Malicious

Bully Me #2

by Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen

Oliver Conley…. The most infuriating man I’ve ever met. He’s crass, selfish, malicious. The worst kind of person. From our very first encounter we were at odds. Standing on opposite ends of the battlefield preparing for war. He didn’t care for me. I despised him. Until one day things started to change…. I didn’t want to want him. Hell, I hated myself for it. And yet, there I was, falling hard for a man I had sworn as my mortal enemy. But as time passed, I started to see him differently. I started to see beyond the perfect exterior he exuded. I started to see him. But how can you truly know someone who’s spent their entire life hiding behind a façade? Lines are drawn. Secrets are revealed.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, New Adult, Romance, College, Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

314 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2020

About the author

Alex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romance including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and two standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.

Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!

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Reviews

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who isn't normally the biggest fan of New Adult, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.


If you've read Treacherous, then you know who Oliver is. Having NOT read that book I had no idea, but this read very easily as a stand alone romance. In fact I have to mention how cleverly the authors negotiated the story, minimising any spoilers for those of us who haven't read about Z and Rylee's love. This did make me really want to pick that one up, though I'm not sure I want to further ding the already slightly dented image I have of Oliver!


As already mentioned, New Adult isn't particularly a go-to genre for me. I often find the characters either feel too mature, or they are too childish. Oliver and Savannah somehow felt just right. I maybe could have stood for them to be a year or two older, but in the grand scheme of things that's a fairly minor niggle and purely a personal preference.


There may be those who feel Oliver didn't earn his redemption enough, there always is in an enemies-to-lovers, but for me the whole story felt natural and believable. From falling in love to hidden secrets and secrets revealed, this story had pace, plot and passion. I was wrapped up in every word of it, not an easy feat when I'm a very picky reader where contemporary romance is concerned.


Having worked with teens suffering from Savannah's issues, I did feel her 'recovery' was a little too quick and easy. However this is a work of fiction, so I could let that go, particularly since she wasn't miraculously 'cured' by Oliver's love for her. What did really bother me, and is partly why this isn't quite a 5 star read, is that Oliver didn't seek any help. That boy has BIG issues and, whilst it might have felt twee had it happened, I feel that BOTH of them needed professional support. Particularly given that Oliver already struggled with his anger and emotions. Given what he discovers about his family during the course of this book, it's naive to expect him to just somehow get over it all.


But I don't want to end on a down note because this was a one read, totally surprised by how much I enjoyed it, sexy and slightly angsty book that I am very happy to recommend.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected but I liked this. I liked this a lot.

This new to me author set the bar high with this enemies turn lovers new adult romance. You can practically feel Savannah and Oliver's oozing chemistry through the pages and as they try to fight the attraction, I couldn't help but laugh out loud with their funny banter and oh shit when the sensitive triggering content made its appearance. Besides the romance, I was pleasantly surprised that the author touched base on eating disorders. She did a remarkable job explaining the struggles and insecurities one may face. This is partially why I will keep this author on my must watch list and catch up with the series by reading the prequel 'Treacherous' to get a bit more background on the characters and how Savannah and Oliver met.

[✮ rach ✮ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d hate to have a best friend like Rylee. Instead of having Savannah’s back, she spends the whole time defending Oliver and his actions. Made me want to stop reading the book.

So I did.

[Manoela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I'm always uncertain about how to start my research, but I think a good place is to say that even though Malicius is a unique book and can be read alone, I think to have a complete understanding the ideal would be to read Treacherous, and I think that for those of us that he didn't read it, I think that for those of us who didn't read it, I think that for those of us who didn't read it, I think that if he didn't read it, I think that if he didn't read it, I think that if he didn't read it, he'd be wondering what he did.

That said, I liked the book a lot, so I finished Treacherous, and I hated Oliver and I think the authors did a good job of showing people that people make mistakes, learn and grow up in front of it. The Oliver I met in this book was a good boy, protective, faithful and good friend. It's a boy who has a family drama going on and at a lot of times I wanted to hug him.Savannah is the opposite, comes from a solid, loving family base and yet she's fighting with her demons, she's a character who showed her strength and fragility. Oliver and Savannah developed a relationship I enjoyed watching and I think they both did good for each other.

This book brings in some twists that to me weren't so surprising because I saw it coming, and I think the authors might have developed a little better. The same thing happened to the theme treated through Savannah, it's a delicate theme and I think the authors might have given a little more attention to the subject, especially at the end. The resolution of the story was a little rushed and everything was resolved without a problem and some ends were loose.

Anyway, this is the second book I read from the authors and I think they did a great job with that story.
➖➖➖
Eu sempre fico incerta em como começar minhas resenhas, mas acho que um bom lugar é falando que embora Malicius seja um livro único e possa ser lido sozinho, acho que para ter um entendimento completo o ideal seria ler Treacherous já que algumas ações do Oliver ocorreram lá e acho que para quem não leu o livro ficaria se perguntando o que ele fez.

Dito isso eu gostei muito do livro, assim que terminei Treacherous eu odiava o Oliver e acho que as autoras fizeram um bom trabalho em mostrando que as pessoas cometem erros , aprendem e crescem diante disso. O Oliver que conheci nesse livro foi um bom garoto, protetor , fiel e bom amigo. É um rapaz que tem um drama familiar acontecendo e em vários momentos eu quis abraçar ele. Já Savannah é o oposto, vem de uma base familiar sólida e amorosa e mesmo assim está lutando com seus demônios, ela é uma personagem que mostrou sua força e fragilidade. Oliver e Savannah desenvolveram um relacionamento que eu gostei de assistir e acho que ambos fizeram bem um para o outro .

Esse livro traz algumas reviravoltas que pra mim não foram tão surpreendentes assim porque eu vi aquilo chegando e acho que as autoras poderiam ter desenvolvido um pouco melhor o assunto. O mesmo aconteceu com o tema tratado através da Savannah , é um tema delicado e acho que as autoras poderiam ter dado um pouco mais atenção ao desenrolar do tema, principalmente no final. A resolução da história foi um pouco apressada e tudo se resolveu sem problemas e algumas pontas ficaram soltas.

Enfim, esse é o segundo livro que leio das autoras e acho que elas fizeram um ótimo trabalho com essa história.

I Received an unreleased copy of this book

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

Malicious is a standalone novel written by Alex Grayson and Melissa Toppen. Told in dual perspectives, this book was one wild ride of emotions and redemption.

I am going to admit that when I read Treacherous , I literally hated Oliver. The part he played in his sister's demise was shameful. However the author has done an amazing job of showing me that characters do really repent and change themselves when they regret their actions. Oliver knew he had done wrong to his best friend and his sister , so he expressed his regret thoroughly in this book.

What he didn't count on , was meeting his sister's badass best friend. Everyone else may have forgiven Oliver about his mistakes , but Savannah always hated him for it. She never believed his apologies and both of them loved to rule each up. That changed when they both met again in college. The animosity is still there , but now so is the attraction!

Oliver is the bad boy who has a lot of family drama going on . He was truly the broken prince. Savannah was the opposite. She was the spitfire princess who didn't fear anyone . This made me another side to oliver and reading the story from his pov had me wanting to hug him. Both Savannah and Oliver realise that they have more in common and eventually call a truce.

Soon more feelings are developed and they both have a hard time fighting off the attraction. I loved the way the authors have given us another masterpiece and made me fall in love with another broken boy. The ending of the book felt a bit rushed , but other than that everything was perfect.

This book is recommended to all the contemporary romance lovers who love a bit of twist and erotica in their books!!

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[Melluvsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t compelling to me. There weren’t any stakes. Two people who have slept around are now sleeping with each other. 🤷🏼‍♀️ there’s nothing particularly taboo here. The hero bullied the h’s friend but that friend has forgiven him…. So what’s at stake?? The author didn’t convince me to care. The eating disorder aspect was the most interesting part but the hero uses it against her AFTER he knows she’s struggling. No thanks. I bailed at 83% because the hero was unredeemable at that point for me and I was just too meh to care about how they work it out.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malicious is a standalone enemies-to-lovers, but do yourself a favor and go read Treacherous first! This will be a much richer reading experience if you have already been through Rylee and Zayden’s story. The Oliver we knew in Treacherous grows and changes a lot during Malicious, and it is both a shock and delight to go through. It shows us that we really never know what someone is going through and how it affects their outward persona. This got me introspective a few times, and in a good way.
The focus of Malicious is Savannah and Oliver, and while both characters are fairly unlikeable in the beginning, we need that for their story arc! They are college students and thrown closely together because Savannah is Rylie’s best friend, and Oliver is Rylee’s step-brother. Both of these characters ae flawed, and are really good examples of what young adults go through, and show that it shouldn’t be an embarrassment to be going through something that you may need some counseling for.
Without giving away spoilers, you will fall for Savannah and Oliver as this book goes on. You know going into it that it’s enemies to lovers, and that trope always has lots of fireworks and drama. Alex and Melissa did a great job of writing these characters and their story.
I received a complementary ARC in return for an honest review.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah and Oliver are independently intense but as they drop the past and ride on through getting to see the truths behind the curtains they take intense and make it seem so weak.

It's emotional. They each have enough issues to write their own encyclopedia. Oliver's past and sins of his family are getting closer to seeing the light.

Savannah has her own battle she's going through but her dedication to her best friend, Rylee makes her an incredible character. She's not supposed to have anything but MALICIOUS intent to Oliver (Rylee step brother) after how he treated her but the lines are disappearing and each are in for an unexpected surprise when they find out that within each other lies the answers to helping the other chase some seriously scary demons out of their lives.

Alex and Melissa set the pace for flawlessly flawed characters, learning that being perfect is not what these two need. They need the crazy that each owns. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this much better than the first book.
Still took me a little bit to fully get into it but once I did I was turning pages like a mad woman.
Think these two writers have definitely found their groove of balancing each other out.
The authors have tackled a sensitive topic with grace and compassion.
Definitely a must read.

[Ayala Neeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not usually read adolescent stories but this story is special !!! The special love of Oliver and Savannah has fascinated me since the beginning of the story. I loved the chemistry between them. I highly recommended ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!

This is a stand alone book BUT I suggest reading “Treacherous” first. I feel like if I didn’t read it first then I would have been questioning stuff and I never like to be unsure about events in a book.

Wow, Oliver was way more then I imagined. I really did not like his rich, spoiled ass in “Treacherous”. Buy now I am in love. He just needs some counseling. Well maybe he just needed the right chick to fix him. I will say the cover didn’t give me Oliver vibes either. Not sure why.

There were a few lessons in this book. I appreciated them. I few twists that enhanced the story. Sadly people face these things everyday. It made this romance even more interesting.

The love story between these two is definitely my type. Enemies to lovers is so much fun. These two definitely were enemies. But they both had walls so nobody could get through, so to watch them break down each other’s walls were amazing. The chemistry was undeniable and super sexy.

I love all the characters. The friendships, the family, and the fun. I felt the end kind of let me down by rushing through the problems, but this was a very good book. I see two authors wrote this but it completely felt like one author.

**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

My challenge to you: Read "Malicious" and then tell me who the title is referring to! I, like you, read the blurb and I thought I knew what this book would be about and the way it would go, but I didn't plan for an issue to be a part of the story and how it would effect the person and those around them.
These focal characters are not strangers, as they were all present in "Treacherous". As much as this can be read as a stand alone, you'll have greater appreciation for the overall story line if you've already read "Treacherous". "Malicious" is the perfect example that you don't really know a person and until you get to know that person and spend time with them. It's so easy to judge a person by what you see in the hallway of school, around the water cooler at work or the neighbor you wave hi to as you drive away. But until you know their life circumstances, you don't know what's going on to make them behave the way they do. I didn't think to highly of Oliver, but as his life story started to unravel, my heart started to ache for him. Savannah appeared to have the perfect life, until it's revealed what heartbreaking events took place in her life to change her personality. So many secrets and lies come to light in "Malicious". Be prepared to have your heart and mindset changed.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a complicated review for me to write. Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Yes I truly did. But for me personally it was not always an easy book to read and after finishing it my feelings are left raw and both my heart and my head hurt. While this book is a standalone read, these characters are introduced in Treacherous and I feel that there are definite benefits to be had by reading that book first. It will just make for a deeper more involving experience. This is Oliver and Savannah's story and what a story it is. These character are brutally complex. They are flawed and complicated and often their own worst enemies. You will feel for them and cry with them. You will want to stand with them when they are hurt and be angry and frustrated with them when they mess up. My heart broke for Savannah. Her story is heartbreakingly real and unfortunately too common in real life. As for Oliver, he is an enigma. He can be such a jerk and a vile bully that does the most horrible things. He can also be kind of sweet, caring and funny and in those rare moments when he lets you see the hurt and confusion that lives inside him you desperately want to hug him and try to make him feel better...until he opens his mouth, says something incredibly cruel and acts like a spoiled brat by throwing an epic tantrum. I don't think I have ever had a character make me walk such a fine line between like and dislike and keep me there for so long. When he was on his best behavior, I did love these two as a couple. They made each other better and I felt almost like they were that missing piece they had been looking for without realizing it. I was so happy that these authors let Savannah take control and accept the help she needed but I also felt they dropped the ball where Oliver was concerned. With all the family drama he had to deal with, along with the pain, anger and guilt he carried, combined with his terrible temper, self destructive tendencies and the harsh ways he chose to act out, I felt he should have tried to take control of his own issues and at least got some counseling. It would have been so good for him and it would have showed his commitment to being a better man. I know we like to think love can fix everything but in reality it just can't and it does not matter if you are female or male. If you need help, you need to get it to be healthy and happy. I am posting a sincere review by my own volition.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75-4 Stars**

Let me preface this review with I am a HUGE fan of Alex Grayson..HUGE. I have LOVED everything I have read of hers. It is possible you could read Malicious as a standalone, but I wouldn't advise it as you definitely need a lot of backstory on Oliver and Savannah's history so I would definitely recommend reading Treacherous first.

Malicious is a enemies to lovers book with a lot of angst and emotional turmoil. It is well written, and includes some definitely steamy scenes. It also includes a lot of Zayden and Rylee who were featured in Treacherous and who are Savannah and Oliver's best friends, and Rylee and Oliver are step-siblings which adds in another dynamic.

I struggled at times because I didn't feel the chemistry between Oliver and Savannah. I wanted to feel it and have it be there, but I didn't always see it or feel it. I also struggled at times with Savannah's major issue in the book, but I think that had more to do with my job as a social worker and how it was
portrayed/discussed in the book. I do think it is such an important issue that needs to be discussed more and appreciate the author's bringing light to it.

So while this wasn't my favorite Alex Grayson book (because she has so many simply amazing ones to choose from), it may very well be a case of the quarantine blues, my headpace at the time, or simply a case of "it's me not you", so please, please, please give this book a chance!!!! It may be perfect for you, and I may to return to it at another time and do a re-read.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

This writing duo just gave me a story that hit home in more ways than one. There seems to be a problem in society that makes people not be able to see themselves how others see them. There seems to be a prescribed notion that anything less than perfect will not do. Yet, nothing is ever perfect because it is in our imperfections and brokeness that the more beautiful they become. It reminds me of the rose, the flower symbolizing love, has thorns that can impale and cause pain. Yet, it still is the perfect example of love because love too can do the same. That is how the journey of Savannah and Oliver went into this book. There were some pretty insane lessons to be learned in this one but the authors handled it with care, especially in regards to Savannah. I struggled with Oliver a bit, because of his anger, and the way he lashed out needed some professional help, in my opinion. That being said, I did enjoy this enemy-to-lovers story. I would have liked seeing more than six months in the future but I will let my imagination go in regards to their happily ever after and how that turned out.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book even more than the first because it was college age. There weren't as many immature moments. I would definitely recommend this book and the first book. I am glad that I went back and read the first book before this one or some of the story would have lost the oomph that it had without knowing the context of the backstory.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic enemies to lovers story, I've wanted to read more from these characters since I read Treacherous. It's NOT necessary to read that book before reading this one but it's well worth doing so first.

Malicious is Oliver and Savannah's story, these two had me captivated from the beginning of their journey. 
OMG!! their story is such an emotionally charged angst filled sh!t storm. You'll want to rip ya hair out in both anger and frustration but that's why its so addictive. 

I'm not gonna lie, you're probably gonna hate Oliver to start with and Savannah isn't really much better if I'm honest. They hold so much animosity towards each other it's toxic. 
But....you can't help wanting to grab the popcorn and sit back to enjoy the fireworks whenever they're near one another. 

As the story unfolds we get to the nitty gritty of both Oliver and Savannah. They are both very complex individuals with very real issues. They both got under my skin so much that I ended up loving them both. My heart hurt at times especially over everything Savannah had to endure. Oliver definitely isn't perfect he's flawed but he's a lot more than the arrogant a$$ he comes across as. 

I loved Oliver and Savannah together they have a love/hate intense relationship that's full of passionate off the charts chemistry. They didn't have the easiest time but I think they're perfect for each other. 

[Queen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

We first met Oliver in Treacherous and he seemed pretty unredeemable, so I was interested in seeing how the authors were going to spin this. Oliver was still an asshole at heart, but he seemed to want to make amends and move on. Not enough to go to therapy (that boy NEEDS therapy), but enough that I could understand why Savannah began to fall for him. He is loyal and protective, almost to a fault.

One one side of the equation, we have the damaged Oliver with his broken family and on the other, Savannah, with her loving and supporting parents. I think this is one of the reasons why they were drawn to each other. He to her strength and she to his loyalty. After they both get over being enemies, they quickly grow to care and rely on each other.

And then some twists happen. And Oliver reverts to his usual: pushing people away by lashing out. Which I can understand, with his upbringing. But I’m having a hard time getting over and accepting what he said to Savannah. To me, it just speaks of pure meanness. And who wants a hero that can be so mean? Honestly I’m not sure Oliver learned or grew from this fight/argument/whathaveyou.

There was a critical issue (no spoilers!) that occurred in Malicious, and I feel like the end result or treatment was glossed over. It made it feel like a less important issue which doesn’t set well with me.

Regardless, I love when these two authors get together and will patiently be waiting for more.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The look in her eyes as her tongue darts out to lick her bottom lip is too much for me to handle."

4 Hatred never looked hotter Stars!!! Wow... where do I begin?

Oliver is your typical spoiled, rich kid. But as perfect as he seems to be on the outside, he's totally flawed... and as much as you want to hate him, you really can't. Savannah HATES Oliver after the way he treated her best friend and step sister Rylie. And while Rylie has forgiven him, Savannah just can't let go of the past. And once these two are face-to-face again, all bets are off.

The passion between Oliver and Savannah is off the charts sexy! I think the hatred between them just fuels the passion. I loved that they are both completely flawed, but somehow manage to find things that they both love in each other. I loved the angst between these two... it was definitely off the charts!!! Excited to read more from Alex and Melissa in the future!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Oliver Conley...The most infuriating man I've ever met. He's crass, selfish, malicious. The worst kind of person. From our very first encounter we were at odds. Standing on opposite ends of the battlefield preparing for war He didn't care for me. I despised him. Until one day things started to change....
I didn't want to want him. I hated myself for it. And yet, there I was falling hard for a man I had sworn as my mortal enemy. But as time passed, I started to see him differently. I started to see beyond the perfect exterior he exuded. I started to see him. But how can you truly know someone who's spent their entire life hiding behind a facade? Lines are drawn. Secrets are revealed. And when the dust finally settles, nothing will ever be the same again

Malicious is a standalone enemies to lovers romance. I am a sucker for a good enemies to lovers book too and this one doesn't disappoint. Savannah and Oliver are two very intense characters. These are two characters who have a past and we get to unwind the past right with them and find their true selves. I found this book beautiful and and intense and loved every single second of you. This is one not to be missed and will have you reading just as fast as you can.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell right into this story and enjoyed it until the very last page. In a year where slow burns rule, I was so beyond happy to find a story that didn't make me wait until the very end of the book for the characters to finally get together. Oliver and Savannah were a breath of fresh air! Their back and forth banter was hilarious and built the tension between the two. Once that tension exploded the two were pure fire together! There were times I wanted to strangle them for their a$$holish and stubborn behavior and times I wanted nothing more than to hug them both until all was better. They each struggled with their own personal issues as well as learning to navigate college and a new ever-evolving relationship with each other. Throw in friends that kept the laughs rolling and antics that made them all blush blended with the harsher side of life where vulnerability and anger can sometimes take its toll and you have the makings for an amazing story. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Malicious but in the end, I enjoyed these characters, the lessons they learned, and the growing pains that helped them all to find their way.

Edited to add I did NOT read Treacherous first. I had no problem reading Malicious. While I do see how having the backstory of the characters from the first book could enhance the reading of this book, I do not feel it's a requirement.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Malicious as a stand alone (which it can be read as) but I felt throughout that there was something missing, the jump from enemies to lovers was very quick. I didn’t quite appreciate the hatred in Savannah and Oliver’s relationship because I didn’t know the backstory. I definitely think if you’re going to read malicious then you should read Treacherous first to fully appreciate the story and get a true sense of how their relationship and hatred for each other began.
That being said it didn’t take away from how I enjoyed the story. The MC were both troubled in their own ways and neither know how to deal with what they had going on. Oliver was an ass but he did truly love Savannah and when he was with her he showed his true character and he was loving, attentive and loyal. Savannah wasn’t all that different, she didn’t quite realise it but she could also be quite nippy towards people when they questioned her eating habits. However together they brought out the best in each other and were a great fit.
The story line itself was great and highlighted all the issues that people tend to hide.
This was my first book from these authors but it won’t be my last.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver is a man whose past actions when it comes to his best friend Zayden and his stepsister Rylee will have you gasping and wondering if there is any coming back from what he has done. He regrets what he has done and is trying to repair the relationships he has damaged and that has worked for his Zayden and Rylee but the same can’t be said for Rylee’s best friend Savannah.

Savanna is fierce, fiery and a loyal friend to Rylee who isn’t about to let Oliver’s actions go unpunished. She is determined to fight him at every turn and with every interaction the sparks flew but it was only a matter of time before they changed from animosity to heat.

Both Oliver and Savanna have their secrets which has not impacted their pasts but their present as well. There is so many layers to both of these characters and you soon realize that no one truly knows them and it is only when their open up their hearts and lives to each other that they can truly heal and find the love that they both deserve.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malicious is the second book written in this series by these two amazing authors and they have not disappointed me!
Although I have enjoyed this book I have to state right here that throughout the majority of the book I was very irritated by the main guy Oliver. He was acting incredibly immature, but then he had moments I thought he was great, and then he would act ridiculous and spoiled again. Thankfully he does grow up before the end of the book, but I did mentally slap him a few times!!
Savannah on the other hand, scared me. Her behaviour and secrets were incredibly worrying. These authors have written the subject matter very well, and did not try to make light of such a serious condition. Thank god!
It was a slow starter book for me, it took me a while to really get into the story, but once it gripped me I could not put it down. I cried for savannah, I was angry for Oliver and I was so happy with the ending.
There wasn't a pretty bow and they all lived happily ever after. There was the truth. They will be OK!

[Demetra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Alex Grayson’s books, so even though I haven’t read anything from Melissa Toppen before, I couldn’t pass this book. I’m glad that I picked it up, I always enjoy an enemies-to-lovers story. It’s been a while since I’ve read a new adult book, so reading this was a nice change.

Oliver and Savannah are a particularly good example for this trope. I could actually feel the animosity and the hidden lust while reading the book. The tension between them is palpable and the sexual attraction is definitely present. Even though both Oliver and Savannah are introduced in “Treacherous”, I didn’t have a hard time getting into the story. The little glimpses I got from Zayden and Rylee just made me more curious about their story! The authors managed to make this book a standalone without spoiling “Treacherous” storyline.

There’s not really much to say. I really enjoyed the story and I totally recommend it, especially is the enemies-to-lovers trope is one you like!!!

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG where the heck have I been that I have missed this duo's writing..I hit my head on the desk, couldn't believe but thankfully due to GMB that atrocity has been remedied. I also could not believe that I had this on my to-be-read list while I had wasted my time on some other books, anywho its corrected and let me stop rambling..I love enemies to lovers stories..like love some of my favorite
books has been in this troupe..Friends grab this book, puhlease do so.. I understand when sometimes you say hurtful things to the ones you love the most and then end up mad at yourself. so I understood these two and man o man, this book was awesome you want to yell and throw and just be apart of it. I wont say more because I want you to read it and also because I don't like giving long reviews, it is a review not a book report..Anyway Enjoy!

rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions .

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

M by Alex Grayson and Melissa Toppen is book two in a series that totally can be read as a stand-alone. Book one is Rylee and Zayden's story.
M is Oliver and Savannah's heart-wrenching story. To get in the flow of things, Oliver is Rylee's step brother and Savannah her best friend since forever. And Savannah is strongly on Rylee's side and she loves to look down on Oliver. But he isn't a lamb either. What he did to Rylee wast nice at all. But back to the story.
Oliver and Savannah both attend the same college and are in each others pockets because, Rylee and Zayden. And slowly bit for bit they come closer. Only both have some issues that threaten to end their relationship.
A great read, excellent written and had me in suspnse from start til the last page.

[Caroline - Kindle and Koffee Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another seamlessly written co-write by 2 very talented authors.

Oliver & Savannah's story will have you laughing, crying and even at times wanting to throw your kindle. Considering how young these 2 great characters are they carry more on their shoulders than people twice their age. And yes they struggle. They keep things to themselves so as not to burden others.

This is a true Enemies to Lovers story as for the most part neither can stand the sight of the other and whenever they do happen to share the same space look out as barbs will fly. But when they finally get their acts together it's beautiful.

My heart went out to both Oliver & Savannah dealing with the things they did. I wanted to bang their heads together so many times. But in the end all was forgiven when they finally get their well deserved HEA.

Told in dual POV this great story can be read as standalone but it does help to read Treacherous first as there are interconnecting characters and back story.

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver....the boy/man you loved to hate in Treacherous. I mean....I REALLY, REALLY hated him. I went into this story with that hate....and it took me a few chapters to pull myself out. Arrogant? Check. Egomaniac? Check. Just a horrible dude? Check....until he wasn't. I mean sure, he's truly not the nicest guy, BUT he may have some very valid reasons for that. It will take a very strong woman, AND some very strong friends to put aside some strong feelings and get to the nucleus of the problem. Savannah may or may not be that strong woman, but boy oh boy, she hates him more than I do lol. In the end, this man/child who has a temper when things aren't quite going his way will end up with a few reality checks that will either make him or break him...they may break Savannah too! In the end, I completely devoured this story and enjoyed every last angsty moment.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story written by these two authors, 5 stars for each of them!!
Here we get Oliver's story. It's sad he never felt like he did good enough to his dad, no matter how hard he tried. At Thanksgiving dinner, he's finally had enough of his father pointing out all his flaws, in front of his friends, he loses it and has it out with dad and leaves.
Savannah can't stand Oliver after what he did to her best friend, but witnessing Oliver & his dad have it out, she starts to realize how troubled he is.
When these two come together, they sizzle! But can they get past their issues, and trust each other? Read along and find out!

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malicious was an interesting book following Oliver and Savannah. Oliver uses his anger to lash out and hurt others while Savannah is holding onto the fact Oliver hurt her and her friend Riley in the past. They both hate each other and even more hate how they are attracted to the other. Both characters have different versions of self worth issues and handle them in unhealthy ways. I think this book is great at speaking to that topic and showing it comes in different forms. I enjoyed seeing Rylee and Z. They were still important additions to the story. Overall i enjoyed this book and would read it again