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Wicked When He Cries
Damien
Four years ago, I left without a word and swore I’d never look back. Now Noah Adams is living under the same roof as I am, and every second around him feels like punishment for the choice I never wanted to make. Everyone thinks I’m the easy one—the hookup king of the Sin Bin. But the truth is, I’ve only ever wanted him.
He was the first boy I ever loved, and the only one I could never have.
Noah
I came to Blackthorne U without knowing my first heartbreak would be a hallway away, acting as if nothing had happened while I drowned in everything we never said. I shouldn’t want him; I definitely shouldn’t still love him. But some wounds don’t fade just because you pretend they don’t hurt.
One house. Two broken hearts.
What do you do when the past never really lets go?
Four years ago, I left without a word and swore I’d never look back. Now Noah Adams is living under the same roof as I am, and every second around him feels like punishment for the choice I never wanted to make. Everyone thinks I’m the easy one—the hookup king of the Sin Bin. But the truth is, I’ve only ever wanted him.
He was the first boy I ever loved, and the only one I could never have.
Noah
I came to Blackthorne U without knowing my first heartbreak would be a hallway away, acting as if nothing had happened while I drowned in everything we never said. I shouldn’t want him; I definitely shouldn’t still love him. But some wounds don’t fade just because you pretend they don’t hurt.
One house. Two broken hearts.
What do you do when the past never really lets go?
- GenresM M RomanceSlow Burn
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
8 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I really enjoyed this former stepbrothers' slow-burning romance. Noah and Damien have not spoken for years and are quickly reunited and forced to live with one another, which further amplifies their already sizzling tension and unresolved issues. What I really appreciated about this story is the slow pacing of their eventual reunion. These two have so much they need to say to one another, but due to a variety of factors their are severely hesitant to make that much-needed step forward.
Overall, this is a very emotional story that touches upon many tough topics, especially towards Noah. He is such a kind and precious soul, and seeing him doubt and retreat further inside himself was so painful to see. I really appreciated Damien's fierce need to protect and honor Noah. He really is his strongest defender, and watching these two finally find their way back to one another and finally begin to heal made for a great resolution to their trauma.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, this is a very emotional story that touches upon many tough topics, especially towards Noah. He is such a kind and precious soul, and seeing him doubt and retreat further inside himself was so painful to see. I really appreciated Damien's fierce need to protect and honor Noah. He really is his strongest defender, and watching these two finally find their way back to one another and finally begin to heal made for a great resolution to their trauma.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
February 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
damien and noah were such a sweet couple, but i feel like we just didn’t get to connect with them the way we have the couples in previous books.
maybe there were just too many tropes trying to fit together in one book, but so many topics were left unexplored. the whole modeling part of noah’s life was mentioned but never shown. the stepbrother aspect didn’t seem to matter at all. we didn’t even get any flashbacks of them before the break, so their relationship didn’t feel as strong as it was supposed to. plus the whole adrian plotline was kind of confusing.
this also didn’t really give any dark romance vibes. only book three so far has. and i really am just dying waiting for killian’s book. i loved getting little crumbs about him.
i do love the entire sin bin and the found family this group of weirdos has developed. and i love visiting all the side characters each book. this just wasn’t a big hit for me, unfortunately. but i shall be back for the next installment!
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
damien and noah were such a sweet couple, but i feel like we just didn’t get to connect with them the way we have the couples in previous books.
maybe there were just too many tropes trying to fit together in one book, but so many topics were left unexplored. the whole modeling part of noah’s life was mentioned but never shown. the stepbrother aspect didn’t seem to matter at all. we didn’t even get any flashbacks of them before the break, so their relationship didn’t feel as strong as it was supposed to. plus the whole adrian plotline was kind of confusing.
this also didn’t really give any dark romance vibes. only book three so far has. and i really am just dying waiting for killian’s book. i loved getting little crumbs about him.
i do love the entire sin bin and the found family this group of weirdos has developed. and i love visiting all the side characters each book. this just wasn’t a big hit for me, unfortunately. but i shall be back for the next installment!
February 16, 2026
This was a little different from the first three in this series and I appreciate it more for that. Damien belonged in the Sin Bin but had a different kind of vibe so it would make sense that his story reflected that.
I loved Damien and Noah. I enjoyed their relationship dynamic and seeing their second chance unfold. It was clear from the beginning that these two loved each other both in the past and current day and seeing them try to fight it was hard. BUT I really loved how after so much time fighting it Noah was willing to put himself out there to try and mend things between them. Once these two began to let their guards down it was so sweet. Sitting by the pond, take out and television on the couch, oh and the HEADPHONES!!! That may be one of my favorite moments.
Sweet baby Noah. My heart broke repeatedly for him. Watching him try to fit in a box that was not made for him and attempting to break himself to make it happen wasn’t easy. It was nice to see him begin to open up as Sage and Nate barged their way into his life. He slowly found people outside of Damien that he could lean on who he had things in common with giving him the ability to come into his own.
I appreciated how supportive Damien was, not only when it came to Noah’s neurodivergence but with his self image as well. There was never any pressure for Noah to be anyone other than who he was and Noah gave the same support back to Damien.
The found family is great. Killian is of course KING and I’m excited to for what’s next. I have so many questions!
❤️ARC REVIEW 🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
I loved Damien and Noah. I enjoyed their relationship dynamic and seeing their second chance unfold. It was clear from the beginning that these two loved each other both in the past and current day and seeing them try to fight it was hard. BUT I really loved how after so much time fighting it Noah was willing to put himself out there to try and mend things between them. Once these two began to let their guards down it was so sweet. Sitting by the pond, take out and television on the couch, oh and the HEADPHONES!!! That may be one of my favorite moments.
Sweet baby Noah. My heart broke repeatedly for him. Watching him try to fit in a box that was not made for him and attempting to break himself to make it happen wasn’t easy. It was nice to see him begin to open up as Sage and Nate barged their way into his life. He slowly found people outside of Damien that he could lean on who he had things in common with giving him the ability to come into his own.
I appreciated how supportive Damien was, not only when it came to Noah’s neurodivergence but with his self image as well. There was never any pressure for Noah to be anyone other than who he was and Noah gave the same support back to Damien.
The found family is great. Killian is of course KING and I’m excited to for what’s next. I have so many questions!
❤️ARC REVIEW 🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
February 23, 2026
Wicked When He Cries - Avery Collins
5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I haven’t read that many books by Avery, but the books that I have read have every single time had me in a chokehold. I only went more of her books because they’re just that good.
I definitely don’t want to give too much away but man, I really loved this book. I loved the lingerie parts, especially when Damien saw Noah in lingerie for the first time. Best lingerie scene I’ve read in a while where the MC’s shocked he’s in lingerie and he was so sweet about it too.
Noah’s father is a complete jerk. My heart broke when Noah was doing so well and then his father knocked him down where he began to close up the walls that he had let on. Thank goodness he had Ryan, Damien and all the other people that would burn the world for him.
Damien was everything that Noah needed especially his patience when it came to him. The caretaking was also very sweet because he only wanted the absolute best for Noah.
I was so happy when Noah stood up to his father and voiced his passion. That whole scene was everything for me.
I will say that if you have triggers, definitely read all the TW because these boys definitely going through it.
Damien calling Noah Babygirl was everything for me. I’m a sucker for pet names and that’s definitely one of my very favorites. I need to now go back in this series because I’m very curious about this world.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
5/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I haven’t read that many books by Avery, but the books that I have read have every single time had me in a chokehold. I only went more of her books because they’re just that good.
I definitely don’t want to give too much away but man, I really loved this book. I loved the lingerie parts, especially when Damien saw Noah in lingerie for the first time. Best lingerie scene I’ve read in a while where the MC’s shocked he’s in lingerie and he was so sweet about it too.
Noah’s father is a complete jerk. My heart broke when Noah was doing so well and then his father knocked him down where he began to close up the walls that he had let on. Thank goodness he had Ryan, Damien and all the other people that would burn the world for him.
Damien was everything that Noah needed especially his patience when it came to him. The caretaking was also very sweet because he only wanted the absolute best for Noah.
I was so happy when Noah stood up to his father and voiced his passion. That whole scene was everything for me.
I will say that if you have triggers, definitely read all the TW because these boys definitely going through it.
Damien calling Noah Babygirl was everything for me. I’m a sucker for pet names and that’s definitely one of my very favorites. I need to now go back in this series because I’m very curious about this world.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
February 25, 2026
Oh goodness. Avery, Avery… this book was so good. The gentlest hands carried Noah and Damien back to each other, and the way you handled their journey was everything.
Damien (Mien). He is everything you would want in a partner, a man, a friend. He couldn’t rewrite his past, but once he allowed himself to fully step into what he’d always wanted, he protected that future with his whole heart. His patience. His understanding. The way he let Noah be exactly who he needed to be — without ever trying to change how he loved him — GAH. To be seen as you truly are and loved even more for it? My heart was bursting. He’s the protector, the lover, the mirror that reflects back your best self.
And Noah… sweet, precious Noah. Watching him unfold like a butterfly and take back his life, his choices, his love — it was tender and fierce all at once. His journey from losing control to reclaiming it felt so raw. The bravery it takes to show yourself fully to your friends and the person you love? Heartbreaking and beautiful.
Everything about this story felt fragile yet resilient. Broken but healing. Difficult but so hopeful.
I was already hooked on this universe after Pretty When He Bleeds, but now? I’m locked in. I need to know who’s next.
And Killian… I see you AND "angel".
Damien (Mien). He is everything you would want in a partner, a man, a friend. He couldn’t rewrite his past, but once he allowed himself to fully step into what he’d always wanted, he protected that future with his whole heart. His patience. His understanding. The way he let Noah be exactly who he needed to be — without ever trying to change how he loved him — GAH. To be seen as you truly are and loved even more for it? My heart was bursting. He’s the protector, the lover, the mirror that reflects back your best self.
And Noah… sweet, precious Noah. Watching him unfold like a butterfly and take back his life, his choices, his love — it was tender and fierce all at once. His journey from losing control to reclaiming it felt so raw. The bravery it takes to show yourself fully to your friends and the person you love? Heartbreaking and beautiful.
Everything about this story felt fragile yet resilient. Broken but healing. Difficult but so hopeful.
I was already hooked on this universe after Pretty When He Bleeds, but now? I’m locked in. I need to know who’s next.
And Killian… I see you AND "angel".
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was beautiful. I absolutely love this series, I don’t know how Avery does it, but every book just keeps getting better. Damien and Noah's story was so different from the other books in the Sinners of Blackthorne U series, but it was just as amazing.
Damien was so supportive and loved Noah so much. Noah was the sweetest, most lovable person. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. This book was an emotional rollercoaster.
I love the Sin Bin men; they feel like family at this point, and I’m always excited to read their stories. I love how each book focuses on one couple, but Avery manages to still give us enough of the other characters to make it feel like their stories are continuing too.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for our boys.
Damien was so supportive and loved Noah so much. Noah was the sweetest, most lovable person. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. This book was an emotional rollercoaster.
I love the Sin Bin men; they feel like family at this point, and I’m always excited to read their stories. I love how each book focuses on one couple, but Avery manages to still give us enough of the other characters to make it feel like their stories are continuing too.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for our boys.
February 25, 2026
Just give me Killian’s book😔
February 25, 2026
Beautiful love found in a bleak world
These poor sweet boys have been through so much but their love was absolutely beautiful to watch. I absolutely love how everyone at the Sin Bin (athletes & their partners) look out for each other.
Four years ago Damien left Noah without a word. Now they are being forced to share space and deal with all the hurt, longing and desire they left behind. No one but his Dad knows exactly why Damien left but Noah is determined to find out so he can finally move forward.
Noah is so sweet and has been so thoroughly broken by all the people that should have loved him. His parents never cared what he might want and instead only wanted him to fit into the boxes they set for him. His mother demanded he be the perfect model with a tiny body. His father expected him to be a perfect Olympic swimmer. Neither of them actually cared what Noah wanted.
Damien always saw Noah. And then he left without a word. Watching these two avoid each other was so painful. You just knew they needed to talk and clear the air. It was painfully obvious how much they wanted each other. Once they were talking again it was beautiful seeing how they interacted and how patient Damien is with all of Noah's needs. Seeing Noah in his element behind the camera was also a big treat.
The night they went from friends to more was sooooo hot. I love how Damien saw what was presented and immediately went for what he thought Noah would like. Noah was always so surprised by Damien but he also got everything he needed and more from him.
I absolutely bawled my eyes out for Noah after his Dad showed up. The aftermath of that was brutal but honest. It showed how he struggled and how the voices of his parents caused him to fall back into bad habits. Just when he was doing well he was slapped back down and the aftermath was painful. The support he found from his Sin Bin family was beautiful.
I absolutely loved this book. These boys fought against so much to come out together and it was beautiful even with all the darkness and chaos. Noah and Damien needed each other more than they knew. Together they can overcome anything.
I can't wait to see what's going on with the other boys from the Sin Bin. we got some interesting hints that left me absolutely feral to know what's going on. I can't wait for what comes next.
These poor sweet boys have been through so much but their love was absolutely beautiful to watch. I absolutely love how everyone at the Sin Bin (athletes & their partners) look out for each other.
Four years ago Damien left Noah without a word. Now they are being forced to share space and deal with all the hurt, longing and desire they left behind. No one but his Dad knows exactly why Damien left but Noah is determined to find out so he can finally move forward.
Noah is so sweet and has been so thoroughly broken by all the people that should have loved him. His parents never cared what he might want and instead only wanted him to fit into the boxes they set for him. His mother demanded he be the perfect model with a tiny body. His father expected him to be a perfect Olympic swimmer. Neither of them actually cared what Noah wanted.
Damien always saw Noah. And then he left without a word. Watching these two avoid each other was so painful. You just knew they needed to talk and clear the air. It was painfully obvious how much they wanted each other. Once they were talking again it was beautiful seeing how they interacted and how patient Damien is with all of Noah's needs. Seeing Noah in his element behind the camera was also a big treat.
The night they went from friends to more was sooooo hot. I love how Damien saw what was presented and immediately went for what he thought Noah would like. Noah was always so surprised by Damien but he also got everything he needed and more from him.
I absolutely bawled my eyes out for Noah after his Dad showed up. The aftermath of that was brutal but honest. It showed how he struggled and how the voices of his parents caused him to fall back into bad habits. Just when he was doing well he was slapped back down and the aftermath was painful. The support he found from his Sin Bin family was beautiful.
I absolutely loved this book. These boys fought against so much to come out together and it was beautiful even with all the darkness and chaos. Noah and Damien needed each other more than they knew. Together they can overcome anything.
I can't wait to see what's going on with the other boys from the Sin Bin. we got some interesting hints that left me absolutely feral to know what's going on. I can't wait for what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You're so f*cking beautiful, Babygirl... Don't ever hide from me again. You're mine. All of you. Every damn inch."
.
.
Wicked When He Cries is one h*ll of a welcome back to Blackthorne U. In my opinion, WWHC is a change of pace for Collins, less angsty, a slow burn, not as dark. However, Avery has still crafted a story with characters and struggles that will grip you from page one.
If you've read any of the BU series, you're familiar with Damien. Then in CWHS, we hear mention of Noah...Damien's stepbrother. When Damien's mother decides to remarry, he never expected to be enraptured by his stepbrother and his beautiful, mismatched eyes.
Noah has been in love with Damien for as long as he can remember. He's still nursing a broken heart from Damien abruptly leaving. So imagine his surprise when he finds himself living in the Sin Bin face-to-face with Damien after all these years.
As their story unfolds, secrets are revealed, the past confronted, and Blue and Mien finally take a chance. With no shortage of heat, angst, and emotional moments, WWHC is another wonderful addition to the BU series. As always, there's plenty of Killian cameos, Sin Bin shenanigans, and of course, a glimpse into our next MMC.
What I Loved:
Blue & Mien: God...I loved them so much. Those intimate moments at the lake, to Blue gaining his confidence. I loved watching Blue and Mien get back to themselves and give their relationship a chance.
Sage, Nate, Noah: It was great to see past love interests be a part of Noah's journey. The friendship that blooms amongst these three is everything. From Sage giving tidbits of wisdom to Blue, to Nate encouraging Noah to not give two f*cks and dress how he wants. There's something special about seeing another facet of friendship outside of the Sin Bin boys.
.
.
Wicked When He Cries is one h*ll of a welcome back to Blackthorne U. In my opinion, WWHC is a change of pace for Collins, less angsty, a slow burn, not as dark. However, Avery has still crafted a story with characters and struggles that will grip you from page one.
If you've read any of the BU series, you're familiar with Damien. Then in CWHS, we hear mention of Noah...Damien's stepbrother. When Damien's mother decides to remarry, he never expected to be enraptured by his stepbrother and his beautiful, mismatched eyes.
Noah has been in love with Damien for as long as he can remember. He's still nursing a broken heart from Damien abruptly leaving. So imagine his surprise when he finds himself living in the Sin Bin face-to-face with Damien after all these years.
As their story unfolds, secrets are revealed, the past confronted, and Blue and Mien finally take a chance. With no shortage of heat, angst, and emotional moments, WWHC is another wonderful addition to the BU series. As always, there's plenty of Killian cameos, Sin Bin shenanigans, and of course, a glimpse into our next MMC.
What I Loved:
Blue & Mien: God...I loved them so much. Those intimate moments at the lake, to Blue gaining his confidence. I loved watching Blue and Mien get back to themselves and give their relationship a chance.
Sage, Nate, Noah: It was great to see past love interests be a part of Noah's journey. The friendship that blooms amongst these three is everything. From Sage giving tidbits of wisdom to Blue, to Nate encouraging Noah to not give two f*cks and dress how he wants. There's something special about seeing another facet of friendship outside of the Sin Bin boys.
February 22, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
💔 Wicked When He Cries by Avery Collins 💔
“I’ve loved you for so long, I don’t even remember what it felt like not to.”
another five star read for this year!! i knew as soon as i read the dedication at the beginning that i was going to be sobbing through this book- and i was right.
Damien and Noah’s love story made my heart throb. im not usually a lover of slow burns, but the way the author handled this was completely necessary. when we first meet the MMC’s, they are stepbrothers. that doesn’t last long, with the story doing a four year time jump into the future where their parents have separated. throughout these four years, Damien and Noah haven’t talked to each other (though they both desperately want to). they are reunited when they are basically forced to live together at Blackthorne U (thanks Ryan!!), though things aren’t peachy right away (thanks Lionel!!).
some of my favorite moments from the book were when Damien shows his supportive side to Noah (and how much of a consent KING 👑 he is), Noah finally standing up for himself, THE NICKNAMES (‘Blue’ .. ‘Mien’) 🥹, “It’s not my fault that my mind doesn’t work like everyone else’s.”, the headphones 🎧, the pond- ya know what?? i loved every single piece of this book but i can’t keep giving out little details, you’re gonna have to read it yourself when it comes out on February 25th ❤️
some things included in Damien and Noah’s story:
💔 stepbros (til they’re not)
💔 forced proximity
💔 feminization
💔 few but really meaningful spicy scenes
💔 neurodivergent rep
💔 dad that makes you wanna just PUNCH SOMETHING
💔 the sweetest angel named Noah
💔 the most supportive and patient boy named Damien
🤍 plz plz PLZ read the content warnings before diving into this book!! 🤍
💔 Wicked When He Cries by Avery Collins 💔
“I’ve loved you for so long, I don’t even remember what it felt like not to.”
another five star read for this year!! i knew as soon as i read the dedication at the beginning that i was going to be sobbing through this book- and i was right.
Damien and Noah’s love story made my heart throb. im not usually a lover of slow burns, but the way the author handled this was completely necessary. when we first meet the MMC’s, they are stepbrothers. that doesn’t last long, with the story doing a four year time jump into the future where their parents have separated. throughout these four years, Damien and Noah haven’t talked to each other (though they both desperately want to). they are reunited when they are basically forced to live together at Blackthorne U (thanks Ryan!!), though things aren’t peachy right away (thanks Lionel!!).
some of my favorite moments from the book were when Damien shows his supportive side to Noah (and how much of a consent KING 👑 he is), Noah finally standing up for himself, THE NICKNAMES (‘Blue’ .. ‘Mien’) 🥹, “It’s not my fault that my mind doesn’t work like everyone else’s.”, the headphones 🎧, the pond- ya know what?? i loved every single piece of this book but i can’t keep giving out little details, you’re gonna have to read it yourself when it comes out on February 25th ❤️
some things included in Damien and Noah’s story:
💔 stepbros (til they’re not)
💔 forced proximity
💔 feminization
💔 few but really meaningful spicy scenes
💔 neurodivergent rep
💔 dad that makes you wanna just PUNCH SOMETHING
💔 the sweetest angel named Noah
💔 the most supportive and patient boy named Damien
🤍 plz plz PLZ read the content warnings before diving into this book!! 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh to say this book had me in a chokehold from the first page would be an understatement. Adding this book to my 5 star reads of 2026.
Damien is the resident hook up God at the Sin Bin. He never commits to any relationship, solely focused on playing basketball for Blackthorne U with the possibility of going pro. When Noah Adams walks through the doors of the Sin Bin as his new roommate, the person he ran away from 4 years ago without a single word, the true love of his life he doesn't know how to react whether this is karma for his bad decisions or a chance to reconcile and finally be with the one person he can no longer live without.
Noah has followed a strict routine under the careful control of his father. He is now attending Blackthorne U with the potential to become an Olympic swimmer having no idea that he will once again be living under the same roof as Damien Moore - the person that meant everything to him, yet completely ghosted him without an explanation. Can they coexist together in silence or will Noah finally get the answers he has been wondering for the past 4 years.
Damien and Noah are literally everything. The love they have for each other is so tragically beautiful. Damien is fiercely protective of Noah and will do everything to gain his trust and to show him just how beautiful of a person he truly is. Noah is trying to become confident with who he is as a person struggling with body images, his dad's blatant disregard of his life choices and wanting to be who he truly is without fear. With Damien's love and their found family, watching Noah slowly regain his confidence when things get too loud is truly amazing.
I love the Blackthorne U boys so much, it was an honor to ARC read this spectacular book!
Damien is the resident hook up God at the Sin Bin. He never commits to any relationship, solely focused on playing basketball for Blackthorne U with the possibility of going pro. When Noah Adams walks through the doors of the Sin Bin as his new roommate, the person he ran away from 4 years ago without a single word, the true love of his life he doesn't know how to react whether this is karma for his bad decisions or a chance to reconcile and finally be with the one person he can no longer live without.
Noah has followed a strict routine under the careful control of his father. He is now attending Blackthorne U with the potential to become an Olympic swimmer having no idea that he will once again be living under the same roof as Damien Moore - the person that meant everything to him, yet completely ghosted him without an explanation. Can they coexist together in silence or will Noah finally get the answers he has been wondering for the past 4 years.
Damien and Noah are literally everything. The love they have for each other is so tragically beautiful. Damien is fiercely protective of Noah and will do everything to gain his trust and to show him just how beautiful of a person he truly is. Noah is trying to become confident with who he is as a person struggling with body images, his dad's blatant disregard of his life choices and wanting to be who he truly is without fear. With Damien's love and their found family, watching Noah slowly regain his confidence when things get too loud is truly amazing.
I love the Blackthorne U boys so much, it was an honor to ARC read this spectacular book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wicked When He Cries is another beautiful, gut-wrenching story from Avery Collins- set in the Blackthorne U world. This time, we get to learn more about Sin Bin boy Damien (the one we have been previously introduced to as the “easygoing bed-hopper”) and his former stepbrother Noah (a quiet, introverted swimming prodigy with a love of photography).
Like the previous three books, this story was full of drama, longing, broken boys. tears, humans trying to find love and acceptance in a world that doesn’t play fair… But unlike the previous three, this book contains a much softer love story- rooted more in support, unwavering love, and acceptance- rather than in pain, violence, or possession. Trust me, it will still rip your heart out before it stitches it up again, but with much less blood involved than usual... and more lace. 😝
You can expect:
- MM
- dual POV
- HEA
- ex-stepbrothers
- heavy angst/pining
- slow-burn
- second chances
- “It was always you.”
- found family
- first times
- lace kink
- “Babygirl” 🥵
- size difference
- spice that enhances the story
One of the best things about the Blackthorne U books is that while each one is their own unique story- not a copy/paste of the same formula or vibe- they all stick with you long after you read them. They also intertwine, with characters coming and going throughout all of the books, and building on the things you know about them. Loved the previous books, LOVED this story, and now I can’t wait to see who the next Sin Bin boy will be!
(Oh. And because I can’t help myself, I’m just gonna leave this here:
Killian, my tender little innocent House Daddy… What HAVE you done? 👀😝)
Like the previous three books, this story was full of drama, longing, broken boys. tears, humans trying to find love and acceptance in a world that doesn’t play fair… But unlike the previous three, this book contains a much softer love story- rooted more in support, unwavering love, and acceptance- rather than in pain, violence, or possession. Trust me, it will still rip your heart out before it stitches it up again, but with much less blood involved than usual... and more lace. 😝
You can expect:
- MM
- dual POV
- HEA
- ex-stepbrothers
- heavy angst/pining
- slow-burn
- second chances
- “It was always you.”
- found family
- first times
- lace kink
- “Babygirl” 🥵
- size difference
- spice that enhances the story
One of the best things about the Blackthorne U books is that while each one is their own unique story- not a copy/paste of the same formula or vibe- they all stick with you long after you read them. They also intertwine, with characters coming and going throughout all of the books, and building on the things you know about them. Loved the previous books, LOVED this story, and now I can’t wait to see who the next Sin Bin boy will be!
(Oh. And because I can’t help myself, I’m just gonna leave this here:
Killian, my tender little innocent House Daddy… What HAVE you done? 👀😝)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 4 lets goooooo! Damien and Noah’s book is definitely my most anticipated read of the year. I am frothing at the mouth for this series and Avery Collin’s is QUICKLY becoming one of my favourite authors. I honestly can’t rave about her writing enough. This is by far the softest book of the series so far, but honestly, it might be one of the best. From the jump, you can just feel the chemistry and the down right love these two feel towards each other. You are immediately immersed in the story and rooting for them both. This touches on some really difficult topics, such as eating disorders, body image and mental health, but it is truly written so beautifully and intentionally, you can’t help but adore every thing about this book. Noah is our neurodivergent character just trying to do anything and everything he can to fit into the mold his parents want him to be, and then we slowly see himself break out of that box and become who he really is. Damien’s love and fierce protection is everything you want in your other half and seeing them slowly come back together made my eyes all blurry. This was an INCREDIBLE story and the characters, the hard hitting moments, the writing, and undeniable love between these two was everything I wanted it to be. I’ll rave to everyone about this book and this series for the longest time, they just get better and better and leave you wanting more. Their nicknames for each other, blue and mien, were freaking adorable too!!
Avery is a sneaky little devil too, because the little crumbs she left us about the other characters!? DELICIOUS!!!!!!
So happy to receive an ARC for this!!!
Review of advance copy
Ohhh Avery another heartbreakingly beautiful story to add to the sin bin series.
First off I truly get this feeling of coming home when I see all these characters come together again, like a tv show you wait and wait for the next season of and then when it’s finally here you just binge it and miss it all over again.
Sweet sweet broken Noah he’s been let down by so many people in his life and the one person he thought would always be there left without a word and left Noah to deconstruct on his own. Things are not what they seem though and Damien has a secret he’s kept from everyone about the real reason he left. These two deserved such a happy ending and they truly fought for it.
I think what’s so special about Avery’s books are that maybe you can’t relate completely to each character but there is always bits and peace’s of them that you can’t relate completely connect with. Reading how Noah really came into his own was so special, taking the step to finally figure himself out really had me cheering him on. Damian realizing that these feelings he’s had for his step brother will never go away and it’s time for him to step up and get the HEA they both deserve.
Of course it wouldn’t be as special without the ups and downs and the whole crew that comes together for their own.
I cried for them so much and felt like a proud momma towards the end.
Once again I will miss the boys!
First off I truly get this feeling of coming home when I see all these characters come together again, like a tv show you wait and wait for the next season of and then when it’s finally here you just binge it and miss it all over again.
Sweet sweet broken Noah he’s been let down by so many people in his life and the one person he thought would always be there left without a word and left Noah to deconstruct on his own. Things are not what they seem though and Damien has a secret he’s kept from everyone about the real reason he left. These two deserved such a happy ending and they truly fought for it.
I think what’s so special about Avery’s books are that maybe you can’t relate completely to each character but there is always bits and peace’s of them that you can’t relate completely connect with. Reading how Noah really came into his own was so special, taking the step to finally figure himself out really had me cheering him on. Damian realizing that these feelings he’s had for his step brother will never go away and it’s time for him to step up and get the HEA they both deserve.
Of course it wouldn’t be as special without the ups and downs and the whole crew that comes together for their own.
I cried for them so much and felt like a proud momma towards the end.
Once again I will miss the boys!
Review of advance copy
I sometimes need a little push to starr something new. So applying for an arc is one of these things.
I don’t know why i never read an Avery Collins book cause, damn this was good! 🤩
This is book 4 in the ‘Sinners of Blackthorne U’ series but can be read as a standalone ( they’re all interconnected)
Noah and Damien, Ex- stepbrothers who have been hopelessly in love with each other for years… without ever realizing the other feels the same.
Until Damien leaves..
No explanation. No goodbye that makes sense. Just distance and a secret he believes he can never share with Noah.💔
Left behind, Noah is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. He has to be strong, get perfect grades, live up to impossible standards and most of all, never truly be himself.
Beneath the surface, he’s struggling. He battles an eating disorder, feels like he’s never good enough, and lives under constant pressure to perform and succeed.
Four years later, their paths cross again.
But Damien is still carrying his secrets.
I couldn’t put this book down!
Sweet, beautiful Noah… ❣️
fighting himself while being absolutely perfect just the way he is.
And Damien steady as a rock, so loving and protective, with a quiet strength that made my heart melt.
The love between these two is sweet, intense, and beautiful🩷
I may love reading series in the “wrong” order, but I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of this one very soon.
Avery, you’ve gained a fan. 🤍
I don’t know why i never read an Avery Collins book cause, damn this was good! 🤩
This is book 4 in the ‘Sinners of Blackthorne U’ series but can be read as a standalone ( they’re all interconnected)
Noah and Damien, Ex- stepbrothers who have been hopelessly in love with each other for years… without ever realizing the other feels the same.
Until Damien leaves..
No explanation. No goodbye that makes sense. Just distance and a secret he believes he can never share with Noah.💔
Left behind, Noah is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. He has to be strong, get perfect grades, live up to impossible standards and most of all, never truly be himself.
Beneath the surface, he’s struggling. He battles an eating disorder, feels like he’s never good enough, and lives under constant pressure to perform and succeed.
Four years later, their paths cross again.
But Damien is still carrying his secrets.
I couldn’t put this book down!
Sweet, beautiful Noah… ❣️
fighting himself while being absolutely perfect just the way he is.
And Damien steady as a rock, so loving and protective, with a quiet strength that made my heart melt.
The love between these two is sweet, intense, and beautiful🩷
I may love reading series in the “wrong” order, but I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of this one very soon.
Avery, you’ve gained a fan. 🤍
Review of advance copy
Noah + Damien
-mm college romance
-ex stepbrothers
-forced proximity
-second chance
-hurt/comfort
-found family
-“it was always you”
i am just forever living in my avery collins era. she NEVER disappoints on supplying THE HIGH!! this excerpt from this book moved me...it related to me...it sunk into the marrow of my bones & embedded itself into my dan & honestly i just wish that it wasn't so common of an experience people had to relate to...but it is pretty much just all i can supply for a review for this beauty.
𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙.
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘱 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴. 𝘔𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘱.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚.
𝘿𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨.
𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 “𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩,” 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦, 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣, 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭.
-mm college romance
-ex stepbrothers
-forced proximity
-second chance
-hurt/comfort
-found family
-“it was always you”
i am just forever living in my avery collins era. she NEVER disappoints on supplying THE HIGH!! this excerpt from this book moved me...it related to me...it sunk into the marrow of my bones & embedded itself into my dan & honestly i just wish that it wasn't so common of an experience people had to relate to...but it is pretty much just all i can supply for a review for this beauty.
𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙.
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘱 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴. 𝘔𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘱.
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚.
𝘿𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨.
𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 “𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩,” 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦, 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣, 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭.
February 25, 2026
Absolutely brilliant!
Yet another masterpiece from Avery Collins, there are no words to describe how good this book is. Since I finished reading I’ve been stuck in a happy but sad bubble.
In this story we have Damien, one of our MMCs, he’s a college basketball superstar, team captain, occupant of the Sin Bin, and since a fateful decision he has been burying himself in basketball, hook ups, and drink to hide from the heart break.
Then we have l Noah, our other MMC, and your heart just aches for him. He is such a beautiful, beautiful soul who has been mistreated his whole life.
The circumstances that pulled them apart were cruel, but the refinding each other, ugh, a teary chef’s kiss! The character development is perfect, through a lot of anxiety we see Noah go on a journey of self-discovery when he’s not had the freedom to do so before. We see Damien rediscover his role in Noah’s life, but also getting stronger himself, having the strength to be there when Noah needs him, but also to have the strength to give him space so he can define who he is as a person. All wrapped up in an angsty “it has always been you” plot.
There is so much more to this book too. The way Sage and Nate play a key role helping Noah is endearing and adds levity (brunch at 8pm anyone?!). We also see a lot more of the other Sin Bin occupants and more depth in their characters, and Killian, because that’s secretly who we are all dying to read about!
The ending is beautiful and a little bit bittersweet. As a story there is so much depth to it and brings yet more colour to the series, it was an amazing instalment after Cruel When He Smiles! This book is my new favourite of the series so far, you’ll regret it if you don’t read this book!
Yet another masterpiece from Avery Collins, there are no words to describe how good this book is. Since I finished reading I’ve been stuck in a happy but sad bubble.
In this story we have Damien, one of our MMCs, he’s a college basketball superstar, team captain, occupant of the Sin Bin, and since a fateful decision he has been burying himself in basketball, hook ups, and drink to hide from the heart break.
Then we have l Noah, our other MMC, and your heart just aches for him. He is such a beautiful, beautiful soul who has been mistreated his whole life.
The circumstances that pulled them apart were cruel, but the refinding each other, ugh, a teary chef’s kiss! The character development is perfect, through a lot of anxiety we see Noah go on a journey of self-discovery when he’s not had the freedom to do so before. We see Damien rediscover his role in Noah’s life, but also getting stronger himself, having the strength to be there when Noah needs him, but also to have the strength to give him space so he can define who he is as a person. All wrapped up in an angsty “it has always been you” plot.
There is so much more to this book too. The way Sage and Nate play a key role helping Noah is endearing and adds levity (brunch at 8pm anyone?!). We also see a lot more of the other Sin Bin occupants and more depth in their characters, and Killian, because that’s secretly who we are all dying to read about!
The ending is beautiful and a little bit bittersweet. As a story there is so much depth to it and brings yet more colour to the series, it was an amazing instalment after Cruel When He Smiles! This book is my new favourite of the series so far, you’ll regret it if you don’t read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of the Advanced Copy received from the author
To begin with, Wicked When He Cries is quite different from the first 3 Blackthorn U books and in the best way possible. I loved books 1-3, but Noah and Damien could never have fit into those stories. Their characters are tender, unique, and neurodivergent in ways that the previous 3 couples are not. It's a heartbreaking second chance love story where my investment in each individual MC was just as strong in my investment as them as a couple.
Noah is the most relatable character I've ever read. Many of his struggles are mine as well, and I felt so seen...it was refreshing. It was also refreshing that no one felt the need to classify or name his neurodivergence...he was just Noah. And his relationship with Damien (at least once they both finally get their acts together regarding each other) is so, so sweet. Noah's story is absolutely heartbreaking and devastating, but watching Damien love him through his struggles was a light in an otherwise dark tale.
WWHC is a much slower burn, but it makes those spicy moments mean much more for the characters. The relationship never came across as forced or unnatural and I found myself, at various times, but irritated and overjoyed with these boys...which I think shows fantastic character writing/development.
Read and heed the TWs and buckle in for a fantastic and, occasionally difficult, road.
Also, every little extra Killian King nugget we get is *chef's kiss*
To begin with, Wicked When He Cries is quite different from the first 3 Blackthorn U books and in the best way possible. I loved books 1-3, but Noah and Damien could never have fit into those stories. Their characters are tender, unique, and neurodivergent in ways that the previous 3 couples are not. It's a heartbreaking second chance love story where my investment in each individual MC was just as strong in my investment as them as a couple.
Noah is the most relatable character I've ever read. Many of his struggles are mine as well, and I felt so seen...it was refreshing. It was also refreshing that no one felt the need to classify or name his neurodivergence...he was just Noah. And his relationship with Damien (at least once they both finally get their acts together regarding each other) is so, so sweet. Noah's story is absolutely heartbreaking and devastating, but watching Damien love him through his struggles was a light in an otherwise dark tale.
WWHC is a much slower burn, but it makes those spicy moments mean much more for the characters. The relationship never came across as forced or unnatural and I found myself, at various times, but irritated and overjoyed with these boys...which I think shows fantastic character writing/development.
Read and heed the TWs and buckle in for a fantastic and, occasionally difficult, road.
Also, every little extra Killian King nugget we get is *chef's kiss*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wicked When He Cries felt like coming home.
This one had a slightly different vibe to the earlier Sin Bin books, which I actually loved and it suited Damien perfectly. His story with Noah is tender, emotional, and full of second-chance angst. It’s so clear these two never stopped loving each other, and watching them fight it for so long hurt… but seeing Noah finally put himself out there to try and mend things was really beautiful.
Noah absolutely broke my heart. Watching him try to force himself into a box that was never made for him was painful, but his growth; finding people outside of Damien to lean on, slowly figuring out who he is, was so special. I really appreciated how supportive Damien was of Noah’s neurodivergence and self-image, always letting him be exactly who he is. The small, quiet moments between them (pond dates, couch takeout, the headphones scene) were everything.
The found family is still top-tier (Killian is KING), and I love how each book gives us one couple while still letting the whole crew feel alive and connected. I laughed, I cried, I got mad, and by the end I felt like a proud mum watching them finally choose their HEA.
Beautiful, emotional, and deeply healing...this series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
This one had a slightly different vibe to the earlier Sin Bin books, which I actually loved and it suited Damien perfectly. His story with Noah is tender, emotional, and full of second-chance angst. It’s so clear these two never stopped loving each other, and watching them fight it for so long hurt… but seeing Noah finally put himself out there to try and mend things was really beautiful.
Noah absolutely broke my heart. Watching him try to force himself into a box that was never made for him was painful, but his growth; finding people outside of Damien to lean on, slowly figuring out who he is, was so special. I really appreciated how supportive Damien was of Noah’s neurodivergence and self-image, always letting him be exactly who he is. The small, quiet moments between them (pond dates, couch takeout, the headphones scene) were everything.
The found family is still top-tier (Killian is KING), and I love how each book gives us one couple while still letting the whole crew feel alive and connected. I laughed, I cried, I got mad, and by the end I felt like a proud mum watching them finally choose their HEA.
Beautiful, emotional, and deeply healing...this series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
February 25, 2026
Wicked When He Cries is angsty, intimate, and built on the kind of first love that never really leaves you.
Avery Collins delivers a second-chance romance that leans hard into unresolved feelings, quiet regret, and the emotional chaos of being forced back into close proximity with the one person who broke you.
Damien is layered in a way that makes his reputation almost feel like armor. Everyone sees the confident hookup king, but underneath that image is someone who never moved on. The tension between who he pretends to be and who he actually is creates some of the strongest emotional beats in the story.
And Noah carries his hurt in a quieter, more internal way. His heartbreak isn’t loud — it’s lingering. Watching him exist in the same space as Damien, trying to function like history doesn’t still burn, gives the romance a steady, aching intensity.
The shared house dynamic works perfectly for this kind of story. There’s no escape. No avoiding eye contact. No pretending it didn’t matter. The proximity forces conversations that should’ve happened years ago, and when the truth finally cracks through, it feels earned.
This is the kind of book that sits in that bittersweet space between pain and healing — where love isn’t easy, but it’s still undeniable.
Avery Collins delivers a second-chance romance that leans hard into unresolved feelings, quiet regret, and the emotional chaos of being forced back into close proximity with the one person who broke you.
Damien is layered in a way that makes his reputation almost feel like armor. Everyone sees the confident hookup king, but underneath that image is someone who never moved on. The tension between who he pretends to be and who he actually is creates some of the strongest emotional beats in the story.
And Noah carries his hurt in a quieter, more internal way. His heartbreak isn’t loud — it’s lingering. Watching him exist in the same space as Damien, trying to function like history doesn’t still burn, gives the romance a steady, aching intensity.
The shared house dynamic works perfectly for this kind of story. There’s no escape. No avoiding eye contact. No pretending it didn’t matter. The proximity forces conversations that should’ve happened years ago, and when the truth finally cracks through, it feels earned.
This is the kind of book that sits in that bittersweet space between pain and healing — where love isn’t easy, but it’s still undeniable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I want you. Everything else is just details.”
This fucking book! I can't even! This story is so different from the previous ones in the series, but it is so freaking beautiful. Noah and Damien have my whole heart. They are officially my favorite Sin Bin couple and whoever wants to dethrone them has their job cut out for them.
Honestly, every time I say "this is my favorite couple" Avery comes in and says "hold my beer", but I think Damien and Noah are it. These two are just so heartbreakingly beautiful. I adore the way that Damien loves Noah and gives him the support and space he needs to be himself, without any judgment. And Noah makes me feel like a proud momma every time he pushes his own limits and does something out of his comfort zone simply because he wants to.
I also really enjoyed all the cameos from all the Sin Bin boys. And I gotta say, Sage, Nate, and Noah are the brat squad I didn't know I needed. I need them to be real so we can have brunch dates at 8pm.
Quote: “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here in this small apartment with this boy I’ve loved since before I even knew I could love.”
This fucking book! I can't even! This story is so different from the previous ones in the series, but it is so freaking beautiful. Noah and Damien have my whole heart. They are officially my favorite Sin Bin couple and whoever wants to dethrone them has their job cut out for them.
Honestly, every time I say "this is my favorite couple" Avery comes in and says "hold my beer", but I think Damien and Noah are it. These two are just so heartbreakingly beautiful. I adore the way that Damien loves Noah and gives him the support and space he needs to be himself, without any judgment. And Noah makes me feel like a proud momma every time he pushes his own limits and does something out of his comfort zone simply because he wants to.
I also really enjoyed all the cameos from all the Sin Bin boys. And I gotta say, Sage, Nate, and Noah are the brat squad I didn't know I needed. I need them to be real so we can have brunch dates at 8pm.
Quote: “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here in this small apartment with this boy I’ve loved since before I even knew I could love.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Of course, I didn’t touch him. How could I? He was my stepbrother at the time and fragile in ways I wasn’t allowed to be. He had this bright, aching quiet to him that made me want to both protect him and ruin him at the same time. And I knew that if I ever touched him, if I crossed that line, I wouldn’t come back from it."
Wicked When He Cries is book 4 in the fabulous Sinners of Blackthorne U series by Avery Collins, which is a linked dark MM romance series set in an elite college, with a lot of dark themes and spicy times. The books can be read as standalones, but the characters are so intertwined I would strongly recommend you read them in order.
This is Damien and Noah's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM college romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Second chance
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Found family
🖤First times
🖤Angsty
🖤Dark themes
🖤"It's always been you"
🖤HEA
4 stars
Wicked When He Cries is book 4 in the fabulous Sinners of Blackthorne U series by Avery Collins, which is a linked dark MM romance series set in an elite college, with a lot of dark themes and spicy times. The books can be read as standalones, but the characters are so intertwined I would strongly recommend you read them in order.
This is Damien and Noah's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM college romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Second chance
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Found family
🖤First times
🖤Angsty
🖤Dark themes
🖤"It's always been you"
🖤HEA
4 stars
February 23, 2026
⸻
I gave Wicked When He Cries by Avery Colin four stars because it truly delivered an emotional punch.
This book completely pulled me in with its intensity and vulnerability. The emotional depth was the standout for me — the pain, longing, and raw honesty between the characters felt real and immersive. There were several moments that genuinely hurt in the best way, the kind that make your chest ache but keep you turning the pages anyway.
The angst was strong, but it never felt unnecessary or overdone. The author did a great job balancing heartbreak with tenderness, giving the story weight without making it overwhelming. I especially appreciated how layered the characters felt — flawed, wounded, but still deeply human.
The reason it’s four stars instead of five is that there were a few moments where I wanted just a little more — either more closure in certain emotional beats or slightly deeper development in some areas. Still, it was a powerful, emotional read that stayed with me after I finished.
If you love angsty romance with raw emotion and characters who make you feel everything, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Avery Collins continues to draw me in and make me obsessed. Noah and Damien were so precious and I loved them together.
With some of the previous couples, the angst and pain were very loud and present. But with Noah and Damien, it’s a bit quieter. It whispers instead of screams, but it’s no less impactful. I ached reading this, watching these two struggle with both the past and the present. There’s no shying away from the ugly, especially when it comes to Noah’s trauma, and it’s handled with such care. (Please make sure to mind your triggers as this does delve into some deep and heavy topics.)
Despite the pain, Noah and Damien were beautiful together. They were exactly what the other needed, and it ways they hadn’t even realized. Noah filled the holes Damien had carved into himself, while Damien’s patience gave Noah the strength to go for what he wanted.
Sage and Nate really stole the show several times, and my love for them has grown so much. These two chaos gremlins completely own my heart. I adored how they took to Noah and I can’t wait to see more of their friendship in later books.
I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
With some of the previous couples, the angst and pain were very loud and present. But with Noah and Damien, it’s a bit quieter. It whispers instead of screams, but it’s no less impactful. I ached reading this, watching these two struggle with both the past and the present. There’s no shying away from the ugly, especially when it comes to Noah’s trauma, and it’s handled with such care. (Please make sure to mind your triggers as this does delve into some deep and heavy topics.)
Despite the pain, Noah and Damien were beautiful together. They were exactly what the other needed, and it ways they hadn’t even realized. Noah filled the holes Damien had carved into himself, while Damien’s patience gave Noah the strength to go for what he wanted.
Sage and Nate really stole the show several times, and my love for them has grown so much. These two chaos gremlins completely own my heart. I adored how they took to Noah and I can’t wait to see more of their friendship in later books.
I got an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review (eternally grateful for the ARC!)
Okay, wow, so here I thought that Sage and Luca were going to be my all time favourite couple in this series. Nope. Dethroned! Damien and Noah are THE best couple in this series now, hands down.
This story is a bit of a departure from the others in the series but in the best way, it’s a slower burn, and it’s sweeter, but you still want them to just say what they are feeling and thinking instead of holding it inside like they always do. There are a few horrible, nasty obstacles in their way, and mind your triggers, there are a fair few, but Damien really sees Noah like no one else does and it really shines through his character. Also you get to know a bit more about the other Sin Bin boys in this one, so bonus!
The way I was rooting for Noah and Damien the whole time had me yelling at the book, they were always endgame and I worried so much for them so often. Honestly they are perfect couple. Cannot wait for the next one in the series. And yes cameos from previous couples are there too!
Okay, wow, so here I thought that Sage and Luca were going to be my all time favourite couple in this series. Nope. Dethroned! Damien and Noah are THE best couple in this series now, hands down.
This story is a bit of a departure from the others in the series but in the best way, it’s a slower burn, and it’s sweeter, but you still want them to just say what they are feeling and thinking instead of holding it inside like they always do. There are a few horrible, nasty obstacles in their way, and mind your triggers, there are a fair few, but Damien really sees Noah like no one else does and it really shines through his character. Also you get to know a bit more about the other Sin Bin boys in this one, so bonus!
The way I was rooting for Noah and Damien the whole time had me yelling at the book, they were always endgame and I worried so much for them so often. Honestly they are perfect couple. Cannot wait for the next one in the series. And yes cameos from previous couples are there too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wicked When He Cries is book four of the Sinners of Blackthorne U.
Damien and Noah have a bit of a history together. They had a bond when they were younger, but something made Damien leave Noah when he needed him. Noah doesn't have the best life with regards to his parents. It seems they want him to live the life they want and don't really take his feelings into account. I enjoyed seeing how Noah was able to become stronger with his opinions and choices the more time he spent with Damien. He was finally able to stand up for what he wanted and I enjoyed that transformation. There is a lot of painful moments when reading as this is more of a story reflecting on the mental health issues due to the pressures some face. I loved Damien's determination. He was finally able to fight for what he wanted and he wasn't going to let anything prevent his happiness.
We get some tidbits for future books in the series. I cannot wait to read them as they really got me involved and interested in their story.
Damien and Noah have a bit of a history together. They had a bond when they were younger, but something made Damien leave Noah when he needed him. Noah doesn't have the best life with regards to his parents. It seems they want him to live the life they want and don't really take his feelings into account. I enjoyed seeing how Noah was able to become stronger with his opinions and choices the more time he spent with Damien. He was finally able to stand up for what he wanted and I enjoyed that transformation. There is a lot of painful moments when reading as this is more of a story reflecting on the mental health issues due to the pressures some face. I loved Damien's determination. He was finally able to fight for what he wanted and he wasn't going to let anything prevent his happiness.
We get some tidbits for future books in the series. I cannot wait to read them as they really got me involved and interested in their story.
February 25, 2026
I loved this one!!
Wicked When He Cries is hands down one of my favorite reads this year, and I’m kicking myself for not diving into this series sooner! I’ve had the first three books on my TBR for a while, but this was the perfect opportunity to finally get started and I’m so glad I did.
Damien and Noah are fire together! The chemistry between them is off the charts, and you could literally feel the tension! I was hooked from the first chapter, and I couldn’t put the book down. The mental health rep is absolutely spot on, and I loved how it added depth to the characters and their relationship.
The writing itself is amazing, and honestly, my only complaint is that I didn’t want it to end! At 395 pages, it was over too soon, but that’s a testament to how well the author pulls you in.
I’m so obsessed with this book that I’m immediately going back to read the first three books in the series, I need more of Blackthorne U!
If you’re looking for a story full of heat, heart, and incredible characters, don’t wait like I did. Get on this one ASAP!
Wicked When He Cries is hands down one of my favorite reads this year, and I’m kicking myself for not diving into this series sooner! I’ve had the first three books on my TBR for a while, but this was the perfect opportunity to finally get started and I’m so glad I did.
Damien and Noah are fire together! The chemistry between them is off the charts, and you could literally feel the tension! I was hooked from the first chapter, and I couldn’t put the book down. The mental health rep is absolutely spot on, and I loved how it added depth to the characters and their relationship.
The writing itself is amazing, and honestly, my only complaint is that I didn’t want it to end! At 395 pages, it was over too soon, but that’s a testament to how well the author pulls you in.
I’m so obsessed with this book that I’m immediately going back to read the first three books in the series, I need more of Blackthorne U!
If you’re looking for a story full of heat, heart, and incredible characters, don’t wait like I did. Get on this one ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You ever find a character you really resonance with? Really step into their shoes and already feel every thing they feel and have felt? Yea this book does it. I heavily relate to Noah in more ways than one on so many different levels. He was such a traumatized boy and I wanted to roll him up in a burrito blanket and hug away his problems. Damien had his demons as well, but he was such a sweetheart when it came to Noah.
He did all the right things to make Noah feel wanted and safe in his own skin. I really want so badly to yeet Noah's parents off a cliff, especially his dead beat of a father. People like that should never have children, ugh. I clapped when Noah stood up to him and my gosh Killian my king.
Also a certain someone you know who you are, how dare you, but at the same time I can understand; but still how dare you.
And I swear to the maker, Avery, how dare you with that little teaser. I need Killian's book like feckin' yesterday, k thanks.
He did all the right things to make Noah feel wanted and safe in his own skin. I really want so badly to yeet Noah's parents off a cliff, especially his dead beat of a father. People like that should never have children, ugh. I clapped when Noah stood up to him and my gosh Killian my king.
Also a certain someone you know who you are, how dare you, but at the same time I can understand; but still how dare you.
And I swear to the maker, Avery, how dare you with that little teaser. I need Killian's book like feckin' yesterday, k thanks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love Avery’s books and this one is no exception, her writing is beautiful how she bring each character to life and they just get better as the books go on!
Damien & Noah, my sweet baby’s. I absolutely loved these guys and the tropes some of my absolute favs, lingerie, feminisation, baby girl 🫠 Jesus I could have combusted whilst reading this!
Damien loved Noah, he did all the things to make him know he love him whole and he would be there through anything he needed good & bad and he was there to support him.
I’m sorry whenever Killian comes on page I literally die, for some reason I can not wait for this guy the beg possibly on his hands and knees for whatever reason because even through he is a force he clearly only goes soft for his ‘angel’ I’m here for it and I can’t wait!
I also love we got more of the found family and more tidbits from Eli & Julian (what happened with these guys!) and also Adrian <- I love him also 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noah and Damien's story is dark, it's raw, and it's filled with emotion. But it also has soul, warmth and love in small, quiet moments and stolen smiles. Their story isn't filled with spicy moments, but when the spicy moments hit, they hit hard! 🔥🔥 They're intentional, they're well placed and make sense with the story.
Noah and Damien were each nursing wounds the other didn't know about. They were protecting themselves, doing what they thought was best and hiding from each other. Blue and Mien have to decide to be brave, to be the person they want to be, for the person they want most. Easier said than done when each boy is holding onto heartbreak, and secrets.
Please check your triggers warnings before you return to the Sin Bin. Your mental health and safety are important. Avery took on some tough topics in this book, and she did not back away from them. She was thoughtful with her words, but the emotions are big and you feel them.
Noah and Damien were each nursing wounds the other didn't know about. They were protecting themselves, doing what they thought was best and hiding from each other. Blue and Mien have to decide to be brave, to be the person they want to be, for the person they want most. Easier said than done when each boy is holding onto heartbreak, and secrets.
Please check your triggers warnings before you return to the Sin Bin. Your mental health and safety are important. Avery took on some tough topics in this book, and she did not back away from them. She was thoughtful with her words, but the emotions are big and you feel them.
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