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The legacy of Hillcrest University starts out just like any other. A girl, some boys, a bit of mystery…a noose. Actually, it all begins with the noose. A noose, a note, and a corpse. And a pretty one at that…

I thought coming to HU would help me move on from my past, help me get a good start on my future. A school for rich boys? Please. I’ve dealt with worse than them before. If they want to use me for whatever games they’re playing, they’ll have to try a lot harder than they’re used to. They think I’ll willingly walk into their feud, choose sides.

Declan is the tortured soul, the cute, depressed roommate who I’m supposed to watch over. Sawyer is the king of the school; everyone follows his command—and his money. Travis is…my kind of trouble: sexy, tattooed, a bit mysterious. Sawyer blames Declan for his sister’s death, but me? I know sometimes the ones pointing their fingers are the worst of all.

Did someone kill his sister? I know better than to assume their innocence. In a place like Hillcrest, you can’t trust anyone. Declan, Sawyer, and Travis? They all wear masks. The better question is: if someone killed her, are they going to come after me next?

These rich, entitled brats have no idea who they’re messing with.


**Loser is a darker romance, meaning there are topics that might offend you. Self-harm, suicide, stalking, and more to come in future books. Be warned.**

320 pages, ebook

First published July 23, 2019

963 people are currently reading
2179 people want to read

About the author

Candace Wondrak

116 books1,844 followers
Hey 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

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5 stars
871 (42%)
4 stars
665 (32%)
3 stars
361 (17%)
2 stars
111 (5%)
1 star
54 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
March 27, 2020
dark side of university life

First things first: I love Candace Wondrak! Her brain is a scary place and I freaking love it.


The book was excellent. There's several triggers such as the possible suicide or homicide of a 17 year old before the guys go to college. There's other things too. This is a dark college reverse harem series where there are also some damaged college folks. One guy is really depressed and possibly cutting. One guy seems to have some shady dark connection with his family, and may like to play bdsm games or he is stalker who can and now has abducted and chained a girl he's obsessed with. The other guy is angry and feels guilty over his sister's death. He is just a jerk who wants to blame his dead sister's ex bf and harass him so he will die too. The FMC is awesome. But, she has her work cut out for her with these boys. Oh and let's not forget the notes taped to doors and noises left to bully the depression kid. And, oh why, didn't she read the note she threw away? I have a feeling it is different somehow.

A whole lot of crazy going on! Just what I love. This is dark, but not as dark as some...yet.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,347 reviews203 followers
November 7, 2019
Definitely dark and messed up but not that much bullying happened.

Loser made me think like the MC was going to be bullied throughout the book or something. Yet, I didn't really see that happen. Yes, this was dark and it did mention suicide throughout the book. It also kind of reminded me of The House on Haunted Hill or whatever it's called. Mostly because of a certain death for a sibling.. but yeah. The ending was a damn cliffhanger though and it's all kinds of messed up.

So without naming names, everyone wore a mask throughout this book. Some guys were psychotic and obsessive.. others were just plain assholes. Little did they all know, that one lone girl would be their downfall. Mostly because she has a way stronger backbone and probably bigger balls than them. They are all equally intrigued in one another.. so I was hoping to get some sort of romantic harem already but... nope. I got a kiss but that was it.

Ugh.

Overall, I need to know what the heck is going on. I need to know if a certain someone is okay. I also have so many questions about what was actually in the notebook and who was the main cause of a certain death. I have so many questions and little answers - crap on a stick, I need book 2!
Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,483 reviews179 followers
January 7, 2020
At the end the book got me. For the first 60% I found distractions to interrupt the reading. But then it I got the feeling that things picked up.

At the End we have a cliffhanger and it makes me wonder, how this situation will be salvaged. I will take a small break and then read the next book of this series.
Profile Image for Cee.
3,234 reviews165 followers
December 13, 2021
4.5

Wow that ending... I really need to know what is going to happen next.

This book is lighter on the romance and more concentrated on... well, everything else which worked for me. I like the slow build up to them all being in a relationship ;) I also I'm dying to know what happened to Sabrina, what happened in Ash's past, and who is leaving the notes.

No time to wait, I'm onto the next book!
Profile Image for Christy Bailey.
662 reviews25 followers
May 4, 2025
WTF?

Holy crap what kind of psycho stuff did I just step into? I'm at a loss for words right now and I definitely didn't see that one coming. Wow what an ending. I want to scream and cry at the same time as I want more! I need to know what happens next asap.
71 reviews35 followers
August 5, 2019
CANDACE WONDRAK IS A LITERARY GENIUS!

Candace did it again! She hooked me and had me on the edge of my seat from page one! This book is Spite meets Cruel Black Hearts😈

I LOVED this book!!
Our FMC is such a strong and kickass lead for this book. She had my wheels turning constantly ready to find out all of her secrets. And don’t get me started on how hot and mysterious all of her men are! Every single character in this book is hiding behind a mask, secrets buried as deep as they can go.

BRING ON BOOK TWO!!! I have tons of theories waiting to come out!
Profile Image for Yoly.
189 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2019
3.5 Stars

I’m not sure if this was a reverse harem/bully book, it felt more like a murder mystery maybe, who knows. The story had a little bit of everything and ended in a cliffhanger. Did it work? I’m not sure but it held my attention. I curious to know what will happen next, so I’ll probably pick up the next book.
Profile Image for Biate.
341 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2020
This was my first introduction to this authors writing and I am impressed.
The story moved along quick, Ash (the female lead) is awesome. I love girls who can give it back. But for me this book at something that made it different from all the other academy bully books, the female main character was not the intended target right of the bat. Then I should also add that sure there is some bullying happening, but I wont really classify this as a bully romance.
For me it was more of a mystery novel. And what a mystery it is.
I will have to read book 2.

Oh wait! I didn't mention the guys...why not? because my head and heart is still battling it out on them.
Profile Image for Elsie.
78 reviews5 followers
Read
February 29, 2020
I liked this book, and the cliffhanger took my breath away, I totally didn't see that end coming. It reminds me of one of the fucked up endings in Amnesia, a reverse harem game. I was planning to continue this series to satisfy my curiosity, but honestly, some of the spoilers for what's coming made rethink my decision. Some of the love interests are way too dark for my taste. The h is okay, but seeing that she'd end up with them, knowing what they did and who they really are sadly ruined her for me. In short, not my cuppa.
But I'd give this 4 stars just for the lol moment I had when I read that over-the-top WTFuckery of an ending.
Profile Image for TheHobbyest.
372 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2022
Slow build beginning

Loser starts off pretty slow building. There is a mystery about what happened while anticipating some major bullying. She is the only girl at an all boys school, but it didn't have harsh bullying. Not really watch I expected but with a crazy interesting hook at the end!
Profile Image for Punkin.
983 reviews
November 1, 2021
Whoa

Damn the cliffhanger. This one was a bit hard to stomach. Sawyer is seriously a douche and Travis is deranged. Yowza.
Profile Image for Angel.
1,188 reviews14 followers
Read
August 3, 2023
Dnf. Honestly, I can't connect to it.
Not even 30% in and it is just boring.
I am in a book slump, and really need a good book that grabs my attention right away... but this is just not it.
Profile Image for Nikki.
906 reviews82 followers
May 19, 2022

Rating and Review


Rating: 3 Stars

I’ve read books one through five in this six book series, but I’m not sure if I want to read the last book.

On one hand, I lasted for five books, so I obviously didn’t hate it. On the other hand, I kept picking up the next book in this series in the hopes that the author was building up to a better story—not because I was impatient to read the next installment.

I was also hoping that the FMC would undergo some major character development as the series progressed, but she only grew more annoying to me. The words hypocritical and self-absorbed are the first two words that come to mind to describe her.

I should also note that the FMC is Not Like Other Girls, given that the author is sure to remind us of this repeatedly, and not just in book one, but across all five of the books I read. These are a few excerpts taken solely from the first book in the series:

•Some girls—okay, most girls—would swoon under those emerald eyes. Me?

•If she was just like any other girl, well…she wouldn’t be nearly as fun.

•I’d be charming the wet panties off of any other girl, but her? She had her walls up.

•“You should be grateful. Most girls love my attention,” Sawyer said, practically yelling into my ear so I’d hear him. “I’m not most girls,”

•He didn’t look upset, just confused, like no girl had stopped him before. And, honestly, I bet no girl had.

•“I doubt you’ve ever met a girl like me before.”

•I’d never had to chase anyone; they always flocked to me. She was different.

•This girl…she wasn’t like anyone I’d ever met before.


The romance was insta-lust across the board, no matter the circumstances, and there wasn’t any real substance when it came to the FMC’s feelings for the MMCs. The only pairing that felt even semi-developed was Ash and Declan.

I recommend checking out other reviews to get a better understanding if this series is right for you, as I’ve only mentioned my major complaints. Like I said, I might finish this series. As for the author—I’ve read her A Death So Sweet trilogy and enjoyed it, and as such am open to reading more of her books in the future as well.


Book Details


Title: Hillcrest University by Candace Wondrak
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: No
Cliffhanger: Books #1-5
HEA:
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Dark Contemporary Romance, Mystery-Suspense
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Bully-Romance
❖ Ex-Friends (MMCs)
❖ Insta-Lust
❖ Murder-Mystery
❖ Poor-FMC
❖ Rich-MMCs
❖ Running-from-Past
❖ Scholarship-Student-FMC
❖ University-College
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,073 reviews96 followers
February 2, 2020
Read in 1 sitting. I love Ash’s voice in this book. Can’t say that the 3 guys don’t attract me either
Love the twist and even now I’m internally shouting,’Noooo!’

Book 2 is downloaded onto my kindle. Love these are part of the kindle unlimited so freebies If you subscribe!!
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
August 1, 2019
OH. MY. GOD. 🤯😍

I had no idea that the book would take the dark turn that it did but holy **** I’m glad it did. I absolutely loved this story! Candace has an amazing ability to create a truly captivating and twisted story that hooks the reader. Her ability to weave a dark story that draws in readers making them binge read is legendary! I have read a majority of her books and I enjoyed reading the little Easter eggs in it from her Cruel Black Hearts series. It may even be more than just fun little Easter eggs but connected somehow (with Travis and Lincoln maybe? Same family?).

This is a bully novel but not where the female is the main target but one of the men she is associated with is the center of the bullying. She’s kind of been thrown into the middle of a feud between Travis, Declan, and Sawyer, who are 3 former best friends, and while she doesn’t want to necessarily be involved, she has her own feelings about the whole ordeal and what she feels is the right side to pick. She knows she is being used to bring down Declan but she tries to use that to her advantage at times. With her knowledge of how she is basically worthless and expendable to Sawyer, she is able to keep a level head (for the most part) in regards to him and his games he is trying to play.

The description clearly mentions dark material in this book so please keep that in mind when picking up this gem. There is suicide, depression, stalking, obsession, and suicide attempts. There isn’t any rape in this book but I would consider Sawyer to be rather aggressive with Ash. Took her saying “stop” more than once kind of thing, and kissing her without any kind of warning type of thing. While her inner monologue kept talking about how much she wanted it, she is playing a game just as much as he is and had to put a stop to anything sexual with him...for the moment.

Those last few chapters had my mind short circuiting!!! Cliffhanger alert!!! What happened with Travis and Ash in his dorm, her discovery of a diary belonging to her roommate’s dead ex-girlfriend, the anonymous letters, Declan, and ermagerd just everything!?!?! I am in serious need of the next book. I am beyond curious to find out how everything is going to play out now that Ash knows what she does about Travis, Declan’s outcome, and if this series will ultimately have a happy ever after even if it’s twisted and dark.

You seriously need to read this book if you enjoy bully genre, dark subjects, and one heck of a twisted story line.

Profile Image for Gizelle Chia.
557 reviews10 followers
February 28, 2020
Holy shit... I did not see that ending coming. Woah, this book sucked me right it, I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
766 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2019
On my freaking gosh

Just when you get your head around something along comes a spanner that gets thrown into and makes you think everything you thought was wrong but then again was it right. Didn't you just read admittance to that, Maybe you misunderstood. Argghhh my head hurts and my heart. I finished reading this at 2am and didn't stop to leave a review because I was downloading the next one because I needed to know asap. I didn't stop reading until half way through the next book. I wanted to leave my review before I drove into the second half of book 2.
Profile Image for Clo.
109 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2025
3.5
The actual fuck?

Ashley? No background info besides surface level stuff and is so far kinda badass but makes questionable decisions. Idk how I feel about her yet, she's wishy washy
Swayer needs a reality check so hard its not even funny
Travis is just a werido who may need to go into what the family business is sooner then later.
Declan... :( This man just needs a freaking break.

Swayers sister passing is obviously traumatic but Swayer had no proof that Declan had anything to do with it or what happened in their relationship before they broke up or before his sister died. There wasn't much insight into that relationship beside in Declan's chapter he insinuated that she would often cheat and that she just was a nice person altogether. yet he stilled loved her and wanted her "forever" that her dying is something he can never get over.

The note was never seen after the parents got it back they just said Declan's to blame, Swayer took that and ran all the way to drive Declan to crimpling depression. With the help of the alleged psycho Travis, who yeah there were some odd moments with him but nothing to much where it'd be like well maybe go get your self checked out buddy.

Until near the end...I'm calling it now his family is some sort of gang or mafia family.
The journal? The entry's and how Ash just dropped the bomb of Travis??
I feel like Travis makes the most sense to be some how involved any way with how he is through the whole book. He couldn't care less for anyone he's around even Swayer? why are you even friends then just go to work or something.

Book two better have more clarifying answers. but seeing as there's 6 books? Pray for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
November 11, 2019
I picked this series as I thought it was complete, but have just realised that there is a book four. However, it didn't stop me devouring the three books I could actually read. Loved our heroine, absolutely fell in love with Declan and Will, but am still on the fence with regards to Travis and Sawyer, especially Travis...he is certainly a weird one. The back story was great and as the past comes to meet the present, my back went up as I was frightened as to what would happen...after the end of book three, I was certainly right to worry. Bring on book 4.
36 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2019
Omg! Go read this book. NOW!

I'm completely speechless after finishing this book. There is a cliffhanger but that just makes me want book 2 now! Good things come to those who wait.

This book started of great. You have Ash, who is a very strong woman. She takes nobody's BS. Very head strong. Then you have Declan who is kinda sad most of the book. But I fell for Declan he had hope in my eyes. Sawyer wasnt my fan in the beginning but his character really grew on me. I hope his progress continues in book 2. Last, there's Travis. I always had a hunch for Travis's intentions but this book escaladed fast near the end. I couldn't stop reading. You will feel the same. You might be left questioning things but it's so worth the time to read.

Overall this book is a 5+star. Amazing! Written beautifully. This was my first book by Candace and now I'm on a mission to read them all.

Profile Image for Shoni Wake.
371 reviews18 followers
September 13, 2020
I am giving up on this book for now, maybe I will return to it again, but that's uncertain.

I am a bit bummed out about the fact that it is a 'I am a badass bitch, but I cant control my horny pussy' situation. I hate these the most. How fucking annoying. Can you stop? Ugh. Everything is all the same about these 'strong' characters with their 'dark' past. Typical.

I can't. Just. No. I couldn't even hold until the end where interesting things begin to happen (allegedly).

The boys are boring. I didn't like anyone, and when she started to 'I am strong but my pussy doesn't listen' I wanted to throw something against the wall.
147 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2020
Not worth the read.

I got 70% into this book and just couldn’t do it anymore.
It was so drawn out and her beer monologue was so annoying.

Sawyer called her a bitch, touched her after she said stop, kissed her without her consent, told a while sorry full of people she was a “freaky bitch” to imply that he screwed her, yet all she did in her stupid inner monologue was talk about how attractive he was every other paragraph.

We get it, she’s a pathetically weak heroine that’s sex obsessed and obviously has zero self respect.
This book is a waste of time. Don’t read it.
Profile Image for Tia.
218 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2019
Omg! This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and she is quickly becoming a favorite of mine! I absolutely loved this book! Twists and turns, sexy asshole men, lies, lust, murder suspects! What more could a girl ask for?? After that cliffy I am dying to read the second book!

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, but as usual all opinions are my own 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
August 7, 2019
interesting story, even tho i expected the mc to be more sassy and badass. But omg that ending, what´s happening?! is Declan even alive
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews

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