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Tormented
If someone had told me then, everything that I know now, I would never have kissed him.
I would never have played with fire and I would never have let it consume me.
I would have listened to my friend.
I would have packed my bags and left.
I would have let him win.
But you can’t know what you don’t know.
I couldn’t have known about the secrets, the deception, the manipulation.
I could never have predicted the damage a single kiss could cause.
But what I do know is that I’m a hell of a lot stronger than I was when I moved halfway across the world to Scotland.
He can push, he can pull, he can torment me and he can humiliate me. He won’t break me.
Because you can’t really break something that’s already broken.
Please note that Tormented is a DARK bully romance intended for mature audiences of 18+ only. It contains mature themes that may trigger readers. This is book 1 in a series and cannot be read as a standalone novel.
Cliffy alert, but I promise it will be worth it.
I would never have played with fire and I would never have let it consume me.
I would have listened to my friend.
I would have packed my bags and left.
I would have let him win.
But you can’t know what you don’t know.
I couldn’t have known about the secrets, the deception, the manipulation.
I could never have predicted the damage a single kiss could cause.
But what I do know is that I’m a hell of a lot stronger than I was when I moved halfway across the world to Scotland.
He can push, he can pull, he can torment me and he can humiliate me. He won’t break me.
Because you can’t really break something that’s already broken.
Please note that Tormented is a DARK bully romance intended for mature audiences of 18+ only. It contains mature themes that may trigger readers. This is book 1 in a series and cannot be read as a standalone novel.
Cliffy alert, but I promise it will be worth it.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2019
735 people are currently reading
1009 people want to read
About the author
Esme Devlin
26 books329 followersEsme is a Scottish romance author who writes books about demanding and possessive alpha-heros. Or anti-heros, when the mood takes her. They're usually gruff and hard, but that is until they meet the women who bring them to their knees.
In her spare time Esme writes sci-fi romance and sometimes remembers to eat. She's a mum of two very fiesty heroines and a wolf-hybrid, and she lives with her very own highlander-husband who she is trying to convince to do her audiobooks ;-)
You can keep up to date by subscribing to her spam-free mailing list (honestly, she is a tech-phobe). https://www.subscribepage.com/x2k2t8
In her spare time Esme writes sci-fi romance and sometimes remembers to eat. She's a mum of two very fiesty heroines and a wolf-hybrid, and she lives with her very own highlander-husband who she is trying to convince to do her audiobooks ;-)
You can keep up to date by subscribing to her spam-free mailing list (honestly, she is a tech-phobe). https://www.subscribepage.com/x2k2t8
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
nope
July 16, 2020I don't like bully romance much, there are only a few I liked. And it seems this book is one I need to avoid because the hero sexually assaults the heroine at the beginning of the book and films it to be able to embarrass her and make her leave town. In the film, it is obvious that she enjoys it.
Nope nope nope... A person who does this can never be my hero. He can never redeem himself in my eye.
Nope nope nope... A person who does this can never be my hero. He can never redeem himself in my eye.
November 1, 2019
You guys!! Tormented was the epitome bully goodness that we love. An alpha who tortures the heroine? Check! Heroine who fights back just as hard? Check! Sexual chemistry that rivals an inferno? Check!! Lacey and Shaun were everything!!
Gah!! I loved everything about this story and could not stop reading it! There are sexual assault triggers if you have them but this book has that Carter goodness that diehard bully book fans love. And that ending?! OMFG. Moving into book 2! So fast. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Gah!! I loved everything about this story and could not stop reading it! There are sexual assault triggers if you have them but this book has that Carter goodness that diehard bully book fans love. And that ending?! OMFG. Moving into book 2! So fast. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
dnf
July 24, 2019Lacey is new in school and she quickly becomes friend with her father’s new boss’s son, Liam. But unfortunately he is a coward ass. His father’s company is hated by the town people. And so is he. And now so is Lacey.
Shaun’s father’s is one of their rivals. So the town is basically divided into two halfs. One follows Shaun’s father and the other Liam’s.
So Shaun’s father tells him to torture Lacey so much that she and her father will leave the town.
And so starts the torture game.
Lacey likes Liam, who in turn is also leading her. When they kiss at a party, Shaun interrupts them and orders Lacey to come with him. Liam is obviously a coward dog and doesn’t stops Lacey so she has to go with Shaun.
Yes, she just like that goes with him. Because no one denies Shaun’s order. 😏
Shaun takes Lacey in his car and sexually assaults her which I think she enjoys. And of course it was filmed and the next day everyone has seen the viral video which shows that she is actually enjoying it.
This is so juvenile.
And so stupid.
Not interested in this crap.
Shaun’s father’s is one of their rivals. So the town is basically divided into two halfs. One follows Shaun’s father and the other Liam’s.
So Shaun’s father tells him to torture Lacey so much that she and her father will leave the town.
And so starts the torture game.
Lacey likes Liam, who in turn is also leading her. When they kiss at a party, Shaun interrupts them and orders Lacey to come with him. Liam is obviously a coward dog and doesn’t stops Lacey so she has to go with Shaun.
Yes, she just like that goes with him. Because no one denies Shaun’s order. 😏
Shaun takes Lacey in his car and sexually assaults her which I think she enjoys. And of course it was filmed and the next day everyone has seen the viral video which shows that she is actually enjoying it.
This is so juvenile.
And so stupid.
Not interested in this crap.
August 5, 2019
“Most girls in our school avoid my attention, knowing the trouble it might bring to their door if things went wrong between us. The only ones who don’t are those already involved in the trouble, the ones who fucking revel in it.”
TORMENTED is a bully romance and the first in a series. For the most part, I really enjoyed it, but there were just one or two things that stopped me from giving it 5 stars. Shaun, our “hero” is a real piece of work, and some of his actions were just way too much. I’m truly hoping that he redeems himself in the second book.
I loved that it was set in Scotland, and although I loved the banter between the characters, I feel that possibly some of the Scottish terms could be off-putting for some readers if they don’t understand what they mean.
It was definitely a fast paced story, and I found myself really engrossed in it, waiting to find out what was going to happen next. It left on a huge cliffhanger so I will be reading the second book for sure as I’m intrigued to see where Esme Devlin takes the storyline.
TORMENTED is a bully romance and the first in a series. For the most part, I really enjoyed it, but there were just one or two things that stopped me from giving it 5 stars. Shaun, our “hero” is a real piece of work, and some of his actions were just way too much. I’m truly hoping that he redeems himself in the second book.
I loved that it was set in Scotland, and although I loved the banter between the characters, I feel that possibly some of the Scottish terms could be off-putting for some readers if they don’t understand what they mean.
It was definitely a fast paced story, and I found myself really engrossed in it, waiting to find out what was going to happen next. It left on a huge cliffhanger so I will be reading the second book for sure as I’m intrigued to see where Esme Devlin takes the storyline.
September 28, 2019
Wow!!!! One Click now!!!
Every now and then you stumble across a diamond of a book and this was one of those times for me. This has to be one of the best series I have read in a long time. Loved it and I need more from this amazing author.
Every now and then you stumble across a diamond of a book and this was one of those times for me. This has to be one of the best series I have read in a long time. Loved it and I need more from this amazing author.
August 9, 2019
The only reason I read this book was because of the hype it was given on insta. This novel was very disappointing and made me livid. I mean I read the novel Bully by Penelope Douglas and fell in love with it. But this novel was just, I don't have words to describe it. I mean honestly, Lacey is literally super confusing and has no courage. Shaun is just an asshole who is sadistic and rueful. I only made through there first interactions and that did it for me, I couldn't continue.
August 4, 2019
2.5 stars
the h is a total format and the H is a douche but the story seems interesting enough so i guess i might pick up the second book
the h is a total format and the H is a douche but the story seems interesting enough so i guess i might pick up the second book
July 18, 2019
Great read
Set in high school. Really good characters. Great story. Bulling involved. Sex scenes. Well written. Ends on a cliff hanger.
Set in high school. Really good characters. Great story. Bulling involved. Sex scenes. Well written. Ends on a cliff hanger.
July 19, 2019
HOT!!!
Wow this book was amazing!!! Hot steamy romance and one sexy alpha. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good bully romance story.
Wow this book was amazing!!! Hot steamy romance and one sexy alpha. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good bully romance story.
July 30, 2019
Dnf 25% not a fan of the writing...
Want to read
January 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/24/2020)! 🎁
February 28, 2020
3 stars. Well written, but pretty tame for a bully romance. High on drama, low on steam. It started out promising but I found myself skimming quite a bit. There’s nothing wrong with the story or writing, I just couldn’t seem to get into it. That’s pretty much that. I don’t think I’ll read the next one.
August 23, 2020
Nothing new under the sun... Tormented is like any other bully story. Nothing is really new or interesting in there.
I think it does not even fit with the summary : "He won’t break me. Because you can’t really break something that’s already broken." How is she even broken ? Moreover, he does not really try to break her...
I think it does not even fit with the summary : "He won’t break me. Because you can’t really break something that’s already broken." How is she even broken ? Moreover, he does not really try to break her...
January 1, 2022
Interesting enough story, the errors hurt, and the heroine was a wishy washy twat.
July 29, 2019
”Will you be gentle?”
”Only when I break you, princess.”
I’ve given this review a lot of thought and gone back and forth with the rating because it was a good book and I was hooked, I wanted more and I want to read the next book... BUT there is something questionable that happens quite early on in this book that made me uncomfortable and I don’t think that person can ever redeem themselves because of it. It’s going to take a lot of work on the authors part to make me like them.
”I never knew the line between love and hate could blur so easily.”
I did really enjoy this bully romance though and as much as I could predict the ending by about halfway through, what I predicted was correct... although there was also a massive curve ball that I didn’t see coming at all and I actually shouted ‘what the fuck!’
If you enjoy a fast paced, bully romance with main characters that have questionable morals but a story that will keep you hooked then Tormented is for you.
”Only when I break you, princess.”
I’ve given this review a lot of thought and gone back and forth with the rating because it was a good book and I was hooked, I wanted more and I want to read the next book... BUT there is something questionable that happens quite early on in this book that made me uncomfortable and I don’t think that person can ever redeem themselves because of it. It’s going to take a lot of work on the authors part to make me like them.
”I never knew the line between love and hate could blur so easily.”
I did really enjoy this bully romance though and as much as I could predict the ending by about halfway through, what I predicted was correct... although there was also a massive curve ball that I didn’t see coming at all and I actually shouted ‘what the fuck!’
If you enjoy a fast paced, bully romance with main characters that have questionable morals but a story that will keep you hooked then Tormented is for you.
July 26, 2019
I feel like this had the potential to be a good bully romance.
But,within the first 3 chapters the guy technically sexually assaults this girl he just met.
And filmed that so he can embarrass her and make her leave town.
You can make a "dark" high school romance without sexual assault.
I mean she didn't say stop when he asked.But still the whole scene was odd. I mean this guy she just met makes her get in the car with him to take him home while his friends are driving and puts his hands in her who-ha. While his other friends and her new girlfriend is in the car?
But, then later on she herself admits what happened was sexual assault.
I just feel I've seen this whole story before, but done better and without the main guy sexually assaulting the girl that he is going to be in love with later. If it wasn't for what he did I would have loved him in the story.
And, of course she is going to be stupid enough to fall in love with him too.
But,within the first 3 chapters the guy technically sexually assaults this girl he just met.
And filmed that so he can embarrass her and make her leave town.
You can make a "dark" high school romance without sexual assault.
I mean she didn't say stop when he asked.But still the whole scene was odd. I mean this guy she just met makes her get in the car with him to take him home while his friends are driving and puts his hands in her who-ha. While his other friends and her new girlfriend is in the car?
But, then later on she herself admits what happened was sexual assault.
I just feel I've seen this whole story before, but done better and without the main guy sexually assaulting the girl that he is going to be in love with later. If it wasn't for what he did I would have loved him in the story.
And, of course she is going to be stupid enough to fall in love with him too.
July 20, 2019
Great
Definitely not what I expected. This book is great but omg do I need the next one like now! First read by this author and am looking forward to reading more
Definitely not what I expected. This book is great but omg do I need the next one like now! First read by this author and am looking forward to reading more
August 4, 2019
A good enemies to love to cliffhanger.
December 11, 2020
I’m so confused....my book didn’t end on a cliffhanger. It even had an epilogue. What did I miss?? Edit: I read the collection - now it makes sense.
Anyway, I loved this book. The heroine was real and acted like a person would under similar circumstances. The hero was also strong and clever. He shifted tactics after his first bully attempt pretty quickly. That was the turning point for me.
I really like this author’s writing style. This is my second book by her and again she kept the story interesting with its different revaluations as it progressed. I’m a fan.
Heed the trigger alert.
Anyway, I loved this book. The heroine was real and acted like a person would under similar circumstances. The hero was also strong and clever. He shifted tactics after his first bully attempt pretty quickly. That was the turning point for me.
I really like this author’s writing style. This is my second book by her and again she kept the story interesting with its different revaluations as it progressed. I’m a fan.
Heed the trigger alert.
December 27, 2019
Surprisingly good. I was pleasantly pleased with low expectations starting this book. There have been sooooo many high school bully books, that I'm over it. Usually the storyline is the same with boring lead female characters.
This one was a bit different. Less predictable with some curve balls.
I'm starting book 2. I want to see where this takes us.
This one was a bit different. Less predictable with some curve balls.
I'm starting book 2. I want to see where this takes us.
March 6, 2020
Why did I wait soo long to read this amamzing story!!
Omg!! From the first page I could not put this one down. I love how dark and unapologetically Shaun is and then how strong Lacey was through out the entire ordeal. Most bully romances the herione would break down and then stand stood. She stood up the entire time. I can not wait to read the sequel!!
Omg!! From the first page I could not put this one down. I love how dark and unapologetically Shaun is and then how strong Lacey was through out the entire ordeal. Most bully romances the herione would break down and then stand stood. She stood up the entire time. I can not wait to read the sequel!!
March 11, 2020
I am obsessed with this book! If you love bully romance then this is your book. It is written to perfection and has you constantly flipping the pages wanting more and more.
The chemistry between Lacey and Shaun? So explosive and steamy. I am loving the two of them together.
Five star read right here !!
The chemistry between Lacey and Shaun? So explosive and steamy. I am loving the two of them together.
Five star read right here !!
July 28, 2020
The plot is neither original nor believable (The whole shebang about a cult in Scotland ?) the MC were boring with no real chemistry, the female MC did a one eighty after like three chapters like of of her initial shyness was an act even for the reader, time feels like it stand still for 70% of the book ...
I am disappointed and would not recommend this book.
I am disappointed and would not recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2022
dnf 55%
am i reading the same book as the 5 stars reviews? certainly doesn’t feel like it.
character are boring and have no personality, no chemistry between the couple, the book doesn’t even have half a decent plot, and isn’t even 20% of the things it claims to be. the book is marketed as a dark bully romance and i’m 55% in and there’s nothing dark about this book. all in all a snooze fest
am i reading the same book as the 5 stars reviews? certainly doesn’t feel like it.
character are boring and have no personality, no chemistry between the couple, the book doesn’t even have half a decent plot, and isn’t even 20% of the things it claims to be. the book is marketed as a dark bully romance and i’m 55% in and there’s nothing dark about this book. all in all a snooze fest
February 10, 2020
Brilliant book,couldn't put it down .
This book is amazing and I couldn't put it down. It's brilliantly written and the characters are great .
It's the first book I've written by this author and it didn't disappoint . She's very talented and really draws you in with her words .
This book is amazing and I couldn't put it down. It's brilliantly written and the characters are great .
It's the first book I've written by this author and it didn't disappoint . She's very talented and really draws you in with her words .
March 30, 2020
Not bad romance. It was okay
Took me a while to get into this book and definitely knew there was a cliffhanger but I feel like didn’t need it if it was tightened up with the scenes and could’ve pulled book two into it
Took me a while to get into this book and definitely knew there was a cliffhanger but I feel like didn’t need it if it was tightened up with the scenes and could’ve pulled book two into it
May 26, 2025
An entertaining short read, always leaving me wonder why girls fall for bullies. I could not find any patience to go through the second book of the series, I will just leave things be as they are at the end of book 1.
January 17, 2020
Great start to a cliff hanger that will have you coming back for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews