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Wicked Falls Elite #5
Quiet Rage: A Dark Bully Romance
He promised me protection, but no one could protect me from him.
I don’t know why he hates me so much, but Kellen Arches has stopped at nothing to make my life at Wicked Falls a living hell. He torments me relentlessly until I finally give into his demands. I give up everything for him, but everything is still not enough. He wants more.
He wants the only thing I have left.
Me.
***Quiet Rage can be read as a standalone and comes with a HEA*
I don’t know why he hates me so much, but Kellen Arches has stopped at nothing to make my life at Wicked Falls a living hell. He torments me relentlessly until I finally give into his demands. I give up everything for him, but everything is still not enough. He wants more.
He wants the only thing I have left.
Me.
***Quiet Rage can be read as a standalone and comes with a HEA*
326 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2025
178 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
C. Hallman
132 books2,718 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 9, 2025
Unhinged, dangerous, raw, manipulative, aggressive bullying, intense pressure and just plain dark. If this appeals to you, then this DARK BULLY ROMANCE may be for you.
Again, HIGHLY recommend you check your triggers as this is filled with many, really dark ones.
This book was a quick read for me as the story kept me interested to see how it was going to play out. A happy ever after, (HEA) or not.
The storyline is twisted, dark, dirty and full of spiced up scenes. Many, not for the faint of heart.
In this book, the reader follows a young woman on her scholarship journey, while a bully becomes infatuate and stalks her. A bully who is trying to ruin her left and right, but not on his account. He is following strict orders from someone else. Someone who holds a lot of power.
The bullying and aggressive/demanding behaviour takes front row in this story, while many little side stories slip in, revealing the bigger picture overall.
Dual POV as they change within the chapters. The dialogue was realistic to modern times and the chapters ended well, slipping easily into the next.
I enjoyed this quick read, but CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS.
Again, HIGHLY recommend you check your triggers as this is filled with many, really dark ones.
This book was a quick read for me as the story kept me interested to see how it was going to play out. A happy ever after, (HEA) or not.
The storyline is twisted, dark, dirty and full of spiced up scenes. Many, not for the faint of heart.
In this book, the reader follows a young woman on her scholarship journey, while a bully becomes infatuate and stalks her. A bully who is trying to ruin her left and right, but not on his account. He is following strict orders from someone else. Someone who holds a lot of power.
The bullying and aggressive/demanding behaviour takes front row in this story, while many little side stories slip in, revealing the bigger picture overall.
Dual POV as they change within the chapters. The dialogue was realistic to modern times and the chapters ended well, slipping easily into the next.
I enjoyed this quick read, but CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS.
September 15, 2025
This was the first ever bully romance I’ve read, dare I say that it put me through a whirlwind of emotions? It absolutely did. The authors writing was just raw, I felt the FMC’s pain and vulnerability at a whole other level. She was a strong character, such a sweetheart and definitely didn’t deserve what she got for being born into her father’s depts.
I didn’t know if I’d like this MMC due to him having to destroy the FMC as his job. He was manipulative, aggressive and arrogant at first. BUT, I gave him a chance and I’m so glad that I did. Nothing excuses what he’s done in the past, he knows that and he turned out to be exceptional. His character growth was my favourite piece in this puzzle.
This book made my heart ache, made me cry and also put a smile on my face many times. I loved swooning over Kellen and Tamson’s. My most memorable moment included them “pretending” and binging Twilight together. Please check the trigger warnings before diving into this read, it could be heavy at times. If you’re looking for a dark bulky romance, this one is for you. I enjoyed this book so much, even more coming closer to 70%. Grab your copy today! Thank you to quirky and the author for a free copy of this book, I am voluntarily writing a review.
I didn’t know if I’d like this MMC due to him having to destroy the FMC as his job. He was manipulative, aggressive and arrogant at first. BUT, I gave him a chance and I’m so glad that I did. Nothing excuses what he’s done in the past, he knows that and he turned out to be exceptional. His character growth was my favourite piece in this puzzle.
This book made my heart ache, made me cry and also put a smile on my face many times. I loved swooning over Kellen and Tamson’s. My most memorable moment included them “pretending” and binging Twilight together. Please check the trigger warnings before diving into this read, it could be heavy at times. If you’re looking for a dark bulky romance, this one is for you. I enjoyed this book so much, even more coming closer to 70%. Grab your copy today! Thank you to quirky and the author for a free copy of this book, I am voluntarily writing a review.
September 3, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unhinged? Morally grey? You’ve come to the right place. Quiet Rage is the fifth installment of the Wicked Falls Elite series and it definitely lives up to its dark romance predecessors.
Kellan has always felt empty and apart from things despite having a large friends group. It’s hard not to when your own father makes you do despicable things under threat of killing you. His father owns The Archers Den, a less than reputable bar including a brothel and drugs. Kellan is forced to dole out “justice” to those who don’t pay back the money they owe his father. One of these people, Frank, is Tamson’s father.
Tamson is at Wicked Falls University on scholarship, she and Kellan only meet once before his father tells him to make her life so miserable that she drops out within a month, as her father still owes him. What Kellan proceeds to do, is truly unhinged and traumatizing.
Somehow, despite the circumstances, Kellan becomes obsessed with Tamson and wants more and more to protect her rather than hurt her. Tamson becomes attached to Kellan despite the drastic things he does because he also allows her to see different sides of him. Trust, however, is a different story.
So the questions become: will Kellan ever be able to get out from under his dad’s thumb and be able to go after what he wants? Will things change enough so that he can stop hurting Tamson even when he doesn’t want to? Will Tamson ever be able to trust Kellan and be with him? Quietly rage with the characters and find out! #darkromance #bully #morallygreymmc #bullying #stalkermmc #collegeromance #obsessedmmc
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unhinged? Morally grey? You’ve come to the right place. Quiet Rage is the fifth installment of the Wicked Falls Elite series and it definitely lives up to its dark romance predecessors.
Kellan has always felt empty and apart from things despite having a large friends group. It’s hard not to when your own father makes you do despicable things under threat of killing you. His father owns The Archers Den, a less than reputable bar including a brothel and drugs. Kellan is forced to dole out “justice” to those who don’t pay back the money they owe his father. One of these people, Frank, is Tamson’s father.
Tamson is at Wicked Falls University on scholarship, she and Kellan only meet once before his father tells him to make her life so miserable that she drops out within a month, as her father still owes him. What Kellan proceeds to do, is truly unhinged and traumatizing.
Somehow, despite the circumstances, Kellan becomes obsessed with Tamson and wants more and more to protect her rather than hurt her. Tamson becomes attached to Kellan despite the drastic things he does because he also allows her to see different sides of him. Trust, however, is a different story.
So the questions become: will Kellan ever be able to get out from under his dad’s thumb and be able to go after what he wants? Will things change enough so that he can stop hurting Tamson even when he doesn’t want to? Will Tamson ever be able to trust Kellan and be with him? Quietly rage with the characters and find out! #darkromance #bully #morallygreymmc #bullying #stalkermmc #collegeromance #obsessedmmc
September 5, 2025
From the very beginning this book caught me with how powerful and raw it was. Kellen was not a simple character at all, he was broken, cruel, dangerous, and yet there was so much depth in him that I couldn’t stop wanting to know more. Tamson was the real strength of the story, and I admired her resilience so much. Even when she was crushed or hurt, she never gave up completely. Together had a wild chemistry, magnetic, and filled with both tension and vulnerability. The writing was intense, and completely addictive. It was brutal and beautiful at the same time, and I loved every second of it. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
September 13, 2025
Unhinged? Yes. DARK? Yes. Emotionally gripping? Also yes.
This was definitely a DARK bully romance, and there were several high-tension moments. I would highly encourage you to check the trigger warnings before jumping in!
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ride it took me on. There were several times where I was both ENRAGED at yet felt so much empathy and sadness for Kellen. Never have I been so struck with a million warring emotions at the same time. There was a A LOT to unpack. Overall, I thought it was a great read, and I was very very glad that Kellen and Tamson got an HEA!
This was definitely a DARK bully romance, and there were several high-tension moments. I would highly encourage you to check the trigger warnings before jumping in!
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ride it took me on. There were several times where I was both ENRAGED at yet felt so much empathy and sadness for Kellen. Never have I been so struck with a million warring emotions at the same time. There was a A LOT to unpack. Overall, I thought it was a great read, and I was very very glad that Kellen and Tamson got an HEA!
September 11, 2025
This dark bully romance follows Tamson, a scholarship student, whose life spirals out of control when Kellen Archer, under his father’s cruel orders, makes it his mission to break her. What struck me most was the complexity of Kellen, morally grey, damaged, and torn between obedience and his growing obsession with Tamson. Their chemistry is raw, magnetic, and often unsettling, but it kept me hooked. This isn’t an easy read. It’s twisted, emotional, and full of heavy triggers, yet I couldn’t look away. If you enjoy dark, boundary-pushing romances with flawed characters, this one is unforgettable.
October 13, 2025
THIS WAS SO BAD OMFG.yk what im dropping little things from the book and im not putting a warning bc truly you guys need to read my review, dont read this book it’s just cruel.
this was the first time where it want a “bully romance” it was straight up torture bullying. i’ve never seen a BIGGER POS MMC IN MY LIFE he would do something so fucking despicable then be making excuse saying by telling himself yk what i actually didn’t want to hurt her so it’s not my fault???? and her bro she just made me sad she was so pathetic but sad i can’t believe i sat through all this. ALSO HE FULLY FUCKING R WORDED HER LIKE R U SERIOUS. i never thought i would say this because its heartbreaking but the perfect ending in this would’ve been him not saving her after her attempt bc he does absolutely nothing to make up for it. so fucking awful i liked the other books but the author was insane for this one and not in a good way. SAVE YOUR TIME DONT READ BC ITS PURE RAGE BAIT WITH A PATHETIC FMC WHO EXCUSES EVERYTHING AND GOD AWFUL MMC WHO TAKES 0 ACCOUNTABILITY AND WHEN HE STARTS TO HE JUST DOES SOMETHING EVEN WORSE.
edit- i was scrolling through the reviews and there was not a single other bad one??? they have to be bought bc truly this was bad. if they aren’t im sorry to the other reviewers but im concerned about who you are as a person
this was the first time where it want a “bully romance” it was straight up torture bullying. i’ve never seen a BIGGER POS MMC IN MY LIFE he would do something so fucking despicable then be making excuse saying by telling himself yk what i actually didn’t want to hurt her so it’s not my fault???? and her bro she just made me sad she was so pathetic but sad i can’t believe i sat through all this. ALSO HE FULLY FUCKING R WORDED HER LIKE R U SERIOUS. i never thought i would say this because its heartbreaking but the perfect ending in this would’ve been him not saving her after her attempt bc he does absolutely nothing to make up for it. so fucking awful i liked the other books but the author was insane for this one and not in a good way. SAVE YOUR TIME DONT READ BC ITS PURE RAGE BAIT WITH A PATHETIC FMC WHO EXCUSES EVERYTHING AND GOD AWFUL MMC WHO TAKES 0 ACCOUNTABILITY AND WHEN HE STARTS TO HE JUST DOES SOMETHING EVEN WORSE.
edit- i was scrolling through the reviews and there was not a single other bad one??? they have to be bought bc truly this was bad. if they aren’t im sorry to the other reviewers but im concerned about who you are as a person
September 9, 2025
It’s been a good minute since I read such an unhinged, unapologetic dark possessive bully romance! This book is top notch.
Possessive MMC who forces himself onto the FMC and an FMC who tries to be strong but ultimately ends up not being as strong as she thinks!
The build up to the drama, the jaw dropping moments and how you just adore the MMC bc deep down, you know he is a good guy.
I loved every second of this book!
My fav-
“Why can’t you find someone else…anyone else? My question only seems to irritate him further. “Because
I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”
Chefs kiss!
Possessive MMC who forces himself onto the FMC and an FMC who tries to be strong but ultimately ends up not being as strong as she thinks!
The build up to the drama, the jaw dropping moments and how you just adore the MMC bc deep down, you know he is a good guy.
I loved every second of this book!
My fav-
“Why can’t you find someone else…anyone else? My question only seems to irritate him further. “Because
I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”
Chefs kiss!
October 8, 2025
Quiet Rage can be read as a standalone and comes with a HEA. It’s the fifth and final installment in the Wicked Falls Elite Series. This is Kellen and Tamson story which is told from a dual point. A twisty and complex storyline is broken, scarred and damaged individuals and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat. An unputdownable and absorbing addicting read. Twisted. Dirty. Dark. Dangerous. Decadent. Compelling. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes that will have you gasping for air. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this mesmerizing mind-blowing rollercoaster ride filled with threats, attacks, bullying, lies, deception, deep dark hidden secrets, anger, hidden agendas, madness, darkness, angst, possessiveness, obsession, hurt and pain, resilience, push and pull, and drama.
A contemporary romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes romance, forced proximity romance, rags-to-riches romance, morally-grey antihero romance, dark romance, dark bully romance, billionaire romance, he-falls-first romance, protective alpha hero romance, college romance, size difference romance, virgin heroine romance, polar opposite attracts romance with death, suicide, Non-Con, Dub-Con, threats, attacks, redemption, forgiveness, love, heartbreak, acceptance, trauma, hatred, sadness, tragedy, guilt, revelations, survival, steam, tension, dirty talking, emotions, twists and turns, mystery, suspense, humiliation, sadness, manipulation, dominance, murder, revenge, consensual intense rough sex, retaliation, friendship, coercion, pawn, mental, emotional psychology, physical and verbal abuse, power and control, power play, friendship, healing, bloodshed, mystery and so much more.
Kellen Archer as had a rough upbringing riddle with abuse, trauma and cruelty at the hands of his evil, vile, nasty and despicable human being of a father. He's handsome, dangerous, muscular, dammaged, soulless and cold-hearted, because he had to be in order to survive with a father like his. He was groomed and then introduced to a world of darkness, criminal activities and violence and at the of sixteen when his father forced him into doing the unthinkable. He's also forced into being one of his father's enforcer instead of his son and failure on his part would result in his death at the hands of his father or another one of his other enforcers. None of Kellen is aware of the hell that he as been going and living in for the past several years of his life because he wears two mask, one in public and one for home. At night at his dad's bar Archer Den he's whole other demon where illegal activities takes place in the back.
Tamson Mills is a beautuful, smart, blonde hair blue-eyed scarred and broken beauty. She recently loss her big brother and protector. He was killed by a drive by incident which broke his irrevocably changed her entire family. Everyone is dealing with their grief in their own, but one thing for sure her parents as forgotten about their remaining living child and as completely neglect her. Although she's grieving the death of her brother Tamson as managed to secure a scholarship at Wick Falls University, an elite college for the wealthy. When her father learned of her scholarship it was the first time that he paid her any attention since the death of her brother because he was very proud of her. Tamson doesn't fit in with students at Wicked Falls University but she was going to work hard to get a good education that she so desperately needs.
Tamson dad is a gambler and as gotten himself in some deep trouble when he borrowed money from the wrong person. And when Kellen dad found out that they would be attending the same university he ordered him to make her life a living hell so that she would drop out of school. His dad as tried many times to get his money back from her dad beating brutally several times but was unsuccessful and that's when he sick his son on Tamson forcing him to do his dirty deeds as an example to her father. Although he's happy around his friends he's the only one that's not coupled up and in his heart of heart he longs to have the same type of happiness and love that they have with their significant other. Kellen and his friends did some unthinkable acts towards her and we see mean girl Tiana and her makes deviant girls also got in on the action of the bullying her and majority of the students at the school.
Tamson doesn't understand why she's being bullied because she doesn't know anyone at the school nor had beef with anyone. More he terrorize her he can't seems to stay away and became obsessed with her and started feeling unwanted feelings for her that he shouldn't feel. And when he gets her body and wasn't enough for him because he couldn't stop at her body he wanted all of her mind, body and soul. Kellen went from her tormentor and became her protector when his father wanted him to do the unthinkable against her. The author gave the reader a look into Kellen's background the struggle, the hardships and cruelty that he had to endure. They had to fight hard to get their HEA. Will they they get their HEA? Will Kellen finally choose himself and stand up against his dad regardless of the consequences? Will he finally get what his friends as with Tamson?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A contemporary romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes romance, forced proximity romance, rags-to-riches romance, morally-grey antihero romance, dark romance, dark bully romance, billionaire romance, he-falls-first romance, protective alpha hero romance, college romance, size difference romance, virgin heroine romance, polar opposite attracts romance with death, suicide, Non-Con, Dub-Con, threats, attacks, redemption, forgiveness, love, heartbreak, acceptance, trauma, hatred, sadness, tragedy, guilt, revelations, survival, steam, tension, dirty talking, emotions, twists and turns, mystery, suspense, humiliation, sadness, manipulation, dominance, murder, revenge, consensual intense rough sex, retaliation, friendship, coercion, pawn, mental, emotional psychology, physical and verbal abuse, power and control, power play, friendship, healing, bloodshed, mystery and so much more.
Kellen Archer as had a rough upbringing riddle with abuse, trauma and cruelty at the hands of his evil, vile, nasty and despicable human being of a father. He's handsome, dangerous, muscular, dammaged, soulless and cold-hearted, because he had to be in order to survive with a father like his. He was groomed and then introduced to a world of darkness, criminal activities and violence and at the of sixteen when his father forced him into doing the unthinkable. He's also forced into being one of his father's enforcer instead of his son and failure on his part would result in his death at the hands of his father or another one of his other enforcers. None of Kellen is aware of the hell that he as been going and living in for the past several years of his life because he wears two mask, one in public and one for home. At night at his dad's bar Archer Den he's whole other demon where illegal activities takes place in the back.
Tamson Mills is a beautuful, smart, blonde hair blue-eyed scarred and broken beauty. She recently loss her big brother and protector. He was killed by a drive by incident which broke his irrevocably changed her entire family. Everyone is dealing with their grief in their own, but one thing for sure her parents as forgotten about their remaining living child and as completely neglect her. Although she's grieving the death of her brother Tamson as managed to secure a scholarship at Wick Falls University, an elite college for the wealthy. When her father learned of her scholarship it was the first time that he paid her any attention since the death of her brother because he was very proud of her. Tamson doesn't fit in with students at Wicked Falls University but she was going to work hard to get a good education that she so desperately needs.
Tamson dad is a gambler and as gotten himself in some deep trouble when he borrowed money from the wrong person. And when Kellen dad found out that they would be attending the same university he ordered him to make her life a living hell so that she would drop out of school. His dad as tried many times to get his money back from her dad beating brutally several times but was unsuccessful and that's when he sick his son on Tamson forcing him to do his dirty deeds as an example to her father. Although he's happy around his friends he's the only one that's not coupled up and in his heart of heart he longs to have the same type of happiness and love that they have with their significant other. Kellen and his friends did some unthinkable acts towards her and we see mean girl Tiana and her makes deviant girls also got in on the action of the bullying her and majority of the students at the school.
Tamson doesn't understand why she's being bullied because she doesn't know anyone at the school nor had beef with anyone. More he terrorize her he can't seems to stay away and became obsessed with her and started feeling unwanted feelings for her that he shouldn't feel. And when he gets her body and wasn't enough for him because he couldn't stop at her body he wanted all of her mind, body and soul. Kellen went from her tormentor and became her protector when his father wanted him to do the unthinkable against her. The author gave the reader a look into Kellen's background the struggle, the hardships and cruelty that he had to endure. They had to fight hard to get their HEA. Will they they get their HEA? Will Kellen finally choose himself and stand up against his dad regardless of the consequences? Will he finally get what his friends as with Tamson?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2025
Read to me by Alexa
🌶️🌶️ - mostly for frequency. It’s not plentiful, which makes sense because the FMC is resisting the MMC. There are no kinks. Or no major kinks anyway. And most of the encounters between the MMC and the FMC are dub con/non-con. He does make sure she enjoys herself most of the time. But most of the encounters are coerced or forced.
I liked this book better than I liked book 1. And DNF’d book 2. So of the series this book was my favorite. And I feel like this book fixed some of the problems that I had with book 1 but it definitely still wasn’t anywhere near perfect.
✅ Bully romance
✅ n/con and d/con btwn the main couple
✅ talks her thru it
✅ touch her and perish or be seriously injured
✅ shy/ quiet FMC. Not exactly a doormat…. But she not the sassy / my whole personality is to be difficult kind of FMC either
The premise for this one is that Kellen is the son of a small time crime boss. And Tamson’s father owes money to said crime boss. Kellen somehow is a student and also an enforcer for his father. He is tasked with terrorizing Tamson as a way to try to get her father to come up with the money that he owes Kellen’s father. ( does this make sense? No, but I tolerated it mostly because Kellen even acknowledges that this does not make sense.) In the midst of terrorizing Tamson, Kellen falls for her, but of course, because he has been terrorizing her. She wants nothing to do with him….. hence the non-con/dub con that I first mentioned. Eventually, they do get their HEA. And Tamson puts up just enough resistance to make her not feel like a doormat, but not so much resistance that it’s annoying and distracting to the story.
My biggest gripe with this story was mostly that Tamson was pretty stupid at times. Also, some of the things that upset her didn’t really make sense in comparison to other things that she just kind of took on the chin.
So for example: Kellen has forced Tamson to give him a blow job and to jerk them off, and she has been terrorized by a girl in the school. …. After all of this, he tells her that she needs to drop out or things will get worse. Gratefully, she tells him how much worse can things get. Bring it on. The next thing he does is have some girls write demeaning words on her body and sharpie…… and THIS is what sends her over the edge. Make it make sense. Not being raped. Not being locked in a closet for a day. But harmful words and sharpie….
And there were a few more instances like that, where Kellen does something mean. And Tamson is surprised or can’t believe that he would do something like that when earlier in the book he had absolutely done something meaner. ….
Other than that, I honestly felt like the characters had chemistry. Which I know based on what I have written so far, it’s hard to imagine that these two characters could possibly have chemistry. But I promise that they do. Kellen is my kind of bad boy. He is genuinely pretty awful to Tamson. And while internally, he does try to make some half hearted excuses for his behavior. He also mostly recognizes that he is awful to her. And she has no real good reason to reciprocate the feelings that he begins to develop.
So if you are OK with a bully romance, that features n/con and d/con between the main couple. And the MMC does not grovel or truly apologize to redeem himself. But there is an HEA for the couple. Then this may be for you. You also need to be OK with the fact that the FMC is not going to be spicy or sassy or any of the other things that these authors often like to write for the FMC. She does not fight him much. I personally love this about her.
🌶️🌶️ - mostly for frequency. It’s not plentiful, which makes sense because the FMC is resisting the MMC. There are no kinks. Or no major kinks anyway. And most of the encounters between the MMC and the FMC are dub con/non-con. He does make sure she enjoys herself most of the time. But most of the encounters are coerced or forced.
I liked this book better than I liked book 1. And DNF’d book 2. So of the series this book was my favorite. And I feel like this book fixed some of the problems that I had with book 1 but it definitely still wasn’t anywhere near perfect.
✅ Bully romance
✅ n/con and d/con btwn the main couple
✅ talks her thru it
✅ touch her and perish or be seriously injured
✅ shy/ quiet FMC. Not exactly a doormat…. But she not the sassy / my whole personality is to be difficult kind of FMC either
The premise for this one is that Kellen is the son of a small time crime boss. And Tamson’s father owes money to said crime boss. Kellen somehow is a student and also an enforcer for his father. He is tasked with terrorizing Tamson as a way to try to get her father to come up with the money that he owes Kellen’s father. ( does this make sense? No, but I tolerated it mostly because Kellen even acknowledges that this does not make sense.) In the midst of terrorizing Tamson, Kellen falls for her, but of course, because he has been terrorizing her. She wants nothing to do with him….. hence the non-con/dub con that I first mentioned. Eventually, they do get their HEA. And Tamson puts up just enough resistance to make her not feel like a doormat, but not so much resistance that it’s annoying and distracting to the story.
My biggest gripe with this story was mostly that Tamson was pretty stupid at times. Also, some of the things that upset her didn’t really make sense in comparison to other things that she just kind of took on the chin.
So for example: Kellen has forced Tamson to give him a blow job and to jerk them off, and she has been terrorized by a girl in the school. …. After all of this, he tells her that she needs to drop out or things will get worse. Gratefully, she tells him how much worse can things get. Bring it on. The next thing he does is have some girls write demeaning words on her body and sharpie…… and THIS is what sends her over the edge. Make it make sense. Not being raped. Not being locked in a closet for a day. But harmful words and sharpie….
And there were a few more instances like that, where Kellen does something mean. And Tamson is surprised or can’t believe that he would do something like that when earlier in the book he had absolutely done something meaner. ….
Other than that, I honestly felt like the characters had chemistry. Which I know based on what I have written so far, it’s hard to imagine that these two characters could possibly have chemistry. But I promise that they do. Kellen is my kind of bad boy. He is genuinely pretty awful to Tamson. And while internally, he does try to make some half hearted excuses for his behavior. He also mostly recognizes that he is awful to her. And she has no real good reason to reciprocate the feelings that he begins to develop.
So if you are OK with a bully romance, that features n/con and d/con between the main couple. And the MMC does not grovel or truly apologize to redeem himself. But there is an HEA for the couple. Then this may be for you. You also need to be OK with the fact that the FMC is not going to be spicy or sassy or any of the other things that these authors often like to write for the FMC. She does not fight him much. I personally love this about her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
4 Stars!!! ★★★★!
➣Tropes
•Bully Romance
•Broken Hero
•Healing/Redemption
•Forced Proximity
•Your Mine
•College setting
•Mafia
•Size Difference
➣Blurb:
↣He promised me protection, but no one could protect me from him.
I don't know why he hates me so much, but Kellen Arches has stopped at nothing to make my life at Wicked Falls a living hell. He torments me relentlessly until I finally give into his demands. I give up everything for him, but everything is still not enough. He wants more.
He wants the only thing I have left.
➣My Review:
↣This is my first book from the author C. Hallman and omg! This book had me hooked from the starting page. Bully romances. Bully Dark Romance isn't the genre i have read before so it was my first time trying it and holy! And also i didn't know it was the fifth book in the standalone series!
In the story Our MMC Kellen who was ordered By his father to make our FMC Tamson's life hell Because her father owed his father Debt so Kellen Father wanted to get him through Tamson and Kellen does that cruelly and ruthlessly but he also end up getting obsessed with her.
I won't include much spoilers but i would say this book was dark yet intense and i absolutely Loved both our characters! Kellen was dark, Morally grey, broken and Tamson!! Our Determined and strong girl, Then Kellen's redemption like the way his character changed! There chemistry was electrifying! The way both of their story evolved! It had me glued to the pages!
Though i Do recommend you check the trigger warnings on this book before getting into it. There were some very dark topics and things in this book.
These are some of my fav lines from the book? Spoiler? Maybe?
“I know I’ve done terrible things to you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, but you have to believe me. I love you, and I will never, ever do anything again to hurt you. I swear I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you're happy and safe.” ⁻Kellen
"I care about you.. A lot" ⁻Kellen
"I thought we were done pretending" ⁻Tamson
"My feelings are real for you" ⁻Kellen
Why does she have to be so beautiful? I could spend hours watching her, and i have but it's not enough. I only want more.
If you love dark bully Romance that is intense And dark! And you love your MMC broken and Morally grey and who goes from "I hate you" to "Your Mine" Then i say you would love this book! But remember to check the TW!
Remember These are just my own opinion!
Thank you so much C. Hallman and QuirkyHeartsPr for the arc!
➣Tropes
•Bully Romance
•Broken Hero
•Healing/Redemption
•Forced Proximity
•Your Mine
•College setting
•Mafia
•Size Difference
➣Blurb:
↣He promised me protection, but no one could protect me from him.
I don't know why he hates me so much, but Kellen Arches has stopped at nothing to make my life at Wicked Falls a living hell. He torments me relentlessly until I finally give into his demands. I give up everything for him, but everything is still not enough. He wants more.
He wants the only thing I have left.
➣My Review:
↣This is my first book from the author C. Hallman and omg! This book had me hooked from the starting page. Bully romances. Bully Dark Romance isn't the genre i have read before so it was my first time trying it and holy! And also i didn't know it was the fifth book in the standalone series!
In the story Our MMC Kellen who was ordered By his father to make our FMC Tamson's life hell Because her father owed his father Debt so Kellen Father wanted to get him through Tamson and Kellen does that cruelly and ruthlessly but he also end up getting obsessed with her.
I won't include much spoilers but i would say this book was dark yet intense and i absolutely Loved both our characters! Kellen was dark, Morally grey, broken and Tamson!! Our Determined and strong girl, Then Kellen's redemption like the way his character changed! There chemistry was electrifying! The way both of their story evolved! It had me glued to the pages!
Though i Do recommend you check the trigger warnings on this book before getting into it. There were some very dark topics and things in this book.
These are some of my fav lines from the book? Spoiler? Maybe?
“I know I’ve done terrible things to you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, but you have to believe me. I love you, and I will never, ever do anything again to hurt you. I swear I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you're happy and safe.” ⁻Kellen
"I care about you.. A lot" ⁻Kellen
"I thought we were done pretending" ⁻Tamson
"My feelings are real for you" ⁻Kellen
Why does she have to be so beautiful? I could spend hours watching her, and i have but it's not enough. I only want more.
If you love dark bully Romance that is intense And dark! And you love your MMC broken and Morally grey and who goes from "I hate you" to "Your Mine" Then i say you would love this book! But remember to check the TW!
Remember These are just my own opinion!
Thank you so much C. Hallman and QuirkyHeartsPr for the arc!
September 12, 2025
Kellen's father (a cruel person) ordered him to make Tamson, who is also a student at Wicked Falls University, suffer for the debts her father owes. She's there on a scholarship and doesn't really fit in with the Elite kids at the school. Kellen takes his task seriously and definitely follows through - he was cruel and absolutely horrible to her. And sometimes he used other people to bully her instead of just himself. But as time went on, he began to see her for who she truly was, and his feelings started to get in the way.
Tamson was resilient and strong in her own way despite everything she had to endure. It's not just the bullying she has to put up with, but she's also fighting the loss of her brother, who was killed in a drive-by shooting. I hated Kellen for part of the book; I wanted to jump into the book and take Tamson away. He really was evil and cold, and I couldn't stand the girls who helped him.
Kellen started noticing that he wanted her around and that she made him feel something, but kept going back to needing to do what his father says. He even convinced himself that what he was doing wasn't his fault, as he had no choice. I was very frustrated that Tamson just kept giving in to him with zero push-back, or at least saying something. At the same time, Tamson found that she and Kellen connected on a deeper level, if only he wasn't the one making her suffer, as she knew she could never fully trust him.
Their story is heartbreaking, and the fight for their HEA is not easy, but they do eventually get there!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Kellen & Tamson
Nickname: Dragonfly
Darkness: 4 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Wicked Falls Elite Series- Quiet Rage: Book 5
Audiobook: n/a as of Sept 2025
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*Bully to Lovers
*Forced Relationship
*Emotional Manipulation
*Dub & Non-Con
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
Tamson was resilient and strong in her own way despite everything she had to endure. It's not just the bullying she has to put up with, but she's also fighting the loss of her brother, who was killed in a drive-by shooting. I hated Kellen for part of the book; I wanted to jump into the book and take Tamson away. He really was evil and cold, and I couldn't stand the girls who helped him.
Kellen started noticing that he wanted her around and that she made him feel something, but kept going back to needing to do what his father says. He even convinced himself that what he was doing wasn't his fault, as he had no choice. I was very frustrated that Tamson just kept giving in to him with zero push-back, or at least saying something. At the same time, Tamson found that she and Kellen connected on a deeper level, if only he wasn't the one making her suffer, as she knew she could never fully trust him.
Their story is heartbreaking, and the fight for their HEA is not easy, but they do eventually get there!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Kellen & Tamson
Nickname: Dragonfly
Darkness: 4 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Wicked Falls Elite Series- Quiet Rage: Book 5
Audiobook: n/a as of Sept 2025
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*Bully to Lovers
*Forced Relationship
*Emotional Manipulation
*Dub & Non-Con
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 12, 2025
Hmmm
This is definitely my least favourite of the series, I think it was possibly the most dark, I thought Briggs’s book was going to take that top spot but the kitchen scene in this actually broke my heart. I honestly didn’t want Tamson to end up with Kellen after that. It was too much. I think because it came so late in the book, after he had kind of turned things around, it just felt hideous. I think if he’d been gentler, more obvious in doing that to protect her I could have potentially forgiven. But that, coupled with how long they then spent apart, it just didn’t flow the same. Usually by the end of these books I’m feeling all mushy and loved up but I didn’t get that this time which was sad. I wanted to feel it, but I didn’t. My heart was too broken for Tamson and I kind of wanted more time after the horrific events for him to turn things around and it just didn’t work out like that so I didn’t fall for this book boyfriend.
I still really liked the book, it was really gritty compared to the others that felt a lot more soft and tame. This one I could say was actually a dark romance.
Tiana, god I loathe her, I’m glad her story ended the way it did. I almost thought that demon would never get any sort of repercussions. I wish she had worse to be perfectly honest.
A few parts of stories that didn’t round up-
We never know if carters dad saw through Elli’s mum, I guess I kind of expected them to split after she showed her true colours. We never know if Briggs dad was caught (that one really bugged me). Those things kind of got brushed aside. I could probably read like a short story set in a few years time to touch base with the characters and where they all ended up.
I really did love the series as a whole, I have my favourites and although this is my least favourite, that’s not to say it was a bad book. I didn’t ever consider dnf. I’ll definitely re-read these books one day and I’m off to finish the series that starts with “the bet” by the same author (I’ve also read the lock me out series which I couldn’t recommend more).
This is definitely my least favourite of the series, I think it was possibly the most dark, I thought Briggs’s book was going to take that top spot but the kitchen scene in this actually broke my heart. I honestly didn’t want Tamson to end up with Kellen after that. It was too much. I think because it came so late in the book, after he had kind of turned things around, it just felt hideous. I think if he’d been gentler, more obvious in doing that to protect her I could have potentially forgiven. But that, coupled with how long they then spent apart, it just didn’t flow the same. Usually by the end of these books I’m feeling all mushy and loved up but I didn’t get that this time which was sad. I wanted to feel it, but I didn’t. My heart was too broken for Tamson and I kind of wanted more time after the horrific events for him to turn things around and it just didn’t work out like that so I didn’t fall for this book boyfriend.
I still really liked the book, it was really gritty compared to the others that felt a lot more soft and tame. This one I could say was actually a dark romance.
Tiana, god I loathe her, I’m glad her story ended the way it did. I almost thought that demon would never get any sort of repercussions. I wish she had worse to be perfectly honest.
A few parts of stories that didn’t round up-
We never know if carters dad saw through Elli’s mum, I guess I kind of expected them to split after she showed her true colours. We never know if Briggs dad was caught (that one really bugged me). Those things kind of got brushed aside. I could probably read like a short story set in a few years time to touch base with the characters and where they all ended up.
I really did love the series as a whole, I have my favourites and although this is my least favourite, that’s not to say it was a bad book. I didn’t ever consider dnf. I’ll definitely re-read these books one day and I’m off to finish the series that starts with “the bet” by the same author (I’ve also read the lock me out series which I couldn’t recommend more).
August 27, 2025
Quiet Rage is not for the faint of heart—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. C. Hallman delivers another intense, gritty, and unapologetically dark romance that blurs the lines between love and hate, torment and desire, pain and redemption.
🖤Forced Relationship
🩶Size Difference
🖤Dark Romance
🩶Forced Proximity
🖤NonCon
🩶Bully
🖤Mafia-adjacent
“He promised me protection, but no one could protect me from him.”
Tamson and Kellen’s story is heavy, brutal at times, and woven with themes that demand a content warning. Readers should be aware: this book features dubious/non-consensual sexual activity, bullying, emotional manipulation, and forced proximity. It will push your boundaries and possibly break your heart more than once.
Kellen Arches is not your typical hero—he’s ordered by his father to make Tamson suffer for debts her family owes, and he carries out that cruelty in ways that are chilling and ruthless. Whether directly or through others, the torment Tamson endures is devastating and may be triggering for many readers. Yet, in true C. Hallman fashion, this villain slowly unravels into something more—something deeply flawed, but ultimately redeemable.
Tamson’s strength is the anchor of this story. Even at her lowest, her resilience shines through, and it’s her capacity to endure, forgive, and ultimately love that makes this romance work. Watching these two broken characters find their way to a hard-earned HEA is both harrowing and strangely beautiful.
For fans of dark, boundary-pushing romance, Quiet Rage delivers exactly what you’d expect from Hallman: passion, intensity, and a redemption arc that makes the chaos worthwhile. But proceed with caution—this is a story that hurts before it heals.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion 🖤
🖤Forced Relationship
🩶Size Difference
🖤Dark Romance
🩶Forced Proximity
🖤NonCon
🩶Bully
🖤Mafia-adjacent
“He promised me protection, but no one could protect me from him.”
Tamson and Kellen’s story is heavy, brutal at times, and woven with themes that demand a content warning. Readers should be aware: this book features dubious/non-consensual sexual activity, bullying, emotional manipulation, and forced proximity. It will push your boundaries and possibly break your heart more than once.
Kellen Arches is not your typical hero—he’s ordered by his father to make Tamson suffer for debts her family owes, and he carries out that cruelty in ways that are chilling and ruthless. Whether directly or through others, the torment Tamson endures is devastating and may be triggering for many readers. Yet, in true C. Hallman fashion, this villain slowly unravels into something more—something deeply flawed, but ultimately redeemable.
Tamson’s strength is the anchor of this story. Even at her lowest, her resilience shines through, and it’s her capacity to endure, forgive, and ultimately love that makes this romance work. Watching these two broken characters find their way to a hard-earned HEA is both harrowing and strangely beautiful.
For fans of dark, boundary-pushing romance, Quiet Rage delivers exactly what you’d expect from Hallman: passion, intensity, and a redemption arc that makes the chaos worthwhile. But proceed with caution—this is a story that hurts before it heals.
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion 🖤
September 12, 2025
Quiet rage is the final book in The Wicked Falls Elite series. In this story, Tamson is just trying to survive her classes on a scholarship. She works at a convenience shop her parents own, but she doesn’t know that her father has money problems. The day she meets Kellen Archer, her life changes. All of a sudden she’s getting bullied by the queen bee and her minions. Everyone else is laughing at rumors being spread about her. She has a kind heart, but she won’t take anything lying down even if that means taking Kellen head on. The bad thing is she’s attracted to him. Anytime she’s near him, she forgets she’s angry with him. Will he break her or will she break him?
Kellen archer works for his father, his task is to handle men with money issues. when his father tells them he has to harass Tamson from his school, he enlist the help of the biggest bully and he followers. All he knows is that he has to humiliate her in order to get to her father. He notices that she is not afraid of him and becomes intrigued by her. He realizes he doesn’t want to torture her. He just wants her. So he will do anything it takes for her to give him a chance. Will he succeed?
C. Hallman wrecked my heart with this one. I felt so bad for Tamson. All she wanted to do is go to school and stay under the radar. Instead, not only did Kellen put a target on her back, but he also shined a spotlight on her. He frustrated me like crazy because he could be so cruel and mean in one moment, then sweet and tender in another. I thought I was never gonna like him, but then he would do nice things for her. It was really cool to see all the guys back together. I’ve mainly loved the friendships between all the girls and all the guys throughout the series. I love how no matter how much they joked around, they were always there for each other. That epilogue was a great way to end the series.
Kellen archer works for his father, his task is to handle men with money issues. when his father tells them he has to harass Tamson from his school, he enlist the help of the biggest bully and he followers. All he knows is that he has to humiliate her in order to get to her father. He notices that she is not afraid of him and becomes intrigued by her. He realizes he doesn’t want to torture her. He just wants her. So he will do anything it takes for her to give him a chance. Will he succeed?
C. Hallman wrecked my heart with this one. I felt so bad for Tamson. All she wanted to do is go to school and stay under the radar. Instead, not only did Kellen put a target on her back, but he also shined a spotlight on her. He frustrated me like crazy because he could be so cruel and mean in one moment, then sweet and tender in another. I thought I was never gonna like him, but then he would do nice things for her. It was really cool to see all the guys back together. I’ve mainly loved the friendships between all the girls and all the guys throughout the series. I love how no matter how much they joked around, they were always there for each other. That epilogue was a great way to end the series.
September 17, 2025
I became a dark romance fan after reading the book Phantasma. This was an arc I signed up to read and it won't was worth it. I never imagine a bully would get a love story and a happy ending. Kellen became a character I couldn't stand in the beginning, I get he a terrible childhood and his father had complete over his for everything but I can't believe it brought him joy at times when brought others pain and tears. Tameson was a girl needed all the love and comfort in the world. She lost her brother and then starting a college where she ends up being a target of bullying. Its really sad their father has a bad gambling problem and then ends up oweing alot of money where it becames a dangerous situation for the family. When Kellen's father is the one that Tamson's father is the one that owes him money then I got a bigger picture of the story. He has Kellen go after Tamson in school, make her miserable to the point so she would quit school. I couldn't believe he a group of three doing the job for him in school. It makes me remember what bullying was like in school. I remember in middle school where I had 3 girls who bullied me in gym class to the point where I didn't want to go back to school but luckily I able to go to a better school after. I didn't like how Kellen treated Tamson at all but I did see that he truly was falling for her. I misjudged him. Kellen did the right thing by the end by letting her go to a different town to start over and murdering his father. For the trauma from both their past, they deserved a happy life. I was happier when they made their way back to each other.
September 7, 2025
This was my first C. Hallman, read as an ARC through Quirky Heart PR, and I absolutely loved it as a bully romance.
Kellen is our MMC and Tamson is the FMC. Tamson is the quiet, scholarship girl who just wants to survive her time at Wicked Falls University—until Kellen decides to make her life miserable. Under orders from his father, he’s supposed to push Tamson out of school. Her dad owes a debt, and since she’s his pride and joy, Kellen’s dad wants to destroy him through her.
Unfortunately for Tamson, Kellen’s torment quickly turns into obsession, and the more he breaks her down, the more determined he is to claim her. Obsessive, toxic, and possessive—exactly what I want from a bully romance.
I flew through this book. Kellen is a deep, morally grey character—hot, complicated, and impossible to look away from. I loved his character development throughout, but I wish we’d seen more of his softer side toward Tamson. That balance would have made their overall relationship more convincing. I also wanted a bit more depth to Tamson’s character.
⚠️ Definitely check out trigger warnings before diving in. This isn’t just your typical bully romance—there are heavier themes and darker moments beyond the MMC’s treatment of the FMC.
I didn’t realize this was part of an interconnected standalone series, but now I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the Wicked Falls Elite books.
If you love bully romances with obsessed MMCs who go from “I hate you” to “you’re mine now,” you’ll want to pick this one up.
Kellen is our MMC and Tamson is the FMC. Tamson is the quiet, scholarship girl who just wants to survive her time at Wicked Falls University—until Kellen decides to make her life miserable. Under orders from his father, he’s supposed to push Tamson out of school. Her dad owes a debt, and since she’s his pride and joy, Kellen’s dad wants to destroy him through her.
Unfortunately for Tamson, Kellen’s torment quickly turns into obsession, and the more he breaks her down, the more determined he is to claim her. Obsessive, toxic, and possessive—exactly what I want from a bully romance.
I flew through this book. Kellen is a deep, morally grey character—hot, complicated, and impossible to look away from. I loved his character development throughout, but I wish we’d seen more of his softer side toward Tamson. That balance would have made their overall relationship more convincing. I also wanted a bit more depth to Tamson’s character.
⚠️ Definitely check out trigger warnings before diving in. This isn’t just your typical bully romance—there are heavier themes and darker moments beyond the MMC’s treatment of the FMC.
I didn’t realize this was part of an interconnected standalone series, but now I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the Wicked Falls Elite books.
If you love bully romances with obsessed MMCs who go from “I hate you” to “you’re mine now,” you’ll want to pick this one up.
September 18, 2025
His Little Dragonfly
Quite Rage is a dark bully enemies-to-lovers storyline that follows Kellen and Tamson. They're from two different worlds he's rich, dangerous and cruel she's sweet, innocent, working class and never bothered anyone she just wants a better life.
Kellan's father is a vile despicable man who has used his son from any early age to carry out unimaginable cruelty with the threat of death if he didn't. His father's latest target is Tamson the daughter of a man who owes him money. Kellan is shocked she's the girl he met in class the day before. His father wants to send a strong message to her father by making her life so unbearable that she'll ultimately dropout of school.
Tamson earned a scholarship to Wicked Falls University an elite school where the wealthy go. She knows she doesn't fit in there but she determined to get an education. Unfortunately on her first day she has an incident with a guy (Kellan) over where she sat in class. As the days go by things get tense when she is bullied by not only him but a group of catty girls. She doesn't understand what she did to upset him and most of the school but they make coming to school a challenge.
What happens when the girl he's ordered to terrorize makes him feel things he never expected? Can he stop the madness before it's too late or will his actions go too far? Will what trust that was there be ruined forever? When secrets and lies are exposed who will survive when it's all said and done?
I received a free ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Quite Rage is a dark bully enemies-to-lovers storyline that follows Kellen and Tamson. They're from two different worlds he's rich, dangerous and cruel she's sweet, innocent, working class and never bothered anyone she just wants a better life.
Kellan's father is a vile despicable man who has used his son from any early age to carry out unimaginable cruelty with the threat of death if he didn't. His father's latest target is Tamson the daughter of a man who owes him money. Kellan is shocked she's the girl he met in class the day before. His father wants to send a strong message to her father by making her life so unbearable that she'll ultimately dropout of school.
Tamson earned a scholarship to Wicked Falls University an elite school where the wealthy go. She knows she doesn't fit in there but she determined to get an education. Unfortunately on her first day she has an incident with a guy (Kellan) over where she sat in class. As the days go by things get tense when she is bullied by not only him but a group of catty girls. She doesn't understand what she did to upset him and most of the school but they make coming to school a challenge.
What happens when the girl he's ordered to terrorize makes him feel things he never expected? Can he stop the madness before it's too late or will his actions go too far? Will what trust that was there be ruined forever? When secrets and lies are exposed who will survive when it's all said and done?
I received a free ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 6, 2025
Quiet Rage, Wicked Falls Elite #5,
C.Hallman
Releasing 12th Sept
Booksprout
Bleeding Heart Press
POV:DUAL
Kellen & Tamson
Tamson is the scholarship student, helps out at the family store, wants to get a good education, considering what her family has been through, and obviously she doesn't belong among the privileged of Wicked Falls University. All she wants is someone to love and protect her.
Kellen's quiet with good reason, the less he says, the less lies he has to remember. Does what his father asks of him, without question. Now he’s the odd one out, last man standing. His friends have all coupled up with their girls. Why isn't he that lucky?
His father tells him to make sure the new student leaves campus, because her father owes him. To his surprise he's already met her. Using the sources at hand he starts the ball rolling.
But can't help being drawn to her. Why? He doesn’t do feelings or relationships.
Tamson's tormented, humiliated in the most horrid ways. She doesn't know what she's done to deserve this treatment.
Will she stick it out and not give into these bullies?
She shouldn't have these feelings for Kellen, surely they're wrong.
Will Kellen come to his senses and realise what's been happening to Tamson is wrong?
Will Tamson up and leave?
This was such an emotional read. Both characters have been through so much.
I ugly cried.
Read authors notes for TWs
*Arc provided for review
C.Hallman
Releasing 12th Sept
Booksprout
Bleeding Heart Press
POV:DUAL
Kellen & Tamson
Tamson is the scholarship student, helps out at the family store, wants to get a good education, considering what her family has been through, and obviously she doesn't belong among the privileged of Wicked Falls University. All she wants is someone to love and protect her.
Kellen's quiet with good reason, the less he says, the less lies he has to remember. Does what his father asks of him, without question. Now he’s the odd one out, last man standing. His friends have all coupled up with their girls. Why isn't he that lucky?
His father tells him to make sure the new student leaves campus, because her father owes him. To his surprise he's already met her. Using the sources at hand he starts the ball rolling.
But can't help being drawn to her. Why? He doesn’t do feelings or relationships.
Tamson's tormented, humiliated in the most horrid ways. She doesn't know what she's done to deserve this treatment.
Will she stick it out and not give into these bullies?
She shouldn't have these feelings for Kellen, surely they're wrong.
Will Kellen come to his senses and realise what's been happening to Tamson is wrong?
Will Tamson up and leave?
This was such an emotional read. Both characters have been through so much.
I ugly cried.
Read authors notes for TWs
*Arc provided for review
September 13, 2025
Disturbed? Check. Dangerous? Check. Morally grey? Check. Obsessive?!? Double check!
Dark and twisted Kellen has a job to do and he wants to make sure he stays close to ruin Tamson and her life entirely. While doing so, he starts to obsess over her and turn to protecting her instead. Tamson doesn’t want to be the scholarship student that gets picked on, but here she is and why does it have to be so horrific? What has she ever done to deserve it? Little does she know someone higher is pulling the strings above Kellen and he is just the puppet. Will they both survive being bullied and come out on top?
If you like dark and twisted spicy scenes, traipsing into several trigger warnings, this is a good one. There are several of these scenes to keep you entertained. It’s a fast read, as the story line moves quite fast and is told as a dual POV from both main characters. It sucks you on from the very beginning and has you in the Wicked Falls universe ready to go through the adventure.
I will highlight, please check trigger warnings before reading as they are prominent in the novel. I do enjoy the Wicked Falls Elite series and have read the others, but you don’t need to read them all to read this story (but I do recommend them!)
Definitely a high TBR for dark, bulky, romances with an obsessive bully with heavy darkness and bullying.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark and twisted Kellen has a job to do and he wants to make sure he stays close to ruin Tamson and her life entirely. While doing so, he starts to obsess over her and turn to protecting her instead. Tamson doesn’t want to be the scholarship student that gets picked on, but here she is and why does it have to be so horrific? What has she ever done to deserve it? Little does she know someone higher is pulling the strings above Kellen and he is just the puppet. Will they both survive being bullied and come out on top?
If you like dark and twisted spicy scenes, traipsing into several trigger warnings, this is a good one. There are several of these scenes to keep you entertained. It’s a fast read, as the story line moves quite fast and is told as a dual POV from both main characters. It sucks you on from the very beginning and has you in the Wicked Falls universe ready to go through the adventure.
I will highlight, please check trigger warnings before reading as they are prominent in the novel. I do enjoy the Wicked Falls Elite series and have read the others, but you don’t need to read them all to read this story (but I do recommend them!)
Definitely a high TBR for dark, bulky, romances with an obsessive bully with heavy darkness and bullying.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
This book ended too soon for me!! Can you believe I read this book in one sitting and that too within just 12 hours!! 😮💨
From the start, the character build-up, the way whole environment is set up for the storyline & the plot to unravel itself was done perfectly!! 😍
What I loved the most were the characters arc throughout the book, it was really well-presented and the way both the main character's had there own battles to deal with, past's or even present's to deal with, I really admire the MMC, Kellan Archer for the accountability of his actions no matter right or wrong!! And his willingness to take actions on it and grow from it!! And the FMC, she's so godamn strong!! I think I do believe in firefly's now. Ps. They both are so ADMIRABLE!! 🙌🏻
Don't even get me started on the chemistry, and spice they bring to the table! I'm just a fanning myself over here!! It was respectful and dark at same moment but who doesn't love that right when he's your bully?! 😏
My favorite part was the epilogue for sure!! No doubt on that! 😭
This book carried - the drama, the plot, the characters, the twists you can't see coming, friendships and definitely a happily ever after!! 😌
Thank you so much @quirkyheartspr & C.Hallman for e-ARC. I'm so grateful for the opportunity! I really enjoyed the book! ♥️
From the start, the character build-up, the way whole environment is set up for the storyline & the plot to unravel itself was done perfectly!! 😍
What I loved the most were the characters arc throughout the book, it was really well-presented and the way both the main character's had there own battles to deal with, past's or even present's to deal with, I really admire the MMC, Kellan Archer for the accountability of his actions no matter right or wrong!! And his willingness to take actions on it and grow from it!! And the FMC, she's so godamn strong!! I think I do believe in firefly's now. Ps. They both are so ADMIRABLE!! 🙌🏻
Don't even get me started on the chemistry, and spice they bring to the table! I'm just a fanning myself over here!! It was respectful and dark at same moment but who doesn't love that right when he's your bully?! 😏
My favorite part was the epilogue for sure!! No doubt on that! 😭
This book carried - the drama, the plot, the characters, the twists you can't see coming, friendships and definitely a happily ever after!! 😌
Thank you so much @quirkyheartspr & C.Hallman for e-ARC. I'm so grateful for the opportunity! I really enjoyed the book! ♥️
September 18, 2025
Quietly Eh
Kellen has been the quiet giant in the group throughout the entirety of this series. I was really looking forward to his book but I'm left feeling disappointed. I wanted to like Tamson but her character feels very one dimensional. Yes she's experienced loss in her life and her parents are a wreck, but is she really that different from the other FMCs in the series?
What bugged me the most was the inconsistent facts surrounding her father. She doesn't seem to know that he has a gambling debt and yet when Kellen finally mentions it to her she seems to somehow be aware.
And I'm sorry, but after what happens to her and her family - Kellen doesn't come close to groveling enough to earn her forgiveness. Let alone eventually her love. Not to mention how casually he's talked about sleeping with prostitutes in the past. Hey, I'm all for positive sex work (the women in the book were forced to work off debts), but this doesn't count. And not once does naive Tamson stop to think about the risk when they're intimate. Yes it's always hotter when things are au naturale. But come on. Add some reality and realness to that aspect sometime. 3 Stars because Tiana deserves a knuckle sandwich.
Kellen has been the quiet giant in the group throughout the entirety of this series. I was really looking forward to his book but I'm left feeling disappointed. I wanted to like Tamson but her character feels very one dimensional. Yes she's experienced loss in her life and her parents are a wreck, but is she really that different from the other FMCs in the series?
What bugged me the most was the inconsistent facts surrounding her father. She doesn't seem to know that he has a gambling debt and yet when Kellen finally mentions it to her she seems to somehow be aware.
And I'm sorry, but after what happens to her and her family - Kellen doesn't come close to groveling enough to earn her forgiveness. Let alone eventually her love. Not to mention how casually he's talked about sleeping with prostitutes in the past. Hey, I'm all for positive sex work (the women in the book were forced to work off debts), but this doesn't count. And not once does naive Tamson stop to think about the risk when they're intimate. Yes it's always hotter when things are au naturale. But come on. Add some reality and realness to that aspect sometime. 3 Stars because Tiana deserves a knuckle sandwich.
September 24, 2025
Have y’all ever been to a birthday party where the birthday girl takes five whole minutes to carefully peel back wrapping paper so it doesn’t rip? That’s exactly how I want you to treat this book—read it gently, because those trigger warnings aren’t just a sprinkle here and there. They’re about 90% of the story, with only a small sliver of light at the end.
We follow Kellen, who comes from a tragic, twisted past and lives under the control of his vile father. This man forces him into despicable acts, including turning Kellen’s focus onto Tamson. Because Tamson’s father owes a massive debt, Kellen is tasked with making her college life a living nightmare.
What no one counted on—least of all Kellen—is how quickly his obsession turns from hatred to something much deeper. His emotions are volatile, swinging between hot and cold so fast that Tamson can barely keep up. And trust me, those emotions are a huge reason why the book feels so heavy on the trigger side.
Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say that a traumatic event near the end becomes Kellen’s breaking point—a wake-up call that shifts everything. From there, the story finally allows room for healing and hope, wrapping up in a way that made pushing through all the dark moments absolutely worth it.
We follow Kellen, who comes from a tragic, twisted past and lives under the control of his vile father. This man forces him into despicable acts, including turning Kellen’s focus onto Tamson. Because Tamson’s father owes a massive debt, Kellen is tasked with making her college life a living nightmare.
What no one counted on—least of all Kellen—is how quickly his obsession turns from hatred to something much deeper. His emotions are volatile, swinging between hot and cold so fast that Tamson can barely keep up. And trust me, those emotions are a huge reason why the book feels so heavy on the trigger side.
Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say that a traumatic event near the end becomes Kellen’s breaking point—a wake-up call that shifts everything. From there, the story finally allows room for healing and hope, wrapping up in a way that made pushing through all the dark moments absolutely worth it.
September 11, 2025
Quiet Rage is a very emotional and dark romance. It was very-well written. I enjoyed it so much and could not stop reading. This is a bully romance so please check your triggers.
Tamson is a quiet and intelligent girl. She always does the right thing and has earned a scholarship to college. There she meets Kellen who becomes the nightmare of her life. Kellen has orders from his father that he has to make Tamson so angry and foolish that she leaves the school. He enlists the help of some mean girls at the school who do terrible things to her. Kellen feels bad but he has no choice since his father would hurt him if he didn't do these things. Kellen becomes obsessed with Tamson. She is a very beautiful girl who is very sweet. Her father owes a debt to Kellen's father much to Tamson's dismay. Will Kellen give in to his feelings for her?
I loved how Tamson was strong despite what she had to go through. I love how Kellen over time felt sorry for the things he had done to her. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Bully romance
* Dark romance
* Enemies to lovers
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Tamson is a quiet and intelligent girl. She always does the right thing and has earned a scholarship to college. There she meets Kellen who becomes the nightmare of her life. Kellen has orders from his father that he has to make Tamson so angry and foolish that she leaves the school. He enlists the help of some mean girls at the school who do terrible things to her. Kellen feels bad but he has no choice since his father would hurt him if he didn't do these things. Kellen becomes obsessed with Tamson. She is a very beautiful girl who is very sweet. Her father owes a debt to Kellen's father much to Tamson's dismay. Will Kellen give in to his feelings for her?
I loved how Tamson was strong despite what she had to go through. I love how Kellen over time felt sorry for the things he had done to her. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Bully romance
* Dark romance
* Enemies to lovers
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
Wow, this story is dark!
Raised by a cold, cruel father who demands total loyalty, Kellen is directed to ruin a girl's life and force her to quit school. Kellen does as he's told. Except that the girl, Tamson, is mesmerizing. She bends instead of breaks, even though Kellen and his minions make her life a living hell. Why won't she just give up? And why can't he get her out of his head?
Tamson hates the preppy school her father is so determined she attend, but after the loss of her brother, she will do anything to make her parents proud. Tamson doesn't understand why she's being targeted for bullying, but knows it has something to do with the angry, mean guy who seems to stalk her wherever she goes. Kellen may be handsome and popular, but he's her personal nightmare. But then he saves her from a humiliating encounter and infiltrates himself into her life, and suddenly she begins to wonder if there is more to this complicated man than she thought.
At first, I hated Kellen and his cruel antics, but then I started to learn more about his background and gained a conscience, and suddenly I was rooting for his HEA, lol
Raised by a cold, cruel father who demands total loyalty, Kellen is directed to ruin a girl's life and force her to quit school. Kellen does as he's told. Except that the girl, Tamson, is mesmerizing. She bends instead of breaks, even though Kellen and his minions make her life a living hell. Why won't she just give up? And why can't he get her out of his head?
Tamson hates the preppy school her father is so determined she attend, but after the loss of her brother, she will do anything to make her parents proud. Tamson doesn't understand why she's being targeted for bullying, but knows it has something to do with the angry, mean guy who seems to stalk her wherever she goes. Kellen may be handsome and popular, but he's her personal nightmare. But then he saves her from a humiliating encounter and infiltrates himself into her life, and suddenly she begins to wonder if there is more to this complicated man than she thought.
At first, I hated Kellen and his cruel antics, but then I started to learn more about his background and gained a conscience, and suddenly I was rooting for his HEA, lol
August 31, 2025
What an end to the Wicked Falls books. Kellan is the one we learned the least about in the other books and in this we find that he kept things to himself for good reason. His story is probably the darkest of the crew, so mind your triggers in it. Tamson's family isn't like the others in this series, they have always struggled and her dad thinks that her gaining a scholarship to the university is a gold mine for her future. As she struggles with bullying from our least favorite character in these books, encouraged by our MMC for reasons not driven from his heart but by a powerful person in HIS life, she is also dealing with family tragedy and struggles. she finds solace also in the strangest of people given the circumstances, and the entire story leads to her and Kellan's hard fought for happy ending. I enjoyed the peeks and involvement of our old favorites as well, and it's nice to see that they are doing just as well. I'm sad we're letting go of this crew, but hopefully we'll see grown up peeks of them elsewhere later on!
September 8, 2025
This book completely blew me away in the best way! It’s dark, emotional, and absolutely gripping from the first page to the last. The tension is intense, and the characters are brought to life with such raw authenticity that I felt every bit of their grief, anger, and vulnerability.
Kellen is a complex, damaged hero with a depth that draws you in, while Tamson, our determined FMC, is incredibly strong in a way that feels genuine. I found myself rooting for her through every challenge she faced. Their chemistry is electrifying, but what truly captivated me was how they both evolved throughout the story.
As a word of caution, be sure to check the trigger warnings before you dive in, as this isn’t your typical bully romance; it addresses more serious themes that might be intense for some readers.
If you enjoy dark, boundary-pushing narratives filled with passion and depth, this book is a must-read. I’m excited to explore the rest of the Wicked Falls Elite series after this incredible journey!
Kellen is a complex, damaged hero with a depth that draws you in, while Tamson, our determined FMC, is incredibly strong in a way that feels genuine. I found myself rooting for her through every challenge she faced. Their chemistry is electrifying, but what truly captivated me was how they both evolved throughout the story.
As a word of caution, be sure to check the trigger warnings before you dive in, as this isn’t your typical bully romance; it addresses more serious themes that might be intense for some readers.
If you enjoy dark, boundary-pushing narratives filled with passion and depth, this book is a must-read. I’m excited to explore the rest of the Wicked Falls Elite series after this incredible journey!
September 8, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
ARC Read
⚠️ Read the trigger warnings ⚠️
🖤 Dark bully romance
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Touch her and literally die
🖤 Mafia vibes
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Enemies to lovers
What an incredible read. I was hooked from the beginning. I was unsure how this was going to turn into a romance when there was so much spite and cruelty in the beginning. But my goodness, the 180° well and truly happened!
Kellen, son of a dangerous man, is forced to bully Tamson, daughter of a gambling man, to repay debt.
Tamson’s experiences are difficult and gut wrenching. Kellen soon realises that they have more in common than just attending the same school.
As Kellen forces Tamson to go on dates, pretending to be in a relationship, something ignites between the pair.
Will Kellen and Tamson get their happy ever after?
Will Tamson forgive Kellen for his wrong doings?
Will Tamson’s father ever be free of the debt he owes?
I loved this emotional rollercoaster I was taken on and the character development that takes place. Highly recommend this book!
🌶️ 3.5/5
ARC Read
⚠️ Read the trigger warnings ⚠️
🖤 Dark bully romance
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Touch her and literally die
🖤 Mafia vibes
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Enemies to lovers
What an incredible read. I was hooked from the beginning. I was unsure how this was going to turn into a romance when there was so much spite and cruelty in the beginning. But my goodness, the 180° well and truly happened!
Kellen, son of a dangerous man, is forced to bully Tamson, daughter of a gambling man, to repay debt.
Tamson’s experiences are difficult and gut wrenching. Kellen soon realises that they have more in common than just attending the same school.
As Kellen forces Tamson to go on dates, pretending to be in a relationship, something ignites between the pair.
Will Kellen and Tamson get their happy ever after?
Will Tamson forgive Kellen for his wrong doings?
Will Tamson’s father ever be free of the debt he owes?
I loved this emotional rollercoaster I was taken on and the character development that takes place. Highly recommend this book!
September 29, 2025
Our MMC, Kellen Arches, grew up faster than kids should. After his mother died, he realizes how she protected him against the monster that is his father. Forced to be an enforcer doing unthinkable things as a young teenager, Kellen is now a student at Wicked Falls University where that side of his life remains a secret from his friends. Our FMC, Tamson, comes from a working class family and is at the same school under a scholarship. She's bullied when her classmates realize her situation. Kellen's father wants retribution against her father for money owed and instructs Kellen to do what he needs to, to disgrace her family. Tamson is unaware of why she's being humilated by everyone, including Kellen. Of course, the more time he spends tormenting her, the more obsessed he becomes with her and things start to shift.
You have to go into this story with your eyes wide open because what the characters go through is rough. Definitely a hard fought HEA for these two. 3.5 stars.
You have to go into this story with your eyes wide open because what the characters go through is rough. Definitely a hard fought HEA for these two. 3.5 stars.
September 1, 2025
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. It’s dark, emotional, and completely addictive from page one. The tension? Off the charts. The characters? So raw and real, I felt every single ounce of their pain, rage, and vulnerability.
Kellen is intense, broken, and dangerous, but there’s so much depth to him. you can feel the weight he carries.
Tamson is resilient and strong in a way that feels so real, and I couldn’t stop rooting for her.
The chemistry between them is magnetic, but what really got me were their layers, their pain, and their growth.
If you love a dark romance that hits hard, gives you chills, and makes you root for love through all the chaos… this one’s for you.
💔 Bully Romance
🏫 College Setting
🖤 Broken Hero
🌸 Strong Heroine
🌪 Mafia/Crime Family Drama
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🩹 Healing & Redemption
Kellen is intense, broken, and dangerous, but there’s so much depth to him. you can feel the weight he carries.
Tamson is resilient and strong in a way that feels so real, and I couldn’t stop rooting for her.
The chemistry between them is magnetic, but what really got me were their layers, their pain, and their growth.
If you love a dark romance that hits hard, gives you chills, and makes you root for love through all the chaos… this one’s for you.
💔 Bully Romance
🏫 College Setting
🖤 Broken Hero
🌸 Strong Heroine
🌪 Mafia/Crime Family Drama
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🩹 Healing & Redemption
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