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Written by USA Today Bestselling Author, K.L. Middleton

Book 2 of Diamond the Lake High School series.

After crashing and burning with Mackenzie, Chase Adams is more than ever determined to win her back. This time all bets are off and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the girl before she’s someone else’s prize.

WHILE THIS IS A HIGH SCHOOL BULLY ROMANCE, IT CONTAINS SEXUAL CONTENT AND GRAPHIC LANGUAGE THAT IS INTENDED FOR MATURE READERS.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2019

420 people are currently reading
282 people want to read

About the author

K.L. Middleton

56 books226 followers
I am a wife and mother of two girls, Cassie and Allie. I live in Minnesota and, yes, our winters are legendary! I believe this has a lot to do with my passion for reading and writing, which is something I'd like to make a full time career of sometime in the future. Right now my days are filled with chasing after children in my daycare but at night I chase after my dreams of becoming a popular writer. Most of my books are written with young adults in mind but I am ecstatic when I hear that readers of all ages enjoy them. It's a great motivator and pushes me to keep writing, even when I'm exhausted from wiping noses all day long!

Also writes YA books as Kristen Middleton.

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5 stars
180 (31%)
4 stars
158 (27%)
3 stars
156 (27%)
2 stars
58 (10%)
1 star
22 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Christy Bailey.
662 reviews25 followers
December 26, 2019
Good read

Well I had been waiting on this book and was super excited to start it. It was a good book and the storyline was ok but I was expecting it to be a bit more. More of what I'm not sure but it was just missing something. There was way to much he said she said and drama. So so much drama. It felt alittle rushed but all in all it wasnt horrible either.
Profile Image for Carrie.
600 reviews16 followers
April 9, 2023
There was a lot going on here; I really don't even know where to start. Tons of whackadoodle drama, which was entertaining, if a little -- okay WAY too much to believe. Some sweet moments between Chase and Mackenzie, even though he didn't deserve her forgiveness. The ending had a really unexpected twist, almost like we suddenly switched genres. It got weird, y'all. Then it topped itself and went fully insane. The last 1/4 was completely nuts, but fun.

Again, there are the same problems with filler slice-of-life scenes. I actually like that in most books, when it makes you feel more in tune with a character and their life. But these books have the kind of boring everyday conversations that could be shortened or cut out. A section dedicated to grabbing fast food from the drive-thru and taking dinner home, for example.

Also, the author needs an editor. I wrote down a few examples of things that shouldn't have made it to the final draft, not to punch down on her writing, but to emphasize that fresh eyes editing your hard work makes a big difference. It deserves polishing. This is a tiny sampling:

"Do me a huge father."
"Never call or speak me again."
"We could rent a move or something."
"I don't know who wore the mast (mask)."
"...heard the bathroom door swing open up."
"My tabs (tags) are expired." (BTW, super lame excuse, Bruce. You really suck. 😠)
Multiple misuses of your/you're and the like

I hope the author has found a good proofreader since this was written. Her storytelling is outrageously dramatic in a fun way, but these things can rip you right out of the story.

How hilarious is that cover though? The first book cover matched the Kylie Jenner comparison, but this dude looks like he's 35, not 18. 🤣
Profile Image for S.A.
231 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2025
I was honestly, not impressed, at all. The mood of the book just switched- it felt like it was from a totally different author and even the genre changed! Ridiculous! I had such high hopes as the burn (the first one) as one of my favourite books but this one had very psychotic, killer (literally) and I don’t even know what else vibes. I feel so disappointed, the book was rushed through, it felt like it was from a 3rd person perspective and had no detail, emotion and it just didn’t flow. I found myself bored more than once, I kept thinking that it would redeem itself but no, it never did and I wanted to quit but kept going since the first was amazing but, big mistake. I would absolutely not recommend this one but highly recommend the first one! Xoxo… :(
Profile Image for Lacey Marie.
10 reviews
January 30, 2025
This book definitely kept me entertained but it was in no way a literary masterpiece. I feel like the plot was rushed. I didn’t enjoy the pov switching. I wish we got more of Mattie’s mental disorder and I wish that more impact happened (for example Jason actually hurting Mackenzie…I would have loved to see more angst in that aspect). I also wish Mackenzie’s parents in a way could have haunted the narrative if that makes sense. Overall I felt underwhelmed however if you enjoy quick reads that don’t leave you questioning your whole existence but still give you a thrill you might enjoy this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katelyn Mahoney.
62 reviews
May 11, 2025
First off, the book spends the first page or 2 trying to inconspicuously recap the first book. That wouldn’t be needed if the first book didn’t stop in the middle of the freaking story. Second, who the hell is the editor for this book? So many misspelled and missing words. Third, that was one of the least satisfying and most rushed endings I’ve ever read. What the hell was that?! So blunt and seemingly not really finished. This book is not worth the $3 something they want for it. They broke the books up just to make money from the “second” book which immediately crossed this author off my list for future books I’ll read. I’d give 0 stars if I could.
Profile Image for Holly.
41 reviews
April 22, 2025
The writing quality could use some work. It seems like this book was written in a rush with hardly any editing. And one point the MMC’s was referred to as “Chance” and his name is “Chase”. There were so many grammatical errors, it was hard to overlook, and I almost wanted to stop reading it because of them.
Profile Image for Ari’s Books.
298 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2020
Okay, not going to lie I skipped through this A LOT. Definitely expected way too much, and hoped for more character buildup. There's a great story and plot to it but just not executed correctly. Mattie should check herself into a psych ward.
Profile Image for Tabby Newcomb.
Author 2 books9 followers
March 10, 2022
Loved the mystery and suspense in this book. The author did a fabulous job with character developement. I loved the many twist and turns this story took. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
88 reviews
July 6, 2022
Super cute ending

I have to say, its not every day I find myself surprised by who the "villain" of the story is. I had my suspicions but kept talking myself out of it. I love how the story wrapped up (dont worry. There is a HEA for some) Mind your triggers but highly recommend!
Profile Image for MCrawDRKRead.
977 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2020
Soooo...this book was better in the beginning...towards the middle/end it was getting pretty unbelievable and annoying as fuck...like seriously...ugh...
2,617 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2021
this was book two in this series and i liked it! he lost her after something that happened. now its his duty to win her back and find out who is behind all this. read to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Astrid Weinreich.
24 reviews
January 19, 2021
Jeg var generelt skuffet over bogen. Chase og MacKenzie er meget naive. Plottet i sig selv er godt nok, men det er lidt overfladisk.
48 reviews
August 4, 2021
The most screwed up booked I have ever read. 0-1 star I skipped half the book. Never reading from these authors again
Profile Image for Mimmi Karlsson.
65 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2022
Oh my god, this was so bad I just laughed my ass off. It could have been so good but it ended up so fucking unbelieveable and just bat shit crazy.
Profile Image for Lisa Michelle Pichner.
180 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2022
Great read

I really enjoyed this book. Its got all tge drama from high school with a lot of steam and suspension to keep me interested.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jaime Christen .
36 reviews
March 30, 2024
holy bad editing

Get an editor that actually knows how to read and edit. Editing out words that should be there like a, the, and, isn’t the way. It’s comstant!
9 reviews
April 22, 2024
These women’s writing is so underrated so glad I have found them they make me so invested in the characters I can never put their books down!!
Profile Image for Tracy Postiglione.
457 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2020
Amazing

Loved this series. A must read. Loved the characters and there storyline. Glad Jason and Mattie got what they deserved. Want a book about Sonny and Kara.
Profile Image for Lozz’s Random Reads  McKenzie - Lee.
938 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2020
The second book in the Diamond Lake series, focuses on the budding romance between Mackenzie & Chase and the obstacles that are placed in their way, unplanned pregnancy, conniving friends, crazy ex.

First off: what I liked about this book. The teens weren’t stupid and actually put a lot of thought into their decisions. Also, they had realistic conversations between each other. They didn’t believe everything they were told and were level headed.
The story was travelling along at the great pace. I was appalled by Mattie’s obsessive behaviour but, in the Mattie POV chapters they almost had me empathise with her. Her fractured relationship with her mother clearly contributed to her mental health issues.

Then....thing took a strange turn, Mattie’s and Jasons relationship was bazaar and felt oddly rushed in an effort to bring the story to a conclusion. Also, up to that point I had like Jason’s character and it seemed too implausible that he just switched.
The paranormal aspect of the story I felt also just didn’t fit and IMO wasn’t necessary.
Therefore, the ending set up in the haunted house was a let down
One, Mackenzie & Chase has been so smart about what stories they were told and seeking the truth then, we’re supposed to believe they would walk blinding into a blatant set up? .
And! The ending in the mansion with the ghost element intervening with the nefarious plot?...c,mon...it was stupid.

The earlier parts of the book were interesting. I felt involved and and invested in the relationships so I give it four stars ...but that ending sucked
Profile Image for J.N. Pack.
Author 9 books8 followers
December 27, 2019
💜💜💜

I loved following Mackenzie and chase. I loved the drama that was in this book and the first book from beginning to end. There was always something happening and it kept you untangled in the story. I read them both straight through!
42 reviews
August 2, 2024
Ok so this is actually a 4.8 but just wasn't a
5 ⭐! Anyway like half way into this book it totally would have been a five because the drama, the plot twists and the story in total were AMAZING, but i feel like the prequel,the burn, maybe should have focused less on drama and more on the chemistry between chase and mackenzie, that way this book could be more about drama, because in all honesty I never really screamed Or had those exiting moments when they kissed and was like ' omg finally' sadly, and felt like that would've happened if the author focused a little more on the chemistry. Also the ending felt super rushed, I won't say why ,because that's down below, but includes spoilers. Anyway in conclusion I liked the book and some points even got exited, although id say the genre of this book would be drama not romance, but nonetheless a good book , besides the ending.


BEWARE OF SPOILERS NOW.... 🤬🤬🤬🤬


Also the ending felt a bit rushed, like Jason just died randomly and then mattie got arrested. I'd have liked their demise to be dragged out and see Jason and mattie's perspective on how their life was falling apart, and how they'd try to avoid it. And the ghost thing just randomly became a thing like there was almost no need for the ghosts and i felt like that element to the story was so unnecessary, and in all honesty felt like I was reading a wattpad book.
Profile Image for Seragrime.
118 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
To much crammed into 1 book...

I understand that bully romances, especially those involving teens, are best enjoyed if you suspend disbelief but the (needlessly) convoluted plot in this doesn't just test plausibility, it attempts to shove a seasons worth of soap plots into a one book that seems wholly different and at times disconnected from the first in the set. SPOILERS BELOW.

It began with 1 crazy ex-girlfriend and devolved into two separate off-the-cuff murder plots, a stalker, ghosts, a car accident, a coma, a rapist, a not pregnant, pregnant, not pregnant merry go round, and subplot on top of subplot and the most implausible 'he just tried to kill me but we'll totally go meet the person who paid for the hit because they claim to have free tickets to a place we will be going to anyway with a pair of senior citizens who don't want us dead'.

The lead couple communicates far better with others and far more often, than they do with each other.I

I know my reading preferences aren't necessarily the same as other readers, but I wanted to offer a heads up because I wished someone would have warned me before I bought the set.




Profile Image for Tranese.
1,787 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2019
This one was definitely better than the first!!

Man! So many twists and betrayals that I did not see coming. I didnt suspect certain ppl it was crazy!! I will say I didnt take this to be a bully romance but it was good. No misspellings or anything. Great job Middleton and Alexander looking forward to the 3rd
Profile Image for Laura.
1,229 reviews11 followers
January 4, 2020
Pretty good continuation

☆☆☆☆ rating.
This was a pretty good continuation to the two book series.
Alot of the last part was pretty out there and the ending was too rushed for my taste. There should have been surrounding the whole ending with Jason and Maddie.
Overall, I'm glad for the way things ended with Mac and Chase.
Profile Image for Kris Matury.
407 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2021
Crazy!

I don't know how I feel about this book. Mattie and Jason were crazy. It just seemed too nuts. Some things were a bit juvenile, even more than the first book. I wanted to know who was behind the alien mask. I was a little surprised at who it was. It was all just a bit too weird.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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