Betray Me: A Dark College Bully Romance

by Vivienne L. Thorn

They thought they could control me.
They thought they could break me.
They thought they could bury the truth.
They were wrong.

I'm Belle Gallagher. The girl they underestimated. The one who refuses to be silenced.

At Shark Bay University, I was meant to disappear—just another shadow in a sea of secrets. But I fought back. Now, I'm not just surviving; I'm hunting.
The island's elite think they've orchestrated the perfect game. They believe they've silenced the whispers, erased the evidence, and sealed their power. But they underestimated one me.

I know their lies. I know their manipulations. And I'm ready to expose them all.

But there's one rule in this deadly trust no one. Not even the ones who claim to protect you.

Max Brooks is my anchor. But even anchors can be dragged under.

As the walls close in and the stakes rise, I must will I become the monster they fear, or will I dismantle their empire from the inside out?

This is the second installment to Devastation Game. You must read Stalk Me first.

Top Tropes
Possessive Hero/Heroine
Forced Proximity
Dark Secret Societies
Morally Grey Characters
Trauma Bonding
Revenge Plot
Unreliable Mentor
Stalker Elements
Fated Mates
Trigger Warnings (Please see the author's note on the inside)

Genres: Dark, Romance

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2025

About the author

Vivienne L. Thorn...an author addicted to dark, twisted tales. She leaves in Florida and writes about secret societies, dangerous obsessions, and love stories that thrive on blackmail, betrayal, trust and passion. When she doesn't plot psychological mind games for her characters, she's traveling, collecting tattoos, or hanging out with her dog—who’s way better at snuggling than following her deadlines.

She believes happiness isn’t about avoiding the dark, but learning to hunt for light in the mess. If you like emotional chaos, flawed souls, and romance that bites back, let’s be friends!

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betray Me : A Dark College Bully Romance by Vivienne L. Thorn is part two of Vivian Thorn’s Devastation Game series.

This is a dark secret society, college romance. You will need to read book one Stalk Me to get all the details and fully understand the dark manipulation these characters endure. AS in the first book, fair warning again..... READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!

This picks up right where it left off and we find that Belle is fighting for her freedom, to break free from her family and what remains of this society. She forms unexpected alliances that turn into more. She was trained to be a spy and all that training backfires when she uses it against her "parents".

There is a lot of trauma bonding and as she discovers how deep this secret society’s grasp extends, she is left wondering who she can truly trust and whether she can even rely on her own memories.

This book is so RAW in that every page is charged with tension, revenge, and twisted desire. I enjoyed this and was entertained.

I think this book is good for readers who enjoy dark, intense stories with lots of twists.

Thanks to Book Sirens for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Finlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Holy Moly! I cannot belive i read that so quickly. This time we dive into the the second installment of the Devastation Game. I honestly couldn't get enough, I want more.

Belle Gallagher, the girl who thought she invisible untiĺ she began fighting back. The hunted becomes the hunter. The islands elite think they've created the perfect game well... we'll see!


TROPES::
Possessive Hero/Heroine
Forced Proximity
Dark Secret Societies
Morally Grey Characters
Trauma Bonding
Revenge Plot
Unreliable Mentor
Stalker Elements
Fated Mates
Trigger Warnings- please read them and know your limit.

Avaliable on Kindle October 8 I would seriously add this to your tbr list!!!

Ps this is a second so you must read Stalk Me inorder to fully understand the plot!!!

[Elise Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this story. Stalk me is the first and I suggest reading it first. Betray me is an ARC and will be available in Oct. This is the story of Belle and if you read Stalk Me you know her well. These books are about two woman who have been through physical and psychological torture from an Organization straight from Hell. This is from Belle’s POV and what she endured not only from this organization but from her own parents. This is a very dark read that cuts deep and tells the raw dark truth of children who are slaves for those who have power, money and a long history of being legitimate families. Belle however has lost memories, false memories and built up guilt over her actions that leave her to deal with everything on her own until Max comes into her life. He helps her find her inner strength that was sucked from her by her family. Together they find strength to weave their way ( along with Luna and Max from Stalk me) through the twisted lies, endless betrayals and devastating truths that makes her a leader to bring down those who destroyed so many. I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding and yelling you’ve got to be kidding me throughout this story. It’s spicy enough to quench my thirst for what I love in a dark romance and lots and lots of oh myyyy’s ! It’s very detailed so I never wondered what was going on instead it flowed perfectly leading me down a dark journey to the final truth that blew my mind 🤯. The book is so well written that it’s on my read again list along with Stalk me… you won’t regret reading this book by one of my favorite authors!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd installment of the series, and it's another hit for me. It was full on from the very start, but this one concentrated on Belle's journey from childhood.

Belle, like Luna, has been a victim in all of it. Her parents have prioritised their own needs, wealth, connections, and power over the well-being of their child. She has been a pawn to move around the board, being sacrificed when needed. But Belle found a way to protect herself by offering her services in a new way.

Jump ahead to the present day, and the fallout is being felt about Luna's testimony against her parents. Belle is still playing the dutiful daughter, but when new evidence comes forward about a missing girl and fragmented memories are coming to the fore, she finds herself in the crosshairs of the DA. Who does she trust? Who's playing whom? Does she take the next step to protect herself?

The story shifts back and forth between the present and memories from the past. Some are fragmented, remembering when she lost hours, sometimes days, from being drugged. But are these memories real? Was she there or not? Did she participate? Belle has to do what she has been trained to do. Gather evidence, follow leads, chase down financials. She is sick of being a pawn, a sacrifice, even if it means facing the consequences of her actions when her memories do come back. She will find the truth, find out who is the head of the Organisation, because once that head has been severed, then hopefully the whole thing will come crashing down.

This book leaves us on another cliffhanger

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Celine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the ending did save this one for me, I do feel like it was less full-bodied than the first book.

It kinda felt like we meandered around a bit before finding the plot. And it felt like there was a lot more inner monologues than the first book. And it was quite repetitive, like entire plot points were reiterated in the text. Things that we'd discovered or been told were being discovered again as though the characters hadn't even thought of it the first time or considered it.

I did find the ending compelling and the final reveal, I enjoyed figuring that one out for myself and then having it revealed was nice.

It just felt like we circled around a bit before figuring out what it was we were actually after before arriving in the place where we were supposed to end up. It felt a bit round a bout.

But I did love seeing into this character's head and seeing her side of things and hearing about deeper parts of the operation.

And I had not expected things to go deeper than their parents' initial operation so that was interesting to learn. And the reveal of the Architect was a good one and really has me wanting to pick up the next one to find out more about what happens following this reveal and how things end for the series.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crap I loved this book and the ENDING!!!!!!!! OMG!!! This is book #2 in the Devastation Game Series, and it is told from Belle's POV. This book reminds me of my favorite show a while back called Pretty Little Liars.

This book still takes place at Shark Bay and shows another aspect of the organization. Belle was the "spy" for the organization so that she did not have to endure what Luna (first book) did. Belle doesn't know who she is anymore! She was once at the top of the pecking order, and now people are practically avoiding her. Now it's her family that is in the hot seat. Now, she doesn't know who to trust because she thinks she deserves this.

I like that the book switched back and forth from then to now. You get to see where Belle was coming from and why she was the way she is. I loved her relationship with Max (honestly wasn't expecting that) and that she is still in contact with Luna, and they are trying to help each other heal.
Whenever you think you know who the bad guy is, something changes. I was on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait for book #3!

This is part of a series, and to understand this book, you should read book #1 Stalk Me. Please check your trigger warnings because this is a very dark book that touches on sensitive topics.

Vivienne, I am so impressed with your writing and how you build the story!!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and devastating

Devestation Game Book 2, Stalk Me book 1 should be read first.

I am utterly wrecked...
This book is from Belle's first-person POV. This story made me go on another emotional wild ride. It's a continuation and also fills in more of the backstory to the first book. It made me feel sad, angry, and heartbroken for all they endured.

Belle is savage and a complete BA. Through all she went through her resilience and intelligence shine through.

This tangled web of lies kept me on my toes with all the tension, anticipation, and build-up as it all unraveled. A super suspenseful page-turner.

I loved the romantic relationship between Max and Belle that came about through all the healing and working together to solve the mysteries and take down the evil network.

Though we get a lot of answers in the end it leaves us with a satisfying opening to the next book in the series.

Tropes:
Bully
Morally gray
Forced proximity
Taboo
Explicit
Revenge
Possessive MCs
Secret Societies
Stalker Elements
Check TW


Thank you BookSirens and Vivienne L. Thorne for the opportunity to read this book.

[Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series and had the pleasure to read this as an arc reader. I was so excited to follow Belles story and get to know her more after book 1. The book is dark with heavy topics but everything was woven in smoothly and the pacing was just right. You get a little bit of everything from this book from plot twists, thriller, tension, drama and emotional rollercoaster. Definitely recommend reading it!

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I don't like the second book more than the first, but this is definitely the exception! This is the POV of Belle, the enemy of Luna Queen from the first book. I hated Belle, but now I know why she was that way. She was just trying to survive her disgusting family. I really don't want to spoil much because the story is fantastic. This is a must read! If you like mystery, smut, trauma bonding, and a shocking story; you will love this one! Also Max is a huge plus!

[Kaleigh Shabdue · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes
- Possessive fmc/mmc
- Trauma bond
- Morally gray
- Secret society
- Revenge

Belle has survived the unthinkable and it time for her to take her revenge. She is confused, with unreliable memories and tons of self doubt. That is until Max walks into her life. He helps her find herself and pushes her to truly dismantle the system she grew up in. This was dark, it was steamy, it was everything I wanted.. BUT it’s the second in the series, so before you absolutely devour this check out Stalk Me (1st in series)

[Ashley Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series I was totally satisfied with the ending, I would have never thought I needed another point of view. I was completely wrong. Belle was the pov I never knew I needed and the trauma representation that isn’t explained or shown much. When reading Betray Me it made me realize a lot of things about how people learn to survive their trauma. Just because someone’s path was different from yours does not make them any less of a victim.
Oh and the Spice was a rewarding bonus✨
Highly recommend reading this series!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t like to post spoilers so I’ll just say that this book was the perfect continuation from the first in this series. I was thrown right back into their chaotic world and I loved every minute of it. The characters are likable and considering the situation, there is a good amount of tension and slow burn romance. This author writes well and I will gladly read whatever comes next!

[Ciellie]

The book is just as full of tension and emotion as Stalk me "the first book"

The book is very well written.

It was nice to understand Belle's history as well.

[Amelia Drusilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a quick read for me and I loved it ❤️

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

dark bully

I think I started these books in the wrong order. However overall good book. This is my first from this author and I was indeed surprised.

[Taina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to follow belles story and really getting to know her more after the first book. It was a quick read but I loved it the ending omg. This book is just full of tension and emotion.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betray Me picks up after the Queen and Gallagher empires collapsed. Belle Gallagher and Luna Queen—former enemies turned trauma-bound allies—meet weekly for coffee, trying to rebuild normal lives after testifying against their parents’ human-trafficking ring. But when Belle starts receiving texts asking, “Did you tell her about the body?”, the past refuses to stay buried.

Told in alternating “Now” and “Before” timelines, the story unpacks Belle’s upbringing as her parents’ “perfect daughter,” groomed to serve and spy within the network’s dark elite. Thorn doesn’t shy away from disturbing material—grooming, manipulation, and sexual abuse are handled with graphic honesty but also empathy.

The central mystery revolves around Janet Wilson, a senator’s daughter whose disappearance ties both Belle and Luna to a night they can’t remember. As they dig for the truth, Thorn balances tension with emotional complexity: Belle’s guilt, Luna’s defiance, and their uneasy alliance make the story hit hard.

The reveal—that Janet’s death was covered up by Belle’s father to protect the network—feels both horrifying and inevitable. Belle finally uses the evidence she once hid to destroy her family’s empire, choosing justice over loyalty.

It’s dark, brutal, and cathartic—a story about surviving the people who made you a monster and learning you still deserve to heal.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betray Me is book 2 in the Devastation Game series. You do need to read book 1 first for context of what's happening in book 2.
This story was so good. I like to go into my books blind, so I wasn't expecting this one to be on the darker topic that it was, but it was so well done.
Belle was supposed to be like the other girls, used for the purpose of entertainment by her family. She knew that in order to be able to save herself from that torment, she needs to be useful in other ways. So she learned their secrets. Showed her father she can be more useful than being entertainment on display. She showed him that she can disappear, be invisible, learn secrets to be used for manipulation and black mail. She was young. She was looking for a way to save herself. What she didn't understand at the time was that by doing this, she was leaving the other girls behind to continue to endure what she couldn't. Then she learned their tactics of wiping memories. And now, she can't remember one very important thing. Is she a murderer? Did she commit a crime? Is she trusting the wrong people?
This story is a bit complex but the story is so captivating. The story is dark, so you should definitely check those trigger warnings before reading. But it is definitely worth a read!

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the beginning of the book I have so much hope for Belle after absolutely hating her in the first book. She is really stuck in a hard place, following her family orders and protecting them even when she shouldn't or doing the right thing. She does not automatically follow her families wishes and that shows such strength in just the first 30 pages. She has done a 180 since book one.

It is so heartbreaking to read of Belle's childhood. The horrible things she experienced at the hands of her parents. I just could not imagine.

I typically struggle to read books that go back and forth in time. But Vivienne does the past and present in a way that makes sense and seems very linear. Without the past the present information certainly would never make sense. Vivienne did a fantastic job.

[Michelle N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betray Me is part two of Vivian Thorn’s Devastation Game series. I read Betray me as a ARC. This is a dark secret society, college romance. You will need to read book one Stalk Me to get all the details and fully understand the dark manipulation these characters endure. In book 2 Belle is fighting for her freedom, to break free from her family and what remains of this society. She forms unexpected alliances that turn into more. She was trained to be a spy and all that training backfires when she uses it against her lifelong captors she calls parents. There is a lot of trauma bonding and as she discovers how deep this secret society’s grasp extends, she is left wondering who she can truly trust and whether she can even rely on her own memories.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Betray Me, the second book of the Devastation Game series, Belle's dark past comes to light. Having survived horrific psychological and physical torture, she teams up with Max to confront a powerful secret society.
​This intense thriller is packed with forced proximity, morally grey characters, and mind-blowing plot twists. It's a dark, spicy romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Be sure to read Stalk Me first!
Top Tropes: Possessive Hero/Heroine, Forced Proximity, Dark Secret Societies, Morally Grey Characters, Trauma Bonding, Revenge Plot, Unreliable Mentor, Stalker Elements, Fated Mates.
​Note: Please check the author's note for trigger warnings.

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a crazy story full of betrayal, secret societies, trafficking, and so much more. Belle plays a big part in this society’s dark and twisted plans. Poor Belle goes through so many terrible things throughout her life.

Max is just as much a part of the same twisted mess. Watching their story and all the drama unfold was fascinating. I kept reading to find out who was really pulling all the strings in this one, what a dark, twisted game of chess!

The story unfolds from Belle’s point of view, moving between past and present at a nice pace that kept me engaged. It had a bit of everything: secrets and betrayals, some spice, shocking twists, and mysterious moments.

[Ladenia27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the Devastation Game saga, Betray Me, continues exploring horrendous trauma, villainous acts and amazing fighting and surviving.

I loved that the FMC was so multi-layered, with complex emotions, while finding out her past, present and future.

I adored the relationships both continuing from the first book and the new ones on this one.

I cannot wait for the next book to see how the plot continues.

Please check the trigger warnings and go ahead and read this book; it is really worth it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m honored I was given a ARC of Betray me, Book 2 of the Devastation Game series. You must read book 1 “Stalk me” before diving into this one.
This is a dark (read trigger warnings) secret society, college romance.
I don’t want to give anything away, so all I will say is this is a must read! I only have a handful of books that I consider reread material, Stalk me & Betray me have made my reread list! It takes a lot for me to add to that list, and it only happens when characters stick we me and with story - that is exactly what happened!

[Jasmine Blakemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I would 100% recommend

[Amber Withington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive. At times I thought I was rereading a page again. Could have been an exciting story.