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Pétale Auction #2
Hurt Me Not
𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 is a sapphic, darkish, smutty asf bully romance set in the Club Pétale universe perfect for anyone looking to explore the forbidden
An auction seemed like the perfect way to have some fun and make a little extra cash.
Until my anxiety whispered that no one would ever want to buy someone like me.
But even my inner critic couldn’t have predicted who would actually win me.
One million dollars. One night.
With the girl who tormented me throughout high school.
This time, let’s just hope I don’t fall in love again
An auction seemed like the perfect way to have some fun and make a little extra cash.
Until my anxiety whispered that no one would ever want to buy someone like me.
But even my inner critic couldn’t have predicted who would actually win me.
One million dollars. One night.
With the girl who tormented me throughout high school.
This time, let’s just hope I don’t fall in love again
340 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 24, 2026
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this one a lot more than book two! So much spice and then so much action! I love that we get to revisit the Club Pétale with this series 😍 got to see some familiar faces at the start of the book!
Written in First Person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Krystal Hammond & Allie Shae. Book Two in The Pétale Auction series. Dark Romance, Second Chance, Opposites Attract, Auction, She has a Stalker, Her Bully. 10x Spicy Scenes.
I enjoyed this one a lot more than book two! So much spice and then so much action! I love that we get to revisit the Club Pétale with this series 😍 got to see some familiar faces at the start of the book!
Written in First Person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Krystal Hammond & Allie Shae. Book Two in The Pétale Auction series. Dark Romance, Second Chance, Opposites Attract, Auction, She has a Stalker, Her Bully. 10x Spicy Scenes.
April 3, 2026
Eden has done it again. These books never get old!
February 28, 2026
4.5/5
Club Pétale related at all and I’m sold. I am forever sucked into all the taboo in the Eden Emory series.
Emerson and Pearl are hot, completely insatiable the both of them, also completely insufferable…but in a good way?
We love when someone sees us for everything we are, even the ugly stuff and loves us even more for them. We aren’t broken in need of repair, but sometimes just need someone who recognizes our jagged edges and touches anyway.
Very excited now for Break Me Not.
Club Pétale related at all and I’m sold. I am forever sucked into all the taboo in the Eden Emory series.
Emerson and Pearl are hot, completely insatiable the both of them, also completely insufferable…but in a good way?
We love when someone sees us for everything we are, even the ugly stuff and loves us even more for them. We aren’t broken in need of repair, but sometimes just need someone who recognizes our jagged edges and touches anyway.
Very excited now for Break Me Not.
June 18, 2026
Hurt Me Not
Book 2 of the Club Pétale Auctions - and it's a dark one!
Second-chance, bully romance, complete with a piece-of-shh father, a psycho stalker, and lots of childhood trauma that makes a toxic dynamic the perfect relationship. And don't worry.... it's loaded with spice!
Book 2 of the Club Pétale Auctions - and it's a dark one!
Second-chance, bully romance, complete with a piece-of-shh father, a psycho stalker, and lots of childhood trauma that makes a toxic dynamic the perfect relationship. And don't worry.... it's loaded with spice!
March 30, 2026
I loved the first book in this series so was excited but this was so bad like the plot made absolutely zero sense and the MCs were just annoying & toxic. I only finished it because it was so short and I’d already made it most of the way through before I decided I hated it
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Great story. Interesting characters. Intense final act.
Great story. Interesting characters. Intense final act.
March 28, 2026
DNF’d at 11%. The writing was really bad. Could not connect as nothing made sense. Felt literally like a wattpad story. Ofc, this is only my opinion, and maybe the book was just not my cup of tea.
October 13, 2026
I thought this was great. I’m fine with bully romances so long as there are clearly feelings underneath the bullying… but in this one all the actual bullying was in the past, and it also clearly had feelings underneath, so great. The present day relationship definitely leaned into degradation, and it maybe went a tad farther than I’d have preferred , but in general it worked fine for me under the circumstances (YMMV of course). I definitely appreciated that Emerson actually worked for her wealth, in contrast to Lux in book 1. Mainly the reason it’s not 5 stars is that the antagonists were pretty one-dimensional… which fed the plot just fine but they were almost cartoonishly evil. Still, I enjoyed the story — and the next sounds promising too.
July 8, 2026
Book two had me going on an emotional Roller-coaster thay wouldnt stop,an i liked it. Happy to visit Club Pètale again and Absolutely loved it from start to finish. An the bonus epilog was 10 out of 10.
March 27, 2026
I am a Petale Auction fan. These are the books I love. Thank you Club Petale for walking so this series could run. Thank you Eden Emory for giving me a new addiction.
Of course, no one thinks they'll need to auction themselves for money, but sometimes its the choice you make and doing it where you can be taken care of by a fellow sapphic and possibly try out your submissive fantasies? At least there's some perks if you've got to. I've found I'm obsessed with this concept, particularly as it results in love. Sign me up, to read it that is.
Hurt Me Not follows our submissive beauty looking for money, but also looking for a chance to be bullied in a way that she hasn't been since her school bully and her parted ways. Gotta love fiction novels giving us readers what we want, because not only did she land a bully, she landed the bully. The torch has long been carried and while neither speaks of it, us readers get to watch from their perspectives as they engage in a contract to protect their hearts and somehow still get what they want out of it all. We all see where this is heading, right?
Mix in a bit of business, family drama, a villain, you've got a fantastic dark romance, gone sapphic, and I loved it. Once again, Eden Emory knocked it out of the park. I love the smut, I love the auction, and I love that somehow real life fits right in. Bullying may not be for me, but I loved it in this book. Slightly less wholesome and our villain is a true villain, but I can see how this one sets us up for more, while the previous novel in the series didn't quite as much.
Of course, no one thinks they'll need to auction themselves for money, but sometimes its the choice you make and doing it where you can be taken care of by a fellow sapphic and possibly try out your submissive fantasies? At least there's some perks if you've got to. I've found I'm obsessed with this concept, particularly as it results in love. Sign me up, to read it that is.
Hurt Me Not follows our submissive beauty looking for money, but also looking for a chance to be bullied in a way that she hasn't been since her school bully and her parted ways. Gotta love fiction novels giving us readers what we want, because not only did she land a bully, she landed the bully. The torch has long been carried and while neither speaks of it, us readers get to watch from their perspectives as they engage in a contract to protect their hearts and somehow still get what they want out of it all. We all see where this is heading, right?
Mix in a bit of business, family drama, a villain, you've got a fantastic dark romance, gone sapphic, and I loved it. Once again, Eden Emory knocked it out of the park. I love the smut, I love the auction, and I love that somehow real life fits right in. Bullying may not be for me, but I loved it in this book. Slightly less wholesome and our villain is a true villain, but I can see how this one sets us up for more, while the previous novel in the series didn't quite as much.
October 13, 2025
As everything I’ve read by Eden, I loved this book. The smut is 100000/10 as always and the writing is descriptive. I absolutely adored Pearl as a character as well as her development throughout the novel. Emerson was well written, maybe a little bit too toxic for my taste, but the description of her trauma painted a picture for why she was the way she was. And it was very easy to see what made her as well as to empathize with her.
Trying to avoid any spoilers, but I loved how the evil characters started as separate entities and ultimately became one “force”. I loved the love between Pearl and Emerson, I think we all have that one person where (even if it doesn’t end together) we’re always drawn back to.
Definitely check your triggers and if you have any issues with consenting adults partaking in kink or rough sex then know this is not for you but as I said earlier, the author knocked it out of the park… again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trying to avoid any spoilers, but I loved how the evil characters started as separate entities and ultimately became one “force”. I loved the love between Pearl and Emerson, I think we all have that one person where (even if it doesn’t end together) we’re always drawn back to.
Definitely check your triggers and if you have any issues with consenting adults partaking in kink or rough sex then know this is not for you but as I said earlier, the author knocked it out of the park… again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2026
HELLOOOOOO?? I have to say, I already had high expectations for this book because Elle is my absolute favourite author of all time, and I knew she wouldn’t disappoint!!! However, even with those expectations, I was absolutely blown away by how incredible this story was. The chemistry between Emerson and Pearl is just off the charts; they are so irresistibly hot together that I found myself completely captivated. I genuinely devoured this book in just three hours, unable to put it down. It’s only April 3rd, and I’ve already managed to read three books this month, which is quite an achievement for me. I am absolutely obsessed with this book, and I can’t stop thinking about it… GOODNIGHTTT
April 4, 2026
What happens when your former high school bully wins you at an auction? Well Pearl is about to find out. Her bully from years ago buys her at an auction, one night for a million dollars! Emerson made high school miserable for Pearl but we learn that came from a place of inner hurt and romantic feelings. This was a well done FF romance that focuses on redemption and second chances and healing for both characters. Good story.
April 23, 2026
I was so excited to jump back into the Petale Auction world after loving book one, and book 2 definitely delivered on intensity. This story is a lot - dark, emotional, and packed with some seriously hot spice. The dynamics between the characters kept me hooked, even when parts of the story felt a bit drawn out. That said, everything really comes together in the end, and the payoff was worth it.
March 25, 2026
Hurt Me Not was a wild ride. I loved all the twists and turns along the way. I fell in love with pearl. I could feel in my soul how she felt about herself and Emerson just wanted her to see herself like she did. Although at times Emerson said some dumb shit that fucked with pearls head. But we all just grow?🤣 its funny how when we are teenagers we don’t realize what’s right in front of us.
My heart broke for Emerson and what she endured. I thought those scenes were done really well.
I loved the beginning and the cameos of other characters. I did feel both characters grew but there were growing pains for sure!
Highly recommend if you like sapphic with an edge!
My heart broke for Emerson and what she endured. I thought those scenes were done really well.
I loved the beginning and the cameos of other characters. I did feel both characters grew but there were growing pains for sure!
Highly recommend if you like sapphic with an edge!
May 22, 2026
This book was so fucking hot
March 29, 2026
Review of advanced copy from author
This one had me spiraling a little...
Hurt Me Not pulls you straight into something messy, sharp-edged, and way too emotionally loaded to just call it “smut.” Pearl and Emerson aren’t just past lovers, they’re unfinished business. The kind that lingers under your skin and refuses to quiet down.
It starts with an auction, which already feels like a bad decision waiting to unfold, and then just… detonates into unresolved feelings, power plays, and that very specific kind of tension where you can’t tell if they want to hurt each other or hold each other.
The chemistry is intense. Not soft, not easy, but heavy. Obsession, resentment, longing… all tangled together until it feels almost inevitable. That “it’s always been you” energy runs through everything, especially once their history starts peeling back layer by layer.
Pearl was easily my favorite part. There’s something really satisfying about watching her wrestle with insecurity and desire while still refusing to shrink herself. She bends, but she doesn’t break, and that adds so much depth beyond just the dark romance aspect.
Emerson…she’s toxic. Guarded, sharp, difficult. But not without reason. Her backstory doesn’t excuse her, but it explains enough to make you understand why she keeps pushing Pearl away while still orbiting her like she can’t escape.
It’s not perfect though. At times, the pacing feels like it’s running ahead of you, like the story slips through your fingers before you can fully sit with it. But then the climax hits, and suddenly everything clicks into place.
This book leans hard into angst, kink dynamics, forbidden tension, and second chance yearning, so check your content warnings. But if you like your romances a little darker, a little messier, and emotionally chaotic in the best way… this will hook you.
This one had me spiraling a little...
Hurt Me Not pulls you straight into something messy, sharp-edged, and way too emotionally loaded to just call it “smut.” Pearl and Emerson aren’t just past lovers, they’re unfinished business. The kind that lingers under your skin and refuses to quiet down.
It starts with an auction, which already feels like a bad decision waiting to unfold, and then just… detonates into unresolved feelings, power plays, and that very specific kind of tension where you can’t tell if they want to hurt each other or hold each other.
The chemistry is intense. Not soft, not easy, but heavy. Obsession, resentment, longing… all tangled together until it feels almost inevitable. That “it’s always been you” energy runs through everything, especially once their history starts peeling back layer by layer.
Pearl was easily my favorite part. There’s something really satisfying about watching her wrestle with insecurity and desire while still refusing to shrink herself. She bends, but she doesn’t break, and that adds so much depth beyond just the dark romance aspect.
Emerson…she’s toxic. Guarded, sharp, difficult. But not without reason. Her backstory doesn’t excuse her, but it explains enough to make you understand why she keeps pushing Pearl away while still orbiting her like she can’t escape.
It’s not perfect though. At times, the pacing feels like it’s running ahead of you, like the story slips through your fingers before you can fully sit with it. But then the climax hits, and suddenly everything clicks into place.
This book leans hard into angst, kink dynamics, forbidden tension, and second chance yearning, so check your content warnings. But if you like your romances a little darker, a little messier, and emotionally chaotic in the best way… this will hook you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark sapphic bully romance + auction trope + second chance obsession energy?
Yep...This was intense in the best way 😮💨🖤
Hurt Me Not pulls you straight into a messy, emotionally charged dynamic between Pearl and Emerson. Two girls with a complicated past that never really stayed in the past.
What starts as a risky decision at an auction quickly turns into a collision of unresolved feelings, power struggles, and undeniable attraction.
The chemistry here is immediate and heavy. There’s a strong push and pull throughout the story with obsession, resentment, longing all tangled together in a way that makes their connection feel magnetic. The “it’s always been you” runs deep, especially as you start to understand how much history and unresolved trauma shapes both of them.
Pearl’s character growth was one of the highlights for me. Watching her navigate insecurity, desire, and emotional vulnerability while refusing to stay small or be controlled added depth beyond just the dark romance elements.
Emerson, on the other hand, is definitely a more toxic and guarded but her backstory helps explain the walls she’s built and why she keeps pushing Pearl away even while clearly being drawn back to her.
This book leans into forbidden tension, kink dynamics, emotional intensity, and second chance longing, so definitely check content warnings going in. But if you enjoy darker sapphic romances with messy feelings, complicated power dynamics, and characters who can’t seem to escape each other, this will absolutely keep you glued to the pages.
Angsty, provocative, and addictive. I’m very curious to see where the Club Pétale world goes next 🖤📚
Yep...This was intense in the best way 😮💨🖤
Hurt Me Not pulls you straight into a messy, emotionally charged dynamic between Pearl and Emerson. Two girls with a complicated past that never really stayed in the past.
What starts as a risky decision at an auction quickly turns into a collision of unresolved feelings, power struggles, and undeniable attraction.
The chemistry here is immediate and heavy. There’s a strong push and pull throughout the story with obsession, resentment, longing all tangled together in a way that makes their connection feel magnetic. The “it’s always been you” runs deep, especially as you start to understand how much history and unresolved trauma shapes both of them.
Pearl’s character growth was one of the highlights for me. Watching her navigate insecurity, desire, and emotional vulnerability while refusing to stay small or be controlled added depth beyond just the dark romance elements.
Emerson, on the other hand, is definitely a more toxic and guarded but her backstory helps explain the walls she’s built and why she keeps pushing Pearl away even while clearly being drawn back to her.
This book leans into forbidden tension, kink dynamics, emotional intensity, and second chance longing, so definitely check content warnings going in. But if you enjoy darker sapphic romances with messy feelings, complicated power dynamics, and characters who can’t seem to escape each other, this will absolutely keep you glued to the pages.
Angsty, provocative, and addictive. I’m very curious to see where the Club Pétale world goes next 🖤📚
April 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my favorite dark sapphic romantic suspense thriller ever
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy babe
This was the kind of book that grabbed you by the jaw and whispered...you’re not walking away from this one...
I loved this dark sapphic billionaire romantic suspense thriller by Eden Emory and I'm a new fast fan. Emerson was deliciously unhinged and Pearl was exquisite.
I was blessed to receive both the physical book and ebook from Good Girls PR and switching between them made the experience feel even more immersive. I annotated (ran out of my yellow tabs), highlighted in my kindle and reread the moments that hit like a punch to the ribs OFTEN and I just finished...!
The dedication alone had me cackling and kicking my feet. It set the tone perfectly. It was feral, self aware, and unapologetically leaned into the bully romance =energy this story thrived on.
The chemistry between the FMCs was so well done in that it was both heartwarming, tender and obsessive and in your face.
And those last sentences in the book? They sealed it for me. Dark, possessive, and full circle in the most satisfying way. The ending was the perfect echo of everything this story promised from the start.
A standout sapphic thriller that delivers heat, danger, and emotional chaos in equal measure. Four chilis, five stars, and a permanent spot on my annotated favorites shelf.
Thank you Good Girls PR and Eden Emory for the gorgeous physical and ebook ARCs.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy babe
This was the kind of book that grabbed you by the jaw and whispered...you’re not walking away from this one...
I loved this dark sapphic billionaire romantic suspense thriller by Eden Emory and I'm a new fast fan. Emerson was deliciously unhinged and Pearl was exquisite.
I was blessed to receive both the physical book and ebook from Good Girls PR and switching between them made the experience feel even more immersive. I annotated (ran out of my yellow tabs), highlighted in my kindle and reread the moments that hit like a punch to the ribs OFTEN and I just finished...!
The dedication alone had me cackling and kicking my feet. It set the tone perfectly. It was feral, self aware, and unapologetically leaned into the bully romance =energy this story thrived on.
The chemistry between the FMCs was so well done in that it was both heartwarming, tender and obsessive and in your face.
And those last sentences in the book? They sealed it for me. Dark, possessive, and full circle in the most satisfying way. The ending was the perfect echo of everything this story promised from the start.
A standout sapphic thriller that delivers heat, danger, and emotional chaos in equal measure. Four chilis, five stars, and a permanent spot on my annotated favorites shelf.
Thank you Good Girls PR and Eden Emory for the gorgeous physical and ebook ARCs.
September 13, 2026
📖 AT A GLANCE
STARS 5 stars
SPICE Very Very Spicy
CHEMISTRY Excellent
ANGST High
SLOW BURN No
CLIFFHANGER No
CHARACTERS Pearl and Emerson
💬 LINES THAT LIVE RENT-FREE
Emerson Blackwell. The person who tormented me. My high school bully and now my— “Sold! To bidder fifty-nine for a million dollars!” My purchaser?
🖤 MY READING EXPERIENCE
Everything I love in a book was here. Even things I thought weren’t for me had me completely hooked. There was bullying (but was there really)? I loved the way Emerson saw Pearl for who she was and what she needed. Pearl spent so much of the book making herself small and staying in the background, and Emerson just wanted to pull her into the light. For a darker romance, this was surprisingly beautiful, and I adored every bit of it.
💭 CHARACTER THOUGHTS
Emerson was such a contradiction, and I was obsessed with that. She was the one in control, the “big bad” of the story…but was she really? 👀
And Pearl. My sweet girl grew so much, and I loved watching her find her strength.
⚠️ ONE SMALL NOTE
It is a dark romance with elements some readers may not care for. Please read the trigger warnings.
📚 READ THIS IF YOU LOVE…
Dark Sapphic Romance • Adult Clubs • Auctions • Bully Romance • Dominant Women • Taboo Kink • Danger • Touch Her and Die Vibes • The MOST Earned HEA
STARS 5 stars
SPICE Very Very Spicy
CHEMISTRY Excellent
ANGST High
SLOW BURN No
CLIFFHANGER No
CHARACTERS Pearl and Emerson
💬 LINES THAT LIVE RENT-FREE
Emerson Blackwell. The person who tormented me. My high school bully and now my— “Sold! To bidder fifty-nine for a million dollars!” My purchaser?
🖤 MY READING EXPERIENCE
Everything I love in a book was here. Even things I thought weren’t for me had me completely hooked. There was bullying (but was there really)? I loved the way Emerson saw Pearl for who she was and what she needed. Pearl spent so much of the book making herself small and staying in the background, and Emerson just wanted to pull her into the light. For a darker romance, this was surprisingly beautiful, and I adored every bit of it.
💭 CHARACTER THOUGHTS
Emerson was such a contradiction, and I was obsessed with that. She was the one in control, the “big bad” of the story…but was she really? 👀
And Pearl. My sweet girl grew so much, and I loved watching her find her strength.
⚠️ ONE SMALL NOTE
It is a dark romance with elements some readers may not care for. Please read the trigger warnings.
📚 READ THIS IF YOU LOVE…
Dark Sapphic Romance • Adult Clubs • Auctions • Bully Romance • Dominant Women • Taboo Kink • Danger • Touch Her and Die Vibes • The MOST Earned HEA
July 14, 2026
I ate. This. UP.
One thing about Eden Emory... she's going to give me toxic women, insane chemistry, and enough tension to have me kicking my feet while simultaneously questioning all my life choices. The premise alone had me hooked, but the execution was even better. The history between these two made every interaction feel loaded, and the second they were forced back into each other's orbit, I knew I wasn't putting this book down.
I'm such a sucker for a bully romance when it's done well, and this one absolutely worked for me. The angst was angsty, the banter was top-tier, and the unresolved feelings was the cherry on top. Every conversation had me thinking, "Just kiss already... or fight... honestly either works."
I also really appreciated that there was actual emotional depth underneath all the spice. Watching old wounds get reopened and slowly worked through made the relationship feel so much more satisfying by the end. It wasn't just about attraction, it was about confronting the past and figuring out if they could become something healthier together.
And yes... the spice? Absolutely delivered. 🫣🌶️
One thing about Eden Emory... she's going to give me toxic women, insane chemistry, and enough tension to have me kicking my feet while simultaneously questioning all my life choices. The premise alone had me hooked, but the execution was even better. The history between these two made every interaction feel loaded, and the second they were forced back into each other's orbit, I knew I wasn't putting this book down.
I'm such a sucker for a bully romance when it's done well, and this one absolutely worked for me. The angst was angsty, the banter was top-tier, and the unresolved feelings was the cherry on top. Every conversation had me thinking, "Just kiss already... or fight... honestly either works."
I also really appreciated that there was actual emotional depth underneath all the spice. Watching old wounds get reopened and slowly worked through made the relationship feel so much more satisfying by the end. It wasn't just about attraction, it was about confronting the past and figuring out if they could become something healthier together.
And yes... the spice? Absolutely delivered. 🫣🌶️
March 26, 2026
This female-female romance digs deep into shared childhood trauma. Both protagonists went to high school together, and their painful pasts are intertwined. One FMC is trying to rebuild herself, and when she ends up at an auction, the last person she expects to bid on her is her former bully. That bully, however, has long harbored feelings too…feelings neither could face until now.
The push-pull between them is thick with unresolved history. They can’t articulate their feelings until the very end, which keeps the tension sharp. But beyond the spice (and yes, it’s a five-chili-pepper level of spice!), there’s a deeply healing arc. It’s a high-stakes billionaire setting, yet the heart of the book is how these two confront their past pain and vulnerability together. It’s not just a romance…it’s a story of emotional redemption, and it was a page-turner in every sense. A definite 5-star read!
The push-pull between them is thick with unresolved history. They can’t articulate their feelings until the very end, which keeps the tension sharp. But beyond the spice (and yes, it’s a five-chili-pepper level of spice!), there’s a deeply healing arc. It’s a high-stakes billionaire setting, yet the heart of the book is how these two confront their past pain and vulnerability together. It’s not just a romance…it’s a story of emotional redemption, and it was a page-turner in every sense. A definite 5-star read!
March 28, 2026
4.5⭐️ Another thrilling story added to the Club Petale universe! Thank you to Good Girls PR and the author for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pearl is a sweetheart. She embodies how strong and brave a submissive is. She wants to be able to support herself and finish college and is invited to be a part of the auction at Club Petale. Naturally the winning bid goes to her once upon a time bully. The one person she’s always thought about.
Emerson grew up with an extremely volatile home life and in turn treated the one person she wanted be around horribly. After Pearl left for college, Emerson worked on rising up in business all the while thinking about Pearl.
Their chemistry is off the charts! The author knows how to write scene after scene and keep your interest. With a terrifying third act, are these two meant for more together? Or better off apart? Highly recommend!
Pearl is a sweetheart. She embodies how strong and brave a submissive is. She wants to be able to support herself and finish college and is invited to be a part of the auction at Club Petale. Naturally the winning bid goes to her once upon a time bully. The one person she’s always thought about.
Emerson grew up with an extremely volatile home life and in turn treated the one person she wanted be around horribly. After Pearl left for college, Emerson worked on rising up in business all the while thinking about Pearl.
Their chemistry is off the charts! The author knows how to write scene after scene and keep your interest. With a terrifying third act, are these two meant for more together? Or better off apart? Highly recommend!
September 9, 2026
Rounding up a 3.5 because I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, as the dynamic from this series that interested me the least. The beginning was great! Enjoyed the couple’s dynamic and bought them as distinct personalities I could root for. The plot dragged through the second half but I always tend to find that type of unnecessary drama (of both the interpersonal and external varieties) pretty melodramatic and full of unearned emotional beats in this sort of romance.
Star off for the very generic writing and having just. One too many Thing. Like, did the dynamic really need Also Assistant? Did they each separately have to have their own personal creep villain and throw in a corporate board mishap for good measure? Just. Do a little more depth with a few less surface level conflicts and I’d consider rating this on my Real Books I Think Are Good scale instead of my Personal Type Of Delicious Trash scale.
Star off for the very generic writing and having just. One too many Thing. Like, did the dynamic really need Also Assistant? Did they each separately have to have their own personal creep villain and throw in a corporate board mishap for good measure? Just. Do a little more depth with a few less surface level conflicts and I’d consider rating this on my Real Books I Think Are Good scale instead of my Personal Type Of Delicious Trash scale.
Review of advance copy received from Author
E-ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was hot. Like seriously hot. If you loved Love Me Not, you’ll definitely want to read Hate Me Not. Pearl and Emerson’s story had me hooked the whole time. Pearl and Emerson honestly felt inevitable. Like they were always going to end up tangled together no matter what happened.
The high school bully dynamic? 10/10. I ate that up. I loved getting pieces of their backstory, but I honestly would’ve loved even more flashbacks from their high school days. Their tension, the history between them, the way everything carried into the present made the whole relationship feel intense and messy in the best way.
Overall, I had such a good time with this book. If you like messy dynamics, high tension, and very spicy scenes mixed with drama, this one is definitely worth the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was hot. Like seriously hot. If you loved Love Me Not, you’ll definitely want to read Hate Me Not. Pearl and Emerson’s story had me hooked the whole time. Pearl and Emerson honestly felt inevitable. Like they were always going to end up tangled together no matter what happened.
The high school bully dynamic? 10/10. I ate that up. I loved getting pieces of their backstory, but I honestly would’ve loved even more flashbacks from their high school days. Their tension, the history between them, the way everything carried into the present made the whole relationship feel intense and messy in the best way.
Overall, I had such a good time with this book. If you like messy dynamics, high tension, and very spicy scenes mixed with drama, this one is definitely worth the read.
March 28, 2026
Reviewed by Natalie for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
A super addictive mix of angst, tension, and second‑chance chaos.
The auction setup is wild in the best way, and the “won by your former high‑school tormentor” twist delivers all the drama and chemistry you want. It’s emotional, messy, and surprisingly tender underneath it all.
A fast, fun read that totally pulls you in.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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A super addictive mix of angst, tension, and second‑chance chaos.
The auction setup is wild in the best way, and the “won by your former high‑school tormentor” twist delivers all the drama and chemistry you want. It’s emotional, messy, and surprisingly tender underneath it all.
A fast, fun read that totally pulls you in.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 1, 2026
I read this book and utterly devoured it in one sitting. I don't know what that says about ME but man this one had me hooked in all of the right places. Something about the intensity of the yearning that lasted YEARS gets me. Haha, oh, I think I'm going to tattle on myself. This is one I'd read again in a heartbeat as it does strike a lot of my personal yays. There are definitely some moments where I literally swore at my book "Emerson what the F***" she's such a hot and cold character but, I dunno, she's one of my favorites. And Pearl? I probably relate too much to her at times with my self esteem. The overall plot isn't as solid and maybe one too many elements, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's my favorite of the auction series due to personal bias, and I'll gladly read it again and again. But it's got it's flaws and quirks, especially in the last third of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hurt Me Not is a dark, emotionally layered sapphic romance that explores trauma, vulnerability, and the complexity of past relationships.
The connection between Pearl and Emerson is built on a complicated history that slowly unfolds, revealing that there was always more beneath the surface. What initially feels like a bully romance evolves into something deeper, especially as the truth about Pearl’s past and the connection to Emerson’s father is revealed.
Emerson’s belief that she is broken and incapable of love adds significant emotional weight to the story, making her growth feel meaningful. Pearl’s journey toward rebuilding her life and reclaiming her sense of self also adds depth beyond the romance.
⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🔥 5/5 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 💧 5/5
The connection between Pearl and Emerson is built on a complicated history that slowly unfolds, revealing that there was always more beneath the surface. What initially feels like a bully romance evolves into something deeper, especially as the truth about Pearl’s past and the connection to Emerson’s father is revealed.
Emerson’s belief that she is broken and incapable of love adds significant emotional weight to the story, making her growth feel meaningful. Pearl’s journey toward rebuilding her life and reclaiming her sense of self also adds depth beyond the romance.
⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🔥 5/5 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 💧 5/5
May 9, 2026
3.75 stars - rounded up rather than down for Goodreads.
I really enjoyed this. I’ve never read anything from this author before and I think it was paced well, intimacy scenes were impactful, and the story was not “cookie cutter” by any means. My only gripe was that I really wanted backstory to some of the details that were included to move the plot along. We know they’re important, but just HOW important? Also, the twists were fantastic but felt rushed. I could’ve read 100 more pages easily. This is my first time reading a sapphic romance, and therefore I have nothing to adequately compare this to. Then again, I’m trying not to compare in the first place with anything I’m reading. I don’t think it’s fair to the author’s growth and creativity. Anywho, good read I recommend.
I really enjoyed this. I’ve never read anything from this author before and I think it was paced well, intimacy scenes were impactful, and the story was not “cookie cutter” by any means. My only gripe was that I really wanted backstory to some of the details that were included to move the plot along. We know they’re important, but just HOW important? Also, the twists were fantastic but felt rushed. I could’ve read 100 more pages easily. This is my first time reading a sapphic romance, and therefore I have nothing to adequately compare this to. Then again, I’m trying not to compare in the first place with anything I’m reading. I don’t think it’s fair to the author’s growth and creativity. Anywho, good read I recommend.
June 30, 2026
DNF aaaand so i actually won’t be finishing this. i thought this was going to be a mature reconnecting between high school opposites, but instead it was incredibly cringy and obnoxious. i was missing the subtleties that we got in the first book. i wanted a plot of them learning each other again and who they’ve grown to be but instead it leans so heavily into the bully and BDSM aspect in the worst way where the love interest, the bully, is laying claim and stalking in a creepy way, not a hot way. and that’s only 10% in. i can’t do it. that felt like the fanfics i read as a 13 year old convinced they were literary gold. i’m too grown for this.
i really enjoyed the first book so this was super disappointing. hard hard hard pass
i really enjoyed the first book so this was super disappointing. hard hard hard pass
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