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Toxic

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We were toxic.

Right from the beginning.

Until the very end.


I met him when I was young. I believed he was the light at the end of the tunnel. A future I didn't dare have.

He destroyed me.

My talents were wasted until he found me, until he cultivated me, but the second I was on my way to the top, we crashed and burned. Wrecked before we had a chance to begin.

He betrayed me.

But he abandoned me for a woman who thought attempted murder was a prank.

He was supposed to be my soul mate.

So I stopped caring, and my focus shifted.

With the Olympics in the near distance, that was all I could think of. My life became one long round of training, until the past and present collided. Family secrets were revealed, hard truths that could destroy everything I'd built, and then he crash-landed into my life once more.

We're still toxic.

Still hopeless.


The future isn't bright... unless we take back ownership of it and make it ours once more.

But can we do it?

Find out in this standalone, enemies-to-lovers, second-chance contemporary romance...

And buckle in for the ride with a box of tissues. This one is a tear-jerker. It will break your heart, but don't worry, the ending will fix it back together again.

This was previously released as ‘Above The Surface.’

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2020

232 people are currently reading
593 people want to read

About the author

Serena Akeroyd

155 books6,268 followers
USA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe. 


Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.

She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family. 



In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. 
HEA guaranteed!

When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring. 





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5 stars
135 (51%)
4 stars
55 (20%)
3 stars
37 (14%)
2 stars
19 (7%)
1 star
18 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews141 followers
January 5, 2021
The story is a whole load of melodrama with all sorts of forced “soul-mating”. Even worse is the author re-releasing under a different title because the original title (Above The Water) had too many low ratings.
Profile Image for Dawn.
530 reviews
October 11, 2020
Cheating Hero with a faithful virgin heroine and an author who re released to get rid of the bad reviews? What’s not to love right?
I copied this with permission from a friend because it’s everything that I was wanting to say and more. If you agree and think about it, maybe remember to leave a review on Amazon too, because people are being tricked into buying this book. I was!

I have quite a few issues with this book. I think I should address the biggest and then go on with the one that basically causes the other issues I had. The first issue I have with this is that something kept making me think that I had read this before, but I checked and it was definitely a new release. I kept reading and then it clicked. This book was previously released and then pulled off, renamed and released again. As a reader, the only reason that I can think of to do that instead of just editing and releasing an updated version with the same name is that all previous negative reviews that warn people like me about triggers such as cheating, all disappear and this appeared as a new release. It worked so well I actually purchased the same story twice. I find that extremely disheartening! Next: I’m not sure that she is really sure what type of story she wanted to write. Is this an all encompassing, soul transcending type of love like she has the hero think in this book, or it is this every day Dick and Jane goes to college and He is the skeezy douchecanoe who cheats on her every time she isn’t looking? Because these two people can’t exist in the same person, no matter how much she tries to force them too. Trying to force both destroyed what could a really amazing unique story. This guy actually ends up looking worse than every single douchey hero I can remember reading recently (even most typical losers who stray) because he truly believes that he is amazing to her and has spent years convincing her that his love is practically supernatural (there is a little bit of a supernatural vibe already, so the implication is that their soulmate link basically is as well) On top of this he has primed her to really believe he will always be a faithful because he was previously faithful in high school for over a year when they weren’t together. He makes sure that she knows that. She then loses her virginity to him. Then the worst part is that this guy has no doubt that she is his endgame he has been making plans for years to get out of the reason that they aren’t together (he put his family first and was forced into a marriage, and no his wife wasn’t even who he cheated with). He has told her over and over that he is faithful and will be faithful and is waiting on her. Then he just got bored with it and started sleeping with other women. Over the years they randomly end up seeing each other and sleep together, and then he goes back to doing what he feels like with whoever he wants to, while she never so much as kisses another guy. She waits and waits and waits while he puts everyone before her, he never has to feel an ounce of pain caused by her aside from when she changes her phone number (that he still had access too) to try to give him some space to not only keep him safe it also so that he can keep putting everyone else before her. She self sacrificing to a fault and I wonder if she would have been a stronger character if he hadn’t manipulated her into thinking that she was safe with him. She was a virgin and was always faithful to him of course. This author really screwed up. She should have had the confidence in her choices and dealt with the blowback from it. Re releasing it is fraud in my opinion, I urge anyone who has read it and has KIndle unlimited to borrow this version and please leave an honest review to save the rest of us the time and money!! Right now it’s all 4/5 star reviews that aren’t honest about the cheating at all!
Profile Image for Lourene.
644 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2020
This book absolutely had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The relationship between Adam and Thea was totally lovely and heartbreaking all at the same time. The inclusion of the Roma culture, Bullying by a brother and the feeling as though there was more to the story. The back and forth between the past and present really gave you a glimpse into the feelings between the two main characters, what factors went into them being apart, but together.
I absolutely loved this story so much that I read it in one day and had a few good cries and even the feeling of wanting to punch someone. Serena really wrote this story well including swimming, the Olympics and even current events.
This is a must read, be prepared for emotional feels while you read.
44 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2020
I don't know how Serena always surprises me with such unique new books, but it doesn't stop. This one is no exception. Thea and Adam are amazing together. I love how this story is written to put their tale out to the world. There is a lot of dark and unhappy behind this story but there's also a lot of light and amazingly beautiful points to the this book. Thea has experienced so much hardship and she just keeps going, and never gives up. She's truly an amazing woman as I don't know many who could keep on going like she does. I love the relationship between Thea and Adam here. They truly are an amazing pair. Serena and G.A. have given us an epic tale to enjoy. I don't reread many books in a single year because I just read too many books, but this particular one I have reread several times already, it's that good.
Profile Image for Cynthia Mejia.
328 reviews61 followers
October 4, 2020
Do you believe in soulmates?

OMG! This book is unbelievable. The story is so intricately created, with such amazing attention to detail in all the right places that it weaves the most fantastic experience. Because don’t mistake this for a mere novel. This book is truly a journey, an emotional experience, you go through with these characters. Serena’s masterful writing draws you in and makes you care for the characters.

We meet Thea and Adam while they are young and watch as they innocently fall in love. Bullies, jealousy, families and curses stand in their way. This story is filled with intensity, sacrifice, guilt, choices, responsibility, regret, fate and love.

I don’t even think I can do this book justice. It was absolutely exceptional! If you don’t believe in soulmates before you start this book, you will by the time you finish. Just beautiful!
Profile Image for Romance Reader Obsession.
224 reviews12 followers
September 29, 2020
CURSED!!!!
Thea has suffered so much loss in her life! Adam is just skating by trying to get his parents to notice him and not just Cain. They are thrown together with such a connection of love you can tell they are soulmates through and through....but they are cursed with bad luck at every turn!

"She was different. So different than all the girls in my class, so different than the mothers of my friends, so unlike Mom, that she grabbed at me with invisible hands. Drawing me to her without  even trying"

I love that this involves the pandemic going on around us and the Olympics. Serena Akeroyd and GA Mazurke did an amazing job with this novel. You could feel the love, the hurt and the betrayal. This truly brought out emotions and feelings that you just know someone somewhere is actually facing them in real life. 
Just Brilliant!
205 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2020
I have read a lot of Serena Akeroyd’s books, and I am truly a fan of her work. I love the diversity of her material. I particularly enjoy the Satan’s Sinners and Filthy Feckers books, which exist in a shared universe. But she does not limit herself to one genre, or series, of books. Toxic is a stand-alone book that contains a story with depth that I seldom see in a stand-alone.

Thea is a particularly interested female lead. I love that she is driven, but also human. I also love the exploration of her culture.

Adam is also a remarkably interesting lead, and the acts he takes to protect his, is overwhelming. His twisted relationship with his brother is also fascinating.

This book is a must read in my opinion.
Profile Image for Jessica 🔮.
334 reviews314 followers
October 11, 2020

This book was previously released (Above The Surface), then pulled off and recently released again.
If you own the original copy, don't waste your money.
The Blurb/book should contain a warning.. A couple of my GR friends are saying they paid twice for the SAME book (without knowing)
Not cool.
I won't read this author anymore.

PS: there's cheating

Profile Image for Anne-Geneviève.
227 reviews8 followers
October 4, 2020
The first thing I need to say, is the first chapter will kick you in the gut. It will take your breath and you will wonder why ... But PLEASE keep reading. Because this book, this love story, is the emotional storm we all need to read. You will cry, you will sigh, you will get angry and in the end, you will sigh of contentement. Please be advised that the Book hangover after this one will sting, but in a good way!

Embark on this ride, with Thea and Adam and trust Serena Akeroyd with your heart. She always takes care of it. She has an imagination for twists and turns like no other. But like no other, she cares for her readers, and does right by them.
161 reviews
September 30, 2020
What a fantastic read!! Definitely keeps you on your toes jumping from past to present tense but manages not to get confusing!! I love the main characters you just want them to over come everything that’s happening but does life work that way for Thea and Adam? This is definitely worth reading to find out!!
Profile Image for Jemma Newby.
1,727 reviews10 followers
October 4, 2020
Wow this book was amazing. I was hooked from start to finish. So my twists and turns. I loved every minute. I would definitely recommend this book and be prepared to not put this book down once you start. If i could have given it more than five stars i would have.
205 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2022
I have read a lot of Serena Akeroyd’s books, and I am truly a fan of her work. I love the diversity of her material. I particularly enjoy the Satan’s Sinners and Filthy Feckers books, which exist in a shared universe. But she does not limit herself to one genre, or series, of books. Toxic is a stand-alone book that contains a story with depth that I seldom see in a stand-alone.

Thea is a particularly interested female lead. I love that she is driven, but also human. I also love the exploration of her culture.

Adam is also a remarkably interesting lead, and the acts he takes to protect his, is overwhelming. His twisted relationship with his brother is also fascinating.

This book is a must read in my opinion.
114 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2020
If your looking for a book that has a journey to take with the characters, then look no further. Above the Surface with Thea and Adam will have you on an emotional roller coaster. You feel what they are going through on their journey. The pain will make your heart ache. The happiness will make your soul light up. There are such emotions in this book that at parts will have you feeling so much for what they are going thorough. They have so much fighting against them at being together at times you just wanna pull your hair, because of all that you feel for them. There is heartache, love, madness, strength, devotion, desire, and so much more. I am one that I love to dive into a book where I am just pulled into a story, and let me just say this is by far the best story written by Serena to date. The world's she builds have your attention when you read, but by far this is my favorite story she has written so far. Thea and Adam go through a lot over a period of a little more then a decade and this book makes you feel it all with them. I honestly don't think I can do justice for Above the Surface and what all the story entails but if your looking for a story that you will feel in your soul, then this is the book to read.
Profile Image for Joanne K.
262 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2020
WOW this book blew me away!
In the first chapter alone I went through so many emotions and that didn't stop throughout the book.
Adam and Thea’s story takes you on a rollercoaster ride so be ready for lots of twists, turns, highs and lows along the way. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop as I was pulled into this story full of love, anguish, heartache, grit, determination and happiness.
Did I cry? Yes! Did I shout out I utter shock and frustration? Hell yes!! Did my heart break for Adam and Thea? Over and over again! Does this story have a HEA? What are you waiting for? Read it and find out!
5 out of 5 stars Serena, brilliant once again!
Profile Image for Serena Nicholls.
343 reviews9 followers
October 4, 2020
This book is truly magnificent. I don't in general usually like bully romances but knowing how fantastic Serena is at writing stories I decided to give it a go and WOW she doesn't let you down. I cried and screamed at my kindle, giggled and laughed out loud then screamed again. Its an epic emotional rollercoaster ride!!! All I can say is read it and you'll soon be hooked into Serena Akeroyd's world. If I could give it more stars I would, 5 just isn't enough!!!! Serena you rock !!!
Profile Image for Anne-Susann Linde.
88 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2020
I've read lots of books by Serena Akeroyd and this is one of her best works. It's tearjerkingly beautiful, twisted romance. You'll need tissues! I cried, I laughed and I yelled while reading this. But I promise there is a satisfying HEA!
FRIEND REVIEWS
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,025 reviews63 followers
October 4, 2020
Misery and a hard life have plagued Thea (FMC) most of her life. Losing both her parents at an early age then her grandmother she ends up in care. Ending up finally with a foster family her life changes when by chance she meets Adam. Except this book is not all teenage angst and romance after that. Not even close. Its about impossible love. About two people so in tune with each other that no one else matters but outside influences including Cain, Adams twin brother are hellbent on keeping them apart. Its also about family (wherever you find it). Mixed in that is also a lot of sadness, loss but also love. Oh boy it this book made my heart hurt and shed a tear. Although through all of that the one thing i genuinely wanted was Thea and Adam to get their happy ending. My goodness this book is amazing and a damn great read but be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled but its so worth it!!
894 reviews25 followers
October 4, 2020
This book broke my heart into about a zillion and one pieces. It is an absolutely beautiful tale of two soul mates who are faced with absolutely crazy events that work to keep them apart. I love Thea. I love how strong she is despite the odds that have been thrown her way. She rises and overcomes the obstacles in her path to accomplish so many things. Adam is the one who is really hurt in all of the mess. His brother tries to kill his girl and then he is forced to deal with the aftermath and is forced into a position he doesn't want. I love how he never gives up on Thea. I love how he fights for her, even when she isn't aware that he is. This book is beautifully done and I was sorry to see it end because I have grown to love these characters so much.
Profile Image for Jacqueline (on brand).
753 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2020
Toxic will grip you by the guts and the heart. It will ensnare you and hold you hostage until the end.

This is a story unlike I have ever read.

This book is now my favorite Serena Akeroyd book, a book unlike any other I have read.

The backstory is fascinating and has always been something that has fascinated me and I am absolutely blown away by the hauntingly beautiful story Serena has put together.

Please give this book a chance because I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Serena Akeroyd.
Author 155 books6,268 followers
Read
October 6, 2020
🌊🌊🌊 Live NOW and FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited🌊🌊🌊

🌊🌊🌊 99 cents for a limited time only!!!! 🌊🌊🌊

We were toxic from the beginning until the very end.

Dive into the story of Thea and Adam. An enemies to lovers, second chance sports romance from Amazon All Star Author Serena Akeroyd and her alter ego G. A. Mazurke

Amazon Worldwide


#romancenovels #kindlebooks #writersofinstagram #books #bookstoread #newbooks #bookstagramchallenge #bookstagramfeature #kindle #bookstack #booksofinstagram #indieauthor #serenaakeroyd #toxic #instabooks #bookshelf #kindleunlimited #bookstore

Profile Image for Serena Akeroyd.
Author 155 books6,268 followers
Read
October 6, 2020
🌊🌊🌊 Live NOW and FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited🌊🌊🌊

🌊🌊🌊 99 cents for a limited time only!!!! 🌊🌊🌊

We were toxic from the beginning until the very end.

Dive into the story of Thea and Adam. An enemies to lovers, second chance sports romance from Amazon All Star Author Serena Akeroyd and her alter ego G. A. Mazurke

Amazon Worldwide


#romancenovels #kindlebooks #writersofinstagram #books #bookstoread #newbooks #bookstagramchallenge #bookstagramfeature #kindle #bookstack #booksofinstagram #indieauthor #serenaakeroyd #toxic #instabooks #bookshelf #kindleunlimited #bookstore

Profile Image for TINA WILLIAMS.
2,109 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2020
This is another amazing story by Serena Akeroyd. This beautifully written story is emotional, heartbreaking and intense. This couple goes through so many obstacles to be together. Their love is so strong, yet it is tested over and over. They are brutally ripped apart and my heart was breaking for them. I felt every emotion as the characters did. I was captivated with this beautiful story until the very last page. I loved this book and can’t recommend this story enough. You need to read this story now!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews258 followers
October 5, 2020
Thea and Adam’s story is an emotional roller coaster throughout. I loved how this story flits between the past and the present to get a better understanding of how their relationship develops and grows throughout. This is a beautifully written tale which this talented duo of author’s has done an amazing job in penning. This story is filled with secrets, emotions, twists, heartbreak, truths, loss, and love. I was hooked and intrigued throughout, and I highly recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,519 reviews56 followers
October 4, 2020
Wow! What an amazing, gripping, and emotional love story! Once you’ve picked this book up, it is impossible to put down! The storyline and characters are phenomenally written! You do not want to miss out on this book! It’s a definite must read!
34 reviews
October 5, 2020
I loved this book, thea and Adam have such complicated relationship. They are each others drug, no matter how much they want to quick each other they can't. What I live the most about serena is that along with the romance and the steamy scenes is that she gives you a peek into a world and culture that you may not know anything about. Loved the story loved the author 5 out of 5
114 reviews
October 5, 2020
This is not your typical romance novel and I loved it all the more for it. The depth of the story really keeps you on your toes the whole way through. I absolutely loved Thea and Adam’s tale! Thank you for writing something so different and giving us some angst in such a beautiful way.
Profile Image for Kay Parker.
68 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2020
Another amazing story by Serena Akeroyd. I cried on more than one occasion. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to give anything away, but it definitely blew my mind. Enjoy!
Profile Image for whatjtreads.
1,224 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2020
This book was a pleasant surprise for me! I didn't know what to expect, but it was such a sweet (and heartbreaking) love story. Thea and Adam are high school sweethearts, who went their separate ways because of a truly tragic event. However, Thea's Roma background and the fact that she recognizes Adam as her soulmate, and their intertwined family connection, meant that they wouldn't stay apart forever. The novel jumps between the past and the present, but the authors did a great job connecting the events and stories together to provide context so it's easy for the reader to follow along. I so enjoyed reading about their young love and devotion to each other, and getting glimpses of Thea's Romani background. It says a great deal about the authors' skills when they write a book that makes you learn more about a culture, even if there wasn't enough time to go into depth.

Both Thea and Adam's character were well written, and I honestly really enjoyed them. The book followed their physical and mental growth, as well as their careers. They had a deep love for each other without creating the over the top drama amongst themselves. Thea might well be one of my favorite characters I've read; she's strong, resourceful, and loyal. I also like how selfless and protective Adam is, and how insistent he is about waiting for Thea. Although the characters are really young (even with the glimpse into the future), I really like how they were both mature without being too serious, loving without being possessive or violent, and stayed true to themselves and each other even when the world may want to tear them apart. This is a great read if you want a young(ish) adult novel with some angst and plenty of secrets, but a satisfying ending. Both authors did a great job with this novel.
150 reviews
October 6, 2020
This book was amazing. I was able to feel every emotion taking place. It was so different from all the others I have read so far. I love the relationship between Thea and Adam. With the world against them, they still fought back.

Reading the character of Cain was so intriguing. Hit bullying of his brother and Thea makes you want to hate him. Knowing that he has AntiSocial Personality Disorder really helps to understand him more. I also really enjoyed seeing the play between two different religions clashing and how they were able to work past their differences and let their soulmate bond work for the couple.

The whole story was written so well. When I reached the end I wished there was even more. Never has a story made me feel this way this one has. The whole time I was rooting for Thea and Adam to make it work but never once was I sure if they really would. I would highly recommend this book to others, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 6, 2020
HOLY HELL!  Toxic came out of the gates with a BANG. From the jump, my heart was broken, and it was really hard to not cry and/or breathe because of what poor Thea went through.  Her pain was palpable, and still she was stronger despite the horrible bullying.  She and Adam are supposed to be soulmates but Toxic describes them.  Is it their fault?!  I'll never tell because of the twists that were so insane that I couldn't stop dropping f-bombs to save my life.  I didn't see a hell of a lot coming which is always a bonus for me, but still, I just didn't know who they would get past everything thrown at intact, much less get a HEA.  So in order to find out, you'll have to actually hit those one click buttons, but get ready to be stomped in the feels! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  
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