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Pretty: An MM Second Chance Romance
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26Declan
He was supposed to be the one that understood.
The one that was different. But he’s just like everyone else.
It doesn’t really matter, though. At school, I’m the weird outcast, and he’s the big popular jock.
We were doomed from the start.
And yet, I keep finding myself drawn to him, no matter how much I don’t want to be.
I need to stay away, but I don’t think I can.
Javier
He was all I had in the world.
Mi muñequito.
Then he threw it all away.
So I wiped my hands of him.
Or I tried.
But he crept his way back into my brain. Back into my life.
I need to leave him in the past, but I don’t think I can.
Pretty is an MM second chance romance. Here's what you can friends to enemies to lovers, secret relationship, "mine", neighbors, jock x outcast, high angst, and a Latino MC. Please check the CW to see if this book is for you.
He was supposed to be the one that understood.
The one that was different. But he’s just like everyone else.
It doesn’t really matter, though. At school, I’m the weird outcast, and he’s the big popular jock.
We were doomed from the start.
And yet, I keep finding myself drawn to him, no matter how much I don’t want to be.
I need to stay away, but I don’t think I can.
Javier
He was all I had in the world.
Mi muñequito.
Then he threw it all away.
So I wiped my hands of him.
Or I tried.
But he crept his way back into my brain. Back into my life.
I need to leave him in the past, but I don’t think I can.
Pretty is an MM second chance romance. Here's what you can friends to enemies to lovers, secret relationship, "mine", neighbors, jock x outcast, high angst, and a Latino MC. Please check the CW to see if this book is for you.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
rtc, i need to sit on this for a bit
*i received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook
rtc, i need to sit on this for a bit
*i received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Pretty is a great second-chance romance between sweet outsider Declan and sensitive athlete Javi. This story does a great job of giving you the backstory to how their friendship derailed and why they both mean so much to one another. Having all of these questions answered in such a natural way really helped to propel this story in fascinating directions. Also I love that Declan and Javi are both neighbors. That element adds such a wholesome aspect to their story as they fall for one another not once but twice.
Overall, this is a great second-chance romance. Both characters go through quite the transformation, and seeing their relationship grow into a more mature dynamic was great to see. Also, I really appreciated the handling of certain topics. Javi is a strong and compelling character, and seeing him literally go to bat for the person he loves most was very impactful and made for a very strong third act. I loved being back in this world and look forward to what comes next.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, this is a great second-chance romance. Both characters go through quite the transformation, and seeing their relationship grow into a more mature dynamic was great to see. Also, I really appreciated the handling of certain topics. Javi is a strong and compelling character, and seeing him literally go to bat for the person he loves most was very impactful and made for a very strong third act. I loved being back in this world and look forward to what comes next.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.5)
The first 20% of the book, Javi stressed the fuck out of me. I just wanted to shake him and scream in his face, But every time he spoke to Declan in Spanish, I melted.
That’s another thing I loved, how smoothly the Spanish was woven into Javi’s vocabulary. It all felt so natural.
Also, I fucking loved Declan. He was perfect.
Tbh, I don’t have much to say, mostly because I enjoyed it and had a good time reading it.
Although I didn’t like the ending or the epilogue. And yes, I know that’s how real life works, but I don’t want to read about real-life bullshit.
The first 20% of the book, Javi stressed the fuck out of me. I just wanted to shake him and scream in his face, But every time he spoke to Declan in Spanish, I melted.
That’s another thing I loved, how smoothly the Spanish was woven into Javi’s vocabulary. It all felt so natural.
Also, I fucking loved Declan. He was perfect.
Tbh, I don’t have much to say, mostly because I enjoyed it and had a good time reading it.
Although I didn’t like the ending or the epilogue. And yes, I know that’s how real life works, but I don’t want to read about real-life bullshit.
March 4, 2026
This book was absolutely amazing!! I couldn’t put it down and I loved getting a little bit of the couple from the first book bc it was just as memorable as this one! This one hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. I loved Declan and Javi so very much, their love was definitely something special. I love having some dark with my romance and some obsession so this one is perfect. I definitely recommend reading this book!
February 27, 2026
Ever since we met Declan in SAFE I have wanted to his story. I loved everything about him from his hair to his shoes and snark. Declan went through something no one should ever have to go through and not only was it a horrific experience but it was exacerbated by those around him leaving him to deal with it on his own. I hated what he went through and I hated that it tore Declan and Javier apart but I am glad they ended up finding their way back into each other’s lives. It was clear they played huge roles in one another’s lives after meeting and it was nice getting to see some of this along the way.
I love the side characters. Landon and Grant of course but Declan’s parents were great. This was a such a good read!
💜ARC REVIEW🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
I love the side characters. Landon and Grant of course but Declan’s parents were great. This was a such a good read!
💜ARC REVIEW🖤
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
March 5, 2026
5 ⭐️ I had such hopes for the second book of the King's Heart series, and it was everything and more of what I expected! Javi and Declan's relationship was quite the mystery in the first book, and we jump right back into the story with this story. When Declan and Javi first met, the tension between them was nothing short of magical, and the beginning of a true friendship build upon trust and understanding. But after a devastating incident, their friendship is broken and strained.
I thought this story was so beautiful and a heartbreaking read. Every time there was a scene of comfort, the rug was pulled out from you, and you were left even more heartbroken than what you already was. But throughout the book, the bits and pieces of Javi and Declan's past was slowly revealed, and it was so clear that these two needed each other more than anything else.
After reading several of L. Waltree's stories, this being the third, I have come to love and adore their gift of storytelling. Their stories have so many layers, written so beautifully, and I've come to care for their characters as if I know them personally. This story made me weep, smile, and laugh!
If you love second chance-romance, found family, best friends, and hurt/comfort, this is a must read for you!
A big thank you to the author and their team for providing med with an arc of this great story! <3
I thought this story was so beautiful and a heartbreaking read. Every time there was a scene of comfort, the rug was pulled out from you, and you were left even more heartbroken than what you already was. But throughout the book, the bits and pieces of Javi and Declan's past was slowly revealed, and it was so clear that these two needed each other more than anything else.
After reading several of L. Waltree's stories, this being the third, I have come to love and adore their gift of storytelling. Their stories have so many layers, written so beautifully, and I've come to care for their characters as if I know them personally. This story made me weep, smile, and laugh!
If you love second chance-romance, found family, best friends, and hurt/comfort, this is a must read for you!
A big thank you to the author and their team for providing med with an arc of this great story! <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn’t know how much I needed Declan & Javier’s story until we got it. This book had some dark themes, but I didn’t think it was as dark as Safe. I loved that this book was in the same timeline as Safe, I found it made everything easier to follow. I had so many “aha” moments remembering parts from Safe.
I ended up liking Javi so much by the end. I thought he was going to be a typical jock, but there was so much complexity underneath, he was such a beautiful person.
Declan… wow. I loved him. He was such a strong person who deserved love so much, he deserved the world. These two spent so much time apart because of miscommunication, which was just sad.
I loved Declan’s foster parents, Harold & Nancy. They were so entertaining. Great epilogue, and I really hope we get Danny and Simmons book next.
I would definitely recommend reading Safe first.
I ended up liking Javi so much by the end. I thought he was going to be a typical jock, but there was so much complexity underneath, he was such a beautiful person.
Declan… wow. I loved him. He was such a strong person who deserved love so much, he deserved the world. These two spent so much time apart because of miscommunication, which was just sad.
I loved Declan’s foster parents, Harold & Nancy. They were so entertaining. Great epilogue, and I really hope we get Danny and Simmons book next.
I would definitely recommend reading Safe first.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One thing I really love about this series is an unknown element that keeps me hooked. There is the teasing of what happened before but the grand reveal is at the end and it's always a doozy. I love that avout the first and this one does it to. Declan was honestly such a strong character me. I love how he is written and how he is so vibrant while also not really being a people person. On the flipside Javi is a lot more social but not many really see him. I love the depth these characters have. I love the way they fell and then fell again. It was beautifully done.
Want to read
February 22, 2026Omggggg
March 1, 2026
3⭐️
Javi and Declan, two students at a prestigious private highschool, couldn’t be more different. A quirky, purple-haired outcast like Declan has a hard time making friends, while Javi is on the football team and popular. Both have complicated home lives, and both unexpectedly end up connecting, and starting to form something special.
In unexpected and devastating event ends up pulling them apart. This book goes back and forth between the past and present timeline, following both the story of their first fall for each other at 17, and how they reconnect the next year.
This book has:
-second chance
-jock x nerd high school setting
-miscommunication
-neighbours
-secret relationship & hookups
-check TWs (themes of ab*se and SA)
I realllly enjoyed book one of this series, and was looking forward to book 2! This book wasn’t what I expected, but I still enjoyed some aspects of the story.
This book is under 300 pages, and deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. We do get a happily ever after though, so don’t worry!
What I did enjoy about this book was that the characters were both quite unique, and they felt like whole, developed characters, despite the book being short. I felt like I knew their interests, their families, and their personalities well.
The timeline of this book might be a little hard for some to follow, as it flips back and forth between both perspectives and timelines. You definitely have to be paying attention. That being said, the plot is quite simple and predictable, so I wasn’t confused.
In terms of the narrative overall, I feel kind of neutral. I was a little frustrated with the miscommunication and how the characters acted sometimes. But they’re also teenagers… so I guess they act as expected!
Though I didn’t personally vibe with some aspects of this book, it wasn’t a bad book at all! If you like the tropes listed above, you’ll probably really enjoy it~
Javi and Declan, two students at a prestigious private highschool, couldn’t be more different. A quirky, purple-haired outcast like Declan has a hard time making friends, while Javi is on the football team and popular. Both have complicated home lives, and both unexpectedly end up connecting, and starting to form something special.
In unexpected and devastating event ends up pulling them apart. This book goes back and forth between the past and present timeline, following both the story of their first fall for each other at 17, and how they reconnect the next year.
This book has:
-second chance
-jock x nerd high school setting
-miscommunication
-neighbours
-secret relationship & hookups
-check TWs (themes of ab*se and SA)
I realllly enjoyed book one of this series, and was looking forward to book 2! This book wasn’t what I expected, but I still enjoyed some aspects of the story.
This book is under 300 pages, and deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. We do get a happily ever after though, so don’t worry!
What I did enjoy about this book was that the characters were both quite unique, and they felt like whole, developed characters, despite the book being short. I felt like I knew their interests, their families, and their personalities well.
The timeline of this book might be a little hard for some to follow, as it flips back and forth between both perspectives and timelines. You definitely have to be paying attention. That being said, the plot is quite simple and predictable, so I wasn’t confused.
In terms of the narrative overall, I feel kind of neutral. I was a little frustrated with the miscommunication and how the characters acted sometimes. But they’re also teenagers… so I guess they act as expected!
Though I didn’t personally vibe with some aspects of this book, it wasn’t a bad book at all! If you like the tropes listed above, you’ll probably really enjoy it~
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pretty – L. Waltree
ARC REVİEW 💫
This book is not a “sweet MM.”
This is the kind of MM where the past gets stuck in your throat the moment they lock eyes.🫠🖤
That unresolved tension between them…
Those looks that scream, “It’s not over”…
Possessiveness colliding with pride…💜
What I love most is this: the characters aren’t spotless. They’re flawed, hurt, sometimes selfish—but real. And that obsessive undertone? That’s exactly where it captures dark romance lovers. This isn’t a soft kind of love. It’s more of a “I hate you… but it’s still you” kind of energy.🔥
Declan was my favorite. A total marshmallow! Strong, controlled, standing tall on the outside… but melting when faced with applause and affection. I loved seeing that vulnerable side beneath his strength—especially the moments when he weakens around Javier. That powerful yet secretly yearning-to-be-loved energy completely stole my heart.🫠
Javier did frustrate me at first, not going to lie. His pride and some of his reactions made me want to say, “Get it together.” But then those emotional unraveling moments, that acceptance… he ended up stealing my heart too. The dynamic between them is truly FIRE. Blazing. Suppressed past + high tension + intense physical chemistry = an explosive combination.🥵🥵
And the dirty talk… oh my God!!! 🔥 The tension skyrocketed in those scenes. The story balances emotional intensity and physical heat so well.
The surprise at the end was the chef’s touch. It didn’t just close the story—it elevated it.🤌🏼
Obsession, possessiveness, and the chosen family feeling are present on every page.
#pretty #lWaltree #MMBooks
ARC REVİEW 💫
This book is not a “sweet MM.”
This is the kind of MM where the past gets stuck in your throat the moment they lock eyes.🫠🖤
That unresolved tension between them…
Those looks that scream, “It’s not over”…
Possessiveness colliding with pride…💜
What I love most is this: the characters aren’t spotless. They’re flawed, hurt, sometimes selfish—but real. And that obsessive undertone? That’s exactly where it captures dark romance lovers. This isn’t a soft kind of love. It’s more of a “I hate you… but it’s still you” kind of energy.🔥
Declan was my favorite. A total marshmallow! Strong, controlled, standing tall on the outside… but melting when faced with applause and affection. I loved seeing that vulnerable side beneath his strength—especially the moments when he weakens around Javier. That powerful yet secretly yearning-to-be-loved energy completely stole my heart.🫠
Javier did frustrate me at first, not going to lie. His pride and some of his reactions made me want to say, “Get it together.” But then those emotional unraveling moments, that acceptance… he ended up stealing my heart too. The dynamic between them is truly FIRE. Blazing. Suppressed past + high tension + intense physical chemistry = an explosive combination.🥵🥵
And the dirty talk… oh my God!!! 🔥 The tension skyrocketed in those scenes. The story balances emotional intensity and physical heat so well.
The surprise at the end was the chef’s touch. It didn’t just close the story—it elevated it.🤌🏼
Obsession, possessiveness, and the chosen family feeling are present on every page.
#pretty #lWaltree #MMBooks
March 4, 2026
3,5 stars
declan is such a sweet soul and i loved his character. already loved him as a side character in safe.
i feel so bad for him and what he went through all alone, and I’m very happy for his friendship with landon.
javi is not my favourite character. yes i liked him more in the end, but i don’t really like him for what happened before, when he just completely turned his back on declan. i get that they were teenagers, just 17/18, but with how their connection was and for him to not even talk to declan and get his side annoyed me.
i would have loved some more backstory of declan’s life from before though, and also more interactions with harold&nancy, cause they were so sweet what little we got from them.
personally i found that the timeline was a bit hard to follow at times, i think it was because it was such a short time span between past and present.
overall i did enjoy the book though, personally i just wanted more of their story, especially in the ending as well.
declan is such a sweet soul and i loved his character. already loved him as a side character in safe.
i feel so bad for him and what he went through all alone, and I’m very happy for his friendship with landon.
javi is not my favourite character. yes i liked him more in the end, but i don’t really like him for what happened before, when he just completely turned his back on declan. i get that they were teenagers, just 17/18, but with how their connection was and for him to not even talk to declan and get his side annoyed me.
i would have loved some more backstory of declan’s life from before though, and also more interactions with harold&nancy, cause they were so sweet what little we got from them.
personally i found that the timeline was a bit hard to follow at times, i think it was because it was such a short time span between past and present.
overall i did enjoy the book though, personally i just wanted more of their story, especially in the ending as well.
March 6, 2026
This was the third book I've read by Waltree, and I have to say that so far, each one has been a guaranteed 5 stars! I love the high emotions, the intensity, and the tension between the characters in the stories 🔥.
This is also true of Javier and Declan. They are meant for each other, and this was clear long before they realized it themselves. A deep friendship connects the two, and as it slowly develops into something more, a tragic incident abruptly tears them apart. But something is missing without each other—like a missing piece of a whole 💔. Can the two get closer again—overcome their hostility? Physical desire and lust say yes, but their hearts need time ❤️. I absolutely loved and devoured this book! The spice was excellent too 🌶️! If you want to treat yourself to a good time with a great story, read this book! I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
This is also true of Javier and Declan. They are meant for each other, and this was clear long before they realized it themselves. A deep friendship connects the two, and as it slowly develops into something more, a tragic incident abruptly tears them apart. But something is missing without each other—like a missing piece of a whole 💔. Can the two get closer again—overcome their hostility? Physical desire and lust say yes, but their hearts need time ❤️. I absolutely loved and devoured this book! The spice was excellent too 🌶️! If you want to treat yourself to a good time with a great story, read this book! I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
March 3, 2026
Declan intrigued me the moment I met him in Safe, the sassy, little purple haired outcast. Characters like him scream to me 😍😍i love that he’s not afraid to be himself with his outfits, his hair, his makeup and doodled shoes. He had a rough childhood but found the best adoptive parents in Nancy & Harold and boy they are a hoot 🤣They let him be himself who appears to be the exact opposite of Javi but they aren’t as different as you think. Javi’s a football player, with the macho jock attitude, a dirty talking mouth and is a boy who loves his momma. His obsessive and possessiveness toward Declan is so 🔥! The spice, the character development, the fight or f*ck vibes, seeing them come together, get torn apart and how they find their way back together is 🤌. I look forward to see what might be book 3, maybe! I want to thank L Waltree for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 5, 2026
ARC Review!!
Omg!! I’ve been looking forward to Javi and Declan since Safe and they did not disappoint! The emotions were there, the angst was there, the love and connection was there. The last epilogue? So so sweet. Couldn’t be happier.
Omg!! I’ve been looking forward to Javi and Declan since Safe and they did not disappoint! The emotions were there, the angst was there, the love and connection was there. The last epilogue? So so sweet. Couldn’t be happier.
March 4, 2026
2.5/ 3 ⭐️
i’m going to make a more detailed review after the book is published.😊
i’m going to make a more detailed review after the book is published.😊
March 9, 2026
After reading “Safe” last year I knew I had to get my hands on this one and I’m so happy I was able to receive an ARC copy!
Javi and Declan. Sweet sweet broken boys. Both of these characters are so well written with a wide range of emotion and depth that you want to keep reading (also the spice scenes?! 🫦🤤🥵)
I absolutely did not see a part of the book coming and once that happened it took a turn and I was 😳
This book contains a lot of heavy topics and might not be for everyone so check your TW’s but after “Safe” I knew I would love this one and it did not disappoint!
Thank you L. Waltree and Nisha at the author agency for this ARC!
Javi and Declan. Sweet sweet broken boys. Both of these characters are so well written with a wide range of emotion and depth that you want to keep reading (also the spice scenes?! 🫦🤤🥵)
I absolutely did not see a part of the book coming and once that happened it took a turn and I was 😳
This book contains a lot of heavy topics and might not be for everyone so check your TW’s but after “Safe” I knew I would love this one and it did not disappoint!
Thank you L. Waltree and Nisha at the author agency for this ARC!
Read
March 3, 2026me before the release: i have been excited to read javideclan since l waltree POSTEDDD on her insta that they’re coming in MARCHH🥹🥹i immediately fell in love with them when i first saw the snippet of them in Safe. I already know their story is gonna hurt since they had history with their friendship. Declan is my pretty cute baby and Javi is my puerto rican twin😌 DECLANJAVI COME HOMEEEE RNNN!!!
if i have time, ill post my review of the book once i finish reading it 😊😊😊
if i have time, ill post my review of the book once i finish reading it 😊😊😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
I was so looking forward to this second-chance romance after becoming completely smitten by Declan’s sassy character in Safe. Sorry, Javi, there was never a question of whose corner I was going to be in; Declan already had me wrapped around his little finger and I was all ready to fight for him!
I loved how Declan’s 100% himself, not cowering away from those who look down on him for what they think they know, instead standing up for himself with scathing retorts. He’s got such a colourful personality and is a bit of a firecracker – outspoken and feisty with a cracking SOH – and I thought he was awesome.
Poor Declan’s been let down a lot in life and doesn’t let people in easily, nor care what people think, minus Javi, his old friend, whose betrayal cuts deep. Declan hides behind rudeness and swear words to protect himself, but beneath his tough exterior, he’s got a good heart, and I had a big smile on my face every time he let us see it. I loved seeing his softer side with Javi.
And Javi, well, I’ll be honest, I did want to yell at him fairly often for misjudging Declan, because his pretty muñequito really needed him in his corner. But while I was frustrated at him for not believing in his more-than-just-friends friend, when he finally learns the truth, he does go into battle for Declan with full force, and I very much appreciated the lengths he would go to to stand up for his man. He definitely won me around! And I did love seeing him being possessive and obsessive over Declan.
After seeing how these two were in the last book, I was expecting lots of emotionally charged scenes with plenty of lingering sexual tension between them, and Pretty definitely delivers on that. Both MCs are still smarting from the past and they fear opening themselves up to even more hurt.
The many conflicting feelings between Javi and Declan led to some incredibly spicy scenes. I adored how Declan’s defiance and Javi’s possessiveness were combined with loving touches and some romantic Spanish admissions where true feelings were revealed.
I really enjoyed the fact that the book ran alongside Grant and Landon’s story, especially so we could have Declan’s unfiltered opinion of their relationship. It did make me chuckle how very anti-Grant Declan is! I loved Declan’s strong loyalty to Landon, even when he only initially considers him as a ‘friend sort of thing’.
I was not expecting that ending but I actually loved it for these two. It was so very Declan in all his impulsive greatness with Javi supporting him now, no matter what. It couldn’t have made me happier seeing them on the same page.
I’m looking forward to Danny’s book next; his story has been teased since the first book, and like Declan and Javi, it has been done exceptionally well, leaving me wanting more.
---
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and Nisha's Books and Coffee, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
“Just so you know, I may look small, but I’m very scrappy. I’ll do some damage.”
Everything about him is so soft and immaculate. He’s stunning. So pretty. How can I despise and want someone so much in the same breath?
“Muñequito. It means little doll in Spanish. You remind me of one. Sometimes. Small. Dainty. Pretty.”
“Don’t worry, muñequito. I hate you too.”
“Don’t fucking call me that.” “But you’re my little doll. So soft. So pretty for me. You love it. I can feel it.”
“Tu eres mío. Solo mío. My pretty doll.” (You are mine. Only mine.)
“Solo mío. Solo mío. Solo mío.” (Only mine.)
When it comes to Declan, I am just fucking psychotic.
Magic. It’s fucking magic. It’s life-changing and monumental and earth-shattering. I don’t want it to stop. I want it to go on forever. I want to stay in this spot and eventually die kissing Declan Turner.
“Sitting here on the floor of this gross locker room, with lips red from kissing me, and that green sparkly stuff you put on your eyes smeared, you’re not pretty. You’re beautiful, muñequito.”
He’s turned me into a little freak sex demon. I can’t seem to get enough of him. I act like I’m so bothered by it. Reluctant to give it away every time he comes after me. But the truth is that I’m fucking addicted.
“I want you to be mine. Only mine. Solo mío.”
“You don’t have to apologize to me, mi amor. I’m here for you.”
“I’ve never met anyone like you. You are unapologetically yourself. Since that first meeting in the hallway, you’ve consumed every part of me, whether you wanted to or not."
I was so looking forward to this second-chance romance after becoming completely smitten by Declan’s sassy character in Safe. Sorry, Javi, there was never a question of whose corner I was going to be in; Declan already had me wrapped around his little finger and I was all ready to fight for him!
I loved how Declan’s 100% himself, not cowering away from those who look down on him for what they think they know, instead standing up for himself with scathing retorts. He’s got such a colourful personality and is a bit of a firecracker – outspoken and feisty with a cracking SOH – and I thought he was awesome.
Poor Declan’s been let down a lot in life and doesn’t let people in easily, nor care what people think, minus Javi, his old friend, whose betrayal cuts deep. Declan hides behind rudeness and swear words to protect himself, but beneath his tough exterior, he’s got a good heart, and I had a big smile on my face every time he let us see it. I loved seeing his softer side with Javi.
And Javi, well, I’ll be honest, I did want to yell at him fairly often for misjudging Declan, because his pretty muñequito really needed him in his corner. But while I was frustrated at him for not believing in his more-than-just-friends friend, when he finally learns the truth, he does go into battle for Declan with full force, and I very much appreciated the lengths he would go to to stand up for his man. He definitely won me around! And I did love seeing him being possessive and obsessive over Declan.
After seeing how these two were in the last book, I was expecting lots of emotionally charged scenes with plenty of lingering sexual tension between them, and Pretty definitely delivers on that. Both MCs are still smarting from the past and they fear opening themselves up to even more hurt.
The many conflicting feelings between Javi and Declan led to some incredibly spicy scenes. I adored how Declan’s defiance and Javi’s possessiveness were combined with loving touches and some romantic Spanish admissions where true feelings were revealed.
I really enjoyed the fact that the book ran alongside Grant and Landon’s story, especially so we could have Declan’s unfiltered opinion of their relationship. It did make me chuckle how very anti-Grant Declan is! I loved Declan’s strong loyalty to Landon, even when he only initially considers him as a ‘friend sort of thing’.
I was not expecting that ending but I actually loved it for these two. It was so very Declan in all his impulsive greatness with Javi supporting him now, no matter what. It couldn’t have made me happier seeing them on the same page.
I’m looking forward to Danny’s book next; his story has been teased since the first book, and like Declan and Javi, it has been done exceptionally well, leaving me wanting more.
---
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and Nisha's Books and Coffee, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
“Just so you know, I may look small, but I’m very scrappy. I’ll do some damage.”
Everything about him is so soft and immaculate. He’s stunning. So pretty. How can I despise and want someone so much in the same breath?
“Muñequito. It means little doll in Spanish. You remind me of one. Sometimes. Small. Dainty. Pretty.”
“Don’t worry, muñequito. I hate you too.”
“Don’t fucking call me that.” “But you’re my little doll. So soft. So pretty for me. You love it. I can feel it.”
“Tu eres mío. Solo mío. My pretty doll.” (You are mine. Only mine.)
“Solo mío. Solo mío. Solo mío.” (Only mine.)
When it comes to Declan, I am just fucking psychotic.
Magic. It’s fucking magic. It’s life-changing and monumental and earth-shattering. I don’t want it to stop. I want it to go on forever. I want to stay in this spot and eventually die kissing Declan Turner.
“Sitting here on the floor of this gross locker room, with lips red from kissing me, and that green sparkly stuff you put on your eyes smeared, you’re not pretty. You’re beautiful, muñequito.”
He’s turned me into a little freak sex demon. I can’t seem to get enough of him. I act like I’m so bothered by it. Reluctant to give it away every time he comes after me. But the truth is that I’m fucking addicted.
“I want you to be mine. Only mine. Solo mío.”
“You don’t have to apologize to me, mi amor. I’m here for you.”
“I’ve never met anyone like you. You are unapologetically yourself. Since that first meeting in the hallway, you’ve consumed every part of me, whether you wanted to or not."
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
It was really evident in Safe that Declan and Javi had some shared history, and in Pretty we finally get to see the full depth of it. This is a second chance romance which, for two 18 year old guys, who met at 16-17, is a choice... but I digress.
The book doesn’t follow a linear timeline. It jumps between the present and flashbacks to when the thing that caused their conflict and separation happened. That “thing” was really super obvious from the beginning, so all the dramatic buildup felt a bit unnecessary. Still, the back and forth timeline works because it lets us peel back their history and understand why their dynamic is the way it is.
Both of them have emotional, complex backstories, especially Javi’s family situation.
Their relationship is equal parts sweet and hot. The chemistry is definitely there, although they act super antagonistic toward each other for most of the book. Even when they’re angry, you can feel the pull between them.
I generally really enjoy L. Waltree’s writing (A Little Bit is actually one of my favorite books) but it does bother me that after putting the characters through so much angst, the payoff doesn’t always feel satisfying. The bad guys usually don’t suffer the consequences of their actions, and the good guys don’t really get to win big. Without spoiling anything, I really disliked Javi’s ending. It felt unfair. Meanwhile, pervy guy and especially awful stepdad didn’t really pay for all the shitty things the way they should have.
That said, I genuinely had a great time with the book and the series as a whole. My only "future" concern is what I think is the setup for the next one. It feels like it’s hinting at a romance between Landon’s younger brother and their guardian/coach guy, and… yeah, no. Hard pass. Age gaps aren’t my thing to begin with, but with the younger brother still being a minor (I assume he won’t be once his book starts), plus the other guy being kind of an authority figure, it feels extra icky. Yeah, nope. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. We’ll see.
Oh, one last thing, mind the trigger warnings. Better safe than sorry.
*mild spoilers ahead*
It was really evident in Safe that Declan and Javi had some shared history, and in Pretty we finally get to see the full depth of it. This is a second chance romance which, for two 18 year old guys, who met at 16-17, is a choice... but I digress.
The book doesn’t follow a linear timeline. It jumps between the present and flashbacks to when the thing that caused their conflict and separation happened. That “thing” was really super obvious from the beginning, so all the dramatic buildup felt a bit unnecessary. Still, the back and forth timeline works because it lets us peel back their history and understand why their dynamic is the way it is.
Both of them have emotional, complex backstories, especially Javi’s family situation.
Their relationship is equal parts sweet and hot. The chemistry is definitely there, although they act super antagonistic toward each other for most of the book. Even when they’re angry, you can feel the pull between them.
I generally really enjoy L. Waltree’s writing (A Little Bit is actually one of my favorite books) but it does bother me that after putting the characters through so much angst, the payoff doesn’t always feel satisfying. The bad guys usually don’t suffer the consequences of their actions, and the good guys don’t really get to win big. Without spoiling anything, I really disliked Javi’s ending. It felt unfair. Meanwhile, pervy guy and especially awful stepdad didn’t really pay for all the shitty things the way they should have.
That said, I genuinely had a great time with the book and the series as a whole. My only "future" concern is what I think is the setup for the next one. It feels like it’s hinting at a romance between Landon’s younger brother and their guardian/coach guy, and… yeah, no. Hard pass. Age gaps aren’t my thing to begin with, but with the younger brother still being a minor (I assume he won’t be once his book starts), plus the other guy being kind of an authority figure, it feels extra icky. Yeah, nope. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. We’ll see.
Oh, one last thing, mind the trigger warnings. Better safe than sorry.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a Dark Romance with some heavier topics so make sure you check the TWs before heading in. This is also Book 2 in the Kings Heart series and they are stand alones so they do not need to be read in order.
🌶🌶🌶
We met Javier and Declan in book 1 as the best friends to Landon and Grant. We definitely know there is some history between Javier and Declan but get absolutely nothing else. Obviously in this book we get that history. I'm going to try and be vague here as to not spoil anything.
Declan and Javier are neighbors after Declan was adopted. They soon became friends much to Declans dismay but friends doesn't really describe it. They were each that friend that new all the secrets you never told anyone else, the one that was there when you were lost or broken, they were that friend who knew you almost better then you knew your self. Well that's what Declan thought at least. When that friendship was tested Javier honestly let Declan down and their friendship along with anything else that could have been...just dissolved. A year later Javier and Declan are thrown back in each other's rotation due to Landon and Grant and they realize that even though they now hate eachother that chemistry that was there didn't just go away so naturally they fix absolutely nothing but act on that chemistry and when reality comes knocking Declan has to figure out if Javier is worthy of the truth behind what broke them and Javier has to come face to face with the fact that he actually might have been the one in the wrong the whole time
There is alot to unpack through this story and you get a dual time line going instead of a before and after. Guys you gotta stick with this one it's heavy on the miscommunication/Lack of communication obviously but it all comes out and there is a very hard earned HEA. I just wanted to shake Javier so bad like OPEN YOUR EYES BRO! It's nothing like the first book again this is in the same world but has different dynamics and plot so that's all I'm giving you as a heads up 🤣 Just strap in and try not to throw your kindle!
🌶🌶🌶
We met Javier and Declan in book 1 as the best friends to Landon and Grant. We definitely know there is some history between Javier and Declan but get absolutely nothing else. Obviously in this book we get that history. I'm going to try and be vague here as to not spoil anything.
Declan and Javier are neighbors after Declan was adopted. They soon became friends much to Declans dismay but friends doesn't really describe it. They were each that friend that new all the secrets you never told anyone else, the one that was there when you were lost or broken, they were that friend who knew you almost better then you knew your self. Well that's what Declan thought at least. When that friendship was tested Javier honestly let Declan down and their friendship along with anything else that could have been...just dissolved. A year later Javier and Declan are thrown back in each other's rotation due to Landon and Grant and they realize that even though they now hate eachother that chemistry that was there didn't just go away so naturally they fix absolutely nothing but act on that chemistry and when reality comes knocking Declan has to figure out if Javier is worthy of the truth behind what broke them and Javier has to come face to face with the fact that he actually might have been the one in the wrong the whole time
There is alot to unpack through this story and you get a dual time line going instead of a before and after. Guys you gotta stick with this one it's heavy on the miscommunication/Lack of communication obviously but it all comes out and there is a very hard earned HEA. I just wanted to shake Javier so bad like OPEN YOUR EYES BRO! It's nothing like the first book again this is in the same world but has different dynamics and plot so that's all I'm giving you as a heads up 🤣 Just strap in and try not to throw your kindle!
March 9, 2026
💜 Pretty Review 💜
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⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I was so excited for this little story about the sassy Declan and grumpy sunshine Javier.
I absolutely LOVED Safe, book one in this interconnected series, so I was super keen to find out why Declan and Javi had so much hate and tension between them.
Javi is a big, grumpy teddy bear, who quickly morphed into the “touch him and d!e” obsessed MMC we all love. Seeing the little flashbacks to what him and Declan had was beautiful, but made the present that much more sad knowing something had torn them apart. Both boys were polar opposites, but the little connection and safe space they created with each other was beautiful. Also, Javi baby, you can talk to me in Spanish any damn day. Every time he called Declan “Muñequito” or “Mi amor” I was done for 🥵🥵
Declan was just as sassy as he was as Landon’s bestie in Safe. The little outcast in a school of muscley jocks, yet he gave zero fucks and was unapologetically himself which I loved him for.
Now, our little annoying friend, the “miscommunication trope” was prevalent in this book. I’ve said it many times before, but I bloody hate it. TALK TO EACH OTHER.
If you truly cared for someone as much as these characters had, then why aren’t they fighting for each other? Demand answers no matter how hurt you are! Bang down their door and don’t leave until you find out exactly why they supposedly betrayed you….it would save everyone so much guilt and pain!
Whilst I enjoyed the overall story, it didn’t hit like Safe did. It felt like it started at a strange part in their story, with no real segue into anything.
It was also a little rushed at times compared to Safe.
I did enjoy getting to see my two boys Landon and Grant again, and they both played important rolls in Declan and Javis journey. I especially loved their roll towards the end of the book 💜
I’m super thankful for being gifted this ARC! 💜
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-
-
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I was so excited for this little story about the sassy Declan and grumpy sunshine Javier.
I absolutely LOVED Safe, book one in this interconnected series, so I was super keen to find out why Declan and Javi had so much hate and tension between them.
Javi is a big, grumpy teddy bear, who quickly morphed into the “touch him and d!e” obsessed MMC we all love. Seeing the little flashbacks to what him and Declan had was beautiful, but made the present that much more sad knowing something had torn them apart. Both boys were polar opposites, but the little connection and safe space they created with each other was beautiful. Also, Javi baby, you can talk to me in Spanish any damn day. Every time he called Declan “Muñequito” or “Mi amor” I was done for 🥵🥵
Declan was just as sassy as he was as Landon’s bestie in Safe. The little outcast in a school of muscley jocks, yet he gave zero fucks and was unapologetically himself which I loved him for.
Now, our little annoying friend, the “miscommunication trope” was prevalent in this book. I’ve said it many times before, but I bloody hate it. TALK TO EACH OTHER.
If you truly cared for someone as much as these characters had, then why aren’t they fighting for each other? Demand answers no matter how hurt you are! Bang down their door and don’t leave until you find out exactly why they supposedly betrayed you….it would save everyone so much guilt and pain!
Whilst I enjoyed the overall story, it didn’t hit like Safe did. It felt like it started at a strange part in their story, with no real segue into anything.
It was also a little rushed at times compared to Safe.
I did enjoy getting to see my two boys Landon and Grant again, and they both played important rolls in Declan and Javis journey. I especially loved their roll towards the end of the book 💜
I’m super thankful for being gifted this ARC! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Continuing on a TBR/Beat-The-Backlog kick (and ignoring my ARCs kick). Here's "Pretty" by L Waltree, which is a part of the King's Heart series.
["Declan
He was supposed to be the one that understood.
The one that was different. But he’s just like everyone else.
It doesn’t really matter, though. At school, I’m the weird outcast, and he’s the big popular jock.
We were doomed from the start.
And yet, I keep finding myself drawn to him, no matter how much I don’t want to be.
I need to stay away, but I don’t think I can.
Javier
He was all I had in the world.
Mi muñequito.
Then he threw it all away.
So I wiped my hands of him.
Or I tried.
But he crept his way back into my brain. Back into my life.
I need to leave him in the past, but I don’t think I can."]
YES, all of the yes. This book was fucking amazing. Granted, I still loved the first one a litttle more, but this was far from a disappointment.
It was everything. It was pining and angst, it was fluff and spice, it was yearning and hesitation. It was history and future. It was fate, pushing and pulling them apart (okay, that wasn't fate. that was judgement and butt-hurt-ness preventing communication, looking at you Javi).
Their friends knew they were meant to be, knew that they were falling in love, even if they didn't (okay, Declan knew what was happening, even if he was pissed off about it (and scared af)). I loooved these two, loved them (even if they made me cry).
Trigger Warnings: mention of suicide, emotional abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, mention of date rape and sexual assault, assault, drugging, arrest of a loved one, victim blaming, victim in denial, sexual assault of a minor (off page, alluded to), and more.
#arc #arcteammember
#safe #pretty #kingsheart #kingsheartseries #lwaltree #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Declan
He was supposed to be the one that understood.
The one that was different. But he’s just like everyone else.
It doesn’t really matter, though. At school, I’m the weird outcast, and he’s the big popular jock.
We were doomed from the start.
And yet, I keep finding myself drawn to him, no matter how much I don’t want to be.
I need to stay away, but I don’t think I can.
Javier
He was all I had in the world.
Mi muñequito.
Then he threw it all away.
So I wiped my hands of him.
Or I tried.
But he crept his way back into my brain. Back into my life.
I need to leave him in the past, but I don’t think I can."]
YES, all of the yes. This book was fucking amazing. Granted, I still loved the first one a litttle more, but this was far from a disappointment.
It was everything. It was pining and angst, it was fluff and spice, it was yearning and hesitation. It was history and future. It was fate, pushing and pulling them apart (okay, that wasn't fate. that was judgement and butt-hurt-ness preventing communication, looking at you Javi).
Their friends knew they were meant to be, knew that they were falling in love, even if they didn't (okay, Declan knew what was happening, even if he was pissed off about it (and scared af)). I loooved these two, loved them (even if they made me cry).
Trigger Warnings: mention of suicide, emotional abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, mention of date rape and sexual assault, assault, drugging, arrest of a loved one, victim blaming, victim in denial, sexual assault of a minor (off page, alluded to), and more.
#arc #arcteammember
#safe #pretty #kingsheart #kingsheartseries #lwaltree #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Review of advance copy
This was a treat!
Now I wanted to give this one 5 stars but in the end it wasn’t quite it. As much as Safe gave me everything and ticked every box, this one has some slips.
I truly loved Javi and his PR Spanish. I always manage to find some issue when there’s a Spanish translation in a book, but this one was handled with care and expertise. I was mad at this man for a long while and still managed to like him at the same time. I feel like his character would have benefited from at least ten more chapters of groveling and growth. His desire for Declan was everything tho, he was consumed by him and nothing would make him forget. I enjoyed his dirty mouth and his soft feelings.
Now Declan made my heart hurt. He’s had it so rough and when he got a respite, another bomb hits. He deserved to have a moment of self reflection and have Javi beg for forgiveness. I did like that they were like magnets, pulling back to each other no matter what. His inner strength was outstanding and I loved him.
Now, the downside for me was the pacing. It was going perfectly and suddenly everything had to be resolved in the epilogue. Why not give us five more chapters of real life and then make the epilogues happy? Why not finish the plot line that’s been growing the whole book in the story and not like an afterthought? And this one is a personal thing for me but, why make the epilogue depressing? I want my story to end in a HEA and the epilogue’s job is just to expand on that, not to wrap up the story and make me feel hopeless for the characters only to jump again into happiness.
I do have to say, I liked it, I was hooked and I will probably reread. Thank you, Nisha and L. Waltree, for the arc!
PS: Danny and Simmons better be next pls pls pls!!
Now I wanted to give this one 5 stars but in the end it wasn’t quite it. As much as Safe gave me everything and ticked every box, this one has some slips.
I truly loved Javi and his PR Spanish. I always manage to find some issue when there’s a Spanish translation in a book, but this one was handled with care and expertise. I was mad at this man for a long while and still managed to like him at the same time. I feel like his character would have benefited from at least ten more chapters of groveling and growth. His desire for Declan was everything tho, he was consumed by him and nothing would make him forget. I enjoyed his dirty mouth and his soft feelings.
Now Declan made my heart hurt. He’s had it so rough and when he got a respite, another bomb hits. He deserved to have a moment of self reflection and have Javi beg for forgiveness. I did like that they were like magnets, pulling back to each other no matter what. His inner strength was outstanding and I loved him.
Now, the downside for me was the pacing. It was going perfectly and suddenly everything had to be resolved in the epilogue. Why not give us five more chapters of real life and then make the epilogues happy? Why not finish the plot line that’s been growing the whole book in the story and not like an afterthought? And this one is a personal thing for me but, why make the epilogue depressing? I want my story to end in a HEA and the epilogue’s job is just to expand on that, not to wrap up the story and make me feel hopeless for the characters only to jump again into happiness.
I do have to say, I liked it, I was hooked and I will probably reread. Thank you, Nisha and L. Waltree, for the arc!
PS: Danny and Simmons better be next pls pls pls!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
L. Waltree is becoming one of my most favorite M/M authors and extremely quickly. Safe was one of my most beautifully heartbreaking reads and now Pretty, which tells the story of Javi and Declan, best friends to Grant and Landon from Safe, is another excellent addition for lovers of M/M.
The timeline of this book is happening at the same time as the events during Safe. Javi is the seemingly typical big powerhouse of a high school football player. To the knowledge of his friends, he’s a hit with the girls and dominates the football field.
Declan is different from the other boys at Kings Heart Preparatory school. Seen as an outcast by the other boys, he takes pride in who he is. From his lavender hair, to his glittering cheeks and eyeliner and polished nails…he is who he is and everyone else can just deal with it.
A chance meeting between Javi and Declan at the beginning of Sophomore year, begins an unlikely friendship. The popular jock and the shunned outcast…but as time moves on, things begin to change and the dynamics of their friendship takes a turn.
But an incident months before left a dark cloud over their friendship and while feelings don’t just disappear, trust can and Javi and Declan need to know the truth before they can find each other again…
Such a sweet story but does deal with issues that could be triggering for some. Check trigger warnings, always. If you’re ok with them, Pretty is a book you won’t want to miss.
The timeline of this book is happening at the same time as the events during Safe. Javi is the seemingly typical big powerhouse of a high school football player. To the knowledge of his friends, he’s a hit with the girls and dominates the football field.
Declan is different from the other boys at Kings Heart Preparatory school. Seen as an outcast by the other boys, he takes pride in who he is. From his lavender hair, to his glittering cheeks and eyeliner and polished nails…he is who he is and everyone else can just deal with it.
A chance meeting between Javi and Declan at the beginning of Sophomore year, begins an unlikely friendship. The popular jock and the shunned outcast…but as time moves on, things begin to change and the dynamics of their friendship takes a turn.
But an incident months before left a dark cloud over their friendship and while feelings don’t just disappear, trust can and Javi and Declan need to know the truth before they can find each other again…
Such a sweet story but does deal with issues that could be triggering for some. Check trigger warnings, always. If you’re ok with them, Pretty is a book you won’t want to miss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
FINALLY WE GET JAVI & HIS MUÑEQUITO’S BACK STORY!💕
Please note CWS: 👀
Mention of suicide Emotional abuse Alcohol abuse Domestic abuse Underage drinking
Mention of date rape and sexual assault
Assault; Drugging ; Arrest of a loved one
Victim blaming; Victim in denial; Sexual assault of a minor (off page, alluded to)
“You’re my little doll from now on. Only I get to play with you.”
Oh my bleeding heart this was the book I have been waiting for since SAFE teased that there is a back story between football jock and best friend of Grant and Landon- Javiere Morales and feisty, tiny, outsider- Lavender haired, makeup wearing Declan Turner!
Their backstory was revealed how they first met at the age of 16 at Kings Heart Preparatory Academy for young men, became “close” best friends that were torn apart by litigating circumstances…
“Don’t worry, muñequito. I hate you too.”
“But you’re my little doll.”
“So soft.” “So pretty for me.”
This is their poignant, dark, intense 😈💦🥵second chance love story that will grip you from the start right to the culmination point and epilogues with depictions of emotional abuse, rape of a minor, victim blaming and two beautiful souls who were always drawn to each other like moths to a flame… 🔥
It seems the next book will be about Landon’s younger brother Danny and his crush…🤔
I voluntarily received an ARC from Nisha’s Coffee PR and the author for an honest non biased review.
Please note CWS: 👀
Mention of suicide Emotional abuse Alcohol abuse Domestic abuse Underage drinking
Mention of date rape and sexual assault
Assault; Drugging ; Arrest of a loved one
Victim blaming; Victim in denial; Sexual assault of a minor (off page, alluded to)
“You’re my little doll from now on. Only I get to play with you.”
Oh my bleeding heart this was the book I have been waiting for since SAFE teased that there is a back story between football jock and best friend of Grant and Landon- Javiere Morales and feisty, tiny, outsider- Lavender haired, makeup wearing Declan Turner!
Their backstory was revealed how they first met at the age of 16 at Kings Heart Preparatory Academy for young men, became “close” best friends that were torn apart by litigating circumstances…
“Don’t worry, muñequito. I hate you too.”
“But you’re my little doll.”
“So soft.” “So pretty for me.”
This is their poignant, dark, intense 😈💦🥵second chance love story that will grip you from the start right to the culmination point and epilogues with depictions of emotional abuse, rape of a minor, victim blaming and two beautiful souls who were always drawn to each other like moths to a flame… 🔥
It seems the next book will be about Landon’s younger brother Danny and his crush…🤔
I voluntarily received an ARC from Nisha’s Coffee PR and the author for an honest non biased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC review✨
💜 Pretty by L. Waltree 💜
“You’re my little doll from now on. Only I get to play with you.”
im a sucker for a second chance romance, even though through a lot of the book i was like.. THIS IS TOXIC. until it wasn’t. seriously, the third epilogue had me kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl 🤭
i didn’t read ‘Safe’ beforehand but you can bet your ass that im going to go back and devour it because i NEED more Landon and Grant in my life!!
anywayssss… sassy purple haired Declan and possessive hot jock Javi’s story was unlike a lot of romance stories I’ve read. when we meet them, they already ‘hate’ each other due to something that’s happened in the past. we don’t know what that ‘something’ is until close to the end of the book and then find out it was all just a sad, awful misunderstanding. i enjoyed the fact that we got to see flashbacks of when they first fell for each other as well as how everything else played out to get them to where they are in the present. Javi pmo at first but then when the puzzle pieces started coming together i realized why he was acting like a douchecanoe. all in all, another 5 ⭐️ read for me!!
some tidbits:
💜 second chance romance
💜 friends to enemies to lovers
💜 ALL THE ANGST
💜 neighbors 🏠
💜 jock x outcast
💜 “Muñequito” (swoooon 🥹)
💜 spicyyyy 🌶️
💜 light stalking????
💜 possessive MC 😤
💜 sassy MC 💅🏼
💜 secret relationship
ALSO 🖕🏼SCOTT AND 🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼CARTER
‼️ please check the content warnings ‼️
💜 Pretty by L. Waltree 💜
“You’re my little doll from now on. Only I get to play with you.”
im a sucker for a second chance romance, even though through a lot of the book i was like.. THIS IS TOXIC. until it wasn’t. seriously, the third epilogue had me kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl 🤭
i didn’t read ‘Safe’ beforehand but you can bet your ass that im going to go back and devour it because i NEED more Landon and Grant in my life!!
anywayssss… sassy purple haired Declan and possessive hot jock Javi’s story was unlike a lot of romance stories I’ve read. when we meet them, they already ‘hate’ each other due to something that’s happened in the past. we don’t know what that ‘something’ is until close to the end of the book and then find out it was all just a sad, awful misunderstanding. i enjoyed the fact that we got to see flashbacks of when they first fell for each other as well as how everything else played out to get them to where they are in the present. Javi pmo at first but then when the puzzle pieces started coming together i realized why he was acting like a douchecanoe. all in all, another 5 ⭐️ read for me!!
some tidbits:
💜 second chance romance
💜 friends to enemies to lovers
💜 ALL THE ANGST
💜 neighbors 🏠
💜 jock x outcast
💜 “Muñequito” (swoooon 🥹)
💜 spicyyyy 🌶️
💜 light stalking????
💜 possessive MC 😤
💜 sassy MC 💅🏼
💜 secret relationship
ALSO 🖕🏼SCOTT AND 🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼CARTER
‼️ please check the content warnings ‼️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a please of getting an Arc of Pretty Book 2 in the kings heart series.
Declan is a feisty purple hair pretty boy. He’s know to have a bad reputation for sleeping around in an all boys school. He keeps to himself and he’s best friend with Landon. Declan and Javi are always at each other’s s throat. They use to be friends until Something happened that ruin their friendship.
Javier is a star football player, i loved that they portrayed his heritage and where he came from. He’s Puerto Rican. He doesn’t have a healthy house hold with his step dad being controlling and mentally abusing him and his mom.
That’s how he and Declan became friends in school helping him open his locker.
Declan and Javi are both stubborn. They yearn for each other. Is that i hate you i love you relationship.
Everything goes to crap in their sophomore year and they became estranged.
Declan went through a traumatic experience he wasn’t even aware of. Javier felt betrayed by Declan.
This book has some heavy topics so please check you T/W
By the end of this book i was so freaking happy.
L. Walters’s Writing is amazing if you’ve read Safe the first book of this series you’ll know she loves to keep you on your toes.
This is an :
MM second chance, enemies-to-lovers, secret relationship romance. I truly enjoyed it 5 stars spice level 3.5
Declan is a feisty purple hair pretty boy. He’s know to have a bad reputation for sleeping around in an all boys school. He keeps to himself and he’s best friend with Landon. Declan and Javi are always at each other’s s throat. They use to be friends until Something happened that ruin their friendship.
Javier is a star football player, i loved that they portrayed his heritage and where he came from. He’s Puerto Rican. He doesn’t have a healthy house hold with his step dad being controlling and mentally abusing him and his mom.
That’s how he and Declan became friends in school helping him open his locker.
Declan and Javi are both stubborn. They yearn for each other. Is that i hate you i love you relationship.
Everything goes to crap in their sophomore year and they became estranged.
Declan went through a traumatic experience he wasn’t even aware of. Javier felt betrayed by Declan.
This book has some heavy topics so please check you T/W
By the end of this book i was so freaking happy.
L. Walters’s Writing is amazing if you’ve read Safe the first book of this series you’ll know she loves to keep you on your toes.
This is an :
MM second chance, enemies-to-lovers, secret relationship romance. I truly enjoyed it 5 stars spice level 3.5
March 2, 2026
L Waltree is quickly becoming a favorite author. I read Safe and absolutely loved it getting very invested in Declan's story in book 1. Pretty was SO GOOD! This story followed Declan and Javier in a dual timeline format. You know that the two have split due to an event that happened the previous year and as those events unfold you are at the end of your seat. I devoured this in a day! I know that L Waltree is rather known for third act break ups, and in book 1, it made sense. I loved the pacing in this story, and due to the dual POV you really didn't have the traditional 3rd act breakup.
The book is labeled as high angst, and that is a trope I do not typically love. I didn't feel a high level of anxiety when reading this- again, you already know the characters are split at the start, so this book was the road to getting back together! 💙
Now, Javier's step dad was probably the most frustrating part of the entire story for me. I was cursing when reading "that scene" and I can say having been raised by a very strict parent - this kind of crafts the type of parent you want to me.
These two stories were so good. They will be on my bookshelf soon!
Tropes you can expect:
🔥 Second chance story
🔥 Secret relationship
🔥 Spanking
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥He is Mine
The book is labeled as high angst, and that is a trope I do not typically love. I didn't feel a high level of anxiety when reading this- again, you already know the characters are split at the start, so this book was the road to getting back together! 💙
Now, Javier's step dad was probably the most frustrating part of the entire story for me. I was cursing when reading "that scene" and I can say having been raised by a very strict parent - this kind of crafts the type of parent you want to me.
These two stories were so good. They will be on my bookshelf soon!
Tropes you can expect:
🔥 Second chance story
🔥 Secret relationship
🔥 Spanking
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥He is Mine
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