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Things are a lot messier at Hillcrest than I believed. I can’t trust anyone, not even myself, and especially not the handsome students around me.

HU was supposed to help me move on, be a fresh start, but then I walked into a feud between Sawyer and Declan. The hatred between them is palpable, and yet I find myself in the middle, somehow. And Travis? Don’t get me started on that one. He might be sexy, but he gives a new definition to the word psycho.

None of them are innocent, I now know, but what their crimes are is anyone’s guess. Am I the only innocent one around here? No, no I’m not.

My heart is torn between these broken, beautiful bullies, and I don’t know what to think. My heart, it turns out, isn’t the only thing on the line. What happened that night in the dorm was only the beginning, and my life is about to change forever with what I discover.

Travis was right. We are all monsters at Hillcrest, even me.


**Freak 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.**

A Dark College Bully Romance.

292 pages, ebook

First published August 22, 2019

381 people are currently reading
533 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
764 (47%)
4 stars
523 (32%)
3 stars
270 (16%)
2 stars
47 (2%)
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19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
January 6, 2020
It's getting darker...

The FMC is the only female currently at an all male university that plans to integrate female students into the student body.

Her roommate is Declan, ex boyfriend of the girl whose death is ruled a suicide, yet some believe she was murdered. He is depressed and kinda moody, but seems to be coming around.

Sawyer, the brother of the girl who died, hates Declan and blames him for her death. He feels guilty for being too messed up to be there for his sister when she was calling him shortly before she died. He is angry and vindictive. He has turned the entire school against Declan.

Travis is the edgy mysterious tattooed guy who is obsessed with the FMC. His family sounds like they have ties to the criminal underworld and he expects to go into the family business, whatever it is, after college. He is upfront that Ash shouldn't trust him or any of the guys, and even tells her everyone at HU are monsters.

Those three guys were all friends before Sabrina's, the girl who died, death. They were almost inseparable.

Ash comes from a different world than they do. She wasn't raised with much, and helped her mom pay bills by working from age 12. She is tough as nails and can mostly take care of herself. She has a past that we slowly get glimpses of, which seems pretty traumatic and somehow she made it through.

Then there's the new character, Will, which happens to be Declan's brother. He shows up and does everything he can to help Declan...and then Ash. He is a couple years older, very protective, and easy going.

Ash has feelings for all four of these guys. She doesn't quite understand those feelings and thinks maybe they are all a little broken and maybe she can somehow help.

In this book, Ash decides to start leveling out the bully game by getting a little payback.

Two of the guys are attacked separately, and she tries to figure out who did it. There are notes showing up that she tosses without reading, which must mean something. And then a cliffhanger that leaves two of the characters in a perilous situation.

This series is really good. The cover of these books threw me off, but you know what they say about judging books by covers. Things are getting more insane and dark. I am loving every minute of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Talented Miss Ripley.
338 reviews
November 30, 2019
Stuff just got real!

I had to write this review, I am in love with the pink cover (adorable)! I also love the twist and turns, the whodunit vibe, the swoon worthy men and the storyline and the awesome direction it has taken. I am excited to read the next book in the series!
Highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Jasmine Hoisington.
925 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2019
HOLY F*****G SH**

I can’t deal. I need book 3 ASAP!!!

This book answered questions, introduced a sexy new character, and left me hanging all within a 4 hour read!!!
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.
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
December 1, 2019
3,7 stars ish
yaas i love these dark broken and twisted characters, they keep me on edge and i love the feeling of feeling the adrenaline kick i get. I am getting addicted to this series
Profile Image for Clo.
109 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2025
You've never met someone like me.... how many times is that phrase going to be used in this series? We get it she's not like other girls. (say it in THAT voice or its not the same)

So is she dry humping and kissing everyone she claims to hate? Is that why she didn't get with Declan
or Will?

I was expecting a lot more crazy from Travis this time around, I mean he is still sketchy but not as unhinged as I was expecting. I mean taking those photos and videos on Ash's phone was a little weird and it kinda back fired because even though yeah was over Swayers shit she also revealed that she does in fact have a thing for him. Travis gets a few points though for pulling through for her at the end and maybe... big stretch of maybe he'll accept will and Declan. Also idk if his family is mafia or just a cult. Jurys still out one that one.

Swayer still need s a reality check if not more now, I'm genuinely worried he's going off the deep just for being mad a a girl for defending her self and not wanting to be used in a fucked up "game" that she has nothing to do with.. I don't want to justify any of their actions because their grieving well maybe only Declan was, Swayer is an alcoholic and Travis just didn't care it seems. SO their all just crazy tbh

Will?? Declan's attack? Dude had someone slit his wrist then Will showed up was nice to Ash and then there was hardly any mention of any of that night again. No one looked into it just assumed and accused? I just want to know their majors because if its anything to do with investigating or whatever like that... they need to reconsider.

Her ex boyfriend is a WHATT?? Girl is so worried about everyone around her and the lies or secrets going around but she's just hiding the serial killer in her back pocket for a rainy day. Or in this case when said crazy ex STABS WILL?

They all need major therapy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheri.
906 reviews13 followers
November 4, 2021
Gah! Despite how interesting this book was, I took too many days to finish it because I'm not longer wfh and back in office. My mind was simply too tired to focus. Never realized how much being in the office drained me. Anywho, this story picked up with Declan in the hospital and Ash who found him after an apparent suicide attack. We get to know more about his brother Will, who's just as sweet and kind as his younger bro. Loved Travis and his crazy self, especially his loyalty to Ash. I'm so curious about his shady family though and their family business. I'm on the fence with Sawyer. He needs to be taken down a peg and Ash definitely got some hot pink revenge at the end. More is learned about Ash's past and her psycho ex Ray. I love that Ash is no damsel needing saving and she knows how to fight and defend herself. She's a capable heroine and I'm here for it. Another wtf ending. On to the next book.
Profile Image for dais.
852 reviews95 followers
September 19, 2024
Okay so erm, Ash is fucking nuts. She literally goes toe to toe with danger like it’s some fun kiddy toy.
Don’t even get me started on Sawyer aka Pussy Boy. That boy needs to be taken down a peg. He also needs to start dealing with his grief- in a HEALTHY WAY and not booze and pussy.
Travis, aka Stalker Boy. I’ve met one of your brothers and all I’ll say is that crazy, blood thirst and obsessive tendencies run in the family. I’m actually looking forward to seeing what he gets up too as I really did love his brother- You’ll want to read Cruel Black Hearts series to meet him and the rest of the crazy bunch.
Declan and Will, my poor boys. I just want to wrap them up and keep them safe from any harm. They’re so loving and protective. They’re far better for Ash than Pussy Boy & Stalker Boy.

I’m going straight into book 3 as these cliffhangers are fcking cruel and I won’t sleep with this craziness on my mind.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,445 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2021
Short, but to the point and exciting

Well. This book was a quick read. Just under 300 pages, but full of drama and tension. I loved it.

Four men all have a thing for Ash, there's just something about her that seeps into their brains and never leaves. Obsession. Everyone has big secrets though and Ash's might be the biggest secret of all.

It's funny seeing these men try to own Ash and failing miserably. I think it's the main reason why they're all obsessed. She doesn't fall for their tricks. But, when her roomie gets hurt, it's hard to know if was he attacked or if it self inflicted. Or is it some elaborate manipulation? Regardless, there's a mystery to solve...maybe more than one. Will the gang set aside their differences to protect themselves or will chaos rule? Guess I'll have to find out in the next book.
600 reviews44 followers
April 8, 2020
Sex: Not with the MC

Reverse Harem: We have added the brother of the depressed guy some incest might be going on here

This one moved faster than the first one which I appreciated. She gets close to all the guys which I get it we get drawn to the bad guys. Sucks as it does we do :( The weird guy keeps saying that his family is bad we get it I am sure he is part of the mob or something I mean what else can it be. Also the brother gets stabbed goes to the hospital she goes there finds our it was her ex boyfriend and has a panic attack. She runs outside and gets hit by a car there goes the cliff hanger.

This book like the fist is told from different POV also its only a few months that all this takes place not even October yet.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BeaC.
377 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2022
Truth be told, I'm obsessed with Ash and I can't get enough of her inner dialogues lol She probably is the most sassy heroine ever written, she speaks fluent sarcasm and with her very unapologetic attitude this girl is going to places!

Now the complicated part is her love interests, I'm still trying to understand if this is leading to a reverse harem or its just her greedy body wanting to chew more than she can lol

Sabrina's murder keeps being a mystery and sadly we don't get much more relevant information about it, but the new "hero" is to die for, so it totally makes up for the lack of more clues.

With this said, I can't wait for what's next for our lovely Ash and her boys (not her boys yet, but the slow burn is killing my curios nature lol)
Profile Image for BookLover89.
344 reviews
December 11, 2020
This series only got worse with each book. I actually liked the first book and by this last one, I was about ready to smash my iPad.

I don’t even know how I finished this series. And how in the world does it have such good reviews???

It was six books that could have been done in two or three if all the dumb stuff had been removed.

Did I need to know eye and hair colors ten million times? No.

Did I need to know what holey outfit she was wearing constantly? No

There were so many redundant things in this book that could have been left out.

I probably should have waited a day or two before leaving a review but this series just got me worked up. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mads.
302 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2020
What. the. hell.
Again.

I couldn't put the book down. It's getting better and better.
There are more and more secrets, it's addictive!

Ash thought that what's happening at Hillcrest, with Travis, Sawyer and Declan (and even Will) was all linked to Sabrina, but little did she know her secret was about to be out as it is the reason why Will ended up in the hospital, and probably why Declan did as well at the end of book 1!

This is so f*cked up, I love it. And that ending... I definitely will start reading book 3 as soon as possible!
Profile Image for Debra Potter.
239 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2020
Wowsers..

Another attention grabbing installment...
Angry Sawyer gets angrier. Psycho Travis reveals his crazy. Sad Declan finds his smile. Will is the knight in shining armor. Ashley continues as the strong lone female on campus, facing them all down with wit sass and inner strength. Book 2 ends with an impactful scene and a bit of a cliffhanger too! A great story of conflicting characters. Elements of an enemy to lovers but never torturous enough for me to detest the bully. A quick read and strong storyline.
Profile Image for Persephone  Roze.
161 reviews
January 2, 2025
Dying..ever so slowly

If you are not into the slow burn with tension to your eyeballs, this is not the series for you. It is almost deliciously painful how much tension is happening at any one time. Also, the left field unpredictability is crazy to me. The darkness that Ash is turning to in this book is so intriguing and had me wondering who was really being a bully. The cliffhangers are killing me, but I can't stop. I'm a little addicted at the moment to our story and characters, even though I have no idea what is good or bad anymore!
Profile Image for Brittany (happy.ending.always).
1,243 reviews47 followers
March 4, 2020
Holy cliffhanger!!!

Oh my gosh!!!! I thought book one’s cliffhanger was crazy. I was so wrong. Ok, breathe. This book, wow. Ash is incredible. What a character. She is feisty and filled with dark secrets. I thought by this book she would choose a love interest as she has so many to choose from, but nope. Not yet!


Read these books. You won’t be disappointed. Ok, gotta go read book 3!!!!
Profile Image for Cheyenne Rousseau.
1,484 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2022
Wow

So out of all the boys I don’t like Sawyer. He’s a self righteous ass who thinks the world owes him and then some. I don’t like him but I can relate to his pain of losing someone and not caring what happens to oneself afterwards.

Travis and Declan are my favorites. They both unique in their own ways.

Will I’m not so sure about he’s the new comer and idk something is off with him.

I love Ash. She’s great!

Wow ik we knew about her ex from the series before this and again the other Easter eggs but damn not looking forward to meeting him.

Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

15/10
Profile Image for bookedbysmut Nikki.
844 reviews18 followers
March 4, 2020
Sigh

The cat and mouse games are intense in this book. Another review stated it all perfectly. Look, I know RH isn’t something everyone loves, but the story here is so good. There’s a slow burn with each of these crazy men and I am loving watching the simmer. The cliffhanger? Dang. I’m just glad I waited for the whole series to be out so I don’t have to wait.
363 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2020
The mystery keeps on coming

This book continues Ash's story of her time at Hillcrest University with a couple of rich boys. I really like how the mystery is building as these books go on and more pieces are added to the overall puzzle. I gotta say Ash is really good at getting revenge and I can't wait to see what she plans to do next.
Profile Image for Lonnie.
668 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2020
Dude this leading lady

Gosh I wish I had as big of balls as she does. She doesn't give in she keeps fighting. And she has a herem of men who will do anything for her against her whatever. Sawyer who is obsessed since loosimg his sister for revenge. Travis who is obsessed with her then will and Declan the brothers who are kind and amazing...then there's her ex
1,164 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2021
Book 2

Ash has feelings for the four guys but Sawyer seems to be in her sights for revenge. Unfortunately, Declan and Will are almost killed when Ashley's ex boyfriend who is also a serial killer is released from prison on a technicality. The book is a good one with twists and turns that pull you in and don't let you go.
Profile Image for Katy Jenkins .
513 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2021
obsessed

I am completely obsessed with this series and haven’t decided to skip sleep to read more. The first book leaves you with so many questions and this book answers some and leaves you with more. The characters are all addictive and Pam going to dive right into book three❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for TheHobbyest.
372 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2022
Uhm what happened?!

So the mystery continues to build and build and the twists keep coming.

Like I did not see any of this playing out that way. After book one left Declan in danger, I can't say I expected it to slow down, but I also was not expecting that cliff hanger.

Glad the series is complete 😅
Profile Image for Toma.
834 reviews
April 21, 2020
While this series still had great character and plot development, I kept disagreeing with Ash's actions regarding Sawyer. Also I saw no point in introducing William. Character wise he was too alike Declan.
Profile Image for Tinaj Johnson.
347 reviews14 followers
July 21, 2020
That ending!!!

I didn’t think it would be possible but Book 2 is even better than Book 1! I finally found out my suspicions were correct. I am so glad Book 3 is out and I do not have to wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Raven.
200 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2020
Amazing

Took me a minute in book 1 to remember Travis, but jfc. I love this author. I love the world in these books. Highly highly recommend this author as a whole. Not just this series, though I highly recommend it as well. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Sherece .
40 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2020
Wow! <\b>

I LOVED every minute of this book. I Loved the writing. I loved the characters. I loved the pacing and plot [even though I kinda figured out some parts of the story].... but all in all I was still pleasantly surprised, and I can't wait to start the third book. :)
Profile Image for ℂarlee☾*✲⋆.
70 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2021
The boys in this novel confuse me there needs to be more character development.

Ash is cool but all she thinks about is sex , she comes off as shallow not a lot of depth to her.

Love the mystery , dying to know what actually happened to Sabrina .
245 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2021
Damn

This book shows you just how broken people can be and still looks well put together. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I loved the revenge and the light, fun moments.
Profile Image for Jenner.
909 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2021
This one was another very dark romance. I figured something had to happen to Ash so that the guys will eventually band together to help her and she can be with them all eventually. I didn't expect her ex to be a serial killer but it makes sense. I am excited for more mysteries to be revealed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

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