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White Trash Trilogy #1

Reviving Kendall

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"I'm not so sure that I'm strong enough to take yet another blow to the heart."

Growing up, I've always lived on the wrong side of the tracks. I'm used to the stares, name calling, and disrespect. A tragic accident that leaves me short three of the only people I've ever loved, has me devastated enough to try to end my own life. Just when I think there's no hope, I find a reason to live again, or four of them as a matter of fact. Lucas, Maverick, Teagan, and Goose. But what happens when those bonds are tested? I'm not so sure that I'm strong enough to take yet another blow to the heart. My name is Kendall Davis and what if my story doesn't have a happy ending?


*This is the first book in a Contemporary Reverse Harem Trilogy.


*Recommended 17+ due to mature language and situations.


From the Author

Excerpt:


The rain steadily falls around us as we stand under the little canopy area. His hand is still at my elbow and I want nothing more than to lean into him. My eyes fall to my bus as it pulls away from the curb. Tears pool in my eyes and streak down my face at the thought of my now miserable walk home.


Lucas uses his other hand to pull my chin up to face him. His eyes roam over my face like he’s trying to figure out how to fix the white trash ruin that I am, but he has no idea just how impossible that would be. People are staring, and I couldn’t give two shits as Lucas locks eyes with me. His flicks down to my lips and back up again.

271 pages, ebook

First published February 13, 2018

711 people are currently reading
1596 people want to read

About the author

Brandy Slaven

36 books439 followers
Brandy Slaven lives in Tennessee with her husband and two wild children. If you can't find her typing away at her laptop, you will find her with her nose in a book at the beach or hiking at a state park.

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5 stars
1,268 (39%)
4 stars
1,067 (33%)
3 stars
630 (19%)
2 stars
160 (5%)
1 star
57 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Profile Image for Marguerite (M).
767 reviews653 followers
March 29, 2018
Rating : 4 stars

Sad.
Heartbreaking.
Yet full of hope.

Kendall have been through so much you just want her to be happy. And fuck the conventions, society and the judgmental assholes.
Profile Image for ☆Megan☆.
22 reviews40 followers
July 10, 2025
Couldn’t put this down. Literally skipped dinner and ended up finishing the book at like 2 am 🙃
402 reviews29 followers
Read
February 13, 2019

It didn't work for me for a lot of reasons.

Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,872 reviews54 followers
February 15, 2018
Kendall knows who she is, knows her place in the world. She's the daughter of convicted drug users. She lived in a trailer park. She knows the world sees her as white trash. That opinion does not bother her. For a period of time, she was happy. Her Grandparents were raising her, she had three best friends, her boyfriends, Brian, Will, and Casey. Her Grandmother died, then tragedy destroyed her world when she lost all three of her boyfriends in a car crash. Since then Kendal has gone to school, gone to work, cared for her Grandfather who is now dying, and suffered at the hands of a school bully. None of it matters. She wanted to die with her guys. Her life might as well be over. She tried to end it, unsuccessfully. There is no future for her. Then one night at work she catches the attention of four local golden boys, best friends, private school football stars, Lucas, Maverick, Teagan, and Goose. Kendall is not interested. Her heart is closed. She will never allow anyone in again. When you love, you can lose. She can't lose anything else. But the guys slowly work their way into her life, her heart. Teagan also has a younger sister that becomes a true girlfriend to Kendall, something that she's never had. Just as Kendall starts to live again, the guys prove her right. She knew that she shouldn't get involved with them. They are rich, she's from the wrong side of the tracks. It's fun to go slumming but getting hurt again may be more than Kendall can survive. There's only so much one person can lose.

What a book! There's such power and beauty in this story. Accompanying someone on their journey as they hit the bottom and barely keep it together and then rebuild a life is a rare privilege when written this well. Pain, heartbreak, heartache, loss, the struggle to make it through another day after your world has been shattered, hopelessness. Brandy Slaven has written a book that captures the raw emotions of Kendall. It was heavy and heartwrenching. Kendall was one of those characters that you fell in love with immediately and rooted for. She was genuine, rough around the edges yet smart and loving. She just couldn't risk losing any more of herself or losing anyone else she loved so she was closed off. Lucas, Maverick, Teagan, and Goose were all solid characters in their own rights. Lucas with his loving family and all those brothers, especially Lincoln. Goose with his vulnerability from having been ignored by his own parents. Teagan with his wonderful little sister Ryleigh and his micro-managing father and line of young step-mothers. And Maverick. Guarded, angry, capable of inflicting damage to others trying to protect himself. Each guy was a fully developed character, human, some flawed. The relationships seemed so organic, the mistakes made along the way so common. This was a truly believable contemporary RH. That makes it extraordinary. This is one of my favorite RH's ever. I am so eager for the next book!
Profile Image for Angel.
1,189 reviews14 followers
July 21, 2023
This book would have had five stars if not for the constant "in the floor" reference... It's "ON the floor", but other than that, about five times, it was a five star book.
Totally made me emotional and of course, the mention of C.M. Stunich's Beauty in Lies just about did me in. Good book, check it out.

On to book two!
Profile Image for Autumn Miller ~ autumnbookreads.
1,259 reviews602 followers
November 16, 2018
4.75 Stars
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I loved this book. It has been on my TBR for forever and I had been waiting for the final book to come out before reading it. As the months went on, whenever I would scroll through my to-read list and see this book, I was tempted to pick it up. Finally, I cracked and decided I just couldn't wait for the final book anymore. Let me tell you, I am so glad I finally read this book. It was EVERYTHING I have been wanting to read and more.

Favorite Quote- I feel like this quote is the epitome of the Reverse Harem genre and it is just so true:
But there’s no rule saying that your heart is only big enough to fit one person. You can’t help who you love. If it’s there, then it’s there, and if people can’t deal, then you don’t need those people in your life.”

Kendall- I loved her. She has gone through more pain in her life than any person deserves and I couldn't help but connect with her. This book starts out with her in a really dark place and watching her grow and persevere was awe-inspiring. There were many times I teared up over what was happening to her and any progress she made in this book just warmed my heart.

Teagan- I loved Teagan (I feel like I am going to say that a lot when it comes to these characters). He was sweet, but he was also flirty and intense which is a really interesting combination. I liked the fact that he was the first of the group to talk to Kendall, yet he was also the last one that she connected with intimately. I thought that a was a really nice touch on Brandy Slaven's part.

Lucas- Lucas constantly melted my heart throughout this book. I just wanted to hug him and give him all the love he deserves. He understood Kendall on a basic level and I appreciated the fact that he tried to be friends with her before dating her.

Goose- I felt like Goose was the least developed of the guys. That isn't to say that he wasn't developed at all, I just feel like I know him the least out of the guys. He filled the gentle giant role and that was really it. I wish there would have been a little more of him.

Maverick- I went on a little more of a roller coaster of emotions with Maverick than I did with the other guys. One minute, I would be loving his broody, intense ass, and the next, I would want to punch him in the face for something he said to Kendall. The banter and the power struggle between him and Kendall was a sight to see though and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Ryleigh- Ryleigh was an interesting surprise in this book. I did not expect to love her character so much. She was a great friend towards Kendall and I really think she had a big impact on Kendall getting through some of the stuff she did.

Lincoln- Lincoln was also an interesting surprise. Based on what I saw of his character, I am wondering if Brandy Slaven plans on writing his story. Maybe in a spin-off? I would certainly love to see that. It also makes me wonder if we might ever get to see a spin-off about Lucas's other brothers. Maybe another reverse harem story is in the works?

Derrik- That piece of crap deserves everything he got. I hope that Kendall never has to see his good for nothing ass again.

What I Liked- I liked the fact that Kendall had already been in a reverse harem relationship before. Out of all the RH stories I have read, I have never seen that and it was refreshing. Kendall truly loved Will, Brian, and Casey and I loved how Kendall was not ashamed to admit it. I also liked the fact the boys didn't bat an eye when Kendall told them.

What I Didn't Like- Nothing. This book was pretty perfect. The only minor problem I had was with Goose's character development (as mentioned above).

SIDE NOTE- I absolutely LOVED that Beauty in the Lies from Groupie by C.M. Stunich was mentioned. I am all for the advertising of other RH stories in your books.
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
March 7, 2018
Omg this was everything i wanted and more, it was such and satisfying book. But so many heart aches in this book, i almost cried a lil... i really felt what kendall was feeling
This book was so sad n heartbreaking but very good.
This is the first book i have read from brandy slaven and wow now i have to read her other books

Btw i have no Idea why this book is in the category as erotic.. like whyy?
Profile Image for Calm Your Pits.
576 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2018
Heartbreaking

Heartbreaking and loving story all in one! I ugly cried of course but I also laughed and swooned even more.
239 reviews8 followers
February 15, 2018
This reads like a bullet pointed outline. There is no reason for Kendall to get in the car with the guys, no reason for her to go with them when they show up at her school, certainly everything that happens after Christmas is illogical. And really the Billy/Derick plot is so poorly developed. The author does absolutely nothing to build up the characters and develop the relationships so it's impossible for the reader to become invested in these characters. This is a massive fail in the reverse harem genre. I would skip it.
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,960 reviews110 followers
May 18, 2020
Good but...

3 stars

Kendall’s story isn’t bad, I enjoyed learning about her life. What bothered me throughout the book though was the telling vs showing in the writing style. This style of writing always bothers me, and makes it difficult to completely like the books. There are many moments we spend detailing Kendall’s clothing but other times things are less detailed, glossed over and retold in a past tense manner which I’m not a fan of. If they went to the mall and giggled about an incident that happened I’d have rather watched it live than discussed it in a rehash while she’s currently at the food court. Issues like that.

On top of this there were several transition times in the book where I couldn’t figure out how we got from point A to point B. Like one minute can be in the car and the next sentence she’s in the classroom. There are also some editing issues that could be smoothed out.

The story does become a bit boring imo. At first there were some emotional gut punches, but as I went further into the story, it became less about the pain and more about the relationships. I really expected Kendall to have more issues with dating “the quad” due to who she lost. That surprised me. I expected a lot of things actually. The relationship between her and the quad went easy for me.

Derrick the bully, didn’t completely get addressed. He bullied her bc one of her guys died, but it’s never explained why he had a problem with her, or which guy he was upset over nor why he would be upset. I just...don’t understand.

I also expected more drama with that. He threatened her at the party and then basically disappears. She smashes Stacy’s face in, but doesn’t return to school. It’s weird, specific topics or events are just...dropped.


The adult scenes are not very involved and very minimal in description. I also don’t think I felt why the guys were interested in Kendall it didn’t come through clearly. Yes they say they love her but the emotion isn’t felt in their interactions, at least not in depth.

I’m not sure if I want to continue this trilogy or not. I like it but really I got bored a lot.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
February 24, 2018
I normally like love female leads who are stronger than the shit that keeps knocking them down. Amazingly she had three brothers as boyfriends but they were tragically killed in car crash. We never find out what a classmate's problem was about their death. He seems psycho because his explanation is illogical unless he had strong feelings for one or all the ones who were killed because he really manages a lot of hate and influences hate towards Kendall.

There was another unresolved plot situation regarding threats from her parents who are in prison. Trying for no spoiler here.

This author has need of some strong editing but she tells a good story.

I've never read a multi relationship story before as I am not attracted to that type of life if it's not fantasy, it would be very difficult. Author already showed some of the issues of outside acceptance being a major problem.

I'm hoping for a follow up book showing growth in Kendall's development (speech and self esteem) and maybe some more Lincoln and his finding peace too. He was cute character to this large cast.

Better book that I had imagined!!
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,612 reviews109 followers
January 25, 2020
A very different RH than I have ever read before.
The heroine, Kendall, was previously in a RH, but they died tragically in a car accident. Kendall did not take their death well and thought she would never feel the same love again. There are no flashbacks of her previous relationship(s).

The heroine is bullied in HS. She lives in a trailer park with her grandfather who has lung cancer. Both of her parents are in jail for murder. They are meth addicts. Very little is discussed about them. I am assuming book 2 will have more information about them.

The heroine is a waitress who is trying to get through high school and help her grandfather with the bills. She meets the 4 heroes while she is working. It is insta with all but one, Maverick, who is my favorite.


The four guys, Lucas, Goose, Teagan, and Maverick are rich. They go to a private school different from the heroine. One of the hero’s, Teagan, has a sister who becomes the heroine’s true and only friend.

It was a nice story. Nothing unique, but I liked that the heroine stood up for herself when it came to the guys.

Some parts of this book were good, some were okay. Some parts were giving me a toothache because they were so sweet.
It is not a ménage. She has sex with them individually. There is only one scene where she kisses them all at the same time.

No OW or OM drama. There is some angst which I think was the best written part of the book.

I paid $2.99 for this book. Currently it is not on KU. I bought it and don’t feel as if I wasted my money.

I will buy and read book 2.

This did not end in a cliffhanger, but book 2 continues their story.

My review of book 2 - Refusing Kendall.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Hina.
44 reviews
January 23, 2021
Definitely one of the most emotional stories I’ve read in a long time. Slightly “bully” within the group and I still had a hard time forgiving (I have a fairly low bully tolerance maybe) but the overall story and feels definitely overshadowed that.
*audio people* good narration overall but I had a hard time that some in the group were given even higher voices than Kendall it seemed. For the sake of being able to tell the characters apart I’m sure but it was a bit distracting. As with the minor bully though, the story was enough to get over that
Profile Image for Annelie.
684 reviews25 followers
January 28, 2023
Totally my type of book!

So I'm not really objective😅 I love these kind of tropes: hurt and disillusioned FMC who suffered loss and mistreatment and wight knights in not totally shining armors who light up her world and save themselves from sadness.
What is very original in this book is that Kendall wasn't part of only one harem...well, no spoiler here so read the book!
I look forward reading about the next step in life of Kendall and her guys😊
482 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2018
Oh the feels in this book! It was such an amazing story but oh my did this story not just wrench on my emotions but full on yanked on them! I laughed, I cried (and at one point I cried hard) and I loved whilst reading this book. The author has crafted a beautifully told story and I fell in love with it. From the characters to the story itself I thought it was beautifully written and told. I'm looking forward to reading book two and and will be prepared for the journey this author will likely put me through again.
Five stars from me for what is a story that will shoot right to your heart and stay there. I loved reading it.
Profile Image for Mia.
457 reviews11 followers
March 1, 2022
This one wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. The story just felt like it didn’t have much of a tangible plot line and was just plain. The characters were okay though not very special. I also felt like there was still some gap between the boys and Kendall so that annoyed me.
Profile Image for Chanise Autry.
25 reviews
February 26, 2018
Great book

I gave this book 5 stars what I like that I haven’t read in RH before is the MC previous relationship in the book that was great I think. I loved this book and didn’t want to end and have read the series from where beauty n lies came from great tie in love it.
Author 13 books724 followers
November 8, 2018
So good

I didn't expect to like this book, I think because I tend to read fantasy based books and this one isn't fantasy based. I found myself wrong, and thrilled to be so. A five star read for me!
Profile Image for Leigh.
115 reviews27 followers
February 26, 2018
Brandy is a hell of a writer. This is her third book and she has yet to disappoint.

The MC has believable hangups and most of the book focused on her. We know a little about the boys, but they were mostly surface to support Kendall coming out of her shell and her grief. The grief is well portrayed but a little long for me. However, she IS still in high school and the emotions run hotter and longer and way more angsty so it was in line with the character even if I got a bit annoyed with it. (Absolutely this is my hangup and nothing to do with the book. I lose patience and that's not Brandy's fault.)

This is billed as a trilogy so there's some interesting side plots, two in specific, that are left dangling. One we figure out from inferrance, the other struck me out of the blue but it was ABSOLUTELY realistic for her situation.

If you don't have a heart of stone like me, you will almost definitely cry. It was well written, of course, but didn't completely hook me for some insane reason. But that is my hangup as well (even if I haven't figured out why) and should in no way deter someone from reading it. It's definitely a book that I wouldn't have skipped and the reviews are warranted.
Profile Image for Kokom1.
893 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2019
This was a good book. Gave the reader some decent feels. While there are a couple unanswered questions and unresolved villains it felt like a stand alone book. Nothing at the end pushes to reader to seek out the next book. It gave just enough of each character to connect a bit but not deeply. Perhaps we get this in the following books.
Profile Image for carinne.
209 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2018
Best I've read since Ghostbird. A little more mature than the Ghostbird series. Full Review to come!
Profile Image for Anna.
733 reviews70 followers
February 13, 2018
You have to admit, it's no easy feat to write an RH in a contemporary setting and make it work, but I knew that Brandy Slaven could do it. And I was right.
“This is so exciting. It’s like a real-life version of The Bachelorette, only you don’t have to choose at the end.”
I just love her writing. She's amazing at setting the mood and at conveying the atmosphere of the story, making you feel as though you are there experiencing everything right along with the character.
I love this book. I loved the slow process of getting to know the character and connecting to them.
“Life is a bitch and we drew the short end of the stick.”
I adored the guys and liked what little we learned about them. They never judged Kendall for her past and, sans one little moment, were always there for her. However, there's still a lot of uncovered ground where they are concerned.
Kendall, for her part, has gone through a very painful journey and I often found myself misty-eyed while reading about everything she was still going through and about what she'll probably has to face in the future. It is no secret that people can be very cruel, but Kendall never let any of it bring her down, she just kept on going.
And even though I'm happy that the bullying has somewhat stopped, I still think that the whole Derrik situation did not have any logical conclusion to it. It just sort of faded into the background, which lives a lot of possibilities for the future (and not very good ones). Also, the mother-money situation was rather random. I guess it is a set up for the next book? Ugh, I just want the world to give Kendall a break or something and let her live in peace. She definitely deserved it.
I can only hope that whatever happens next, the guys will be there for each other.

“As one book closes, another one opens, and I for one cannot wait for this chapter.”
Profile Image for SJ.
2,374 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2018
Hooked from page one, this story I beautifully written and gave me a major case of the feels. I fell in love with Kendall from the start and really felt for her

Kendall does all she can to survive, school her job and her grampa keep her busy. She also has to put up with/deal with the bullies who are mean to her due to where she lives. She does not expect the quad to invade and take over her life, and she does not expect to fall in love again

I really enjoyed the feels that Kendall’s life gave me and her tragic past. The story deals with real issues and is so beautifully written I was loved. I absolutely loved this story and look forward to book two
Profile Image for chaoticcaffeinatedbookgremlin ▪︎Manda▪︎.
227 reviews47 followers
December 11, 2019
Wow what a roller coaster. The beginning of the book had already shattered my heart, and had me begging for kendall to receive some good things in her life. She was such a strong and inspiring character. What she went through and how she still continued to survive was incredible. The author had me so invested after only 1 chapter!! I dont want to say to much, i went in knowing nothing and it rocked my world!! The story, the characters, the pain. I cannot wait to see else this author has in store for kendall. This was f****** fantastic♡♡
Profile Image for Casie.
439 reviews24 followers
February 13, 2018
Ahhhhhh!

Who stayed up until 3am reading this? This girl, that's who! I loved this book. I'm already planning a reread. I loved the back ground, and that they didn't just swoop her out of the trailer park, but nested down with her. They were comfortable no matter where they were as long as they were with her. I'm hoping beyond all hope that there is a book two. I need a loose end tied up. I love each and every character, they were so well written. Sigh. Love!
Profile Image for Chelsea Jones.
153 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2018
Loved it

Wow I loved this not only was she already experienced in having more then one guy but she was a tough cookie. Yeah she cried when real bad shit happened but she stood up for her self. I really loved this book parts made me cry And others mad me laugh and smile. I wish there was a prequel about her first guys yeah it would end super sad. But I think it would be an awesome read.
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