On Your Life: A Dark Bully Romance

by B.K. Hart

Innocent until proven guilty, isn’t that how it’s supposed to work?
Falsely accused, Kira is sentenced to life for a crime that she didn’t commit, in a prison built to keep the monsters inside.
Unfortunately for her, it does nothing to keep them out.
The system has already failed her. Now the only thing standing between her and death is him—the best friend of the man she’s accused of murdering and her prison guard.
And he’s aching to get started.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

Reviews

[Amanda]

I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the next one! I enjoyed the characters, the story, and the suspense.

[Nicole]

This book was amazing!! Bully romance trope was all there! I wasn’t sure how everything was going to pan out with all the twist and turns but that ending!! IMMEDIATELY I need the second book! I CANT WAIT!! The book was short but had everything there, some smaller books leave me wishing there was more to the book. Like the story is missing something but this was the first smaller book that hasn’t left me feeling like it was unfinished. That cliff hanger has me feigning for more but it feels like everything is the way it was supposed to be. The plot was plotting, the spice was spicing. I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen! I absolutely loved this book! Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to arc read this book!! It truly was an amazing read!! If you are looking for a murder mystery, with a hint of spice, bully romance, something fast paced but also a quick read this is the book for you! I have no complaints other than I was left on a cliff hanger and need the second book asap. I loved both the fmc and the mmc. The way the mmc is so loyal to his best friend since childhood is relatable. I could only hope that I have a friend that would look into my murder if something felt off. The fmc is still holding out hope after being wrongfully convicted of a murder she had nothing to do with. I don’t want to spoil the book at all for anyone. If you are reading this just pick it up and read this book, you will not regret it!! This is my favorite arc read I’ve read so far this year!!

[Lili🖤]

ARC Review:

WOW! This book was phenomenal!
I didn’t get a moment of peace, this was a fast paced book, something happened around every corner and I was at the edge of my seat the whole way. The bully romance trope was very well written, he literally wanted to kill her. For a moment I had ZERO IDEA how Kira and Fox would ever end up romantic interests. Their connection came as a slow burn (even though the book is under 300 pages) which I loved, and I also loved how this isn’t even the end!!
I loved Fox’s character for his loyalty to his best friend and his morally grey ways. I loved Kira’s character for being feisty and curious.
The overall plot of this book had twists and turns I was not expecting, I loved how the novella ‘Mercy’ set the scene for me of the overall world that the book is set in, and I 100% recommend reading before ‘On your Life’, but it is not necessary - just for extra background info if you’re curious.
The writing of this book was really good, clear, descriptive, I had lots of details and a huge improvement from the novella. I loved how Conner got his POV chapters too, showing the lead up to his murder, and I loved the flashbacks of events. It was done in a very clear and non confusing way.
I literally cannot wait till book 2🫢

[Shanaé]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥
💀💀💀💀

This is a bully romance, so check the trigger warnings.

Kira finds her life turned upside down after one night ends with a prison sentence. To make matters worse, the CO assigned to her block is the victim’s best friend, and he wants nothing more than to make her pay.

Kira is completely in over her head, but she refuses to hide away or back down from the hatred and anger directed at her.

Fox is angry and hurting, and most of those feelings come out through his retaliatory actions toward Kira. He could have easily felt one dimensional, which can happen in bully romances, but he doesn’t. You get to see multiple sides of him - kind, dominant, caring, and absolutely ruthless.

The plot is medium to fast paced and kept me engaged from the prologue all the way through the ending. It does end on a cliffhanger. The spice is spicy and dubious, so again, check those trigger warnings.

Read If You Enjoy
* Bully Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* Obsessive MMC
* Mystery

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mimmzy]

This was such and amazing read!! I was immediately sucked in and not able to put it down until I was finished. The writing, the details, the characters, everything worked together to create a world you could easily imagine and see played out as you read. I absolutely loved that the physical attraction and "romance" did not feel fake or like it moved WAY too fast like some stories do. Fox is mean and Kira does not take that shit without fighting back. There were also twists and turns that I absolutely did not see coming, all contributing to my need to finish this book in less than 24hrs. Contrary to what I was expecting, there is not too much spice that actually happens in this book (less than a handful). However, I actually don't think I would change this at all. Any more spice and I think it would feel fake and like it was there just to be there. I feel like it would diminish the story and the relationship forming between the MMC and FMC. Though I am hoping with EVERYTHING I am that the next book will make up for the minimal spice because the spice that was there was 🥵🥵🥵

[Hayley]

This book was one of my favorite books I have ever read. When I started this book I couldn’t stop reading it because I didn’t know what would happen next so I just had to keep reading it. The female main character was really going through it. She got sent to jail over a crime she didn’t at all because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. When she got there she met the male main character fox. At first I hated fox because when he seen Kira at the prison he was just so rude to her and wanted to ruin her. At first I didn’t understand why he hated her but as I read on he was Connor’s best friend which was the guy that court assumed she killed. As the story went on the hate that he had for her went away because he started to fall in love with her. I never would have thought he was the love interest for her. I really thought he hated her. At the end of the story he really wanted to help get her out pf the trouble because he didn’t think she did the crime like he did at first. At the end they found out who really did it and he tried to save her but he was too late. I can’t wait for the book two so I can figure out what happens next with their love story. I would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read such a good book before it had released.

[Amanda]

Have you ever just had a bad day and wished you had never even left the house? Kira definitely does! Sometimes being in the wrong place at the wrong time is the end of life as you know it.

The frustration is palpable as Kira walks us through her life behind bars for a crime she swears she didn’t commit. Her only crime? Turning down the wrong man at the bar. Now a cop is dead, she’s paying for it with her freedom, her body, and her sanity, she discovers not everyone is who they seem, and things just keep getting worse…

This story had me frustrated and fearful for Kira, questioning the validity of our justice system, and wondering just what happened that night. I cannot wait to learn what happens next!!

[Tiffany]

5 ⭐️'s

This was my very first ARC read for B.K. Hart, and I am officially a fan for life.

The whole murder mystery around what actually happened to the friend was so good and kept me guessing. BUT..... The enemies-to-lovers energy was everything. That intense, frustrating, but fun push-and-pull between Fox and Kira..... Absolute perfection.

The tension was just so thick and their chemistry was completely electric... I may or may not have screamed at my kindle a few times. 🫣

If you love dark bully romances with high stakes and a vibe that completely consumes you, you need to read this immediately.

Thank you for the opportunity to ARC Read "On Your Life." Ready for Book 2, because that cliffhanger 🥴!

Happy Writing ✍️

[Taylor]

Advanced Reader Copy Review

This book was very well written. There were no filler scenes or unnecessary dialogue. The author framed the story in a compelling and intriguing way. I was hooked from the first chapter. Luckily, it is a quick read because I would’ve ignored all of my responsibilities to finish.

I love how strong Kira was while facing such an awful injustice. Even though Fox starts off as horrible, somewhat understandably so, I like how the author includes background information to cast him in a better light. Kira and Fox met under the worse circumstances, but I think their story will be amazing.

My only gripe is that cliffhanger. I expect the next book by the end of the week.

[Cat]

✨ARC Review ✨


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I picked up this at 8am, finished it at 5pm all while working a 8 hour shift..

g i r l

when i say i need part two now, i mean it 😩

Im loving that the FMC isn’t stupid and actually has a semblance of a brain.

The MMC is a total asshat and yaknow what i kinda love him 😏

halfway through i got the thought that connor’s mum has involvement and god it’s only getting more interesting!!

easily a 5 star read for me.

Thank you sm for giving me the opportunity to ARC read, i genuinely loved it and cannot waaaaaaiiit for part 2!!

what a cliff hanger 😭

Also reviewed on insta at @morphed_reads

[Morgan]

First of all, thank you to B. K. Hart for the ARC copy because I absolutely DEVOUR​​ED this book. 😮‍💨

I almost got whiplash from how quickly everything moved. The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, and every time I thought I had a second to breathe, something else happened. 😂

And I was genuinely PISSED when I realized I was on the last chapter because I was NOT ready for it to end. Like… excuse me?! We’re just stopping HERE?!

My absolute favorite moment was “I’m starting to believe that.” The second I read that, I immediately went, oop—here we go! 👀

And now… we wait for Part 2. 🫣 Because clearly I have no choice but to be emotionally held hostage until then. 😂

[Michele]

Noooooo -- you cannot leave us like that?!?!?!?!

Kira was wrongly convicted of a crime that she didn't commit and unfortunately for her, Fox, her warden, was the victim's, Connor's, best friend. Fox was determined to make her life hell in jail and he succeeded. But she is no pushover, she got him good.

We get Connor's POV in this story as well via flashbacks. And the mystery of his death and his involvement is slowly revealed. It was interesting to see who the culprits were -- I'm still thinking about one other person that could be involved but didn't get the answer in this book.

Cannot wait for book two.

[kaitlyn thomas]

Okay, so I actually really enjoyed this book! I don't particularly like giving away spoilers in my reviews, so I will do my best to make you want to read it!
So there were a few times I honestly gasped and was like, "What the... what is happening! But not in a confusing way at all! I absolutely enjoyed the way this was written to keep you guessing and wondering and wanting to get to the end to see how it ended. And that ending was a total cliffhanger. I just wanted to add that uhm I LOVE Fox, and he can be my c.o any day. Get this book if you love assholes who turn sweetish.

[Daria]

One of Those days

When bad luck hits you it just keeps hitting. Our girl is feeling all of that. Now she'll be looking at life from a different view.
Connor victim or... a sketchy prison guard that ran his block the way he wanted. Bad. The inmates had no love for him... mostly.
Fox thinks he has it all planned. He wil be her sole misery dealer. Cuz its what she deserves. Right?
A murder mystery is at hand. Just when you think you know. You have more questions then answers. And now we wait.

[Teri Roberts]

This one is a gem. B.K. Hart is a new-to-me author and I loved this book I just read. It was exciting and suspenseful and intriguing. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. The FMC is sent to prison for something she says she didn’t do. The MMC is her guard and is very suspicious of her. Through some amateur investigating a story begins to unravel that unfortunately I have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens. This relatively short book was a breeze to read and digest. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the sequel. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

[Delina Espinoza]

On Your Life is classified as a dark romance, but honestly, I'd also put this one firmly in the thriller/mystery category. •
The writing is SO well done and kept me engaged the entire time. We follow Kira, who has been wrongly accused, and her interactions with a prison guard who torments her. And just like Kira, you have to stay alert because you never really know who you can trust.

That ending?!
A CLIFFHANGER. I need the conclusion ASAP because I need answers!

[The Reading Otter]

It took me a little while to get into this book. But once I was finally hooked, I had a hard time putting it down again. It’s an exciting story with lots of mystery and some really interesting side characters.

It’s not quite as dark as I expected, but it does lean heavily into the bullying aspect, so be prepared for that.

Give this one a read if you enjoy stories set in prison and love a good mystery!

[Airinbookreviews]

**First I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC**

This was a dark prison bully romance. The FMC was convicted of a crime she doesn’t believe she even committed. The MMC is her new prison guard and the man she supposedly killed ? Oh it was his best friend…


It had good twists and turns and the ending was great. Please pick this one up!!!

[Kari Helal]

Received as an ARC copy :) thank you!

Good story/murder mystery. Ends on cliffhanger.

Kira goes to jail for killing Connor. A crime she didn't commit. His best friend Fox wants revenge and gives her a hell time in jail. Slowly, as things come to light he is having doubts. Who killed Connor and why? Need to read book #2 to find out what happens with Kira and Fox.

[syrenareads]

Ughhhh I loved On Your Life! The ending is criminal but I'm glad Hart is already working on the next book. Kira and Fox have a horrible, dangerous relationship that moves honestly. Nothing is rushed and even though the spice is minimal, it’s hot. There are secrets that need to be uncovered and I can't wait! If you like a dark bully prison romance, grab this.

[Marissa Stevens]

Loved this book so much! It is a duet so I’m already anxiously waiting on the edge of my seat from the cliff hanger. The sass, character perspectives, spice, and awesome storyline makes it the perfect read. I devoured it in less than a day.

[Dayna Fetzer]

I read the entire thing in one sitting and loved everything about it. The characters were dynamic, the spice was 🌶🌶🌶🌶, and that cliffhanger! So glad I had the chance to receive an ARC and can't wait for the second half of this duet!

[Chrystal Erickson]

AMAZING! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Kira has gotten herself into some trouble, and the person with all the power very much enjoys that fact. It is so good you have to read it. And I’m counting the minutes until book 2 because I absolutely need to know more!

[Stephanie Melville]

This was a great read!! Had me mad, confused and starving for more. 10/10 would recommend.

[Serena]

Great book.

[Nikki]

5 stars! Omg what a story! I read it in 2:30hours. The ending 😫😫 can’t wait for the next one!

[April]

OMG, this book was so great. It grabbed hold of me, I read it in 1 day. Did not see the twist coming but its so on point, need the second book now.

[Mrs Red b]

We get to meet 3 main characters in this book

Kira, who has been convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Pleading her innocence she doesnt understand how turning down an offer of a drink from a guy at the bar ended in life behind bars.

Connor, the murder victim and a prison guard. We learn about his life leading up to the murder, his job and his mum. The more we learn the more it seems clear that Kira really actually didnt kill him and bigger things were happening in his life.

Then we have Fox, Connors best friend since they were kids and the night shift prison guard in charge of Kiras block. He hates her, she killed his best friend and he is determined to make her life miserable until she decides living just isnt worth it anymore. Then slowly he starts to realise that maybe Kiras pleas of innocence might be worth listening to. But if Kira didnt do it, who did? What the hell was Connor involved in

This book is a proper bully dark romance, decent spice but as this is only part one their isnt loads of it (I expect more in part two) plenty of a-hole behaviour from the MMC and an FMC who refuses to accept that this is her life now.

I cant wait for book 2!!!