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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?
362 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2026
70 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 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!
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March 24, 2026with all my heart i thought i wouldn't care if this wasn't a safe book and i couldn't care less about the other couples in the previous books.... and then..... i read damien and sage had hooked up... and it was a pretty big deal in his book.... and it absolutely ruined the fun for me..... i swear i wasn't going to be picky but what I hate most about a book apart from ridiculous characters, is an incestuous friend group
i do wonder if noah eventually realizes, anyways i was already planning on dnf so this was just a plus
i actually really liked ryan randomly speaking in spanish, so i'll do it too— perdón, un segundo, yo estoy fuera
i do wonder if noah eventually realizes, anyways i was already planning on dnf so this was just a plus
i actually really liked ryan randomly speaking in spanish, so i'll do it too— perdón, un segundo, yo estoy fuera
February 27, 2026
Wicked When He Cries - Avery Collins
ARC REVİEW 💫
The fragility between them and the second-chance theme were portrayed so beautifully. The slowburn pacing requires patience, but you absolutely get rewarded for it. Damien trying to fix the mistake he made four years ago, fighting to make Noah believe in him again… that was truly the heart of the story.
But that’s only the visible part of the iceberg. The wounds Noah has carried since childhood, the way he constantly feels inadequate and unworthy… reading his inner battle broke my heart. I felt so deeply for him; my chest still aches a little.❤️🩹
And especially Noah’s journey of finding himself… realizing his own worth, moving from “Am I even lovable?” to “I am already enough.” That part made me want to stand up and applaud. 👏
The quiet but steady support from his chosen family throughout that process was just as beautiful. Not blood bond, but heart bond. I truly felt the chosen family theme to my core.
As for Mien & Blue… oh my God. Every time they stepped onto the page, the energy shifted. The smut scenes and that dirty talk? It burned me alive. 🔥🥵
It broke my heart and set me on fire at the same time.
If you love second chances, regret, chosen family, and a possessive kind of love… this one hits right in that spot.🤌🏼
@author.avery
#mmromancebook #mmbookreviews
ARC REVİEW 💫
The fragility between them and the second-chance theme were portrayed so beautifully. The slowburn pacing requires patience, but you absolutely get rewarded for it. Damien trying to fix the mistake he made four years ago, fighting to make Noah believe in him again… that was truly the heart of the story.
But that’s only the visible part of the iceberg. The wounds Noah has carried since childhood, the way he constantly feels inadequate and unworthy… reading his inner battle broke my heart. I felt so deeply for him; my chest still aches a little.❤️🩹
And especially Noah’s journey of finding himself… realizing his own worth, moving from “Am I even lovable?” to “I am already enough.” That part made me want to stand up and applaud. 👏
The quiet but steady support from his chosen family throughout that process was just as beautiful. Not blood bond, but heart bond. I truly felt the chosen family theme to my core.
As for Mien & Blue… oh my God. Every time they stepped onto the page, the energy shifted. The smut scenes and that dirty talk? It burned me alive. 🔥🥵
It broke my heart and set me on fire at the same time.
If you love second chances, regret, chosen family, and a possessive kind of love… this one hits right in that spot.🤌🏼
@author.avery
#mmromancebook #mmbookreviews
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February 26, 2026Review Coming Soon
March 5, 2026
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Avery Collins you are a Queen!! I have fallen for every single one of the Sin Bin boys and Damien and Noah are no different … honestly I think I fell for Noah the hardest out of all the boys. Their story managed to shatter my heart only to be stitch back up piece by piece with every chapter, every word, and every revelation.
I was hooked on this story from the start, loving how Damien and Noah’s story is so vastly different from the others. These two boys are so in love with each other and you can feel it from both of them right from the beginning. Unfortunate circumstances had them torn apart, but neither could move past how they felt for each other. Did I want to smack some sense into Damien at the start? Damn right I did. But I soon came to realize why he did what he did and why he thought he needed to keep it from Noah. Damien actually turned out to be the complete opposite of how I originally perceived him. He’s calm, caring, and so perceptive of exactly what Noah needs that he had me swooning.
Then there’s my baby Noah. This beautiful boy who’s so broken and felt so alone, it had me wanting to just burrito him up and take him away from all that could hurt him. My heart bled so much for everything he went through and had to deal with. But oh how it soared as he slowly started to become more comfortable with himself. Also if you thought Nate’s mom was bad, wait till you meet Noah’s dad. I can’t even begin to describe what vial piece of shit he is. This book seriously took me on such a rollercoaster of emotions that at times I went from laughing to crying in a matter of a couple pages.
Sinners of Blackthorne U has become one of my favourite series and Avery one of my favourite authors. I also have to add how much I love that Avery brings the boys from the previous books into each new book so we get to see where they are after their HEAs.
🌶️🌶️.5
Avery Collins you are a Queen!! I have fallen for every single one of the Sin Bin boys and Damien and Noah are no different … honestly I think I fell for Noah the hardest out of all the boys. Their story managed to shatter my heart only to be stitch back up piece by piece with every chapter, every word, and every revelation.
I was hooked on this story from the start, loving how Damien and Noah’s story is so vastly different from the others. These two boys are so in love with each other and you can feel it from both of them right from the beginning. Unfortunate circumstances had them torn apart, but neither could move past how they felt for each other. Did I want to smack some sense into Damien at the start? Damn right I did. But I soon came to realize why he did what he did and why he thought he needed to keep it from Noah. Damien actually turned out to be the complete opposite of how I originally perceived him. He’s calm, caring, and so perceptive of exactly what Noah needs that he had me swooning.
Then there’s my baby Noah. This beautiful boy who’s so broken and felt so alone, it had me wanting to just burrito him up and take him away from all that could hurt him. My heart bled so much for everything he went through and had to deal with. But oh how it soared as he slowly started to become more comfortable with himself. Also if you thought Nate’s mom was bad, wait till you meet Noah’s dad. I can’t even begin to describe what vial piece of shit he is. This book seriously took me on such a rollercoaster of emotions that at times I went from laughing to crying in a matter of a couple pages.
Sinners of Blackthorne U has become one of my favourite series and Avery one of my favourite authors. I also have to add how much I love that Avery brings the boys from the previous books into each new book so we get to see where they are after their HEAs.
February 26, 2026
The problem with this book was that it just tried too hard. I've read every book in this series, waiting for the same feeling I got from Roman and Damon's book, but I guess it's just not happening..
The drama was exaggerated and far-fetched -I knew right from the start when Damien "had to leave" Noah in their past that it wouldn't be anything reasonable or offer captivating storyline. Im sorry, but blah freaking blah 😂 Couldn't we have come up with something less predictable and more substantial.. This plot theme is just so worn out -at least it should be done in more convincing way.
I really liked Noah's character in principle and I could really relate to him on many levels, but it was the same thing with him: the author tried too hard. The same goes for Damien; he was really lovely, patient, supportive, but again, overdone. The end result didn’t convince me. Sometimes less is more.
I did like how whipped Damien was for Noah.
”I’m a fucking idiot when it comes to this boy.”
Damien and Noah were so cheesy at times that I could relate to Ryan:
’Ryan snorts. “You gonna start writing poetry next? Jesus, someone get this man a rose.”
”Fuck off. Just because you’ve never had feelings—”“Please. I have feelings. I feel hungry right now. And I feel like you’re about to get all sappy and make me lose my appetite.”’
There were beautiful and sweet moments and the book really tried.. but yeah, too much. A couple of good quotes from the book:
“Don’t lose yourself trying to fit in, Noah. It’s easy to forget who you are when everyone else in the room is too loud.”
”You’re not too much—you were never too much. You were just given more than you should’ve carried alone. That’s why I’m here, baby. Let me help you carry that load.”
The drama was exaggerated and far-fetched -I knew right from the start when Damien "had to leave" Noah in their past that it wouldn't be anything reasonable or offer captivating storyline. Im sorry, but blah freaking blah 😂 Couldn't we have come up with something less predictable and more substantial.. This plot theme is just so worn out -at least it should be done in more convincing way.
I really liked Noah's character in principle and I could really relate to him on many levels, but it was the same thing with him: the author tried too hard. The same goes for Damien; he was really lovely, patient, supportive, but again, overdone. The end result didn’t convince me. Sometimes less is more.
I did like how whipped Damien was for Noah.
”I’m a fucking idiot when it comes to this boy.”
Damien and Noah were so cheesy at times that I could relate to Ryan:
’Ryan snorts. “You gonna start writing poetry next? Jesus, someone get this man a rose.”
”Fuck off. Just because you’ve never had feelings—”“Please. I have feelings. I feel hungry right now. And I feel like you’re about to get all sappy and make me lose my appetite.”’
There were beautiful and sweet moments and the book really tried.. but yeah, too much. A couple of good quotes from the book:
“Don’t lose yourself trying to fit in, Noah. It’s easy to forget who you are when everyone else in the room is too loud.”
”You’re not too much—you were never too much. You were just given more than you should’ve carried alone. That’s why I’m here, baby. Let me help you carry that load.”
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.
March 3, 2026
Now, I hate second chance, literally can’t stand the trope. HOWEVER. This was absolutely phenomenal. I loved this book. The backstory of Damien and Noah. The growth that happened and the work it took to repair what they lost over those 4 years. It was all so beautiful.
Also….babygirl 👀🥵
This series seriously has ZERO MISSES. Every book is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to keep going.
Also….babygirl 👀🥵
This series seriously has ZERO MISSES. Every book is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to keep going.
March 22, 2026
This book was really nice to read. Noah and Damien’s relationship completely melted my heart 🥹 Watching them slowly rebuild their bond was so beautiful and emotional.
I truly loved that journey and the way their relationship developed — it was soft, meaningful, and really touching. I loved this so much 💖📚
I truly loved that journey and the way their relationship developed — it was soft, meaningful, and really touching. I loved this so much 💖📚
March 9, 2026
i just can’t ever get enough of this series 🤭
also BABYGIRL! yes please!
also BABYGIRL! yes please!
March 3, 2026
❤️📷I've loved you for so long, I don't even remember what it felt like not to🖤🏀
"I want to touch him. I want to break him open and see if he still fits in the cracks he left behind inside of me."
"Don't lose yourself trying to fit in, Noah. It's easy to forget who you are when everyone else in the room is too loud."
"I missed you every single day I was gone. Every single f****** day, I woke up wishing I didn't leave. Missed your voice. Your laugh. The way you used to look at me. I missed you, Blue."
"Wanting someone you can't have is one thing. Loving someone you're not allowed to love is something else entirely."
"You ever feel like no matter how loudly you scream, the people who are supposed to love you the most just...they just don't hear you?"
"You're so f****** beautiful, Babygirl. Don't ever hide from me again. You're mine. All of you. Every damn inch."
"You see that? That's you. All light, broken up and put back together to make something even more beautiful."
"You know you're mine now, right?"
"I've been yours since I was fifteen."
"What's the point of fighting so hard to exist when the people who are supposed to love me seem determined to erase me?"
"I've loved you for so long, I don't even remember what it felt like not to."
What another phenomenal book by Avery! This author has become one of my new favorite authors and these Sin Bin Boys are EVERYTHING. I really love this author's writing flow and depth of her stories. Avery really knows how to pack every type of emotion into her stories. She does a flawless job on handling sensitive topics and this book was no different. All of her books usually leave me emotional and in my feels, but this one had me hurting bad for poor Noah 😭. This was a slow burn with not too much spice, but it didn't even matter as the story was beautifully told and kept you engaged. When the spice did happen, it was spicing 🔥🔥🔥.
This story follows Damien and Noah. These two are ex stepbrothers. The prologue opens when they both meet at 14/15. They form a strong, unbreakable bond. Damien knew at 16 that he was in love with Noah. He left to go with his dad at 17 and ghosted Noah. Now it's 4 years later and they both end up living at the Sin Bin house. Damien has been holding onto secrets as to why he had to leave and not say goodbye. Noah is hurt and devastated. These two rekindle a friendship, which ends up leading to them admitting their true feelings. Damien finally tells Noah why he was forced to leave. Noah is struggling with a lot of personal issues but trying to thrive and become his own person for once. Will his demons come back to ruin all his progress? Can Damien and Noah have a second chance at love? What other powers are against them?
This couple was so sweet and adorable. God I loved how Damien was such a sweet Teddy bear to Noah. He loved Noah so much and always put him first. He was such a good caretaker, friend, and partner. I loved how observant he was when it came to Noah's quirks and routines. Noah was such a sweet boy who just wanted to be loved for who he was. My heart and soul broke for this boy 😭😭. He went through so much and still kept fighting. I was so proud when he finally stood up to his father. Seeing him grow and heal was everything. I love how these two had a solid friendship before they ended up together. Damien was so patient and understanding when it came to what Noah needed and wanted. I also love how Noah supported Damien's career and wanted the best for him. I loved how Damien supported who Noah truly wanted to be on the inside and out, also in the bedroom. The chemistry and tension between these two were 🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥. Their epilogue had me swooning 🥹.
I love every Sin Bin Boy and I can't wait for more stories of all of them! I loved the friendship between Nate, Sage, and Noah. They were so adorable and had me cackling loud 😂😂. I loved the friendship between Ryan, Damien, and Noah. Ryan is such a sweetheart who cares hard. I felt bad about what Adrian did but I really want this quiet boys story bad. KILLIAN KING. I've been dying for this man's story since book 1. I know Avery will make us wait but I inhale every scene we get in these books with Kill 😅😅. And ofcourse I loved all the cameos from the other couples and boys! I can't wait to see what this author does next. ❤️🖤📷🏀🎧👙👠🏞
"If this is what coming home feels like, I'm not sure I ever want to leave."
"We'll keep trying until this feels as easy as breathing. Until all the years we lost don't matter anymore--because the ones ahead of us finally do."
"I want to touch him. I want to break him open and see if he still fits in the cracks he left behind inside of me."
"Don't lose yourself trying to fit in, Noah. It's easy to forget who you are when everyone else in the room is too loud."
"I missed you every single day I was gone. Every single f****** day, I woke up wishing I didn't leave. Missed your voice. Your laugh. The way you used to look at me. I missed you, Blue."
"Wanting someone you can't have is one thing. Loving someone you're not allowed to love is something else entirely."
"You ever feel like no matter how loudly you scream, the people who are supposed to love you the most just...they just don't hear you?"
"You're so f****** beautiful, Babygirl. Don't ever hide from me again. You're mine. All of you. Every damn inch."
"You see that? That's you. All light, broken up and put back together to make something even more beautiful."
"You know you're mine now, right?"
"I've been yours since I was fifteen."
"What's the point of fighting so hard to exist when the people who are supposed to love me seem determined to erase me?"
"I've loved you for so long, I don't even remember what it felt like not to."
What another phenomenal book by Avery! This author has become one of my new favorite authors and these Sin Bin Boys are EVERYTHING. I really love this author's writing flow and depth of her stories. Avery really knows how to pack every type of emotion into her stories. She does a flawless job on handling sensitive topics and this book was no different. All of her books usually leave me emotional and in my feels, but this one had me hurting bad for poor Noah 😭. This was a slow burn with not too much spice, but it didn't even matter as the story was beautifully told and kept you engaged. When the spice did happen, it was spicing 🔥🔥🔥.
This story follows Damien and Noah. These two are ex stepbrothers. The prologue opens when they both meet at 14/15. They form a strong, unbreakable bond. Damien knew at 16 that he was in love with Noah. He left to go with his dad at 17 and ghosted Noah. Now it's 4 years later and they both end up living at the Sin Bin house. Damien has been holding onto secrets as to why he had to leave and not say goodbye. Noah is hurt and devastated. These two rekindle a friendship, which ends up leading to them admitting their true feelings. Damien finally tells Noah why he was forced to leave. Noah is struggling with a lot of personal issues but trying to thrive and become his own person for once. Will his demons come back to ruin all his progress? Can Damien and Noah have a second chance at love? What other powers are against them?
This couple was so sweet and adorable. God I loved how Damien was such a sweet Teddy bear to Noah. He loved Noah so much and always put him first. He was such a good caretaker, friend, and partner. I loved how observant he was when it came to Noah's quirks and routines. Noah was such a sweet boy who just wanted to be loved for who he was. My heart and soul broke for this boy 😭😭. He went through so much and still kept fighting. I was so proud when he finally stood up to his father. Seeing him grow and heal was everything. I love how these two had a solid friendship before they ended up together. Damien was so patient and understanding when it came to what Noah needed and wanted. I also love how Noah supported Damien's career and wanted the best for him. I loved how Damien supported who Noah truly wanted to be on the inside and out, also in the bedroom. The chemistry and tension between these two were 🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥. Their epilogue had me swooning 🥹.
I love every Sin Bin Boy and I can't wait for more stories of all of them! I loved the friendship between Nate, Sage, and Noah. They were so adorable and had me cackling loud 😂😂. I loved the friendship between Ryan, Damien, and Noah. Ryan is such a sweetheart who cares hard. I felt bad about what Adrian did but I really want this quiet boys story bad. KILLIAN KING. I've been dying for this man's story since book 1. I know Avery will make us wait but I inhale every scene we get in these books with Kill 😅😅. And ofcourse I loved all the cameos from the other couples and boys! I can't wait to see what this author does next. ❤️🖤📷🏀🎧👙👠🏞
"If this is what coming home feels like, I'm not sure I ever want to leave."
"We'll keep trying until this feels as easy as breathing. Until all the years we lost don't matter anymore--because the ones ahead of us finally do."
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.
March 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW 💫🩷
Wow Avery ALWAYS comes through when I need her. She just knew I needed a good book to get me out of a pending slump and this one did it y’all.
Let’s talk about Blue & Mien
Blue has my whole heart clutched by a fist!!! He’s perfectly imperfect. He’s a flawed character that I’m sure many of us can relate too. The questioning of yourself all the time, whether or not you’re good enough it reaaaallly got to me. We all just want someone to take care of us and treat us how we deserve — Mien does that for our little boy Blue. You really start to see him come out of his shell when Mien comes back into his life because I feel like he no longer had to question his existence in the world and Mien’s love outweighed it all. He was just so brave through everything he’s gone through and I just wanted to squeeze him through the pages. He’s an important character we need to pay attention to. And listen, I’m a sucker for a lace wearing boy and oooof 😮💨 I couldn’t get enough of Blue being all dolled up for his man.
Mien oh my Mien. I praise when a man like this comes out to play!!! He’s just so dependable and caring. So lovely but takes no bullshit. The ability for him to mask himself from world honestly is so heartbreaking; he also needed Blue back in his life to come and bring him BACK to life you know? It’s like he was just coasting by, drowning with no ability to surface without Blue and hey some might call that toxic but I call that love. And the mouth on this guy? Wtf I needed a breather for multiple minutes multiple times!!! He also TAKES CARE of his man so so good and I could not get enough of him.
The Sin Bin boys have my whole heart and their friendship with one another is just so wholesome and beautiful. I was cackling at their banter a lot of the time but also kicking my feet and screaming too. Ugh I’m an obsessed woman!!!
The story was engaging and well paced!!
THE SPICE WAS FILTHY AND RAW!!
THEIR LOVE WAS IMPERFECTLY PERFECT!!
THE LACE WEARING BRAT WAS HOT AF!!
DADDY DAMIEN WAS EVEN HOTTER!!
K I’m done now,
anywho, go read this book actually better yet read all of Avery’s backlist cause she truly is unstoppable. Her writing is impeccable, characters flawed but healing. Everything about her work is just muah muah chefs kiss 💋
If you didn’t already guess this book was like 20 stars ✨
Thank you queen A for the ARC!!!
Wow Avery ALWAYS comes through when I need her. She just knew I needed a good book to get me out of a pending slump and this one did it y’all.
Let’s talk about Blue & Mien
Blue has my whole heart clutched by a fist!!! He’s perfectly imperfect. He’s a flawed character that I’m sure many of us can relate too. The questioning of yourself all the time, whether or not you’re good enough it reaaaallly got to me. We all just want someone to take care of us and treat us how we deserve — Mien does that for our little boy Blue. You really start to see him come out of his shell when Mien comes back into his life because I feel like he no longer had to question his existence in the world and Mien’s love outweighed it all. He was just so brave through everything he’s gone through and I just wanted to squeeze him through the pages. He’s an important character we need to pay attention to. And listen, I’m a sucker for a lace wearing boy and oooof 😮💨 I couldn’t get enough of Blue being all dolled up for his man.
Mien oh my Mien. I praise when a man like this comes out to play!!! He’s just so dependable and caring. So lovely but takes no bullshit. The ability for him to mask himself from world honestly is so heartbreaking; he also needed Blue back in his life to come and bring him BACK to life you know? It’s like he was just coasting by, drowning with no ability to surface without Blue and hey some might call that toxic but I call that love. And the mouth on this guy? Wtf I needed a breather for multiple minutes multiple times!!! He also TAKES CARE of his man so so good and I could not get enough of him.
The Sin Bin boys have my whole heart and their friendship with one another is just so wholesome and beautiful. I was cackling at their banter a lot of the time but also kicking my feet and screaming too. Ugh I’m an obsessed woman!!!
The story was engaging and well paced!!
THE SPICE WAS FILTHY AND RAW!!
THEIR LOVE WAS IMPERFECTLY PERFECT!!
THE LACE WEARING BRAT WAS HOT AF!!
DADDY DAMIEN WAS EVEN HOTTER!!
K I’m done now,
anywho, go read this book actually better yet read all of Avery’s backlist cause she truly is unstoppable. Her writing is impeccable, characters flawed but healing. Everything about her work is just muah muah chefs kiss 💋
If you didn’t already guess this book was like 20 stars ✨
Thank you queen A for the ARC!!!
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.
March 7, 2026
🏀
👠
🏊🏻♂️
So. Roman and Damon took me through the ringer. Luca and Sage broke my heart. Liam and Nate had me staring at the wall contemplating life. Damien and Noah had me in a puddle on the floor.
This book is definitely different from the first three. This isn’t the dark, feral obsession I am used to seeing from the guys at the Sin Bin. The themes are still heavy, but Damien and Noah’s story is softer, and sweeter.
Damien and Noah became stepbrothers around 14-15 years old, they were best friends, inseparable, and quietly falling in love. Until Damien left without a word. A choice he did not make!
Four years later, they meet again at Blackthorne U, when Noah is moving into the Sin Bin. The hurt is still there. Noah wants answers. Damien can’t give them. Watching them circle each other, still clearly in love but scared of the past, was almost unbearable to watch.
When Damien and Noah finally start rebuilding a friendship, its slow and cautious. It was small gestures, quiet care, Damien seeing Noah and never making Noah feel like he was too much. Their connection isn’t about possession like in previous books. It’s about devotion. The slow burn made their chemistry stronger. Seeing the way Damien took care of Noah, going so slow, guiding him, teaching him... I was a legit puddle on the floor.
Watching Noah grow into his confidence, especially with Sage and Nate supporting him, was everything. It was also hilarious! Sage's oh so wise wisdom and Nate keeping him in check. Their banter had me rolling! I really hope we get to see more of them.
This book was softer, but no less intense. And I loved it just as much! Now I have so many questions about what’s next. I need answers immediately!! I'm looking at you Killian, Eli, Julien, Adrian!!
Started: February 23rd, 2026
Finished: February 25th, 2026
Format: Kindle
👠
🏊🏻♂️
So. Roman and Damon took me through the ringer. Luca and Sage broke my heart. Liam and Nate had me staring at the wall contemplating life. Damien and Noah had me in a puddle on the floor.
This book is definitely different from the first three. This isn’t the dark, feral obsession I am used to seeing from the guys at the Sin Bin. The themes are still heavy, but Damien and Noah’s story is softer, and sweeter.
Damien and Noah became stepbrothers around 14-15 years old, they were best friends, inseparable, and quietly falling in love. Until Damien left without a word. A choice he did not make!
Four years later, they meet again at Blackthorne U, when Noah is moving into the Sin Bin. The hurt is still there. Noah wants answers. Damien can’t give them. Watching them circle each other, still clearly in love but scared of the past, was almost unbearable to watch.
When Damien and Noah finally start rebuilding a friendship, its slow and cautious. It was small gestures, quiet care, Damien seeing Noah and never making Noah feel like he was too much. Their connection isn’t about possession like in previous books. It’s about devotion. The slow burn made their chemistry stronger. Seeing the way Damien took care of Noah, going so slow, guiding him, teaching him... I was a legit puddle on the floor.
Watching Noah grow into his confidence, especially with Sage and Nate supporting him, was everything. It was also hilarious! Sage's oh so wise wisdom and Nate keeping him in check. Their banter had me rolling! I really hope we get to see more of them.
This book was softer, but no less intense. And I loved it just as much! Now I have so many questions about what’s next. I need answers immediately!! I'm looking at you Killian, Eli, Julien, Adrian!!
Started: February 23rd, 2026
Finished: February 25th, 2026
Format: Kindle
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 𝙗����𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜.
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 𝙗����𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜.
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*
February 26, 2026
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Can a book be beautiful and depressing at the same time? Yes! and this was it. I loved it though, the angst and the tension were great. But the pining and the not knowing were awful...Noah was sweet and shy and he was so hurt that Dami3n had left him. while Damien was irrevocably in love with Noah and only left to protect him.
I loved that they took their time, and they didnt just jump into bed after the 4 year separation. Noah and Damien were both skittish and needed to be open about their feelings and their truths.
The way Noah felt beautiful and confident in his lace was so amazing, He needed that little bit of peace and something just for him, and Damien was the best. He loved him and supported him and he was patient and kind.
Noah's parents were awful I hated both of them.
Nate and Sage were hilarious 😂 I loved their friendship with Noah. Ryan!!! I freaking loved the way he was written as a TRUE Puertorrican, using real dialect and phrases we actually say. A lot of books with Puertorrican characters just use Mexican or Spanish words that we Puertorricans dont use and that irks me to no ends so kudos to Avery for using the proper language 👏🏽🇵🇷
Overall, I enjoyed this book Plenty. I need the tea on Julian and Eli but I cannot wait for Daddy Killian's book!! He has my whole heart, he's the best ❤️
Can a book be beautiful and depressing at the same time? Yes! and this was it. I loved it though, the angst and the tension were great. But the pining and the not knowing were awful...Noah was sweet and shy and he was so hurt that Dami3n had left him. while Damien was irrevocably in love with Noah and only left to protect him.
I loved that they took their time, and they didnt just jump into bed after the 4 year separation. Noah and Damien were both skittish and needed to be open about their feelings and their truths.
The way Noah felt beautiful and confident in his lace was so amazing, He needed that little bit of peace and something just for him, and Damien was the best. He loved him and supported him and he was patient and kind.
Noah's parents were awful I hated both of them.
Nate and Sage were hilarious 😂 I loved their friendship with Noah. Ryan!!! I freaking loved the way he was written as a TRUE Puertorrican, using real dialect and phrases we actually say. A lot of books with Puertorrican characters just use Mexican or Spanish words that we Puertorricans dont use and that irks me to no ends so kudos to Avery for using the proper language 👏🏽🇵🇷
Overall, I enjoyed this book Plenty. I need the tea on Julian and Eli but I cannot wait for Daddy Killian's book!! He has my whole heart, he's the best ❤️
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.
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