginning, they didn't make things simpler. Did you expect that?? Nah, I didn't either. Expect tons of anxiety and past trauma, expect shitty dreams and a lot of doubts. But there's also beauty in pain, so much beauty. Because there's that bone buried deeply inside you that tells you "it's gonna be just the two of them, bruised but breathing, surviving together in a world that once tried to tear them apart", you know? It's the book that gives you so much faith through remaining ghosts of the past.

I'm saying this as always, this might not be everyone's cup of tea, based on everyone's preferences, ofc, but if it's yours, then it's going to speak directly to your heart with charisma and complexity. And dirty comments too. I feel like I finished a series that was made for my tastes in books and in fictional gay men and Camilo and his Lloron will always hold a special place in my heart. I feel empty now that it's over and I'll most likely reread them after a while. For me, the Bad Inceptions men were 100% worthy.
Profile Image for Sxmmyy.
145 reviews
April 26, 2025
“I also plan to write my beloved French *****”

Tal honey don’t you dare, these are inside thoughts not outside thoughts.

You aren’t allowed to even attempt to make me like him, I’m grumpy you didn’t already kill him and an extra grumpy you didn’t kill Gale…… if you entertain a Dion x Gale……

Aside from that, this book was really good. It went in a better direction than my expectations were. I honestly thought I was gonna get a book during Diesels time with Dion but I didn’t, it was the better narrative choice though.

This being a second chance romance just fit really well, especially that it was Jordan. (Also you’re not allowed to write a Jordan book I hate him too). I’m here thinking that there’s like a few plot points I would’ve liked expanded upon more such as Diesels trauma and Shay Lees struggles with sex. But then I look at how long this book already was and am like yeah nahh.

Oro was an interesting turn, him being Dylan surprised me. I thought I was gonna get a storyline of Jordan cheating on Shay-Lee with Dylan and that is how the split happens. I also remember thinking that I kinda wanted Diesel to use Oro to make Shay-Lee jealous so he would come back that way. Looking back it’s that it didn’t happen with everything that happened with Oro.

I feel like I should’ve seen the main event coming, it was so blatantly obvious that the mole thing ended to easily with Oro finding them. My naive brain was like, Tals not gonna put us through pain he’s just gonna wrap this series up happily…… nope you layered the pain on heavy.

Amazing work for a debut series, really look forward to you starting a new series, that doesn’t include the French man.
Profile Image for Katkejt ☾..
547 reviews14 followers
April 21, 2025
Camilo (Diesel) • Shay-Lee

….

“Take your time, mi amore. We’ve got forever.”

….

It’s been two years. Two years this fictional family has been a special part of my reading journey. One of my beloved series getting their own HEA and I will never be over the fact that this is the end. From the start this series played so vividly in my mind and before my eyes like a movie, every scene captured in a frame and that is all due to Tal’s writing. What kind of writing? The bold kind ♾️.

I was made to fall for these characters, agreeing or disagreeing with them but always and forever rooting for them. I memorized each and one of their pillow talks and small (so significant) touches. Because that is what made these two special to me. These frozen moments. I love all of their sharp-edges and the humanity in them. So humanly flawed but deserving forever.

I am not great at reviews, going step by step, summarizing books, I don’t have that gift but what I can do is vouch right here and now this is one interconnected series you don’t want to miss… there’s no better time than now to be part of it all too. Collect a handful of wonderful characters that bring something fresh to the table for keep sake.

Here’s to the final chapter 🖤♾️.

….

Feid, ATL Jacob - LUNA

.

Birdy - Take My Heart

….

“…but I’d rather die than break my unspoken promise.” // “Just wait and see, Camilo Goméz. I will fucking demolish you.” // “He might have claws, but I had fangs, and I was never the type of hound to bark without bite.” // “…please remember that there’s no weakness in forgiveness.” // “I wasn’t water, nor was I fire. I was fucking fuel.” // “…because the moment I lost control over myself, all those thoughts that never really went away came back at once.” // “Forever my heaven.” // “It’s your job to be different from them.” // “…but at the end of the day, he was vital to my survival in the most primal way possible.” // “Camilo: Say it back already.” // “I closed my eyes. Funnily enough, Shay-Lee’s face was still all I could see. His wavy blond locks, the beauty spots above his lips, every shade of blue in his eyes…” // “A promise.” // “His very existence burned in my veins, reviving my heart that had long since died out. In the end, nothing would ever come close to this feeling of complicity in being with him.” // “I, too, would stop at nothing to have you safe.” …

….

*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

….
Profile Image for peoniesandmm.
240 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2025
i’m like super depressed that this series is over 😭
Diesel and Shay-Lee have my entire heart… I just love them so so much. I actually have no clue what I’ll do now that i’ve finished all of these… probably go cry in a corner somewhere.

all of these stars for this series & all of the chili peppers because this smut is top tier. ILL NEVER RECOVER.
Profile Image for Bookloversofantastic.
591 reviews17 followers
April 12, 2025
Infinite stars 🩷

I need to find the right words to talk about this book. I was waiting for it since book 3 and also book 4 because damn Shay-Lee and Diesel really had a rough path. First all, you need to be ready for this book and to have read the previous one, obviously it’s a again an emotional rollercoaster, mostly I wanted to scream or cry, ok some moments were also damn sweet and cute but as usual Tal Lewin founds a way to surprise us and make it way intense.

OMG I was really expecting this story and I just loved it so so much, their path is clearly not easy but so much worth it. After 4 years of nightmares Diesel his back and his goal is Shay-Lee, he cannot wait to reunite with him however things were not as he thought and it’s time to fight and woo his Llóron. Meanwhile Shay-Lee fought a lot to rebuild his life after what happened with his father and Diesel / Camilio absence - he’s caged in this illusion of his life until HE comes back and shatters everything.
That tension, just that tension, it’s a beautiful story toward forgivness, redemption, love and so many other emotions.

Of course them being together is not easy, but it’s beautiful and I’m just beyond happy to finally have read the end of their story. Shay-Lee and Diesel were my favourites since the start and their story did not disappoint.

I received an ARC Copy of this book, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
Profile Image for Kristen .
45 reviews
April 11, 2025


“Burn, world. Burn to the fucking ground.”

Dissolving Prejudice is the long awaited fifth and final book of the Bad Inceptions series, and it’s well worth the wait. It’s five years later, and our beloved bad boy Diesel is finally reuniting with babygirl Shay-Lee, but it isn’t the Hollywood romance movie scene Diesel (or the readers) expected - Shay-Lee hates him, and is engaged to another man.

Something as small as an engagement isn’t going to stop Diesel from getting his man back though; he’ll pull out every stop, every trick in the book to get Shay-Lee back in his arms because if there’s one thing the fiery blond needs to survive, it’s the gasoline known as Diesel…and they will burn the world down around them just to be together.

Their happy ending is one of the hardest earned, longest fought for and most deserved I’ve ever read. Tal really put these boys through it - just when I thought it was over, she threw another hit at us. As usual, she writes another story full of twists and turns, suspense, and darkness while interlacing it with a burning hot passion that could scorch the earth. I’m sad it’s over, but so glad I got to witness it. Diesel and Shay-Lee will always have a piece of my heart!
Profile Image for amymayreads.
172 reviews35 followers
September 6, 2025
Infinity star ⭐️

This series as a whole is absolutely incredible. The ending for shay and diesel was perfection. Seeing the growth of the characters and seeing the boys come together I was laughing so much and then crying and then laughing and then angry. I got put through the motions with this series but hands down 10/10.

I have never read a redemption ARC like these books but hands down.. one of the next series I have ever read and is officially a Roman Empire series 😍

Tal you are just WOW. You need to write more because your talent is unmatched
Profile Image for Joana Pozo.
150 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Me gustó mucho este libro, me gustó más el 50% inicial del libro y el 25% final con todo el drama que la autora nos dio en el libro. Por eso mismo le quise dar un 3 pero siento que el epílogo me puso nostálgica y me hizo ponerle un 3.5⭐️

Me gustó mucho la historia de Shay-Lee y Camilo, desde que leí su libro (el tercero de la serie) me enamoré de ellos y de cómo se enamoraron y después de ese final abierto necesitábamos un gran final.

No voy a mentir, me imaginaba un poco más de este libro pero al final lo disfruté.

Gracias por esta gran serie.

Y espero con ansias el libro de Dion 😏
Profile Image for Leigh Gaskill.
827 reviews30 followers
April 27, 2025
I’ve been anxiously awaiting the completion of Shay-Lee & Camillo’s story and in true Tal fashion it’s a hard road to that happy ending.

The book picks up 4 years after the last one and the angst starts from page one. Shay-Lee is not happy with Camillo and he’s gonna let him know. But Camillo is not taking no for an answer.

Just when you think it’s all gravy….you look at the percentage mark and you’re only at 70%. Lots of time for Tal to create more hurdles for these poor babies to jump through. And boy do they jump.
Profile Image for Bettina.
249 reviews13 followers
April 22, 2025
5 ⭐️ What a great final to a fantastic series! The love between Diesel and Shay-Lee is gut wrenching, heartbreaking, but so beautiful!

With the cliffhanger we were left with in the last book, Forgotten Prejudice, the anticipation for this one was high! And I'm so happy that the book we got was the grand final we had been dreaming of! The story we have come to know between Diesel and Shay-Lee have not been the easiest to say the least, and there is no doubt that we encounter some (or tons) of drama as well in the final Bad Inceptions-book. Even tho the drama is piping hot and so entertaining, as the other books in this series, this one also broke my heart in plenty ways and was so, so, so beautiful! Tal knows how to write a great story that makes you feel all the emotions, and this was no different. With the 5th and final book, we have gotten to know the characters on such a low level, you feel like you know them deeply and personally.

And mentioning characters, I loved that the other characters from the previous books from the series made several apperances, as I have come to love them just as much as Diesel and Shay-Lee. The friendships and relations that have been developed over this series is so beautiful, and I'm happy we got more of it in the final installment in the series. It felt important for everything to come together, and I can honestly say that it truly did!

As the final book in the Bad Inceprions-series, the expections were high, and there is no doubt that we got the book we had been waiting for! This book is full of drama, love, found family and of course, a great story. If you love hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, tons of drama, great banter, and a series to devour - this is the one for you! All of the books in this series have been great, and I'm looking forward to more great stories hopefully in the future!

I would like to thank the author for letting me beta-read and arc-read the final chapter in Diesel and Shay-Lee's love story, and I'm excited for what's next to come from Tal!
Profile Image for gab_e_reading.
82 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2025
What a great end to a great series! At first I was a bit worried about finding the thread again because it's been a while since the last part - but I was back in it straight away! Tal writes in such a way that you feel like you're right in the middle of it, as if I had accompanied the boys on their journey. The passion, the fire that burns between Camilo and Shay-Lee is incredible. In addition to the love story, romantic moments and those that make you smile, the story is also exciting, captivating and a little dark at times! It's a shame that I have to say goodbye now 🥲, but the whole gang will stay in my heart. And somewhere inside me is a little hope that there will be another book that tells Jordan's story - my heart beats for him too ❤️!
Read the story, and if you haven't already, the whole series - it's worth it!

Was für ein grossartiges Ende einer grossartigen Serie! Zuerst war ich etwas besorgt, ob ich den Faden wieder finde, weil der letzte Teil schon eine Weile her ist - aber ich war sofort wieder drin! Tal schreibt so, dass man das Gefühl hat, mitten drin zu sein, als hätte ich die Jungs auf ihrer Reise begleitet. Die Leidenschaft, das Feuer welches zwischen Camilo und Shay-Lee brennt ist unglaublich. Nebst der Liebesgeschichte, romantischen Momente und solche die einem zum Schmunzeln bringen, ist die Geschichte auch spannend, fesselnd und zuweilen ein bisschen dunkel! Schade, dass ich nun Abschied nehmen muss 🥲, aber die ganze Bande wird in meinem Herzen bleiben. Und irgendwo ist ein bisschen Hoffnung in mir, dass es doch noch mal ein Buch geben wird, welches Jordans weiter Geschichte erzählt - mein Herz schlägt auch für ihn ❤️!
Lest die Geschichte, und wenn ihr sie noch nicht kennt die ganze Serie, es lohnt sich!
Profile Image for S.S. Genesee.
Author 5 books56 followers
April 23, 2025
This series seriously blew my mind. I am obsessed with this whole universe, OHHHHH MY GODD!! Each book just gets more intense and darker than the last.

It's so funny looking back at my review for Book 1. I said I couldn't forgive Shay-Lee and "HE CAN SUCK IT" hahaha but now I'm like "Awwww my poor bbygrl Shay-Lee, he must be protected at all costs I love him so muchhhh 🥺🥺💕💖💕"

Tal Lewin is a master at storytelling... how even a character who you could absolutely hate in the beginning you could come to love. How well someone can be redeemed and forgiven, I LOVE THAT. I adore a good redemption arc. This book and this entire series is a must-read for anyone who loves dark romance, for those who love loads of crazy drama happening left and right, and especially those who love angst. SOOOO much angst, I was living for it!! 🤩💕💖💕💖
Profile Image for KEM.
257 reviews
May 10, 2025
Now Tal - the amount of emotions I went through while reading this book was almost UNFAIR!! I typically don't read angst-filled books, but the first book of this series hooked me instantly. You took on the Herculean task of creating a successful (plus turmoil and drama-filled) redemption arc for Shay-Lee who started out as very (and I mean VERRRY) unlikable. The hypocrite in me recognized and accepted Diesel/Camilo's anger. I rooted for Diesel/Camilo from the very beginning, but in the end, I rooted for both his and Shay-Lee's happy ending. More than anything, I appreciate the message of healing taking time... it was the happiest ending they could have had with the timeline. I finished the book with a smile on my face. Lastly, (and I'm still on the fence about this), if Jordan no longer has any haters, then know that I have left this planet LOL. Thank you for the ARC copy of this book!
Profile Image for Therese Williams.
32 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2025
If there’s any typos it’s because I’m writing this as I cry because this series is over.

The fifth, and final installment, in the bad inception series was- to put it mildly- my favorite book that I’ve read. This book encapsulates everything you could imagine from two broken boys.

SL. My precious baby SL was dealt such a rough hand and to read his trauma play out was one of the toughest experiences. But Tal handles trauma and healing in a way that’s not seen in typical romance. SL isn’t fixed just because his dad is dead. He still struggles with conflicting emotions and is doing what he has to survive.

CAMILOOOOO. My perfect sour patch kid. I cried so much for him in this story. But seeing him and SL get their HEA was worth all the tears I’ve shed for this couple.

Tal’s writing- as always- is amazing. There’s something about the way she can put words on a page that sucks you in, beats the shit out of you, and then gives you a smooch on the forehead to make it all better.

And the EPILOGUE!!!! I’ve reread it three times. I would sell my first born to be able to experience it again.

I’m so heartbroken this series is over- but I can’t wait to read she crafts next.
Profile Image for AALIYAH: aaliyahreads1.
288 reviews18 followers
April 14, 2025
as with all of the previous books in this series, this book ate and left no crumbs. i have been obsessed with these guys and their whole world from the beginning and i am so sad for this series to be over but tal has created such a beautiful characters and i love all these boys and the family they’ve created so this’ll be stuck with me forever fr.

dissolving prejudice is just as beautiful, addictive and explosive as the rest of the series, following on from book four, this book starts off ahead of time with camilo returning to la, he’s made certain sacrifices and commitments that keeps him away from returning to his previous life even though much has changed, camilo is determined to get his freedom and fix what’s broken between him and everything he left behind.

camilo and shay-lees love is something that isn’t described as healthy and pure but one that is tortured and damaged. their love is powerful as well as toxic and possessive but this is what makes it something so intense and addictive to read. their chemistry is one of my absolute favourites and i have been like a moth to a flame from book 1.

i have loved these two characters from the get go, they are so special and i have loved every minute of their journey and their redemption, especially shay-lee. this man and the life he has lived is traumatic and devastating, he is a character i connected with and just wanted to protect at all costs, he deserves his happy ending and i was soooo happy to see him get there.

but as with every book of tals, this story is an emotional rollercoaster, it’ll have you giggling, swooning, eye-rolling, sweating, the lot and as always i have had so much fun reading these books and will not forget them easily. if you love tension, drama, vulnerable and complex characters, broken boys, second chance, hurt-hurt and the most gorgeous found family then this is definitely something i suggest you try, don’t walk, ruuuuuun 🏃🏽
Profile Image for july.
154 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2025
Lo único malo de este libro es Oro y Jordan🙄

Pd: ¿Cómo que Dion tendrá un libro? Nunca se me pasó por la cabeza
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jess Jess ೃ Jessica ೃ.
245 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2025
LONG LIVE SHAY LEE AND DIESEL!
🙏MAKE CAMILO A DILF 🕯️🙏
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

MY FAMILY:(
FINALLY, they had their happy ending.
I wish there had been more happy moments like that, with everyone gathered together. SOREN, my husband, I missed him so much that when he appeared, I just screamed. I loved the relationship SL has with Soren; he is the father SL deserved to have. Diesel, I wish there had been more depth to his therapy, even though it was already obvious that he had PTSD.


I’m excited because there will be a story for Dion. He is so messy that I love it. LMFAO I’ll gladly read it.
Profile Image for May‧₊˚ ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
109 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2025
I don't know what to do with my life now... Finishing this book felt like a breath of fresh air for my poor soul, especially after remembering how the first one ended. But you know what? Every page, every emotion, every moment… was completely worth it.

I feel like it couldn’t have been better. Everything fit. Every detail was exactly where it needed to be, and the context of it all was simply wonderful.

I absolutely loved everything. God knows I did. The anticipation I felt waiting for Camilo and Shay-lee’s continuation was so intense that there wasn’t a single day I didn’t check the author’s profile hoping for news, a hint, any sign of the release. Honestly, saying I was obsessed with them doesn’t even come close. Camilo and Shay-lee are easily in my top MM couples, no doubt about it.

And now that I’ve finished the book, I have to highlight all the wonderful things I read:

● Shay-lee… his growth was so rewarding. I loved him so much. I had longed for this moment—seeing him go to therapy, face his fears and insecurities, and finally allow himself to leave behind everything that was holding him back. It was beautiful to read about how he tried to change, to heal, without losing that charming, arrogant essence I love so much about him. He’s one of a kind, and all I want is to hug him and tell him how proud I am of everything he’s achieved.

● Camilo, how I love you. I adored how he never gave up on Shay-lee. Although, thinking about it… how absurd of me to ever think he could. They’re hopelessly in love with each other. I loved his perseverance, his confidence, that swagger that’s so him, and above all, the strength of will he showed to protect and win back the love of his life. And that tenderness he reserved only for Shay-lee… oh, it melted me. The fact that he also wanted to go to therapy was another detail I adored.

The story’s development was flawless. Each character stayed true to themselves, that spark that made them unique never faded. Even in the midst of everything they faced, the vibe that defined them was never lost. I loved seeing how the boys came together to support Camilo—that brotherhood, that love between them, was so beautiful.

And the themes… so well handled! From self-love to mental health, everything was addressed with such respect, such humanity. It felt real, necessary, healing. It wasn’t shallow—it was deep, it was important.

And of course, the author… what beautiful books. I don’t even have enough words. Truly, you’ve just earned a solid spot among my favorite authors. What a way to write, to connect, to reach the heart. Each book surpasses the last, and even though the wait felt eternal, every second was worth it.

Thank you for creating something so beautiful. 🥹🫶🏽
Profile Image for Lily.
281 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2025
I can't believe we are at the end of the road!
It was so good to finally see two of my favourite characters get their HEA.

***

When I've started this series months ago, I never knew how much I'd grow attached to these characters. And how much my perspective on Shay-Lee will change. This was a journey, not only for these guys but for me, too. The range of different emotions I went through is unreal.
I have to say that Shay-Lee will forever be of my favourite character developments. You really hate him in book one because you don't have a reason not to. You see him as a spoiled and entitled bully. He made himself a villain, but there were question marks in my head asking why he was that way. Sooner or later, we get our answers, and it is heartbreaking.

Diesel or Camilo was an enigma from the start. I knew he loved fiercely and would do anything for people close to him. He is a protector, but there was a lot of rage in him, and often, we see it. He experienced cruelty, made a deal with the devil, and fed his revange, but at what cost...

I didn't think I would ever put these these two together. They were too explosive, too much of everything, both holding darkness close to their hearts. Yet against all odds, they fire burned bright but didn't consume them.

To understand their story, you have to read previous books as there are breadcrumbs you will connect.

This is the final chapter when all comes together. The road to their hea wasn't easy. There were so many bumps and obstacles along the way, but they've made it. They fought hard for their love, and I hope you'll hop on this train and experience this journey by yourself.
Profile Image for Michelle Elman.
401 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2025
I can't believe Shay-Lee and Diesel finally got their HEA!! This book was insane! So much drama! So many plot twists!!!! GAAAHHH!!! Choke hold! This book had me in such a choke hold I was practically glued to my kindle only putting it down to go to sleep and work. These two have been to hell and back against each other and with each other. Diesel coming back feeling like his sh*t don't stink and he can just get his man back all easy peasy was hilarious and I loved how Shay-Lee just put him in his place. In the beginning of the story a part of me was wondering if maybe Shay-Lee truly got over Diesel with the help of therapy and his guidance and friendship with Soren... but then guess who walks into the coffee shop to meet Shay-Lee....JORDAN! I knew Jordy would be involved in this book (I mean the last book made it pretty obvious) but I wasn't sure how he would be involved. Was he good or was he bad? Or is he still just a moron? Yup, still just a moron! I wanted to slap Jordan so many times and then when Shay-Lee finally got his memories back.. OMG how could he even stand to look at Jordan!

This book has so much drama and so much spice... it's delicious! The one thing I do wish I saw more of was Andrei and Diesel's friendship. Yes I know they are boys and will always be BFF's and stuff but I wish Andrei was a little more involved with the helping/saving.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Fe  Sommers.
113 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2025
a perfect conclusion!

The growth shay lee excubed in this one 🙂. His past is horribly tragic but he chooses to accept that he will always have scars in body and soul. But chooses to be happy anyway plus puts in the work to be happy!

same for Camilo, so much growth. Glad Shay lee has someone who adores every part of him.

perfect villian redemption!

seeing glimpses of everyone and where they are in life made me smile.

I had hoped for a update on Kai. In life we dont always get updates on people from our past, life moves on without them.

I just love how real Tal's characters are. When people get angry/hurt they have a tendency to strike with the knowledge of where to cause the most pain. Her characters are pros at this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brittany Joy.
159 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2025
This series will forever own a piece of my heart.
The story, and these characters are so beautifully written.
Tal has done an incredible job blending plot, spice, and angst, in this series you will absolutely devour from start to finish.
Prejudice often times blinds us to what is in front of us, and these characters are exquisitely written to remind us,
“not to judge a book by its cover.”
Well, in this case you can, because those covers are HOT!
And even though the elements of this story are extremely heavy, the spice will leave you drooling and begging for more.
Diesel & Shay-Lee own my heart forever. (So does Tal) <3
This gets 100 stars from me.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Hernandez.
152 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was the final book in the series, and I went in needing to see my favorites get their happy ending—and wow, did it deliver. I’m heartbroken that it’s over, but so grateful for the journey.

Camilo completely owned my heart. The way he fought for his happiness, especially with Shay-Lee, was gut-wrenching and beautiful. I felt every bit of their pain, growth, and connection. Their story was twisted but tender, emotional, and exactly the ending they deserved. No one will ever convince me that these two aren’t soulmates.

This book gave second chances, enemies-to-lovers tension, and deep emotional healing. The moment they finally opened up with all their secrets—tears. These characters have come so far since book one, and it was everything seeing how far they’d grown.

If you’re into dark romance with emotional payoff, morally gray tenderness, and characters who earn every ounce of their happy ending, this one is for you. And Tal Lewin? I’d read their grocery list at this point.

No notes. No criticism. Just love.
Profile Image for Birgit.
507 reviews21 followers
April 14, 2025
I try to put my thoughts and feelings into words. When I first started Mistaken Prejudice, I didn't know what I got myself into. I was expecting some High School bullying drama romance, but what I got is this emotional rollercoaster and family of characters that are dear to my heart. ❤️♾️

Tal promised us, that Camilo and Shay-Lee would get their hard-earned HEA and hard-earned it was. This book took me through the wringer.  From hilarious moments where I laughed out loud to deeply emotional moments where I shed a tear or two, to gripping action where my eyes couldn't read fast enough for my liking. 

We all know where Diesel and Shay-Lee last left off in book 4, with Diesel leaving Shay-Lee to work for Dion. It was clear that his time with Dion would not be pleasant and easy for him, but no one realized how much it would affect him. Early on in the series, we learned that Diesel isn't just the bad guy you don't want trouble with; he's a very emotional and emphatic guy. But many people forget that because of his tough demeanor.

Shay-Lee has processed a lot through Soren (god, I love that he found such a role for SL) and his therapist Blaire and has developed extremely; he lives his life even if he never forgets his great love. I really have to say, there are galaxies between Shay-Lee in book one and Shay-Lee here. The development that Tal has written for him absolutely blew me away. 😭❤️

I really liked that SL didn't forgive Diesel immediately and let him fight hard. Everything that happens next was so well done - one or two things I expected, but I was very surprised by the twist. My kindle flew around - thank God, only in bed 😂😳. Tal really kept me in suspense.

Our love was absurdly perfect - something only we could understand. It wasn't the kind of love that healed or cured; it was one that consumed and devoured.

The love I feel for these characters and this series is something I don't have often; I can only recommend it to everyone.  An absolute reading recommendation from me.

What to expect:
- hurt / hurt
- second chance
- Found family
- Broken Men

Please check TW, not only for this book, but the series!
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