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Watch Me Burn #1
Pretty Lies
My dad had always been a scheming man, and his new rich girlfriend hadn’t seen him coming.
He upended my life in Hawthorne Heights and dragged me to Ashburn Valley without much warning.
My new home came with a fancy new academy education, and his girlfriend's entitled son.
Lucky me, right?
Caden and his friends were assholes, so I couldn’t let my guard down.
Until I did and they made me feel like I belonged in their world after all.
I never meant to fall for them, and I should’ve known better than to trust them.
Never trust a rich boy, let alone four.
One good thing comes out of it though since it led me back to cage fighting.
Beating on others wasn’t going to hurt my dad or Caden, but it was a start.
It helped that one of the street crew members that ran the fights was hot and really good in bed.
It was just a shame that his boss wanted me dead.
My name’s Rory Donovan, and I’d do anything to protect those I cared about.
The blood on my hands and the dead body should’ve proven that.
*Pretty Lies is a 124k word dark romance, why choose novel. It is book 1 in a 10 book series, and must be read in order. This series was previously published under the same series name, but has been rewritten. It contains adult content, dark themes, and has M/M within the group.
He upended my life in Hawthorne Heights and dragged me to Ashburn Valley without much warning.
My new home came with a fancy new academy education, and his girlfriend's entitled son.
Lucky me, right?
Caden and his friends were assholes, so I couldn’t let my guard down.
Until I did and they made me feel like I belonged in their world after all.
I never meant to fall for them, and I should’ve known better than to trust them.
Never trust a rich boy, let alone four.
One good thing comes out of it though since it led me back to cage fighting.
Beating on others wasn’t going to hurt my dad or Caden, but it was a start.
It helped that one of the street crew members that ran the fights was hot and really good in bed.
It was just a shame that his boss wanted me dead.
My name’s Rory Donovan, and I’d do anything to protect those I cared about.
The blood on my hands and the dead body should’ve proven that.
*Pretty Lies is a 124k word dark romance, why choose novel. It is book 1 in a 10 book series, and must be read in order. This series was previously published under the same series name, but has been rewritten. It contains adult content, dark themes, and has M/M within the group.
- GenresDarkWhy Choose
ebook
About the author
R.E. Bond
44 books1,441 followersR.E. Bond is a dark romance author from Tasmania, Australia. She is obsessed with reverse harem books, especially if they have m/m! She collects paperbacks as a hobby, has read or written every day since she started high school, and constantly needs music in her daily life. She loves camping and rodeos in the summer, and not getting out of bed in the winter. Coffee and books are life, and curse words are just sentence enhancers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 26, 2026
I could swear I checked out the 2nd book in this series and confirmed this wasn't going to end on cliffhanger but apparently I was wrong because now it's 2am and I'm annoyed because of the cliffhanger!
Full disclosure I did have to skip like five chapters in this book. After Rory got together with the four musketeers I got bored so I skipped ahead to when the fall out started.
The back half of the book was SO amazing but I'm not sure how I feel about this being stretched out into a second book when I'm not sure it needs to be.
All that makes me give this book 4 stars one because I did really enjoy this book. Especially how kick a** Rory was despite everything she's been through.
Full disclosure I did have to skip like five chapters in this book. After Rory got together with the four musketeers I got bored so I skipped ahead to when the fall out started.
The back half of the book was SO amazing but I'm not sure how I feel about this being stretched out into a second book when I'm not sure it needs to be.
All that makes me give this book 4 stars one because I did really enjoy this book. Especially how kick a** Rory was despite everything she's been through.
September 8, 2025
So I absolutely loved it. The first time that I read this series this is her rewritten version of a series that she already has out. I have loved reading every moment of the rewrite. Even though it is similar to the original, there is light changes. They are still just as much of alpha hole You get found family. You've got that taboo relationship. You feel the hostility and the love from pretty much the moment you start reading this book to the ending. I have personally been in love with rebond since I found her books. I could read them all day. In fact, I have probably reread these books more than I care to admit they are like my go-to, but I'm super excited to see what changes throughout the new books. There wasn't much changed in this series. At least in book one. A lot of book one seemed to be just correcting some of the writing that she had errors on. Overall, if you love like a slight taboo step sibling thing, this book is for you, especially where you see a lot of the males coming out of their shell and pushing for her to do the same. 2.5🌶️/5🌶️ 5⭐/5⭐ honestly, if you have been with her since the start and you read them them the first time they came out. I still think it is an amazing read as she re-releases this you have a bit of everything in this book It is a bit longer than her original book. One you do see a lot of the stuff from her original, but you also see new things. It's not as rushed as her original. And so honestly if you're going to read either of them, read this one. If you have her original one, haven't read it. Read it. I would just wait until this one comes up and get this cop. Like I said, there's more detail in this one. I absolutely love how much more detail was added. Honestly, I feel like we see more of the male character point of views on this one then we did in the original. I also love seeing the turmoil that the males face when they realize they fucked up and have to grovel for her forgiveness
Why choose
Step sibling
Found family
Alpha holes
Groveling
Pain
I do caution you to really look at the triggers if you've never read any of her books
Why choose
Step sibling
Found family
Alpha holes
Groveling
Pain
I do caution you to really look at the triggers if you've never read any of her books
September 25, 2025
Honored to be able to do the review on this rewrite by RE Bond as this series is one of my all time favorite series as you have this amazing tough, sassy, bada$$ FMC in Rory Donovan. She does not take anything from anyone however she still has self-esteem/doubts and insecurities that definitely come out in the books and lead to several breakdowns. She had a rough go of it growing up (please check your trigger warnings as this does have SA in it) and a horrible father figure. And he once again is making her life miserable by putting on a show for his new woman and moving Rory into her house and having her attend the prestigious academy with Josie’s son and his rich friends. They are all drawn to her and of course the mean girls have their claws out but you also have some local street crews that are around and party with the rich boys. This author nails the dark and gritty reverse harem aspect of this series as Rory is not ashamed of her sexuality but there are times when you want to cry and rage for her. For every “punch” she takes she is literally giving it right back. There are so many twists, turns and plot twists that keep you turning the pages and wanting more and the author is ready to give it to you in her rewrite/republishing. For this series she has added more stuff to give more background and additional POVs for characters that just add to the whole storyline arch. I can’t wait to read the rest as the author releases them but love that we got more Josie, Skeet, Slash and some other add ins that help build this amazing foundation. One of my absolute FAVORITE RH / Why Chose Series EVER
July 8, 2026
Honored to be able to do the review on this rewrite by RE Bond as this series is one of my all time favorite series as you have this amazing tough, sassy, bada$$ FMC in Rory Donovan. She does not take anything from anyone however she still has self-esteem/doubts and insecurities that definitely come out in the books and lead to several breakdowns. She had a rough go of it growing up (please check your trigger warnings as this does have SA in it) and a horrible father figure. And he once again is making her life miserable by putting on a show for his new woman and moving Rory into her house and having her attend the prestigious academy with Josie’s son and his rich friends. They are all drawn to her and of course the mean girls have their claws out but you also have some local street crews that are around and party with the rich boys. This author nails the dark and gritty reverse harem aspect of this series as Rory is not ashamed of her sexuality but there are times when you want to cry and rage for her. For every “punch” she takes she is literally giving it right back. There are so many twists, turns and plot twists that keep you turning the pages and wanting more and the author is ready to give it to you in her rewrite/republishing. For this series she has added more stuff to give more background and additional POVs for characters that just add to the whole storyline arch. I can’t wait to read the rest as the author releases them but love that we got more Josie, Skeet, Slash and some other add ins that help build this amazing foundation. One of my absolute FAVORITE RH / Why Choose Series EVER
September 11, 2025
These Pretty Lies were worth the wait.
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2025
I loved this new edited version of Pretty Lies. Im a fan of R.E. Bond and loved the original version of Pretty Lies that originally came out years ago. R.E. fine tuned this version. Flowing seamlessly. She's come along way through the years with her writing. She's always been good and it really shines through with the more books she writes.
If you haven't picked up this series before, I definitely recommend you start with this new edited version. Rory Donovan is a tough girl. Been through hell more times than the devil himself and came out swinging every time. No matter how broken and beaten she gets it only builds her up stronger. Even through times when she shows how young she is and her actions could get her in trouble, you can see that its because she's in fight mode. She's only had herself to count on. Everyone around her uses her and let's her down and yet she still pushes through.
All the monsters around her wanted to hurt her in different ways and most of them still do. But its the handful that did and realized that she really wasn't the enemy and that she was their way out of their own he'll. They want to tamed by her or walk beside her in the chaos. Either is fine with them as long as they can be with her. Because for the first time ever they know what love is. Rory and her monsters all feel their heartbeats for the first time and feel emotions they never knew existed. They don't care anymore if it hurts or destroys them, they refuse to give each up again.
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2025
I loved this new edited version of Pretty Lies. Im a fan of R.E. Bond and loved the original version of Pretty Lies that originally came out years ago. R.E. fine tuned this version. Flowing seamlessly. She's come along way through the years with her writing. She's always been good and it really shines through with the more books she writes.
If you haven't picked up this series before, I definitely recommend you start with this new edited version. Rory Donovan is a tough girl. Been through hell more times than the devil himself and came out swinging every time. No matter how broken and beaten she gets it only builds her up stronger. Even through times when she shows how young she is and her actions could get her in trouble, you can see that its because she's in fight mode. She's only had herself to count on. Everyone around her uses her and let's her down and yet she still pushes through.
All the monsters around her wanted to hurt her in different ways and most of them still do. But its the handful that did and realized that she really wasn't the enemy and that she was their way out of their own he'll. They want to tamed by her or walk beside her in the chaos. Either is fine with them as long as they can be with her. Because for the first time ever they know what love is. Rory and her monsters all feel their heartbeats for the first time and feel emotions they never knew existed. They don't care anymore if it hurts or destroys them, they refuse to give each up again.
September 10, 2025
I loved getting a chance to dive into Rory's world again. These are the first books I ever read by R.E. Bond and I could not put them down. It was no different this time around.
Pretty Lies was given a facelift and a rewrite, The book is longer with the same intensity and more character development. I found the story just as amazing as I did the first time I read the book. Rory is still a strong, smart, stubborn but damaged girl just trying to get through life. She has been placed in some terrible situations in her short life. Bond does a fantastic job writing about these hard life choices and trauma. She shows us that trauma can be handled in many different ways and no one gets to tell you if it is right or wrong.
The boys in the story come from a life of privilege and can be a bit immature at times. Rory coming into their lives, shakes things up for them all. None of them expected to have the beautiful spitfire turn their world upside down. They can fight it all they want but she is about to become everything to them.
If you love a good dark romance, you will enjoy this one. It has a bit of everything. Please check the trigger warning, there are some very dark themes in this story. I personally can't wait to see how this already loved series changes and develops in the next few books.
Pretty Lies was given a facelift and a rewrite, The book is longer with the same intensity and more character development. I found the story just as amazing as I did the first time I read the book. Rory is still a strong, smart, stubborn but damaged girl just trying to get through life. She has been placed in some terrible situations in her short life. Bond does a fantastic job writing about these hard life choices and trauma. She shows us that trauma can be handled in many different ways and no one gets to tell you if it is right or wrong.
The boys in the story come from a life of privilege and can be a bit immature at times. Rory coming into their lives, shakes things up for them all. None of them expected to have the beautiful spitfire turn their world upside down. They can fight it all they want but she is about to become everything to them.
If you love a good dark romance, you will enjoy this one. It has a bit of everything. Please check the trigger warning, there are some very dark themes in this story. I personally can't wait to see how this already loved series changes and develops in the next few books.
September 6, 2025
This book is the start of a great series that leads into a bunch of spin-off series and next-gen books. It's filled with trauma, found family, alphaholes, spice, and so much drama.
Rory is almost eighteen and has been counting the days until her birthday so she can leave her father behind and start a new life. She's been through horrible things in her life and is still standing, albeit a little more mean, violent, and untrusting. Her father tells her they're moving in with his girlfriend and her son, and Rory's whole life changes.
Rory now has to deal with being bullied by mean girls at her new school, falling for her kinda stepbrother and his friends, facing her ex-best friend that betrayed her, jaw-dropping bombshells, more trauma, betrayal around every corner, and a crew full of tattooed men.
There's never a boring moment in this book. The banter between all the characters is so funny! There's so much drama going on that I couldn't help but keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. There is a lil cliffhanger that isn't too bad but will definitely have you wanting to see what happens next.
Rory is almost eighteen and has been counting the days until her birthday so she can leave her father behind and start a new life. She's been through horrible things in her life and is still standing, albeit a little more mean, violent, and untrusting. Her father tells her they're moving in with his girlfriend and her son, and Rory's whole life changes.
Rory now has to deal with being bullied by mean girls at her new school, falling for her kinda stepbrother and his friends, facing her ex-best friend that betrayed her, jaw-dropping bombshells, more trauma, betrayal around every corner, and a crew full of tattooed men.
There's never a boring moment in this book. The banter between all the characters is so funny! There's so much drama going on that I couldn't help but keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. There is a lil cliffhanger that isn't too bad but will definitely have you wanting to see what happens next.
September 10, 2025
Pretty Lies is the first book in the Watch Me Burn series. In Pretty Lies we meet Rory as she is dragged from the Heights and forced into the lives of the rich boys Caden, Tyler, Jensen and Lukas. Determined to do everything she can to get out of there and return back to where she feels she belongs, she wasn’t expecting to come face to face with her former childhood best friend and feel safe around the son of her father’s girlfriend. Every time Rory turns around, something bad is happening but Caden and Jensen have a way of taking her mind off of things and making her feel safe. Until one day, everything blows up in her face and she finds out that everything was a lie. Rory finds herself outside of a place from her past and has captured the attention of someone who scares her and sparks her curiosity. Will Rory get over what Caden, Tyler, Jensen and Lukas did to her? Will she ever be able to trust someone again? Will the guys admit their feelings for her? This book captivated me from page one and I couldn’t put it down!! It’s full of sass, betrayal, emotions, danger, trauma and lots of spice!!! Absolutely love the re-write and can’t wait for the 2nd book to be done!!!
September 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, I devoured it in one sitting
Rory is such a unique and fearless FMC, I adore her refusal to take anything off anyone - oh and her appreciation for beautiful cars.
The dynamic of Rory being from the wrong side of town and being forced to attend a snobby rich private school makes for an entertaining experience.
The guys, where do I start… the rich pricks, well they are basically all billionaires living the dream when you look at them from the outside - huge mansions, amazing pricey cars, unlimited bank balances and can basically do what they want. But hidden behind the facade is a very different story.
The relationship journey is fascinating between the guys and Rory.
Then there’s the Psychos, The crew that are incredibly dangerous but Rory can’t stay away from the cage fighting and Skeeter - that guy has huge red flags but you can’t resist but want the relationship to work out.
Slash is definitely a character that held my attention, and Diesel is an unlikely fav of mine can’t wait to see more of them in the future books.
The steamy scenes are hot AF, especially the added blood play kink.
Overall a brilliant dark romance read, I’m totally obsessed!
Rory is such a unique and fearless FMC, I adore her refusal to take anything off anyone - oh and her appreciation for beautiful cars.
The dynamic of Rory being from the wrong side of town and being forced to attend a snobby rich private school makes for an entertaining experience.
The guys, where do I start… the rich pricks, well they are basically all billionaires living the dream when you look at them from the outside - huge mansions, amazing pricey cars, unlimited bank balances and can basically do what they want. But hidden behind the facade is a very different story.
The relationship journey is fascinating between the guys and Rory.
Then there’s the Psychos, The crew that are incredibly dangerous but Rory can’t stay away from the cage fighting and Skeeter - that guy has huge red flags but you can’t resist but want the relationship to work out.
Slash is definitely a character that held my attention, and Diesel is an unlikely fav of mine can’t wait to see more of them in the future books.
The steamy scenes are hot AF, especially the added blood play kink.
Overall a brilliant dark romance read, I’m totally obsessed!
July 7, 2026
This book is the start of a great series that leads into a bunch of spin-off series and next-gen books. It's filled with trauma, found family, alphaholes, spice, and so much drama.
Rory is almost eighteen and has been counting the days until her birthday so she can leave her father behind and start a new life. She's been through horrible things in her life and is still standing, albeit a little more mean, violent, and untrusting. Her father tells her they're moving in with his girlfriend and her son, and Rory's whole life changes.
Rory now has to deal with being bullied by mean girls at her new school, falling for her kinda stepbrother and his friends, facing her ex-best friend that betrayed her, jaw-dropping bombshells, more trauma, betrayal around every corner, and a crew full of tattooed men.
There's never a boring moment in this book. The banter between all the characters is so funny! There's so much drama going on that I couldn't help but keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. There is a lil cliffhanger that isn't too bad but will definitely have you wanting to see what happens next.
Rory is almost eighteen and has been counting the days until her birthday so she can leave her father behind and start a new life. She's been through horrible things in her life and is still standing, albeit a little more mean, violent, and untrusting. Her father tells her they're moving in with his girlfriend and her son, and Rory's whole life changes.
Rory now has to deal with being bullied by mean girls at her new school, falling for her kinda stepbrother and his friends, facing her ex-best friend that betrayed her, jaw-dropping bombshells, more trauma, betrayal around every corner, and a crew full of tattooed men.
There's never a boring moment in this book. The banter between all the characters is so funny! There's so much drama going on that I couldn't help but keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. There is a lil cliffhanger that isn't too bad but will definitely have you wanting to see what happens next.
July 7, 2026
Pretty Lies is the first book in the Watch Me Burn series. In Pretty Lies we meet Rory as she is dragged from the Heights and forced into the lives of the rich boys Caden, Tyler, Jensen and Lukas. Determined to do everything she can to get out of there and return back to where she feels she belongs, she wasn’t expecting to come face to face with her former childhood best friend and feel safe around the son of her father’s girlfriend. Every time Rory turns around, something bad is happening but Caden and Jensen have a way of taking her mind off of things and making her feel safe. Until one day, everything blows up in her face and she finds out that everything was a lie. Rory finds herself outside of a place from her past and has captured the attention of someone who scares her and sparks her curiosity. Will Rory get over what Caden, Tyler, Jensen and Lukas did to her? Will she ever be able to trust someone again? Will the guys admit their feelings for her? This book captivated me from page one and I couldn’t put it down!! It’s full of sass, betrayal, emotions, danger, trauma and lots of spice!!! Absolutely love the re-write and can’t wait for the 2nd book to be done!!!
July 7, 2026
Saying Rory Donovan has had it rough growing up is saying it mildly. No matter what she’s gone through she has dusted herself off and kept moving forward. She is one badass character that doesn’t put up with anyone’s crap. She’s stubborn to a fault and gives as good as she gets. These guys don’t know who they’re messing with! The author has done a rewrite of the Watch Me Burn series and Pretty Lies is the first book of this series. When it released the first time in 2020 I absolutely devoured it and couldn’t wait for the next book to be released. I also couldn’t believe this was the authors first release. I’ve become a true fan and have gotten the pleasure of watching R.E. Bond grow and spread her wings in her career. This series has become one of my favorite series of all time! This rewrite has felt like coming home. It’s familiar but a little different and that’s ok. Can’t wait to read the next book, she’s added 2 books to this series, yay, which makes the next book Deceptive Games. It comes out in November so it’s not long of a wait.
July 7, 2026
This book is absolutely amazing and loved reading it.
Be sure to check your triggers before reading this book. Rory Donovan is definitely going through things and her dad is something else. She ends up going with her dad to live with another woman and her son. She goes because she is still 17. She despises her dad. Rory ends up meeting Caden the son of the woman moving in with. He seems to be okay and his friends try to befriend her also.
Rory has gone through some horrific things which causes her to be cautious of people. She also meets Skeeter who is part of a group called the Psychos. She definitely is tough and doesn't take crap from anyone. Rory finds herself going to the Psychos shed to fight and release some of her demons.
I don't want to give anything away but this book is amazing and we meet many guys on the way. Definitely some things happen and never know who to trust and who you think you trust may betray you. This is book 1 in the series and believe me if you like dark romance, read this book!
Be sure to check your triggers before reading this book. Rory Donovan is definitely going through things and her dad is something else. She ends up going with her dad to live with another woman and her son. She goes because she is still 17. She despises her dad. Rory ends up meeting Caden the son of the woman moving in with. He seems to be okay and his friends try to befriend her also.
Rory has gone through some horrific things which causes her to be cautious of people. She also meets Skeeter who is part of a group called the Psychos. She definitely is tough and doesn't take crap from anyone. Rory finds herself going to the Psychos shed to fight and release some of her demons.
I don't want to give anything away but this book is amazing and we meet many guys on the way. Definitely some things happen and never know who to trust and who you think you trust may betray you. This is book 1 in the series and believe me if you like dark romance, read this book!
September 12, 2025
Rory Donnovan. Full Stop. This is a name that resonates with me and will for forever. This is a fully rewritten version of the original and boy does it pack a punch. R.E. Bond does not mess around when she gives you a girl with a traumatic past who doesn’t mess around and stands up for herself. She delivers a story that has you turning each page having to know just what is going to happen next. Though the boys try and bring her down she will always get back up and stand her ground, however what do you do when you find yourself backed into a corner with no way out? You will have to read to find out!
I can’t wait to continue this series as it has been expanded and there is so much more to it then there was. The character development is fantastic and we really get to get inside their heads.
Whether new to the series or a returning reader this one is going to knock your socks off. Oh and be prepared for the cliffy, cause of course she is going to do that to us!
I can’t wait to continue this series as it has been expanded and there is so much more to it then there was. The character development is fantastic and we really get to get inside their heads.
Whether new to the series or a returning reader this one is going to knock your socks off. Oh and be prepared for the cliffy, cause of course she is going to do that to us!
September 10, 2025
I wish I could give a book more than 5 stars. I love this book. I love the new version just as much as I loved the first one. Bonds dedication to providing story’s that completely enthrall you had only gotten better with time. Rory is a girl who just wants to turn 18 and leave her whole life behind but we know how that goes. When she’s forced to move in her dad’s girlfriend, in her mansion of a house, it’s Rory’s worst nightmare. This book is a roller coaster of a ride with so many genres seamlessly blended together. Deliciously dark storyline with an inferno of spice and a heaping of emotional trauma Get your emotions ready because they are about to go on the ride of a life time. Check those trigger warnings because there are a bucket load and they are not sugar coated.
September 10, 2025
This is the new and re-written version of my absolute favorite series.
It honestly feels like coming home after a really long time away. Everything is familiar. The characters are all the same but yet it feels so different. If you’ve read this series before, you’re gonna love this new updated story. And if you haven’t read this series yet, strap in because it is one heck of a ride!
We get so much more detail. So much insight and delve deeper into the development process of the relationship between Rory and the rich boys: Caden, pseudo stepbrother(I say this because her a-hole of a dad didn’t marry Caden’s mom). Also can we just take a minute and just appreciate Josie? Like ma’am, I love my mom. She’s the bestest mom ever but can Josie adopt me?? Anyway, there’s more development between Rory, Caden, Tyler, Jensen and Lukas. And I can’t wait to read book 2!
It honestly feels like coming home after a really long time away. Everything is familiar. The characters are all the same but yet it feels so different. If you’ve read this series before, you’re gonna love this new updated story. And if you haven’t read this series yet, strap in because it is one heck of a ride!
We get so much more detail. So much insight and delve deeper into the development process of the relationship between Rory and the rich boys: Caden, pseudo stepbrother(I say this because her a-hole of a dad didn’t marry Caden’s mom). Also can we just take a minute and just appreciate Josie? Like ma’am, I love my mom. She’s the bestest mom ever but can Josie adopt me?? Anyway, there’s more development between Rory, Caden, Tyler, Jensen and Lukas. And I can’t wait to read book 2!
September 10, 2025
A revamp and glow up of arguably my favourite RH series - book 1 of Watch me burn was sensational!
With all the character's of the original but with some sprucing up and tweaking i could not put this down.
I love Rory and getting to fall in love with her and her guys all over again is the best feeling.
She holds so much trauma and damage but always paints a brave face on and puts her best foot forward while shes hop, skip and jumping lots of morally grey lines all in the name of love and survival.
10/10 series with an explosive intro. I cant wait to see the progression from the original series as the new releases come!
Watch me burn begins as a high school bully story but turns into SO MUCH MORE
With all the character's of the original but with some sprucing up and tweaking i could not put this down.
I love Rory and getting to fall in love with her and her guys all over again is the best feeling.
She holds so much trauma and damage but always paints a brave face on and puts her best foot forward while shes hop, skip and jumping lots of morally grey lines all in the name of love and survival.
10/10 series with an explosive intro. I cant wait to see the progression from the original series as the new releases come!
Watch me burn begins as a high school bully story but turns into SO MUCH MORE
September 11, 2025
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ for the Queen Rory Donovan herself!
I screamed when this I finally got to sink my teeth into this. Patiently awaiting the Watch Me Burn re-writes, Book 1 did not disappoint.
Rory Donovan is one of the strongest FMC I've ever read and my heart just aches for all she's endured so far. She takes no BS and isn't afraid to give the guys a run for their money.
This book is full of twists and turns, bonds and betrayal and I know we're just at the start of this exciting journey. Buckle up baddies and get ready for the ride!
I cannot wait to dive into the second book of this series!
RE Bond definitely nailed this 🥹
Tropes
- Dark Romance
- Why Choose
- Step-Sibling
- Found Family
- Bullying & Groveling
- Crews
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers (& everything in-between)
I screamed when this I finally got to sink my teeth into this. Patiently awaiting the Watch Me Burn re-writes, Book 1 did not disappoint.
Rory Donovan is one of the strongest FMC I've ever read and my heart just aches for all she's endured so far. She takes no BS and isn't afraid to give the guys a run for their money.
This book is full of twists and turns, bonds and betrayal and I know we're just at the start of this exciting journey. Buckle up baddies and get ready for the ride!
I cannot wait to dive into the second book of this series!
RE Bond definitely nailed this 🥹
Tropes
- Dark Romance
- Why Choose
- Step-Sibling
- Found Family
- Bullying & Groveling
- Crews
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers (& everything in-between)
September 21, 2025
Ever read a book, get so immersed in it, love it to death, and then get sad that the whole experience is over? You get a book hangover... right? You never really get that "first read" back unless you completely forget everything about the plot! Well... your wish has come true! I absolutely devoured this whole series the first time it was published. And now, with all of Rachael's re-editing, and all of the new content to the book, it's like getting to read the book again for the first time! Absolutely amazing! Shows so much growth as an author since the first time it was published. And getting to revisit Rory and her storyline after watching her make appearances in all of the more recent series is like an early Christmas!
July 7, 2026
I wish I could give a book more than 5 stars. I love this book. I love the new version just as much as I loved the first one. Bonds dedication to providing story’s that completely enthrall you had only gotten better with time. Rory is a girl who just wants to turn 18 and leave her whole life behind but we know how that goes. When she’s forced to move in her dad’s girlfriend, in her mansion of a house, it’s Rory’s worst nightmare. This book is a roller coaster of a ride with so many genres seamlessly blended together. Deliciously dark storyline with an inferno of spice and a heaping of emotional trauma Get your emotions ready because they are about to go on the ride of a life time. Check those trigger warnings because there are a bucket load and they are not sugar coated.
September 10, 2025
Rory, Caden, Tyler, Jensen, Lukas, Skeeter
Why choose, collectors edition
Step brother
Dark romance
Crews
Book 1
This book is super fast paced, Rory goes through so much in such a short space of time, it's a rollercoaster ride for sure!!
I love meeting each and every one of the guys and I cannot wait for the next book for more 😍
This book has some heavy topics so make sure you check the TWs!
I loved this series the first time I read it, and when I heard it was being rewritten I was super excited to reread, and this didn't disappoint 😍😍😍
Why choose, collectors edition
Step brother
Dark romance
Crews
Book 1
This book is super fast paced, Rory goes through so much in such a short space of time, it's a rollercoaster ride for sure!!
I love meeting each and every one of the guys and I cannot wait for the next book for more 😍
This book has some heavy topics so make sure you check the TWs!
I loved this series the first time I read it, and when I heard it was being rewritten I was super excited to reread, and this didn't disappoint 😍😍😍
July 6, 2026
Rory’s had such a hard life with her jerk of a father. When he moves them into his girlfriend’s house, she’s thrown into a somewhat different world with her almost stepbrother running the school. She thinks, for a bit, she’s found some safety with Caden, Tyler, Jensen, and Lukas, but it’s short lived. When the guys turn on her, Rory ends up at the Shed to let off some steam at the cage fights and in Skeeter’s bed. The spice is dark and dirty. Definitely check the trigger warnings, and watch for the cliffy at the end. Loved it!!!
July 7, 2026
Being back with Rory and her guys makes me so dang happy!!!
I first read this series as each book was released before these new rewrites and I still love this group just as much as I did then, maybe more!!!!
Rory is still her baddie self and im absolutely here for it and I still adore the guys even though I wanna kick em sometimes.
I wish I could experience this world for the first time again, but being back is like coming home to my favorite dysfunctional family!
If you haven't read this series yet, you are really missing out!!!!
I first read this series as each book was released before these new rewrites and I still love this group just as much as I did then, maybe more!!!!
Rory is still her baddie self and im absolutely here for it and I still adore the guys even though I wanna kick em sometimes.
I wish I could experience this world for the first time again, but being back is like coming home to my favorite dysfunctional family!
If you haven't read this series yet, you are really missing out!!!!
September 10, 2025
Pretty Lies is book one in the Watch Me Burn series. This is a completely re-edited from the first book. Rory doesn’t take like sitting down and will come back harder when to knockes her down. Of you Love why choose, enemies to friends to lover and every thing in between you won’t be able to out this book down. It is filled with angst and ends on a slight cliffhanger. You won’t be sorry picking this book up.
September 10, 2025
Rory Donovan got the story telling she deserved. Years ago I fell in love with this story and to be able to fall in love again is just *chef's kiss*.
With a new twist to the development of characters and relationships and an exciting plot, you'll be able to devour this series.
Skeet still and always will be my favorite.
Bond once again shows us that not everyone needs perfect and her handling of hard situations around trauma and mental health is one of my favorite things about this series.
With a new twist to the development of characters and relationships and an exciting plot, you'll be able to devour this series.
Skeet still and always will be my favorite.
Bond once again shows us that not everyone needs perfect and her handling of hard situations around trauma and mental health is one of my favorite things about this series.
September 10, 2025
Rory Donovan has a traumatic past and has pretty much had to deal with things on her own. She isn’t used to people that she can trust so she’s always relied on herself. Her absentee father throws her for a loop when he forces her to move in with his rich girlfriend and her son. Rory has to face new and old demons in this must read dark romance. I loved Rory and I need to see what’s next. Skeeter is also one of my personal favorites!
September 13, 2025
D@Mň do I love Rory! Rachael, when you said you were redoing this series ~ something told me it would be a “hold my beer” ending! Killer cliffie ma’am!
Rory’s psycho side is my obsession! But man my heart breaks for her in so many ways. Girl has had it hard as he//!!!
Skeet ~ that man will always be my Yum 🤤 The Rich boys ~ need to be beat down & Slash ~ I think I’d drop for him too. 🤣
Okay I’m beyond obsessed again and need the next book. Chef kiss!
Rory’s psycho side is my obsession! But man my heart breaks for her in so many ways. Girl has had it hard as he//!!!
Skeet ~ that man will always be my Yum 🤤 The Rich boys ~ need to be beat down & Slash ~ I think I’d drop for him too. 🤣
Okay I’m beyond obsessed again and need the next book. Chef kiss!
July 7, 2026
Rory goes through quite a bit between her father Max, her friend Lukas, the guys and mean stuck up girls at school she has had it. But she is strong and a fighter. When pushed too far she comes out swinging. The guys mess up big time and betraying her trust will cost them. Caden ugh. Rory despite being tough she is hard headed she does things that she shouldn't and put her in unnecessary situations. I am screaming girl just stop.
September 10, 2025
even better second time round if you haven't read rory donavon story go out and get it now r.e bonds writing is amazing can't wait to see what changes she has made to the others love it. if you like mm a fiesty F.M.C who takes no shit motorcycle crews with hot grumpy sunshines 1 girl 9 boys yes you heard 9 sexy hot boys/men then this is the book for u enjoy reading
September 20, 2025
I absolutely loved reading this book and can’t wait for the second book to be out! Rory is seriously one of my favorite characters I’ve read. And her story is so far from being over. It’s just the beginning of this emotional roller coaster. Never a dull moment in this book. Completely devoured in one day! Very highly recommend to everyone that loves a good RH building story with lots of sass
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