Not Giving Up

Stonebridge Academy #1

by K.J. Thomas

Sometimes the worst kind of danger is the one closest to home.

Hudson
I don’t answer to anyone else, except myself.

My life was going as planned. One year left of high school, then I take over the family business or waste my time in college.
Everything was simple until she walked in. I hate her. I despise her.
Her family took the most precious thing in my life away.

….I can’t get her out of my head. She doesn’t belong in my thoughts, or my dreams.

She’s my new favorite toy.
The demise of her family.

Morgan
My life is not my own.
Decisions are made for me.
Bodyguards and my father are always close by.
Until now...freedom.

I just started Ridgeside High after being out of the country. My father has loosened almost cut the strings that hold me captive. Then, I run into him, Hudson. He makes sure that I know how much he hates me. But why?

He’s the King of Ridgeside High.
The one I can’t stop thinking about.

**This is not a sweet love story, this is a slightly DARK ROMANCE. If you don't like dark romance this book is not for you. Please note this book contains certain TRIGGER warnings.**

Genres: High School, Young Adult, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, New Adult, M F Romance, Contemporary Romance

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2019

About the author

K.J. loves creating dark, and forever twisted, characters. A Mom to four freaking awesome kids, she currently lives in New England with her Husband, three teenage boys, and a small herd of fluffy animals.

Find K.J. on:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorkjthomas/
Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/68354ef568e8/landing

Reviews

[Fre06 Begum · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bj with ow and heroine is turned on watching it.
He sleeps with his f***k buddy even after being intimate with h.
Betraying body alert, she’s a virgin but can’t control herself around the jerk even though he treats her like crap(I hate h’s who have no respect for themselves)

Apparently next books is him pushing her away to “protect her” I imagine she will be chasing him and he will probably start sleeping around. To be honest I just don’t care as I really did not like or respect this pathetic female lead.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance (High School/Mafia)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level:2.5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy
Series: Book 1 (Cliffy)
Pages: 182
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes

STORY
I liked this story the more I read. In the beginning, it felt like everything was happening so fast, and a few minor things made little sense to me, but the further I got, I was intrigued with what was going on. I also liked that this was not only dark and high school, but it had a mafia vibe to it as well, and I love me some mafia romance.

Silas is in his senior year of high school. He is also dark and intense as he is set to take over from his father as leader of the Vittori family. He sees Willow at school , who is a Milano, and he despises her family, unbeknownst to Willow.

It was hard to believe sometimes Silas was only 18, and he is a leader in the making, giving out orders and plotting against his enemies. This isn’t a bad thing because it added to the story for me. He was harsh at times towards Willow, so that made for an interesting pull and tug between both characters. Willow was innocent but tried not to back down from anyone, and this isn’t only towards Silas, but others who want her as much as Silas.


SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were appealing. They definitely match the mood and attitude of Silas.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
There were a lot of characters. Wyatt and Aaron, Silas’ best friends and Carly and Taylor, Willow’s best friends. Would have loved to know what was going on behind the scenes with these friends.



OVERALL:
Am I excited it’s a cliffy, No, but I am curious to read the next book and see how this plays out.



✰✰TRIGGERS: a lot of attempted sexual assault, held captive, drugging/roofied


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I’m so in love with Morgan and Hudson.

This is a bit of a. Dark romance, but if you like a high school dark romance this book is for you. Hudson is determined to avenge his mother’s death and he thinks Morgan’s father is to blame. He says he will do anything and I mean anything to get he revenge but after weeks with Morgan I don’t think he will be able to hurt her.

And what a twist and cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the worst kind of danger is the one closest to home.
Hudson
I don’t answer to anyone else, except myself.
My life was going as planned. One year left of high school, then I take over the family business or waste my time in college.
Everything was simple until she walked in. I hate her. I despise her.
Her family took the most precious thing in my life away.
…I can’t get her out of my head. She doesn’t belong in my thoughts, or my dreams.
She’s my new favorite toy.
The demise of her family.
Morgan
My life is not my own.
Decisions are made for me.
Bodyguards and my father are always close by.
Until now...freedom.
I just started Ridgeside High after being out of the country. My father has loosened, almost cut the strings that hold me captive.
Then, I run into him, Hudson. He makes sure that I know how much he hates me. But why?
He’s the King of Ridgeside High.
The one I can’t stop thinking about.

I found this to be a great series starter.
Can feel the heat coming off the pages.
Great characters and supporting characters that I want to read more about.
Love the plot and story line.
Can't wait for the next installments.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis for this book I did indeed think it was just another bully romance but I was wrong! This is the first book of a trilogy and whilst I hate cliffhangers I am so glad I took this arc. This is a very entertaining and intriguing story. Excellent characterisation and a good supporting cast to the main characters. Morgan our heroine is strong and Hudson is Alpha. She has to cope with situations at the college with other protagonists and she can hold her own. The plot is very different with the mafia connection and all the questions which have now come up and will be answered in the coming books. I have pre-ordered these and cannot wait to read them. A great start to which I know will be a very exciting set of books. This is a new author for me and will look forward to reading more from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a fantastic first book for this new bully romance series!

This is the first book I've read from K.J. Thomas and wow what a great book it is. If you love bully romances then this series is definitely for you. It's definitely not a sweet love story and I'm loving it.

Morgan Rossi just wants to be able to spend her senior year of high school away from her family and the bodyguards that are always around. So when she sees Hudson Borelli looking at her like he wants to kill her, she is confused considering she doesn't even really know who Hudson is other than he is the King of the school. He has secret plans to take down the Rossi family and he plans on using Morgan to make that happen. This is a great first book for this series and I'm looking forward to reading book two, Pushed Away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan's dad is the head of a mafia family but she's back in her hometown for her senior year of high school. Hudson is also the son of a mafia family. He believes Morgan's father killed his mother and vows revenge. Now that Morgan is back, he knows he'll use her to get it. He thinks she's beautiful but knows she's going to hate him when all is said and done. What will happen when he touches her? Will he be able to keep her safe from everyone else that's ready to harm her? Will everyone's heart remain intact? Read and find out. This is an amazing start to a series. Can't wait to read more about Morgan and Hudson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god, I LOVED this book. Not giving up is one very interesting story. The story is about Morgan and Hudson. They go to the same school. Morgan just transferred from Germany, because her father is dealing with drugs and weapons and she needed to hide. She refused bodyguards, but it turns out she needs protection-from Hudson. The guy has it in for her for some reason and she doesn't have a clue what that reason could be. On top of everything else, she needs to deal with her ex-boyfriend Nick.
This story is very compelling. I read it in one sitting. 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Ridgeside High series, and the beginning of Hudson, and Morgan's torrid story. Morgan is starting her senior year at Ridgeside, after being out of the country, and sheltered most of her life. Hudson is the king of the school, and has a grudge against Morgan, and her family because he believes they are responsible for his mothers death. He's out for revenge, and Morgan is his way to get it. This is a great start to this series, the characters are well written, and it's emotional, and intense. Great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Frigault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me right in and I could not put it down. This is the first book by K.J. Thomas I have read and i really enjoyed it and im totally looking forward to reading what come next in this series. Didn't see the twist in the plot at the end so nicely done. Be aware of the warnings in the book description. This is a dark story with possible triggers for some people you've been warned.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.

[Soscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so, so good. So surreal, so improbable, so hot, and so delicious.

It's for sure not a YA novel, so remember that. I wouldn't call it dark though, it's not that violent, though there's the suggestion of it at time, and the heroine being attacked or threatened with assault. There's also some dubious consent, but... way hotter than most of the bully romance out there.

This is volume 1 of what I assume will be a trilogy, so no HEA yet, and I have to say, I cannot wait for the next entry.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite the story. It does end with a cliff hanger, but I certainly cannot wait to read the next installment. Morgan is in her last year of high school and she has no idea why a guy named Hudson hated her with a passion. They might have gotten together because of Hudson's plan, but their relationship is incendiary. KJ Thomas certainly knows how to write an on the edge of your seat book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I cannot wait for more!!! Completely hooked on this sreies! Lots of twists and turns in this fantastic plot!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Haz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book the only down side would be that characters come across a lot older then what they are but apart from this a really story that will keep you wanting more can't wait for book 2

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨]

DNF @37%

Not sure why I just couldn't get into this but it didn't grip my attention.

It held 2 of my favourite troprs - Mafia and Billy so it SHOULD have been perfect....

I may return to this to hive it another try but as it stands I just couldn't get a grip onto the story but it may well be my state of mind!!!

[Paula]

Because of this: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2899933771

[Sohana · Rating 2 out of 5]

bruh

[Trac · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF. This was so badly written. Another clueless female heroine that instalust after her bully and allows him to constantly berate and bully her. No backbone . She gets jealous of another girl when she barely meets this guy once?? Staring at the guy while he’s having sex with someone else ? She’s a damn creeper . Didn’t feel bad for her being bullied considering she was so badly lusting over a complete stranger! And where is all these so called bodyguards” ? This is a mafia story . No mafia will allow his teen daughter absolutely free reigns like that to be victimized . This book was just so ridiculous I laughed it off and just removed from my library. Not a good mafia or bully book.

[Kreela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this more. Every time I see a sexy dark academy novel with a m-f pairing I hope it’s sexy and that the MMC is an obsessive a-hole.
✔️ Obsessive
✔️ A-hole

But there was nothing original in the plot. I may have read this before. There was no quirkiness to recommend this book. It was a good read for a weekend but I would not reread it. It ends with a cliffhanger, but I don’t want to keep reading.

The good news is that the writing style was good, and I might read more by K. J. Thomas. Please add more sexy scenes.

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very intense, Morgan is a strong girl and Hudson - well he is Hudson. He is trying to get revenge for his mother’s death. I don’t want to do any spoilers, only at times you will find yourself wanting to slap Hudson.
Really enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2 to se what’s going to happen next.

[Galactica Princess · Rating 1 out of 5]

So he raped Morgan and took her virginity after drugging her and kidnapping her....oh OK this is love? This is ok? .... Naaa

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia Lovers or Enemies

Is it possible to fall in love with your captor your hostage. Yes it is, but getting there can be a nightmare.

[Vaishnavi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate when the main character is not strong enough to stand up for herself and gives in to her body.

[Pearl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh.

[valea · Rating 4 out of 5]

review coming soon.

[Cynthia Mejia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love & Revenge

And not exactly in that order. I enjoyed the story of Hudson and Morgan. You know an author has done a good job when you get legitimately upset with the characters when they do something terrible or make poor choices and when you swoon at the obvious passion and undeniable heat between them.

Not Giving Up is the story of Morgan and Hudson, the children of rival mafia families. Hudson believes Morgan’s father, and the Rossi family by extension, to be responsible for the death of his mother. When Morgan returns home from overseas unexpectedly, Hudson sees it as his opportunity to seek out his vengeance. Falling for Morgan was never part of the plan. Morgan comes home from boarding school to finish out her senior year. She wants to enjoy her classes and her friends, get into a good college and then do on to law school. Her future is planned out. Hudson is the obstacle she wasn’t expecting. Gorgeous and angry, his hatred for her seethes from every pore of his body. Too bad good girls like bad boys, even when it’s detrimental to their health. Surviving high school is going to be a bigger challenge than she anticipated. Enter bullies, stalkers, and plot twists.

I’m looking forward to reading the next chapter of their love story.

[Pink Lilac · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 Revenge-Fuelled Stars***

Another start to a dark, high school bully romance and this one, at times is definitely on the more dark and twisted side....

Hudson is out for revenge against Morgan's family. His walls are up and he has a plan in place and nothing is going to get in his way. Morgan is going to be his instrument to execute his vengeful endeavours to bring down her entire family...but will Morgan be more than he expected and get through to the man beneath all the hatred? Can she protect her family and prove her father's innocence???

I personally feel like Hudson goes too far at times but it's part of the character he is....just be aware of the trigger warnings!

An enjoyable read... I feel like I maybe didn't enjoy it as much as other books in this genre but a good story nonetheless and it will be interesting to see what happens next!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yoneidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is the daughter of the man responsible for his mother's death or that's what Silas thinks, that's why he begins his plan of revenge using Willow, although the more time he begins to spend with her, the more he falls in love with her.
Willow knows that her father has done bad things in his life but she does not believe Silas, so she decides to help him, hoping that she can stop the revenge plan and find the real culprit, because if not she and Silas will never have a real chance.
In addition, Willow will have to be careful with Logan, hers most faithful protector who has developed a sick obsession with her and is willing to do everything to make her his.
I loved it and the end of the book leaves you wanting more, to know how the story continues.

[Apl0111 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot is getting good... Style needs work

The Characters are beginning to develop, as is the plot. The writing style, however, really fragments the flow. After giving it some thought, I don't believe changing voices the next chapter enhances the novel. Especially since the only purpose it seems to serve is to show how the other lead character experienced the previous "earth shattering" situation. Too much repetition for me. Additionally, I want more development in the female lead. She's neither vapid nor geeky, ballsy nor meek. Her character comes across as less developed than the male lead.

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Morgan is starting her senior year of high school. She is the daughter of a drug kingpin. Hudson is the king of the school and the son of a rival family. He blames Morgan's dad for the death of his mother. So he has devised a plan for revenge and Morgan is key. He sets out to make her life miserable but he ends up falling for her. There was a big cliffy and I am very excited about the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.