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Hidden Hollows #2
Loving the Bully
Can her love tame the bully?
Hailey Bridges’ first kiss was epic, that is, until Rhett, her high school crush, humiliates her. The worst part? When he struts back into town ten years later, he doesn’t even recognize her.
Home is the last place Rhett Rhodes wants to be. Especially since he was labeled Hidden Hollow’s biggest bully ten years ago. In a small town, changing your reputation is next to impossible.
But Rhett’s here to be the best man to his best friend and he hopes his duties are distraction enough.
When he sits down for a simple trim only to receive the worst haircut of his life, he’s about to call it quits, until he realizes that the woman cutting his hair is no other than, Hailey Bridges—the girl he hasn’t quite gotten over.
Suddenly, leaving Hidden Hollows seems like the last thing he wants to do. Especially when Hailey’s spunky and beautiful and drawing him in like she did when they were kids. Too bad she hates him and he doubts he will ever be able to get her to see him as someone other than her tormentor.
If you love enemies to lovers romances, you’ll go crazy for Loving the Bully, the second installment of the Hidden Hollows multi-author series.
Hailey Bridges’ first kiss was epic, that is, until Rhett, her high school crush, humiliates her. The worst part? When he struts back into town ten years later, he doesn’t even recognize her.
Home is the last place Rhett Rhodes wants to be. Especially since he was labeled Hidden Hollow’s biggest bully ten years ago. In a small town, changing your reputation is next to impossible.
But Rhett’s here to be the best man to his best friend and he hopes his duties are distraction enough.
When he sits down for a simple trim only to receive the worst haircut of his life, he’s about to call it quits, until he realizes that the woman cutting his hair is no other than, Hailey Bridges—the girl he hasn’t quite gotten over.
Suddenly, leaving Hidden Hollows seems like the last thing he wants to do. Especially when Hailey’s spunky and beautiful and drawing him in like she did when they were kids. Too bad she hates him and he doubts he will ever be able to get her to see him as someone other than her tormentor.
If you love enemies to lovers romances, you’ll go crazy for Loving the Bully, the second installment of the Hidden Hollows multi-author series.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 18, 2020
It's all in the kiss...
To be honest, bullies kind of scare me and aren't cool, even though most of the time, they lash out because they're hurting. Hailey has always had a crush on her older brother's bully of a best friend, Rhett, and ten years later, he's back in town. She knows exactly what she has to do to get over him once and for all, but it won't be easy to do.
This was my first book by this author and I'm really fond of her writing style. She really brought these characters to life in a vivid and dimensional way, while tying in a few issues that plague society in a light and gentle, yet realistic way.
I about died of laughter from Hailey and Rhett's first encounter in a long time and it only served as a catalyst for many more cringy, hilarious, and kind of melancholy meetings. People truly can change, but it's hard to trust when one has been burned and humiliated so many times in the past and I loved watching Rhett try to prove himself.
I enjoyed the way an unforgettable kiss played into the story and reveled in watching Hailey's big, generous heart go to work. Although Hidden Hollows is a small town, I am quickly falling in love with it and its satisfying characters and charm. I'll definitely be back for more!
Content: mild romance; talk of underage drinking; bullying
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
To be honest, bullies kind of scare me and aren't cool, even though most of the time, they lash out because they're hurting. Hailey has always had a crush on her older brother's bully of a best friend, Rhett, and ten years later, he's back in town. She knows exactly what she has to do to get over him once and for all, but it won't be easy to do.
This was my first book by this author and I'm really fond of her writing style. She really brought these characters to life in a vivid and dimensional way, while tying in a few issues that plague society in a light and gentle, yet realistic way.
I about died of laughter from Hailey and Rhett's first encounter in a long time and it only served as a catalyst for many more cringy, hilarious, and kind of melancholy meetings. People truly can change, but it's hard to trust when one has been burned and humiliated so many times in the past and I loved watching Rhett try to prove himself.
I enjoyed the way an unforgettable kiss played into the story and reveled in watching Hailey's big, generous heart go to work. Although Hidden Hollows is a small town, I am quickly falling in love with it and its satisfying characters and charm. I'll definitely be back for more!
Content: mild romance; talk of underage drinking; bullying
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
May 14, 2020
Another cute, quick read. There were some inconsistencies that should've been caught by beta readers. I found myself correcting them out loud while I was reading, so they were distracting me from the story. Other than that, it was another fun one. 😊
March 1, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary
Hailey and Rhett's second chance romance, was a sweet, cute escape read, although some serious topics lightly discussed, with bullying, forgiveness, and parental illness discussed along with them being thrown together at different functions. There was a series of misunderstandings, but always the hidden attraction for both of them. The past hangs over them, until Rhett works on earning Hailey's trust and forgiveness. Sweet chemistry made for a cute, light read.
Hailey and Rhett's second chance romance, was a sweet, cute escape read, although some serious topics lightly discussed, with bullying, forgiveness, and parental illness discussed along with them being thrown together at different functions. There was a series of misunderstandings, but always the hidden attraction for both of them. The past hangs over them, until Rhett works on earning Hailey's trust and forgiveness. Sweet chemistry made for a cute, light read.
April 3, 2020
If there's a theme for this book, I would have to say that it is change, or the possibility of change to occur. Isn't that something that is constantly happening in all of our lives? Change, ever constant and present. Whether we embrace it or not is our choice and Hailey has a big choice to make in that regard. Accept that someone has changed and move forward? Or hold onto the hurt caused by the changed person from years ago?
I have to admit, I love a good book written in the trope of falling for a sibling's best friend. I've read many books that absolutely nailed it. One of my all time favorite books, and one I read multiple times as a teenager was in that trope. When I picked up this book, I was excited to see how it would pan out. The opening chapter had me a little wary of Rhett. I wasn't his biggest fan. Hailey is head over heels in love with him. And again I was a little unsure what I would think about her. The opening chapter begins with her trying to find Rhett at a graduation party before he leaves town and thinking about the ways he wasn't always the kindest to her. So starting off a book with the two main characters causing me to be a little unsure had me wondering how I was going to like this book. But knowing that Rhett's character was a bully and knowing the synopsis, and keeping in mind that this was setting up the book, I kept reading along.
I really enjoyed how the author took the emotions of these two characters and explored the why's and how's of their behaviors, the hurt caused and the healing that came. It definitely helps shed light on the fact that we all have hurts and that some people express those hurts in ways that aren't always the best and are ways that are hurtful and sometimes harmful.
Hailey is enjoying life and proud of herself for working on her dream when who should show up in her salon, Rhett of course! And that first meeting was very comical. I cringed at a couple parts because if it were me, I would be completely embarrassed. And there were a few more of those moments throughout the book. So be prepared for some funny and embarrassing moments while reading this book. But also be ready for some raw and emotional moments.
I've actually read all but the final book in this series (I'm just slow getting reviews up due to life) and have to say that I'm really enjoying getting to know these characters the further I read into the series. The main characters of each book don't show up a lot in the other books but we still see them scattered throughout the books and I love that. Hidden Hollows is a great little town full of people with real problems and struggles but people who are learning to embrace change and continue to move forward with that change.
Sweet love story full of redemption, forgiveness and healing.
Content: Clean. Some kissing but nothing further. Some talk about underage drinking and partying but nothing graphic. Talk about bullying but in a positive aspect. Contains talk about depression.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I have to admit, I love a good book written in the trope of falling for a sibling's best friend. I've read many books that absolutely nailed it. One of my all time favorite books, and one I read multiple times as a teenager was in that trope. When I picked up this book, I was excited to see how it would pan out. The opening chapter had me a little wary of Rhett. I wasn't his biggest fan. Hailey is head over heels in love with him. And again I was a little unsure what I would think about her. The opening chapter begins with her trying to find Rhett at a graduation party before he leaves town and thinking about the ways he wasn't always the kindest to her. So starting off a book with the two main characters causing me to be a little unsure had me wondering how I was going to like this book. But knowing that Rhett's character was a bully and knowing the synopsis, and keeping in mind that this was setting up the book, I kept reading along.
I really enjoyed how the author took the emotions of these two characters and explored the why's and how's of their behaviors, the hurt caused and the healing that came. It definitely helps shed light on the fact that we all have hurts and that some people express those hurts in ways that aren't always the best and are ways that are hurtful and sometimes harmful.
Hailey is enjoying life and proud of herself for working on her dream when who should show up in her salon, Rhett of course! And that first meeting was very comical. I cringed at a couple parts because if it were me, I would be completely embarrassed. And there were a few more of those moments throughout the book. So be prepared for some funny and embarrassing moments while reading this book. But also be ready for some raw and emotional moments.
I've actually read all but the final book in this series (I'm just slow getting reviews up due to life) and have to say that I'm really enjoying getting to know these characters the further I read into the series. The main characters of each book don't show up a lot in the other books but we still see them scattered throughout the books and I love that. Hidden Hollows is a great little town full of people with real problems and struggles but people who are learning to embrace change and continue to move forward with that change.
Sweet love story full of redemption, forgiveness and healing.
Content: Clean. Some kissing but nothing further. Some talk about underage drinking and partying but nothing graphic. Talk about bullying but in a positive aspect. Contains talk about depression.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
January 30, 2020
I really like this book series so far.
I enjoyed this book very much. I’m not always a fan of enemies to lovers romances but no problems with this one.
Hailey crushed on Rhett since grade school. At age 16, when she thought she was finally getting her chance with Rhett, he humiliated Hailey instead. And basically ruined her for any relationships going forward. Rhett comes back to town ten years later and after a big false start he realizes he is attracted to Hailey. He has a bunch of apologies to make after being such a bully in high school, including one for Hailey. She isn’t ready to bury the hatchet. Hailey doesn’t know what she wants and leads Rhett on a hot and cold chase. There are many missteps by both of them on their path to love. But they get there in a big way.
At first I was annoyed by Hailey’s ten year hang up about Rhett. Then I changed my tune because no matter how far you are from your high school years, you still remember embarrassing events, people who were mean, your crushes. I know I do and I remember just how devastated a teenager can be over one seemingly random slight. For many people those slights change you as they did Hailey. And it changed Rhett too because he had to own his past behavior to have any chance at forgiveness. The premise for this book is so on point and unique. Plopping a romance right in the middle of old teenage angst is brilliant.
I enjoyed this book very much. I’m not always a fan of enemies to lovers romances but no problems with this one.
Hailey crushed on Rhett since grade school. At age 16, when she thought she was finally getting her chance with Rhett, he humiliated Hailey instead. And basically ruined her for any relationships going forward. Rhett comes back to town ten years later and after a big false start he realizes he is attracted to Hailey. He has a bunch of apologies to make after being such a bully in high school, including one for Hailey. She isn’t ready to bury the hatchet. Hailey doesn’t know what she wants and leads Rhett on a hot and cold chase. There are many missteps by both of them on their path to love. But they get there in a big way.
At first I was annoyed by Hailey’s ten year hang up about Rhett. Then I changed my tune because no matter how far you are from your high school years, you still remember embarrassing events, people who were mean, your crushes. I know I do and I remember just how devastated a teenager can be over one seemingly random slight. For many people those slights change you as they did Hailey. And it changed Rhett too because he had to own his past behavior to have any chance at forgiveness. The premise for this book is so on point and unique. Plopping a romance right in the middle of old teenage angst is brilliant.
January 28, 2020
This was a sweet, fun, romantic story about how Hailey Bridges is still hung up on a high school bonfire kiss that happened ten years ago. It was her best kiss in all these years except Rhett Rhodes, also known as a bully said it was the worst kiss he had ever had. Ten years later Rhett does not remember the kiss or even recognize his best friend's little sister. He is home to attend a wedding shower for Hailey's brother and he discovers that Hailey is all grown up.
I enjoyed the funny thing Hailey did to get back at Rhett at her hair salon. It was nice to see that a bully in high school can change and apologize for his behavior. It was also interesting to find out why he had been a bully.
I enjoyed the sparks that flew between Rhett and Hailey and how the story ended, I cannot wait to read the next book in the Hidden Hollows series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I enjoyed the funny thing Hailey did to get back at Rhett at her hair salon. It was nice to see that a bully in high school can change and apologize for his behavior. It was also interesting to find out why he had been a bully.
I enjoyed the sparks that flew between Rhett and Hailey and how the story ended, I cannot wait to read the next book in the Hidden Hollows series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 12, 2020
A redemption story
Overall, the story was sweet & a little amusing. Despite some plot elements that were cookie cutter predictable, I do love redemption stories, & this one offers redemption for both the hero and the heroine.
It's a little difficult to rate because it had things I liked & other things not so much. Some of the characters' inner thoughts & decisions seemed off or unlikely, such that several times I ended up pausing to argue with myself as to whether or not something I'd just read was plausible.
Hailey's brother is surprisingly 2-dimensional & not bad exactly, but not the poster boy for family bonds, either. And Hailey's interactions with current Shayla, especially after an awkward confrontation, seemed a little too neat & pat.
The ending is a satisfying enough happily-ever-after at least. So it fulfilled its main purpose, even if it didn't quite fire on all cylinders
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Overall, the story was sweet & a little amusing. Despite some plot elements that were cookie cutter predictable, I do love redemption stories, & this one offers redemption for both the hero and the heroine.
It's a little difficult to rate because it had things I liked & other things not so much. Some of the characters' inner thoughts & decisions seemed off or unlikely, such that several times I ended up pausing to argue with myself as to whether or not something I'd just read was plausible.
Hailey's brother is surprisingly 2-dimensional & not bad exactly, but not the poster boy for family bonds, either. And Hailey's interactions with current Shayla, especially after an awkward confrontation, seemed a little too neat & pat.
The ending is a satisfying enough happily-ever-after at least. So it fulfilled its main purpose, even if it didn't quite fire on all cylinders
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
January 20, 2020
Hailey had a big crush on her brother’s friend, Rhett, and on the night of his graduation party, they kiss. When Brian asks him what he’s doing, he said he thought it was Shayla, his on-again/off-again girlfriend. Then he really breaks Hailey’s heart when he says Worst Kisser in Hidden Hollows. Now, ten years have passed and Rhett’s coming to town for Brian and Shayla’s wedding. The first place Rhett goes is Betty’s Hair Hut, which Hailey now owns, for a haircut. He doesn’t recognize Hailey and she lets her anger get the best of her and she gives him a one inch skunk stripe down the middle of his head, lol. I won’t tell what happens after, so grab your copy and see what happens in this second book in the Hidden Hollows series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 10, 2020
Hailey has always had a secret crush on her older brother’s best friend... even if he was mean in high school, she felt Rhett had something redeeming about him. Until he humiliates her at a bonfire after graduation. It pretty much means she has no social life the last two years of her high school life. Fast forward 10 years and she is still a little stuck in the past. Rhett comes back to town a different man. But will people recognize the change in him? Or will he always be the town bully? Sweet romance showing people can grow from who they were and be better.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 22, 2020
I loved Hailey and thought she handled being bullied with such grace. The author did a great job of showing how much Rhett has truly changed but still struggles - as we all do - with doing the right thing. Their "relationship" was sweet and I loved their banter. I didn't care for her brother Brian (didn't see him ever apologize) and really didn't like Shayla - felt like her apology was lame. Hate when the one bullied is expected to apologize to the bully. Can't wait to read the next in this series.
April 9, 2021
💞 Hailey and Rhett 💞
Hailey grew up crushing on Rhett who was two years older and her brother Brian’s best friend. He was the class bully, but she believed in her heart that he was truly a good person. Until he traumatized her with his meanness.
Rhett has been gone for 10 years, and in that time has sought therapy for his anger and is a changed man. He’s home for Brian’s wedding to Rhett’s old girlfriend. When he sees Hailey, he is now truly a changed man...
Can Hailey move on from the past and come to forgive Rhett?
Hailey grew up crushing on Rhett who was two years older and her brother Brian’s best friend. He was the class bully, but she believed in her heart that he was truly a good person. Until he traumatized her with his meanness.
Rhett has been gone for 10 years, and in that time has sought therapy for his anger and is a changed man. He’s home for Brian’s wedding to Rhett’s old girlfriend. When he sees Hailey, he is now truly a changed man...
Can Hailey move on from the past and come to forgive Rhett?
September 12, 2020
Loving The Bully
Great story of old memories from high school. Hailey just couldn’t move on in relationships. Rhett was her brothers best friend in high school and the end of the year, Rhett gave Haley a kiss she would always remember. Ten years passed, and now Rhett retuned to Hidden Hollow for her brothers wedding. She just knew she had to get him to Kris her again, so she could move on with her social life. A must read to see what happens to Hailey’s kiss.
Great story of old memories from high school. Hailey just couldn’t move on in relationships. Rhett was her brothers best friend in high school and the end of the year, Rhett gave Haley a kiss she would always remember. Ten years passed, and now Rhett retuned to Hidden Hollow for her brothers wedding. She just knew she had to get him to Kris her again, so she could move on with her social life. A must read to see what happens to Hailey’s kiss.
January 29, 2020
Rhett and Hailey
This is a sweet story. Rhett and Hailey have been dancing 💃 around each other since high school. Even though Rhett left town, Hailey had a difficult time moving on with her life after ten years. When Rhett comes back to town for her brother's wedding, Hailey learns a forecasts about her own life. A wonderful novel about acceptance and moving on with life.
This is a sweet story. Rhett and Hailey have been dancing 💃 around each other since high school. Even though Rhett left town, Hailey had a difficult time moving on with her life after ten years. When Rhett comes back to town for her brother's wedding, Hailey learns a forecasts about her own life. A wonderful novel about acceptance and moving on with life.
February 1, 2020
It takes time
I think Hailey and Rhett's story was more than fun and romantic. Through some twists, the consequences of depression were an important part of the story, along with bullying, fear and the healing power of forgiveness. Wonderful characters keep you entertained and invite you back to Hidden Hollow!
I think Hailey and Rhett's story was more than fun and romantic. Through some twists, the consequences of depression were an important part of the story, along with bullying, fear and the healing power of forgiveness. Wonderful characters keep you entertained and invite you back to Hidden Hollow!
February 17, 2020
Rhett was the school bully; he returns to town for his best friends wedding. He is now a wonderful caring person and teaches high school where the students love him. Hailey's always had a crush on her brothers friend until that night after Rheet's senior year in high school.
Rheet goes into Haileys beauty shop for a trim and does not realize that it's Hailey.
Rheet goes into Haileys beauty shop for a trim and does not realize that it's Hailey.
April 19, 2020
Sweet
Halley is living in the past, back when Rhett and his than girlfriend humiliated her in front of the whole school.
Ten years later, he is back in town for her brothers wedding to his ex girlfriend.
Halley is still smarting from Rhett's treatment of her. She does everything to sabatoge his life.
Halley is living in the past, back when Rhett and his than girlfriend humiliated her in front of the whole school.
Ten years later, he is back in town for her brothers wedding to his ex girlfriend.
Halley is still smarting from Rhett's treatment of her. She does everything to sabatoge his life.
November 8, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was a pleasant surprise. Rhett was a jerk in high school but present day, he is good and honorable guy. Hailey and the other characters were very likable. The story was well paced and kept me turning the pages. The romance was good while remaining clean and sweet.
May 16, 2022
Oh yes, I enjoyed this one. It made me laugh and cry a bit too.
Such a heartwarming, clean romance that will fill you with goodness quickly.
Perfect for a short, quick read, maybe over a weekend or on the beach.
I believe this book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recomend you go through the series, at least the 1st book was awsome as well and I can't wait to read the next books too.
Such a heartwarming, clean romance that will fill you with goodness quickly.
Perfect for a short, quick read, maybe over a weekend or on the beach.
I believe this book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recomend you go through the series, at least the 1st book was awsome as well and I can't wait to read the next books too.
February 12, 2020
A cute story of love, forgiveness and acceptance. Where both characters had to let go of their past and accept their new future. Good characters and a clean romance. Rhett and. Hailey both learned to not let anger control their tongues.
January 22, 2021
He was the bully in high school but not anymore
This tells what causes bullies. It also shows hope and restoration. It shows love, learning, healing, and redemption. Highly recommended for all readers.
This tells what causes bullies. It also shows hope and restoration. It shows love, learning, healing, and redemption. Highly recommended for all readers.
February 8, 2020
This was a quick, clean read. I liked the characters and the redemption theme that was going on, but the end wrapped up a little too quickly for me.
February 9, 2020
This was my first book from this author. The characters were good and the topic of bullying important. This is a clean romance.
March 30, 2020
Such a cute story or forgiveness and love. I enjoyed both the hero, heroine, and antagonist. I loved the comradery and sass. I just enjoyed this book
April 27, 2020
Okay
This story felt rushed and I wanted to scream at the characters. Hailey was so immature that it ruined the book.
This story felt rushed and I wanted to scream at the characters. Hailey was so immature that it ruined the book.
May 23, 2020
Review of Loving the Bully
This was a very cute story and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
This was a very cute story and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
February 1, 2021
Outstanding
Regrets can be the hardest thing to live with as this book shows. Her first kiss came from him and none other compares.
Regrets can be the hardest thing to live with as this book shows. Her first kiss came from him and none other compares.
May 28, 2021
Sweet
This is fun story with a lot of twists and turns that keep you reading. Rhett deserves a second chance, right?
This is fun story with a lot of twists and turns that keep you reading. Rhett deserves a second chance, right?
June 4, 2021
Rhett and Hailey
Entertaining second chance book. She's stuck on her brothers best friend and he's changed so much he's hardly recognized as the same person.
Entertaining second chance book. She's stuck on her brothers best friend and he's changed so much he's hardly recognized as the same person.
March 9, 2020
A Surprising Story
I found myself pleasantly surprised by this story. It's not too deep, and the plot is one that's been done several times. But on the whole, I enjoyed reading this one. It's a clean read and has a happy ending. The only bit I had trouble with was the 26 year old heroine acting so immature at an odd time. It would've made more sense if she'd still been 16, but by 26, that just didn't work for me. Some of the hero's actions also seemed a little odd to me but not so bad it ruined the story.
On the technical side, right at the start, "lead" is used instead of "led". Later on, "sat" is used where it should've been "set"...several times. And I don't know what rules the author plays UNO by but a yellow number card can't be played on a red number card the way my family plays. That kinda threw me...a small thing, yes, but details like that are important to me.
If you are looking for an easy, clean, cosy, fun love story with a happy ending, give this one a try.
I found myself pleasantly surprised by this story. It's not too deep, and the plot is one that's been done several times. But on the whole, I enjoyed reading this one. It's a clean read and has a happy ending. The only bit I had trouble with was the 26 year old heroine acting so immature at an odd time. It would've made more sense if she'd still been 16, but by 26, that just didn't work for me. Some of the hero's actions also seemed a little odd to me but not so bad it ruined the story.
On the technical side, right at the start, "lead" is used instead of "led". Later on, "sat" is used where it should've been "set"...several times. And I don't know what rules the author plays UNO by but a yellow number card can't be played on a red number card the way my family plays. That kinda threw me...a small thing, yes, but details like that are important to me.
If you are looking for an easy, clean, cosy, fun love story with a happy ending, give this one a try.
January 23, 2020
Loving the Bully takes place 10 years after Rhett's high school graduation when he finally returns home for his best friend's wedding and to help his mother. The former bully has spent years in counseling in an effort to end his bullying. This well written book is about second chances and whether or not someone can become a better person. Despite the serious nature of bullying, there are many funny scenes in the story. Hailey gets some revenge in an unusual manner. This clean romance is about personal growth, maturing and whether people can move beyond who you once were. I thorough;y enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews