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Bad Inceptions #1
Mistaken Prejudice
Some will say we’re trash, and others will call us criminals, but what we are is a family. All connected by a shared past and a promised future. Four bad boys in a rich kids’ high school. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. Only it isn’t. It’s our senior year At Beverly Bay High, the school for the rich and privileged kids of the even richer and more privileged parents. Without drawing unnecessary attention, I planned for us to get through this year with no trouble. But then I met him. And I fell in love. And our love drew fire from all sides involved. Prejudices? We were used to being on the receiving end, overlooked, and dismissed our whole lives. My mistake was to think I was above it. Our story is not about love but all that it touches. One relationship is built while others collapse. And our love is only the beginning of the story. ***Mistaken Prejudice is the first in a series of 5 interconnected books (not standalones). The story becomes darker and darker throughout the rest of the series. So if you like Rich kids, Bad boys, High School settings, Found family that goes through troubles, Lots of lies, Instant chemistry, Accents, and first times… You might enjoy it. *** Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age
*** Triggers are listed inside the book ( they contain spoilers )
*** Triggers are listed inside the book ( they contain spoilers )
382 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
May 15, 2023
4.5 stars.
This was such a wonderful debut book! It felt fresh and different and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the different characters and I can’t wait to read more about them in the future books.
The time we did in juvie followed us like the mark of Cain. We were stained forever, damaged, marked—forever prejudiced by society.
The book starts out with Andrei and his foster/adoptive brothers starting senior year at a new high school. The school is full of very affluent kids so Andrei and his family are immediately cast as outsiders. They are a bunch of (mostly) reformed bad boys. While trying to find his way to lunch one day, Andrei stumbles upon Miles taking care of his horse. They are instantly attracted to one another.
“So when will I see you again?” he asked as I climbed into the driver’s seat. As soon as I closed the door, he leaned his body through the open window. “We can have lunch on Monday?” He shook his head. “That’s not soon enough.” God, did this boy know what to say.
Miles and Andrei are smitten with one another and just want to spend more time together. It is so sweet. I loved seeing Miles show up at Andrei’s job with Elliot. It was a great introduction to his relationship with his Papa.
Andrei is more experienced than Miles sexually and he is very sweet and patient with Miles. Their surfing date was adorable and then Andrei brought him back to his house to meet his family. Loved all of that.
Andrei kissed me as no one had before. It wasn’t a battle but a need for connection. It is everything I ever dreamed of for a kiss.
Shay-Lee. What a bully. This guy is the worst, but I’m really kind of hoping for a redemption arc in the future for him. He is clearly dealing with his own issues. My one small complaint would be that I wished Andrei and Miles had communicated a bit better in the third act. That being said, they are in high school, so I guess it does make sense here.
I just adored Miles’ parents and how open they were with Miles and vice versa. I’m also really intrigued by Chief and hope to learn more about him. I’m really looking forward to the next book featuring Jessie, Levi and Jordan.
What we did tonight was by far the most intense experience of my life. Our sex wasn’t just a physical connection. It went far deeper than that. It was as if our bodies and souls had melted into each other.
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
This was such a wonderful debut book! It felt fresh and different and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the different characters and I can’t wait to read more about them in the future books.
The time we did in juvie followed us like the mark of Cain. We were stained forever, damaged, marked—forever prejudiced by society.
The book starts out with Andrei and his foster/adoptive brothers starting senior year at a new high school. The school is full of very affluent kids so Andrei and his family are immediately cast as outsiders. They are a bunch of (mostly) reformed bad boys. While trying to find his way to lunch one day, Andrei stumbles upon Miles taking care of his horse. They are instantly attracted to one another.
“So when will I see you again?” he asked as I climbed into the driver’s seat. As soon as I closed the door, he leaned his body through the open window. “We can have lunch on Monday?” He shook his head. “That’s not soon enough.” God, did this boy know what to say.
Miles and Andrei are smitten with one another and just want to spend more time together. It is so sweet. I loved seeing Miles show up at Andrei’s job with Elliot. It was a great introduction to his relationship with his Papa.
Andrei is more experienced than Miles sexually and he is very sweet and patient with Miles. Their surfing date was adorable and then Andrei brought him back to his house to meet his family. Loved all of that.
Andrei kissed me as no one had before. It wasn’t a battle but a need for connection. It is everything I ever dreamed of for a kiss.
Shay-Lee. What a bully. This guy is the worst, but I’m really kind of hoping for a redemption arc in the future for him. He is clearly dealing with his own issues. My one small complaint would be that I wished Andrei and Miles had communicated a bit better in the third act. That being said, they are in high school, so I guess it does make sense here.
I just adored Miles’ parents and how open they were with Miles and vice versa. I’m also really intrigued by Chief and hope to learn more about him. I’m really looking forward to the next book featuring Jessie, Levi and Jordan.
What we did tonight was by far the most intense experience of my life. Our sex wasn’t just a physical connection. It went far deeper than that. It was as if our bodies and souls had melted into each other.
*** I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion. ***
May 7, 2023
Mistaken Prejudice is the first entry in the new adult Bad Inceptions series. This story focuses on opposites attract romance focusing on Miles and Andrei. Their differences are one of my favorite aspects of this story. They both have vastly different family structures, experiences, and opportunities, which makes them the perfect balance for each other.
What creates the conflict in this story is the group of friends each has. Miles's group of friends are rich, entitled, and snobby, whereas Andrei's are rougher, less refined, and humble. These two groups are immediate rivals, which creates most of the drama throughout this story.
What isn't dramatic is the relationship between Miles and Andrei. They instantly share a connection and this connection slowly grows from a friendship into a sweet relationship. They are so patient, kind, and willing to share so much with each other. I was genuinely surprised at some of the character developments in this story and look forward to seeing how they play out throughout the series.
Overall this is a great first entry for the series. It was a great romance, with intense drama, and lovable characters. I look forward to reading the next one.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
What creates the conflict in this story is the group of friends each has. Miles's group of friends are rich, entitled, and snobby, whereas Andrei's are rougher, less refined, and humble. These two groups are immediate rivals, which creates most of the drama throughout this story.
What isn't dramatic is the relationship between Miles and Andrei. They instantly share a connection and this connection slowly grows from a friendship into a sweet relationship. They are so patient, kind, and willing to share so much with each other. I was genuinely surprised at some of the character developments in this story and look forward to seeing how they play out throughout the series.
Overall this is a great first entry for the series. It was a great romance, with intense drama, and lovable characters. I look forward to reading the next one.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
November 10, 2024
4.5***** stars
Holy mother of teenage drama. *still gasping for air
God, this was intense (!!!) and you know how I love me a good intense story. I was riveted from the first moment and enjoyed every fucking second of it.
I’m super impressed by this debut. Tal Lewin is an illustrator and when you visit her socials you come across A LOT of covers she created for books we’ve read or at least know about.
The love story was a fairly easy one at the beginning (until it wasn’t anymore) but what was astounding was that it was not really the romance that had me captivated so strongly but all the characters’ stories (I can’t even express my love for Daniel and Elliot, Miles’ dads), their relations and actions, all the nasty stuff that went on and all the love that spread around. It was epic.
*lol
And it’s not that I’m not interested in Levi and Jessie next, but I’m dying with anticipation for book 3 already.
⇢ please heed TW’s and note that these books are not standalones and have to be read in order
***********
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
Holy mother of teenage drama. *still gasping for air
God, this was intense (!!!) and you know how I love me a good intense story. I was riveted from the first moment and enjoyed every fucking second of it.
I’m super impressed by this debut. Tal Lewin is an illustrator and when you visit her socials you come across A LOT of covers she created for books we’ve read or at least know about.
The love story was a fairly easy one at the beginning (until it wasn’t anymore) but what was astounding was that it was not really the romance that had me captivated so strongly but all the characters’ stories (I can’t even express my love for Daniel and Elliot, Miles’ dads), their relations and actions, all the nasty stuff that went on and all the love that spread around. It was epic.
“I know I said we’ll study first and then eat dinner, but instead we’ll have lunch.”
“Oh, that’s okay.”
“With my parents.”
Oh, fuck. “Parents, as in with your cute French dad?”
“Parents, as in my cute French dad and my less cute American lawyer dad.”
*lol
And it’s not that I’m not interested in Levi and Jessie next, but I’m dying with anticipation for book 3 already.
⇢ please heed TW’s and note that these books are not standalones and have to be read in order
***********
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
May 10, 2023
I really liked Andrei! He felt believable as an 18/19 year old, but Miles annoyed me for being blind and naïve to the actions of people around him.
There was SO MUCH going on that the first half of the book felt too dense because there was so much background, world building and character introduction and it felt hard to keep track of.
I liked meeting the characters but it felt like there was too much of other characters and future storytelling being setup (Diesel, I'm looking at you), when I'd rather find out about them from their own POVs. I'm intrigued to read more in this series, particularly about Jessie because I feel like he's entirely different from characters featured heavily in this book.
I do think some parts could have been condensed because they didn't really add anything except making Elliot upset - his brother could have just been at the wedding and the effect would still have come across. I didn't understand the inclusion of the Paris trip or what it added, but I really enjoyed the second half when things started to happen, even if the bullies felt a bit unbelievable.
The relationship between Andrei and Miles felt like it was between two teenagers which was a massive plus, because a lot of the time teenage couples still feel written like adults if that makes sense? It was refreshing to see insecurities and ignorance in both MCs and their friends - no one had their life 'together' and they were all just trying to get through high school.
Excited to see what happens in the next installment!
*ARC Review*
There was SO MUCH going on that the first half of the book felt too dense because there was so much background, world building and character introduction and it felt hard to keep track of.
I liked meeting the characters but it felt like there was too much of other characters and future storytelling being setup (Diesel, I'm looking at you), when I'd rather find out about them from their own POVs. I'm intrigued to read more in this series, particularly about Jessie because I feel like he's entirely different from characters featured heavily in this book.
I do think some parts could have been condensed because they didn't really add anything except making Elliot upset - his brother could have just been at the wedding and the effect would still have come across. I didn't understand the inclusion of the Paris trip or what it added, but I really enjoyed the second half when things started to happen, even if the bullies felt a bit unbelievable.
The relationship between Andrei and Miles felt like it was between two teenagers which was a massive plus, because a lot of the time teenage couples still feel written like adults if that makes sense? It was refreshing to see insecurities and ignorance in both MCs and their friends - no one had their life 'together' and they were all just trying to get through high school.
Excited to see what happens in the next installment!
*ARC Review*
Did Not Finish
May 20, 20237%
this isn’t good bad, it’s bad bad
this isn’t good bad, it’s bad bad
Read
September 16, 2023DNF @ 68% - I was really loving this a lot, I was so invested in it and loved Miles and Andrei soooo much, until some of the OTT drama started and it was putting me in a bad mental state. They didn’t deserve all that and I gotta take care of my head.
July 11, 2024
I have never encountered a romance in which so much of the drama and angst that actually drove the plot had so little to do with the actual couple that the story was about. Andrei and Miles started falling in love with each other almost immediately after they met. They fell HARD, and their feelings never wavered. They had a great relationship and, even though they hadn’t shared the darker or more complicated aspects of their pasts with each other (they were, after all, still a new couple), there is no doubt in my mind that had they been given more time, all of those secrets would have been revealed and openly discussed.
The drama came mostly from Miles’ friend, Shay-Lee. It was obvious from the beginning that he was dealing with some personal issues and as a way to cope with them and developed an unhealthy attachment to Miles. His possessiveness was disgusting, and I was frustrated by how naive Miles was when it came to him. Shay-Lee was an absolutely loathsome person. He treated everyone like trash - literally, going out of his way to antagonize people - and often Miles was right there witnessing it. His excuse was always Oh, well, he isn’t really like that. He’s just putting up a front because he doesn’t want people to know the real him. He’s actually a pretty sweet guy once you get to know him. Ugh. It was so frustrating. Shay-Lee didn’t want Andrei to be with “his Miles” and he and his lackeys did everything they could to intimidate him, going so far as to threaten his family. It didn’t work, of course, but it was hard seeing how low he was willing to go and how clueless Miles remained the entire time.
This kind of story, with its unrealistic levels of ott drama involving privileged high schoolers or college students, can usually be counted on to be an entertaining un-put-down-able story, regardless of how stupid it actually is. I’m not saying this story was stupid or anything, but it definitely had the drama and it definitely kept me reading. I liked all of Andrei’s friends and may check out their stories in the future. I wish they were standalones because I am dying to read Diesel and Shay-Lee’s story. If ever there was a set up a for an actual enemies to lovers story, it would be theirs. 4.25 stars
The drama came mostly from Miles’ friend, Shay-Lee. It was obvious from the beginning that he was dealing with some personal issues and as a way to cope with them and developed an unhealthy attachment to Miles. His possessiveness was disgusting, and I was frustrated by how naive Miles was when it came to him. Shay-Lee was an absolutely loathsome person. He treated everyone like trash - literally, going out of his way to antagonize people - and often Miles was right there witnessing it. His excuse was always Oh, well, he isn’t really like that. He’s just putting up a front because he doesn’t want people to know the real him. He’s actually a pretty sweet guy once you get to know him. Ugh. It was so frustrating. Shay-Lee didn’t want Andrei to be with “his Miles” and he and his lackeys did everything they could to intimidate him, going so far as to threaten his family. It didn’t work, of course, but it was hard seeing how low he was willing to go and how clueless Miles remained the entire time.
This kind of story, with its unrealistic levels of ott drama involving privileged high schoolers or college students, can usually be counted on to be an entertaining un-put-down-able story, regardless of how stupid it actually is. I’m not saying this story was stupid or anything, but it definitely had the drama and it definitely kept me reading. I liked all of Andrei’s friends and may check out their stories in the future. I wish they were standalones because I am dying to read Diesel and Shay-Lee’s story. If ever there was a set up a for an actual enemies to lovers story, it would be theirs. 4.25 stars
September 22, 2024
Hmmmmmmmm ....... VERY INTERESTING
[Rtc]
[Rtc]
August 24, 2026
I guess I was already prejudiced 🤭 because I had really high hopes for this series. And don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no regrets.
In true Tal Lewin fashion, the story, the plot, the setting and the characters were almost ridiculously well done.
I am 100% invested in this world and I'm moving straight on to the next instalment, but.. there were a few things that kept this from being a 5 for me.
This isn't just a quick and easy read. Tal is building a whole layered world here, with complex characters and a setting that clearly has A LOT more waiting for us. There are so many things being set up for the next stories that I was constantly intrigued.
But Miles 😢
It is VERY rare for me not to love an MC, especially when I'm this invested in the story. And I really wanted to love him.
But he just felt.. too childish? Naive, maybe.
They're all roughly the same age, but Miles sometimes felt like he was five to eight years younger than everyone else. And yes, I understand that there are reasons behind a lot of his behaviour, but understanding it still didn't make me connect with him.
The whole drama between them also felt a little exaggerated to me at times. Although, to be fair, we're talking about 18–19-year-olds, so impulsive decisions, questionable logic and spectacularly bad communication are probably not exactly unrealistic 🤭
So yes, I have a few complaints.
And yet I'm completely invested 😂
Because WDYM WE HAVE THREE POVs AND IT'S NOT MMM????
Obviously I'm moving on to book two.
In true Tal Lewin fashion, the story, the plot, the setting and the characters were almost ridiculously well done.
I am 100% invested in this world and I'm moving straight on to the next instalment, but.. there were a few things that kept this from being a 5 for me.
This isn't just a quick and easy read. Tal is building a whole layered world here, with complex characters and a setting that clearly has A LOT more waiting for us. There are so many things being set up for the next stories that I was constantly intrigued.
But Miles 😢
It is VERY rare for me not to love an MC, especially when I'm this invested in the story. And I really wanted to love him.
But he just felt.. too childish? Naive, maybe.
They're all roughly the same age, but Miles sometimes felt like he was five to eight years younger than everyone else. And yes, I understand that there are reasons behind a lot of his behaviour, but understanding it still didn't make me connect with him.
The whole drama between them also felt a little exaggerated to me at times. Although, to be fair, we're talking about 18–19-year-olds, so impulsive decisions, questionable logic and spectacularly bad communication are probably not exactly unrealistic 🤭
So yes, I have a few complaints.
And yet I'm completely invested 😂
Because WDYM WE HAVE THREE POVs AND IT'S NOT MMM????
Obviously I'm moving on to book two.
May 9, 2023
Andrei and his brothers are starting their senior at Beverly Bay High, where all the spoiled rich kids go. He and his brother's are the outsiders, a bunch of criminals with pasts they don't want anyone knowing. There Andrei meets Miles, his total opposite in all the ways that count, but there's something about him he can't resist.
Overall I really enjoyed Mistaken Prejudice, Andrei and Miles's story is sweet, a little angsty, with lots of drama, and some spice. The characters are so different and wonderfully written, and can't wait for more of this series!
Overall I really enjoyed Mistaken Prejudice, Andrei and Miles's story is sweet, a little angsty, with lots of drama, and some spice. The characters are so different and wonderfully written, and can't wait for more of this series!
January 2, 2026
This was… fine. The premise had potential and there were moments I enjoyed, but overall it didn’t quite click for me. The chemistry existed, the drama was there, and yet I never fully bought into the emotional payoff.
The Russian element caught me completely off guard (note to self: read the annotations next time), and since that’s not my thing, it took me out of the story more than it added to it. The conflict mostly hinges on misunderstandings, which get wrapped up a little too neatly once everything’s out in the open.
Not a bad book by any means — just not my vibe. If the tropes and themes work for you, you’ll probably have a better time than I did, but for me it was a solid “okay” read.
The Russian element caught me completely off guard (note to self: read the annotations next time), and since that’s not my thing, it took me out of the story more than it added to it. The conflict mostly hinges on misunderstandings, which get wrapped up a little too neatly once everything’s out in the open.
Not a bad book by any means — just not my vibe. If the tropes and themes work for you, you’ll probably have a better time than I did, but for me it was a solid “okay” read.
December 17, 2023
Reread 19/01/24 - Upgrading my rating to 5 stars because this was even better the second time around! The characters, the plot, the pacing, the chemistry, the foreshadowing/easter eggs... it's all just *chefs kiss*. And I have an even greater appreciation for Elliot now - he is precious and he needs his own book immediately!
Original review:
|| 4.5 Stars ||
Reading this book was an EXPERIENCE. I did not expect it to be so full of drama, heat, and emotions.
Although this story focuses on Miles and Andrei, there is such a rich cast of complex characters alongside them. The whole book is peppered with little breadcrumbs for each of them, and I can't wait to see where the rest of this series takes them.
Miles and Andrei were so sweet together, and hot too. The spice in this book really was unexpected given that it's a high school romance, but it was sooo good. Despite being a fairly fast-burn, they had great chemistry and a palpable connection.
I loved the writing too. Tal Lewin made me constantly change my perception of the characters from one scene to the next (which seems fitting given the book title), and made each of them feel nuanced. This book felt funny and light, whilst also tense and heartbreaking. The perfect combination, if you ask me.
So once again, I can't wait to read more of these characters, especially Jess and Levi in the next book. Although, NGL, I am kinda shipping Shay-Lee and Diesel too...
Original review:
|| 4.5 Stars ||
Reading this book was an EXPERIENCE. I did not expect it to be so full of drama, heat, and emotions.
Although this story focuses on Miles and Andrei, there is such a rich cast of complex characters alongside them. The whole book is peppered with little breadcrumbs for each of them, and I can't wait to see where the rest of this series takes them.
Miles and Andrei were so sweet together, and hot too. The spice in this book really was unexpected given that it's a high school romance, but it was sooo good. Despite being a fairly fast-burn, they had great chemistry and a palpable connection.
I loved the writing too. Tal Lewin made me constantly change my perception of the characters from one scene to the next (which seems fitting given the book title), and made each of them feel nuanced. This book felt funny and light, whilst also tense and heartbreaking. The perfect combination, if you ask me.
So once again, I can't wait to read more of these characters, especially Jess and Levi in the next book. Although, NGL, I am kinda shipping Shay-Lee and Diesel too...
'And that's the thing about being with him. Everything felt excessive. Every emotion was ardent. The slightest exchange of words stayed with me much longer than needed. Touching him felt torrid. I was vibrant and passionate, and I could barely recognise myself.' - Andrei
September 23, 2024
This book was definitely not what I expected and I liked it. At one point it felt like alot was going on and when that happens in books it's hard for me to keep focus. I'm not use to books with drama filled plots but I could look past it for for Andrei and Miles.
Overall I did like this book & can't wait for Jessie, Jordan and Levi story next.
3.75/4 ⭐
Overall I did like this book & can't wait for Jessie, Jordan and Levi story next.
3.75/4 ⭐
July 2, 2024
Entire time I wanted to kill both Shay lee and Diesel so…. Their book should be fun?
September 18, 2024
5+ ⭐️ This book was beautiful - fantastic! We are introduced to four guys, Andrei, Diesel, Levi and Jessie, as their journey begin when they have to change schools. With their rough background, starting at Bey High for the rich and famous is not the easiest transition. But when Andrei meets the sweet and kind Miles, he can't seem to stay away. As their relationship grows, they are faced with different obstacales and challanges that seems to do whatever they can to break them apart. At times I felt as if I was reading a modern Romeo and Juliet-novel.
The depiction of mental health in this story is done in a heartbreaking, but yet graceful way. The transition - IYKYK - I thought was so well done, and for me, it elevated the book from good to simply fantastic!
Not only is Tal Lewin an incredible illustrator, their writing is also beautiful. This book made me smile, laugh and cry till my face hurt from all the different feelings. I'm so glad I read this book, and I'm very much looking forward to continue this series. Overall - a great story that I had an amazing time with, and truly recommend!
The depiction of mental health in this story is done in a heartbreaking, but yet graceful way. The transition - IYKYK - I thought was so well done, and for me, it elevated the book from good to simply fantastic!
Not only is Tal Lewin an incredible illustrator, their writing is also beautiful. This book made me smile, laugh and cry till my face hurt from all the different feelings. I'm so glad I read this book, and I'm very much looking forward to continue this series. Overall - a great story that I had an amazing time with, and truly recommend!
May 8, 2023
A lovely debut for this author and a start of what will be a feisty series.
Two different groups of boys, spoilt rich versus the bad boys and of course they hate eachother. Apart from Miles and Andrei who fall fast and hard, much to the annoyance of friends. It certainly doesn’t make you miss school.
There is something for everyone in this as you have the drama of friends, sexy times and life lessons. I did like how all the characters were so different, they are all memorable in different ways and that’s great for a series as with so many characters you don’t want them to blend. That certainly isn’t the case with these boys.
Two different groups of boys, spoilt rich versus the bad boys and of course they hate eachother. Apart from Miles and Andrei who fall fast and hard, much to the annoyance of friends. It certainly doesn’t make you miss school.
There is something for everyone in this as you have the drama of friends, sexy times and life lessons. I did like how all the characters were so different, they are all memorable in different ways and that’s great for a series as with so many characters you don’t want them to blend. That certainly isn’t the case with these boys.
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September 9, 2025
This combined so many elements that I loved and it actually worked??
- “broken boy” meets “perfect kid”
- class difference
- high school
- MMC with odds stacked against him but stays focused and positive
- found family
- tons of drama
Miles and Andrei were so freaking cute. From that first meeting, you could feel their chemistry. Their little flirty comebacks and one liners in the beginning were everything. The way they both had so much confidence and were like “oh I like you, you like me? Let’s fucking DATE”. It was so cute.
I loved how Andrei could be himself around Miles. Like the person he’s becoming and not the boy from his past that some of his friends *cough cough fucking Diesel* like to constantly drag him back to.
My heart went out to Miles. Such an amazing job of that mental health rep. The signs are all there but it’s so subtle you don’t realize it until it’s in your face. I cried for Miles and I understood him.
Loved the found family here as well! I’m like can Chief get a book? I want to know how one surf shack owner fosters four boys out of juvie and their origin stories.
But honestly? The standouts of this book to me were Miles’ parents!! His dads were EVERYTHING. The relationship he had with his Papa? Swoon. So fucking sweet and wholesome. How hilarious Papa Elliott was? I want to have French onion soup with that man. And Daddy Daniel seems like the perfect balance. The way he loves his husband, even after their own drama from the past. They need a book immediately.
Something I love about reading about high schoolers is all the drama lol because that’s really what it’s like for
Most. Just drama drama drama and this book didn’t disappoint!
Looking forward to continuing this series!
- “broken boy” meets “perfect kid”
- class difference
- high school
- MMC with odds stacked against him but stays focused and positive
- found family
- tons of drama
Miles and Andrei were so freaking cute. From that first meeting, you could feel their chemistry. Their little flirty comebacks and one liners in the beginning were everything. The way they both had so much confidence and were like “oh I like you, you like me? Let’s fucking DATE”. It was so cute.
I loved how Andrei could be himself around Miles. Like the person he’s becoming and not the boy from his past that some of his friends *cough cough fucking Diesel* like to constantly drag him back to.
My heart went out to Miles. Such an amazing job of that mental health rep. The signs are all there but it’s so subtle you don’t realize it until it’s in your face. I cried for Miles and I understood him.
Loved the found family here as well! I’m like can Chief get a book? I want to know how one surf shack owner fosters four boys out of juvie and their origin stories.
But honestly? The standouts of this book to me were Miles’ parents!! His dads were EVERYTHING. The relationship he had with his Papa? Swoon. So fucking sweet and wholesome. How hilarious Papa Elliott was? I want to have French onion soup with that man. And Daddy Daniel seems like the perfect balance. The way he loves his husband, even after their own drama from the past. They need a book immediately.
Something I love about reading about high schoolers is all the drama lol because that’s really what it’s like for
Most. Just drama drama drama and this book didn’t disappoint!
Looking forward to continuing this series!
December 20, 2025
Heartbreaking and Scary
Having read ‘Blue Gold‘ as an introduction to author Tal Lewin and absolutely adored it, I jumped into his series ‘Bad Inceptions’ Book 1, ‘Mistaken Prejudice’. Initially I was thrilled to see it still featured Elliot and Daniel, now married and having raised a son Miles.
So the book is really about a grown up Miles at college, a very prestigious college ghat has recently taken in a group of ex juvenile offenders whose school in a down and out area of town was recently burnt down.
Andrew, Diesel, Levi and Jess have been best buddies since ‘juvie’, they look out for each other, because they know the horrors of each others young lives and it broke my heart as I read this part. Of course acceptance into such an elite establishment caused mayhem, and jealousies, especially when Andrei became best friends with Miles and it quickly escalated into a very fierce burning relationship.
This was the spark that fires up some truly awful fights and threats to the foursome from an individual who has long wanted Miles himself.
For a while it was a joy to see Miles and Andrew’s relationship flourish so genuinely, the ripple effect of another’s jealousy and the damage it caused had me stop reading it for a few days. Violence like this scares me. But I just couldn’t not know how Andrei and Miles, plus Daniel and Elliott, would survive the events that took place and the damage caused.
There are several books in this series giving each of Andrei’s friends and their Mentor ‘Chief’ a book of their own.
I’m building up a few defences in preparation for some more heartbreaking tales. Even though it was painful reading at times I engaged quickly with the ‘juvie friends’ and adored the life Daniel and Elliot made together, I want each of them to find a happiness they deserve after the awful start in their young lives.
** There has to be TW’s listed by the author which I didn’t see, but there is heavy Mental Health issues, Eating Disorders, graphic Violence on page. There is possible parental physical abuse/abusive control on a highly featured character (not an MC) which I guess will come out in future book in series.
A gripping story no doubt about it, but be prepared for some crying binges as you get hooked on these four broken souls in ‘Mistaken Prejudice’.
Having read ‘Blue Gold‘ as an introduction to author Tal Lewin and absolutely adored it, I jumped into his series ‘Bad Inceptions’ Book 1, ‘Mistaken Prejudice’. Initially I was thrilled to see it still featured Elliot and Daniel, now married and having raised a son Miles.
So the book is really about a grown up Miles at college, a very prestigious college ghat has recently taken in a group of ex juvenile offenders whose school in a down and out area of town was recently burnt down.
Andrew, Diesel, Levi and Jess have been best buddies since ‘juvie’, they look out for each other, because they know the horrors of each others young lives and it broke my heart as I read this part. Of course acceptance into such an elite establishment caused mayhem, and jealousies, especially when Andrei became best friends with Miles and it quickly escalated into a very fierce burning relationship.
This was the spark that fires up some truly awful fights and threats to the foursome from an individual who has long wanted Miles himself.
For a while it was a joy to see Miles and Andrew’s relationship flourish so genuinely, the ripple effect of another’s jealousy and the damage it caused had me stop reading it for a few days. Violence like this scares me. But I just couldn’t not know how Andrei and Miles, plus Daniel and Elliott, would survive the events that took place and the damage caused.
There are several books in this series giving each of Andrei’s friends and their Mentor ‘Chief’ a book of their own.
I’m building up a few defences in preparation for some more heartbreaking tales. Even though it was painful reading at times I engaged quickly with the ‘juvie friends’ and adored the life Daniel and Elliot made together, I want each of them to find a happiness they deserve after the awful start in their young lives.
** There has to be TW’s listed by the author which I didn’t see, but there is heavy Mental Health issues, Eating Disorders, graphic Violence on page. There is possible parental physical abuse/abusive control on a highly featured character (not an MC) which I guess will come out in future book in series.
A gripping story no doubt about it, but be prepared for some crying binges as you get hooked on these four broken souls in ‘Mistaken Prejudice’.
February 22, 2025
This was dramatic AF but I still ate it up. This felt like some 90210 Beverly Hills BS lol (does that age me?! 🙈)
I will say the first half of this dragged for me. I was still interested in all the characters and was continuously picking it up - but once the plot (and DRAMAA) picked up I couldn't put it down.
Andrei and Miles were very sweet (and also dumb teenage boys).
I am looking forward to continuing on in this series because I have questionssss.
I will say the first half of this dragged for me. I was still interested in all the characters and was continuously picking it up - but once the plot (and DRAMAA) picked up I couldn't put it down.
Andrei and Miles were very sweet (and also dumb teenage boys).
I am looking forward to continuing on in this series because I have questionssss.
September 18, 2026
My first read by this author and overall it went well.
Miles is Eliot and Daniel's son - another book by this author, although it came out *after* this one? I'm surprised but I'll have to check out their book one day.
Andrei is a part of 4 "misfits" as it were, now going to a rich, private school on scholarship.
There's pretty much an instant connection between these two. Despite it kind of being rich kid/wrong side of the tracks trope, these two don't really care about all that. It was everyone around them that did.
These two were very sweet and sexy together, they had really good chemistry. Most of the drama came from outside of them as a couple until the last part of the book.
Shay-Lee is Miles' best friend - god knows why - and Diesel is Andrei's best friend. That one is a little more understandable even though Diesel is awful to pretty much everyone else - even the other two in their group staying with Chief, a pseudo-foster big...brother or father or something, Levi and Jessie.
Diesel is especially awful to Miles, and hates him. So while the connection of brotherhood is there and shown between Andrei and Diesel, that doesn't make Diesel all that much better than Shay-Lee, who is just about the absolute worst. It takes Miles way too long to drop him.
And yeah, we get a moment here or there where we see perhaps something under the surface, and he most likely is being abused (physically, most likely and definitely emotionally, mentally, verbally...and could there be sexual abuse? idk, guess we'll see) by his father.
But none of that justifies his behavior. Many abused people come out emotionally stunted, definitely PTSD, but that doesn't make them a bully and awful to others for no reason - and if they are, they feel bad about it. Shay-Lee doesn't. Of he does he buries it WAY down.
Diesel is similar, although he more flys off the handle at anyone and Shay-Lee is a bit more calculated, perhaps. Awful and violent and a massive bully to be sure, but Diesel is less calculated and more hot-headed, angry at the world.
I get how these two could fall for each other and perhaps maybe work on redeeming themselves?
But as of this book, fuck them, especially Shay-Lee. Diesel does less, but when he .
But anyway, fuck Shay-Lee especially, he's nasty and awful and no amount of trauma justifies his behavior. He's jealous Miles is falling for Andrei and doesn't handle it well, to say the least. Also him .
For a good portion of this book, though, outside of that outside drama, these two are solid and sweet together. I loved Andrei's conviction of how hard he was going to hold onto Miles, no matter the threats to him. So many times characters just fold like a doormat in the face others threatening them and their relationship, but not Andrei.
The drama between them comes at a lack of communication, but they are 18 year old high schoolers in love for the first time. They need to learn how to handle adult shit. And what Miles goes through is adult shit.
It starts to build and build when he starts acting strange, but it became pretty clear that he was but of course Andrei didn't know that and didn't realize it. Which I forgive because he's young and uneducated on this stuff. Once he learns about it, it was very sweet how he read up on it as much as he could. And no one was more guilty about how things go down than Andrei. But he didn't know, which I loved how Miles' parents were so understanding about.
And I mean, the way Miles was acting, without knowing he would be hard to deal with and would seem like he was showing his true colors after putting on an act, and with Andrei's past, of course he would go there first.
It was pretty wild to me how after Shay-Lee and his "boys" beat up Andrei, we just skip a month ahead. I didn't really like that jump. We just get told that Andrei lied about it - why, I don't really understand. Just like Miles - and said he was robbed and I know , but he really doesn't seem all that torn up about it? Even if he had been robbed, you'd think Miles would care more.
And maybe he did at first? But we didn't see it. We're just told what Andrei did. Although not told how Miles reacted to his boyfriend being beaten to a pulp with his arm broken. It was just a strange time jump. Or at least we should have gotten Miles' reaction and the immediate aftermath before the time jump.
I also didn't like the change of POV for the epilogue. Miles and Andrei's story ends a bit abruptly, and then we just get into Levi's POV. I almost always hate when authors use the epilogue like a prologue for the next couple's story, and this was no exception. I would have rather had a more solid epilogue for these two, especially as I assume this the end of their story and focus on them for the rest of the series.
This was, overall, an enjoyable and good story, and it set up the world we're in and the characters well.
I want to read the second, but I'm wary about that MMM scene, which clearly means something happens between Jessie, Levi and Jordan. This felt like it was setting up Jessie and Jordan to be endgame, but they very much aren't, and Jessie and Levi ARE the endgame couple, so I don't know how I feel about an established couple who is in love and going to end up together sharing with another randomly - with one scene? So I assume they don't do it again? But I'm still wary about it anyway. I don't like any sharing with an established couple. And honestly...this gave more of a connection between Jordan and Jessie than Jessie and Levi, that I felt. Having to wrap my head around something different will take a minute.
Jordan being obsessed with Shay-Lee too? What? I'll most likely pick up the second book some day, but I need some time to wrap my head around these things.
At the end of the day....from this book alone, I kinda wished Jessie's endgame was with Jordan🤷♀️ but I guess i'll see if Jessie and Levi can win me over as a couple next.
I'll definitely read more from this author, I just might take a little break before I do.
Until the next one!
Miles is Eliot and Daniel's son - another book by this author, although it came out *after* this one? I'm surprised but I'll have to check out their book one day.
Andrei is a part of 4 "misfits" as it were, now going to a rich, private school on scholarship.
There's pretty much an instant connection between these two. Despite it kind of being rich kid/wrong side of the tracks trope, these two don't really care about all that. It was everyone around them that did.
These two were very sweet and sexy together, they had really good chemistry. Most of the drama came from outside of them as a couple until the last part of the book.
Shay-Lee is Miles' best friend - god knows why - and Diesel is Andrei's best friend. That one is a little more understandable even though Diesel is awful to pretty much everyone else - even the other two in their group staying with Chief, a pseudo-foster big...brother or father or something, Levi and Jessie.
Diesel is especially awful to Miles, and hates him. So while the connection of brotherhood is there and shown between Andrei and Diesel, that doesn't make Diesel all that much better than Shay-Lee, who is just about the absolute worst. It takes Miles way too long to drop him.
And yeah, we get a moment here or there where we see perhaps something under the surface, and he most likely is being abused (physically, most likely and definitely emotionally, mentally, verbally...and could there be sexual abuse? idk, guess we'll see) by his father.
But none of that justifies his behavior. Many abused people come out emotionally stunted, definitely PTSD, but that doesn't make them a bully and awful to others for no reason - and if they are, they feel bad about it. Shay-Lee doesn't. Of he does he buries it WAY down.
Diesel is similar, although he more flys off the handle at anyone and Shay-Lee is a bit more calculated, perhaps. Awful and violent and a massive bully to be sure, but Diesel is less calculated and more hot-headed, angry at the world.
I get how these two could fall for each other and perhaps maybe work on redeeming themselves?
But as of this book, fuck them, especially Shay-Lee. Diesel does less, but when he .
But anyway, fuck Shay-Lee especially, he's nasty and awful and no amount of trauma justifies his behavior. He's jealous Miles is falling for Andrei and doesn't handle it well, to say the least. Also him .
For a good portion of this book, though, outside of that outside drama, these two are solid and sweet together. I loved Andrei's conviction of how hard he was going to hold onto Miles, no matter the threats to him. So many times characters just fold like a doormat in the face others threatening them and their relationship, but not Andrei.
The drama between them comes at a lack of communication, but they are 18 year old high schoolers in love for the first time. They need to learn how to handle adult shit. And what Miles goes through is adult shit.
It starts to build and build when he starts acting strange, but it became pretty clear that he was but of course Andrei didn't know that and didn't realize it. Which I forgive because he's young and uneducated on this stuff. Once he learns about it, it was very sweet how he read up on it as much as he could. And no one was more guilty about how things go down than Andrei. But he didn't know, which I loved how Miles' parents were so understanding about.
And I mean, the way Miles was acting, without knowing he would be hard to deal with and would seem like he was showing his true colors after putting on an act, and with Andrei's past, of course he would go there first.
It was pretty wild to me how after Shay-Lee and his "boys" beat up Andrei, we just skip a month ahead. I didn't really like that jump. We just get told that Andrei lied about it - why, I don't really understand. Just like Miles - and said he was robbed and I know , but he really doesn't seem all that torn up about it? Even if he had been robbed, you'd think Miles would care more.
And maybe he did at first? But we didn't see it. We're just told what Andrei did. Although not told how Miles reacted to his boyfriend being beaten to a pulp with his arm broken. It was just a strange time jump. Or at least we should have gotten Miles' reaction and the immediate aftermath before the time jump.
I also didn't like the change of POV for the epilogue. Miles and Andrei's story ends a bit abruptly, and then we just get into Levi's POV. I almost always hate when authors use the epilogue like a prologue for the next couple's story, and this was no exception. I would have rather had a more solid epilogue for these two, especially as I assume this the end of their story and focus on them for the rest of the series.
This was, overall, an enjoyable and good story, and it set up the world we're in and the characters well.
I want to read the second, but I'm wary about that MMM scene, which clearly means something happens between Jessie, Levi and Jordan. This felt like it was setting up Jessie and Jordan to be endgame, but they very much aren't, and Jessie and Levi ARE the endgame couple, so I don't know how I feel about an established couple who is in love and going to end up together sharing with another randomly - with one scene? So I assume they don't do it again? But I'm still wary about it anyway. I don't like any sharing with an established couple. And honestly...this gave more of a connection between Jordan and Jessie than Jessie and Levi, that I felt. Having to wrap my head around something different will take a minute.
Jordan being obsessed with Shay-Lee too? What? I'll most likely pick up the second book some day, but I need some time to wrap my head around these things.
At the end of the day....from this book alone, I kinda wished Jessie's endgame was with Jordan🤷♀️ but I guess i'll see if Jessie and Levi can win me over as a couple next.
I'll definitely read more from this author, I just might take a little break before I do.
Until the next one!
December 15, 2023
This book was a fucking whirlwind. I picked it up because of how much I love the author’s artwork, but I didn’t expect such an emotional read. I was skeptical in the first 10% of this book — it felt a bit too cheesy 90210 at first. Once I got past the introductions though, I was kicking my feet and giggling at how cute Miles and Andrei are together. If you decide to read it, don’t dnf before 10%. Trust me. The drama in this book is intense and plentiful, but mind your trigger warnings. I don’t know how I will ever like Shay-Lee, but I need to see his backstory.
August 13, 2024
BH 90210
Wow. There is so much going on in this book. Like so much. My number one question is: where are these kids parents? (Mainly Shay-Lee’s gang). They all need an a$$ whooping (is what my dad would say).
Miles and Andrei. So sweet together. Can’t escape the third act break up though. I saw it coming. I saw the signs. I have an unfair advantage though. Like a train wreck you can’t stop it. I do applaud Tal for weaving that in pretty seamlessly, building its intensity until it’s staring you in the face and you have no choice but to acknowledge it. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s ok, you will when you read the book.
The parallels between the four brothers and the group of Shay-Lee’s thugs are obvious. The lines are drawn in the sand, the only thing separating them is money, connections and prejudice.
I STRONGLY ADVISE you to read the TWs for this book.
Wow. There is so much going on in this book. Like so much. My number one question is: where are these kids parents? (Mainly Shay-Lee’s gang). They all need an a$$ whooping (is what my dad would say).
Miles and Andrei. So sweet together. Can’t escape the third act break up though. I saw it coming. I saw the signs. I have an unfair advantage though. Like a train wreck you can’t stop it. I do applaud Tal for weaving that in pretty seamlessly, building its intensity until it’s staring you in the face and you have no choice but to acknowledge it. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s ok, you will when you read the book.
The parallels between the four brothers and the group of Shay-Lee’s thugs are obvious. The lines are drawn in the sand, the only thing separating them is money, connections and prejudice.
I STRONGLY ADVISE you to read the TWs for this book.
December 19, 2023
This book brought on all my anger issues and I wanted to DNF out of spite. I've never wanted to punch someone so badly as I do with Shay-Lee... he made me throw my kindle a few times.
This book was all over the place crazy with so much going on. I loved Andrei and Miles!!! The story telling was done really well... Some parts I wanted to just jump up and scream and be like, ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW!!!! How is this happening and why isn't Andrei stepping up more?!?!!?! He's so lucky they are such a sweet and hot couple!!! This book had a lot of angst and twist & turns. I’m so curious to see what happens next with Levi, Jess, and Jordan!!!
This book was all over the place crazy with so much going on. I loved Andrei and Miles!!! The story telling was done really well... Some parts I wanted to just jump up and scream and be like, ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW!!!! How is this happening and why isn't Andrei stepping up more?!?!!?! He's so lucky they are such a sweet and hot couple!!! This book had a lot of angst and twist & turns. I’m so curious to see what happens next with Levi, Jess, and Jordan!!!
May 9, 2026
This book was okay. I really don’t know how else to describe it since it wasn’t bad, I didn’t get bored, and I absolutely loved both MMCs. I’m already loving some of the other characters too, emphasis on “some” because there are definitely others that I really don’t know how the author will be able to change my mind on.
Miles and Andrei’s story was fast and had a very high school romance feel to it, which makes sense since they were literally in high school. It was cute, and it also had its obstacles that helped add some depth to the story, but if I’m being honest, I would have loved more depth when it came to them as a couple and as individuals, and less focus on their dynamics with their best friends, since that was a big part of the plot.
I really did love these two, but I just didn’t feel connected to their story. It made me feel kind of neutral throughout the whole thing, like I just couldn’t entirely believe their love. It felt exactly like a high school “for now” romance to me. So, in fewer words, I enjoyed it, but sadly I wouldn’t say they left a strong impression on my heart.
Now, in terms of the future MMCs of this series, I absolutely adoreee Jess, but I’m so scared for his and Levi’s book because I really want them together, and with Jordan in the mix, I’m scared their story won’t end the way I want it to. But I’m also excited to get to know them more.
On the other hand, Diesel… well, he started as a complex character that I could see myself loving, and I know there’s more to him, but I just don’t know if I like him yet. His attitude rubbed me the wrong way in this book, but I still have hope for him. And it’s the same, but worse, with Shay-Lee because I did not like him. Yeah, I can see there’s more to him too, but my god, the things he did… I guess I’ll have to wait for their book before I can fully decide how I feel about those two.
And honestly, seeing Daniel and Elliot got me more excited than anything else, and I love the fact that I read their book before starting this series since I already had the full context of them. Seeing them as parents was such a beautiful thing. Miles’ relationship with them was just so wholesome, and seeing their family, already knowing what it took for them to get there, made it even more wonderful for me.
Not the most exciting book, but it was still really good. I love this author’s writing and character creation, and I’m excited to continue with this series.
Miles and Andrei’s story was fast and had a very high school romance feel to it, which makes sense since they were literally in high school. It was cute, and it also had its obstacles that helped add some depth to the story, but if I’m being honest, I would have loved more depth when it came to them as a couple and as individuals, and less focus on their dynamics with their best friends, since that was a big part of the plot.
I really did love these two, but I just didn’t feel connected to their story. It made me feel kind of neutral throughout the whole thing, like I just couldn’t entirely believe their love. It felt exactly like a high school “for now” romance to me. So, in fewer words, I enjoyed it, but sadly I wouldn’t say they left a strong impression on my heart.
Now, in terms of the future MMCs of this series, I absolutely adoreee Jess, but I’m so scared for his and Levi’s book because I really want them together, and with Jordan in the mix, I’m scared their story won’t end the way I want it to. But I’m also excited to get to know them more.
On the other hand, Diesel… well, he started as a complex character that I could see myself loving, and I know there’s more to him, but I just don’t know if I like him yet. His attitude rubbed me the wrong way in this book, but I still have hope for him. And it’s the same, but worse, with Shay-Lee because I did not like him. Yeah, I can see there’s more to him too, but my god, the things he did… I guess I’ll have to wait for their book before I can fully decide how I feel about those two.
And honestly, seeing Daniel and Elliot got me more excited than anything else, and I love the fact that I read their book before starting this series since I already had the full context of them. Seeing them as parents was such a beautiful thing. Miles’ relationship with them was just so wholesome, and seeing their family, already knowing what it took for them to get there, made it even more wonderful for me.
Not the most exciting book, but it was still really good. I love this author’s writing and character creation, and I’m excited to continue with this series.
May 18, 2023
Andrei (Chica) • Miles (Zaychik)
Out of context spoilers ahead:
- Jess (Kotik), Levi (babydoll), Ashton (Chief).
- Diesel: “A brutal, harsh, sometimes cruel wall that no one seemed to be able to break. I didn’t break it; I was allowed in.”
- .
- Blanc.
- “two beauty spots under his left eye.”
- Shay-Lee. (there is a story there! And it will hurt…)
- .
- .
- “Andrei was just as curious about me as I was about him, and it thrilled me.”
- Game on.
- Speak French to me (!!!)
- “I’m the new guy with the pretty face.” 🥹.
- .
- Mon lapin 🥹. (Bunny)
- Zaychik. (Bunny)
- Sunsets (💛🧡❤️.)
- .
- “It wasn’t a battle but a need for connection.”
- Diesel, Diesel….
- .
- “That’s not soon enough.” (!!!)
- .
- “My little Zaychik.” 😭.
- .
- “I had no doubt this was what it felt like to be loved by your parents.”
- .
- Yup. Dirty. That visual.
- “We are who we are.”
- .
- “It will always be too soon, too little, too much, too something, and before you know it, it will be too late.”
- .
- “You were as perfect tonight as the first time I saw you. My heart will never cease to miss a beat at your mercy.” 🥹🥲. Wishing for an E&D novella.
- .
- Jordan…👀.
- Daddy Chief…👀.
- “Don’t Zaychik me now.”
- .
- When authors mention smells in books I am a smell slut just saying 😂. I don’t care it can be mentioned in every sentence.
- .
- “Some were old, while others were new, and I loved each and every one of them.”
- .
- A 💔.
- .
- .
- “I was not giving up on him, even if it broke me.”
- ……
- ……
- Go Diesel 🩶.
- A & D 💔😭.
- .
- “You don’t need to cry again, Chica. From now on, you’re no longer alone. You’ve got me.”
- E&D 🩶. I love them as parents.
- .
- .
- Oh boys. Silly boys.
- Miles 🥺 how could you…
- Oh….
- .
- .
- 💔
- .
- .
- Jess…
- .
- Jordan?
- I’m a mess all over.
- D&SL?
- .
- .
- 💔.
- .
- “His beating heart.” 😭.
- “I smiled and sealed the deal with a small kiss to his nose.” Too precious.
- My Andrei.
- Jess. Levi. Jordan. (Jess and Levi are end game for me but I don’t mind a little trouble in paradise…)
….
You know the feeling of wanting to continue being part of a world? Tal made me long for that feeling.
The art / moodboard created for this story for me was the best form of promotion you could do for a book. I mean whatever Tal draws I am in - and to draw a storyboard for her own story? You do not have to convince me twice.
This is a debut novel from Tal and all I have to say is congratulations. I am definitely staying for the long ride and can’t wait for the second book and witness the growth you’ll make because if you debuted with this writing and story idea - only great things are to come our way.
While reading I had to create my chart flow board for the characters - who with whom and what. I can’t wait to see if my predictions will be correct. (I see beautiful “tragic” love stories ahead…)
If I could describe with a few words the first pair that we met closely - Andrei and Miles:
Patient
Kind
Worthy
(My) Beloved
(A little) Filthy
How both of them loved. Truly. Hard. Beautiful. All consuming. Themselves and their closest.
This review is all over the place but I’ll summarize it this way: the story felt authentic, the decisions made and world created with teenagers felt like decisions made by teenagers with immaturity, flaws, miscommunication and mistakes. Characters created in a way you want to learn and want more. A lesson to look deeper than what’s on the surface level. A book about friendships and family. Can’t wait for the next part and love the idea of Bad Inceptions being interconnected not standalone stories. The originality how it was written and told - like watching a movie or series. Tal’s vibe hit my jackpot.
.
Coldplay - Hypnotised.
.
🐰.
Out of context spoilers ahead:
- Jess (Kotik), Levi (babydoll), Ashton (Chief).
- Diesel: “A brutal, harsh, sometimes cruel wall that no one seemed to be able to break. I didn’t break it; I was allowed in.”
- .
- Blanc.
- “two beauty spots under his left eye.”
- Shay-Lee. (there is a story there! And it will hurt…)
- .
- .
- “Andrei was just as curious about me as I was about him, and it thrilled me.”
- Game on.
- Speak French to me (!!!)
- “I’m the new guy with the pretty face.” 🥹.
- .
- Mon lapin 🥹. (Bunny)
- Zaychik. (Bunny)
- Sunsets (💛🧡❤️.)
- .
- “It wasn’t a battle but a need for connection.”
- Diesel, Diesel….
- .
- “That’s not soon enough.” (!!!)
- .
- “My little Zaychik.” 😭.
- .
- “I had no doubt this was what it felt like to be loved by your parents.”
- .
- Yup. Dirty. That visual.
- “We are who we are.”
- .
- “It will always be too soon, too little, too much, too something, and before you know it, it will be too late.”
- .
- “You were as perfect tonight as the first time I saw you. My heart will never cease to miss a beat at your mercy.” 🥹🥲. Wishing for an E&D novella.
- .
- Jordan…👀.
- Daddy Chief…👀.
- “Don’t Zaychik me now.”
- .
- When authors mention smells in books I am a smell slut just saying 😂. I don’t care it can be mentioned in every sentence.
- .
- “Some were old, while others were new, and I loved each and every one of them.”
- .
- A 💔.
- .
- .
- “I was not giving up on him, even if it broke me.”
- ……
- ……
- Go Diesel 🩶.
- A & D 💔😭.
- .
- “You don’t need to cry again, Chica. From now on, you’re no longer alone. You’ve got me.”
- E&D 🩶. I love them as parents.
- .
- .
- Oh boys. Silly boys.
- Miles 🥺 how could you…
- Oh….
- .
- .
- 💔
- .
- .
- Jess…
- .
- Jordan?
- I’m a mess all over.
- D&SL?
- .
- .
- 💔.
- .
- “His beating heart.” 😭.
- “I smiled and sealed the deal with a small kiss to his nose.” Too precious.
- My Andrei.
- Jess. Levi. Jordan. (Jess and Levi are end game for me but I don’t mind a little trouble in paradise…)
….
You know the feeling of wanting to continue being part of a world? Tal made me long for that feeling.
The art / moodboard created for this story for me was the best form of promotion you could do for a book. I mean whatever Tal draws I am in - and to draw a storyboard for her own story? You do not have to convince me twice.
This is a debut novel from Tal and all I have to say is congratulations. I am definitely staying for the long ride and can’t wait for the second book and witness the growth you’ll make because if you debuted with this writing and story idea - only great things are to come our way.
While reading I had to create my chart flow board for the characters - who with whom and what. I can’t wait to see if my predictions will be correct. (I see beautiful “tragic” love stories ahead…)
If I could describe with a few words the first pair that we met closely - Andrei and Miles:
Patient
Kind
Worthy
(My) Beloved
(A little) Filthy
How both of them loved. Truly. Hard. Beautiful. All consuming. Themselves and their closest.
This review is all over the place but I’ll summarize it this way: the story felt authentic, the decisions made and world created with teenagers felt like decisions made by teenagers with immaturity, flaws, miscommunication and mistakes. Characters created in a way you want to learn and want more. A lesson to look deeper than what’s on the surface level. A book about friendships and family. Can’t wait for the next part and love the idea of Bad Inceptions being interconnected not standalone stories. The originality how it was written and told - like watching a movie or series. Tal’s vibe hit my jackpot.
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Coldplay - Hypnotised.
.
🐰.
June 6, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 4.5 ★ read .ᐟ
Do I even have to mention all the feelings this book unleashed inside me until the very last chapter? I think the best way to describe this story would be that it felt like a hot summer love, and when you thought it was ending, you find out they're meant for each other, and nothing would tear them apart.
Scorching hot, that's how Andrei and Miles' relationship was, from start to end. But when stronger feelings like actual love started to get involved, it made their story ten times enjoyable. The chemistry was there, and they were made for each other, but this type of complicated love was my absolute favorite! I was indeed hoping the pace would slow down at some points, maybe explore some topics like Miles' mental health problems, or Andrei's past, but I can't complain about the outcome or about their evolution, both individually and as a couple.
I also maintain my main and only vendetta about this book: Shay-Lee. He's the worst and deserves nothing but the worst until proven otherwise! I don't think I've hated a character this much in my life, but oh well, he made a point just by simply existing.
My heart beat as I was getting close to the ending??? Over the limit, and that's illegal for making me go through that much sadness and stress!!! 🤧 But I forgive the author for that priceless, precious ending. ♥
Edit: P.S.: I'm obsessed with Miles' parents. I love them so much, Elliot is a sweetheart and Daniel treats him so right and beautifully, I need their story!!! I hope Elliot speaks more french in their book. 😭😭❤️
Do I even have to mention all the feelings this book unleashed inside me until the very last chapter? I think the best way to describe this story would be that it felt like a hot summer love, and when you thought it was ending, you find out they're meant for each other, and nothing would tear them apart.
Scorching hot, that's how Andrei and Miles' relationship was, from start to end. But when stronger feelings like actual love started to get involved, it made their story ten times enjoyable. The chemistry was there, and they were made for each other, but this type of complicated love was my absolute favorite! I was indeed hoping the pace would slow down at some points, maybe explore some topics like Miles' mental health problems, or Andrei's past, but I can't complain about the outcome or about their evolution, both individually and as a couple.
I also maintain my main and only vendetta about this book: Shay-Lee. He's the worst and deserves nothing but the worst until proven otherwise! I don't think I've hated a character this much in my life, but oh well, he made a point just by simply existing.
My heart beat as I was getting close to the ending??? Over the limit, and that's illegal for making me go through that much sadness and stress!!! 🤧 But I forgive the author for that priceless, precious ending. ♥
Edit: P.S.: I'm obsessed with Miles' parents. I love them so much, Elliot is a sweetheart and Daniel treats him so right and beautifully, I need their story!!! I hope Elliot speaks more french in their book. 😭😭❤️
May 20, 2023
Idk about anyone else but I need Diesel and Shay-Lee to get together. I need it to tickle that dark enemies to loves itch I have, ESPECIALLY when Diesel called himself daddy when he had Shay-Lee pinned down.
All in All love this book!!!
(Jessie is my favourite!)
All in All love this book!!!
(Jessie is my favourite!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
This high school romance between a two 18-year-olds is powerful because of the undertow of Andrei and Miles' attraction that as a reader I never doubted. Theirs is a cross-tracks story that feels like an obstacle course before we get the HEA, Just be aware that, along their journey, violent forces are at work. Indeed, if this were a movie, there's one scene I would have blocked my eyes for. Yet, my belief in the main characters got me through the violence.
I found this novel compelling and hard to put down. Though at points, I had to.
I found this novel compelling and hard to put down. Though at points, I had to.
December 31, 2023
4.5 stars
Wow. I was blown away by this. I went in with no expectations. This was such a wild ride. I liked experiencing how organically the relationship between Andrei and Miles bloomed. It never felt forced. I felt the approach to mental illness was very well done, but be aware of any triggers before going into this. After about halfway through, it really became a wild ride and all the drama really hit all at once. I am a sucker for a good found family trope, and this series seems to be based around that. I also loved the relationship between Miles and his parents. It's nice to see representations of a healthy parent child relationship. My only issue is my annoyance with Miles over Shay-Lee. He often saw that sadistic side of him, but time and time again he turned a blind eye. I wanted to scream at Miles a time or two. All in all, this was a great read. It's very heavy, but the author added a few dashes of humor to balance everything out. I look forward to the story for Jessie, Levi, and Jordan.
Wow. I was blown away by this. I went in with no expectations. This was such a wild ride. I liked experiencing how organically the relationship between Andrei and Miles bloomed. It never felt forced. I felt the approach to mental illness was very well done, but be aware of any triggers before going into this. After about halfway through, it really became a wild ride and all the drama really hit all at once. I am a sucker for a good found family trope, and this series seems to be based around that. I also loved the relationship between Miles and his parents. It's nice to see representations of a healthy parent child relationship. My only issue is my annoyance with Miles over Shay-Lee. He often saw that sadistic side of him, but time and time again he turned a blind eye. I wanted to scream at Miles a time or two. All in all, this was a great read. It's very heavy, but the author added a few dashes of humor to balance everything out. I look forward to the story for Jessie, Levi, and Jordan.
January 29, 2024
This brought so many emotions out that it’s hard to explain how I feel
Andrei and Miles were so perfect for each other and I could see how much they care and loved one another from the moment they met.
It brought so much happiness and love but also pain and sadness.
For some characters, specifically one I am interested in his story and his background, however after everything that was said and done, there truly is not redeeming him in my eyes.
I could see the author possibly attempting to show us hidden parts of him or something but what he did to so many characters will never be forgiven for me. No amount of hurt and tragedy someone has should give them a pass to do what this character does.
I love the found family even though it comes with a lot more drama that I would usually appreciate.
The connection that Miles has with his parents, particularly Elliot is so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Overall I do enjoy the different interesting choices made throughout the book.
The discussion on perfectionism is such a vital discussion that so many people are affected by.
Andrei and Miles were so perfect for each other and I could see how much they care and loved one another from the moment they met.
It brought so much happiness and love but also pain and sadness.
For some characters, specifically one I am interested in his story and his background, however after everything that was said and done, there truly is not redeeming him in my eyes.
I could see the author possibly attempting to show us hidden parts of him or something but what he did to so many characters will never be forgiven for me. No amount of hurt and tragedy someone has should give them a pass to do what this character does.
I love the found family even though it comes with a lot more drama that I would usually appreciate.
The connection that Miles has with his parents, particularly Elliot is so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Overall I do enjoy the different interesting choices made throughout the book.
The discussion on perfectionism is such a vital discussion that so many people are affected by.
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