The Casualty of Us

Philosophies of the Heart Duet

by R. Phillips

"No take backs."

My name is Ophelia Fitzroy.
You might've heard of me, there's so many things floating around out there, you see.
Victim. Sister. Daughter. Friend. B*tch.
His twin from my first breath.
Labels upon labels to wrap up all those intrinsic little human complexities nicely, don't you think?

I've even heard it whispered that I drowned myself in a river once upon time due to misogyny. No take backs for my namesake either, it seems.

My story starts in a far different time and place, though, behind ivy covered walls with flowers that I never asked to haunt me. Swearing things to a dimpled prince who's the cause and the cure all in one. Never even guessing promises made with the best of intent would lead to the downfall of us all one day.

I'd say you'll be dying to know how it ends, but that'd just be in poor taste, I think.
Ready or not though, the game starts in...one, two, three—
America's thirty million dollar girl has a story.
All because Adam just couldn't let go of his metaphorical Eve.

*The Casualty of Us is book one in the Philosophies of the Heart Duet, which is a slow burn college romance inspired by Hamlet and is recommended for 18+.*

Genres: Contemporary Romance, College, Slow Burn, Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

Published September 17, 2025

About the author

R. Phillips loves to write romance stories full of angst, plot twists and a generous sprinkling of salacious scenes. Playing with timelines is one of her favorite things to do in her writing along with including a dash of mythology. She’s also a big fan of leaving your jaw on the floor.

Rachael is a native Texan, reader first, and frequently imagines her book scenes to songs. She is a lover of coffee, tex-mex, and is probably too particular when it comes to her choice in red wine. She credits any success to the long line of strong women she comes from who gave her a steely spine, taught her to know her mind, and to always rise.


Follow me on TT & IG for the latest news/updates: @rphillipswrites

Reviews

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE CLIFFHANGER?!!??!

[taylor ୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to the author for reaching out and offering an ARC! this is one of my favorite reads of the year. i simply can’t wait for book two. THAT ENDING????

i loved the slight mystery mixed with the tension, yearning, and angst between the couple. the FMC was so frustrating but she had her reasons and was also so strong at the same time. i LOVED the MMC so much — i’m really shocked at how he was the one willing to communicate and the FMC was the one causing issues but i really loved that different dynamic. his love for her was simply unmatched and i’m obsessed with him.

[LeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Freckles and her Dimples
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You know when you read something really good and it just makes you feel all the emotions that you possibly can? That is exactly what The Casualty of Us did to me. Ophelia Sage Fitzroy and Hayes Ender Flynn have engraved themselves into my heart. Rachael takes the classic tale of Hamlet and turns it on its head. She gives Ophelia the voice her namesake didn't have.

Ophelia aka O aka Freckles, was a heroine like no other. After being kidnapped and returned to her family she became known as America's $30 million girl and was never the same. I really loved the relationship she had with her twin brother Oliver/Ollie. It was just so special and warmed my heart. After both of them were scarred by the kidnapping, they heavily relied on each other and I loved their close connection. I loved when he called her his baby sister and warned Hayes away. It was so adorable 🥹.

Now Hayes aka Dimples 🤭? I can't even find the right words to express how I feel about him. Every word out of his mouth just melted my heart. From their first meeting, where Ophelia fell off the bed, her heart, along with mine, was immediately captured by Hayes. Son of Drake Flynn, the lead singer of the popular rock band Doubtful Souls, this nepo baby rockstar is infatuated by his roommates "baby sister". And can I blame him? Nope 😌.

We follow O, Ollie and Hayes throughout their freshman and sophomore years of college. Seeing Dimples and Freckles shyly dance around each other because of Ollie's warnings. Until, Hayes ultimately F's up. It creates a crack in their relationship and breaks O's heart. So what does she do? Act normal. Oh, and torture Hayes slowly. But amidst all of this, Ophelia is being watched. Someone is following her, leaving her letters and flowers. But who is it? And soon she realizes that this person isn't just stalking her but is in love with her.

All of this sends O into her own inner spiral. We get to see her truly change from the person she was post kidnapping. Ophelia's mind is such an interesting place. The way she thinks and goes about really blew my mind. I was impressed and admired her. She is just perfect and cute. And Hayes? The way he yearned for and protected Ophelia? 🫠. I love him so much. Every kiss, whisper and cuddle. Ugh I wanted more. I highlighted so many quotes while reading and one of my favorite scenes is definitely when O hits Josey in the face with the Chem text book 🤣. It was well deserved. I easily fell for all the side characters. Holden and his shy geeky ways. Graham and his popular boy tendencies and even Lisette with all her b*tch*ness. But my fav was Marley 💜. Also thank you O for sending Marley that Xmas present 🙌. I am invested and am dying to know more.

The spice was just right. Their first time was so special and perfect. Oh and that sp@nking? I think Hayes needs to punish O a little more 🤭. I loved how much he cared for Ophelia. And he is the perfect gift giver and I will forever wonder what was in that black box 😭. And I need to know his heart present to her! I hope in the next book we get to see some more love scenes because the couple we got in this one left me yearning for more 🫠. They were exquisite and I need more HayesxOphelia.

Rachael really has created a monster with me. I'm obsessed. After that cliffhanger I need to know what is going to happen! My heart stopped as I read the last few paragraphs. What a plot twist! I'm hoping for their HEA and I want to see Ophelia win. I want her to get everything she wants. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Ophelia and Hayes's story. Oh and I'm hoping Ollie gets a book 🤞!

[Bianca C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A whole lot for nothing. This book should have been 100 pages. Ophelia was so annoying and the additional povs? Unnecessary. Just disappointing.

[readwithhle · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000% yes because…

🔹second chance
🔹He proves his love & *understands* her
👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻She has a twin brother
🔹Multi POV
🔹A THICK plot
🔹Kidnapping, stalker, bodyguards, she’s mine, possessive
💌 love notes????
🌀Cliffhanger 😭

*check your triggers; kidnapping, ptsd, stalker

My next obsession by R Phillips. I’ll be thinking about O and Dimples, Ollie and Marley, and Holden until next year. What a ride…

Also, I’m REALLY QUESTIONING one character…

She writes it, I’m going to read it.

[Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dimples and Freckles certainly found a way to steal my heart. R. Phillips has done it again! She has taken us on a journey that is honest, painful, and filled with both surprises and laughs. Each relationship in this book intertwines beautifully and in a way that truly makes you care about each character. The love between O and Ollie 💕 What can I say other than Twins are weird! I can't wait for the second book, I'm already preparing for the heartbreak. Beware guys, this one ends on a cliffhanger!

[Devlikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I was sitting still at all the past few days, I was reading this! I couldn’t put it down and needed to know what the heck Ophelia was going to do about Hayes and all the chaos around her. Also, I am absolutely obsessed with Hayes and how much he’s completely enamored by Ophelia. I need book 2 in my hands ASAP!

Thank you so much to R Phillips for sending me this arc!

[Kiarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down

[Harlie Bostelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin with this one. To be honest, I finished this book over a month ago, but I am only just now writing the review as I needed to process what I read, and I mean that in the best way possible!

This book left me utterly speechless, and I don’t think I thought about anything other than Ophelia and Hayes for at least a week after finishing. Trying to wrap my head around what happened at that ending and trying in vain to guess what’s going to happen next (I have sooo many theories!)

The Casualty of Us absolutely blew me away! This was the most raw and emotional book I have read this year, and I don’t know what I am going to do having to wait for the next one to come out. I was already a big fan of R Phillips books going into this one, as I loved the A Twisted Tale series, but after the Casualty of Us…Rachael just may be my favorite author.

This book was such a journey. I enjoyed the long time period it covered, as it allowed me to really get to know the characters. I loved going through their day to day, the big moments and the small ones, it really immersed me in the story. The story flowed well, there were highs and lows, mystery and lots of suspense, but also love and longing, yearning and pain, it was brutally honest and just felt so real. Plus, the spice was top notch and so worth the wait!

This book made me cry, laugh, broke my heart, put it back together and then broke it again. I absolutely recommend this book to every romance reader out there, I promise you will not regret it!

[izzie kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

thankyou so much to R.Phillips for reaching out and kindly sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

before going into this book please check your TW’s 🫶🏻!!
R. Phillips’ writing is truly beautiful there’s no other way to put it. definitely one of my absolute favourite pieces of work this year.

5 stars. if you’ve never read an R. Phillips book, read one now.

i love how this book isn’t just some cliche angsty college romance. i love how we see how her experience at the beginning of the book affected her. i love how we see her brothers love and care for her. i love how we see hayes’ and his life and why he is the way he is. i love how we see the main characters develop as well as having really good moments for side characters. i love how we see growth in ophelia and her journey with her trauma and her issues surrounding that.

ophelia sage fitzroy. oh boy oh boy do i love you. and hayes ender flynn the way you show your care for her has me on the floor screaming. this book is definitely one that needs to be read with your brain and not just you eyes and that’s probably the best thing about this. the constant references to hamlet?? oh i love

the ending of this book had me lying on the floor sobbing praying the second book was out as well. like i feel empty inside right now. i don’t know where this is going to go but i’m going to eat it up.

this book is released on september 17th & i urge everyone to read it

[Krystal (readingamongchaos) · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. Phillips stole my heart with her debut trilogy, A Twisted Tale. When I learned that she was back with another poetic masterpiece I couldn’t run fast enough to get in line for an arc!!

This story is filled with suspense and questions, heartbreak and tragedy, fierce protectiveness, and so much love.

Ophelia Fitzroy is one unforgettable fmc. Strength. Resilience. Brilliant and witty mind. I knew from the very beginning that I was going to absolutely love her! And if you are looking for the quintessential book boyfriend then Hayes Flynn is your guy! I’m still dizzy from all the swooning I’ve done over this man! Hayes and Ophelia are the perfect match. Their relationship was a slow burn roller coaster but totally worth the ride. One of my favorite things about this couple is their nicknames for each other - he calls her Freckles and she calls him Dimples 🫠🥰

There really are so many amazing characters in this story. And so much growth all the way around. I especially adored the relationship between Ophelia and her twin brother Oliver.

I know this sounds so cliche but man does R. Phillips have a way with words! Her story telling is beautiful, unique and thought provoking. It’s unpredictable in the best ways. The Casualty of Us definitely lived up to my expectations and I’m eagerly awaiting the second part of this duet!

I am so grateful to R. Phillips for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance 💜

[Laced In Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you so much to the author for reaching out to offer me an ARC of this book.
Also please check the TW before reading 📚
Book 1 of the Philosophies of the Heart Duet series which contains multiple POV has something very different to the normal "slow burn college romance books' that I'm used to - thats for sure! I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, it certainly wasn't the mythical twists and messy romance story! I was hooked in with the epilogue for sure, definitely made me want to keep reading - well written!
I have to confess... I am not a Shakespeare girlie so some references from this book may have gone over my head I do apologise!
I was not however prepared for the ending 😳 wow!

I enjoyed FMC Ophelia Fitzroy’s sharp, self-aware voice, the story provided angst, attraction, and plenty of emotional twists. She’s a heroine caught between labels—victim, sister, friend, and more—while navigating an irresistible but dangerous connection with her so-called “dimpled prince.”

I did struggle slightly with the length of this book though, at just shy of 600 pages it was much longer than my usual read.
Overall 4 stars and I would recommend adding to your TBR 😊

Tropes:
- brother's roommate/teammate
- black cat x golden retriever
- he falls first
- yearning
- secret relationship
- angst & suspense

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. Phillips does it again! She never ceases to amaze me with her beautiful words that just effortlessly flow, and bring to life such beautiful stories! Now, that cliffhanger was just cruel and unusual punishment but I guess I’ll let it slide for now.

Ophelia Sage Fitzroy. she’s not just the “thirty million dollar girl” she’s a whole lot more, and such a strong FMC! Her personality, her fierce protectiveness for the ones she loves…I adore her so much! 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙪𝙥. I admired her loyalty and the unending love she has for the people around her, especially Ollie. Their twin bond is so beautiful to witness and the back and forth banter cracked me up constantly.

and Hayes? that nepo rock star baby stole my heart from the first time he shared his breakfast and fixed her tie. “𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦?” 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘴, 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦. “𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘱 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

The rollercoaster that was their relationship definitely takes you for a ride. I adored the growth, from both of them and how by the end of the book you could truly feel the love pouring off the pages. ”𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩, 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬. 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.” 🥹

Eagerly anticipating the next book. Intrigued as hell to see where the rest of this story goes and just can’t wait for more of these characters honestly! Thanks to R. Phillips and team for the early copy 💕

[Bris.bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you so much to the author for sending me an advanced reader copy of your book for my honest review. I truly appreciate it!

Now where to even begin! This story was very intriguing from the very beginning. There were moments I had a hard time putting this book down. I felt like I really came to understand Ophelia and why she acts the way she does. There were times where I questioned her judgment. But as I read more of her story I felt like I understood where she was coming from and could see why she made certain choices along the way. Her past and even certain events kept me engaged the entire time.

One of my favorite parts about this book was how we got Ophelia’s, Hayes, and even Ollie’s point of view at times. I felt like I really connected with each character. And that ending! It got me!! I had to go back and reread to make sure I read that clearly… I did! The only reason this book wasn’t a 5 star for me was because at times I felt like the story was going in circles a bit, where it felt like certain things were repeating itself. There were moments I felt the story was way too long. That’s the only reason why. Overall, I loved this story! Highly recommend and I cannot wait for book too. Completely hooked! Thank you again for wanting me to be an ARC reader!

[Marelize Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start?

This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year! Honestly, no matter what I say, it will never fully do this story justice because it’s just that good.

The ending had me crying so hard, and Alyssa and I have been spiraling with theories about everyone and everything. But let me make one thing clear: it’s Ophelia and Hayes forever for me—no matter what happens in book two.

Ophelia’s character growth was phenomenal, and the side characters were just as brilliant. I loved how the darker, emotional moments were perfectly balanced with humor and lightheartedness—I laughed so much throughout the story. And can we all give a round of applause for the scene where Ophelia hit a girl in the face with a book? Absolutely deserved! 👏

This story is stunning—filled with love, family, and the lengths we’ll go to for the people who matter most. It explores every kind of love: family bonds, sibling connections, romantic love, and even self-love, especially Ophelia’s sharp wit and big brain.

It’s so beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted that you can’t help but fall in love with it.

Promise me you’ll read it.

I am beyond honored to have been an ARC reader for this masterpiece. The Casualty of Us releases September 17th!!

[Kristie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Rachel’s writing. I read A Twisted Tale trilogy last year and it was in my top 5 for the year.

The Casualty of us is angsty, emotional, psychological, mysterious and one hell of a love story.

Ophelia & Oliver, 18 year old twins from a very wealthy family are attacked & Ophelia kidnapped. She is released for a ransom of $30 mill which then dubs her the name $30 million dollar girl. She suffers anxiety, flashbacks and nightmares from her time held captive.
Ophelia & Oliver start at a new school that is gated & secure. As soon as Ophelia meets Oliver’s new room mate, Hayes, sparks fly. A connection forms between them. There is a lot of back & forth, some mistakes made along the way between them. Ophelia starts getting letters from one of her kidnappers and she puts her genius brain to use trying to work out who he is and why he is obsessed with her.
Ending on a huge cliffhanger that had me screaming!!
I’ll admit Ophelia annoyed me at times BUT she’s literally a genius and her brain works differently, her thoughts are intense. Hayes is a giant cinnamon roll who is also all growly “mine” and completely obsessed with Ophelia.
I adored the twin connection between Ollie & Ophelia, it was so sweet.
I cannot wait for book 2 after that cliffhanger! My gosh!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. Phillips did it again!!

My initial thoughts:
- loved Ophelia! I really liked her character development throughout this book. I love getting to dive into her world a bit more and watching her trust those around her more.
-HAYES! Loved him! I love the loyalty he has for O and even for Ollie. I’m not getting golden retriever vibes from him though. More like a snarky black lab?? 😂
-the plot was great! I wish we got more information on what happened with the kid napping but I feel like we’ll know a lot more in book 2!
-cliff hanger was amazing! I figured something would happen at the end but didn’t know who it would happen too!
-the other little storylines throughout the book. I pretty much love most of the characters in this book and hope they get their own story one day.
-the smut scenes were 🔥🔥🔥

Things I didn’t love:
- the length, even though I was captivated throughout most of the book, towards 75% of it, it felt a little too long.
- although the smut scenes were perfectly written, it throws me off when characters are super young. O and get gang were freshmen in college and that just doesn’t do it for me sometimes.

[Songofhadess · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Casualty of Us” was such an experience to read.
Ophelia Fitzroy is not a heroine you can just observe from the outside. She pulls you right into her head and heart. Her voice is sharp and haunting, sometimes messy, sometimes tender, but always unforgettable. I found myself holding on to every word, feeling the weight of her secrets and the ache of promises that were never meant to break.

The setting only deepens the pull of the story. Ivy covered walls, whispered confessions, shadows that feel alive. It is gothic and beautiful, the kind of atmosphere that makes the romance burn even slower and even brighter. And when the love story begins to unfold, it is not only about passion, it is about healing, trust, and the danger of wanting something too much.

R. Phillips writes with a raw intensity that makes you feel every bruise, every longing glance, every quiet hope. This is not a simple college romance, it is a story about identity, family, heartbreak, and the complicated ways we love. And now I cannot stop thinking about what comes next in the duet.

[Bev B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Rachael’s debut series, A Twisted Tale trilogy, back in 2023 & automatically fell in love with her writing. She writes stories that are unique, poetic, and lives a lasting impression in your heart & mind that makes you crave more.

And let me tell you, Casualty of Us is no different. I was pulled in just from the prologue itself. From there, she takes you in a journey full of suspense, heartache, laughter and a slow burn type of love that It will rattle your heart.

And I know I’ve said this on my last post but I need to say it again. I am obsessed with Ophelia! She is definitely no damsel in distress. Every trauma & set back that comes her way, she faces head on. Her character really impressed me. She’s confident, tough, and protects the people she loves.

Now let’s talk about Hayes 🫠 This man. THIS MAN RIGHT HERE! Definitely book boyfriend material! His relationship with Ophelia was definitely a long emotional journey but man, that slow burn was so good & so worth it in the end.

And Ollie 🥹 The best big brother a little sister could ask for. I’m hoping we get more of his story in book two cause I’m definitely invested in him & Marley, too! To be honest, I was invested with all the side characters. Every one of them made this story even that much better.

So please, please, PLEASE read this when it releases 9/17/25! 🙏🏻 I can’t recommend it enough!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn college romance with lots of twists and turns, tension and it's a wild fun ride. Thank you again to R Phillips for an arc of The Casualty of Us.

I loved the mystery and tension that drove the story. It's angsty, romantic and addictive. Ophelia and Hayes had so much chemistry that has you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen. I loved their dynamic, and the way that they fall and care for each other. I like that we see more in-depth to them, why they act and are. Ophelia is headstrong, resilient and strong, smart, witty and Hayes is just swoony. The book is best read as going into it blind and being surprised and letting it take you for a wild ride but as always, check tws. The book is dark, romantic, tension filled but witty and smart. The way that R Phillips has with words is almost poetic. For my dark academia and college romance lovers, you will love this! I cannot wait for the next book!

[Tammy - · Rating 5 out of 5]

What have I gotten myself into?! This book consumed me, then left me with a cliffhanger that gave me no clue as to where this story is headed!

If you've read this author before, then you know that she writes some pretty intricate and intriguing storylines. This story took some twists and turns, and I'll admit that I had to read a few passages more than once to keep up. Every time that I thought that I had the plot figured out, it would go off in another direction to keep me guessing.

I love so many of these characters, and the friend group dynamics is strong (although I still had moments of distrust for just about everyone here!) I will be anxiously waiting to see how this story ends.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the author reached out to me about being an arc reader, I thought this book sounded good and was excited to read it - and wow was it good! This story will grab hold of you and not let go!!!

This book is dark and emotional but also witty and heartwarming all at the same time! The characters are so well written and I love how we get good character growth as well as watch their relationships grow.

I Loved these characters. Ophelia is so smart and witty and fierce and unique. Yes she is the opposite of Hayes and maybe it’s hard to understand exactly why she does what she does…but I think if you give her a chance she’ll be one of your favorite FMCs.
Oh Hayes, on the other hand is a full blown swoon worthy #bookboyfriend golden retriever.

And Ollie, Ophelia’s twin - Their relationship is so special.

Ok, THE ENDING - this is book 1 of a duet so you know it ends on a cliffhanger and oh it’s a rough one!!!! Can’t wait for book 2!

✨What to Expect:
🏫College Romance
🥀Romantic Suspense
❤️‍🔥Brother’s Roommate
🐈‍⬛Black Cat FMC
🦮Golden Retriever MMC
💜He Falls First
🔥Slow Burn
💋Secret Relationship
💕“Freckles & Dimples”

[Libby K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book that is similar but also different than what I usually read. Thank you to R. Phillips for reaching out to me to receive a copy of this for my honest review 🫶🏼

I love a college romance, and when I read the tropes I knew it would be up my alley! I don’t usually reach for books that have a sort of “mystery / thriller” aspect to it.. but I liked it in this!

I looooved Ophelia and her brother, Ollie’s relationship and how close they are. And Ophelia’s relationship with Hayes and how much he adores her despite her being a more closed off person??? Ugh, love.

“Want me to bleed some more?” He shrugs, eyes holding mine captive. “Fine. Tell me how much, and I’ll tap a vein for you.”

[ReadwithJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was SO excited to be back reading Rachel’s writing as her A Twisted Tale series is one of my all time favourites! And this didn’t disappoint! I love Rachel’s unique writing style, so incredibly descriptive and she is a brilliant story teller.

The characters are intriguing and hook you in quickly, pacing was great and the build up at the end and that cliffhanger!! Rachel always knows exactly how to end a book to have you absoloutely YEARNING for the next book!

Ophelia is a really complex character who honestly can be a little frustrating at times but I also think it’s an honest take of someone who is incredibly intelligent and clever and also someone that has been through severe trauma. I LOVED her relationship with her twin brother and really loved Rachel writing the complexities of the relationship dynamics changing with Hayes becoming a big part of her life and also how much O would push back when they tried to be overprotective.

Hayes was an absolute dreamboat and I LOVE how he’s completely consumed by Ophelia. The slow burn was perfection.

Low key DYING for the drop of book 2. Can’t wait to see where it takes us! Please do yourself a favour and pick this one up!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia & Hayes
Brother's Roommate
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
He Falls First
Secret Relationship
Angst & Suspense

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of this authors other work, so when I heard about this book I was so eager to dive in!

I absolutely love Ophelia!! She's such a strong FMC. And I love the relationship she has with her twin brother, Ollie.

Hayes, Hayes, Hayes. This man is swoon worthy for sure!!

The mystery around this book had me on the edge of my seat, eager to learn more!!

I cannot wait for the next book!

4.5⭐️

[Alyssa✨ |apvreads| · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Casualty of Us is brilliant. It is so much more than a boy meets girl love story. This is watching a love bloom. This is siblings that have been through trauma together and have a relationship that most thrive for. The suspense that hangs over the entire story is addicting. There are clues from Hamlet sprinkled throughout that only Ophelia can identify, but you are also watching the love story between Hayes and Ophelia unfold. A slow burn with the ultimate library F*ck It moment. And then to top it off, you are left with a cliffhanger that leaves you completely suspended. I have spiraled, reread chapters and I cannot wait for a book 2 to get some answers. ♾️⭐️

Thank you for this ARC opportunity!

[Cassie Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put this down!
I’m so ready for the next book

Will most likely do a reread. I feel like there were things I missed cause there were some fast paced moments. I loved this story. I loved the elements she used to create the story as well. Ophelia is probably one of the coolest FMCs I have had the pleasure to read in a while. This has rockstars son, they’re all mega rich, conspiracy, thriller, mystery, brothers roommate, ugh. Loved this book very much

[Madison Tichenor · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the author for sending me the ARC.

I loved the MMC and FMC in this book!! I’m a sucker for black cat x golden retriever.

I will say there was times where the timeline was bit confusing for me and jumped around a bit, but overall I think it’s definitely worth a read and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Karen Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Hayes😝😝😝. But omg this story was interesting. BUT WTH WAS THAT ENDING? “I never got the chance to ask before one of us took our last breathe.” UMMMM EXCUSE ME?! OLLIE BETTER BE GOOD BC I WILL NOT ACCEPT OTHERWISE

[Haley Ara H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ever R.Phillips book and I’m officially HOOKED!! This was such a rollercoaster and so beautifully written! I need the second book like now!