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Sapphire Bay High #1
Break Me
My name is Winter, and I’m severely depressed.
A traumatic incident changed my life forever.
I numbed myself the only way I knew how – with boys, booze, and drugs.
After a truly epic bender, and my mom caught me red-handed.
She sent me to live with my grandma in Sapphire Bay.
Without any say, I packed my bags and left…
Within months, I began rebuilding the life I’ve always wanted.
Happiness, friendship, and acceptance became the norm for me.
But then, everything changed when I met the Alec, Samuel, and Owen.
The 3 most popular boys in school made me question my sobriety, and now I’m in too deep…
Will I make it to see graduation, or will Sapphire Bay High eat me alive?
(Note to readers: This is the first book of the Sapphire Bay High series. It is a dark teen bully romance that contains sex, drug use, bullying, and other triggering events. Each book takes place in Sapphire Bay, and can be read in any order.17+ is advised.)
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2019
214 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Martin
11 books166 followersNaomi Martin is a dark romance author and reverse harem junkie. She enjoys writing bully themed novels and triggering story lines, while still maintaining strong female leads. At the moment, she is voraciously writing her dark reverse harem high school bully romance series, Sapphire Bay High, and is also working on a TOP-SECRET side project that has yet to be announced.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 21, 2020
1.5 ⭐️
The blurb must have been from a draft version of this book because it doesn’t actually convey what the book is about nor does it have the right names of the character. I found 3 different versions of the blurb between GR, Amazon, and Bookfunnel... none of which seems to be correct. Additionally this is not a bully romance or a RH book. She is never bullied and only dates Owen, despite the fact that the beginning of the book makes it seem like Asher would me the male lead.
There were SO MANY issues with the main character. She was a complete disloyal bitch. Within one of the first few chapters she states “I am nothing if not loyal to my friends” but she didn’t do one loyal thing throughout the entire book. She had Bonnie who was her best friend, yet she then becomes friends with the people who hate Bonnie and did some awful things to her and she just used the “well they never did anything to me” excuse. She then sees what she thinks is her bf cheating on her but instead of questioning him about it she goes and sleeps with his best friend within about 20 minutes. This best friend is also the same person that completely humiliated Bonnie and never really made amends with her. She then says horrible things to Bonnie when Bonnie gets upset with the way she has been acting and the fact that she slept with Asher.
There was mention about her having an issue with drugs/alcohol/and sex after losing her dad and gma in a short amount of time, and she says she wants to get back on the right track, but when her popular friend (Olivia) takes her to a club she dresses like a 12 year old and then is shocked that there is “real vodka” in the drinks. She also continues to hang out with Olivia and go to the club despite being basically a recovering addict and the club being full of drugs/alcohol/and sex.
She was also totally boy crazy. She literally turns into a giddy school girl whenever Owen or Asher are around. And she keeps saying how nothing would ever get serious with either of them and how she’s not just going to drop her panties for them... BUT then she sleeps with Owen in their first date, on a blanket out in the open, after he took her to a local make out spot (real romantic and shows he cares), without a condom. From the way the story is written it appears that it’s the very next night that she sees him flirting with another girl at the club and then immediately sleeps with Asher in his car, again without a condom. And she’s pissed because her “boyfriend” “cheated” on her... they went on ONE date! But of course he forgives her for fucking his best friend and making him look like a fool.
She was also just so stupid about what was going on at the club. Instead of going to the cops with what she saw she decides to investigate it herself, even after she sees what’s going on with her own eyes! And then when she goes to Bonnie, despite all of the awful things that she said, they just sweep it under the rug?!?
On top of this, there were a number of other issues that had me either rolling my eyes or saying “are you fucking kidding me?!” There was no real character building, no descriptions of the world around them, no background accept a few tidbits, and no real depth to the story.
While the generally plot of this book could have made for a great story, it was poorly executed. It seemed like there were multiple versions of this story (at least from the blurbs, if not from the inconsistencies in the book) and instead of fleshing out one story, the author just threw it together quickly to get it out there.
The blurb must have been from a draft version of this book because it doesn’t actually convey what the book is about nor does it have the right names of the character. I found 3 different versions of the blurb between GR, Amazon, and Bookfunnel... none of which seems to be correct. Additionally this is not a bully romance or a RH book. She is never bullied and only dates Owen, despite the fact that the beginning of the book makes it seem like Asher would me the male lead.
There were SO MANY issues with the main character. She was a complete disloyal bitch. Within one of the first few chapters she states “I am nothing if not loyal to my friends” but she didn’t do one loyal thing throughout the entire book. She had Bonnie who was her best friend, yet she then becomes friends with the people who hate Bonnie and did some awful things to her and she just used the “well they never did anything to me” excuse. She then sees what she thinks is her bf cheating on her but instead of questioning him about it she goes and sleeps with his best friend within about 20 minutes. This best friend is also the same person that completely humiliated Bonnie and never really made amends with her. She then says horrible things to Bonnie when Bonnie gets upset with the way she has been acting and the fact that she slept with Asher.
There was mention about her having an issue with drugs/alcohol/and sex after losing her dad and gma in a short amount of time, and she says she wants to get back on the right track, but when her popular friend (Olivia) takes her to a club she dresses like a 12 year old and then is shocked that there is “real vodka” in the drinks. She also continues to hang out with Olivia and go to the club despite being basically a recovering addict and the club being full of drugs/alcohol/and sex.
She was also totally boy crazy. She literally turns into a giddy school girl whenever Owen or Asher are around. And she keeps saying how nothing would ever get serious with either of them and how she’s not just going to drop her panties for them... BUT then she sleeps with Owen in their first date, on a blanket out in the open, after he took her to a local make out spot (real romantic and shows he cares), without a condom. From the way the story is written it appears that it’s the very next night that she sees him flirting with another girl at the club and then immediately sleeps with Asher in his car, again without a condom. And she’s pissed because her “boyfriend” “cheated” on her... they went on ONE date! But of course he forgives her for fucking his best friend and making him look like a fool.
She was also just so stupid about what was going on at the club. Instead of going to the cops with what she saw she decides to investigate it herself, even after she sees what’s going on with her own eyes! And then when she goes to Bonnie, despite all of the awful things that she said, they just sweep it under the rug?!?
On top of this, there were a number of other issues that had me either rolling my eyes or saying “are you fucking kidding me?!” There was no real character building, no descriptions of the world around them, no background accept a few tidbits, and no real depth to the story.
While the generally plot of this book could have made for a great story, it was poorly executed. It seemed like there were multiple versions of this story (at least from the blurbs, if not from the inconsistencies in the book) and instead of fleshing out one story, the author just threw it together quickly to get it out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2020
With the number of bullymances at the moment, I have been using Kindle Unlimited to read some of them. Some have been good and others have been either DNF or average. Break Me starts with us meeting Winter who has just moved to Sapphire Bay High with her mother after something happened in their previous town and they are here for a fresh start. Winter, before the school year starts, meets Bonnie and the pair hit it off. When school starts though, Winter catches the eye of the popular kids - Olivia and her crew which include Samuel, Asher, and Owen. Bonnie becomes highly jealous of Winter as Asher humiliated her when she was just starting high school. I have to admit I didn't like Bonnie's attitude as she became a bit of a friendship Nazi and seemed very selfish and all about her. I thought her friendship towards Winter bordered on a possible girl crush on Winter as it felt just a tad too OTT. Winter tries to split her time between Olivia and Bonnie and soon starts dating Owen. Things seem to be going well until she sees him with another girl and jealously spikes and she sleeps with Asher. Things aren't feeling right with Winter so she follows Owen once again at the club and sees him along with the other's putting a girl into a truck - the next day that girl is declared missing? What is happening in Sapphire Bay? Is the club a hunting ground for females? I have to admit this particular series turned more from a bully romance into a sex trafficking novel for myself which is why I won't be continuing with the rest of the series.
February 18, 2020
After the death of her father and grandmother, Winter starts getting in a lot of trouble and her mother opts to move them to Sapphire Bay. She makes friends with Bonnie who will give her the lay of the land at school and who to stay away from, will she listen. Winter ends up getting wrapped up in much more than she bargained for will she make it out alive? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama, and suspense. The characters have lots of depth and the story plenty of twists and turns. I liked it.
March 25, 2020
This is the first book in the Sapphire Bay High Series. Lots of threes in this book -
Boys, booze and drugs
Happiness, friendship, and acceptance
Alec, Samuel, and Owen.
After the loss of her father and grandfather, Willow hit a rough patch. To give her a fresh start her mother sends her to live with her grandmother at Sapphire Bay. Not your typical romance this book is full of lots of bullying, sex, trafficking, booze and plenty of drama. A good start to the series. I received a complimentary book from the author and voluntarily chose to review.
Boys, booze and drugs
Happiness, friendship, and acceptance
Alec, Samuel, and Owen.
After the loss of her father and grandfather, Willow hit a rough patch. To give her a fresh start her mother sends her to live with her grandmother at Sapphire Bay. Not your typical romance this book is full of lots of bullying, sex, trafficking, booze and plenty of drama. A good start to the series. I received a complimentary book from the author and voluntarily chose to review.
December 13, 2019
i usually don't read this kind of book, but was given a copy for an honest review ... and it was a fabulous book! ... quick read, good characters, plot twist ... can't wait for the next
April 3, 2020
Hey guys!! It's REVIEW TIME!!
Book Name : Break Me
Author:
Blurb: Following the death of her father , Winter Keating changed from the goody two shoes to her high school's new bad girl. Boys, bad grades, alcohol and regretful early mornings became commonplace. All to numb the hurt of losing her dad . To save her from herself, Winter and her mother shifts to Sapphire Bay and gets enrolled in Sapphire Bay High. Determined to put the past behind her, she happily endured the weeks of happiness, sobriety and friendship until she meets Asher , Owen and Samuel, Sapphire Bay High's popular trio. And then suddenly everything is not perfect as it seems in her new place. It's much darker than she would've ever expected.
Review: I have to admit this was a peculiar and different read for me. Let's discuss why.
Cover and title: The cover was good and I can relate the girl in it to be Winter. One thing I would've changed is to make it a bit more less animated. Maybe like a realistic girl. I like the background of the school on the cover. The title was a bit confusing for me at the first. Because It was difficult for me to relate to the story. But eventually, I made out an assumption of how much hurdles , danger and distrust Winter has to go through in the book and how broken she ended up because of it.. (Author, please correct me if I'm wrong.)
Plot: Like I said, BREAK ME was a totally different type of read for me. And I'm happy to have ventured from my romance focused book to this one. It's because , this book has equal portions of love, betrayal, mystery, suspense and friendship. But aside from all these , there's one trait most of you might know I'm a sucker of, Unpredictability! The book was totally unpredictable for me such that even after I finished reading it, my mind was like, "no. I just read it wrong. It's really not like that." I would have add this to one of the successfully written unpredictable books. I thought the plot kept the reader in a state of grey. Neither revealing too much, nor keeping us in the dark. I would've however liked a bit more of plot and character detailing , also maybe some kind of shift from Winter's pov.
Characters:
Winter: She was the female protagonist and the narrator of the book. She's portrayed as a strong yet an easily distracted girl. One trait I liked of hers is how she has her own stand and could not be influenced by others. But I didn't like how she was slightly deviating to the things she did in her past. I just felt it was contradicting. Character development was great. Not too over the top.
Bonnie: Bonnie might not have been mentioned in the blurb, but I thought she was a pretty important character in the story. She was Winter's best friend. I really felt sympathetic for her at times. I liked how supportive she was of Winter in her times of need.
Asher , Owen and Samuel: I'm gonna speak about all of them together. Because if I venture into these boys seperately, I will most likely give out spoilers.🙈
Although their roles in the story were different, these three boys were the most mysterious characters in the story. Asher's and Owen's character development was good. But I can't the same for Samuel.
Overall a good fun and thrilling read.
Recommendation: Anyone who loves a short and mystery read must check it out.
Thanking the author for this wonderful book.
Book Name : Break Me
Author:
Blurb: Following the death of her father , Winter Keating changed from the goody two shoes to her high school's new bad girl. Boys, bad grades, alcohol and regretful early mornings became commonplace. All to numb the hurt of losing her dad . To save her from herself, Winter and her mother shifts to Sapphire Bay and gets enrolled in Sapphire Bay High. Determined to put the past behind her, she happily endured the weeks of happiness, sobriety and friendship until she meets Asher , Owen and Samuel, Sapphire Bay High's popular trio. And then suddenly everything is not perfect as it seems in her new place. It's much darker than she would've ever expected.
Review: I have to admit this was a peculiar and different read for me. Let's discuss why.
Cover and title: The cover was good and I can relate the girl in it to be Winter. One thing I would've changed is to make it a bit more less animated. Maybe like a realistic girl. I like the background of the school on the cover. The title was a bit confusing for me at the first. Because It was difficult for me to relate to the story. But eventually, I made out an assumption of how much hurdles , danger and distrust Winter has to go through in the book and how broken she ended up because of it.. (Author, please correct me if I'm wrong.)
Plot: Like I said, BREAK ME was a totally different type of read for me. And I'm happy to have ventured from my romance focused book to this one. It's because , this book has equal portions of love, betrayal, mystery, suspense and friendship. But aside from all these , there's one trait most of you might know I'm a sucker of, Unpredictability! The book was totally unpredictable for me such that even after I finished reading it, my mind was like, "no. I just read it wrong. It's really not like that." I would have add this to one of the successfully written unpredictable books. I thought the plot kept the reader in a state of grey. Neither revealing too much, nor keeping us in the dark. I would've however liked a bit more of plot and character detailing , also maybe some kind of shift from Winter's pov.
Characters:
Winter: She was the female protagonist and the narrator of the book. She's portrayed as a strong yet an easily distracted girl. One trait I liked of hers is how she has her own stand and could not be influenced by others. But I didn't like how she was slightly deviating to the things she did in her past. I just felt it was contradicting. Character development was great. Not too over the top.
Bonnie: Bonnie might not have been mentioned in the blurb, but I thought she was a pretty important character in the story. She was Winter's best friend. I really felt sympathetic for her at times. I liked how supportive she was of Winter in her times of need.
Asher , Owen and Samuel: I'm gonna speak about all of them together. Because if I venture into these boys seperately, I will most likely give out spoilers.🙈
Although their roles in the story were different, these three boys were the most mysterious characters in the story. Asher's and Owen's character development was good. But I can't the same for Samuel.
Overall a good fun and thrilling read.
Recommendation: Anyone who loves a short and mystery read must check it out.
Thanking the author for this wonderful book.
January 3, 2020
The Intentional Display of the Darkness of the Human Soul
Sometimes life doesn’t seem to know when one person has experienced enough pain.
Winter Keating has faced the pain of death when her father, an LA fireman, is killed on the job, doing what he was trained to do. His death spins his daughter into a downward spiral of bad choices involving boys, vandalism, alcohol, drugs and dropping grades.
After a year of pain, her mom and she move to her grandmother’s home in Sapphire Bay to start over, to hold tight to the good memories of the past, but to leave behind the destructive hurt and pain of loss. There, Winter can become who she wants to be. And that plan seems possible, as a new school year approaches, Winter makes the acquaintance of a local girl, Bonnie Wilkins, who offers friendship and the knowledge of the “lay of the land” of the local high school scene where beauty, especially physical, does not reflect the presence of inner beauty or kindness, and a bully can hide his beastliness behind his beauty.
Naomi Martin leads the reader into a dark world of adolescent cruelty and evil—but this novel goes far beyond high school bullying. What makes the story even more hideous is that the supposed innocence of youth is mingled with the depravity of sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. While we admire the heroine for her desire to turn the page on the poor decisions she made following the death of her father, we are disappointed when rather than focusing of her desire to improve, she is constantly thrown into the world of corrupting influences who claim to be friends. But their claims are intentionally deceitful. The heroine seems set up for abuse by fate, by the plot, by the author and certainly by the corrupting influences that are the focus of the novel. It has a “surviving for now ending,” but how can the heroine and the reader move past the events of the novel without therapy and counseling. The moral summary offered as solace in closing is that “even monsters can have one saving grace” as the novel ends with the love interest of the heroine “doing the right thing”. We see the absolute strength of the heroine, as well as poor choices and intentional blindness she displays, but is it really necessary to dive so deeply into the dark world of Sapphire Bay to prove her strength? What is gained by such a painful display of human suffering?
Naomi Martin asks much of her reader. She seems to set up her central character and the reader to experience emotional pain with no purpose or redeeming insight. This is not a satisfactory reading experience if one is looking for hope and optimism for the future. I did not realize that the title “Break Me” was intended to not only reflect on the condition of the central character, but also on the spirit of the reader. The novel is not “over” at the end. It has all the marking of a series continuing with the themes and characters in search of a plot, closure and mercy.
I received a free copy of this book via an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review, but I also have Kindle Unlimited, but I will not be accessing it again for a re-reading of this novel.
Sometimes life doesn’t seem to know when one person has experienced enough pain.
Winter Keating has faced the pain of death when her father, an LA fireman, is killed on the job, doing what he was trained to do. His death spins his daughter into a downward spiral of bad choices involving boys, vandalism, alcohol, drugs and dropping grades.
After a year of pain, her mom and she move to her grandmother’s home in Sapphire Bay to start over, to hold tight to the good memories of the past, but to leave behind the destructive hurt and pain of loss. There, Winter can become who she wants to be. And that plan seems possible, as a new school year approaches, Winter makes the acquaintance of a local girl, Bonnie Wilkins, who offers friendship and the knowledge of the “lay of the land” of the local high school scene where beauty, especially physical, does not reflect the presence of inner beauty or kindness, and a bully can hide his beastliness behind his beauty.
Naomi Martin leads the reader into a dark world of adolescent cruelty and evil—but this novel goes far beyond high school bullying. What makes the story even more hideous is that the supposed innocence of youth is mingled with the depravity of sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. While we admire the heroine for her desire to turn the page on the poor decisions she made following the death of her father, we are disappointed when rather than focusing of her desire to improve, she is constantly thrown into the world of corrupting influences who claim to be friends. But their claims are intentionally deceitful. The heroine seems set up for abuse by fate, by the plot, by the author and certainly by the corrupting influences that are the focus of the novel. It has a “surviving for now ending,” but how can the heroine and the reader move past the events of the novel without therapy and counseling. The moral summary offered as solace in closing is that “even monsters can have one saving grace” as the novel ends with the love interest of the heroine “doing the right thing”. We see the absolute strength of the heroine, as well as poor choices and intentional blindness she displays, but is it really necessary to dive so deeply into the dark world of Sapphire Bay to prove her strength? What is gained by such a painful display of human suffering?
Naomi Martin asks much of her reader. She seems to set up her central character and the reader to experience emotional pain with no purpose or redeeming insight. This is not a satisfactory reading experience if one is looking for hope and optimism for the future. I did not realize that the title “Break Me” was intended to not only reflect on the condition of the central character, but also on the spirit of the reader. The novel is not “over” at the end. It has all the marking of a series continuing with the themes and characters in search of a plot, closure and mercy.
I received a free copy of this book via an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review, but I also have Kindle Unlimited, but I will not be accessing it again for a re-reading of this novel.
January 12, 2020
Winter wants a new start. A new town, a new high school, and a new chance to make friends is right in front of her. Will her need to be something different lead her down the wrong path?
Winter has already come back from the dead end path. She took it after her father died. Boys, drugs, alcohol, and partying destroyed everything she had going for her. Now she is recovering from yet another familial death. Yet this death brings her mother and her new opportunities: a chance to start over.
Winter makes her first friend on her first jaunt out of the house. Success! Her first day in high school the cool clique notices her and invites her to lunch. Success! Unfortunately the two sets of friends do not get along and soon she is caught in the crossfire of school dynamics and friendship codes.
Then something far more sinister traps her in its web.
I had no clue where Naomi Martin where taking me in Break Me (B081Q1HRKJ, 2019) the first book in her “Sapphire Bay High” series, but now she can take me anywhere she wants to.
Holy sugar, this story is so good. When you are reading it you think that all of the drama of Winter’s life is in the past - so NOT. Crazy. Friendship drama and you get it and you are not sure who to side with. Then guy drama and once again, I do not know if I would not have done exactly what Winter does but...seriously damn (laugh). The scene just makes me laugh out loud.
Then the story it takes us to...this is where the holy sugar comes in. The story gets better. Martin is a Queen at springing stuff on you. I love you. This was awesome. I read this book in one sitting because “hello could not put it down”.
So let’s recap: drama, humor, maybe some slapping going on, I think I forgot to mention the really hot sex, and a mystery. Oh yeah, you totally need to read this. ✶✶✶✶✶
Winter has already come back from the dead end path. She took it after her father died. Boys, drugs, alcohol, and partying destroyed everything she had going for her. Now she is recovering from yet another familial death. Yet this death brings her mother and her new opportunities: a chance to start over.
Winter makes her first friend on her first jaunt out of the house. Success! Her first day in high school the cool clique notices her and invites her to lunch. Success! Unfortunately the two sets of friends do not get along and soon she is caught in the crossfire of school dynamics and friendship codes.
Then something far more sinister traps her in its web.
I had no clue where Naomi Martin where taking me in Break Me (B081Q1HRKJ, 2019) the first book in her “Sapphire Bay High” series, but now she can take me anywhere she wants to.
Holy sugar, this story is so good. When you are reading it you think that all of the drama of Winter’s life is in the past - so NOT. Crazy. Friendship drama and you get it and you are not sure who to side with. Then guy drama and once again, I do not know if I would not have done exactly what Winter does but...seriously damn (laugh). The scene just makes me laugh out loud.
Then the story it takes us to...this is where the holy sugar comes in. The story gets better. Martin is a Queen at springing stuff on you. I love you. This was awesome. I read this book in one sitting because “hello could not put it down”.
So let’s recap: drama, humor, maybe some slapping going on, I think I forgot to mention the really hot sex, and a mystery. Oh yeah, you totally need to read this. ✶✶✶✶✶
January 27, 2020
Winter went completely down the rabbit hole of sex,drugs and juvenile delinquency after her father death in LA she let grades drop had lots of underage sex and drank but when her grandmother died she and her mother move to a quiet town which turns out to have a huge underbelly of crime. Winter swears shes going to get on the straight and narrow but she ends up doing all those bad things again has sex with only two the three boys and that's not a reverse harem book that aside Winters complete lack of morality when it comes to her new friends which she was warned about by her friend Bonnie. And nought listening leads her into more trouble and none of the guys have any redeeming qualities except Owen and I'm not even sure he was much better then the other two. This book had suspense, human trafficking and some really awful people in it. I want to give it a 3 and half stars but its mostly because I couldn't find myself liking any of the characters except Bonnie and the confusion of the whole reverse harem and the total lack of a romance in the end but the author dose have talent in her writing the story was intriguing I just really hated everything about the guys and Winter but that's my personal issue so in the end I gave it a 4 stars because of the creative writing. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this story and this is my honest review.
January 1, 2020
My name is Winter, and I’m severely depressed.
A traumatic incident changed my life forever.
I numbed myself the only way I knew how – with boys, booze, and drugs.
After a truly epic bender, and my mom caught me red-handed.
She sent me to live with my grandma in Sapphire Bay.
Without any say, I packed my bags and left…
Within months, I began rebuilding the life I’ve always wanted.
Happiness, friendship, and acceptance became the norm for me.
But then, everything changed when I met the Alec, Samuel, and Owen.
The 3 most popular boys in school made me question my sobriety, and now I’m in too deep…
Will I make it to see graduation, or will Sapphire Bay High eat me alive?
What a brilliant start to this thrilling new series from the author.
Love the plot and story line and can't wait to see where the author takes it next.
The characters are well fleshed out and believeable.
Enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to seeing where we go on their adventures next.
I like the fact that the characters are not perfect and I was engaged with the story throughout.
Really looking forward to reading more of these.
Recommend reading!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
A traumatic incident changed my life forever.
I numbed myself the only way I knew how – with boys, booze, and drugs.
After a truly epic bender, and my mom caught me red-handed.
She sent me to live with my grandma in Sapphire Bay.
Without any say, I packed my bags and left…
Within months, I began rebuilding the life I’ve always wanted.
Happiness, friendship, and acceptance became the norm for me.
But then, everything changed when I met the Alec, Samuel, and Owen.
The 3 most popular boys in school made me question my sobriety, and now I’m in too deep…
Will I make it to see graduation, or will Sapphire Bay High eat me alive?
What a brilliant start to this thrilling new series from the author.
Love the plot and story line and can't wait to see where the author takes it next.
The characters are well fleshed out and believeable.
Enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to seeing where we go on their adventures next.
I like the fact that the characters are not perfect and I was engaged with the story throughout.
Really looking forward to reading more of these.
Recommend reading!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 6, 2020
Wow I did not expect anything like this before, it was a chilling read (not like horror chills) more like "omg what's gonna happen" the suspense was putting me on the edge on wanting to know more! It started out light-hearted to very dark mysterious secrets. There were funny witty banters with the characters with another but when things got serious, it made me have goosebumps and wondering what's going on. The romance was also to my liking, I really rooted for the obvious couple! I do have to say I wish the ending was different but it ended really well on how it should. I do want to say I thought some parts were cut short where I thought maybe could've been longer? Overall amazing book with a lesson or two to be learned and a very fun entertainment journey it was!!
With Winter going through some of the changes, I could empathize with her on some levels and felt myself in her shoes..I want mention there are quite a few trigger warnings; drug abuse and bullying. There's more to the warnings but that's spoiling the book 😉
Its out now in kindle format and paperback!! 🥰
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
With Winter going through some of the changes, I could empathize with her on some levels and felt myself in her shoes..I want mention there are quite a few trigger warnings; drug abuse and bullying. There's more to the warnings but that's spoiling the book 😉
Its out now in kindle format and paperback!! 🥰
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
April 12, 2020
Naomi Martin here’s to you!
Now remember we are in school! Dumb decision are made all the time.
When Winter moves to her grandma house in Sapphire Bay she makes a friend that lives next door to her, Bonnie. Bonnie will tell Winter the ins and outs of the place and when it was time for school to start she let her know to stay away from the devious boys Asher, Owen, SamueL and Olivia. The bulls of the school. Since Bonnie knows and was A product of their abusive behavior and they embarrassed her in front of everyone.
Winter finds herself wanting to give them a chance, since she’s feeling some attraction to some of the boys, they seem to be nice.
But this wild journey will lead her to a mystery of missing girls, kidnapping, drugs, and human trafficking!
Who’s in charge? Who can you believe? Will she live to tell the tale?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now remember we are in school! Dumb decision are made all the time.
When Winter moves to her grandma house in Sapphire Bay she makes a friend that lives next door to her, Bonnie. Bonnie will tell Winter the ins and outs of the place and when it was time for school to start she let her know to stay away from the devious boys Asher, Owen, SamueL and Olivia. The bulls of the school. Since Bonnie knows and was A product of their abusive behavior and they embarrassed her in front of everyone.
Winter finds herself wanting to give them a chance, since she’s feeling some attraction to some of the boys, they seem to be nice.
But this wild journey will lead her to a mystery of missing girls, kidnapping, drugs, and human trafficking!
Who’s in charge? Who can you believe? Will she live to tell the tale?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2020
Review Time ... I was going to get the book Break Me , but Naomi Martin was kind enough to give me ARC copy for an Honest Review. I absolutely love the book from the first few pages . Winter and her mom moved into her grandmother's house after her death . After losing her father and basically losing herself along the way . So they decided to move for a change. As someone who lived with woods in the back of my house and losing my father as a child, I could relate to certain parts . Now I do not think this book is for someone who does not like to read about sex ,drugs or girls disappearing. I do Not want to give every detail about the book , because I want you to read it . Naomi does a beautiful job at describing the characters and scenes. I had to root for Winter and Bonnie friendship. I will definitely read the other two books in the series. I do wish Winter was stronger not to fall back into drinking and guys, but then we would not have a story.
May 11, 2020
This is the first book in this series that I have read and the first by this author. I absolutely love bully romance type books and this is one of them. Winter is new in town. She is friends with her neighbor Bonnie. But becomes friends with the more popular group at school. But something isn't right. Winter hits it off with Owen who is part of the popular group. As things go on and Winter spends more time with Olivia. Winter senses that things just aren't right. Owen is acting strange and Winter feels like things are off. Little does she realize that things are very off. She sees something that she probably shouldn't have seen. She knows that she needs to do something about it. So she gets Bonnie to help her figure out what is going on. This was an enjoyable suspenseful, intriguing, page turning storyline. I enjoyed Winter's story and her character. This was a very enjoyable book and I cant wait to read the next one in the series.
April 12, 2020
*Spoiler Alert*
Moving to a new town after the death of Winters (FMC) dad and gran (whose house her and her mother are living in) is a big culture shock for her. New school and trying to find her feet with new friends - Bonnie & Olivia. As well as a love interest - Owen. Except this book is not a typical school romance book its a lot darker because under this wholesome exterior of Sapphire Bay High is an evil undercurrent. One that you dont see at first and it catches you out because your not expecting it. Two-faced people but that does keep you glued to it. Loved Bonnies character. She became more than the timid one that she was at the start of the book. Not a bad read but it just felt a little short to me. Mainly because i read it so quickly. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if i could
Moving to a new town after the death of Winters (FMC) dad and gran (whose house her and her mother are living in) is a big culture shock for her. New school and trying to find her feet with new friends - Bonnie & Olivia. As well as a love interest - Owen. Except this book is not a typical school romance book its a lot darker because under this wholesome exterior of Sapphire Bay High is an evil undercurrent. One that you dont see at first and it catches you out because your not expecting it. Two-faced people but that does keep you glued to it. Loved Bonnies character. She became more than the timid one that she was at the start of the book. Not a bad read but it just felt a little short to me. Mainly because i read it so quickly. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if i could
January 26, 2020
OMG...this book was so good! This is my first time reading a book by author Naomi Martin but I will be reading more. Winter and her mother have just relocated from LA to Sapphire Bay. Within the past year, Winter has lost her father and her grandmother. She and her mother had opted for a new start because Winter had been acting out at her old school. Winter meets Bonnie, her next door neighbor, and they become best friends. When Winter starts school at Sapphire Bay High she gets sucked in with the "in" crowd. Bonnie begs her to be careful because she knows what they are capable of. Winter has no idea the lengths this crowd will go to get what they want. Will she open her eyes before it is too late? This is a must read and I highly recommend!
April 10, 2020
The blurb was very misleading. This was not a reverse harem book by any means. Winter has sex with Asher once, and is in a relationship with Owen, but never does anything with Samuel. That in no way makes it a reverse harem book. I'm not sure that you can even consider it a bully book as she was not ever bullied. Her friend Bonnie was bullied in the past by the popular kids, but that is it. I would consider this more of a suspense genre.
I would have liked to get more than just Winter's POV. We get to know a little about Owen and bits and pieces about Asher, but Samuel is a complete mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick suspenseful read.
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would have liked to get more than just Winter's POV. We get to know a little about Owen and bits and pieces about Asher, but Samuel is a complete mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick suspenseful read.
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2020
Break Me was the first book by Naomi Martin that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It was a really great, unique story filled with intrigue and mystery and steamy moments. This is not your typical bully story, which I really appreciated. I really liked the FMC, Winter, and her progression through the book.
We find Winter looking for a new lease on life after having experienced some losses that sent her into a bit of a tailspin. She finds friendship and love, along with mystery and danger.
I don’t do spoilers in my reviews but I feel like I would want a clarification made. I don’t know that I would classify this book as RH. The ending is unusual but such a good story that it is totally worth the read.
We find Winter looking for a new lease on life after having experienced some losses that sent her into a bit of a tailspin. She finds friendship and love, along with mystery and danger.
I don’t do spoilers in my reviews but I feel like I would want a clarification made. I don’t know that I would classify this book as RH. The ending is unusual but such a good story that it is totally worth the read.
April 21, 2020
Now this was a great story that Naomi wrote. Being a mean girl until one day she realize exactly what she was and doing to others. Winter has a traumatic life in the last past year. Losing her father and grandmother and moving back to her grandmother house with her mother. Winter had to adapt to life changes. Becoming friends with Bonnie that takes Winter under her wing to show her the layout at school. I will say if you want drama you have plenty of it here. Suspense too. This book will have you staying up reading it to find out what becomes of Winter. This story had some twists and turns you did not see coming but that what made the book so good. Great job Naomi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2019
There’s something amiss within the halls of Sapphire Bay High and Winter is going to soon find out what it is when she falls in with the popular crowd.
This tale is full of all the angst and suspense you could ask for along with just enough steam to warm you up. I was really impressed with Naomi’s first release, as I don’t really read young adult/high school based romances - but this one pulled me in and kept me intrigued until the end. She fully developed the characters and storyline - you will feel empathy for some and dislike for others. The jaw dropping end was the cherry and I can’t wait to see what Naomi brings to the table next
This tale is full of all the angst and suspense you could ask for along with just enough steam to warm you up. I was really impressed with Naomi’s first release, as I don’t really read young adult/high school based romances - but this one pulled me in and kept me intrigued until the end. She fully developed the characters and storyline - you will feel empathy for some and dislike for others. The jaw dropping end was the cherry and I can’t wait to see what Naomi brings to the table next
May 7, 2020
Not RH or Bully Romance
This book is not horrible except for the ending, which just bam happened and then was over. This book kind of just stepped off a cliff, it’s getting somewhat interesting and then bam the end.
But the biggest atrocity is the blurb specifically states its a Reverse Harem Bully romance. Yeah...it’s not...at all.
The MC isn’t bullied and is not in a relationship with the three guys the blurb talks about. She’s in a relationship with one guy, cheats on him with his best friend when she thinks he cheated on her and never acknowledges the other guy. So yeah no RH. This writer is hoping to get RH readers and not caring that it’s all a lie.
This book is not horrible except for the ending, which just bam happened and then was over. This book kind of just stepped off a cliff, it’s getting somewhat interesting and then bam the end.
But the biggest atrocity is the blurb specifically states its a Reverse Harem Bully romance. Yeah...it’s not...at all.
The MC isn’t bullied and is not in a relationship with the three guys the blurb talks about. She’s in a relationship with one guy, cheats on him with his best friend when she thinks he cheated on her and never acknowledges the other guy. So yeah no RH. This writer is hoping to get RH readers and not caring that it’s all a lie.
December 1, 2019
This is the start to one amazing series! Winter's father passed in a fire and she grieved by making all the wrong choices, boys, alcohol, and drugs. Her Mom feels they need a new start so they move to Sapphire Bay. She makes a friend, Bonnie, that tells her all about her new school and who to stay away from, especially Olivia, Asher, Samuel, and Owen. Will she make the same bad choices? Such a great read and I'm excited for the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 25, 2020
Not reverse harem
I really enjoyed this book great story line would of given it 5* but and a big but it’s not what it said on the tin
The blurb described it as a reverse harem dark bully romance
yes too dark yes to high school yes too romance but harem is not in the story yes 3 boys yes she gets hit on by all 3 yes she sleeps with two but she only likes one of them even the name of one characters is different from the blurb
After saying all that please give the book a read you won’t be disappointed with the story .
I really enjoyed this book great story line would of given it 5* but and a big but it’s not what it said on the tin
The blurb described it as a reverse harem dark bully romance
yes too dark yes to high school yes too romance but harem is not in the story yes 3 boys yes she gets hit on by all 3 yes she sleeps with two but she only likes one of them even the name of one characters is different from the blurb
After saying all that please give the book a read you won’t be disappointed with the story .
January 26, 2020
Break Me is Book 1 in the Sapphire Bay High School series by Naomi Martin. This is my first experience reading a Naomi Martin story (It will not be the last) and I found it to have excellent character development, a great storyline, and end with a valuable lesson learned. It is a story that keeps you engaged and turning pages from beginning to end. It will be interesting to see where Naomi takes Winter in the next book in the series. I recommend this book. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 12, 2020
This was my first book by Naomi Martin and whilst it isn't my usual genre I found it to be a really good original, hard hitting story line.
I did think that there was excessive scene setting in the first half of the book which made it longer than it needed to be and the second half of the story was definitely the better of the two.
I would recommend this book and for you to make up your own mind about this serious story line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I did think that there was excessive scene setting in the first half of the book which made it longer than it needed to be and the second half of the story was definitely the better of the two.
I would recommend this book and for you to make up your own mind about this serious story line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2020
Break me
A girl whose lost her father and grandmother in the space of months goes from good girl to wild until her and her mom move to Sapphire bay for a new start. Here you have very good looking people who have some cruel in them. Bonnie is the local nerd she makes friends with who warns her away from the in crowd. But Owen gets through her skin and they begin dating. When they are at a club she sees some sketchy things which put her life in danger. A good start to a series . But not a RH in an shape form or fashion so falsely advertised as one.
A girl whose lost her father and grandmother in the space of months goes from good girl to wild until her and her mom move to Sapphire bay for a new start. Here you have very good looking people who have some cruel in them. Bonnie is the local nerd she makes friends with who warns her away from the in crowd. But Owen gets through her skin and they begin dating. When they are at a club she sees some sketchy things which put her life in danger. A good start to a series . But not a RH in an shape form or fashion so falsely advertised as one.
December 14, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I enjoyed this book. It's not something I would normally read. The story kept my interest right from the beginning.
I don't like to give spoilers for books.I like to give readers the chance to discover the delights for themselves.
I will say that I definitely recommend this book to all those who like me, are discovering these types of books and to all those who already love them.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I enjoyed this book. It's not something I would normally read. The story kept my interest right from the beginning.
I don't like to give spoilers for books.I like to give readers the chance to discover the delights for themselves.
I will say that I definitely recommend this book to all those who like me, are discovering these types of books and to all those who already love them.
January 10, 2020
Wow.
In not even sure about this one. It says this is a RH bully book but I don't agree with that. It is really good and can be considered dark though. There's so much that happens in this book and I don't want to give it away, but this one had me hooked from the start and I was left shocked at the happenings in it. The ending was crazy and I'd recommend a read. I need the rest in this series now. So, so good.
In not even sure about this one. It says this is a RH bully book but I don't agree with that. It is really good and can be considered dark though. There's so much that happens in this book and I don't want to give it away, but this one had me hooked from the start and I was left shocked at the happenings in it. The ending was crazy and I'd recommend a read. I need the rest in this series now. So, so good.
March 3, 2020
Just a YA read! Nothing like the blurb!
Worth a read by not my type of book, never did like YA reads, yes plenty of bullying and steamy scenes but how the storyline suddenly changed to human trafficking and not a dark romance at all, I will never know!
Half the book was boring and I almost gave up on it! Certainly a young adult read but that’s about it.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
Worth a read by not my type of book, never did like YA reads, yes plenty of bullying and steamy scenes but how the storyline suddenly changed to human trafficking and not a dark romance at all, I will never know!
Half the book was boring and I almost gave up on it! Certainly a young adult read but that’s about it.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
April 7, 2020
I took a chance on this new author and I was positively blown away with this story. I'm in love with this story and I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Naomi really hit on how what a young woman whom loses her family might react. She is uprooted and gets engrossed in Sapphire Bay High, where everything is not as it appears. The story line was AMAZING, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I HIGHLY recommend this book, and have already started reading Book 2.
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