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Hollow Beach #1
Vengeful
A dark, slow-burn why choose romance full of crime, loyalty, and four men I never stopped wanting.
The first love.
The jealous protector.
The watchful strategist.
The dangerous enforcer.
The Calloway brothers run Hollow Beach from the shadows—jobs, deals, and secrets stitched into every block of sand and asphalt. I didn’t come back to work with them. I came back to survive.
But survival has a price.
Now we’re stealing together. Planning together. Circling each other in close quarters where history and desire blur into something volatile. They don’t trust me, and I don’t trust myself around them.
The first love.
The jealous protector.
The watchful strategist.
The dangerous enforcer.
The Calloway brothers run Hollow Beach from the shadows—jobs, deals, and secrets stitched into every block of sand and asphalt. I didn’t come back to work with them. I came back to survive.
But survival has a price.
Now we’re stealing together. Planning together. Circling each other in close quarters where history and desire blur into something volatile. They don’t trust me, and I don’t trust myself around them.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
41 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Black
65 books1,974 followersPenelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.
Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
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Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
Instagram—> instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
February 11, 2026
After disappearing six years earlier, Bellamy Hale finds herself back in Hollow Beach, and unexpectedly in her first love’s sights. As well as that of his brothers.
When partnering on a job turns into two, Bell can’t deny the chemistry with Gage and Rafe Calloway. Or the spark with Cruz. Or the sizzle with Bishop.
Holy hell, y’all. Hollow Beach is a whole ass vibe. It’s immediately clear that Bellamy and her siblings have returned to their hometown for a reason, and not simply because they were homesick. So many questions are swirling. Where have they been? What brought them back?
I am loving the coastal California backdrop with its warm breezes, endless sunshine, and early morning surf sessions.
Despite knowing it was coming - that is Pen’s way, after all - that cliffy was MFing brutal. In the very best way, of course. Since it is me, I should just put it on record that she’s also one of the few (only, really) that I will not only read a slooooow burn for, but say thank you for torturing me so deliciously.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark-ish, New Adult, Suspense
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻🧍🏼♂️👨🏻🤝👨🏼 {Multiple | Present}
Emotions: 🫣🤔😛🥵😳
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥
Heat: 🌶️
✨ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Organized Crime, Second Chance, Why Choose (Slow Build)
💫 Microtropes: It’s Always Been You, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises
💋 Kinks: n/a
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive
⛔️ Safety Squad: Violence and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, and in the past and present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: City, California 🇺🇸
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
📣 Type: Vengeful is the first book in the Hollow Beach series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
When partnering on a job turns into two, Bell can’t deny the chemistry with Gage and Rafe Calloway. Or the spark with Cruz. Or the sizzle with Bishop.
Holy hell, y’all. Hollow Beach is a whole ass vibe. It’s immediately clear that Bellamy and her siblings have returned to their hometown for a reason, and not simply because they were homesick. So many questions are swirling. Where have they been? What brought them back?
I am loving the coastal California backdrop with its warm breezes, endless sunshine, and early morning surf sessions.
Despite knowing it was coming - that is Pen’s way, after all - that cliffy was MFing brutal. In the very best way, of course. Since it is me, I should just put it on record that she’s also one of the few (only, really) that I will not only read a slooooow burn for, but say thank you for torturing me so deliciously.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark-ish, New Adult, Suspense
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 👫🏻🧍🏼♂️👨🏻🤝👨🏼 {Multiple | Present}
Emotions: 🫣🤔😛🥵😳
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥
Heat: 🌶️
✨ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Organized Crime, Second Chance, Why Choose (Slow Build)
💫 Microtropes: It’s Always Been You, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises
💋 Kinks: n/a
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive
⛔️ Safety Squad: Violence and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, and in the past and present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: City, California 🇺🇸
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
📣 Type: Vengeful is the first book in the Hollow Beach series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 4, 2026
This book was a fucking VIBE! I repeat... THIS BOOK WAS A FUCKING VIBE! The plot was so good and unique. The moment I picked this book up, it had me by the throat. It was the exact type of book that I needed to suck me in and keep my attention. So Penelope, thank you for delivering!
When Penelope teased this book, the vibes had me already hooked. So picture an Outer Banks vibe with main characters who surf. Set in California. But then think of thieves who perform heists like the movie Oceans 11 and tv show Animal Kingdom. Now let's up the ante and make it a MFMMM WHY CHOOSE where the FMC has palpable sexual tension with FOUR brothers. Yes you read the right... FOUR BROTHERS! Like when I tell you this book was a whole ass fucking vibe and I NEED you to add it to your TBR!
Before you proceed, you NEED TO KNOW that this book does in fact leave on a CLIFFHANGER. Now with that being said, I can not tell you much about this book because I don't want to ruin it for you. Just know, our FMC and her siblings, as well as the four Calloway brothers, are all thieves who perform heists. It starts off with our FMC Bellamy returning to Hollow Beach where they are all trying to perform a heist on a yacht. They all team up for a much larger heist. The problem is, Bellamy has a past with one of the Calloway brothers, but now that she is back, there is tension with all of them. And let's just say, it makes things interesting!
The cliffhanger, I saw coming. I knew it was coming and now I am left with questions and I can not wait for the next book! I will also say this one, is a lot of world building and relationship building for Bellamy and each brother. Which has me on pins and needles to know how this one pans out. There is no P in the V in this one, but that doesn't mean things do not happen. In fact there are a couple scenes that will live rent free 👀
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- (light) Dark Romance
- Why Choose/MFMMM
- Outer Banks/Oceans 11 Vibes
- Second Chance Romance
- Lots of Heists
- Morally Grey MCs
- Suspenseful
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Penelope Black for allowing me the pleasure to read Vengeful as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
When Penelope teased this book, the vibes had me already hooked. So picture an Outer Banks vibe with main characters who surf. Set in California. But then think of thieves who perform heists like the movie Oceans 11 and tv show Animal Kingdom. Now let's up the ante and make it a MFMMM WHY CHOOSE where the FMC has palpable sexual tension with FOUR brothers. Yes you read the right... FOUR BROTHERS! Like when I tell you this book was a whole ass fucking vibe and I NEED you to add it to your TBR!
Before you proceed, you NEED TO KNOW that this book does in fact leave on a CLIFFHANGER. Now with that being said, I can not tell you much about this book because I don't want to ruin it for you. Just know, our FMC and her siblings, as well as the four Calloway brothers, are all thieves who perform heists. It starts off with our FMC Bellamy returning to Hollow Beach where they are all trying to perform a heist on a yacht. They all team up for a much larger heist. The problem is, Bellamy has a past with one of the Calloway brothers, but now that she is back, there is tension with all of them. And let's just say, it makes things interesting!
The cliffhanger, I saw coming. I knew it was coming and now I am left with questions and I can not wait for the next book! I will also say this one, is a lot of world building and relationship building for Bellamy and each brother. Which has me on pins and needles to know how this one pans out. There is no P in the V in this one, but that doesn't mean things do not happen. In fact there are a couple scenes that will live rent free 👀
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- (light) Dark Romance
- Why Choose/MFMMM
- Outer Banks/Oceans 11 Vibes
- Second Chance Romance
- Lots of Heists
- Morally Grey MCs
- Suspenseful
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Penelope Black for allowing me the pleasure to read Vengeful as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
January 24, 2026
For you Penelope Black I will read a why choose.
(Even tho I for sure have brother preference)
This was fun.
I liked the heist situation.
Dark romance.
I loved how it was more of a slow burn.
The hale family(our girl Bethany) and the Calloway brothers.
4 brothers to be exact.
The POVs featured were interesting.
And it’ll be interesting to see how that is in the 2nd book.
Beach setting. Surfing included.
And that cliffhanger. WTF.
I’ve got theories. But I feel they’re wrong.
Arc review ✨
(Even tho I for sure have brother preference)
This was fun.
I liked the heist situation.
Dark romance.
I loved how it was more of a slow burn.
The hale family(our girl Bethany) and the Calloway brothers.
4 brothers to be exact.
The POVs featured were interesting.
And it’ll be interesting to see how that is in the 2nd book.
Beach setting. Surfing included.
And that cliffhanger. WTF.
I’ve got theories. But I feel they’re wrong.
Arc review ✨
February 2, 2026
Oh I am so happy to return to Penelope’s why choose, dark romance world! I have loved Penelope’s Avalon Falls series lately and am absolutely excited to hopefully still get a book for Hawke, but when she said she was returning to her roots I was beyond ecstatic. Don’t get me wrong, I love interconnected standalones, but Penelope does why choose, dark romance series so well. And let me tell you, Vengeful was no exception.
The book centers on Bellamy Hale and her siblings who have recently returned to Hollow Beach after being gone several years. After a rough childhood, Bellamy and her siblings have had to get money the best way they know how…by running heists. But while making a score in Hollow Beach, they end up taking it from a crew that Bellamy was hoping she could avoid - the Calloway brothers. Bellamy has history with the brothers and quickly finds herself and her siblings in a situation where they decide to team up for a big payout.
The tension throughout this book was addicting. Immediately you suspect that there’s more to Bellamy’s story and the relationship with the Calloway brothers just adds to the questions. You immediately pick up on the history between Bellamy and Gage Calloway, but then you add in the tension between the other three brothers: Rafe, Cruz, and Bishop. This first book was fairly low spice, but definitely set up for the future. And the cliffhanger?!?!?! I’m truly so excited and cannot wait for the next book to be released and see what happens with Bellamy, the Hale siblings, and the Calloway brothers.
The book centers on Bellamy Hale and her siblings who have recently returned to Hollow Beach after being gone several years. After a rough childhood, Bellamy and her siblings have had to get money the best way they know how…by running heists. But while making a score in Hollow Beach, they end up taking it from a crew that Bellamy was hoping she could avoid - the Calloway brothers. Bellamy has history with the brothers and quickly finds herself and her siblings in a situation where they decide to team up for a big payout.
The tension throughout this book was addicting. Immediately you suspect that there’s more to Bellamy’s story and the relationship with the Calloway brothers just adds to the questions. You immediately pick up on the history between Bellamy and Gage Calloway, but then you add in the tension between the other three brothers: Rafe, Cruz, and Bishop. This first book was fairly low spice, but definitely set up for the future. And the cliffhanger?!?!?! I’m truly so excited and cannot wait for the next book to be released and see what happens with Bellamy, the Hale siblings, and the Calloway brothers.
February 19, 2026
"My heart recognized her before my head did."
"Do you want to be kissed, Bell?"
Ahhhh I freaking loved everything about this book! Just every single element! THE TENSION!!!! I cannot wait for book 2 cause the cliffy at the end? 😭 im dying!
"Do you want to be kissed, Bell?"
Ahhhh I freaking loved everything about this book! Just every single element! THE TENSION!!!! I cannot wait for book 2 cause the cliffy at the end? 😭 im dying!
February 13, 2026
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vengeful hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go…seriously, if you want a gripping enemies-to-sort-of lovers story that had me thinking about every look, every charged scene, and every stupid thing these characters did at two in the morning; look no further. Bellamy “Bell” Hale has moved back to Hollow Beach with her brothers after six years away and dives headfirst back into her old life of robberies, underground dealings, and her old friends…the wild Calloway brothers. Full of history, heated looks, angst, and steamy encounters Vengeful is everything I look for in a slow burn, why choose book. Bell is strong, wounded, and isn’t afraid to fight back especially when all four of the Calloways turn their attentions to her in very different ways that will make your panties drop. Vengeful plus so good on the why choose…Bell has history with each of these men; Gage (the pushed away one), Rafe (quiet killer), Cruz (kids uncle), and Bishop (the bear). Watching her relationships grow with each of them was exciting and so unpredictable. Not only did she have the Calloway’s, but she also had the back and forth with their gang and her brothers. The spice was smoldering, there was angst, the friendships were addicting, and the slow burn between them was perfect. If you’re a fan of forbidden love, small beach towns, thieves, family, angst, and smoking hot alpha males then PICK THIS BOOK UP. You’ll ride that cliffhanger into the next book screaming “WHERE’S THE NEXT ONE!”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Vengeful hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go…seriously, if you want a gripping enemies-to-sort-of lovers story that had me thinking about every look, every charged scene, and every stupid thing these characters did at two in the morning; look no further. Bellamy “Bell” Hale has moved back to Hollow Beach with her brothers after six years away and dives headfirst back into her old life of robberies, underground dealings, and her old friends…the wild Calloway brothers. Full of history, heated looks, angst, and steamy encounters Vengeful is everything I look for in a slow burn, why choose book. Bell is strong, wounded, and isn’t afraid to fight back especially when all four of the Calloways turn their attentions to her in very different ways that will make your panties drop. Vengeful plus so good on the why choose…Bell has history with each of these men; Gage (the pushed away one), Rafe (quiet killer), Cruz (kids uncle), and Bishop (the bear). Watching her relationships grow with each of them was exciting and so unpredictable. Not only did she have the Calloway’s, but she also had the back and forth with their gang and her brothers. The spice was smoldering, there was angst, the friendships were addicting, and the slow burn between them was perfect. If you’re a fan of forbidden love, small beach towns, thieves, family, angst, and smoking hot alpha males then PICK THIS BOOK UP. You’ll ride that cliffhanger into the next book screaming “WHERE’S THE NEXT ONE!”
January 30, 2026
Holy hotcakes!! Pen is the queen of so many things especially tension, suspense and cliffhangers!!!!
I forgot this was a cliffhanger until about 85% in and then I had to prepare myself mentally to have SO MANY unanswered questions. I was hooked the entire story though, hence finishing it in less than 24 hours. This book was plot heavy and I loved every single tension and suspense filled moment.
Bellamy shows back up in her hometown after years away, and is thrown back into a chaotic world in which her high school love and his brother live dangerously on the edge. She struggles with her old attraction to Gage, and also some newfound feelings (and maybe some old) with his brothers. Her family and Gage's partner up for some dangerous heists that threaten their safety and deepen their connections.
Between the excitement and suspense of the heists and the why choose between the brothers, I was totally on edge and that's exactly how she leaves us at the end of book one! I cannot wait for book two and to see how the drama and danger unfolds!!
If you love:
🖤 dark romance
❤️🔥 obsessive, morally gray heroes
🖤 why choose
❤️🔥 found family
🖤 one bed
❤️🔥 heists
I forgot this was a cliffhanger until about 85% in and then I had to prepare myself mentally to have SO MANY unanswered questions. I was hooked the entire story though, hence finishing it in less than 24 hours. This book was plot heavy and I loved every single tension and suspense filled moment.
Bellamy shows back up in her hometown after years away, and is thrown back into a chaotic world in which her high school love and his brother live dangerously on the edge. She struggles with her old attraction to Gage, and also some newfound feelings (and maybe some old) with his brothers. Her family and Gage's partner up for some dangerous heists that threaten their safety and deepen their connections.
Between the excitement and suspense of the heists and the why choose between the brothers, I was totally on edge and that's exactly how she leaves us at the end of book one! I cannot wait for book two and to see how the drama and danger unfolds!!
If you love:
🖤 dark romance
❤️🔥 obsessive, morally gray heroes
🖤 why choose
❤️🔥 found family
🖤 one bed
❤️🔥 heists
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn't wait to dive into a new series by Penelope, and the fact she's writing another why choose, dark romance was the cherry on the cake.
Vengeful is a strong start to this new series, and I am obsessed. Our fmc, Bellamy, returns to Hallow Beach after some time away, and she is right back where she started with the Calloway brothers, Gage, Cruz, Rafe, and Bishop. All of them are getting under her skin in the best ways (even if she doesn't admit it yet).
I have so many questions, that will hopefully be answered in the next book, and theories, of which I am usually wrong, but we'll wait and see.
And true to Penelope style, she has left us on a cliffhanger of cliffhangers! We go from the last page of a chapter to a readers notice, I was like WTF?!!
If you like the tropes below, I would really suggest giving this a go!
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Heist
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
A huge thank you to Penelope for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Vengeful is a strong start to this new series, and I am obsessed. Our fmc, Bellamy, returns to Hallow Beach after some time away, and she is right back where she started with the Calloway brothers, Gage, Cruz, Rafe, and Bishop. All of them are getting under her skin in the best ways (even if she doesn't admit it yet).
I have so many questions, that will hopefully be answered in the next book, and theories, of which I am usually wrong, but we'll wait and see.
And true to Penelope style, she has left us on a cliffhanger of cliffhangers! We go from the last page of a chapter to a readers notice, I was like WTF?!!
If you like the tropes below, I would really suggest giving this a go!
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Heist
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
A huge thank you to Penelope for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2026
Holy cow! I can’t even describe the words and emotions going through my brain right now. This book was phenomenal! The edge of the seat tension mixed in with the high stakes thrill had me captured from the beginning.
First, thank you for not making me choose because girl.. I can’t 😍 where Gage is sweet, Rafe is intense. Where Cruz is the life of the party, Bishop craves control. You get the best of both worlds and I am not complaining. Despite the personality differences, these men fit together perfectly with Bellamy. There was never a dull moment and the tension was so intense.
Bellamy is one of the strongest female characters I’ve read about. She’s not only had a rough childhood but she’s fiercely independent and relies on no one. This woman handled four men like it was easy. She’s mouthy, strong, and fully capable of handling her own. The struggle for control between her and all four Calloways had me gripping the edge of my seat. Everything about this book was intense and phenomenal.
First, thank you for not making me choose because girl.. I can’t 😍 where Gage is sweet, Rafe is intense. Where Cruz is the life of the party, Bishop craves control. You get the best of both worlds and I am not complaining. Despite the personality differences, these men fit together perfectly with Bellamy. There was never a dull moment and the tension was so intense.
Bellamy is one of the strongest female characters I’ve read about. She’s not only had a rough childhood but she’s fiercely independent and relies on no one. This woman handled four men like it was easy. She’s mouthy, strong, and fully capable of handling her own. The struggle for control between her and all four Calloways had me gripping the edge of my seat. Everything about this book was intense and phenomenal.
February 2, 2026
If you love the Ocean 11 movies then you will thoroughly enjoy this book! Heists galore, organization, a battle between leaders and all the tension between Bellamy and the Calloway brothers. This is an intense slow build steamy romance that will leave your toes curling in anticipation for what’s to come.
Bellamy Hale has a past with the Calloway brothers, after being apart for several years, she comes across them after completing one of her jobs. She had hoped never to cross their paths again, but once they caught sight of her, there was no escaping again. Bellamy is their property now, even though she refuses to accept it.
This book was filled with the most anticipated tension and I was living for when we finally got glimpses of moments between Bellamy and the brothers. I cannot choose who is currently my favorite but I think for right now it’s going to be Rafe.
Oh, this book also ends on a wild cliffhanger that I was not prepared for but had an inkling to suspect might happen. Anxiously waiting for the second book in this series now because I need to know what happens next!
Bellamy Hale has a past with the Calloway brothers, after being apart for several years, she comes across them after completing one of her jobs. She had hoped never to cross their paths again, but once they caught sight of her, there was no escaping again. Bellamy is their property now, even though she refuses to accept it.
This book was filled with the most anticipated tension and I was living for when we finally got glimpses of moments between Bellamy and the brothers. I cannot choose who is currently my favorite but I think for right now it’s going to be Rafe.
Oh, this book also ends on a wild cliffhanger that I was not prepared for but had an inkling to suspect might happen. Anxiously waiting for the second book in this series now because I need to know what happens next!
February 19, 2026
ahhhhhhhhh......Penelope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean I knew you were gonna leave us on a cliffy but OMG why why why!!!!
Hold on I just need to think about Rafe Calloway to calm down........ok I'm good.
This book!!!! I love absolutely everything about it. The slowburn, the yearning, the INTENSE emotions...you can literally feel everything in this book. Penelope has such a way of making you feel like you are experiencing it as its happening. The anticipation....the buildup.....the lingering touches...the interruptions....the longing.
I love the story, although it does remind me a bit of the show Animal Kingdom. Not as intense but gives me the vibes.
The Calloway brothers cover every trope you could ever want:
Bishop - Enemies to Lovers
Cruz - Golden Retriever
Gage - Second Chance
Rafe - Touch her and Die
Bellamy - Girl you got your hands full in the best possible way. Enough said.
This was a 5 star for me. I am desperately waiting for book 2.
Hold on I just need to think about Rafe Calloway to calm down........ok I'm good.
This book!!!! I love absolutely everything about it. The slowburn, the yearning, the INTENSE emotions...you can literally feel everything in this book. Penelope has such a way of making you feel like you are experiencing it as its happening. The anticipation....the buildup.....the lingering touches...the interruptions....the longing.
I love the story, although it does remind me a bit of the show Animal Kingdom. Not as intense but gives me the vibes.
The Calloway brothers cover every trope you could ever want:
Bishop - Enemies to Lovers
Cruz - Golden Retriever
Gage - Second Chance
Rafe - Touch her and Die
Bellamy - Girl you got your hands full in the best possible way. Enough said.
This was a 5 star for me. I am desperately waiting for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Read ----
saltwater and sin,
secrets that don’t stay buried.
this is only the beginning
welcome to Hollow Beach.
The first love.
The jealous protector.
The watchful strategist.
The dangerous enforcer.
Bellamy Hale, sister Lola Hale, brother Beckett Hale
The brothers Gage, Rafe, Cruz, Bishop Calloway
Think Oceans movies meets fast and furious meets why choose.
Bellamy appears back at Hollow Beach after 4 years. One job leaves her face to face with Gage Calloway and the start of feelings resurfacing for not just Gage but all 4 brothers. Especially when the two families agree to work together.
This was a book like I have not read before and I am here for it. This book starts of tense and does not loosen its hold. The plot is unique with Heists reminding me of oceans movies. The tension between Bellamy and the Calloway brothers was 🥵 one in particular I feel is going to be the hottest once it happens.
The cliffhanger at the end brutal!!!!
I have my suspicions. I cannot wait to see where this goes. I am pretty sure I already have a favorite brother.
Thank you Penelope Black for the Arc opportunity. Your why choose writing is just 🤌
saltwater and sin,
secrets that don’t stay buried.
this is only the beginning
welcome to Hollow Beach.
The first love.
The jealous protector.
The watchful strategist.
The dangerous enforcer.
Bellamy Hale, sister Lola Hale, brother Beckett Hale
The brothers Gage, Rafe, Cruz, Bishop Calloway
Think Oceans movies meets fast and furious meets why choose.
Bellamy appears back at Hollow Beach after 4 years. One job leaves her face to face with Gage Calloway and the start of feelings resurfacing for not just Gage but all 4 brothers. Especially when the two families agree to work together.
This was a book like I have not read before and I am here for it. This book starts of tense and does not loosen its hold. The plot is unique with Heists reminding me of oceans movies. The tension between Bellamy and the Calloway brothers was 🥵 one in particular I feel is going to be the hottest once it happens.
The cliffhanger at the end brutal!!!!
I have my suspicions. I cannot wait to see where this goes. I am pretty sure I already have a favorite brother.
Thank you Penelope Black for the Arc opportunity. Your why choose writing is just 🤌
January 30, 2026
This is a high stakes friends to enemies to maaaybe lovers story. The thing that this group has in common is… well… stealing. The Calloways seem to be professional thieves, whether or not the dabble in more has yet to be seen. Bellamy was attached at the hip to at least Gage but it seems like she may have had a connection to all the guys. She’s back and she interfering on her turf and it’s not going over well for some of them. How they’re all going to handle the new dynamic is still be figured out. It’s going to be interesting to see where this story goes!
February 23, 2026
there's something i love about being back in a penelope world! it's such a vibe and always a good time... until that cliffy happens! im sat waiting for the next book because so much happened that i NEED to know immediately ALL THE THINGS. i love seeing how bellamy is with each brother and how they each have their own little dynamics and one is always holding out (honestly my fave, because when he breaks ITS SO GOOD).
thank you penelope for the arc, i adore you!
thank you penelope for the arc, i adore you!
January 29, 2026
Pen is back in her why choose era and she absolutely nailed it!!! I was hooked from the beginning to the absolute end! I mean come on HEISTS?! The relationship building, story building and the banter were TOP notch — I feel I won’t recover from the heat and TENSION in this one. It was everything you want and so much more!
January 29, 2026
IM SO INVESTED! This series is going to be phenomenal. I was hooked instantly. All of the characters bring something to the table. Im not sure how I feel about Coco...but the brothers are chefs kiss. And that ending! I need book 2 more than I need air.
February 3, 2026
I absolutely loved this story! I liked learning about their history and seeing how their families ran their jobs. I can’t wait to see where their stories go after that cliffhanger!
Thank you for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
Thank you for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
Holy hell.
Format: kindle unlimited
Story: 4.75/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️.5
Tropes: heist; why choose; brothers; second chance; crime family; slow burn
This is like Animal Kingdom meets Savages —it’s a whole vibe and I was obsessed. I read why choose and thought it was going to be too spicy for me or over the top—- not the case. There’s so much slow burn and angst. They’re all pining for her and she’s the bad ass FMC in charge of the heist. She holds all of the cards. This was INSANE. Like actually a whole vibe. I’m literally chomping at the bit for the follow-up because CLIFFHANGER.
Format: kindle unlimited
Story: 4.75/5 ⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️.5
Tropes: heist; why choose; brothers; second chance; crime family; slow burn
This is like Animal Kingdom meets Savages —it’s a whole vibe and I was obsessed. I read why choose and thought it was going to be too spicy for me or over the top—- not the case. There’s so much slow burn and angst. They’re all pining for her and she’s the bad ass FMC in charge of the heist. She holds all of the cards. This was INSANE. Like actually a whole vibe. I’m literally chomping at the bit for the follow-up because CLIFFHANGER.
February 7, 2026
4.25/5 ✨️ 2/5 🌶
This is my first book by Penelope, and talk about a series that is going to be such a breath of fresh air to the book community. Oceans 11 meets Five Brothers, all in the backdrop of the California surf. With the very delicious four Calloway brothers and Bellamy Hale at the center of it all, not only does she have a history with them, but she also puts these two families together as they join forces to plan, steal, and, of course, get the most MONEY. As Bellamy, aka Miss Baddie, soon finds herself being very attracted to each brother, she forms a very different relationship with each. Rafe and Gage are my favorites, but I wouldn't be mad if she had fun with all of them. I loved Bellamy and her sister, and I hope to see more of them, and I'm dying for the next book in April, as Penelope had us hanging by a thread, and I want to learn so much more background and hopefully more spicy scenes, because sharing is caring. 😏
Thank you, Penelope, for the ARC! 🖤
This is my first book by Penelope, and talk about a series that is going to be such a breath of fresh air to the book community. Oceans 11 meets Five Brothers, all in the backdrop of the California surf. With the very delicious four Calloway brothers and Bellamy Hale at the center of it all, not only does she have a history with them, but she also puts these two families together as they join forces to plan, steal, and, of course, get the most MONEY. As Bellamy, aka Miss Baddie, soon finds herself being very attracted to each brother, she forms a very different relationship with each. Rafe and Gage are my favorites, but I wouldn't be mad if she had fun with all of them. I loved Bellamy and her sister, and I hope to see more of them, and I'm dying for the next book in April, as Penelope had us hanging by a thread, and I want to learn so much more background and hopefully more spicy scenes, because sharing is caring. 😏
Thank you, Penelope, for the ARC! 🖤
February 1, 2026
When we first met Ballamy, it was during a rough spot in her life. But man oh man does she learn to turn a bad thing into something more.
Fast forward and we get a life of secrets, heist and those Calloway boys.
No notes, Penelope. I ate this up so quick it was crazy. That’s cliff hanger is brutal… which any Penelope fan knows to expect. Welcome back to Dark, Why Choose romance Pen, you were missed and I can’t wait for book 2.
Fast forward and we get a life of secrets, heist and those Calloway boys.
No notes, Penelope. I ate this up so quick it was crazy. That’s cliff hanger is brutal… which any Penelope fan knows to expect. Welcome back to Dark, Why Choose romance Pen, you were missed and I can’t wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book did not ease in. It stalked me, backed me into a corner, and reminded me exactly why dark, slow-burn why choose owns my soul.
Hollow Beach is a whole mood. Gritty, dangerous, soaked in secrets and loyalty that cuts deeper than love. The Calloway brothers are not just powerful, they are inevitable. Gage. Cruze. Rafe. Bishop. Each one distinct, each one deadly in his own way, and together? A storm system you see coming but still stand in the rain for.
Bellamy coming back was everything. She is sharp, scarred, stubborn, and very aware that survival comes with a cost. The history between her and these men hums under every scene like a live wire. The first love ache. The jealous protector tension. The strategist watching from the shadows. The enforcer who feels like a threat and a promise all at once. The chemistry between Bellamy and the Calloway boys is straight up sinful. Slow, deliberate, and so thick I swear I could taste it.
And can we talk about the banter? Because wow. The back and forth between the two crews, Hale with Bellamy, Lola, and Beckham versus the Calloway boys, was perfection. Sharp tongues, old wounds, loyalty tests, and that delicious sense that everyone is one bad decision away from chaos. It added humor, heat, and heart in a way that made the world feel alive instead of just dark.
This book is about crime and control, yes, but it is also about belonging. About choosing your people even when it terrifies you. About love that does not ask you to pick just one path because that was never the truth anyway.
By the time I finished, I was wrecked, obsessed, and already desperate for more. If you love dark romance with real tension, earned heat, dangerous men who would burn the world down for their girl, and a why choose that actually makes sense, read this. Immediately. Cancel your plans. Hollow Beach demands your attention and I was more than happy to give it everything. 🖤🔥
Hollow Beach is a whole mood. Gritty, dangerous, soaked in secrets and loyalty that cuts deeper than love. The Calloway brothers are not just powerful, they are inevitable. Gage. Cruze. Rafe. Bishop. Each one distinct, each one deadly in his own way, and together? A storm system you see coming but still stand in the rain for.
Bellamy coming back was everything. She is sharp, scarred, stubborn, and very aware that survival comes with a cost. The history between her and these men hums under every scene like a live wire. The first love ache. The jealous protector tension. The strategist watching from the shadows. The enforcer who feels like a threat and a promise all at once. The chemistry between Bellamy and the Calloway boys is straight up sinful. Slow, deliberate, and so thick I swear I could taste it.
And can we talk about the banter? Because wow. The back and forth between the two crews, Hale with Bellamy, Lola, and Beckham versus the Calloway boys, was perfection. Sharp tongues, old wounds, loyalty tests, and that delicious sense that everyone is one bad decision away from chaos. It added humor, heat, and heart in a way that made the world feel alive instead of just dark.
This book is about crime and control, yes, but it is also about belonging. About choosing your people even when it terrifies you. About love that does not ask you to pick just one path because that was never the truth anyway.
By the time I finished, I was wrecked, obsessed, and already desperate for more. If you love dark romance with real tension, earned heat, dangerous men who would burn the world down for their girl, and a why choose that actually makes sense, read this. Immediately. Cancel your plans. Hollow Beach demands your attention and I was more than happy to give it everything. 🖤🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vengeful is the first book in the Hollow Beach series. It follows Bellamy Hale, Gage Calloway, Rafe Calloway, Cruz Calloway and Bishop Calloway. This book was everything you could want in a dark romance and I devoured it. 🤭
Bellamy and her siblings up and vanished from Hollow Beach 6 years ago but now they are back! I love how this story is set up, especially with Bell and her siblings because there is a big mystery on why they are back after all this time. Bell is a fantastic FMC and literally takes no shit from anyone especially the Calloway boys. I can’t wait to see her go toe to toe with Bishop more.
As for the Calloway's, I loved each and every one of them! They each have distinct personalities, especially around Bellamy. Gage is the sweet one, Rafe is the quiet one, Cruz is the playful one and Bishop is the grumpy one. They all seem to know her in very different ways which I find so interesting because there is an air of mystery on the timing! Like I need to know more about their relationships! Also the sexual tension with Bell and all of the guys was off the chart hot!
One thing I love about this story is that even though both families have their own issues and have been through the ringer they would do absolutely anything to protect one another.
There is suspense to this story and there were some parts that had me going “wait what?!” because there are a lot of unknowns!! I feel this was very intentional to keep us on the edge of our seats. WHICH IT WORKED. The last couple chapters made me so anxious because I could feel that something was going to happen but didn’t know when it would hit.
The end has a tiny cliffhanger that had me guessing everything! I have theories, but I can’t wait to see if any of them are right in the next book. I can't wait for more as I am already obsessed with Bellamy, and the Calloway boys!
You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Dark romance
- Why choose
- Morally gray men
- Heists
- One bed
- A tinyyyyy cliffhanger 🤭
Thank you so much, Penelope Black for the gifted copy!
Bellamy and her siblings up and vanished from Hollow Beach 6 years ago but now they are back! I love how this story is set up, especially with Bell and her siblings because there is a big mystery on why they are back after all this time. Bell is a fantastic FMC and literally takes no shit from anyone especially the Calloway boys. I can’t wait to see her go toe to toe with Bishop more.
As for the Calloway's, I loved each and every one of them! They each have distinct personalities, especially around Bellamy. Gage is the sweet one, Rafe is the quiet one, Cruz is the playful one and Bishop is the grumpy one. They all seem to know her in very different ways which I find so interesting because there is an air of mystery on the timing! Like I need to know more about their relationships! Also the sexual tension with Bell and all of the guys was off the chart hot!
One thing I love about this story is that even though both families have their own issues and have been through the ringer they would do absolutely anything to protect one another.
There is suspense to this story and there were some parts that had me going “wait what?!” because there are a lot of unknowns!! I feel this was very intentional to keep us on the edge of our seats. WHICH IT WORKED. The last couple chapters made me so anxious because I could feel that something was going to happen but didn’t know when it would hit.
The end has a tiny cliffhanger that had me guessing everything! I have theories, but I can’t wait to see if any of them are right in the next book. I can't wait for more as I am already obsessed with Bellamy, and the Calloway boys!
You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Dark romance
- Why choose
- Morally gray men
- Heists
- One bed
- A tinyyyyy cliffhanger 🤭
Thank you so much, Penelope Black for the gifted copy!
February 9, 2026
Vengeful is darker than Penelope’s previous why choose romances, but it has all the same longing and delicious slow burn. Bellamy is a heroine on a mission to take care of her siblings and the four Calloway brothers are enigmatic and share an element of danger. Their paths cross while on a job to clear anything of value from a yacht and from there the plot only thickens while still leaving so much of both the current story and the backstory a mystery. When Bellamy’s path crosses with Gage Calloway, the spark between them immediately sparks and slow burns into a kiss that is well worth the wait. When the families unite to work a big job together, tensions only rise and danger circles closer. After the job, all the Calloway brothers have their eyes on Bellamy. From here, the story races to the end that will leave you on the edge of your seat in this slow burn, friends to lovers, second chance, dark, why choose romance where everyone has secrets.
I loved the edge of danger that this story rides which only adds to the tension. Add in the element of “will they or won’t they” between Bellemy and each brother, and I was hooked. Once this story builds to their first job, I couldn’t put it down and I’m desperate for more after that cliffhanger. I both love all the characters and am desperate to know more about them. The subterfuge and secrets only added to my curiosity. This was a slow burn start to an amazing series that explodes in action and leaves you on the last page asking “What’s next!?” I personally can’t wait to see what happens next with our characters and where things go from here.
I loved the edge of danger that this story rides which only adds to the tension. Add in the element of “will they or won’t they” between Bellemy and each brother, and I was hooked. Once this story builds to their first job, I couldn’t put it down and I’m desperate for more after that cliffhanger. I both love all the characters and am desperate to know more about them. The subterfuge and secrets only added to my curiosity. This was a slow burn start to an amazing series that explodes in action and leaves you on the last page asking “What’s next!?” I personally can’t wait to see what happens next with our characters and where things go from here.
January 24, 2026
I’m not going to lie — I went into Vengeful a little nervous. Dark romance and why-choose aren’t always my comfort zone, and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this story once I was in it. That said… I’m definitely intrigued, and maybe even a little hooked.
From the very first pages, there was this constant sense of unease that I couldn’t shake. The atmosphere felt tense and heavy in a way that seemed intentional, and I spent most of the book unsure of who to trust — and honestly, I’m still not sure. The morally gray characters, secrets, and heist elements all layered together to keep me on edge, even during quieter moments.
Despite the darker tone, there were a few moments that genuinely made me laugh, which helped balance things out and made the characters feel more real. I also found myself making plenty of reader noises along the way — always a good sign that a book has me fully engaged, even when I’m conflicted.
The why-choose dynamic is still something I’m figuring out how I feel about, but this story did enough to keep me curious rather than pushing me away. And that cliffhanger? It definitely did its job, because I haven’t stopped thinking about where this story could go next.
Overall, Vengeful feels very much like the beginning of something darker and more complex, and while I’m not fully settled on how I feel yet, I’m absolutely interested to see what comes next.
Thank you to Penelope Black for the ARC — I appreciate the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts.
Spice note (for readers who like chapter references): chapters 36, 43, and 44.
From the very first pages, there was this constant sense of unease that I couldn’t shake. The atmosphere felt tense and heavy in a way that seemed intentional, and I spent most of the book unsure of who to trust — and honestly, I’m still not sure. The morally gray characters, secrets, and heist elements all layered together to keep me on edge, even during quieter moments.
Despite the darker tone, there were a few moments that genuinely made me laugh, which helped balance things out and made the characters feel more real. I also found myself making plenty of reader noises along the way — always a good sign that a book has me fully engaged, even when I’m conflicted.
The why-choose dynamic is still something I’m figuring out how I feel about, but this story did enough to keep me curious rather than pushing me away. And that cliffhanger? It definitely did its job, because I haven’t stopped thinking about where this story could go next.
Overall, Vengeful feels very much like the beginning of something darker and more complex, and while I’m not fully settled on how I feel yet, I’m absolutely interested to see what comes next.
Thank you to Penelope Black for the ARC — I appreciate the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts.
Spice note (for readers who like chapter references): chapters 36, 43, and 44.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Before I go into how much I absolutely LOVE this book, I have to say that it ends on a cliffhanger that will mess you up because WTF, Penelope?!
❤️ Dark Romance
🖤 Why Choose
❤️ Slow Burn
🖤 High-Stakes Heists, Higher Payouts
❤️ Family Loyalty (except when it comes to Bellamy 🤭)
Immediately thrown into the heist carried out by the Hale family, I was completely hooked from the beginning. Bellamy, her sister, Lola & their brother, Beckett are a perfect, precise crew. This trio gets in and out without a trace. But then they catch the eyes of the Calloway family, and pretty soon they're working heists together. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer & all that. Buttt Bellamy has history with the Calloways. Each is intrigued by her for their own reasons & Bellamy, well, how does she choose just one?!
Bellamy is an absolute baddie. The eldest daughter & leader of her family, I loved how she was the strong & fierce protector, but also soft & somewhat vulnerable when it came to the Calloway brothers. The unspoken language she has with her sister, Lola was probably one of my favorite aspects of this book. And then the dynamic between the Calloway brothers was hilarious. Each brother brings his own charm & although I am a Rafe & Bishop girlie, I do think you fall for each of them in their own way.
When I tell you I was waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time, my god I was on edge like I was sitting in the van doing recon with them. Again, this one ends on a CRAZY cliffhanger & you better believe I am already counting down the days for book 2!
❤️ Dark Romance
🖤 Why Choose
❤️ Slow Burn
🖤 High-Stakes Heists, Higher Payouts
❤️ Family Loyalty (except when it comes to Bellamy 🤭)
Immediately thrown into the heist carried out by the Hale family, I was completely hooked from the beginning. Bellamy, her sister, Lola & their brother, Beckett are a perfect, precise crew. This trio gets in and out without a trace. But then they catch the eyes of the Calloway family, and pretty soon they're working heists together. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer & all that. Buttt Bellamy has history with the Calloways. Each is intrigued by her for their own reasons & Bellamy, well, how does she choose just one?!
Bellamy is an absolute baddie. The eldest daughter & leader of her family, I loved how she was the strong & fierce protector, but also soft & somewhat vulnerable when it came to the Calloway brothers. The unspoken language she has with her sister, Lola was probably one of my favorite aspects of this book. And then the dynamic between the Calloway brothers was hilarious. Each brother brings his own charm & although I am a Rafe & Bishop girlie, I do think you fall for each of them in their own way.
When I tell you I was waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time, my god I was on edge like I was sitting in the van doing recon with them. Again, this one ends on a CRAZY cliffhanger & you better believe I am already counting down the days for book 2!
January 30, 2026
✨Vengeful - Penelope Black✨
saltwater and sin,
secrets that don’t stay buried.
this is only the beginning
welcome to Hollow Beach.
I knew it was gonna end on a cliffhanger. I knew I would most likely die. I tried to prepare. I failed. I’m gonna need sometime to process this cliffhanger and the fact that I need to wait to continue Bellamy’s story. I’m invested. Like, really invested. I have many questions, wishes, and demands and I cannot wait to see where this story leads. Is it obvious I have a love hate relationship with slow burns lol. I love a good why choose romance and throw in some dark elements and I’m the happiest girl on earth. Don’t even get me started on those brothers. They all have something that makes me want to devour them and I’m curious to see how their relationships with Bellamy develop, especially Bishop’s. The spice had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a slow burn and it’s written in a way that every little piece of physical touch makes me squirm. But don’t worry the one bed scene is so hot you might need to take a cold shower afterwards🥵 I also really love the heist element of it all. I’ve never read a book where the planning of heists was such a big part and I quite love it! I highly recommend this first book in the Hollow Beach series, but do prepare yourself for the cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see where the story of Bellamy and her men goes!
Read this book if you’re looking for:
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Heists, heists, heists
🖤 One bed
🖤 Morally grey
🖤 First in a new series
saltwater and sin,
secrets that don’t stay buried.
this is only the beginning
welcome to Hollow Beach.
I knew it was gonna end on a cliffhanger. I knew I would most likely die. I tried to prepare. I failed. I’m gonna need sometime to process this cliffhanger and the fact that I need to wait to continue Bellamy’s story. I’m invested. Like, really invested. I have many questions, wishes, and demands and I cannot wait to see where this story leads. Is it obvious I have a love hate relationship with slow burns lol. I love a good why choose romance and throw in some dark elements and I’m the happiest girl on earth. Don’t even get me started on those brothers. They all have something that makes me want to devour them and I’m curious to see how their relationships with Bellamy develop, especially Bishop’s. The spice had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a slow burn and it’s written in a way that every little piece of physical touch makes me squirm. But don’t worry the one bed scene is so hot you might need to take a cold shower afterwards🥵 I also really love the heist element of it all. I’ve never read a book where the planning of heists was such a big part and I quite love it! I highly recommend this first book in the Hollow Beach series, but do prepare yourself for the cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see where the story of Bellamy and her men goes!
Read this book if you’re looking for:
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Heists, heists, heists
🖤 One bed
🖤 Morally grey
🖤 First in a new series
February 6, 2026
Thank you to Penelope Black for the eARC in exchange for my honest review! All opinions that follow are honest and my own!
So when this first hit my inbox…I was slightly confused. I didn’t remember signing up for this book but it sounded phenomenal and I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Penelope Black sooo I certainly wasn’t complaining. Ended up getting an email shortly after that saying I was invited to her inner circle so like okayyy love this!
Now for the actual book. Why choose…with 4 brothers…heists…and some intense family secrets?? Holy moly I am so in!
Essentially Bellamy knew the Calloway brothers way back when before everything happened with her mom. Now it’s been a decade since they’ve seen each other but it’s like she never left. Now the Calloways and the Hales (Bellamy and her two siblings) are teaming up to run jobs together. There’s some bumps in the road, with a certain brother wanting nothing to do with her (or does he?) and a few hiccups in the execution but things seem to be going okay…for now.
I ate this up! First off the premise is just entertaining. Love a good heist and love when it’s family working together. Add in a why choose with all these sexy brothers? You’ve got tension coming in from every angle and I am so here for it. Not only are you on the edge of your seat for the heists but also the anticipation of which brother is going to cave!
There is so much more going on behind the scenes too and I cannot wait to see all those little secrets come to light! This will be a series I’m following for sure.
So when this first hit my inbox…I was slightly confused. I didn’t remember signing up for this book but it sounded phenomenal and I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Penelope Black sooo I certainly wasn’t complaining. Ended up getting an email shortly after that saying I was invited to her inner circle so like okayyy love this!
Now for the actual book. Why choose…with 4 brothers…heists…and some intense family secrets?? Holy moly I am so in!
Essentially Bellamy knew the Calloway brothers way back when before everything happened with her mom. Now it’s been a decade since they’ve seen each other but it’s like she never left. Now the Calloways and the Hales (Bellamy and her two siblings) are teaming up to run jobs together. There’s some bumps in the road, with a certain brother wanting nothing to do with her (or does he?) and a few hiccups in the execution but things seem to be going okay…for now.
I ate this up! First off the premise is just entertaining. Love a good heist and love when it’s family working together. Add in a why choose with all these sexy brothers? You’ve got tension coming in from every angle and I am so here for it. Not only are you on the edge of your seat for the heists but also the anticipation of which brother is going to cave!
There is so much more going on behind the scenes too and I cannot wait to see all those little secrets come to light! This will be a series I’m following for sure.
February 20, 2026
❤️ARC Review❤️
Vengeful By Penelope Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not wait to dive into this new series from Penelope Black, and wow she did not disappoint.
Bellamy is a heroine on a mission, fierce and determined to protect her siblings. Returning to Hallow Beach puts her right back in the orbit of the four enigmatic, dangerous, absolutely magnetic Calloway brothers Gage, Cruz, Rafe, and Bishop. And let me tell you… they all get under her skin in the best possible ways.
Their story kicks off when Bellamy and the brothers cross paths during a job clearing valuables from a yacht, and from there the plot only gets thicker, twistier, and more addictive. With a shared history, high risk heists, and two families forced into uneasy alliance, things get messy fast. One brother in particular wants nothing to do with Bellamy and that tension? Delicious.
The heist elements were chef’s kiss, the slow burn tension was perfection, and that cliffhanger?! I’m still recovering. I’m desperate for book two because this ending was absolutely unhinged in the best way.
What to Expect:
❤️Dark(ish) Romance
🖤Childhood Friends
❤️Slow Burn 🖤Angst + Tension
❤️Witty Banter
🖤Heists
❤️Why Choose
🖤Cliffhanger Ending
❤️Touch Her and ☠️ vibes
This is such a strong, fast-paced start to a new series. The chemistry, the danger, the banter… I’m fully invested in Bellamy and all four Calloway brothers. Let’s just say old feelings definitely don’t stay buried.
Vengeful By Penelope Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not wait to dive into this new series from Penelope Black, and wow she did not disappoint.
Bellamy is a heroine on a mission, fierce and determined to protect her siblings. Returning to Hallow Beach puts her right back in the orbit of the four enigmatic, dangerous, absolutely magnetic Calloway brothers Gage, Cruz, Rafe, and Bishop. And let me tell you… they all get under her skin in the best possible ways.
Their story kicks off when Bellamy and the brothers cross paths during a job clearing valuables from a yacht, and from there the plot only gets thicker, twistier, and more addictive. With a shared history, high risk heists, and two families forced into uneasy alliance, things get messy fast. One brother in particular wants nothing to do with Bellamy and that tension? Delicious.
The heist elements were chef’s kiss, the slow burn tension was perfection, and that cliffhanger?! I’m still recovering. I’m desperate for book two because this ending was absolutely unhinged in the best way.
What to Expect:
❤️Dark(ish) Romance
🖤Childhood Friends
❤️Slow Burn 🖤Angst + Tension
❤️Witty Banter
🖤Heists
❤️Why Choose
🖤Cliffhanger Ending
❤️Touch Her and ☠️ vibes
This is such a strong, fast-paced start to a new series. The chemistry, the danger, the banter… I’m fully invested in Bellamy and all four Calloway brothers. Let’s just say old feelings definitely don’t stay buried.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is book 1 in the next series from Penelope Black. Let me just start by saying this book delivers serious Animal Kingdom vibes for me. It is gritty, dangerous, and emotionally explosive, all set in Hollow Beach and I couldn’t get enough.
Bellamy returns after six years away. The high-risk “jobs” she and her siblings do keep them safe, fed, and together. It’s the only way she knows to survive. But walking back into Hollow Beach means walking straight into the orbit of the Calloway brothers, the thieves she once ran with, loved, trusted, and left.
These men are fire and fury wrapped in loyalty. Each one is his own dynamic when it comes to Bellamy, The sexual tension between all FOUR Calloways is absolutely electric. Their shared history has secrecy, unresolved feelings, and the kind of chemistry that never actually dies, it has just been waiting.
Their mother, Coco, runs the heists with ruthless calculation and demands. She once acted as a mother figure to Bellamy. However, something about her feels off. She is cunning, like there’s more happening behind the scenes than anyone realizes, and I am suspicious in the best possible way.
Then comes the ending . This was a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me staring at the last page in stunned silence.
If you love why choose romance, criminal crews, second-chance chaos, emotional slow-burn tension, and high-stakes betrayal, this one absolutely delivers.
Bellamy returns after six years away. The high-risk “jobs” she and her siblings do keep them safe, fed, and together. It’s the only way she knows to survive. But walking back into Hollow Beach means walking straight into the orbit of the Calloway brothers, the thieves she once ran with, loved, trusted, and left.
These men are fire and fury wrapped in loyalty. Each one is his own dynamic when it comes to Bellamy, The sexual tension between all FOUR Calloways is absolutely electric. Their shared history has secrecy, unresolved feelings, and the kind of chemistry that never actually dies, it has just been waiting.
Their mother, Coco, runs the heists with ruthless calculation and demands. She once acted as a mother figure to Bellamy. However, something about her feels off. She is cunning, like there’s more happening behind the scenes than anyone realizes, and I am suspicious in the best possible way.
Then comes the ending . This was a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me staring at the last page in stunned silence.
If you love why choose romance, criminal crews, second-chance chaos, emotional slow-burn tension, and high-stakes betrayal, this one absolutely delivers.
January 30, 2026
WHAT WAS THAT PENELOPE?!
Oh wait, I’ll answer myself here. It was a work of art. My gosh I forgot how much Penelope Black will leave you gripping your Kindle like your life depends on it!!
In vengeful, we open sight the FMC Bellamy at a younger age learning her mother has passed. Not really a spoiler, you don’t hear much else about that after. Bellamy’s life, even with her mother, has always been a challenge. Skip to present day, and we learn Bells and her siblings are not thief’s. Heists executed with precision in the dead of the night. But they aren’t the only ones.
The Calloway brothers (Gage, Rafe, Cruz and Bishop) have run Hollow Beach for a long time but now there’s competition. Gage proposes a collaborative gig with the Hale’s in order to score an even bigger pay day. Honestly, things go pretty well for their first time
Together. But then the stakes are up-thanks mama Coco-will the Hale’s and Calloway’s be able to pull off their biggest run yet?
This is book one in a new series so we have a lot of world and character building going on. It’s heavy on the relationship between Gage and Bellamy, as we learn they have a history from their teen years. I’m really hoping we learn more about their backstory in the next book, as well as the reasons Bellamy left Hollow Beach the first time.
Coco has my wheels spinning. Is she this mastermind who has set them up for failure with their latest heist? I don’t knowwwwww!! I have so many questions.
Oh wait, I’ll answer myself here. It was a work of art. My gosh I forgot how much Penelope Black will leave you gripping your Kindle like your life depends on it!!
In vengeful, we open sight the FMC Bellamy at a younger age learning her mother has passed. Not really a spoiler, you don’t hear much else about that after. Bellamy’s life, even with her mother, has always been a challenge. Skip to present day, and we learn Bells and her siblings are not thief’s. Heists executed with precision in the dead of the night. But they aren’t the only ones.
The Calloway brothers (Gage, Rafe, Cruz and Bishop) have run Hollow Beach for a long time but now there’s competition. Gage proposes a collaborative gig with the Hale’s in order to score an even bigger pay day. Honestly, things go pretty well for their first time
Together. But then the stakes are up-thanks mama Coco-will the Hale’s and Calloway’s be able to pull off their biggest run yet?
This is book one in a new series so we have a lot of world and character building going on. It’s heavy on the relationship between Gage and Bellamy, as we learn they have a history from their teen years. I’m really hoping we learn more about their backstory in the next book, as well as the reasons Bellamy left Hollow Beach the first time.
Coco has my wheels spinning. Is she this mastermind who has set them up for failure with their latest heist? I don’t knowwwwww!! I have so many questions.
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