What do you think?
Rate this book
Unmask
Some hearts are too dangerous to heal. Some boys are too beautiful to trust. And some revenge is worth dying for.
KAYLORFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
They broke me once. I won’t let them break me twice.
Raine. Kreed. Maddox. Mason.
They weren’t just the kings of Elmwood Public. They were the devils who taught me that love and destruction wear the same beautiful face. I thought escaping their gilded cage meant freedom. I thought the nightmares would end, that the scars would fade, that I could forget the taste of their betrayal on my lips.
I was wrong.
Because the monsters hunting me now make the Corvo boys look like saints. And the only way to survive the darkness closing in? I have to let the four devils who destroyed me back into my life again. Not that they gave me much of a choice.
But I’m not that broken girl anymore, and I’m done playing nice.
KREED
I let her walk away. I told myself she was safer without me, that she belonged with the Vipers. That was my first mistake. My second? Thinking I could forget her.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
But when Kaylor looked at me with those sad eyes, she made me believe I could be more than the monster everyone expected; she became my obsession. My salvation. My destruction.
I’d battled monsters before, on the field, in the ring, in the streets that bled Elmwood dry. The kind that came with brass knuckles and back-alley deals. The kind that didn’t flinch at the sight of blood, especially not mine, but Kaylor Steele wasn’t a battlefield I could blitz through with fists or threats. She was all sharp edges and deep scars. And the fight for her? It wasn’t about power or pride.
It was about survival, and I had no intention of losing. Not her.
Never again.
UNMASK is a full-length 98k+ dark high-school romance novel, the second book in the Crew of Elmwood Public series with dominant and possessive male characters. This is not a why choose romance. The female main character will only have one love interest and ends on a cliff-hanger. It is recommended for 17+ due to language, violence, drugs, bullying, sex trafficking, and drinking.
KAYLORFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
They broke me once. I won’t let them break me twice.
Raine. Kreed. Maddox. Mason.
They weren’t just the kings of Elmwood Public. They were the devils who taught me that love and destruction wear the same beautiful face. I thought escaping their gilded cage meant freedom. I thought the nightmares would end, that the scars would fade, that I could forget the taste of their betrayal on my lips.
I was wrong.
Because the monsters hunting me now make the Corvo boys look like saints. And the only way to survive the darkness closing in? I have to let the four devils who destroyed me back into my life again. Not that they gave me much of a choice.
But I’m not that broken girl anymore, and I’m done playing nice.
KREED
I let her walk away. I told myself she was safer without me, that she belonged with the Vipers. That was my first mistake. My second? Thinking I could forget her.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
But when Kaylor looked at me with those sad eyes, she made me believe I could be more than the monster everyone expected; she became my obsession. My salvation. My destruction.
I’d battled monsters before, on the field, in the ring, in the streets that bled Elmwood dry. The kind that came with brass knuckles and back-alley deals. The kind that didn’t flinch at the sight of blood, especially not mine, but Kaylor Steele wasn’t a battlefield I could blitz through with fists or threats. She was all sharp edges and deep scars. And the fight for her? It wasn’t about power or pride.
It was about survival, and I had no intention of losing. Not her.
Never again.
UNMASK is a full-length 98k+ dark high-school romance novel, the second book in the Crew of Elmwood Public series with dominant and possessive male characters. This is not a why choose romance. The female main character will only have one love interest and ends on a cliff-hanger. It is recommended for 17+ due to language, violence, drugs, bullying, sex trafficking, and drinking.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
153 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Weil
99 books1,725 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author J.L. Weil lives in Illinois where she writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course, there is lots of kissing. And stuff.
An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, and Jensen Ackles. She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.
She is the author of the International Bestselling Raven & Divisa series.
www.jlweil.com
An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, and Jensen Ackles. She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.
She is the author of the International Bestselling Raven & Divisa series.
www.jlweil.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 21, 2026
Towards the end the author keeps switching between calling Carson , Carter and vice versa for multiple paragraphs right after another. Like okay proofread? Nah.
The beginning and middle are stalled hard on plot
progression and we only ever get action and the story moves forward at the end. Like even the relationship part.
no danger or threat ever seemed real. Anytime the fmc was in “trouble” ie the men’s bathroom, ie the basement, she is saved at the last minute. However what are shown before hand is just guys pushing her against walls. No action is ever taken and it’s weird that they talk for as long as they do with the hero charging in after they have decided they have talked enough and are now ready to move forward with —— we never know.
.
While initially the romance was enough to keep me around, eventually I realized that they have never had a normal conversation. She has never said anything to him that wasn’t a rude sarcastic remark. Rejection. Or insult.
Where did the feelings come from? There was never a time that they spent together in which any true relationship or even friendship could have form
Once I realized this, I no longer really cared if she forgave him. All this book was , was a wash and repeat. Nothing she’s saying now is different than what she’s always said and I realize that I’m not rooting for them.
The weird switch that the brothers made towards her also didn’t come with any build up. Like first book they hate her and torture her, Maddox literally almost gang rapes her etc then she’s suddenly their favorite person?? That they must protect at all cost even if it’s against the dad who now suddenly is always gone and not a threat?
Idk it’s like where was any scene of them turning from enemies bc she’s related to the guy that killed their mom, to friends. The only one semi believable is mason and reed. Bc they never had really negative energy between them. But it’s just random and felt sudden.
It’s the author forgets to write or include scenes or something.
.
There sexual tension might be hot but since the author starts and stops every sexual tension moment, always by someone walking in on them and just like sticking around for no reason, I just got bored. Eventually the scenes started to get less exciting for me, cause i knew it wasn’t gonna lead to anything.
I’m also not a fan of how the author writes the actual intimate scenes (calling a sex scene isn’t accurate just bc sex is taking place, it’s written like it’s for teens.)
Glazing over details, uses of metaphors and flowery wording
. Very off brand for dark adult romance book. I see the author has lot of books written for teens and is probably just not aware that adult dark romance are actually very different and while it doesn’t need lots of heavily detailed sex scenes it still does need at least one, erotically written scene. Glazing over details is not adult. lol
No I actually don’t care that you feel a solar eclipse happening in your soul, turning your heart into the moon and your mind into the stardust that lingers because she is the one you are with. Tell me how her puthy feels please 😂
.
Gasp. I’ll admit.. idk how.. with my
Overly critical thinking, I low-key let myself believe that the plot twist was easy to guess. but I will say she ate with this one. Is it super out of the blue? No. Most probably guessed it or at least considered it but I (who thought she had it All figured out) overlooked it. So good for the author.
She has the tell of a good author just needs to get a good editor or perhaps work on her skills. She will be someone I come back to visit in the future but I won’t be reading her past books as I would like to see her grow and really hone her talents.
The beginning and middle are stalled hard on plot
progression and we only ever get action and the story moves forward at the end. Like even the relationship part.
no danger or threat ever seemed real. Anytime the fmc was in “trouble” ie the men’s bathroom, ie the basement, she is saved at the last minute. However what are shown before hand is just guys pushing her against walls. No action is ever taken and it’s weird that they talk for as long as they do with the hero charging in after they have decided they have talked enough and are now ready to move forward with —— we never know.
.
While initially the romance was enough to keep me around, eventually I realized that they have never had a normal conversation. She has never said anything to him that wasn’t a rude sarcastic remark. Rejection. Or insult.
Where did the feelings come from? There was never a time that they spent together in which any true relationship or even friendship could have form
Once I realized this, I no longer really cared if she forgave him. All this book was , was a wash and repeat. Nothing she’s saying now is different than what she’s always said and I realize that I’m not rooting for them.
The weird switch that the brothers made towards her also didn’t come with any build up. Like first book they hate her and torture her, Maddox literally almost gang rapes her etc then she’s suddenly their favorite person?? That they must protect at all cost even if it’s against the dad who now suddenly is always gone and not a threat?
Idk it’s like where was any scene of them turning from enemies bc she’s related to the guy that killed their mom, to friends. The only one semi believable is mason and reed. Bc they never had really negative energy between them. But it’s just random and felt sudden.
It’s the author forgets to write or include scenes or something.
.
There sexual tension might be hot but since the author starts and stops every sexual tension moment, always by someone walking in on them and just like sticking around for no reason, I just got bored. Eventually the scenes started to get less exciting for me, cause i knew it wasn’t gonna lead to anything.
I’m also not a fan of how the author writes the actual intimate scenes (calling a sex scene isn’t accurate just bc sex is taking place, it’s written like it’s for teens.)
Glazing over details, uses of metaphors and flowery wording
. Very off brand for dark adult romance book. I see the author has lot of books written for teens and is probably just not aware that adult dark romance are actually very different and while it doesn’t need lots of heavily detailed sex scenes it still does need at least one, erotically written scene. Glazing over details is not adult. lol
No I actually don’t care that you feel a solar eclipse happening in your soul, turning your heart into the moon and your mind into the stardust that lingers because she is the one you are with. Tell me how her puthy feels please 😂
.
Gasp. I’ll admit.. idk how.. with my
Overly critical thinking, I low-key let myself believe that the plot twist was easy to guess. but I will say she ate with this one. Is it super out of the blue? No. Most probably guessed it or at least considered it but I (who thought she had it All figured out) overlooked it. So good for the author.
She has the tell of a good author just needs to get a good editor or perhaps work on her skills. She will be someone I come back to visit in the future but I won’t be reading her past books as I would like to see her grow and really hone her talents.
September 26, 2025
I was interested to see where this story was going to go, especially with the ending from the first one!
I did enjoy having some chapters from our Male lead as well as our girl Kaylor, there relationship was interesting to read.
Fav part has to be the cameos that was in this book and hope we get another little cameo in the next one!
I liked seeing more of the brothers as well but still want more, the reason this isn't higher is the story felt slow and felt like it only covered a small amount of time, I know a lot is coming in the next one with that ending like YIKES but this was dragged a little for me.
Overall still really interested to see how this will end!
I did enjoy having some chapters from our Male lead as well as our girl Kaylor, there relationship was interesting to read.
Fav part has to be the cameos that was in this book and hope we get another little cameo in the next one!
I liked seeing more of the brothers as well but still want more, the reason this isn't higher is the story felt slow and felt like it only covered a small amount of time, I know a lot is coming in the next one with that ending like YIKES but this was dragged a little for me.
Overall still really interested to see how this will end!
February 10, 2026
Betrayal, heartbreak, love
After Kreeds betrayal is revealed, nothing is as it was starting to be. Kaylor no longer trusts Kreed and his crew. To get back at him she plans to go back to school and make him pay. Of course Kreed does what he wants and fights his way back into her life to help keep her safe. The Elite and The Ravens team up to help keep Kaylor safe. When one of her best friends is taken, she throws caution to the wind and does something crazy to help save her friend. Now it’s Kreeds time to prove he is worthy.
After Kreeds betrayal is revealed, nothing is as it was starting to be. Kaylor no longer trusts Kreed and his crew. To get back at him she plans to go back to school and make him pay. Of course Kreed does what he wants and fights his way back into her life to help keep her safe. The Elite and The Ravens team up to help keep Kaylor safe. When one of her best friends is taken, she throws caution to the wind and does something crazy to help save her friend. Now it’s Kreeds time to prove he is worthy.
January 26, 2026
2nd book just as good
Sometimes the second book in a series is a little slow, but not this one. If you are into dark high school romance, then this is for you! Enough romance, but with a moving plot that keeps you hooked. I again read this one in a day and a half. But now I have to wait till Feb. 13th for the final book and I can’t wait!
Sometimes the second book in a series is a little slow, but not this one. If you are into dark high school romance, then this is for you! Enough romance, but with a moving plot that keeps you hooked. I again read this one in a day and a half. But now I have to wait till Feb. 13th for the final book and I can’t wait!
September 26, 2025
Kaylor and Kreed are electric. They shouldn't be together, but they can't resist each other. JL Weil has an amazing talent for creating these amazing characters that draw you into their world and don't spit you out until the very end. I look forward to more in the series.
October 6, 2025
This ending to this duology was perfect! I couldn't put it down. I loved Kreed and Kaylor. There's so much story that I didn't expect in this book. It was fun discovering the character's real story. Great conclusion to their story!
October 7, 2025
Epic !!!
Such a short book but filled to the brim with betrayal. Poor Kaylor and knowing who to trust is devastating. Kreed and his promises make me weak and I love the corvo brother's. So happy to have the Elite popping by in this book
Such a short book but filled to the brim with betrayal. Poor Kaylor and knowing who to trust is devastating. Kreed and his promises make me weak and I love the corvo brother's. So happy to have the Elite popping by in this book
February 21, 2026
Omg so good
I want a Kreed in my life. Or even the CORVO brothers.
My god this Part 2 was so so good ..
Looks like I am pulling an all nighter to see how it ends..
Totally and highly recommended
I want a Kreed in my life. Or even the CORVO brothers.
My god this Part 2 was so so good ..
Looks like I am pulling an all nighter to see how it ends..
Totally and highly recommended
September 26, 2025
Kaylor and Kreed. Do I need to say more? This was an angsty read, and that ending. I can't wait for the next book.
September 26, 2025
We are in a fight!
JL Weil!!!!!! You again have made me fall into a story I do not want to come out of!! And then to leave it like you did!!!!!!! I need more!!!!
JL Weil!!!!!! You again have made me fall into a story I do not want to come out of!! And then to leave it like you did!!!!!!! I need more!!!!
September 26, 2025
Such a good second part... Kreed makes you laugh, cry and want to jump his bones... but in the end, you scream coz you need book 3!!
Read
January 10, 2026I
January 22, 2026
I LOVED THISSS
- i love how all the brothers started liking kaylor and considering her a part of their crew
- and kreed in this book *chefs kiss* HOW CAN SOMEONE BE SO PERFECT
- kinda didn’t like that kaylor drugged them so they fall asleep but ig she was willing to do wtv to get her fiend back
- knew it was rusty (her uncle) who was kidnapping those girls and her friend - it was kinda hinted and suggested by the brothers
- THE ENDINGFF OMGG - love how they’re all willing to do anything to get their girl back - btw there’s only one love interest
- kaylor was just such a badass and took no shit from anyone and was willing to do anything to protect those she loves - hence the ending
- loved her character arc she just grew so much and i loved itttt
- stating to like maddox a bit more but wont forget the party scene from the first book- but he was just as taken by her as the others
all in all: DEVOURED THIS AJD HIGHLY RECOMMEND
WDYM THE THIRD BOOK ISNT OUT YET😖😫
- i love how all the brothers started liking kaylor and considering her a part of their crew
- and kreed in this book *chefs kiss* HOW CAN SOMEONE BE SO PERFECT
- kinda didn’t like that kaylor drugged them so they fall asleep but ig she was willing to do wtv to get her fiend back
- knew it was rusty (her uncle) who was kidnapping those girls and her friend - it was kinda hinted and suggested by the brothers
- THE ENDINGFF OMGG - love how they’re all willing to do anything to get their girl back - btw there’s only one love interest
- kaylor was just such a badass and took no shit from anyone and was willing to do anything to protect those she loves - hence the ending
- loved her character arc she just grew so much and i loved itttt
- stating to like maddox a bit more but wont forget the party scene from the first book- but he was just as taken by her as the others
all in all: DEVOURED THIS AJD HIGHLY RECOMMEND
WDYM THE THIRD BOOK ISNT OUT YET😖😫
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews