Casualties

by Sky Belarde

Ainsley
Being in love with someone that broke your heart?
Devastating.
But when the idiot is your brother’s best friend, and he has no idea how you feel?
That’s what drove me away for the summer to pursue my dreams of becoming a writer.
Now I’m back, ready to start fresh and move on with my life.
Unfortunately, Ace Maddox is everywhere I look. And it looks like my heart didn’t get the memo that we’re over him.

Ace
Ainsley Copeland is my best friend’s little sister. She’s off limits and too innocent for someone like me.
So then why the hell am I so hell bent on getting her attention when all she wants to do is pretend I don’t exist?
If the girl next door thinks she can shut me out, she’s wrong. I’ll give her the space she so desperately needs. But if walking away was supposed to make me forget her, it’s only made sure I never will.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

318 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Hi, I'm Sky. I write love stories that will make you swoon, giggle, and possibly text your ex (let's not do that, though). The love stories and characters that build in my head are anything, but easy going. A lot of the time they make me question my sanity, but they all hold special places in my heart. My shopping list of triggers may start small, but stay tuned for more projects down the road. Think less "meet cute," and more "did that just happen?" I hope you enjoy my journey exploring just how dark, steamy, and scandalous my characters can be. Buckle your seatbelts folks; you're in for a wild ride!

Reviews

[Kayla Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want friends to enemies to lovers this is for you!! The rollercoaster that is the emotions of Ace and Ains is anything to go by. The tensions are high. The plot is thick and the story just keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way. That cliffy though has all kinds of outcomes on the brain…….

[Arlene Aesthetic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Slow Burn, brothers best friend, smex club, v!rg!n FMC.

I recieved an early copy to write and honest review and let me tell you to clean your schedule because this book will keep you hooked. It does get a bit repetitive with “I love you, can’t be with you, lemme pull you back” angst.

I love the FMC didn’t mope and be a doormat for the MMC to come around. Her dating & holding strong on boundaries made me happy. I was disappointed Cassie & the brother had more of a progression in their relationship than MMC & FMC. It felt like THEIR book for a few chapters being told in 3rd POV.

MMC claims he has an “unusual” smexy appetite but other than being “commanding” we don’t get much insight on that[on page i mean], hopefully in the next book cause the smexxy scenes were *fans self*.

The book does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared, it seems there is a whole other world waiting in the next book...

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace and Ainsley are a friends to enemies couple. When Ainsley overhears a chance conversation it changes Ainsley world and most importantly her friendship with Ace. The change and effects will have a devastating effect on their lives. There is more to come. A good read.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ainsley has decided to throw her broken heart to the wind, spend a summer away from home, and get her head together to start college in the fall. When she returns home to start school, she feels like a new woman, and that’s not just the clothing talking. She’s done with being the forgotten wallflower and she’s going to make the most of her college years. Except her big brother and his best friend are at the same college and they are getting in the way. Ace knows that he can never have what he wants, so why is he going out of his way to get in the way of Ainsley’s freshman year romances?

As a debut author this story was not bad. It held my attention for most of the story, I only had a couple of moments of “ick” and I had some full-on laugh-out-loud moments. I mean, how can you knock a book for mentioning the OG Point Break with Patrick Swayze & Keanu Reeves? Support your independent authors, because without them we wouldn’t have stories.

CW/TW: Sexual Assault, Gaslighting, Toxic Relationship, Violence, Alcohol, Emotional Abuse

[Shadow_Mommy_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25⭐️

Ains was the tomboy next door, the one who kept to herself and the kid sister who hung out with us. Until she returns, all grown up and an absolute knockout. She’s always had a thing for her brother’s best friend, but now? It’s impossible to ignore even though she wants him to go away!

Enter Ace—the guy every girl wants, but his heart’s always been with her. His best friend’s little sister. The one he shouldn’t want, but can’t stay away from.

This story delivers all the slow burn tension, push and pull angst, and that inevitable “fuck it” moment that makes you scream FINALLY. When the truth comes out, it’s messy, raw, and so damn satisfying.

Add in a cliffhanger that has me absolutely itching for the next book—I need to know what happens next!

If you’re into brother’s best friend tropes, slow burn heat, and that explosive chemistry when it all finally unravels, this one’s for you.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMMFG!!!! Finally a damn good book you can get lost in.!!!! The relatable coming of age and self awareness, the various family dynamics, the character developments you can actually follow, the realness and HELL YEAH moments, the addictive romantic rollercoaster and sexual discovery are 100% unmatched. Let me tell you, I own over 1200 books. All romance genre. And NONE of them were as realistic and relatable as this and at the same time made you completely understand the drama. I’m addicted… no, no, no… I’m OBSESSED!!! Do t get me started on the cliffhanger…. Whhhhhhy Sky did you do me like that, girl!! I sat with the book after I was done and ran scenarios all through my head. This book is gold. Anyone not on board needs to go back to tiktoking. To the Alpha reader MVP: you made a genius!!!! … if you know, you know. And if you don’t, keep reading 😘

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casualties is a thrilling and emotionally charged debut that blends dark romance, suspense, and coming-of-age tension with sizzling chemistry. Sky Belarde introduces readers to a tight-knit group of friends whose bonds are tested as secrets unravel and long-buried feelings surface. At the heart of the story is a young woman torn between loyalty and self-discovery, leading her into a world of love, betrayal, and hidden desires.

Belarde’s storytelling is vivid and compelling, with well-written, sensual scenes that feel intimate and meaningful rather than gratuitous. The romance is spicy yet tender, and the emotional depth keeps you invested in every twist. This is a must-read for adult fans of dark romance who crave both heat and heart. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.

[Kymber Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly a masterpiece for someone looking to open their mind and venture from their normal genre of reading. A wonderful introduction to a side you may not let others see.

From the very first page, I was completely captivated by Sky’s writing and her characters' depth.

The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, and the emotional resonance was profound with wanton desire.

I truly felt like I was reliving my youth through Ainsley and the lustful feelings I once had for my Ace.

I couldn't put the book down until I finished, as every page had me waiting for more. I have now learned this is called a slow burn.

It was everything I was hoping for and more.

This author was exactly what I needed to welcome me to this type of genre.

But let’s talk about this cliffhanger, really? When does the 2nd book come out?

I can’t wait to read what comes next; it’s going to be juicy.

[꣑ৎ sue (hatter-pendragon version) ꣑ৎ · Rating 1 out of 5]

the reason why i despise male povs in het romance. exhibit a:

”Words cannot describe what a fucking smokeshow she is now. Her jeans have gone from baggy to tight as fuck, hugging every curve. Her ass is perfection in them. I could tell she wasn't wearing much of a bra, because her nipples were poking through her once-loose band tee, now cut and form-fitting. Jesus, I need to stop thinking about her like this, my cock is starting to hurt straining against my zipper.”

death to male povs, i say! can’t stand weirdos like this.

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this book! The relationship between Ace and Ainsley was fun to experience unfolding and Sky did a great job making it feel like I was a fly on the wall. It was a little bit predictable but in the best kind of way, like putting on your favorite pair of jeans that fit just right every time. Overall, a great debut from Sky and I’m already excited for the next one!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for the second book!

What a good book. What's sure what to expect from a new author and first book. It was excellent, I would definitely recommend this book. Can't wait for the next to see where this goes!

[Anshika Pandey · Rating 1 out of 5]

#dnf

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars
The back and forth between Ace and Ainsley got to be a little too much at times. Ainsley also made some bonehead decisions that made me want to shake her.

[Madi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more, this is it! Amazing writing and storytelling! I need a second book. Very talented author!!!

[Michelle Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casualties is Sky Belarde’s debut book

I was given an a chance to be an ARC reader for Casualties

Ainsley Copeland and Ace Maddox have been childhood friends for years and harbor feelings for each other but she is his best friends little sister and she overheard him talking about her which caused a huge shift in their relationship

Now, they are both at the same college and while Ainsley is determined to spread her wings…Ace is determined to do everything he can to protect her without giving away that he is in love with her

The story is a slow burn and angsty with a little bit of spice thrown in…There are also different smaller stories going on in the background

I would also recommend checking your trigger warnings before reading this book as there are scenes and certain behaviors that can be triggering

The book does end on a cliffhanger with somewhat of an HEA

[Rebecca Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has its own playlist!! This book delivers back and forth angst, and slow burn tension. Definitely check your trigger warning. This book is not an HEA and does leave you on a cliffhanger.