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Spite
Some people say revenge is a dish best served cold. I say it’s better hot.
My name is Elle Payne, and I never thought I’d be back at River High, but I am—and there are three boys calling my name. Christian Moore, Alec Perry, and Xander Hill. The Dick Squad. The three boys who made my life a living hell growing up.
They won’t see me coming. They might’ve forgotten about me, but I didn’t forget about them. My memories burn, and I want nothing more than to destroy them the same way they destroyed me.
Six years ago I did something I’m not proud of. Surrounded by bullying and my parents’ failing marriage, I tried to end it all, but I failed.
I am stronger now than I ever was before, and even if it’s the last thing I do, the Dick Squad will pay for what they did to me. This revenge will be the sweetest of all, because it’s one they’ll never see coming.
Breaking their hearts should be easy. Protecting mine might not be.
This is a bully reverse harem novel, containing some dark themes, including self-harm and suicide.
My name is Elle Payne, and I never thought I’d be back at River High, but I am—and there are three boys calling my name. Christian Moore, Alec Perry, and Xander Hill. The Dick Squad. The three boys who made my life a living hell growing up.
They won’t see me coming. They might’ve forgotten about me, but I didn’t forget about them. My memories burn, and I want nothing more than to destroy them the same way they destroyed me.
Six years ago I did something I’m not proud of. Surrounded by bullying and my parents’ failing marriage, I tried to end it all, but I failed.
I am stronger now than I ever was before, and even if it’s the last thing I do, the Dick Squad will pay for what they did to me. This revenge will be the sweetest of all, because it’s one they’ll never see coming.
Breaking their hearts should be easy. Protecting mine might not be.
This is a bully reverse harem novel, containing some dark themes, including self-harm and suicide.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2019
360 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Candace Wondrak
116 books1,845 followersHey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
July 1, 2019
I'm sitting here thinking, what the hell is going on? Where is the real book?
June 2, 2019
I get bully romances sometimes there okay.. sometimes they are bad.. this one i stopped at 58% and skimed the rest cuz i couldn't handle it anymore.. Elle our heroine has been bullied by 3 guys, this is a reverse harem by the way. The bullying by them and her home life was getting bad due to her parents for all that SHE WAS ATTEMPTING SUICIDE!!! She did have some scars on her wrist.. sooo..😢 Like.. idk if i can root for these 3 guys (yes they were younger) what made me annoyed was much of a horn dog she was when she came back 6 years later.. she wanted revenge but well that really didn't happen... it's all kisses, blow jobs and sex.. and i skimmed she does get her revenge but she felt guilty in doing it..😑😑😑 the "I'm sorrys" where kinda crap i wanted them to be begging for forgiveness.. yeah they were kids/teens but still.. blah..
Why 1 star.. the cover was pretty.. thats it
Recommend- if it doesn't bug you go ahead.
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sorta enemies to lovers
Push/pull
Mentions of suicide
Hea
Epilogue
Why 1 star.. the cover was pretty.. thats it
Recommend- if it doesn't bug you go ahead.
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sorta enemies to lovers
Push/pull
Mentions of suicide
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
DNF at 50%. Found out that the 2 hero’s are bi and/were into each other M/M, not my thing. Why isn’t this listed in tags? Not many wants to see m/m in their romance novels.
Pros: loved how self confident this girl was..she said she was hot. Damn right, every girl should think she’ll hot and beautiful.
Reverse harem.
Pros: loved how self confident this girl was..she said she was hot. Damn right, every girl should think she’ll hot and beautiful.
Reverse harem.
September 17, 2025
My first reverse harem book and it did not give what it was supposed to give. There was absolutely no depth and why the hell is everyone boring? Oh. My. God. Elle was soo quick to fall in love it’s ridiculous. This book was just plain boring, had me in a slump for TWO WHOLE MONTHS and I regret giving my precious time to it and I don’t think I want to read anything else from Candace Wondrak for now.
July 4, 2019
Remember the book I read Try to Ruin Me by G.Bailey where the guys had planned revenge on the female and then they fell in love with her. Spite by Candace Wondrak was like a gender reversal of that particular book. In this one Ella Payne used to live in town and then her parents got a divorce and she went to live with her mother. Thank goodness too as there were three boys in the school that made her life a nightmare and caused her to want to die. They were the worst and for years she decided one day she would get her revenge on the threesome that ruined her childhood. Now years later Ella is back and she has grown into a beautiful stunning young woman. She is not the same girl she was on the outside that she was when she left. Armed with her revenge plans, she starts the first day of high school. To her surprise though the threesome it looks like isn't as close as they were in primary school. Christian Moore, is still the king of the school, Alec Perry still hangs around Christian but has a softer personality and then there is Xander Hill who is a loner and looks tortured. Ella is going to have to change up her plans as just as she has changed, the boys have too. As the book goes along, I have to say my heart does go out to Alec and Xander especially. Christian is still a jerk who treats Ella bad and I just couldn't wait till he got knocked off his pedestal. His character frustrated me. Can Ella be the bigger woman and forgive the guys for ruining her life when her revenge plans start to go haywire? Find out in this bully reverse harem "Spite" by Candace Wondrak today. I do have to admit, it was nice to see the girl in control for once as most of the bully books have the female character being bullied.
June 2, 2019
Amazing!
Wow then book was something else. It was most definitely not your normal bully book but I loved it all the same! Such a good storyline!Things with Christian towards the end seemed a bit rush and at time I got a little confused but other than that I loved the mean behind this book. I can honestly say I was nervous as all get out towards the end because I wasn't sure what to expect but what I got was so much better! Even though this was read as a standalone I can't help but hope there is another book with everyone in a college setting. I'd love to read more in depth of their relationship! This was the first book I have read by Candice but it sure won't be my last!
Wow then book was something else. It was most definitely not your normal bully book but I loved it all the same! Such a good storyline!Things with Christian towards the end seemed a bit rush and at time I got a little confused but other than that I loved the mean behind this book. I can honestly say I was nervous as all get out towards the end because I wasn't sure what to expect but what I got was so much better! Even though this was read as a standalone I can't help but hope there is another book with everyone in a college setting. I'd love to read more in depth of their relationship! This was the first book I have read by Candice but it sure won't be my last!
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November 25, 2022
I’m confused
So very confused. I went into this thinking that was gonna be a dark bully romance with a reverse harem.
That’s actually not what I got, some what.
Let me explain. First the bullying happened in the past and it did lead to a very traumatic experience for our heroine. So she is plotting revenge on the three boys that led to this tragic experience.
But the revenge isn’t dark. There is no bullying in the present storyline. The reverse harem doesn’t happen until the last couple of pages.
I’m just very disappointed in the overall read. And I actually what all it false advertisement!
So very confused. I went into this thinking that was gonna be a dark bully romance with a reverse harem.
That’s actually not what I got, some what.
Let me explain. First the bullying happened in the past and it did lead to a very traumatic experience for our heroine. So she is plotting revenge on the three boys that led to this tragic experience.
But the revenge isn’t dark. There is no bullying in the present storyline. The reverse harem doesn’t happen until the last couple of pages.
I’m just very disappointed in the overall read. And I actually what all it false advertisement!
September 2, 2019
Not your average bully
This was definitely different in the bully RH department. I loved how the heroine in this book eventually took the high road, but I didn't care too much for her attitude getting there. I loved that the author didn't fell into trap of repeating cliche's, which I was afraid of for just a moment. While I really liked this book, I didn't give it a 5 star rating because I was a little bit disappointed in the overall development of the plot. I wanted to read more about these characters and it was over too soon. I would've loved spending more time with them because the author made me fell in love with them, only to have a very rushed ending (at least, that's what it felt like for me)
This was definitely different in the bully RH department. I loved how the heroine in this book eventually took the high road, but I didn't care too much for her attitude getting there. I loved that the author didn't fell into trap of repeating cliche's, which I was afraid of for just a moment. While I really liked this book, I didn't give it a 5 star rating because I was a little bit disappointed in the overall development of the plot. I wanted to read more about these characters and it was over too soon. I would've loved spending more time with them because the author made me fell in love with them, only to have a very rushed ending (at least, that's what it felt like for me)
May 27, 2019
This story was epic! It completely captured my attention within the first chapter and just drew me in from there. The whole story line makes you completely immerse yourself into the characters world and makes you live her life story right along with her, all the hurt, heartache, love and tears she experiences, you are right there with her living her tale. The way the story is told it completely captivates you and makes it, so you don’t want to put the book down until you are done. The personalities of all the characters really makes them jump off the page, making it amazing for visualising and putting you right there in the story. The story of a heart break which turns in to a beautiful romance is so well told it will forever be stuck in my mind because it really was epic. Another fantastic story from Candace, I couldn’t recommend this book enough it really is brilliant.
May 16, 2021
DNF 37%
After having this book on my TBR for a while, I wanted to give it a try, but unfortunately it was a DNF for me.
I wasn't pulled into the story, and although the author tried to make the readers see the pain that the main character went through, for me she wasn't successful.
After having this book on my TBR for a while, I wanted to give it a try, but unfortunately it was a DNF for me.
I wasn't pulled into the story, and although the author tried to make the readers see the pain that the main character went through, for me she wasn't successful.
June 7, 2019
If you are into the bully romance trend, like me, then I am sure you are interested in Spite. I do not like giving spoilers, I always say it is best to go in not knowing what is going to happen. That being said, I will reveal that we have our female lead, who was bullied and tried to take her life. She vows vengeance on the boys, 6 years later she sets out to get her plan in action. But can she really follow through with what she has learned. That people change.
Spite is not one of the hard core Bully Romnaces i have read, but it is really good, discusses serious subjects and does it tastefully.
Spite is not one of the hard core Bully Romnaces i have read, but it is really good, discusses serious subjects and does it tastefully.
January 3, 2022
this trope could be so good but why are the men always a bunch of pussies boooooooo
January 18, 2023
It's not often I read a standalone bully book... Nor one with a sweet ending!
I think this book truly deals with the horror side of bullying when it gets so bad the bullied tries to do the unthinkable. Alot of the "bully" trope out there doesn't go with this level of mental/Emotional trauma, but rather a different level that's more readable and not so heartbreaking. This book deals with what they don't.
That's what happens to Elle. Bullied by Christian, Xander and Alec for years while having problems at home, she feels the only solution is to.. not be here.
She moves away with her mum and learns to live, to make friends, and has therapy. Her mum sadly has cancer that takes her away from Elle, just as she turns 18. Making her have to return to her father and his new wife (the woman he cheated with), and finish senior year at the same high school as her bullies.
She makes a plan to break them. So filled with anger and hate she feels no forgiveness..... But as the days go by and she works thru her plan and gets to know each boy - she discovers they're not what she expected. They've changed too.
Xander shares similar external scars to her, Alec is filled with remorse, Christian was stubborn tho....
The ending is so sweet. I saw in a review someone didn't finish it because there was m/m in it? There was no swords crossing or even major making out by the two boys. There was only 2 sex scenes and one oral so it's not exactly steamy! It was more about the emotional side of the relationships.
It wasn't what I was expecting. There was a lot of things that hit very close to home that I guess means the book is doing its job! I'm glad it was a standalone. I read it without any skim reading, I think the author has done great research into this as all if it was very well written.
TW: evidence of suicide attempt, evidence of self harm, severe bully/name calling, parent dying/finding body
I'm heading off to read to read a very different series of hers about serial killers now.... Not so clean as this...!!!
I think this book truly deals with the horror side of bullying when it gets so bad the bullied tries to do the unthinkable. Alot of the "bully" trope out there doesn't go with this level of mental/Emotional trauma, but rather a different level that's more readable and not so heartbreaking. This book deals with what they don't.
That's what happens to Elle. Bullied by Christian, Xander and Alec for years while having problems at home, she feels the only solution is to.. not be here.
She moves away with her mum and learns to live, to make friends, and has therapy. Her mum sadly has cancer that takes her away from Elle, just as she turns 18. Making her have to return to her father and his new wife (the woman he cheated with), and finish senior year at the same high school as her bullies.
She makes a plan to break them. So filled with anger and hate she feels no forgiveness..... But as the days go by and she works thru her plan and gets to know each boy - she discovers they're not what she expected. They've changed too.
Xander shares similar external scars to her, Alec is filled with remorse, Christian was stubborn tho....
The ending is so sweet. I saw in a review someone didn't finish it because there was m/m in it? There was no swords crossing or even major making out by the two boys. There was only 2 sex scenes and one oral so it's not exactly steamy! It was more about the emotional side of the relationships.
It wasn't what I was expecting. There was a lot of things that hit very close to home that I guess means the book is doing its job! I'm glad it was a standalone. I read it without any skim reading, I think the author has done great research into this as all if it was very well written.
TW: evidence of suicide attempt, evidence of self harm, severe bully/name calling, parent dying/finding body
I'm heading off to read to read a very different series of hers about serial killers now.... Not so clean as this...!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2022
This wasn’t like any Bully, Why Choose Romance I’ve ever read before...
Elle was bullied by Christian, Alec and Xander when they were all kids. Their bullying was just the cherry on top of the shit that Elle was going through and it pushed her to the point of trying to end her life… Years past and she returned to her old school with vengeance as her plan. She wanted to destroy the boys that destroyed her. But that plan would only make her just as bad as them. It would make her steep down to their level. She was better than them. While planning to get close to them and destroy them she realised they had changed, they wasn’t the kids they used to be and they too had dark secrets…
Xander’s secret broke my heart, I couldn’t stop crying. His secret tied with Alec and it tore me to pieces. Both boys deserve so much love.
Christian really did need to be taken down a few pegs, I wanted to strangle him and kiss him at the same time!! Healthy, I know 🤣
With time Elle learned that regardless of the past, regardless of how hurt and angry she was, she needed to let go and forgive. This isn’t just a story about having bullies and going through shit as a teenager, this is about learning to find peace and to let go of all of that anger. It’s about learning to move on from the past and to not let it have any hold over you anymore. It is hard, it takes time and it will hurt. As someone who has experienced very similar things e.g bullying and trying to commit suicide, letting go of all of that pain and anger was the best thing I ever did, I still have days where it hurts but I’ve found peace after so many years of having anger and pain eat away at me…
I loved this story and I connected with each and every one of the characters. As soon as I finished it, I wanted more. I want to know their future and what happens next! I need more 🥹
Elle was bullied by Christian, Alec and Xander when they were all kids. Their bullying was just the cherry on top of the shit that Elle was going through and it pushed her to the point of trying to end her life… Years past and she returned to her old school with vengeance as her plan. She wanted to destroy the boys that destroyed her. But that plan would only make her just as bad as them. It would make her steep down to their level. She was better than them. While planning to get close to them and destroy them she realised they had changed, they wasn’t the kids they used to be and they too had dark secrets…
Xander’s secret broke my heart, I couldn’t stop crying. His secret tied with Alec and it tore me to pieces. Both boys deserve so much love.
Christian really did need to be taken down a few pegs, I wanted to strangle him and kiss him at the same time!! Healthy, I know 🤣
With time Elle learned that regardless of the past, regardless of how hurt and angry she was, she needed to let go and forgive. This isn’t just a story about having bullies and going through shit as a teenager, this is about learning to find peace and to let go of all of that anger. It’s about learning to move on from the past and to not let it have any hold over you anymore. It is hard, it takes time and it will hurt. As someone who has experienced very similar things e.g bullying and trying to commit suicide, letting go of all of that pain and anger was the best thing I ever did, I still have days where it hurts but I’ve found peace after so many years of having anger and pain eat away at me…
I loved this story and I connected with each and every one of the characters. As soon as I finished it, I wanted more. I want to know their future and what happens next! I need more 🥹
June 6, 2019
Forgiveness
What an amazing book. I was a little hesitant because all of the bullying was in the past and you didn’t get the full picture of what happened prior to her coming back but Candace did a great job of filling in the blanks.
Elle was a spiteful girl for sure! Being bullied and pushed toward ending your life is not an easy subject to read. The turmoil this girl went through as a child was horrible. I felt so bad for her that she had no one. Her father was lost in his own world, her mother was an alcoholic at first, and school was not an escape from home life. The way you watch Elle grow throughout the book was amazing. She was a badass at the beginning. She knew what she was coming back to and knew what she wanted to do. Throughout the book you watch her evolve into a different person, one who can be liked by all and is easy to love.
Alec was so cheesy and easygoing. Although he wasn’t as forceful in his bullying towards Elle, he still stood by and watched it occur. He was the easiest to like in the book I believe.
Xander was a dark shadow of a man in need of a lot of love from Elle. His story development was almost as touching as Elle’s. I enjoyed reading him come out of his shell and emerge as a confident young man.
Christian was a sore spot for me. I found it hard to like him (which I’m sure is what the author wanted) and even harder to accept after everything was done. If I had it my way, I probably would have left him out of the HEA.
This story, at times, was hard to read. The emotions poured into the book will be felt by all. I was glad to be able to get the after effects of bullying and the healing that was able to come from it. This was a great first read from Candace Wondrak.
What an amazing book. I was a little hesitant because all of the bullying was in the past and you didn’t get the full picture of what happened prior to her coming back but Candace did a great job of filling in the blanks.
Elle was a spiteful girl for sure! Being bullied and pushed toward ending your life is not an easy subject to read. The turmoil this girl went through as a child was horrible. I felt so bad for her that she had no one. Her father was lost in his own world, her mother was an alcoholic at first, and school was not an escape from home life. The way you watch Elle grow throughout the book was amazing. She was a badass at the beginning. She knew what she was coming back to and knew what she wanted to do. Throughout the book you watch her evolve into a different person, one who can be liked by all and is easy to love.
Alec was so cheesy and easygoing. Although he wasn’t as forceful in his bullying towards Elle, he still stood by and watched it occur. He was the easiest to like in the book I believe.
Xander was a dark shadow of a man in need of a lot of love from Elle. His story development was almost as touching as Elle’s. I enjoyed reading him come out of his shell and emerge as a confident young man.
Christian was a sore spot for me. I found it hard to like him (which I’m sure is what the author wanted) and even harder to accept after everything was done. If I had it my way, I probably would have left him out of the HEA.
This story, at times, was hard to read. The emotions poured into the book will be felt by all. I was glad to be able to get the after effects of bullying and the healing that was able to come from it. This was a great first read from Candace Wondrak.
June 16, 2019
You guys, this book took me for a spin. It was not what I was expecting at all, but I enjoyed it!
The story follows Elle on her return to river high, and having to face the three boys that made life a living hell for her in her early school years (up to sixth year). The story gives us the background via flashbacks throughout the book, rather than revisiting it all via inner monologue, which I enjoy. I find I can get more into a flash back than the main character rambling on in their own head.
This book is deemed a bully book, but it’s very, very, very limited. We get bits and pieces of the bullying from the early stages in life, but the book mainly focuses on Elle and her revenge plot and road to forgiveness. I find that it’s a different kind of bully book, as we don’t really have any real time bullying, it’s all your “standard” (used lightly) young kid bullying and the unfortunate horrible consequences. But we then see our main character Elle has bounced back as a stronger more determined character.
Overall I enjoyed most of this book. I enjoyed Elle and her personality and I enjoyed reading her inner thoughts and sarcastic wit, to me, it jumped too quickly from hate to forgiveness - but maybe I’m a petty grudge holding bitch 🤷♀️
Overall guys I really enjoyed this! It was a nice light read compared to most other bully books out there, but it still had those bully components we all like to read!
The story follows Elle on her return to river high, and having to face the three boys that made life a living hell for her in her early school years (up to sixth year). The story gives us the background via flashbacks throughout the book, rather than revisiting it all via inner monologue, which I enjoy. I find I can get more into a flash back than the main character rambling on in their own head.
This book is deemed a bully book, but it’s very, very, very limited. We get bits and pieces of the bullying from the early stages in life, but the book mainly focuses on Elle and her revenge plot and road to forgiveness. I find that it’s a different kind of bully book, as we don’t really have any real time bullying, it’s all your “standard” (used lightly) young kid bullying and the unfortunate horrible consequences. But we then see our main character Elle has bounced back as a stronger more determined character.
Overall I enjoyed most of this book. I enjoyed Elle and her personality and I enjoyed reading her inner thoughts and sarcastic wit, to me, it jumped too quickly from hate to forgiveness - but maybe I’m a petty grudge holding bitch 🤷♀️
Overall guys I really enjoyed this! It was a nice light read compared to most other bully books out there, but it still had those bully components we all like to read!
June 24, 2019
Every little thing is gonna be alright.
This book has an interesting build and flow. The anxiety and paranoia it breeds always leads to something entirely less bad than it would lead you to believe. Like the soothing rub of a lover’s palm after connecting firmly with your butt cheek. You suffer through what feels like pain momentarily, but is always balming in the end.
I’d say that, based off of the blurb and the first chapter, it’s honestly pretty obvious everything that’s going to happen. BUT. Knowing the destination doesn’t make the ride any less fun, and this ride was well-written, engaging, smoothly paced, and believable. It also helps to have that soothing after each anxious crest to keep you interested and not overly stressed-out.
Also, in case you’re curious, there is hanky-panky and these are high school students, but they’re all explicitly mentioned to be over 18 on multiple occasions. And all the hanky is absolutely consensual. And because I can’t remember if this is mentioned, given that this is a bully romance there is absolutely mention of bullying. Infidelity of non-main characters and self harm/suicide/depression are HEAVILY themed in this book. But I think it’s an honest story that doesn’t use these things as cheap tricks but actually really works through them. These topics need to be discussed with respect and I believe they were, here.
This book has an interesting build and flow. The anxiety and paranoia it breeds always leads to something entirely less bad than it would lead you to believe. Like the soothing rub of a lover’s palm after connecting firmly with your butt cheek. You suffer through what feels like pain momentarily, but is always balming in the end.
I’d say that, based off of the blurb and the first chapter, it’s honestly pretty obvious everything that’s going to happen. BUT. Knowing the destination doesn’t make the ride any less fun, and this ride was well-written, engaging, smoothly paced, and believable. It also helps to have that soothing after each anxious crest to keep you interested and not overly stressed-out.
Also, in case you’re curious, there is hanky-panky and these are high school students, but they’re all explicitly mentioned to be over 18 on multiple occasions. And all the hanky is absolutely consensual. And because I can’t remember if this is mentioned, given that this is a bully romance there is absolutely mention of bullying. Infidelity of non-main characters and self harm/suicide/depression are HEAVILY themed in this book. But I think it’s an honest story that doesn’t use these things as cheap tricks but actually really works through them. These topics need to be discussed with respect and I believe they were, here.
June 1, 2019
Popped my bully cherry
This was my first “Bully” romance novel and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know if I would like it or just be heartbroken throughout the whole thing. I actually found myself enjoying this book. I liked the plot and storyline involving Elle and her 3 bullies from 6 years ago. The whole idea of redemption and forgiveness in this bully romance is what made me like it. Maybe that is the whole concept behind the idea of bully romances so I may have to read more to test my theory out.
I am glad Elle choose to do what she did at the dance. She was the bigger person and it showed a great amount of maturity for her age. I am also relieved to read about Xander, Alec, and Christian’s reactions to her scheme at the dance. (Sorry if this all seems vague but I don’t like to leave spoilers 🤷🏻♀️)
Overall it was a good read and I would like to think this was a great book to be introduced into the sub-genre of Bully Romance.
This was my first “Bully” romance novel and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know if I would like it or just be heartbroken throughout the whole thing. I actually found myself enjoying this book. I liked the plot and storyline involving Elle and her 3 bullies from 6 years ago. The whole idea of redemption and forgiveness in this bully romance is what made me like it. Maybe that is the whole concept behind the idea of bully romances so I may have to read more to test my theory out.
I am glad Elle choose to do what she did at the dance. She was the bigger person and it showed a great amount of maturity for her age. I am also relieved to read about Xander, Alec, and Christian’s reactions to her scheme at the dance. (Sorry if this all seems vague but I don’t like to leave spoilers 🤷🏻♀️)
Overall it was a good read and I would like to think this was a great book to be introduced into the sub-genre of Bully Romance.
March 27, 2025
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
This book is tagged as MF romance and many of the reviews are claiming MF romance which are all lies.
2 (Alec and Xander) of the MLs dated each other during middle school before breaking up, because 1 ML (Alec) was embarrassed of being bi. But they later reconcile with a kiss (from a dare by the FL), and their relationship isn't explicitly shown after that.
However, it is heavily implied they end up getting back together, because in the epilouge they share a deep stare and the FL talks about how she loves seeing them together (even stating that "there are some things only men could do").
It's okay if people like mm, I have no problem with people who write it or like it. I just don't like the dishonesty and lies because why lie about content that's in the book? That's only going to lead readers into having trust issues. Authors need to be transparent about their work and the content that is in their stories, there should be no lying involved.
This book is tagged as MF romance and many of the reviews are claiming MF romance which are all lies.
2 (Alec and Xander) of the MLs dated each other during middle school before breaking up, because 1 ML (Alec) was embarrassed of being bi. But they later reconcile with a kiss (from a dare by the FL), and their relationship isn't explicitly shown after that.
However, it is heavily implied they end up getting back together, because in the epilouge they share a deep stare and the FL talks about how she loves seeing them together (even stating that "there are some things only men could do").
It's okay if people like mm, I have no problem with people who write it or like it. I just don't like the dishonesty and lies because why lie about content that's in the book? That's only going to lead readers into having trust issues. Authors need to be transparent about their work and the content that is in their stories, there should be no lying involved.
May 28, 2019
i just love candace wondrak books and this was another great read loved it. we meet Ella Payne who went to school at River high and was bulled by three boys Alec , Xander an christian who she called the dick squad they made her life hell for years an while this was happening Elle caught her dad having an affair,she felt like her life was falling apart and she tried to kill herself because of what was happening.she was away for six years when her mum passed away and she had to return to her old high school but she had a plan to get revenge on the dick squad. i was completely taken with the charters and the story line it was a really page turner and it ended better than i thought it was going to it was a very griping story line and you really felt for Elle and every think she went through.
June 21, 2019
4 stars for Spite by Candace Wondrak. This is a Reverse Harem Bully romance. Elle recently had to move back to the one place she never wanted to go again. A place that took her to the edge when she was 12 years old. She is back living with her father and his new wife and has to go to school with the Dick Squad who tortured her until she tried to take her own life when she was younger. Now with a plot to get revenge on Christian, Alec and Xander she enters the high school ready, or so she thinks.” I came with drama, baggage, and heapings of spite.”
The more she learns about these three the more she is having trouble with her original plan . Can she really get revenge on these three or will she possibly be able to forgive them. This book may have some triggers for some , but it was a great read. It is a standalone, and does not end with a cliffhanger. It is a great short read.
The more she learns about these three the more she is having trouble with her original plan . Can she really get revenge on these three or will she possibly be able to forgive them. This book may have some triggers for some , but it was a great read. It is a standalone, and does not end with a cliffhanger. It is a great short read.
June 23, 2019
Spite was my first Candace Wondrak read and it honestly wasn't bad. Bully romances aren't something I dabble in and while I'm aware this book isn't the typical bully romance I have to say, it was a good introduction. Now, I have to admit that Elle may have been one of my least favorite characters in the story. She was somewhat justified in wanting to get back at the three guys who bullied her I have to admit that I found myself wishing she'd just grow up and forgive or at the very least just grow up period. The ending was satisfying though and while I found the ending satisfying I do wish that they guys had been more fleshed out than they were. Georgia though was my favorite and if she did get her own book I wouldn't complain at all. She deserves a harem of her own and all the happiness in the world.
March 14, 2022
3.75/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶
(Check triggers: Self harm and suicide attempt)
FMC: Elle
MMC: Alec, Xander & Christian
Single POV
This might be a great book for someone who has never read a reverse harem and wants to dip their toes in 😂 So do not go into this book thinking it's focus is RH!! It has very minimal 🌶 and NOT what I'm personally used to as far as RH activities go (if you know what I mean ��) It was more about her road to forgiveness than anything else.
The beginning of this book really drew me in regards to the past bully, her previous trauma and her need for revenge. But as the book went on I could see the focus shift and something was a miss for me overall. I also honestly at one point didn't understand how the RH aspect was going to come into play. It does eventually get there but it is no way shape or form a hard-core RH book.
1.5/5 🌶
(Check triggers: Self harm and suicide attempt)
FMC: Elle
MMC: Alec, Xander & Christian
Single POV
This might be a great book for someone who has never read a reverse harem and wants to dip their toes in 😂 So do not go into this book thinking it's focus is RH!! It has very minimal 🌶 and NOT what I'm personally used to as far as RH activities go (if you know what I mean ��) It was more about her road to forgiveness than anything else.
The beginning of this book really drew me in regards to the past bully, her previous trauma and her need for revenge. But as the book went on I could see the focus shift and something was a miss for me overall. I also honestly at one point didn't understand how the RH aspect was going to come into play. It does eventually get there but it is no way shape or form a hard-core RH book.
June 22, 2019
Not your typical Bully RH story!
This is the first book I've read from MS. Wondrak & it was amazing. Her characters are well written & the story is a little different from a regular Bully RH & it's lika a rollercoaster ride!
It makes you feel anger for all Elle went through at such an early age, disgust at the actions all the other characters did, sadness for the emotional toll she paid, empathy for how much she suffered & her need for payback & gratefulness for how she knew deep inside what will make her whole again.
It was incredible how Ms. Wondrak takes you in a journey of Elle's self-discovery & forgiveness that leaves your heart feeling happy & light.
LLLLOOOOVVVVEEEEDDD IT!
This is the first book I've read from MS. Wondrak & it was amazing. Her characters are well written & the story is a little different from a regular Bully RH & it's lika a rollercoaster ride!
It makes you feel anger for all Elle went through at such an early age, disgust at the actions all the other characters did, sadness for the emotional toll she paid, empathy for how much she suffered & her need for payback & gratefulness for how she knew deep inside what will make her whole again.
It was incredible how Ms. Wondrak takes you in a journey of Elle's self-discovery & forgiveness that leaves your heart feeling happy & light.
LLLLOOOOVVVVEEEEDDD IT!
August 18, 2020
It's time for payback! Or is it?
I enjoyed reading Spite by Candace Wondrak. The characters were easily relatable with thoughts and feelings that I could empathize. I do wish that some of the time that was glossed over would have shared more experiences between the main character and the members of her reverse harem. I'd liked to have read about scenes between Elle and Christian in their chemistry class like the few scenes with Xander in the photography class. Other than wanting more of their experiences leading up to Snowball, I thought Candace Wondrak did a great job with a standalone bully romance and I recommend anyone looking for something in this trope to read Spite.
I enjoyed reading Spite by Candace Wondrak. The characters were easily relatable with thoughts and feelings that I could empathize. I do wish that some of the time that was glossed over would have shared more experiences between the main character and the members of her reverse harem. I'd liked to have read about scenes between Elle and Christian in their chemistry class like the few scenes with Xander in the photography class. Other than wanting more of their experiences leading up to Snowball, I thought Candace Wondrak did a great job with a standalone bully romance and I recommend anyone looking for something in this trope to read Spite.
Read
July 23, 2019***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Wow! This book was amazing. First of all this was my first bully romance book and I enjoyed it. Second, I love, love, love how Candace wrote this book. The story-line is just amazing.
This book follows Elle and her journey back to River High where she was bullied by these 3 guys. So much to the point she needed to leave the school. Now she is back and have quite the revenge agenda. Only thing is her heart might not be on the same track as her plans.
This was a great book by Candace Wondrak! If you have not grabbed your copy, I suggest you go get it now!
Wow! This book was amazing. First of all this was my first bully romance book and I enjoyed it. Second, I love, love, love how Candace wrote this book. The story-line is just amazing.
This book follows Elle and her journey back to River High where she was bullied by these 3 guys. So much to the point she needed to leave the school. Now she is back and have quite the revenge agenda. Only thing is her heart might not be on the same track as her plans.
This was a great book by Candace Wondrak! If you have not grabbed your copy, I suggest you go get it now!
June 7, 2019
Am going to give this 2 stars because i have mixed feelings about this book some of it i liked and some i didnt
You have a very lonely and sad girl who had things stacked against her and she because depressed and tried to end it all
You have the top bully christian who was an ass but she still felt for him
Then the second bully xander with the mean eyes and laugh
Then the last one alec who just didn't speak up to the bullying
There was abit to the story but it felt rushed to me while i was reading it i didnt want to finnish it but i did anyway cant theres a few things i dont like.
You have a very lonely and sad girl who had things stacked against her and she because depressed and tried to end it all
You have the top bully christian who was an ass but she still felt for him
Then the second bully xander with the mean eyes and laugh
Then the last one alec who just didn't speak up to the bullying
There was abit to the story but it felt rushed to me while i was reading it i didnt want to finnish it but i did anyway cant theres a few things i dont like.
December 8, 2020
Overcoming bullying
This was a great book and a real eye opener on how bullying affects people. You did a great job and man that low point when she had decided an attempt, you had me ugly crying! I loved seeing Elle mature over the book and finally letting go of the past and forgiving them was a powerful statement. Not many can do that! Even more, I was glad that they finally apologized to her and that they were able to create a great relationship in the end! I love this book!
This was a great book and a real eye opener on how bullying affects people. You did a great job and man that low point when she had decided an attempt, you had me ugly crying! I loved seeing Elle mature over the book and finally letting go of the past and forgiving them was a powerful statement. Not many can do that! Even more, I was glad that they finally apologized to her and that they were able to create a great relationship in the end! I love this book!
July 3, 2021
Not my favorite in the genre because it reads a bit younger than others, but would be good for a younger reader or someone just starting out. Not the most detailed in general. Poorly thought out plan for revenge, not really needed in the end. Ranked higher because it could be good if people want something basic and easy.
Also not really any bullying in this book. Bullying was alluded to in the past, but very tame bullying stuff, books thrown etc. Some harsh words which led to a suicide attempt. This could be triggering for someone. But overall very mild for the genre.
Also not really any bullying in this book. Bullying was alluded to in the past, but very tame bullying stuff, books thrown etc. Some harsh words which led to a suicide attempt. This could be triggering for someone. But overall very mild for the genre.
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