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The Nobles
We come from high society, but the grooming process starts in high school.
And we always recruit in the dark.
As a result, our messes are rarely clean and never brought to light.
Money's not an issue, and usually, neither are our members.
Until one decides to betray us.
Let this be a lesson to our initiates: Never choose love over loyalty.
And a word to Chase Stone, Briarcliff’s most sought-after student—if you tell the new girl we exist, it won't just be you that pays the price.
Me, the New Girl
Well, crap.
RIVAL is the first full-length novel in the Briarcliff Society Series and contains enemies-to-lovers, bullying, and other mature themes (but is not a dark romance). Recommended for readers 17 and over. It is NOT a standalone and ends on a cliffhanger with a happy-for-now (but a happily ever after will happen … in the end.)
We come from high society, but the grooming process starts in high school.
And we always recruit in the dark.
As a result, our messes are rarely clean and never brought to light.
Money's not an issue, and usually, neither are our members.
Until one decides to betray us.
Let this be a lesson to our initiates: Never choose love over loyalty.
And a word to Chase Stone, Briarcliff’s most sought-after student—if you tell the new girl we exist, it won't just be you that pays the price.
Me, the New Girl
Well, crap.
RIVAL is the first full-length novel in the Briarcliff Society Series and contains enemies-to-lovers, bullying, and other mature themes (but is not a dark romance). Recommended for readers 17 and over. It is NOT a standalone and ends on a cliffhanger with a happy-for-now (but a happily ever after will happen … in the end.)
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
1735 people are currently reading
2984 people want to read
About the author
Ketley Allison
86 books884 followersAuthor of Romantic Suspense, New Adult, and mature YA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 17, 2021
note: this review contains minor and major spoilers for this novel. please proceed with caution.
"Rival" is a chaotic mess that may have pleased me at times, but left me frustrated for most of the novel.
I couldn't even describe the synopsis to you because the plot isn't clear in the synopsis provided on Goodreads, and the plot sure as hell wasn't clear to me while reading this. the best way I can explain this is by giving you the details that apply to my review.
-Callie's mother was murdered, and Callie saw her mother's body before the police came.
-Callie's father and stepmother sent her to some prestigious school (Briarcliff Society) where a bunch of rich and snobby kids reside.
-Callie gets targeted by her roommate, Piper, and everyone else there.
-Piper's "boyfriend" is Chase, but she had an affair with her "cool" teacher, Mr. Luke.
-this affair information is revealed not too long after Piper dies because she supposedly "fell" off the same cliff Briarcliff Society's founder's wife, Rosie, "fell" off of centuries ago.
-before and after this event, Callie got these white roses that were placed in her apartment. and she's trying to figure out who gave them to her, while also trying to figure out who murdered Piper, her mother, and Briarcliff Society's founder's wife, Rosie.
-and Callie's partner in crime is no other than Chase, the same person who let Callie get bullied but is attracted to her (?)
I'm sorry you had to read that. to be honest, I'm exhausted from trying to recount the main details of this story. but the reason I provided those details is so that you will have some context on the random notes/comments I have about this whole fiasco. I'm not even going to try and write a "normal" review because this puzzling novel doesn't deserve that.
1. why is Callie trying to be Sherlock Holmes and investigate 3 murders simultaneously?
Callie Ryan wants to be a Sherlock Holmes so bad it's sad. seriously, she wants to investigate the murder of Piper, a girl that bullied her for supposedly no reason, because the way she died seems sUSpIcIOuS. and she has that same reasoning for Rosie and her mother's murder. and that's fine; have fun, I guess.
my main issue with this is that Callie is trying to solve three murders at once, and she ends up forgetting during certain parts of the novel why she was trying to solve her mother's murder. I feel like Callie was loosing her focus throughout this whole debacle, and she doesn't gain anything from it. I'm not saying you always have to do something just because you'll be benefitted from it, but why would she go to such great lengths to solve Piper and Rosie's murder when she gains nothing from it? why would she be so determined to investigate those mysteries that she strongly disregards Chase's multiple warnings for her to stop?
I just bring this up because Callie playing Sherlock Holmes is the main plot device of this whole story, yet it's executed in a way that comes off as clumsy and underdeveloped to me, at least.
2. Chase and Callie's relationship is unhealthy, and I don't like it.
when Callie encounters Chase in most situations, she doesn't trust or respect him, but thinks he's attractive. so when they start hooking up, they "learn more about each other" and start some type of "relationship". but no matter what you classify their dynamic as, you should be able to see why it's unhealthy. Callie doesn't trust Chase because she literally knows nothing about him, and Chase doesn't trust Callie because he thinks she'll snitch to someone about the Nobels and Virtues or some shit. they know that the other person has secrets they'll never reveal, yet they keep fucking like there's no tomorrow. you see a problem here?
I just don't understand why there are so many unhealthy (or even toxic) relationships in NA novels.
it shouldn't be that hard to provide a healthy relationship in a novel. but then again, I shouldn't expect much from a convoluted and unorganized novel like this.
I think we're done here
if I'm being honest, there isn't much more to say. stop giving me unhealthy relationships in NA novels, stop making impenetrable books, and please Callie, stop trying to be Sherlock Holmes.
"Rival" is a chaotic mess that may have pleased me at times, but left me frustrated for most of the novel.
I couldn't even describe the synopsis to you because the plot isn't clear in the synopsis provided on Goodreads, and the plot sure as hell wasn't clear to me while reading this. the best way I can explain this is by giving you the details that apply to my review.
-Callie's mother was murdered, and Callie saw her mother's body before the police came.
-Callie's father and stepmother sent her to some prestigious school (Briarcliff Society) where a bunch of rich and snobby kids reside.
-Callie gets targeted by her roommate, Piper, and everyone else there.
-Piper's "boyfriend" is Chase, but she had an affair with her "cool" teacher, Mr. Luke.
-this affair information is revealed not too long after Piper dies because she supposedly "fell" off the same cliff Briarcliff Society's founder's wife, Rosie, "fell" off of centuries ago.
-before and after this event, Callie got these white roses that were placed in her apartment. and she's trying to figure out who gave them to her, while also trying to figure out who murdered Piper, her mother, and Briarcliff Society's founder's wife, Rosie.
-and Callie's partner in crime is no other than Chase, the same person who let Callie get bullied but is attracted to her (?)
I'm sorry you had to read that. to be honest, I'm exhausted from trying to recount the main details of this story. but the reason I provided those details is so that you will have some context on the random notes/comments I have about this whole fiasco. I'm not even going to try and write a "normal" review because this puzzling novel doesn't deserve that.
1. why is Callie trying to be Sherlock Holmes and investigate 3 murders simultaneously?
Callie Ryan wants to be a Sherlock Holmes so bad it's sad. seriously, she wants to investigate the murder of Piper, a girl that bullied her for supposedly no reason, because the way she died seems sUSpIcIOuS. and she has that same reasoning for Rosie and her mother's murder. and that's fine; have fun, I guess.
my main issue with this is that Callie is trying to solve three murders at once, and she ends up forgetting during certain parts of the novel why she was trying to solve her mother's murder. I feel like Callie was loosing her focus throughout this whole debacle, and she doesn't gain anything from it. I'm not saying you always have to do something just because you'll be benefitted from it, but why would she go to such great lengths to solve Piper and Rosie's murder when she gains nothing from it? why would she be so determined to investigate those mysteries that she strongly disregards Chase's multiple warnings for her to stop?
I just bring this up because Callie playing Sherlock Holmes is the main plot device of this whole story, yet it's executed in a way that comes off as clumsy and underdeveloped to me, at least.
2. Chase and Callie's relationship is unhealthy, and I don't like it.
when Callie encounters Chase in most situations, she doesn't trust or respect him, but thinks he's attractive. so when they start hooking up, they "learn more about each other" and start some type of "relationship". but no matter what you classify their dynamic as, you should be able to see why it's unhealthy. Callie doesn't trust Chase because she literally knows nothing about him, and Chase doesn't trust Callie because he thinks she'll snitch to someone about the Nobels and Virtues or some shit. they know that the other person has secrets they'll never reveal, yet they keep fucking like there's no tomorrow. you see a problem here?
I just don't understand why there are so many unhealthy (or even toxic) relationships in NA novels.
it shouldn't be that hard to provide a healthy relationship in a novel. but then again, I shouldn't expect much from a convoluted and unorganized novel like this.
I think we're done here
if I'm being honest, there isn't much more to say. stop giving me unhealthy relationships in NA novels, stop making impenetrable books, and please Callie, stop trying to be Sherlock Holmes.
January 3, 2023
I’m sorry, but goddamn, everyone in this book is annoying as fuck. Not in the mood to read another story about a doormat FMC who’s dickmatized. DNF at 33%.
March 14, 2022
Rival was an AMAZING start to The Briarcliff Society series. It is perfect for alll the secret ociety/bully story lovers. Ketley Allison is a new to me author and boy am I glad I took a chance on this series. I devoured this book and am so ready to jump into Virtue. Rival is full of the mean boys we love, a plethora of secrets and a strong af heroine who has no quit. I loved this story so much! 5 stars! ~Ratula
September 19, 2020
Before I begin my review for Rival (Briacliff Secret Society book 1) by Ketley Allison, I would personally like to thank the author, the publishers and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.
Briacliff Academy. An elite educational home for the richest, smartest and meanest. A dark and intense story of bullying and a mean girl who'd put Regina George to shame, a steaming enemies to lovers affair and niggling secrets, Rival will keep you riveted from page one, and squirming in your seat to the very last word.
Rival features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Bullying
○ Bully romance
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Boarding school
○ Mysteries and secrets
○ Contemporary new adult
○ Mean girls
○ Book boyfriends
My overall rating for Rival is...
5 stars!
This book is intense! The bullying was overpowering, the slow burn sexual tension unbearable, the secrets tantalising and the writing style addictive. Boarding school drama is just too damn delicious, even with the darkness and mystery trailing the tale. Let's not forget the smut and confident, cocky (literally) sex on legs we call Chase. I'll be having a Chase hangover forever! Overall I loved this book and the intricate themes scattered within, but I feel the brutal bullying could cause triggers for some readers.
September 15, 2020
Oh, how I love a book that takes you further into the woods and allows you to get lost in it. Each page adds another twist and each character is just as twisted as the plot.
It's the kind of book you get enough of. I can't give away too much but I'll tell you that my senses are on high alert for book 2 because this book world is more addictive than my 10 cups a day of coffee.
If you are a fan of twisters and characters that have you on edge than I'd suggest you read RIVAL ASAP.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
It's the kind of book you get enough of. I can't give away too much but I'll tell you that my senses are on high alert for book 2 because this book world is more addictive than my 10 cups a day of coffee.
If you are a fan of twisters and characters that have you on edge than I'd suggest you read RIVAL ASAP.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
May 17, 2023
Reread Rival( because I forgot aaaa loooot in this book series)...and let me tell you this book Never and I mean Never disappoints!
The mystery in this book series is soooooo good....I could not get behind all the secrets surrounding Briarcliff, which kept me reading until late at night.
The constant banter and tension between the MMC and FMC was on another level... mwah 💋 LOVE THEM 😙🤏
It is simply perfection <3
The mystery in this book series is soooooo good....I could not get behind all the secrets surrounding Briarcliff, which kept me reading until late at night.
The constant banter and tension between the MMC and FMC was on another level... mwah 💋 LOVE THEM 😙🤏
It is simply perfection <3
October 10, 2020
Unrealistic and poor editing
Its really all over the place and poorly written. Super confusing , but maybe its suppose to be? The main characters have no chemistry
Its really all over the place and poorly written. Super confusing , but maybe its suppose to be? The main characters have no chemistry
September 22, 2020
OMG I absolutely LOVED this book! Callie is the bullied tormented mind with the most difficult past, but she isn't a broken wilted flower. NOOOO! She is a warrior. She stands up for herself in a whole new environment, in front of the whole student and faculty bodies and she kicks *ss!! You go girl! It's all cloaks, without the daggers, roses, secret societies and a lot of mean people but not enough friends. She lost it all, or close to it, but she is not out yet! She fights on!
This book is an absolute page turner where twists and unexpected turns happen at every page and I can't wait for the next one, because there is so much left to decipher. And I can't wait to see it all unravel.
I read this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
This book is an absolute page turner where twists and unexpected turns happen at every page and I can't wait for the next one, because there is so much left to decipher. And I can't wait to see it all unravel.
I read this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2020
This had an amazing storyline...with secret societies, lies and betrayal at every turn, I literally couldn't stop turning the pages! I liked the main characters but admit I did find Callie a bit frustrating at times.
At first I thought this would take the same route as a lot of the other bully romances out there, but although there is bullying I feel this story is going in a completely different direction and I'm really excited to see what happens in the next book!
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At first I thought this would take the same route as a lot of the other bully romances out there, but although there is bullying I feel this story is going in a completely different direction and I'm really excited to see what happens in the next book!
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2021
DNF'd
After a few hours and on chapter thirty something I had to give up. I'm a lover of conspiracies/secret societies and romance novels. Thought this would be a great read. Unfortunately, it was boring.
Everyone talks in riddles, which is cute the first hour. But when the MCs finally "get" together, he still won't tell her anything.
I felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over with zero plot progression. Students are mean to Callie. She gets mad. She asks questions. No one answers her properly. Something weird happens to her. Students are mean to Callie.... Rinse and repeat.
And these students are horrendously horrible to Callie from hour one that she arrived, with no clues as to why. Maybe it comes at the end, but if there isn't even a tie to anything almost 60 percent in, I doubt anything would be satisfying.
As a mystery goes on, you want little clues or things mentioned that comes back later, or gives you a satisfying end when everything clues up. Things you can point to and be like Aha!
Not getting that here. The few clues that turn up are obvious. None of the characters are particularly likable. There is no one to root for. Most of the time I was just wondering why Callie doesn't leave for another school. The excuse is that this particular school can get you into any college. But isn't that true with a lot of private schools that cost a ton of money? Plus her stepmother is apparently a billionaire... Is going to a good college really going to be that difficult? The excuse is flimsy to keep her there, when common sense would have moved her out after day one. That's not being tough, that's being stupid. I don't see how Callie is this kick a$$ chick when she doesn't have one inkling of self preservation, and she sits and endures some of the worst bullying I've ever heard of. Because she can tough it out. No girl, get your a$$ on a train to another super prestigious boarding school where people don't actively try to drive you to the brink of insanity.
This wasn't a romance. This wasn't a mystery. This was just a lot of chapters of a teenage girl crushing on a bad boy while thinking the same things over and over for weeks on end.
After a few hours and on chapter thirty something I had to give up. I'm a lover of conspiracies/secret societies and romance novels. Thought this would be a great read. Unfortunately, it was boring.
Everyone talks in riddles, which is cute the first hour. But when the MCs finally "get" together, he still won't tell her anything.
I felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over with zero plot progression. Students are mean to Callie. She gets mad. She asks questions. No one answers her properly. Something weird happens to her. Students are mean to Callie.... Rinse and repeat.
And these students are horrendously horrible to Callie from hour one that she arrived, with no clues as to why. Maybe it comes at the end, but if there isn't even a tie to anything almost 60 percent in, I doubt anything would be satisfying.
As a mystery goes on, you want little clues or things mentioned that comes back later, or gives you a satisfying end when everything clues up. Things you can point to and be like Aha!
Not getting that here. The few clues that turn up are obvious. None of the characters are particularly likable. There is no one to root for. Most of the time I was just wondering why Callie doesn't leave for another school. The excuse is that this particular school can get you into any college. But isn't that true with a lot of private schools that cost a ton of money? Plus her stepmother is apparently a billionaire... Is going to a good college really going to be that difficult? The excuse is flimsy to keep her there, when common sense would have moved her out after day one. That's not being tough, that's being stupid. I don't see how Callie is this kick a$$ chick when she doesn't have one inkling of self preservation, and she sits and endures some of the worst bullying I've ever heard of. Because she can tough it out. No girl, get your a$$ on a train to another super prestigious boarding school where people don't actively try to drive you to the brink of insanity.
This wasn't a romance. This wasn't a mystery. This was just a lot of chapters of a teenage girl crushing on a bad boy while thinking the same things over and over for weeks on end.
Read
September 25, 2020
This is just the beginning of Chase and Callie's twisted relationship, filled with secrets, lies, and off-the-charts CHEMISTRY
RIVAL Releases in one week! Grab it now on preorder for 0.99 before it goes to its regular price on release day!
October 29, 2020
Interesting concept but the main characters have no chemistry. I’m not convinced of their “romance”. But I’m willing to see if the second book redeems itself.
August 16, 2024
Smirk doesn't = Romance7
Whew! The stats:
😩 This book starts so strong, it's engaging and it pulls you in but by 55%, it just starts to plod a bit,
😩 by 65%, you are checking your watch like...dang let's wrap this non-romance romance up.
😩By 75%, I'm actively rooting for the FMCs downfall while reading because she doesn't make bright moves, and her detective moves make zero sense
The Setting/plot:
This book can't even be enjoyed as a breeze on through read because the foundations of the story don't add up impacting the mood and enjoyment of the mystery 😒. Like I couldn't tell if the author wanted an Academy high school story or ritzy upperechelon Duke-inspired University but like a smaller vibe, and honestly, not distinguishing that really sets the story up to have some serious holes.
So the 👎🏾:
😬 @ first the FMC says she's going to this super preppy college. 👌🏾 The step mom says "I know it's weird wearing a uniform and attending a non- coed dorm at college but you'll be fine" 👌🏾 but then the FMC talks about using this to help get into a good college 😒....umm...they have lockers on campus...ummm...they have curfews...ummmm...they have bells that tell them when they need to go somewhere....ummmmm... the FMCs "father" states he can tell her where to go because he's her guardian....whet???😐. How so if she's 18. Since the setting itself makes zero sense, it flows into the rest of the story
😬 we have bully scenes straight from a bad 1980s high school teen movie but in a college setting
😬 we have 18+ yo characters acting like they are 15-18 yo with their interactions, dialogue and even motives
😬 we have a mystery that's not very mysterious; as the clues are a little too easy for readers
😬 we only have the FMC's point of view 😢....yes that's very bad because she needs some balance and counter
😬 we have a wishy washy MMC who has zero power but no he's the King of the campus..but he isn't?...but he should be feared he's a Noble...but is he?, he has no control....ugh gave me whiplash trying to figure it out and not in a fun way because he's barely on page, which is a shame because having his presence would have added to the romantic narrative and on top of thag his name is Chase 😒, get it (but that adds to the good humor of the story)
😬 why does the FMC not chuck deuces, take out a loan, and transfer to another college (I guess Community College for one semester or two is too beneath her 😒)
😬 FMC has an equally confusing past. Her mom was a flake (her words) who got knocked up at 19, and they were unhoused for a while, but then her mom also was a police officer with a partner with all the FMCs life 🙄. Huh? So, was she flakey? Or not? When did she become a police officer
😬FMC lacks common sense and reading a room when it comes to survival, but this is supposed to be our sleuth. She gets a major clue obviously wrong, and we are supposed to just...checks notes...keep reading 😢
So I took some of the holes and weak foundation as a clue to read the rest of the story on UNSERIOUS mode...again the tone and mood seem off with the settings and characters but the writer is engaging. So deciding to finish the book I decided to focuse on the funny lines and non existent stea.
Romance/Steam:
😬oh, for a romance, THERE IS NO ROMANCE. A dude smirking at you a lot does not = romance.
😬slow nonexistent burn this feels similar to a YA mystery rewritten to include a NA dark romance plot that explodes around 79% with zero leadup. Then another big bang around 95%
Funny lines ::read in Eminem "My Name is Slim Shady" voice::
🎶"What the hell is the point of a secret diary/if you dont write down any of your secrets/*****!"
🎶"My nightmare clung to my subconscious/ with such tangible firmness/that it propelled me/in the direction of Lover's Leap"
🎶"Stay quiet"/"Excuse Me"/"Well l be"
🎶"Yeah/I get its forbidden/but that only makes me/want to keep/ tasting it on my tongue"
🎶"Who the hells am I supposed to trust around here/ I HAVE NO FRIENDS!"
🎶"cause today/ you were a fucking banshee/whose tits were just bit off/by a werewolf"
Whew! The stats:
😩 This book starts so strong, it's engaging and it pulls you in but by 55%, it just starts to plod a bit,
😩 by 65%, you are checking your watch like...dang let's wrap this non-romance romance up.
😩By 75%, I'm actively rooting for the FMCs downfall while reading because she doesn't make bright moves, and her detective moves make zero sense
The Setting/plot:
This book can't even be enjoyed as a breeze on through read because the foundations of the story don't add up impacting the mood and enjoyment of the mystery 😒. Like I couldn't tell if the author wanted an Academy high school story or ritzy upperechelon Duke-inspired University but like a smaller vibe, and honestly, not distinguishing that really sets the story up to have some serious holes.
So the 👎🏾:
😬 @ first the FMC says she's going to this super preppy college. 👌🏾 The step mom says "I know it's weird wearing a uniform and attending a non- coed dorm at college but you'll be fine" 👌🏾 but then the FMC talks about using this to help get into a good college 😒....umm...they have lockers on campus...ummm...they have curfews...ummmm...they have bells that tell them when they need to go somewhere....ummmmm... the FMCs "father" states he can tell her where to go because he's her guardian....whet???😐. How so if she's 18. Since the setting itself makes zero sense, it flows into the rest of the story
😬 we have bully scenes straight from a bad 1980s high school teen movie but in a college setting
😬 we have 18+ yo characters acting like they are 15-18 yo with their interactions, dialogue and even motives
😬 we have a mystery that's not very mysterious; as the clues are a little too easy for readers
😬 we only have the FMC's point of view 😢....yes that's very bad because she needs some balance and counter
😬 we have a wishy washy MMC who has zero power but no he's the King of the campus..but he isn't?...but he should be feared he's a Noble...but is he?, he has no control....ugh gave me whiplash trying to figure it out and not in a fun way because he's barely on page, which is a shame because having his presence would have added to the romantic narrative and on top of thag his name is Chase 😒, get it (but that adds to the good humor of the story)
😬 why does the FMC not chuck deuces, take out a loan, and transfer to another college (I guess Community College for one semester or two is too beneath her 😒)
😬 FMC has an equally confusing past. Her mom was a flake (her words) who got knocked up at 19, and they were unhoused for a while, but then her mom also was a police officer with a partner with all the FMCs life 🙄. Huh? So, was she flakey? Or not? When did she become a police officer
😬FMC lacks common sense and reading a room when it comes to survival, but this is supposed to be our sleuth. She gets a major clue obviously wrong, and we are supposed to just...checks notes...keep reading 😢
So I took some of the holes and weak foundation as a clue to read the rest of the story on UNSERIOUS mode...again the tone and mood seem off with the settings and characters but the writer is engaging. So deciding to finish the book I decided to focuse on the funny lines and non existent stea.
Romance/Steam:
😬oh, for a romance, THERE IS NO ROMANCE. A dude smirking at you a lot does not = romance.
😬slow nonexistent burn this feels similar to a YA mystery rewritten to include a NA dark romance plot that explodes around 79% with zero leadup. Then another big bang around 95%
Funny lines ::read in Eminem "My Name is Slim Shady" voice::
🎶"What the hell is the point of a secret diary/if you dont write down any of your secrets/*****!"
🎶"My nightmare clung to my subconscious/ with such tangible firmness/that it propelled me/in the direction of Lover's Leap"
🎶"Stay quiet"/"Excuse Me"/"Well l be"
🎶"Yeah/I get its forbidden/but that only makes me/want to keep/ tasting it on my tongue"
🎶"Who the hells am I supposed to trust around here/ I HAVE NO FRIENDS!"
🎶"cause today/ you were a fucking banshee/whose tits were just bit off/by a werewolf"
January 31, 2021
These books straight up gave me trust issues. One minute everything was fine and going toward the plan and then BAM! You get hit from the side and get taken out by something you never expected. The twists and turns in these books always kept me on my toes. You don’t know who is on what side, you never know who will randomly show up in the plot, and you never really know if someone really is who they are they are. The mystery throughout each of these books are what kept me so hooked. Not going to lie when I first started this book I didn’t think I was going to like the FMC, Callie, but over time she showed how strong and badass she was. There were times where I felt like she gave in too easily or forgave too easily but this girl went through a lot and she still keeps fighting. The MMC, Chase, is your classic arrogant, jerk, but the more you get to know him you see the reasons for his actions and you see his true heart slowly come through even though he still makes decisions that are slightly questionable. Overall I enjoyed these books and I can’t wait until the fourth one comes out because that ending wrecked me! These books will always keep you in suspense giving so many questions after each chapter. Worth the read!
September 26, 2020
Wow! What a ride! This story is packed full of suspense and mystery. Callie is one strong sassy chick!! I love her and her witty banter. She’s been through a lot she shows her vulnerabilities as much as her very stubborn mind!!
Chase is pretty much a mystery yet we see some of his darkness and some of his protectiveness towards Callie but there’s so much he knows and isn’t saying.
We do get some answers but there’s still soooo many unanswered. The dialogue and banter has such a real feel to it which I appreciate I have to have realistic engaging dialogue between characters to stay engaged in a story.
There’s a cliffhanger but it’s not too bad and we only have to wait until November 12 for the rest of the story.
What kept me from 5 stars was because I think the book could have used some of Chances point of view I feel it would have helped to understand what his thought on Callie were especially.
I’m a new fan of Ketleys and can’t wait to read the next book and more from her!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chase is pretty much a mystery yet we see some of his darkness and some of his protectiveness towards Callie but there’s so much he knows and isn’t saying.
We do get some answers but there’s still soooo many unanswered. The dialogue and banter has such a real feel to it which I appreciate I have to have realistic engaging dialogue between characters to stay engaged in a story.
There’s a cliffhanger but it’s not too bad and we only have to wait until November 12 for the rest of the story.
What kept me from 5 stars was because I think the book could have used some of Chances point of view I feel it would have helped to understand what his thought on Callie were especially.
I’m a new fan of Ketleys and can’t wait to read the next book and more from her!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2023
This book was ok. The series has potential. It is a dark romance with secret societies and murder. I do have to say that this book was a very slow start. It got better about halfway through the book. But it still lacked...something...
just not sure what. I am going to try reading the next book to see if it pulls me in even more before I buy the rest of the series.
Briarcliff Academy is the worst for Callie. She is more or less forced to go by her father and step mother. And when she gets there, her new roommate and friends start to bully her the first day. Her roommate, Piper's (boy)friend, Chase is super sexy but also kind of an asshole. He doesn't necessarily treat her like Piper does by he also doesn't stop her and her friends from harassing Callie either. After Callie has a huge fight with Piper, she ends up dead. And her classmates are accusing her of Piper's death...including Chase. But Callie thinks that Chase may have actually had something to do with...especially because he may be part of the secret society on campus. Who actually killed Piper?
A few things I will have to mention about this book, at least the special edition version, is that the first page if each chapter was a bit of a pain to read with the grayish background and white font. It honestly would be better and easier to read with black. And the story wasn't the greatest. However, it has a ton of potential. And it is a dark academia romance with a murder mystery. I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.
just not sure what. I am going to try reading the next book to see if it pulls me in even more before I buy the rest of the series.
Briarcliff Academy is the worst for Callie. She is more or less forced to go by her father and step mother. And when she gets there, her new roommate and friends start to bully her the first day. Her roommate, Piper's (boy)friend, Chase is super sexy but also kind of an asshole. He doesn't necessarily treat her like Piper does by he also doesn't stop her and her friends from harassing Callie either. After Callie has a huge fight with Piper, she ends up dead. And her classmates are accusing her of Piper's death...including Chase. But Callie thinks that Chase may have actually had something to do with...especially because he may be part of the secret society on campus. Who actually killed Piper?
A few things I will have to mention about this book, at least the special edition version, is that the first page if each chapter was a bit of a pain to read with the grayish background and white font. It honestly would be better and easier to read with black. And the story wasn't the greatest. However, it has a ton of potential. And it is a dark academia romance with a murder mystery. I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.
November 10, 2021
Series Finished
Four books in the series where the first three are only in Calla's POV and the last has a handful in Chase's. Very entertaining read with each book ending on a cliffhanger that makes you want to immediately pick up the next.
There are some inconsistent writing plots and things that happen with no explanation, it was a little distracting but not too much. I really got sucked in by the overall mystery of what was going on and solving the case. The plot kept getting thicker the more you went along with it.
It is a romance read but I wouldn't say that is the main storyline. Overall a good read that brings a lot more to the table.
Four books in the series where the first three are only in Calla's POV and the last has a handful in Chase's. Very entertaining read with each book ending on a cliffhanger that makes you want to immediately pick up the next.
There are some inconsistent writing plots and things that happen with no explanation, it was a little distracting but not too much. I really got sucked in by the overall mystery of what was going on and solving the case. The plot kept getting thicker the more you went along with it.
It is a romance read but I wouldn't say that is the main storyline. Overall a good read that brings a lot more to the table.
Read
March 14, 2022I've been trying to be good about completing books and I know I'm so close here, but I'm just too annoyed. I don't get the motivation of the FMC trying to play Barnaby from Midsomer Murders when she's not even out of high school. Also, an annoying amount of dumb lust going on at the most unimaginably inappropriate time.
March 16, 2023
Noticed several editing errors, the main character was meant to be written as persistent but comes off as annoying and frustrating. However I want to find out what happens so I'm going to give it another chance and read the next book in the series.
April 26, 2023
I lost interest in this book about halfway through, it felt very drawn so put it down for a bit, but I’m glad I came back, the pace picked up and the storyline came back and it was really good. 3.5 stars overall, not sure if I’ll continue with the rest of the series
September 29, 2020
Oh I need more, this book is extremely good.
Mystery, death, secret societies, drama that draws you in and not knowing who to trust. This book is very well written and draws you in. It leaves you wanting more, and I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
This review is short but only because I know if I wrote more it would turn into a 4 page rant about everything in the book and how I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Mystery, death, secret societies, drama that draws you in and not knowing who to trust. This book is very well written and draws you in. It leaves you wanting more, and I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
This review is short but only because I know if I wrote more it would turn into a 4 page rant about everything in the book and how I can't wait for the next book to come out.
December 3, 2020
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! Bully, high school trope. An ok read.
May 26, 2021
I previously DNF’d this but have absolutely NO IDEA WHY. is it cheesy, cliche, tropey, & predictable? Yes. But just like I am with salt, I kept wanting more.
Want to read
July 28, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/28/2021)! 🎁
May 22, 2024
Started out slow for me, but I stuck to it, and I am glad I did.
September 14, 2023
R͎e͎a͎d͎ ͎d͎a͎t͎e͎:͎ 9•10•23 - 9•13•23
R͎a͎t͎i͎n͎g͎:͎ 2 stars
O͎w͎n͎e͎d͎ ͎s͎i͎n͎c͎e͎: September 1st 2023
P͎u͎r͎c͎h͎a͎s͎e͎d͎ ͎a͎t͎:͎ Goodwill
P͎r͎i͎c͎e͎:?? 99¢
R͎a͎t͎i͎n͎g͎:͎ 2 stars
O͎w͎n͎e͎d͎ ͎s͎i͎n͎c͎e͎: September 1st 2023
P͎u͎r͎c͎h͎a͎s͎e͎d͎ ͎a͎t͎:͎ Goodwill
P͎r͎i͎c͎e͎:?? 99¢
February 6, 2021
Here I go again
somewhat spoilers below
I thought this would be one couple for each book ,but noticed that the secondary characters didn't really get " meat " told about them. After chasing the unicorn down the yellow brick road ,basically huffing throughout this whole book I find that there are 2 more and both cliffy...... And don't know how many more?? Nope just no
This had filler and not good filler. We learned almost nothing of her moms death except she was murdered.I think she was a cop but get a reference to her dumpster diving for food so 🤷 we get nothing on her stepdad that remarried for wealth, the cop ? Her moms partner? her moms murder, then we throw in shipping unwanted kid off so.pregnant steps can start new happy life without stepdaughter struggling to come to terms with murdered mom and something about a best friend od and somehow her fault ......pretty much in first chapter ..nothing to see here folks lets move on. Into typical bully ,secret society ,illicit forbidden love affair,steal my man ,we only being mean to protector you and finding out the dueling secret societies and murdering students. All without any meat to any of what I just said.
It tried for intrigued but just made me go OMG another secret society book . And I swear I felt like this was some books I read before only smashed into one..I lwas getting the feeling like I had read this somewhere before but reminded me in different parts of another book...🤔
We get dragged out with snippets of information and of course the Mr s 🙄 so cliche..
I really get tired of the books having clueless parents I mean come on .I need some originality and thats why I been skipping the secret society and the mean girl books .This one slipped by and I want to share yet again a tip to writers ,.........less is more .
🙋
somewhat spoilers below
I thought this would be one couple for each book ,but noticed that the secondary characters didn't really get " meat " told about them. After chasing the unicorn down the yellow brick road ,basically huffing throughout this whole book I find that there are 2 more and both cliffy...... And don't know how many more?? Nope just no
This had filler and not good filler. We learned almost nothing of her moms death except she was murdered.I think she was a cop but get a reference to her dumpster diving for food so 🤷 we get nothing on her stepdad that remarried for wealth, the cop ? Her moms partner? her moms murder, then we throw in shipping unwanted kid off so.pregnant steps can start new happy life without stepdaughter struggling to come to terms with murdered mom and something about a best friend od and somehow her fault ......pretty much in first chapter ..nothing to see here folks lets move on. Into typical bully ,secret society ,illicit forbidden love affair,steal my man ,we only being mean to protector you and finding out the dueling secret societies and murdering students. All without any meat to any of what I just said.
It tried for intrigued but just made me go OMG another secret society book . And I swear I felt like this was some books I read before only smashed into one..I lwas getting the feeling like I had read this somewhere before but reminded me in different parts of another book...🤔
We get dragged out with snippets of information and of course the Mr s 🙄 so cliche..
I really get tired of the books having clueless parents I mean come on .I need some originality and thats why I been skipping the secret society and the mean girl books .This one slipped by and I want to share yet again a tip to writers ,.........less is more .
🙋
May 5, 2021
One star almost feels harsh, but... Nah, I'm gonna justify it.
I was super interested in this book when I started reading it, but my interest majorly lagged very quickly. My main problem with it is a problem I've encountered many times before. It's the classic 'intrigue based on lack of information' element of the mystery behind the plot. Plainly put, it is BEYOND annoying when the MC is completely out of the loop on everything simply because no one in her life will have a proper conversation with her, and this runs through pretty much the entire book. She knows nothing about anything that's going on, yet everyone around her is totally clued up, they just refuse to tell her anything. There are endless repetitive chapters filled with inner monologue where the MC asks herself questions, gets annoyed because she doesn't know what's going on, then kinda just forgets about it until the next chapter. It's very frustrating.
The plot is quite boring and far too drawn out, and I read books like this for the romance/smut element which is extremely lacking in this one. Every encounter with the love interest is very superficial and when they do finally get it on it kinda just comes out of nowhere, after him 'bullying' her relentlessly. She's a classic 'hormones over brains' MC, and it's been done. Her reasons for falling into bed with him are, well, non-existent.
Also, I guessed the big twist right from the first mention of 'Mr S.'
So, yeah. Mystery = too boring to care. Sexy time = random and not at all realistic. Ending = skimmed it, but very predictable.
Will not be reading the rest of the series.
Shame, the start was promising.
I was super interested in this book when I started reading it, but my interest majorly lagged very quickly. My main problem with it is a problem I've encountered many times before. It's the classic 'intrigue based on lack of information' element of the mystery behind the plot. Plainly put, it is BEYOND annoying when the MC is completely out of the loop on everything simply because no one in her life will have a proper conversation with her, and this runs through pretty much the entire book. She knows nothing about anything that's going on, yet everyone around her is totally clued up, they just refuse to tell her anything. There are endless repetitive chapters filled with inner monologue where the MC asks herself questions, gets annoyed because she doesn't know what's going on, then kinda just forgets about it until the next chapter. It's very frustrating.
The plot is quite boring and far too drawn out, and I read books like this for the romance/smut element which is extremely lacking in this one. Every encounter with the love interest is very superficial and when they do finally get it on it kinda just comes out of nowhere, after him 'bullying' her relentlessly. She's a classic 'hormones over brains' MC, and it's been done. Her reasons for falling into bed with him are, well, non-existent.
Also, I guessed the big twist right from the first mention of 'Mr S.'
So, yeah. Mystery = too boring to care. Sexy time = random and not at all realistic. Ending = skimmed it, but very predictable.
Will not be reading the rest of the series.
Shame, the start was promising.
November 12, 2020
DNF’d
The book was confusing to follow. The characters are bleh and cringe worthy. The MC’s feelings towards Chase is ridiculous and I kept skipping those parts of when she’d see him because honestly, like it was annoying in a way that I found lazy. Like there was literally nothing else the MC could have thought of besides how he looked and made her want to jump his bones like a possessed spider monkey?
FYI: I didn’t read the synopsis so honestly I didn’t know what I was getting into. Maybe if I read it and knew what the book was actually about it would have been better? Idk. I wish there were more POV’s so I could have liked the characters better and they would have been more realistic.
The book was confusing to follow. The characters are bleh and cringe worthy. The MC’s feelings towards Chase is ridiculous and I kept skipping those parts of when she’d see him because honestly, like it was annoying in a way that I found lazy. Like there was literally nothing else the MC could have thought of besides how he looked and made her want to jump his bones like a possessed spider monkey?
FYI: I didn’t read the synopsis so honestly I didn’t know what I was getting into. Maybe if I read it and knew what the book was actually about it would have been better? Idk. I wish there were more POV’s so I could have liked the characters better and they would have been more realistic.
April 14, 2021
DNF. Cringe ass characters. The female lead character attraction towards chase is god awful. She really feels attraction when he never showed even a bit of kindness towards her. It was disgusting to watch her lust over him.
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