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Retrograde #1
Relapse
Ambrose Academy.
The home of the most prestigious and damned people in the world.
An academy full of secrets and deception, currently my new home. Finding out the father my mom said abandoned me all those years ago, didn’t actually abandon me, meant moving in with him and his new family.
I had no family, no money, and the horrors of my past gripped me to the point of suffocation, so I had no choice in the matter.
Coming back to this hell hole, running into the boy that ruined me, and left me for DEAD was not at all what I had planned.
I came back for two reasons. Uncover the secrets my mom had hidden and to find out who my father was. What I didn’t expect was to get tangled into a darkened web of secrets and lies, and once again, fearing for my life.
Women were going missing, and somehow I’d become the next target.
The man I once loved claimed he would always be there for me, but he failed me already.
Would he fail me for a second time?
The home of the most prestigious and damned people in the world.
An academy full of secrets and deception, currently my new home. Finding out the father my mom said abandoned me all those years ago, didn’t actually abandon me, meant moving in with him and his new family.
I had no family, no money, and the horrors of my past gripped me to the point of suffocation, so I had no choice in the matter.
Coming back to this hell hole, running into the boy that ruined me, and left me for DEAD was not at all what I had planned.
I came back for two reasons. Uncover the secrets my mom had hidden and to find out who my father was. What I didn’t expect was to get tangled into a darkened web of secrets and lies, and once again, fearing for my life.
Women were going missing, and somehow I’d become the next target.
The man I once loved claimed he would always be there for me, but he failed me already.
Would he fail me for a second time?
Unknown Binding
Published April 1, 2025
6 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Harper Ray
22 books350 followersHarper Ray is a Texas woman who loves everything about the book world. She is an author of dark, paranormal, and contemporary romances. Along with reading, writing is her passion and she loves giving readers a chance to escape from their own world, into a new one. Her imagination is the creative tool that helps her come up with several intriguing story lines that she hopes to share with the world. Her fans call her the "page turner author" because with each story she sucks you in, instantly hooking you from page one.
When she's not busy typing away at her computer, she's in school full-time earning her degree, spending time with family and friends, and building a future with her boyfriend and their pup.
When she's not busy typing away at her computer, she's in school full-time earning her degree, spending time with family and friends, and building a future with her boyfriend and their pup.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2020
Addy has never had an easy life. She grew up in and out of foster homes and even when she was with her mother her life was nothing but misery. Her life has been nothing but one big fight to survive.
Chase grew up in a very loving home and had a relatively easy life. His life was the complete opposite of the life Addy lived.
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other. Little did either of them know Addys past would creep up on them and end up putting Addys life in danger.
I so totally loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I was finished!! This book absolutely blew me away! Like HOLY WOW!! This story has everything.....tears, angst, humor and lots of nail biting moments! The struggle is real as these two try to navigate their relationship while also dealing with all of Addy’s issues with her mother. It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I loved loved loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author!
Chase grew up in a very loving home and had a relatively easy life. His life was the complete opposite of the life Addy lived.
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other. Little did either of them know Addys past would creep up on them and end up putting Addys life in danger.
I so totally loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I was finished!! This book absolutely blew me away! Like HOLY WOW!! This story has everything.....tears, angst, humor and lots of nail biting moments! The struggle is real as these two try to navigate their relationship while also dealing with all of Addy’s issues with her mother. It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I loved loved loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author!
February 5, 2021
Wow
Well this was a good book up until that ending. Not really sure what to say about that but I definitely wish that it was mentioned that there was a cliffhanger. I really did think this was a standalone but I guess I will just make up what happens next in my head. Lol.
This was the first book I have read from this author and I have to say she has some real potential in the writting business. If it wasnt for that ending this would be a 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved Chase and Max. Talk about some awesome dudes! Hopefully I sont have to wait long for the next book.
Well this was a good book up until that ending. Not really sure what to say about that but I definitely wish that it was mentioned that there was a cliffhanger. I really did think this was a standalone but I guess I will just make up what happens next in my head. Lol.
This was the first book I have read from this author and I have to say she has some real potential in the writting business. If it wasnt for that ending this would be a 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved Chase and Max. Talk about some awesome dudes! Hopefully I sont have to wait long for the next book.
July 17, 2023
I loved how this book got right into it, no long introduction and it was one of those you couldn’t put down because it was so intriguing. And the twists at the end??? Crazy, I didn’t see it coming at all.
Hoping we get the next book soon because I want to read more of Chase & Addy!
Hoping we get the next book soon because I want to read more of Chase & Addy!
May 27, 2020
Everyone has to read this book on release day. Go crazy. I was lucky to receive and arc, and I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I am totally in love with Chase and Addy! Harper did an amazing job at bringing this book and the characters to life, and i can't wait for the next book! Highly recommend this amazing book! I wish I could read it for the first time all over again!
August 15, 2021
My goodness, the things this poor girl went through in life are certainly things no one wants to endure. She definitely did not ever have it easy and having to fend for yourself pretty much your whole life probably sucks when you don't have the skills or a degree to get you at least a decent paying job out there in the real world.
When Addy runs into a mysteriously hot man in an ally while contemplating on walking in to a strip club to ask for a job, you could pretty much say he saved her life from living a life she did not want to continue living.
She was given a job as a receptionist at a tattoo parlor and she meets the co-owner, Chase and Max had already warned her that he was a grumpy, broody guy but Addy doesn't take crap from anyone, she has lived a hard life and she knows how to defend herself so the last thing she's going to do is take crap from the co-owner. Little did she know that this man was the one who was going to flip her life upside down (in a good way). But Addy isn't making things easy for Chase, she is so guarded with her heart that she finds it impossible to hand it over to just anyone even when that said person has been pursuing her relentlessly and he's trying to be patient with her because he knows she's fragile and deserves nothing but the best.
But Addy has her enemies lurking and waiting to strike. Will Chase be able to help her get freed from these monsters or will she be forever damned to live a life that no human being would want to live!
This book pretty much had me holding my heart in my hands for this poor girl. I would never dream of wishing this kind of life on anyone, no matter how much I despise them (lol)!
Addy certainly has won 5 golden stars for her courage, wisdom and her strength in this novel. I loved her character and everything she was.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
When Addy runs into a mysteriously hot man in an ally while contemplating on walking in to a strip club to ask for a job, you could pretty much say he saved her life from living a life she did not want to continue living.
She was given a job as a receptionist at a tattoo parlor and she meets the co-owner, Chase and Max had already warned her that he was a grumpy, broody guy but Addy doesn't take crap from anyone, she has lived a hard life and she knows how to defend herself so the last thing she's going to do is take crap from the co-owner. Little did she know that this man was the one who was going to flip her life upside down (in a good way). But Addy isn't making things easy for Chase, she is so guarded with her heart that she finds it impossible to hand it over to just anyone even when that said person has been pursuing her relentlessly and he's trying to be patient with her because he knows she's fragile and deserves nothing but the best.
But Addy has her enemies lurking and waiting to strike. Will Chase be able to help her get freed from these monsters or will she be forever damned to live a life that no human being would want to live!
This book pretty much had me holding my heart in my hands for this poor girl. I would never dream of wishing this kind of life on anyone, no matter how much I despise them (lol)!
Addy certainly has won 5 golden stars for her courage, wisdom and her strength in this novel. I loved her character and everything she was.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
October 14, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This was an amazing story!! It definitely gives you the big picture of the ups and downs of life and love. Both Addy and Chase didn’t have really good childhoods. My heart broke for Addy repeatedly 💔 The subject matter could be tough to read at times, but I had to know what was going to happen next!! Chase and Addy were fantastic together ♥️ I was rooting for them through the entire story!! I really enjoyed this book 🖤
Addy has been on her own her whole life. She’s been in some very difficult and terrifying situations. She doesn’t trust easily and she definitely doesn’t hand out her heart. She’s hoping to get a job at a strip club, but in the alley, she sees this hot man. He ends up giving her a job as a receptionist in his tattoo shop. She’s warned Chase, the shop’s co owner, isn’t the easiest to get along with. Addy never backs down though. Chase and Addy just might learn they may be able to save each other from their demons…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🖤💙
This was an amazing story!! It definitely gives you the big picture of the ups and downs of life and love. Both Addy and Chase didn’t have really good childhoods. My heart broke for Addy repeatedly 💔 The subject matter could be tough to read at times, but I had to know what was going to happen next!! Chase and Addy were fantastic together ♥️ I was rooting for them through the entire story!! I really enjoyed this book 🖤
Addy has been on her own her whole life. She’s been in some very difficult and terrifying situations. She doesn’t trust easily and she definitely doesn’t hand out her heart. She’s hoping to get a job at a strip club, but in the alley, she sees this hot man. He ends up giving her a job as a receptionist in his tattoo shop. She’s warned Chase, the shop’s co owner, isn’t the easiest to get along with. Addy never backs down though. Chase and Addy just might learn they may be able to save each other from their demons…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🖤💙
May 28, 2020
I loved this book, I didnt want it to end I was glued to the pages throughout.
It has everything sad parts, love , humor, anger and happiness.
You didn't know what was going to happen next. I loved the story and relationship between chase and Addy. Harper did a amazing job with this book and bringing it to life.
It felt like I was in the story in a good way!!!
I cant wait for more releases from Harper!!!
5* by a 5* author!!!🖤🖤🖤
It has everything sad parts, love , humor, anger and happiness.
You didn't know what was going to happen next. I loved the story and relationship between chase and Addy. Harper did a amazing job with this book and bringing it to life.
It felt like I was in the story in a good way!!!
I cant wait for more releases from Harper!!!
5* by a 5* author!!!🖤🖤🖤
June 8, 2020
What in the ever loving...holy macaroni....AHHH!!!! Once again I am blown away and could not put this book down!!! I know I’ve said before about various books and authors, “I need more now!!!” But y’all, for real, I NEED MORE NOW!!! This book was so easy to get sucked into. It was angsty and lovely, suspenseful and twisty, and everything you could want! I’ll be honest in that I wasn’t really sure about just how much I was going to love this book because I don’t generally care much for sex trafficking story lines but this book was seriously everything. Did I mention that I. NEED. MORE??
May 28, 2020
Addy and Chase love to hate each other. Addy is such a sassy smartass and I love her! Harper makes you fall in love with these two and leaves you wanting more!! They both deserve love after the childhood Addy had and the crazy ex Chase had. Harper Ray you write amazing words and really bring us into Addy and Chases world and I didn't want to leave!
June 6, 2020
An absolutely compelling read!
Do not let the Candy coloured graphic of this cover fool you! Because it hides a secret...
This story is anything but sweet and light but it will as surely suck you in as a bag of your favourite lollies.
Relapse is a compelling read, high on emotion and heavy on subject matter, and I absolutely loved the characters that Harper Ray has created. Addy and Chase are complex and multifaceted, and they feel very real, along with their friends and family.
Relapse is another book that I don’t feel I could write a review worthy enough, and I believe it would appeal to a wide range of reading tastes. It’s a romantic suspense about the darkest side of humanity. It’s heavy on the subject matter, but has life’s lighter moments in it. There’s an overbearing heavily tattooed alpha male character who is a pussy in the face of his mother, and a heroine who has a hard-working ethic in spite of her childhood, and hides her vulnerability behind a prickly solid coat of armour. She refuses to be a victim. An Ankylosaur would be proud of her.
Simply put, Chase, Addy and their friends and family are characters you need to meet.
If you cynically refuse to believe that insta-love exists, Ms Ray will convince you it’s true. That’s if Chase can convince Addy it does! Hell, the chemistry between them is another character on its own, but a lifetime of conditioning means that Addy made circumstances difficult for herself and those around her wanting to support and protect her. Essentially, Chase is just perfect, and I loved everything about this man who would bend over backwards to show his skittery woman just how precious she is to him.
And if there was ever a mother who deserves to die a long and slow painful death, you’ll be meeting her too. Luckily for Addy, whether she acknowledges it or not, families who offer unconditional love and support do exist, and they will go to the wire for her. Hell’s teeth, I could go on about this book, but, again I just urge you to read Relapse.
This is Harper Ray’s second published book, and I think she has outdone herself, so I’ll just say that Relapse deserves every one of it’s 5 Stars. Go get it 🌷
Do not let the Candy coloured graphic of this cover fool you! Because it hides a secret...
This story is anything but sweet and light but it will as surely suck you in as a bag of your favourite lollies.
Relapse is a compelling read, high on emotion and heavy on subject matter, and I absolutely loved the characters that Harper Ray has created. Addy and Chase are complex and multifaceted, and they feel very real, along with their friends and family.
Relapse is another book that I don’t feel I could write a review worthy enough, and I believe it would appeal to a wide range of reading tastes. It’s a romantic suspense about the darkest side of humanity. It’s heavy on the subject matter, but has life’s lighter moments in it. There’s an overbearing heavily tattooed alpha male character who is a pussy in the face of his mother, and a heroine who has a hard-working ethic in spite of her childhood, and hides her vulnerability behind a prickly solid coat of armour. She refuses to be a victim. An Ankylosaur would be proud of her.
Simply put, Chase, Addy and their friends and family are characters you need to meet.
If you cynically refuse to believe that insta-love exists, Ms Ray will convince you it’s true. That’s if Chase can convince Addy it does! Hell, the chemistry between them is another character on its own, but a lifetime of conditioning means that Addy made circumstances difficult for herself and those around her wanting to support and protect her. Essentially, Chase is just perfect, and I loved everything about this man who would bend over backwards to show his skittery woman just how precious she is to him.
And if there was ever a mother who deserves to die a long and slow painful death, you’ll be meeting her too. Luckily for Addy, whether she acknowledges it or not, families who offer unconditional love and support do exist, and they will go to the wire for her. Hell’s teeth, I could go on about this book, but, again I just urge you to read Relapse.
This is Harper Ray’s second published book, and I think she has outdone herself, so I’ll just say that Relapse deserves every one of it’s 5 Stars. Go get it 🌷
April 4, 2023
DNF
Chapter 1 is Addy telling us she needs a job before she’s homeless. That she’s the product of drug addicted mother. And despite having no money, she’s spends her nights in bars drinking before going home to change then spending the day job hunting….Like, when does she sleep?
Chapter 2 we meet Chase. A tattoo artist with an ego as big as a continent. What kind of man calls out a young girl for ‘ogling’ him while he’s tattooing her friend, and then proceeds to tell her she’s not a real friend anyway because her focus was on him instead of holding her hand… 🤔🤔Nah. Instant dislike for me.
Then Addy gets a job working for Chase & the insta love starts. Chase has known her for less than a day and he already knows her soul. 💀💀💀 She’s going to be the death of him. They are a match made in heaven and whenever he’s around her all he can think about is making her his. 😳 Dude, you’ve known her 3 hours…3 freaking hours. 🙄🙄
I didn’t care for either MC, they were both unlikable. There was zero build up between them. My teaspoon has more chemistry than these two. She came across as a bitch who turned him into a simp the moment they met and all by 20% in.
Yeah…that was my cue to exit this book. 🤷♀️
Chapter 1 is Addy telling us she needs a job before she’s homeless. That she’s the product of drug addicted mother. And despite having no money, she’s spends her nights in bars drinking before going home to change then spending the day job hunting….Like, when does she sleep?
Chapter 2 we meet Chase. A tattoo artist with an ego as big as a continent. What kind of man calls out a young girl for ‘ogling’ him while he’s tattooing her friend, and then proceeds to tell her she’s not a real friend anyway because her focus was on him instead of holding her hand… 🤔🤔Nah. Instant dislike for me.
Then Addy gets a job working for Chase & the insta love starts. Chase has known her for less than a day and he already knows her soul. 💀💀💀 She’s going to be the death of him. They are a match made in heaven and whenever he’s around her all he can think about is making her his. 😳 Dude, you’ve known her 3 hours…3 freaking hours. 🙄🙄
I didn’t care for either MC, they were both unlikable. There was zero build up between them. My teaspoon has more chemistry than these two. She came across as a bitch who turned him into a simp the moment they met and all by 20% in.
Yeah…that was my cue to exit this book. 🤷♀️
June 21, 2023
The ending of this book. I swear I wanted to smash things. Why did you have to leave me hanging like that. I needed just a little more to push off the wait for book 2. I lie. There’s not pushing off the wait. Addy is one strong female who has a horrible like. But she makes the best of it. Not going to lie I love her fire and sass. She sounds like someone I could be best friends with and get in a lot of trouble with. Chase is a holy hotness in one package. Model turn tattoo artist. Yes please. Though he knows all to well the feeling of getting burned in the end. Both spend way to much time keeping their walls up. Also the Addy’s mother and Chase’s ex is someone who needs to be dealt with in the most horrible ways ever. They are truly the dirtiest horrible people and permanently on my I hate characters list.
June 30, 2020
Packed full of fire!!
This book was crazy! This is not your typical boy meets girl, they fall instantly in love and live happily ever after. No, Chase and Addy's story is a little.different. They come from different worlds and backgrounds in life but somehow make things work between them. I admire Addy so much. She's brutally honest and has so much spitfire in her! She gives Chase so much attitude in this book but he has a way of breaking down her walls. I loved Chase! He was a great character who has been thru a lot in his life but finally is following his passion and his love. Addy's mom is a head case and needs some professional help along with some other people in this book. This was a short read but it packed a punch!!
This book was crazy! This is not your typical boy meets girl, they fall instantly in love and live happily ever after. No, Chase and Addy's story is a little.different. They come from different worlds and backgrounds in life but somehow make things work between them. I admire Addy so much. She's brutally honest and has so much spitfire in her! She gives Chase so much attitude in this book but he has a way of breaking down her walls. I loved Chase! He was a great character who has been thru a lot in his life but finally is following his passion and his love. Addy's mom is a head case and needs some professional help along with some other people in this book. This was a short read but it packed a punch!!
June 4, 2020
All the stars!!
I’m a ball of emotions that’s unsure how to deal with this book hangover. I want more more more!!
I absolutely, 1000% LOVED this book!!!!!!!
New to me author Harper Ray has wowed me in a big way. Relapse is one of those reads you just can’t put down.
They bicker, they tease and they can’t stand each other. With a past so dark and a future unknown, will Addy be good enough for more?
This book holds so much depth, I cried, I laughed and I smiled for the girl inside. It was so heartfelt at times I felt so heartbroken. It’s raw and invigorating.
I can’t wait to see what else this author has and I’ll be wasting no time in finding out.
This comes highly recommended.
I’m a ball of emotions that’s unsure how to deal with this book hangover. I want more more more!!
I absolutely, 1000% LOVED this book!!!!!!!
New to me author Harper Ray has wowed me in a big way. Relapse is one of those reads you just can’t put down.
They bicker, they tease and they can’t stand each other. With a past so dark and a future unknown, will Addy be good enough for more?
This book holds so much depth, I cried, I laughed and I smiled for the girl inside. It was so heartfelt at times I felt so heartbroken. It’s raw and invigorating.
I can’t wait to see what else this author has and I’ll be wasting no time in finding out.
This comes highly recommended.
June 12, 2020
“I dare you to kiss me, kitten.”
Gah! Chase was the kind of hero you love to hate. I’m not usually one for an enemy to lovers story, but this one drew me right in. Even when everything was telling Addy not to fall for the former model, hot-as-hell Chase, she couldn’t help how she felt.
The emotion, the real ness and vulnerability of the characters, and the intrigue of the love between them made for a perfect love story- even if it was the love-to-hate-you kind. I didn’t want this one to end.
Gah! Chase was the kind of hero you love to hate. I’m not usually one for an enemy to lovers story, but this one drew me right in. Even when everything was telling Addy not to fall for the former model, hot-as-hell Chase, she couldn’t help how she felt.
The emotion, the real ness and vulnerability of the characters, and the intrigue of the love between them made for a perfect love story- even if it was the love-to-hate-you kind. I didn’t want this one to end.
August 19, 2021
I have been dying to read this since I first found out about it back in 2018. I absolutely loved this book. Once I started it I never wanted to put it down.
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other.
It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I can not wait for the next book I needed it the second I finished this one.
Highly recommend this amazing book!
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other.
It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I can not wait for the next book I needed it the second I finished this one.
Highly recommend this amazing book!
May 29, 2020
Such an awesome book! I loved the chemistry between Addy and Chase and how she connected with Holly and Max. She went from having no one to having family and friends who care about her. Harper gave these characters so much life, they pulled me in right from the first page and left me wanting more. I cannot wait for book 2!!!!
May 31, 2020
Relapse, my first book by this author. Relapse is a fast paced story, about a girl with a problematic past and a former male model. The story also contains repetitive information, which made it a bit boring to read. I had problems connecting with the characters.
Overall, Relapse is an well written book, but not my cup of tea.
Overall, Relapse is an well written book, but not my cup of tea.
June 6, 2020
This book was amazing and I love Addy and Chase they make amazing couple. I love how they bounce of each other with there sassiness. So can’t wait for the next book so we see what happens with Addy and Chase. Also what happens with Max and Holly.
November 6, 2020
I have been dying to read this since I first found out about it back in 2018. I absolutely loved this book. Once I started it I never wanted to put it down.
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other.
It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I can not wait for the next book I needed it the second I finished this one.
Highly recommend this amazing book!
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other.
It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I can not wait for the next book I needed it the second I finished this one.
Highly recommend this amazing book!
November 27, 2021
Great read
I really enjoyed this story. Addy is a fierce FMC who struggles with trauma from her childhood. Chase knew he wanted Addy as soon as he met her but he has had his heart broken before. This is just the start of their story. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
I really enjoyed this story. Addy is a fierce FMC who struggles with trauma from her childhood. Chase knew he wanted Addy as soon as he met her but he has had his heart broken before. This is just the start of their story. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
September 16, 2023
I'm not sure how I felt about this one. I enjoyed it. I did feel like it was missing something. Though I couldn't tell what. The characters were easy to connect with so that was a bonus. I like the real life aspects.
Want to read
August 5, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/5/2021)! 🎁
September 19, 2023
This was a book I had trouble putting down was truly amazing work and the characters you just fall in love with truly enjoyed the cliff hanger at the end cause that might mean another story coming
September 28, 2020
Addy is no stranger to hurt or life screwing her over. Its been a tough road to say the least but Addy is determined to work hard and get to a better place until that day came. The day she was offered a job at a tattoo shop where she met the man who would change her life. Chase is the last person who is looking for a relationship yet he collides with Addy. While he is willing to open up Addy isnt as open as him which bring a whole word of challenges. Throw in a crazy mother seeking revenge and its the best book I have ever read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews