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Entitled: A Dark Bully Forbidden Romance
A slow-burn, emotionally charged bully romance packed with high-school drama, messy choices, and a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for book two.
He was never supposed to notice me.
He was never supposed to control me.
Verta Liu has spent years surviving high school by staying invisible. Quiet. Careful. Safe.
Crushing on Roman Hale - the golden boy with the perfect smile and a cruel streak - was her one secret indulgence.
Until everything breaks.
When Verta’s mother starts dating Roman’s father, her private obsession becomes dangerously real. Suddenly, the boy who barely acknowledged her existence has a reason to notice her - and he doesn’t like what he sees.
Roman Hale is entitled to everything.
His reputation. His future. His control.
And he’s determined to make sure Verta keeps her mouth shut.
What begins as silent contempt turns into something darker - forced proximity, charged looks, cutting words and stolen moments that blur the line between hatred and desire. Roman pushes. Verta resists. Neither of them backs down.
Because wanting each other is forbidden.
Because being seen together would ruin everything.
And because the more Roman tries to keep her in line, the harder it becomes to let her go.
Entitled is a dark bully forbidden romance filled with tension, secrecy, and slow-burn obsession.
This is Book 1 of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. A guaranteed HEA awaits in Book 2.
For readers who enjoy cruel heroes, sharp power dynamics, and romances that hurt before they heal.
Content This book contains bullying behaviour, emotional manipulation, and power imbalance themes.
Readers are
“This book got me good. I’m hooked and anxiously waiting for book two.”
He was never supposed to notice me.
He was never supposed to control me.
Verta Liu has spent years surviving high school by staying invisible. Quiet. Careful. Safe.
Crushing on Roman Hale - the golden boy with the perfect smile and a cruel streak - was her one secret indulgence.
Until everything breaks.
When Verta’s mother starts dating Roman’s father, her private obsession becomes dangerously real. Suddenly, the boy who barely acknowledged her existence has a reason to notice her - and he doesn’t like what he sees.
Roman Hale is entitled to everything.
His reputation. His future. His control.
And he’s determined to make sure Verta keeps her mouth shut.
What begins as silent contempt turns into something darker - forced proximity, charged looks, cutting words and stolen moments that blur the line between hatred and desire. Roman pushes. Verta resists. Neither of them backs down.
Because wanting each other is forbidden.
Because being seen together would ruin everything.
And because the more Roman tries to keep her in line, the harder it becomes to let her go.
Entitled is a dark bully forbidden romance filled with tension, secrecy, and slow-burn obsession.
This is Book 1 of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. A guaranteed HEA awaits in Book 2.
For readers who enjoy cruel heroes, sharp power dynamics, and romances that hurt before they heal.
Content This book contains bullying behaviour, emotional manipulation, and power imbalance themes.
Readers are
“This book got me good. I’m hooked and anxiously waiting for book two.”
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
27 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 31, 2026
The premise of the story is quite cliché: poor, unpopular girl falls for the unreachable golden boy who is captain of his sports team - basketball, in this case. Even better: the boy she was friends with when they were kids, before he got rich and popular.
The main characters are not what they seem at first. I was a bit annoyed with Verta in the beginning, because she came across as a bit too helpless or submissive for my taste. But she does bite back when she needs to, which I appreciated - I do like my FMCs a little feisty. Roman on the other hand was an asshole who was way too dramatic about his dad dating Verta’s mom, but he does have a soft side. I think there’s more to him underneath his armor. His fear about people finding out he was in any way associated with Verta (‘the school loser’) was a bit much at times - especially since he changed his mind about her very quickly. One page he doesn’t want anything to do with her and the next… well, he does 😏
Verta’s friends, Mia and Grace, have their own distinctive personalities that work well together. The parents do tend to fall into cliché roles (father who seems detached but is proud of his son, single mom who works her ass off to provide for her daughter). Jamie, Roman’s brother, read a bit younger than his stated age.
The story is a bit heavy on the drama at times, but it does fit the age of the main characters and the setting. It’s been a while since I’ve been in high school myself, so I might just be getting old haha. The story does read very fluently and the writing style is pleasant.
I just have one ‘big’ issue with the start of the story - do I dare call it a plothole? - which is that Verta and Roman apparently lived near each other and played together as kids, but they don’t recognize each other’s parents. Her mom and his dad also didn’t seem to know each other before they started dating, but shouldn’t they at least seem familiar if they used to live ‘down the street’?
There were quite a few small continuity errors too, especially in the earlier chapters. The timeline wasn’t always consistent (for example: a month had passed but Verta mentioned being tired from the first week of school) and there are moments when scenes seem to reset between pages (like the kids leaving the dinner table but then suddenly being back again, or Verta looking at her untouched plate during brunch and then the food being served a few paragraphs later). Nothing major, but enough to confuse me while reading which unfortunately pulled me out of the story at times.
The book is supposed to be a dark bully romance but the MMC doesn’t seem to bully the FMC though - or at least not that much. It seems like he mostly just tries to ignore her. I personally didn’t think this was dark at all, but if the sequel is darker it’s only logical to label this one as dark too.
I feel like I might be a little nitpicky, because overall this really was an enjoyable read. Not the best, but also far from the worst. Decent story, well executed, captivating enough to make me genuinely curious for the sequel.
The main characters are not what they seem at first. I was a bit annoyed with Verta in the beginning, because she came across as a bit too helpless or submissive for my taste. But she does bite back when she needs to, which I appreciated - I do like my FMCs a little feisty. Roman on the other hand was an asshole who was way too dramatic about his dad dating Verta’s mom, but he does have a soft side. I think there’s more to him underneath his armor. His fear about people finding out he was in any way associated with Verta (‘the school loser’) was a bit much at times - especially since he changed his mind about her very quickly. One page he doesn’t want anything to do with her and the next… well, he does 😏
Verta’s friends, Mia and Grace, have their own distinctive personalities that work well together. The parents do tend to fall into cliché roles (father who seems detached but is proud of his son, single mom who works her ass off to provide for her daughter). Jamie, Roman’s brother, read a bit younger than his stated age.
The story is a bit heavy on the drama at times, but it does fit the age of the main characters and the setting. It’s been a while since I’ve been in high school myself, so I might just be getting old haha. The story does read very fluently and the writing style is pleasant.
I just have one ‘big’ issue with the start of the story - do I dare call it a plothole? - which is that Verta and Roman apparently lived near each other and played together as kids, but they don’t recognize each other’s parents. Her mom and his dad also didn’t seem to know each other before they started dating, but shouldn’t they at least seem familiar if they used to live ‘down the street’?
There were quite a few small continuity errors too, especially in the earlier chapters. The timeline wasn’t always consistent (for example: a month had passed but Verta mentioned being tired from the first week of school) and there are moments when scenes seem to reset between pages (like the kids leaving the dinner table but then suddenly being back again, or Verta looking at her untouched plate during brunch and then the food being served a few paragraphs later). Nothing major, but enough to confuse me while reading which unfortunately pulled me out of the story at times.
The book is supposed to be a dark bully romance but the MMC doesn’t seem to bully the FMC though - or at least not that much. It seems like he mostly just tries to ignore her. I personally didn’t think this was dark at all, but if the sequel is darker it’s only logical to label this one as dark too.
I feel like I might be a little nitpicky, because overall this really was an enjoyable read. Not the best, but also far from the worst. Decent story, well executed, captivating enough to make me genuinely curious for the sequel.
January 19, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an ARC for this book, my first one ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As someone who reads books with an insane amount of spice this was a nice change.
Although there was no spice, apart from a little glimpse at the end, the tension between the characters and the multiple POV kept it interesting.
I just wish that there was more to Roman’s POV.
I feel like sometimes we got so much from Verta and not much from Roman.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As someone who reads books with an insane amount of spice this was a nice change.
Although there was no spice, apart from a little glimpse at the end, the tension between the characters and the multiple POV kept it interesting.
I just wish that there was more to Roman’s POV.
I feel like sometimes we got so much from Verta and not much from Roman.
January 23, 2026
Lots of enemies to lovers, high school drama vibes. Verta is the typical nerdy student who has a crush on the unattainable boy but circumstances force them to spend time together which they hate...kinda.
What's fun is there's a dual perspective so you get to see both their views on their situationship.
Also special shout out to Verta's friends Mia and Grace who help round the character out and provide some light hearted moments.
This is the first in a duology and I'm looking forward to reading the second part.
What's fun is there's a dual perspective so you get to see both their views on their situationship.
Also special shout out to Verta's friends Mia and Grace who help round the character out and provide some light hearted moments.
This is the first in a duology and I'm looking forward to reading the second part.
January 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very well written and packed with high school drama that kept me completely engaged from start to finish. The pacing is great, the characters are well developed, and the tension builds beautifully. And that cliffhanger—wow! It will definitely have you reaching for book two immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was kindly given an advance copy of this book by the author, so a massive thank you!
I think this book was headed in a really good direction, the writing was good and the cliff hanger is infuriating which is exactly what you want with this kind of ending, a want for more.
I gave this book 3 stars because I felt myself wanting more, Vertas character was well written and you get the sweet, quiet vibe throughout, where as I felt like Roman's character fell a bit flat, the idea is there, he just needs a bit more angst. and it was over too soon.
On the whole this is a good book, so I definitely recommend if you're looking for something less explicit, and love cliffhanger
thank you again to Eva for the opportunity to read and review this book, I look forward to the second.
I think this book was headed in a really good direction, the writing was good and the cliff hanger is infuriating which is exactly what you want with this kind of ending, a want for more.
I gave this book 3 stars because I felt myself wanting more, Vertas character was well written and you get the sweet, quiet vibe throughout, where as I felt like Roman's character fell a bit flat, the idea is there, he just needs a bit more angst. and it was over too soon.
On the whole this is a good book, so I definitely recommend if you're looking for something less explicit, and love cliffhanger
thank you again to Eva for the opportunity to read and review this book, I look forward to the second.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Yeah um yeah!
This book got me good. I am hooked and i feel sick, anxiously waiting for book 2.
This book got me good. I am hooked and i feel sick, anxiously waiting for book 2.
January 14, 2026
This book is a high school romance that is a slow burning one. Full of unexpected decisions that make you want to keep reading.
I was lucky enough to be gifted a complimentary copy of this book from the author and have enjoyed reading it.
I was lucky enough to be gifted a complimentary copy of this book from the author and have enjoyed reading it.
January 26, 2026
⚫️Entitled: A Dark Bully Forbidden Romance is a captivating, emotionally charged slow-burn romance that draws readers into a realm filled with power struggles, secrets, and forbidden attraction. Eva Elliot skillfully portrays the raw vulnerability of navigating high school life, all while weaving in sharp tension and morally intricate relationships. Right from the opening chapter, the story sets up an unsettling yet fascinating push-and-pull that keeps you glued to the pages.
⚫️Verta Liu emerges as a quietly resilient heroine, her sense of invisibility strikingly relatable, and her inner thoughts are depicted with a delicate touch. In contrast, Roman Hale embodies the quintessential cruel, entitled anti-hero that the genre promises he's controlled, dangerous, and deeply conflicted. What makes their relationship so compelling is how Elliot allows it to develop slowly: through charged silences, biting remarks, and fleeting moments that blur the line between animosity and desire. The forbidden aspect is handled particularly well, heightening the tension without overshadowing the emotional stakes.
⚫️The pacing is intentional, with an atmosphere thick with obsession and restraint, and the emotional payoff though not fully resolved is impactful. The cliffhanger ending is brutally effective, leaving readers yearning for closure while trusting the author’s assurance of healing in the next installment. For those who love dark bully romances that explore sharp power dynamics, slow emotional revelations, and stories that inflict pain before offering solace, Entitled is a gripping and unforgettable beginning to a duet that absolutely needs a sequel.
Happy reading ❤️✨
January 19, 2026
I voluntarily signed up to ARC read Entitled because I wanted to give bully romance another try and overall, this was an easy book to get into.
The story is set during the MCs’ high school years, filled with angst, misunderstandings, miscommunication, and that very real sense of youthful immaturity that comes with that stage of life. I actually liked the buildup of the angsty relationship between the two. It kept me turning the pages and wanting to see how things would unfold.
That said, I’m not quite rooting for the MMC yet. He keeps his secrets a little too well hidden, which made it hard for me to fully trust or connect with him. On the other hand, the FMC definitely makes some foolish decisions along the way, but that just adds to the messiness and emotional tension of the story.
Despite the frustrations, I found myself genuinely invested. The drama, emotions, and unresolved issues kept me hooked, and I’m curious to see how everything develops moving forward.
Overall, a solid start that did its job, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel to see where this story goes next.
The story is set during the MCs’ high school years, filled with angst, misunderstandings, miscommunication, and that very real sense of youthful immaturity that comes with that stage of life. I actually liked the buildup of the angsty relationship between the two. It kept me turning the pages and wanting to see how things would unfold.
That said, I’m not quite rooting for the MMC yet. He keeps his secrets a little too well hidden, which made it hard for me to fully trust or connect with him. On the other hand, the FMC definitely makes some foolish decisions along the way, but that just adds to the messiness and emotional tension of the story.
Despite the frustrations, I found myself genuinely invested. The drama, emotions, and unresolved issues kept me hooked, and I’m curious to see how everything develops moving forward.
Overall, a solid start that did its job, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel to see where this story goes next.
January 20, 2026
I was excited to sign up for this ARC as I am a fan of bully and taboo/ forbidden romances and this one was good. Entitled is a debut novel and I felt it was well done.
Defiantly a slow burn which I appreciated because it is set in high school, when I started the book I was a bit nervous as to the spice level when the characters were underage however, it was well written and truly felt like I went back in time to high school. The emotions, social standings and drama was on point. The book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
When I read bully romances I envision a bit more angst, tension and aggression to be honest. I think that this is a great book for people looking to get into the bully genre.
Truly, thank you for this ARC opportunity I do look forward to continuing the second book and seeing where this story goes.
Defiantly a slow burn which I appreciated because it is set in high school, when I started the book I was a bit nervous as to the spice level when the characters were underage however, it was well written and truly felt like I went back in time to high school. The emotions, social standings and drama was on point. The book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
When I read bully romances I envision a bit more angst, tension and aggression to be honest. I think that this is a great book for people looking to get into the bully genre.
Truly, thank you for this ARC opportunity I do look forward to continuing the second book and seeing where this story goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A golden boy who hides behind cruelty. A quiet brilliant girl who’s loved him longer than he’s noticed. When Roman and Verta’s worlds collide in the most forbidden way, secrecy becomes his shield and her burden. The bullying hurts, the longing lingers, and beneath the sharp edges you can feel something dangerous growing- actual feelings. The power imbalance, silence and stolen moments all lead to a cliff hanger ending which will have you wanting to reach for the second part to this duet! I enjoyed this read, felt drawn to continue, however I struggled with high school romance and drama (especially with an entitled MMC who masks his feelings with asshole behaviour). No spice in this book- but tension is growing.
January 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
Entitled by Eva Elliot was such a fun, engaging read that left me desperate for more. The tension between Verta and Roman had me constantly wanting them to just get together already — the slow burn was done so well.
I really enjoyed the characters and the way their relationship developed throughout the story. While it’s clearly setting up for more in the next book, it still kept me invested from start to finish.
Overall, this was a strong start to the series and I’m already excited to continue. Huge thank you to the author for allowing me to read this as an ARC — I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Entitled by Eva Elliot was such a fun, engaging read that left me desperate for more. The tension between Verta and Roman had me constantly wanting them to just get together already — the slow burn was done so well.
I really enjoyed the characters and the way their relationship developed throughout the story. While it’s clearly setting up for more in the next book, it still kept me invested from start to finish.
Overall, this was a strong start to the series and I’m already excited to continue. Huge thank you to the author for allowing me to read this as an ARC — I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
January 20, 2026
I applied for the arc review and got the opportunity. I loved everything about this book, the characters, the slow burn, the forbidden aspect almost step siblings thing but most importantly I loved the pace. It wasn’t rushed at all. I have read enough bully romances where bully mostly feels rushed, forced as if the mmc is a bully through and through but Roman felt different. He isn’t a a proper white or black character. It was realistic. He was mean but not that evil way. Overall I loved the book. Excited for the second one.
5 stars read indeed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars read indeed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 19, 2026
"Entitled" is a masterclass in tension, chemistry, and character redemption. Eva Elliot proves she knows exactly how to write characters that frustrate you one moment and steal your heart the next.
If you love romances that feature complex characters, intense chemistry, and a redeeming arc that feels earned rather than forced, "Entitled" is a must-read. It’s a story about looking past the surface and finding worth where you least expect it.
If you love romances that feature complex characters, intense chemistry, and a redeeming arc that feels earned rather than forced, "Entitled" is a must-read. It’s a story about looking past the surface and finding worth where you least expect it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a very slow burn. It is really well written setting the scene of high school life, friendships, Crushes and hurtful gossip.
I felt for me, it took a little too long to actually get to the real story but once there it ended on a cliffhanger leaving me wanting more.
Can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest
I felt for me, it took a little too long to actually get to the real story but once there it ended on a cliffhanger leaving me wanting more.
Can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW!
I received this book as an advanced reader copy. Happy I did.
A story on high school students whose parents decide to fall in love making them step siblings.
Normally that would be okay until there is secret crushes, reputation, public image and schoolyard pressures involved.
A great read, good character development, easy storyline to follow. I’d have liked to see more spice but you can see the tension building for book two.
Let’s see what book 2 brings!
I received this book as an advanced reader copy. Happy I did.
A story on high school students whose parents decide to fall in love making them step siblings.
Normally that would be okay until there is secret crushes, reputation, public image and schoolyard pressures involved.
A great read, good character development, easy storyline to follow. I’d have liked to see more spice but you can see the tension building for book two.
Let’s see what book 2 brings!
January 21, 2026
so intense
High school is absolute chaos for everyone. Some chaotic good, some not so much. I enjoyed the yo-yo of the different character perspectives. Emotions get in the way and cloud perspectives, wants, and needs. It really captured the reality of the high school dramatic rollercoaster.
High school is absolute chaos for everyone. Some chaotic good, some not so much. I enjoyed the yo-yo of the different character perspectives. Emotions get in the way and cloud perspectives, wants, and needs. It really captured the reality of the high school dramatic rollercoaster.
January 25, 2026
If you like a Bully Romance, Highschool drama, very slow burn you will enjoy this book. I really enjoyed the easy read, Verta and Roman definitely have maximum tension go on!! Although no spice it was still a great book. I’m so greatful to have Book 2 waiting in my TBR as I wanted more and NEED to know where this Forbidden Romance is going ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 27, 2026
The tension starts slow in this books but builds deliciously. Verta had a childhood friend named Roman they were thick as thieves when they were young but now they are young adults and Roman has a reputation to protect and an appearance to uphold and Verta isn't it. At least until they are thrown together by their parents dating, but Roman still has to have the upper hand in it all.
January 28, 2026
I enjoyed this book, but I’m seriously hoping Roman has a redemption arc in book 2.
The book is seriously slow burn, with friends to enemies to lovers vibes and she falls first.
A potential step-sibling trope just adds further complication an drama in the book. Verta is sweet and innocent while Roman is quite the opposite.
This was a lovely little read that I could finish in a day.
The book is seriously slow burn, with friends to enemies to lovers vibes and she falls first.
A potential step-sibling trope just adds further complication an drama in the book. Verta is sweet and innocent while Roman is quite the opposite.
This was a lovely little read that I could finish in a day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So I’m not going to lie, at first I wasn’t sure exactly where this book was going. I prefer to go into books mostly blind and this one was no different. It took me a second to get into it, but once I did.. I finished it in just a few hours. I will be diving into book two as soon as I can.
January 28, 2026
A dark exciting high school romance themed story. Lots of secrets and suspenseful scenes. relatable characters. Drama throughout the book added to the storyline. Intense at times. Lots of crazy good twists. Couldn't put it down. Obsessed with this story and can't wait to read the next book.
January 29, 2026
Love it
Remember a couple of years ago reading was like watching a movie. It was so real you would get lost in the story, well this book is one of those. Thank you.
Remember a couple of years ago reading was like watching a movie. It was so real you would get lost in the story, well this book is one of those. Thank you.
February 14, 2026
• Entitled: ★★★☆☆
• Enticed: ★★★½☆
If I’m being completely honest, Book 1 didn’t grab me. It wasn’t bad — just fine. A bit “meh.” But somehow, despite not being fully hooked, I still found myself picking up Book 2… and thankfully, that one landed better.
Across both books, the two main characters are clearly meant to carry the emotional weight, but their dynamic never quite hit the mark for me. He’s exhaustingly dramatic and she’s smart but frustratingly naive, and their chemistry sits somewhere between too slow, toxic, and why are we doing this again.
Surprisingly, the standout for me wasn’t either of them — it was the uncle, who appears briefly but still manages to be the most compelling person in the entire series because he took that dramatic boy and pushed him to be better.
Plot-wise, neither book truly hooked me but I did appreciate one thing: seeing both the FMC and her mum finally stand up to the men around them. That moment of empowerment was a bright spot for me in the books.
Still, if you’re curious, or if you like your romance messy, slow, and a little toxic, you might find something here that works for you
• Enticed: ★★★½☆
If I’m being completely honest, Book 1 didn’t grab me. It wasn’t bad — just fine. A bit “meh.” But somehow, despite not being fully hooked, I still found myself picking up Book 2… and thankfully, that one landed better.
Across both books, the two main characters are clearly meant to carry the emotional weight, but their dynamic never quite hit the mark for me. He’s exhaustingly dramatic and she’s smart but frustratingly naive, and their chemistry sits somewhere between too slow, toxic, and why are we doing this again.
Surprisingly, the standout for me wasn’t either of them — it was the uncle, who appears briefly but still manages to be the most compelling person in the entire series because he took that dramatic boy and pushed him to be better.
Plot-wise, neither book truly hooked me but I did appreciate one thing: seeing both the FMC and her mum finally stand up to the men around them. That moment of empowerment was a bright spot for me in the books.
Still, if you’re curious, or if you like your romance messy, slow, and a little toxic, you might find something here that works for you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Eva Elliot and The Naughty Nook for sending me an ARC of this book!
The main characters in this book are Roman and Verta.
Verta is a shy quiet girl who blends into every crowd. Her character is well written and you can understand her feelings pretty well throughout the book.
Roman’s character was a bit harder to know what he was feeling/ thinking but I also think that that was the point. He doesn’t even know what he’s feeling himself so how can the reader.
The story ends in on a cliffhanger which i think is a wonderful way to end a first book because it entices readers to pick up the second.
The main characters in this book are Roman and Verta.
Verta is a shy quiet girl who blends into every crowd. Her character is well written and you can understand her feelings pretty well throughout the book.
Roman’s character was a bit harder to know what he was feeling/ thinking but I also think that that was the point. He doesn’t even know what he’s feeling himself so how can the reader.
The story ends in on a cliffhanger which i think is a wonderful way to end a first book because it entices readers to pick up the second.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews