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Het is niet omdat ik nieuw ben in het duister, dat ik het niet kan omarmen…
Mijn leven was best prima. Gewoontjes. Tot mijn moeder besloot te trouwen met een lid van de Ierse maffia…
Toen veranderde alles.
Vanaf dat moment was ‘normaal’ verleden tijd en belandde ik op Brooke Hollow Academy: een elitaire hel waar ik niets te zoeken had. Het enige lichtpuntje? De brute knapperd die ik op dag één ontmoette.
Dylan Blackthorne.
Hij is sexy, bazig en dominant. En hij liet me dingen voelen die ik nog nooit had gevoeld.
Tot ik ontdekte dat hij mijn toekomstige stiefbroer is.
Nu denken Dylan en zijn al net zo arrogante vrienden – Colton, Maverick en Phoenix – dat ik van hen ben. Als in: hun vijand.
Hun favoriete bezigheid? Mij treiteren en vernederen.
Maar ze hebben zich flink vergist. Ze hebben geen idee hoe sterk ik ben.
Ik zal deze school overleven. Ik zal het huwelijk van mijn moeder met een beruchte maffiabaas overleven. Sterker nog: ik zal hen overleven.
Zij zijn misschien begonnen met dit kat-en-muisspelletje… maar ik ben vastbesloten om het te eindigen. Al moet ik er vuil voor spelen.
Mijn leven was best prima. Gewoontjes. Tot mijn moeder besloot te trouwen met een lid van de Ierse maffia…
Toen veranderde alles.
Vanaf dat moment was ‘normaal’ verleden tijd en belandde ik op Brooke Hollow Academy: een elitaire hel waar ik niets te zoeken had. Het enige lichtpuntje? De brute knapperd die ik op dag één ontmoette.
Dylan Blackthorne.
Hij is sexy, bazig en dominant. En hij liet me dingen voelen die ik nog nooit had gevoeld.
Tot ik ontdekte dat hij mijn toekomstige stiefbroer is.
Nu denken Dylan en zijn al net zo arrogante vrienden – Colton, Maverick en Phoenix – dat ik van hen ben. Als in: hun vijand.
Hun favoriete bezigheid? Mij treiteren en vernederen.
Maar ze hebben zich flink vergist. Ze hebben geen idee hoe sterk ik ben.
Ik zal deze school overleven. Ik zal het huwelijk van mijn moeder met een beruchte maffiabaas overleven. Sterker nog: ik zal hen overleven.
Zij zijn misschien begonnen met dit kat-en-muisspelletje… maar ik ben vastbesloten om het te eindigen. Al moet ik er vuil voor spelen.
354 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2025
293 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 24, 2023
Skye Love is used to life punishing her. The product of a one-night stand, Skye never knew her father and watched as her mother struggled to raise her. When her mother suddenly gets engaged to Damian Blackthorne, head of the most powerful and deadly family in the city, Skye is thrust into a game she has no intention of playing. Add in a new stepbrother (Dylan) who sees her as an enemy and a new school where she's been labeled a social pariah, Skye is completely over it all.
But she's fighting a losing battle. When messages of warning continue to pop up on Skye's doorstep and she's attacked on school property, it becomes clear that Skye is a target and it may be connected to some of the attacks against her new "family". And Dylan and his group of friends are intent on protecting her.
Being under their protection would be fine if Skye wasn't fighting an attraction to all four men, but when it becomes clear that they all want her and don't mind sharing, Skye is in for a wild ride. Except secrets have a way of revealing themselves and life for the new group couple will never be the same.
***************
Written in alternating POVs, "Dylan" follows Skye, Dylan, Maverick, Phoenix, and Colton as they traverse a battlefield of secrets while attempting to reconcile their feelings of distrust turned attraction.
This book was odd. It was good and it was hot, I'll give it that. I'd even give it 3.75 stars if I'm being honest. It just felt incomplete to me. The very first chapter of the book is set in the future and told from Skye's POV, but the narrative in this book doesn't reach that period or have any lead-in for it. Now, I know there's a second book in this series that is meant to come out in April and I'm hoping we get more of the narrative for this opening chapter, but I'm confused why it wasn't in this one. I know it was for the shock value and getting the reader into it, but I kept expecting the plot and conflict to speed up the closer I got to the ending because nothing had happened for it yet. I'm just confused.
But moving on to things that did happen in this book.
Skye and her four love interests spent the majority of the book hating each other's guts and not trusting anyone. I get it, the engagement of Skye's mom and Dylan's dad came out of nowhere and Dylan's friends were just following his lead, but I didn't feel any sort of romantic feelings between anyone. This would be labeled enemies-to-lovers because it did hate to love very well. But I was promised bullying from the guys and her fighting back against them, but I didn't get it. They make her a social pariah, but they don't do anything outwardly mean to her that wasn't consented to in spicy time. And she's got a mouth on her, but the only physical fighting back she does is one time after she's attacked.
The actual relationship between Skye and the guys doesn't even happen until 75% of the way through the book technically. Skye sleeps with Dylan in the second chapter, but that's before she knows who he really is. You know, a one-time thing as strangers gets real awkward when you find out your parents are getting married. And because Dylan had her, she was off-limits to the other guys for most of the book. Until they decide to share cause they all want her and she wants all of them.
The characters were fine. I wish I had a lot more backstory for Skye cause she makes off-hand comments in her head or to the guys that seem strange or allude to more, but then we don't get it. The guys were much the same, and they try to come off as villainous and darker than they act sometimes, so it just feels strange. There was just no emotional connection for me as a reader to care about them or want their steamy romance to work.
Which reminds me...Because their spicy relationship doesn't happen until 75%, I thought there was a lack of spice to make it worthwhile to read. I was promised smut and kink in the synopsis but got relatively lackluster kink and limited smut scenes. There was edging and some toys and sharing, but that was pretty much it from what I can recall. Not exactly the kinkiest, smuttiest, wildest book I was promised.
But I'm interested in reading book two, which is a win. And that's why I'd rate it 3.75 stars at most. I can't give it 4 stars because I just didn't get everything I was promised from the synopsis or needed to make me connect to or love the romance of this. Plus there just wasn't enough outside plot conflict to make this an exhilarating read.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But she's fighting a losing battle. When messages of warning continue to pop up on Skye's doorstep and she's attacked on school property, it becomes clear that Skye is a target and it may be connected to some of the attacks against her new "family". And Dylan and his group of friends are intent on protecting her.
Being under their protection would be fine if Skye wasn't fighting an attraction to all four men, but when it becomes clear that they all want her and don't mind sharing, Skye is in for a wild ride. Except secrets have a way of revealing themselves and life for the new group couple will never be the same.
***************
Written in alternating POVs, "Dylan" follows Skye, Dylan, Maverick, Phoenix, and Colton as they traverse a battlefield of secrets while attempting to reconcile their feelings of distrust turned attraction.
This book was odd. It was good and it was hot, I'll give it that. I'd even give it 3.75 stars if I'm being honest. It just felt incomplete to me. The very first chapter of the book is set in the future and told from Skye's POV, but the narrative in this book doesn't reach that period or have any lead-in for it. Now, I know there's a second book in this series that is meant to come out in April and I'm hoping we get more of the narrative for this opening chapter, but I'm confused why it wasn't in this one. I know it was for the shock value and getting the reader into it, but I kept expecting the plot and conflict to speed up the closer I got to the ending because nothing had happened for it yet. I'm just confused.
But moving on to things that did happen in this book.
Skye and her four love interests spent the majority of the book hating each other's guts and not trusting anyone. I get it, the engagement of Skye's mom and Dylan's dad came out of nowhere and Dylan's friends were just following his lead, but I didn't feel any sort of romantic feelings between anyone. This would be labeled enemies-to-lovers because it did hate to love very well. But I was promised bullying from the guys and her fighting back against them, but I didn't get it. They make her a social pariah, but they don't do anything outwardly mean to her that wasn't consented to in spicy time. And she's got a mouth on her, but the only physical fighting back she does is one time after she's attacked.
The actual relationship between Skye and the guys doesn't even happen until 75% of the way through the book technically. Skye sleeps with Dylan in the second chapter, but that's before she knows who he really is. You know, a one-time thing as strangers gets real awkward when you find out your parents are getting married. And because Dylan had her, she was off-limits to the other guys for most of the book. Until they decide to share cause they all want her and she wants all of them.
The characters were fine. I wish I had a lot more backstory for Skye cause she makes off-hand comments in her head or to the guys that seem strange or allude to more, but then we don't get it. The guys were much the same, and they try to come off as villainous and darker than they act sometimes, so it just feels strange. There was just no emotional connection for me as a reader to care about them or want their steamy romance to work.
Which reminds me...Because their spicy relationship doesn't happen until 75%, I thought there was a lack of spice to make it worthwhile to read. I was promised smut and kink in the synopsis but got relatively lackluster kink and limited smut scenes. There was edging and some toys and sharing, but that was pretty much it from what I can recall. Not exactly the kinkiest, smuttiest, wildest book I was promised.
But I'm interested in reading book two, which is a win. And that's why I'd rate it 3.75 stars at most. I can't give it 4 stars because I just didn't get everything I was promised from the synopsis or needed to make me connect to or love the romance of this. Plus there just wasn't enough outside plot conflict to make this an exhilarating read.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Ik denk dat ik vanaf nu in mijn dark academia era zit... ( Die van Why choose en enemies to lovers kom ik al niet meer uit) Dit boek!?! Ik had echt moeite met hem wegleggen zo fijn las deze weg!
Het was mijn eerste kennismaking met het werk van deze schrijfsters maar ik kan niet wachten tot de rest van de serie vertaald word, want volgens mij kunnen we nog heel wat avonturen gaan beleven met dit groepje personages. De schrijfstijl is vlot, heel beeldend en vol emotie geschreven. Je kan als lezer niet merken dat dit door twee schrijfsters is geschreven vond ik. De opbouw en spanning in het verhaal zitten erg mooi door de verhaallijn heen, hierdoor blijf je als lezer geboeid en wil je gewoon door! De spice was chef's kiss! Echt de dynamiek tussen de personages, de ruimte die ieder krijgt zonder het te veel te laten zijn. Ik kon er geen genoeg van krijgen!
Sky is een pittige tante die niet op haar mondje gevallen is! En ik hou ervan als de FMC van het verhaal gewoon weet wat ze wil en hiervoor durft te staan! Ik ben echt heel benieuwd hoe zij zich nog verder gaat ontwikkelen in de rest van de serie.
En dan de mannen... Dylan, Colton, Phoenix en Maverick.. even een vraagje eh, waar kan ik deze of gelijke exemplaren vinden? 🫠 Elk hun eigen persoonlijkheid, gruwelijk knap en alpha-males. Ik kan nog wel even doorgaan maar het is beter om het boek zelf te lezen, geloof me 😏
De cliffhanger op het einde doet me alleen maar hopen dat deel twee heeel snel volgt! Ik ben nog lang niet klaar om afscheid te nemen van deze serie!
Stephanie Mol heel erg bedankt voor het ARC-exemplaar om te lezen en recenseren.
Het was mijn eerste kennismaking met het werk van deze schrijfsters maar ik kan niet wachten tot de rest van de serie vertaald word, want volgens mij kunnen we nog heel wat avonturen gaan beleven met dit groepje personages. De schrijfstijl is vlot, heel beeldend en vol emotie geschreven. Je kan als lezer niet merken dat dit door twee schrijfsters is geschreven vond ik. De opbouw en spanning in het verhaal zitten erg mooi door de verhaallijn heen, hierdoor blijf je als lezer geboeid en wil je gewoon door! De spice was chef's kiss! Echt de dynamiek tussen de personages, de ruimte die ieder krijgt zonder het te veel te laten zijn. Ik kon er geen genoeg van krijgen!
Sky is een pittige tante die niet op haar mondje gevallen is! En ik hou ervan als de FMC van het verhaal gewoon weet wat ze wil en hiervoor durft te staan! Ik ben echt heel benieuwd hoe zij zich nog verder gaat ontwikkelen in de rest van de serie.
En dan de mannen... Dylan, Colton, Phoenix en Maverick.. even een vraagje eh, waar kan ik deze of gelijke exemplaren vinden? 🫠 Elk hun eigen persoonlijkheid, gruwelijk knap en alpha-males. Ik kan nog wel even doorgaan maar het is beter om het boek zelf te lezen, geloof me 😏
De cliffhanger op het einde doet me alleen maar hopen dat deel twee heeel snel volgt! Ik ben nog lang niet klaar om afscheid te nemen van deze serie!
Stephanie Mol heel erg bedankt voor het ARC-exemplaar om te lezen en recenseren.
August 14, 2023
to start this review off, i’d like to say that i have many mixed emotions about this story as it is an introductory to the series.
in my eyes, this book was a slow-burn type of story. there was loads of plot, some conflicts, and one hell of a cliff hanger (kinda) at the end which makes this story decently okay.
was this story good? i’d say so
would i reread it? probably not
in all honestly, i don’t really care for any of the characters because i find that they lack more personality (and that goes for all of them, not just one.) i find it crazy saying that because as i mentioned above, there was SO much plot to the point that it even made the smut seem almost irrelevant but it’s true.
i think if the characters had more depth and personality along with more POV’s from their sides that show more about them, their pasts, and who they are, oh and also more smut (oops) i’d possibly rate this book a bit higher than a plain 3 stars.
all in all, i’m hesitant and debating on whether or not i want to add the second book in this series to my tbr considering i still have many mixed feelings about this, but i’ll add it for now and see if i ever get around to it.
in my eyes, this book was a slow-burn type of story. there was loads of plot, some conflicts, and one hell of a cliff hanger (kinda) at the end which makes this story decently okay.
was this story good? i’d say so
would i reread it? probably not
in all honestly, i don’t really care for any of the characters because i find that they lack more personality (and that goes for all of them, not just one.) i find it crazy saying that because as i mentioned above, there was SO much plot to the point that it even made the smut seem almost irrelevant but it’s true.
i think if the characters had more depth and personality along with more POV’s from their sides that show more about them, their pasts, and who they are, oh and also more smut (oops) i’d possibly rate this book a bit higher than a plain 3 stars.
all in all, i’m hesitant and debating on whether or not i want to add the second book in this series to my tbr considering i still have many mixed feelings about this, but i’ll add it for now and see if i ever get around to it.
October 5, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Een leuke quick paced read.
Skye verhuisd naar een nieuwe stad nadat haar moeder gaat trouwen met een blijkbaar beruchte maffiabaas.
Ze komt al snel in contact met Dylan de zoon van maffiabaas Damian, waar haar moeder mee verloofd is.
Dylan heeft samen met zijn vrienden de opdracht gekregen om Skye veilig te houden. Dit doen ze door Skye volledig te isoleren van alle mensen op school. Elke leerling heeft instructies gekregen om niet met Skye te communiceren.
Al snel maakt Skye toch een vriendin Ava die haar kamergenoot blijkt te zijn.
Skye beschermen blijkt niet de makkelijkste taak aangezien ze meermaals bedreigd wordt door een onbekende factor.
Hierdoor wordt Skye gedwongen om samen te gaan wonen onder een dak met Dylan en zijn vrienden zodat zij haar beter veilig kunnen houden. Dit zorgt al snel voor bijzondere relaties tussen hem vijven.
Het boek eindigt met een cliffhanger en ik kijk zeker uit naar het volgende deel!
Dit boek is aan de raden als je houdt van een klein beetje dark romance, reverse harem en maffia.
Een leuke quick paced read.
Skye verhuisd naar een nieuwe stad nadat haar moeder gaat trouwen met een blijkbaar beruchte maffiabaas.
Ze komt al snel in contact met Dylan de zoon van maffiabaas Damian, waar haar moeder mee verloofd is.
Dylan heeft samen met zijn vrienden de opdracht gekregen om Skye veilig te houden. Dit doen ze door Skye volledig te isoleren van alle mensen op school. Elke leerling heeft instructies gekregen om niet met Skye te communiceren.
Al snel maakt Skye toch een vriendin Ava die haar kamergenoot blijkt te zijn.
Skye beschermen blijkt niet de makkelijkste taak aangezien ze meermaals bedreigd wordt door een onbekende factor.
Hierdoor wordt Skye gedwongen om samen te gaan wonen onder een dak met Dylan en zijn vrienden zodat zij haar beter veilig kunnen houden. Dit zorgt al snel voor bijzondere relaties tussen hem vijven.
Het boek eindigt met een cliffhanger en ik kijk zeker uit naar het volgende deel!
Dit boek is aan de raden als je houdt van een klein beetje dark romance, reverse harem en maffia.
November 26, 2025
Twijfelde tussen 4 en 5 omdat ik het eigenlijk een 4,5⭐️ waard vond.
Ik vond het een erg goed boek, het werd alleen op het eind erg klef (niks nieuws uiteraard) maar ugh.
De ‘plottwist’ op het eind maakt me benieuwd naar de volgende boeken, vooral omdat de proloog (die spannend was) niet in dit boek voorkwam en dus nog moet komen🙌🏼
Ik vond het een erg goed boek, het werd alleen op het eind erg klef (niks nieuws uiteraard) maar ugh.
De ‘plottwist’ op het eind maakt me benieuwd naar de volgende boeken, vooral omdat de proloog (die spannend was) niet in dit boek voorkwam en dus nog moet komen🙌🏼
March 20, 2023
This is my first time reading Charlie Jules, but I know Stacy Stone, and omg, this book was amazing. This book hit the spot for an academy book, mafia, stepbrother bully romance. The tension is thick, and there is so much happening. Skye is heading to a new college now that her mom is engaged and she is to meet her stepbrother. Well, things do not start off on a good foot for Dylan and Skye. This book is a Whychoose, and the guys in the house with Dylan are all liking Skye. Im so loving Mav, and Phx. This book has major secrets, and I can't wait to find out more after that cliffhanger.
October 15, 2025
Zeer goed boek!!
Je kan zo ontsnappen naar dit verhaal en meeleven met Skye.
Ontspannend om te lezen, hoewel er met momenten veel spanning in het verhaal zit met onder andere bedreigingen. Maar je weet dat je zoiets kan verwachten als het met maffia te maken heeft.
En met een verrassende plot op het einde, zodat je direct wil verder lezen in deel 2. Nu nog even wachten tot het uitkomt.
Je kan zo ontsnappen naar dit verhaal en meeleven met Skye.
Ontspannend om te lezen, hoewel er met momenten veel spanning in het verhaal zit met onder andere bedreigingen. Maar je weet dat je zoiets kan verwachten als het met maffia te maken heeft.
En met een verrassende plot op het einde, zodat je direct wil verder lezen in deel 2. Nu nog even wachten tot het uitkomt.
March 15, 2023
I'm always a little hesitant with college based bully romance/enemies to lovers. This trope tends to be done badly and repetitively in my reading experience. But my hesitation was short lived. This book dives straight into the action with heat from almost the very start (I will warn you there is a big gap until things get steamy again- soooooooo worth the wait!) And while this book is titled Dylan it is really all about our FMC, Skye, and all 4 of her male leads.
Dylan is the boss of this group of college based mafia guys. Their boss is Dylan's Dad and he is about to marry Skye's Mum (so there is a light touch of almost stepsiblings). There is an undercurrent of organised crime and the Family (with a capital F). It is a dark and threatening story with hidden motives and interplays with power, secrets, trust and lies. Skye is sparky and not afraid of these men and their menacing reputations. She has one heated anonymous encounter with a hot stranger and then things go to pieces for her.
What I loved about this story is that the enemies/bully part is short lived. It is the motivation for the story to begin with. But in reality Dylan, Maverick, Phoenix and Colton fall fast and hard for Skye. The looks, the flirting, the touches, the chemistry all make a dark and delicious blend of dark romance. And another element I loved is that the four do not go in with a plan to share. This is a compromise which they have to work out. It feels like an experimentation for all 5 and some cope better than others with the adjustment. And together (in any female centre combo) they are fire.
Warning: this ends on a cliffhanger. And dont forget the words of the prologue. You are getting an insight into what is to come and the story will get darker and more complex with what is to come.
Absolutely addictive and unputdownable 5 star why choose romance.
Dylan is the boss of this group of college based mafia guys. Their boss is Dylan's Dad and he is about to marry Skye's Mum (so there is a light touch of almost stepsiblings). There is an undercurrent of organised crime and the Family (with a capital F). It is a dark and threatening story with hidden motives and interplays with power, secrets, trust and lies. Skye is sparky and not afraid of these men and their menacing reputations. She has one heated anonymous encounter with a hot stranger and then things go to pieces for her.
What I loved about this story is that the enemies/bully part is short lived. It is the motivation for the story to begin with. But in reality Dylan, Maverick, Phoenix and Colton fall fast and hard for Skye. The looks, the flirting, the touches, the chemistry all make a dark and delicious blend of dark romance. And another element I loved is that the four do not go in with a plan to share. This is a compromise which they have to work out. It feels like an experimentation for all 5 and some cope better than others with the adjustment. And together (in any female centre combo) they are fire.
Warning: this ends on a cliffhanger. And dont forget the words of the prologue. You are getting an insight into what is to come and the story will get darker and more complex with what is to come.
Absolutely addictive and unputdownable 5 star why choose romance.
December 14, 2023
The story lost its steam very quickly and the last 1/3 of the book was boring.
I don't get how Skye who is mistrustful of everybody would jump the bones of a perfect stranger on her first day of school. I also think this added nothing, I excepted way more tension and confrontation but they all seem to get along too fast.
The book suffered from too many time jumps. Weeks went by and no relationship development were introduced. Even more frustrating is how Phoenix mentions that they all individually had their own relationship with Skye but we saw non of it. It was a telling and showing.
The RH was forced. The guys weren't interesting in sharing but then Phoenix show them some RH porno and then boom we get Skye's inner thoughts about how she always wanted a RH and they all agree?! Nah.
I also didn't like how some infos were kept from the reader and then mentioned way too late (Poppy).
It was clear from the beginning that Damian was the bad guy and the 4 guys are his puppets. It's kinda silly to watch them run all around the city in circles because he says so and they never have the single suspicion about him.
The book could have do with more secondary characters. Ava was barely there. I guess the 3 fiançées will make an appearance.
I don't know how the authors stretched the plot in 3 more books but we'll see if it gets better.
I don't get how Skye who is mistrustful of everybody would jump the bones of a perfect stranger on her first day of school. I also think this added nothing, I excepted way more tension and confrontation but they all seem to get along too fast.
The book suffered from too many time jumps. Weeks went by and no relationship development were introduced. Even more frustrating is how Phoenix mentions that they all individually had their own relationship with Skye but we saw non of it. It was a telling and showing.
The RH was forced. The guys weren't interesting in sharing but then Phoenix show them some RH porno and then boom we get Skye's inner thoughts about how she always wanted a RH and they all agree?! Nah.
I also didn't like how some infos were kept from the reader and then mentioned way too late (Poppy).
It was clear from the beginning that Damian was the bad guy and the 4 guys are his puppets. It's kinda silly to watch them run all around the city in circles because he says so and they never have the single suspicion about him.
The book could have do with more secondary characters. Ava was barely there. I guess the 3 fiançées will make an appearance.
I don't know how the authors stretched the plot in 3 more books but we'll see if it gets better.
March 22, 2023
Although Charlie Jules is a brand new author to me , Stacy Stone is definitely not . In fact she happens to be one of my very favorite authors so of course signing up for this arc was a no brainer . Dylan is a must read for anyone who is a fan of dark college romances , stepbrother romances why choose academy themed romances , mafia , bully / enemies to lovers and forced proximity. I’m really not sure there are any perfect words to express all the reasons I just simply adored every single moment of this amazing book - and I do mean that in the best way possible. Dylan , Skye Mav and Phoenix are some of the most captivating, unique and multi layered characters I’ve met in such a long time , the more I learned about them the more I wanted to know . And trust me their journey is far from easy , it’s filled with intrigue, suspense, steam , angst , dark , raw , gritty and emotionally charged moments, twists and turns , passion , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, family , friendships , obstacles, drama , non stop action, a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat , that will leave you utterly speechless, that will have you crying your eyes out and rooting so freaking hard . In short it’s a emotional rollercoaster. It’s unforgettable, unputdownable and a must read
March 8, 2023
First let me just say HOOLLLYYYYSHHEEIIITTTTTT. I am completely speechless after that cliffhanger. Dear lord. I seen something happening, I just didn’t expect it to be that!
🥹🥹🥹
Secondly …. Skye is amazing. She’s strong, and has obviously been through a lot in the past that we don’t really know about yet. Her mother seemed to be meek and just going along with whatever Dylan’s dad wanted. I kept trying to figure out why. Well Until the end. 😫😫😫
All the guys are amazing , even if they had a rocky start… well her and Dylan at least. I’m sad for Skye at the wnd because she cares for these guys , and I know they care for her. But their birthrights are their life. And what they have been raised to do since they were born ….. so choosing her over it …. Idk 🤷♀️ plus The lies and and secrets they keep aren’t going to help once she finds out about the other things i Imagine .
All in All I loved this book. The men, the fmc , it’s really good so far and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book .
🥹🥹🥹
Secondly …. Skye is amazing. She’s strong, and has obviously been through a lot in the past that we don’t really know about yet. Her mother seemed to be meek and just going along with whatever Dylan’s dad wanted. I kept trying to figure out why. Well Until the end. 😫😫😫
All the guys are amazing , even if they had a rocky start… well her and Dylan at least. I’m sad for Skye at the wnd because she cares for these guys , and I know they care for her. But their birthrights are their life. And what they have been raised to do since they were born ….. so choosing her over it …. Idk 🤷♀️ plus The lies and and secrets they keep aren’t going to help once she finds out about the other things i Imagine .
All in All I loved this book. The men, the fmc , it’s really good so far and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
I really did like this book. I feel like it had a lot of great things in it. I do also feel like it had a lot of moments in the book that nothing was really going on. There was no real plot progression till the end of this book. I did like the sex scenes.
I do wish there was a little bit more relationship progression outside of the sex scenes.
I also feel like some of the guys characters and personalities seem to be written very differently when they were in a relationship with her. Like Dylan, for example, I was literally scared of the guy in the beginning of the book, but in the relationship, he seemed like sweet and completely different.
I also get a weird feeling that Colton might have some feelings for Dylan, which I’m not completely happy about and it wasn’t hinted at in the description of this book. So I’m really hoping that that’s not the case.
And I hated the ending to be honest. I know that’s how these sort of series go, but I was kind of hoping it wouldn’t. I always like them to just stay together.
I do wish there was a little bit more relationship progression outside of the sex scenes.
I also feel like some of the guys characters and personalities seem to be written very differently when they were in a relationship with her. Like Dylan, for example, I was literally scared of the guy in the beginning of the book, but in the relationship, he seemed like sweet and completely different.
I also get a weird feeling that Colton might have some feelings for Dylan, which I’m not completely happy about and it wasn’t hinted at in the description of this book. So I’m really hoping that that’s not the case.
And I hated the ending to be honest. I know that’s how these sort of series go, but I was kind of hoping it wouldn’t. I always like them to just stay together.
March 12, 2023
OMG, this one was amazing! I was HOOKED from the begging, I fell in love with all the characters so quickly and the storyline kept me intrigued throughout the story!
It is nice to see a female lead who isn't a badass in a violent way, but one who keeps pushing through no matter what life throws at her. The lever of calmness Skye wears is admirable. The guys are a band of brothers, they are all quite different from each other, but their goal is always shared. Dylan, Colton, Nix and Maverick are powerful, dangerous, demanding, possessive and oh, so very hot!
The way they were with her... yumm!
Dylan is a dark mafia romance, the level of forbidden is high and so is the angst, and while there's a reveal here and there with some twists, we're still pretty much in the dark. I love that! It is why I can't wait for book number two, expecialy after that cliff!
It is nice to see a female lead who isn't a badass in a violent way, but one who keeps pushing through no matter what life throws at her. The lever of calmness Skye wears is admirable. The guys are a band of brothers, they are all quite different from each other, but their goal is always shared. Dylan, Colton, Nix and Maverick are powerful, dangerous, demanding, possessive and oh, so very hot!
The way they were with her... yumm!
Dylan is a dark mafia romance, the level of forbidden is high and so is the angst, and while there's a reveal here and there with some twists, we're still pretty much in the dark. I love that! It is why I can't wait for book number two, expecialy after that cliff!
March 14, 2023
So Skye lets talk about it she is a freaking baddie. I am so in love with her. She has spunk, she is strong and beautiful and will literally go toe to toe with Dylan and the guys and has no problem sticking up for herself. This book is filled to the brim with secrets, lies and betrayal but I have a feeling there is more than one game that is being played and we don’t know all the players yet. Skye is not a girl who just opens up freely and it has taken her a lot to let Dylan, Nix, Colton and Mav in so needless to say that ending kind of gutted me a bit and I am not only hurt I am angry enough for both me and Skye. This was a book that seriously had me from the Prologue and I couldn’t put it down. The spice and heat will melt your kindles to say the least. Skye and the guys are HOT HOT HOT!! I cannot wait to read the next book I wish I had that bad boy NOW!!!
February 24, 2024
NICE NICE NICE!!!!
Oh so good of a read! Charlie Jules & Stacy Stone are the Pooh!!! This was a good dark(ish) bully romance that I loved by these new to me authors!! A bit of a different take (honestly more realistic actually) on a RH novel with this being the 1st time this crew has shared a girl.
There is isolation of the h from the moment she steps on campus only to run into THE hottest man she’s ever seen! She decides on a quick hoop up as she’s waiting to meet her future step brother and low & behold…it turns out to be him!! They are both shocked & disgusted 🤢…or are they?
All in all a good read FULL of smütty McSmütterson yumminess! Hot hot hot! The real storyline is just getting started however and several bombs dropped at that dramatic cliffhanger. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
Oh so good of a read! Charlie Jules & Stacy Stone are the Pooh!!! This was a good dark(ish) bully romance that I loved by these new to me authors!! A bit of a different take (honestly more realistic actually) on a RH novel with this being the 1st time this crew has shared a girl.
There is isolation of the h from the moment she steps on campus only to run into THE hottest man she’s ever seen! She decides on a quick hoop up as she’s waiting to meet her future step brother and low & behold…it turns out to be him!! They are both shocked & disgusted 🤢…or are they?
All in all a good read FULL of smütty McSmütterson yumminess! Hot hot hot! The real storyline is just getting started however and several bombs dropped at that dramatic cliffhanger. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
August 19, 2025
ik mocht de nederlande editie al vast lezen.
ik heb genoten van dit boek. hou je dark why choose enemies to lovers met een badass fmc raad ik deze zeker aan.
Sky de fmc start op een nieuwe school nadat haar moeder verloofd is met een mafia Baas. het is de bedoeling dat zijn daar haar toekomstige stiefbroer en vrienden op zoekt, die zouden haar helpen.
de eerste ontmoeting met haar stiefbroer loopt anders als gedacht. ;)
meteen daarna zien de de 4 mannen haar als de vijand en proberen ze haar het leven zuur te maken op school.
Sky is niet op haar mondje gevallen of bang voor de jongens. ze heeft haar woordje klaar en zet ze op het plaats.
ik heb hard op gelachen als sky een weerwoord had tegen de jongens. geweldig.
en de spice 🔥 zo die was goed 🤭🔥🔥 ik kijk al uit naar de volgende delen 🥰
ik heb genoten van dit boek. hou je dark why choose enemies to lovers met een badass fmc raad ik deze zeker aan.
Sky de fmc start op een nieuwe school nadat haar moeder verloofd is met een mafia Baas. het is de bedoeling dat zijn daar haar toekomstige stiefbroer en vrienden op zoekt, die zouden haar helpen.
de eerste ontmoeting met haar stiefbroer loopt anders als gedacht. ;)
meteen daarna zien de de 4 mannen haar als de vijand en proberen ze haar het leven zuur te maken op school.
Sky is niet op haar mondje gevallen of bang voor de jongens. ze heeft haar woordje klaar en zet ze op het plaats.
ik heb hard op gelachen als sky een weerwoord had tegen de jongens. geweldig.
en de spice 🔥 zo die was goed 🤭🔥🔥 ik kijk al uit naar de volgende delen 🥰
March 10, 2023
"Just because I'm new to the dark doesn't mean I can't embrace it...."
This is a dark, forced proximity, stepbrother, why choose romance. Oh and it has Irish Mafia theme too! 😉😘 If you like sexy, demanding and dominant guys then Dylan, Colton, Nix and Maverick... will entertain you! 😁
Love the cover!!! 😍
The Prologue really captured my attention!!! 😈😲 It was a big dark lure...that reeled me into the dark world of Brooke Hollow Academy. And I wanted more...and this author duo delivered an impressive story. Plenty of mystery and steam. It does end in a Cliffhanger...
I look forward to the next book in this series.
*Please refer to Trigger Warning, as it does contain dark themes.*
Thank you to Midnight Readers Book Promotion, for providing me with this ARC.
This is a dark, forced proximity, stepbrother, why choose romance. Oh and it has Irish Mafia theme too! 😉😘 If you like sexy, demanding and dominant guys then Dylan, Colton, Nix and Maverick... will entertain you! 😁
Love the cover!!! 😍
The Prologue really captured my attention!!! 😈😲 It was a big dark lure...that reeled me into the dark world of Brooke Hollow Academy. And I wanted more...and this author duo delivered an impressive story. Plenty of mystery and steam. It does end in a Cliffhanger...
I look forward to the next book in this series.
*Please refer to Trigger Warning, as it does contain dark themes.*
Thank you to Midnight Readers Book Promotion, for providing me with this ARC.
March 20, 2023
Be prepared, this book ends in a cliffhanger!!! Skye is just your average girls, till her mom gets engaged to the towns main mafia man. Now her world is flipped upside down as she is thrown into their world and now attends a snobby university. Her soon to be step dad tells her to find his son and he will help her find her way around the new campus, only problem is she's never met him and has no idea what he looks like. After getting off on the wrong foot with Dylan, she gets put in exile from the whole school. She didn't think him and his three friends were going to be a huge nightmare, or is it. Next thing she knows she is forced to live in their house and having them walk around half naked. Maybe things aren't as bad as tmshe thought.
March 25, 2023
Reverse Harem is my favourite thing to read. This book was everything I could ask for in terms of storyline and the relationships with the guys.
Each of the guys have their own characters and are distinguishable which can sometimes be difficult in RH reads. I can’t wait for the next book to get to know them a little better.
The balance of plot and spice was perfect. The spice didn’t over power the plot and the storyline kept me entertained to the end.
The only thing I would say is that I would have liked a bit more of an insight into her relationship with each of the guys, it didn’t feel like I had a great understanding of why they were all suddenly into her but this might come in later books.
Overall this was a great read, easy to finish and I’m looking forward to the next!
Each of the guys have their own characters and are distinguishable which can sometimes be difficult in RH reads. I can’t wait for the next book to get to know them a little better.
The balance of plot and spice was perfect. The spice didn’t over power the plot and the storyline kept me entertained to the end.
The only thing I would say is that I would have liked a bit more of an insight into her relationship with each of the guys, it didn’t feel like I had a great understanding of why they were all suddenly into her but this might come in later books.
Overall this was a great read, easy to finish and I’m looking forward to the next!
May 30, 2023
I loved this book! It’s been quite a while since I have read a dark romance, especially a college age one but I am so glad I picked it up! I finished within a day because I was so hooked.l and moved into the next one immediately.
I loved all the characters and I cannot wait to get to Phoenix since he has become my quick favourite! Mav is still a mystery to me but I am warming to him. I think I screamed out loud when he finally decided to join in with the group!
I’ll be honest, I went in not knowing it was an RH and if I had I may not have picked it up since that’s not my thing BUT I think it was done really well and I’m glad I picked this book up.
If you’re a love of dark, college age, mafia romance then you must read this book!
I loved all the characters and I cannot wait to get to Phoenix since he has become my quick favourite! Mav is still a mystery to me but I am warming to him. I think I screamed out loud when he finally decided to join in with the group!
I’ll be honest, I went in not knowing it was an RH and if I had I may not have picked it up since that’s not my thing BUT I think it was done really well and I’m glad I picked this book up.
If you’re a love of dark, college age, mafia romance then you must read this book!
September 28, 2023
Who knew I needed forced proximity?
Well that was a blast. I got this book from ‘Stuff Your Kindle’ and boy, was that a hidden gem I never thought I’d pick. While it felt a bit instalove, I like how this book made me laugh so many times and swoon (I am now Phoenix’s #1 fan). I was hooked from the first chapter and I kept turning pages until there was nothing left and stuck with the decision to resubscribe to KU to read the next books. Only thing I want to change is a deeper connection to each of the boys since I think the most who got the love (not complaining cause he’s my fave) is Nix. I’m excited to see more connection with Maverick and the book ended in such a cliffhanger that I am rushing this review to read the next one. On to the next!
Well that was a blast. I got this book from ‘Stuff Your Kindle’ and boy, was that a hidden gem I never thought I’d pick. While it felt a bit instalove, I like how this book made me laugh so many times and swoon (I am now Phoenix’s #1 fan). I was hooked from the first chapter and I kept turning pages until there was nothing left and stuck with the decision to resubscribe to KU to read the next books. Only thing I want to change is a deeper connection to each of the boys since I think the most who got the love (not complaining cause he’s my fave) is Nix. I’m excited to see more connection with Maverick and the book ended in such a cliffhanger that I am rushing this review to read the next one. On to the next!
March 15, 2023
I can't begin to tell you how much I loved the beginning of the series, for me it was instalove!
Our FMC is a strong little thing with a lot of attitude and a very intriguing story, our Heroes are grumpy alpha jerks with an even better story.
This is a mix between mafia and college romance, with a very engaging storyline and a lot of sexy times. The mystery surrounding the characters is engaging and It took me like till 4am to put this book down lol
I do hate cliffhangers and having to wait for what's next sucks even when I found the cliffhanger plot kinda predictable so it's not a bad one, but still, waiting sucks! LOL
I can't wait for what's next!
4.5 stars!
Our FMC is a strong little thing with a lot of attitude and a very intriguing story, our Heroes are grumpy alpha jerks with an even better story.
This is a mix between mafia and college romance, with a very engaging storyline and a lot of sexy times. The mystery surrounding the characters is engaging and It took me like till 4am to put this book down lol
I do hate cliffhangers and having to wait for what's next sucks even when I found the cliffhanger plot kinda predictable so it's not a bad one, but still, waiting sucks! LOL
I can't wait for what's next!
4.5 stars!
March 20, 2023
Skye Love meets Blade unaware of who he is and vice versa. The pair are instantly attracted to each other and do the dirty deed. Then after their tryst they each find out who the other is. So that begins the addiction because from there is exile, tension, threats and hatred. She also meets the other guys/friends of Dylan aka Blade. She is tough and I absolutely love Ava, her ride or die friend. I was fully invested and can not wait for the next book because when Skye overhears the discussion about her and who she really is she is now on get out of dodge mode.
I received this ARC and my spoiler free review is volutntary
I received this ARC and my spoiler free review is volutntary
March 21, 2023
What can I say? It’s the first time reading anything from these authors but my goodness, I’m hooked. Dylan was such a great read, could not put it down. It’s an enemy to lovers, why choose bully romance and it’s just so so so so good. Skye is the badass H who doesn’t take any crap from anyone. She’s got a back bone and she’s not afraid to use it. Then there are the “brothers”. Dylan, Skye’s step brother and his friends Colton, Nix and Mav. I loved them. From the get go I liked their bond and I really really liked how protective they were of Skye later on in the book. This is book 1 in the series so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’m so keen for book 2.
March 25, 2023
Welcome to Brooke Hollow Academy and specifically the Boys of Brooke Hollow Academy 🥵
This is a phenomenal kick-start to a series. And i am allfrigginforit. The plot, the pace, the chemistry, the drama, the academy vibes gosh it has it all for me and it's mafia 😍
The multiple POV really enables you to connect with the characters and introducting the one and only Skye Love. I LOVE LOVE LOVE HER, her sassiness, character, vulnerabality and strength really make you connected with her.
This had me hooked and i cannot wait for book 2 in series!!
Can be STOP. PAUSE. BREATH. That motherfrigginending, that cliffy. My heart my actual heart aches from it😲 off to pick my jaw off the floor.
This is a phenomenal kick-start to a series. And i am allfrigginforit. The plot, the pace, the chemistry, the drama, the academy vibes gosh it has it all for me and it's mafia 😍
The multiple POV really enables you to connect with the characters and introducting the one and only Skye Love. I LOVE LOVE LOVE HER, her sassiness, character, vulnerabality and strength really make you connected with her.
This had me hooked and i cannot wait for book 2 in series!!
Can be STOP. PAUSE. BREATH. That motherfrigginending, that cliffy. My heart my actual heart aches from it😲 off to pick my jaw off the floor.
March 10, 2023
That wasn’t enough - I NEED more, I just wanna keep reading!
This pulls you in and hooks you from the beginning. It starts with a bang (super hot) and just keeps getting better throughout.
Skye is amazing. Super strong, but with a vulnerable side she tries to hide. I love her sass, she stands up to the men. And holy smokes are these men are something else. The dynamic between them all just works and love that communication is a big thing for them (so key)
So addictive and so excited for more! There is a cliffhanger.
This pulls you in and hooks you from the beginning. It starts with a bang (super hot) and just keeps getting better throughout.
Skye is amazing. Super strong, but with a vulnerable side she tries to hide. I love her sass, she stands up to the men. And holy smokes are these men are something else. The dynamic between them all just works and love that communication is a big thing for them (so key)
So addictive and so excited for more! There is a cliffhanger.
March 13, 2023
Totally in love with this one! I was hooked from the beginning! couldn’t put it down. Love each character, don’t think I can pick a favourite. Skye is a total badass, stands up for herself and knows exactly what she wants.
Each chapter is a perfect length, not too long or short. It’s has multiple povs which are done perfectly for a RH.
We start the book right off with the spice and still want to know all the stuff Dylan has in that drawer at the beginning 😉
The last 20% *chefs kiss* 😘😘😘
Really wishing the rest the series was out cause I would so eat it up right now! 😫
Each chapter is a perfect length, not too long or short. It’s has multiple povs which are done perfectly for a RH.
We start the book right off with the spice and still want to know all the stuff Dylan has in that drawer at the beginning 😉
The last 20% *chefs kiss* 😘😘😘
Really wishing the rest the series was out cause I would so eat it up right now! 😫
March 13, 2023
I was completely hooked page one. I absolutely fell in love with all the characters. Skye was fierce but also vulnerable and I absolutely adored her sass. The chemistry between her and the guys was fire. Skye, Dylan, Colton, Phoenix and Maverick all had amazing growth throughout. I really enjoyed how their relationship grew, that they weren’t already used to sharing. It was a nice change seeing a different side to it all. I seriously could not put this book down and the cliffhanger has me needing more!!
March 15, 2023
I loved this book and now I have withdrawal from it. FMC was nice mix of strong and vulnerability. She could think with brains when needed and wasn't stupidly stubborn "just because".
The relationship between the FMC and the MMCs developed kinda fast, but FMC has a different kind of relationships with each of the boys. I liked that they didn't immediately jump into polygamy. They thought about it first and were inexperienced in sex with multiple people at the same time.
Can't wait the next book in the series!
The relationship between the FMC and the MMCs developed kinda fast, but FMC has a different kind of relationships with each of the boys. I liked that they didn't immediately jump into polygamy. They thought about it first and were inexperienced in sex with multiple people at the same time.
Can't wait the next book in the series!
March 21, 2023
Addictive
I did not want to put this book down. Holy geez, this one is amazing. Dark romance, forced proximity, reverse harem, and you will want all of it. This book is so well written. The storyline is intriguing and keeps you guessing. There are five different POVs, which I LOVE. We learn the most about Skye and Dylan, but get insight into the rest of the crew as well. The cliffhanger, don’t get me started. Waiting for book two is going to be unbearable.
This is my first by either author and I will definitely be filling my TBR shelf with more from them.
I did not want to put this book down. Holy geez, this one is amazing. Dark romance, forced proximity, reverse harem, and you will want all of it. This book is so well written. The storyline is intriguing and keeps you guessing. There are five different POVs, which I LOVE. We learn the most about Skye and Dylan, but get insight into the rest of the crew as well. The cliffhanger, don’t get me started. Waiting for book two is going to be unbearable.
This is my first by either author and I will definitely be filling my TBR shelf with more from them.
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