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Lethal

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Hayden Crawford spent years trying to bury the girl who ruined him.

Olivia Banks was his best friend. His first choice. The one person he trusted without question. Then she disappeared and left destruction behind her.

Once, they shared a treehouse, late nights, and promises neither of them planned to break. Now every look between them burns with betrayal, guilt, and memories neither escaped.

Three years later, she walks back into his life like she never shattered it.

Now they’re trapped in the same college, surrounded by enemies, secrets, and two rival groups ready to tear each other apart. Olivia wants to survive five months and leave town forever. Hayden wants answers. Revenge. Maybe both.

But the closer he gets to her, the harder it becomes to hold onto the hate he built for her.

Because some people leave scars too deep to forget.
And some loves turn lethal when they break.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

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Ruby Wolff

32 books471 followers

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5 stars
31 (68%)
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10 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole Jade.
659 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED COPY

I waver between 3.5 and 4 to be honest.

Not going to lie, for the first bit of this book I was very worried that Hayden was just some broken hearted dickhead who was still mentally stuck in high school.

Then the reason dropped and wow, it flipped my views completely. I could not even imagine dealing with what Hayden did. Now it was just wondering why it was done.

I wish Olivia had more of a backbone, had snapped back at a few people for their treatment.

Now, the big issue of what she did had me really thinking if I’d do anything differently in her position. Going to be honest and say I don’t know if I would. A girl having gone through something traumatic and instantly having her trauma being used against her for the life of others. I’m genuinely shocked she didn’t have a worse outcome.

I love Cain. I must admit when Hayden first alluded to snipers, I thought it was an edgy boy comment. Yeah, nah, he’s a k*ller 😂 I very much enjoyed learning about how Cain and Hayden became close. Wasn’t pretty but Cain vibes like another dad.

Was the Hayden and Olivia relationship handled well? Man it’s so hard to say because I absolutely adored the way the progression was written. So sweet and pure to those first signs of a crush. Then it all went to shit.

With what occurred, I don’t know. That time of forgiveness was a little too quick to me. I understand why, I do, but I wish it was dragged a little more. I enjoyed angry and heated conversations lol

Last note and not something I expected to get punched in the gut to, but Olivia’s mom. Just broke my heart. There were a few lines that hit a little too close to home and made me understand Olivia a little more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lorena  Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog.
1,861 reviews58 followers
July 8, 2026
What started off as two kids that became closer than close and considered each other best friends. Hayden always looked out for Olivia and defended her if needed. But as they started growing up, the feelings started changing and then Hayden realized that Olivia meant more than just a friend but was afraid that if he crossed that line, their friendship could end up shattered. For prom night he had a special night planned for them, Olivia at this point also told Hayden how she felt so they were both excited to see how the night ended.

But on Prom night, a tragedy broke and Olivia just wasn't the same and accusations, arrests and jail time came around.

When Hayden and Olivia meet again, he makes it real obvious that he hates her and wants nothing to do with her. He bullies her in school and has his friends and brothers give her the cold shoulder. She thinks it's fair considering what happened a few years back. But all she wants to do is get the few months left to finish school and move on, but Hayden is making it impossible for her. Will Hayden forgive and forget or maybe just forgive?

I love these Crawford brothers. They are all ruthless and will do anything for each other no matter what. Olivia, I could understand what she did but it still doesn't condone it. She will rectify her mistake and show Hayden that he's the only one she's ever loved.

A book about redemption that will have you sad mostly throughout the book, but don't get me wrong, there is a HEA and well earned at that!
3,659 reviews74 followers
June 25, 2026
Dark , Steamy , Emotionally Charged and 100 % Uttely Addictive. Oh my gosh !!! Ruby has done it again !! What you ask ? Well that’s simple !! Delivered one of the best romances I’ve read this summer . Hayden and Olivia - oh how their story just shattered my heart in all the best ways and them somehow by the end all those pieces were mended right back together again. Childhood best friends who over time became so much more . I loved the progression at which their relationship changed and developed. I loved that we got to see it all . How it began . From their very first meeting, to how their friendship developed and the bond that was built between them. Then we also get to see how everything changes as they get older , how their feelings grew . This not an easy story by any means . It’s not without Emotional struggles and challenges, it’s not without heartbreak and misunderstandings. It’s filled with love and passion, heartbreak and pain , betrayal and secrets, family and friendships, and yes there is also angst and humor and witty banter . It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read in such a. Long time . As she always does Ruby just exceeded all my expectations , took me on the ride of my life and just blew me away completely. Hayden and Olivia now own a piece of my heart ♥️
Profile Image for Alison turton.
247 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
“𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱. 𝓣𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓼 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰.”

I have been waiting, if a little impatiently for the next Crawford brothers book after reading and loving Declan’s book Ruin (I highly recommend that too btw) and when I finally got my hands on it, I devoured it within a couple of hours barely pausing for long enough to keep myself hydrated.

Lethal is the story of Hayden Crawford and Olivia Banks, a pair who seemed to almost be fated to be together. After meeting as children and becoming best friends their evolution into something more was almost a gradual realisation between them. Until one day a an unbearable betrayal not only forces them apart but does so in an incomprehensible way. Eroding the feelings of love and leaving behind darkness, pain, heartbreak and an unimaginable hatred.

But when Olivia returns, and they are once again in the same place. Beneath the cruelty and bravado, the line between love and hate doesn’t seem as impenetrable as it once was.
When someone from their past is stalking Olivia from the shadows and terrorising her with cruel taunts Hayden will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even if he has to break the rules that protect them to do it. But beneath the feelings of love is a lingering doubt, what happens if the love between them isn’t enough to forgive the betrayal? If faced with the same choice would she choose him this time, choose them?

Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
823 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2026
ALL CONSUMING READ WITH ALL THE FEELS!!

I absolutely loved Hayden & Olivia's story. It is a journey from childhood best friends to lovers to enemies to so much more with secrets, betrayal, heartache, witty banter, survival, revenge, stalking undeniable chemistry/love, dark themes, rivals, angst/tension filled moments, and so much more that will have devouring this one in one sitting!!

Hayden wants answers & revenge from the one girl who caused him endless amounts of devastation and a betrayal that causes his need to get revenge on the girl he thought he once loved. Olivia just wants to survive and get out of town but fate has other plans when the boy who was her everything has other plans for her. These two have heavy emotional moments that lead to secrets unraveling that cause massive amounts of pain and regret that cause Hayden the need to keep Olivia safe from all those who want to harm her now. It is a wild ride that keeps you glued till the very last page!!

If you are a fan of dark college romance/a side of mafia this is a definite one click!! Its a emotional rollercoaster ride with amazing characters that will consume you from the start. A top 2026 read for me!!

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
875 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 10, 2026
I started my Ruby Wolff journey with Rich Boy, and with every book, I fall even deeper in love with her universe and Lethal is right up my alley!

I really loved Hayden and Olivia's story and their journey together. After all, who doesn't love a childhood friendship turned to romance? Of course, the road to get there is incredibly bumpy. I adored their early scenes because they are genuinely sweet, which makes the later heartbreak so much more effective. The dual timeline works beautifully here because every happy memory makes the present-day hostility hurt that much more.

While Hayden's anger occasionally becomes a bit repetitive and the misunderstanding lasts a little longer than necessary, the emotional intensity stays high throughout, and the finale is absolutely worth the wait.

I think for me the book's biggest success is that it made me believe that Hayden and Olivia were soulmates long before they became a couple. All in all, the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying, especially if you enjoy second-chance romances, childhood friends-to-lovers, protective heroes, and long-buried feelings.
Profile Image for KayBeReading.
158 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2026
The book starts with a flashback of Hayden and Olivia first time meeting as children. As the story is moving on we are jumping from the past to present. We get to see their past and their friendship which is absolutely beautiful. In the present we get to see that their friendship is none existent. Hayden hates this woman with a passion and Olivia wants her friend back. This was an emotional book. I felt love, pain, loss, anger. I laughed, I cried I felt it all. The one particular thing I love about this series is the family aspect. The Crawford family is tight knit crew with who share it all the good the bad and ugly. Hayden and Olivia’s story was story I was not prepared for. I was not expecting the things that happened to happened. It was a roller coaster. We were up and then down, we were on the edge of our seats and then we sat back. I knew Hayden’s book was going to be amazing and it was. I wanted to hug both Hayden and Olivia tightly. Now real quick it wouldn’t be a Crawford brothers story without spice and Hayden didn’t disappoint. I will say there was not a lot of spice, it was more plot and enjoyed it. As always well done Ruby and I’m ready for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa GSell.
579 reviews17 followers
June 24, 2026
🩶Review💛

5/5⭐️

I ate this up! I love this series and this world.

I feel like it’s been forever since the last book so I was happy to dive in!

I love Hayden and Olivia.

I love their friendship and how u see him fall for her from such a young age.

She completely ruins him and now he “hates” her but no really 😏

She comes back 3 years later….

Hayden has every right to be mad and hurt and all the things..

He is not very nice to her and says and does some mean things…. The necklace scene hurt my heart for Olivia🥺

Lots of stuff happens… Leo is being creepy… Hayden learns the truth and his walls come down because he has never stopped loving her..

Olivia goes through some rough stuff and Hayden never leaves her side.

People get what they deserve but also Hayden broke the rules 👀

—————————

“I love you, Olivia.” She stills a little. Just for a second. “But the last time I said that to you,” I open my eyes and tilt my head to meet her, “I ended up in prison.”
301 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2026
Dual POV, intense, dark, HEA.

This was filled with so many twists and turns and flashbacks and present day. It was easy to follow, and the childhood flashbacks and memories were sweet and endearing. Present day started as mean but slowly turned to nice and bearable.

Hayden and Olivia are soulmates who lose each other because of their social class. They find each other again, and it makes your heart happy to see them break down their walls to understand each other. I loved the way they learn from their mistakes, and are there for each other for every moment.

I was hoping that Abigail and Jen would have made more of an appearance and help understand what Hayden was like in college. I also wish the connection between Hayden's father and Olivia's father was explored more.

Overall, couldn't put it down! Loved that Olivia would read books to Hayden as kids. So sweet and innocent
Profile Image for Suzanne Normandeau Legault.
454 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 12, 2026
This is my first time reading this author and it will definitely not be my last. I was instantly attracted and captivated with this book, which I couldn’t put down. It is a « lethal » book in many ways and in every aspect. The characters are amazingly strong and resilient. This story is loaded with overwhelming emotions that take you places you never thought you’d go but will forever stay with you. Hayden Crawford learnt this in an excruciating manner that has broken him in ways he never prepared for. Meeting Olivia at age twelve, the girl who couldn’t stop talking or reading Harry Potter books, attracted him in ways he never saw coming but also destroyed him, his essence and made him a lethality deadly weapon. I was very captivated by this authors writing, the way she draws you in , every page is a page turner and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.9k reviews263 followers
June 25, 2026
This is Hayden and Olivia’s story.
These two were best friends since childhood, until Olivia disappeared without a word, and Hayden has spent years trying to forget about her. Now 3-years later Olivia is back, and they are trapped in the same college, surrounded by enemies. Olivia just wants to survive, and leave town forever, while Hayden wants answers and revenge.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with heartbreak, secrets, tensions, survival, challenges, rival gangs, enemies / lovers, revenge, friends / lovers, trust, revelations, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictibale, dark college romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Daphney.
46 reviews
July 1, 2026
This book was so so good!! Check your trigger warnings. This book dark, emotional and steamy. This has me tearing in some parts because I felt everything that both Hayden in his POV and Olivia and her POV was going through. I was completely invested! I wanted them to push through and find each other, that it’s ok to forgive and still love the person that hurt you the most. Love does truly conquer all! I for one, can’t wait for the next book. Which brother is going to fall hard…😏😮‍💨😍😍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Steph.
48 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
Once again Ruby Wolff has written another epic book. It was dark, gritty, heartwrenching, beautiful and healing! Olivia and Hayden's story was one of the best emotional book rollercoasters. The bully aspects made me want to scream at the book, the heartbreak had me crying, the banter had me laughing. If I didn't need sleep or to be a responsible parent/adult I would have binged it completely in a day lol. Way to go Ruby Wolff! I can not wait for the next brothers book!!
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
2,677 reviews43 followers
Review of advance copy
June 23, 2026
I devoured Hayden and Olivia's story!
Their story brought out so many different emotions. We also got drama, some danger, and spice.
I loved that we got both timelines. We get to see how their relationship began and the bond that they first built. It really establishs their connection. Sadly, that first relationship fractures. My heart broke for them both. Their journey wasn't easy. There was betrayal, heartache, and pain. Thankfully in the end, they finally get their happy ending.
6,221 reviews
June 23, 2026
Are you ready for an emotional journey?
Good, because that is what you get when you spend time with Ms. Wolff's characters, Hayden and Olivia.

Childhood best friends.
Would they become more?

Not only did Ms. Wolff make me cry, she made me laugh too! I was thankful for that!

There's spice in there too!

This was quite the journey and one I was glad I took!

Are you ready?
Clear your schedule.
I had a hard time putting this down!
4,591 reviews52 followers
June 24, 2026
A story I wasnt expecting. We get the background of how Hayden and Olivia met and different stages of their life and encounters. The anger felt from Hayden was bleeding off the pages and Olivia's trauma as well. The characters emotions are clear for us to experience. I felt bad for them both. When the it all unfolds and the second chance comes together the story comes to good closing but man the journey there was a doozy...
Profile Image for Bekah Adams.
136 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2026
Olivia and Hayden. Childhood sweethearts before they even knew what love was. Everything was perfect…until it wasn’t. Betrayal ran deep when a choice had to be made. This followed them throughout their lives until college. Olivia moved back home and Hayden vowed to make her life hell. However, the love they still felt made this so hard. I love these books because you get to keep up with the couples from the other books. Hayden and Olivia were the perfect second chance couple!
40 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2026
What can I say.. another amazing story by Ruby Wolff.. she never fails me. I was stuck in a terrible slump until I got this baby. I literally ate this up.

I 100% recommend this. It had me in a spin with my emotions.

Im so pleased that Hayden got his story written. It explains why hes a hard lad and my Mr Cain respects and trusts him.

There are some triggering subjects in this story so I advise to check these before reading.
Profile Image for OhSpicyBelle.
197 reviews15 followers
June 27, 2026
Olivia was just a little girl with no friends until she met Hayden. Their friendship grew and were best friends for a few years until a something happened to her and Olivia had to a choice to make which ended up in betrayal. Now she's back and Hayden is out for revenge.

I loved Lethal and loved how Ruby Wolff wrote it so we can see how the the friendship grew, broke and how they fell in love.
Profile Image for Michele Rideout.
15 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2026
Another well-written book by Ruby Wolff about the Crawford Brothers. Bear in mind the TW. Lethal is a second-chance book. Friends to best friends to enemies to HEA.
Hurt and betrayal.
Blackmail.
Choices.
Mutual pining.
Touch her and die.
The flashbacks set up the present story of Hayden and Olivia.
879 reviews10 followers
June 24, 2026
Angsty, addictive, and impossible to put down. Lethal delivers a powerful second-chance romance filled with secrets, heartbreak, and intense chemistry. Hayden and Olivia’s journey kept me invested until the very end.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,191 reviews34 followers
June 25, 2026
Oh dare I say I loved Haiden more then Declan ... yep. I will. Ugh I loved him and Olivia's story so much. But really i love everything Ruby writes. The wild ride you are brought on is out of this world. Definitely a 5 star read for me. And the title says it a Lethal!
Profile Image for Heather Dee.
446 reviews
July 1, 2026
Oh wow Lethal is another amazing read by Ruby wolff. I couldnt put it down i was so emotional while reading it. Definitely a favourite for me this year !
48 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
Absolutely loved their story. Hayden was definitely on the side of wanting revenge but that didn't last long. Can't wait for the next brother
10 reviews
July 11, 2026
love story

Great story! Love the ups and downs. The anguish and the love. It was great to read this love story
Profile Image for Elesha's book fun gossip.
1,149 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
June 23, 2026
I loved being back in this series. The characters always take a hold of you. Haydens and Olivia's story was gritty, heartbreaking and intense. I loved the timelines, this really built the story, as a whole and made the heart ache real. The pain, anger and sorrow was palpable. This was captivating and I loved how the Crawford's rally together, through thick and thin. Honestly I'm disappointed I have to wait for the next book 🤣 However can not wait for more. Absolutely fabulous world building. Can not recommend highly enough if you love a good page turn get stuck in.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews