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Westlake Academy #1
Her Knights
INTRO I knew that he hated me, but I never thought he would try to kill me. Looking at me, you’d see a strong girl who can withstand anything, but you couldn’t be any more wrong. The whole world sees a picture-perfect family. But when I look at my father, I see a monster. One I can’t get away from, one that no one can keep me safe from. Then I meet Ryder. He becomes my safe haven. My protector. Everything I want but can’t have. But even he couldn’t stop what was to come. When my brother shows up, I’m forced to go live with him. To attend Westlake Academy. Then I meet them, the Knights. They’re the bad boys of the school. The ones I’ve been warned to stay away from. I have no intentions of interacting with The Knights, but apparently fate has other plans. Turns out the Knights have other plans for me as well. This book is the first in the series and ends in a cliffhanger. It is a fast burn contemporary RH. It contains extremely high sexual content. It also contains abusive and violent situations that may cause triggers for some. Due to content it may not be suitable for everyone.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2020
217 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Tami Payton
17 books215 followersAs a mother to 3 kids(4 if you count my husband!)I'm kept on my toes all day long. I love to read anything I can get my hands on and would rather spend my nights curled up with a good book. I live in Southern, MD and enjoy the quiet life that it provides. When my head isn't in a book it's in my computer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
dnf
February 9, 2021apparently there’s cheating in book 2, i’m out
September 7, 2023
Meh. Seriously, the heroine is just frustrating. She does all the things I hate-she becomes a snobby mean girl, she does incredibly stupid stuff, and she is a spoiled brat. The guys are the only reason this book got any stars at all. I gave up near the end because, frankly, I was rooting for someone to kill Kiley.
November 14, 2020
I throughly LOVED this book it was just what I needed and didn’t know that I was looking for!
For me this was a real good read, it had the right amount of drama, chemistry and steam. I loved the characters in this book! The MFC is Kiley and omg she is so amazing and strong I definitely love her! I love the men in this book, Ryder is amazing and I think I’m in love with him for being so open and loving! I love his two older brother twins Jessie and Alex! When Kiley goes to a new school we meet Dante, Dameon and Xandar and the steam factor just goes up a notch!
I loved this story in this book, it hooked me from the start! I loved how the harem formed in this book and I was pleasantly surprised by how open Ryder was! I definitely admired him and it made me fall in love with him more! I also loved how this story ended and I cannot wait for the next book in this series! I need to know what happens next!
For me this was a real good read, it had the right amount of drama, chemistry and steam. I loved the characters in this book! The MFC is Kiley and omg she is so amazing and strong I definitely love her! I love the men in this book, Ryder is amazing and I think I’m in love with him for being so open and loving! I love his two older brother twins Jessie and Alex! When Kiley goes to a new school we meet Dante, Dameon and Xandar and the steam factor just goes up a notch!
I loved this story in this book, it hooked me from the start! I loved how the harem formed in this book and I was pleasantly surprised by how open Ryder was! I definitely admired him and it made me fall in love with him more! I also loved how this story ended and I cannot wait for the next book in this series! I need to know what happens next!
November 11, 2020
Wow wow wow what a book. I just need to catch my breath after that ending omg.
This book is packed with so much action, crazy twists and dark turns plus plenty of steamy scenes that just make the story pull you in to leave you feeling lost and in shock. Totally amazing !!
The character Kiley is so well written and such a strong character even when she is knocked down so many times but with Ryder and the twins Jessie and Alex we see her strength start to come through. Till when she has to go to a new school she meets Dante, Dameon and Xander and things just get more intense and also a little more hot under the collar. So with such great characters and its wicked storyline what more can you ask for in a book. Other than hurry up lol I neeeeeeed book 2
This book is packed with so much action, crazy twists and dark turns plus plenty of steamy scenes that just make the story pull you in to leave you feeling lost and in shock. Totally amazing !!
The character Kiley is so well written and such a strong character even when she is knocked down so many times but with Ryder and the twins Jessie and Alex we see her strength start to come through. Till when she has to go to a new school she meets Dante, Dameon and Xander and things just get more intense and also a little more hot under the collar. So with such great characters and its wicked storyline what more can you ask for in a book. Other than hurry up lol I neeeeeeed book 2
October 23, 2020
This is a great start to a new series! In this book we meet Kiley. She has been through hell and back but with the help of her best friend Ryder and his brothers has managed to survive. After a horrible event her brother steps in to help. I have to say Ryder is my favorite by far so far, but I also like Dante, Dameon, and Xzavyer. I love Kiley’s spunk and you can’t tell me no attitude. I can’t wait to see where this series goes. I will warn you there is a cliffhanger at the end!
October 27, 2020
I almost didn't read this based on the cover, but I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed it. In this book we first meet Kiley, Ryder and his two brothers. Kiley and Ryder are best friends who both secretly are in love with each other. Kiley lives in an abusive household with her father who blames her for her mothers death. After an explosive fight with her father who tries to kill her, her brother, who she hasn't seen in 10 years returns to care for her. She ends up moving in with brother, when she realizes that her father will stop at nothing to make sure she pays.
November 13, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holy YESSS!!! Her Knight’s was an amazing read! I love Tami Payton’s work I think I have read everything by her! When she posted this new release for contemporary RH I knew I had to jump on it! I am so glad I did it was so good!!
I will not post spoilers!!
Amazing storyline, multiple POV’s, Sexy Alpha Males who are sweet on out FMC and very protective!
It was nice reading a Rh without bullying I am kinda over that this was such a nice change!! AMAZING ENDING I NEED BOOK 2
Holy YESSS!!! Her Knight’s was an amazing read! I love Tami Payton’s work I think I have read everything by her! When she posted this new release for contemporary RH I knew I had to jump on it! I am so glad I did it was so good!!
I will not post spoilers!!
Amazing storyline, multiple POV’s, Sexy Alpha Males who are sweet on out FMC and very protective!
It was nice reading a Rh without bullying I am kinda over that this was such a nice change!! AMAZING ENDING I NEED BOOK 2
November 14, 2020
So many twists and turns that just added to intense drama and crazy love, this definitely hits the spot, meet Kiley, Ryder, Jessie and Alex along with Dante, Dameon, and Xander, a crazy ride not to be missed. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
November 15, 2020
Highly recommend
My first book by this author and it will not be my last. I can't wait for the next book!
My first book by this author and it will not be my last. I can't wait for the next book!
dnf
March 8, 2023I wanted to like it, but the writing…. It is so hurried and superficial, no depth of characters or world building, and a lot of things just didn’t make sense…
November 14, 2020
Great read
I love a good RH and this book delivers. Every girl should have Ryder & The Knights to love & protect them
I love a good RH and this book delivers. Every girl should have Ryder & The Knights to love & protect them
August 9, 2021
Soooo good!!!
This is my first book by Tami, and it won’t be the last. I’m already obsessed with Kiley and her knights. Her father’s abusive and obsessed with getting his pound of flesh. He’s stalking her, terrorizing her…and she’s fighting to stay free and alive.
What do you do when your life isn’t yours? What do you do when you’re punished for things out of your control? Kiley is choosing to take happiness where she can find it. This is a why choose romance.
This is a fast burn romance, and so hot.
Triggers: kidnapping, physical abuse, stalking.
This is my first book by Tami, and it won’t be the last. I’m already obsessed with Kiley and her knights. Her father’s abusive and obsessed with getting his pound of flesh. He’s stalking her, terrorizing her…and she’s fighting to stay free and alive.
What do you do when your life isn’t yours? What do you do when you’re punished for things out of your control? Kiley is choosing to take happiness where she can find it. This is a why choose romance.
This is a fast burn romance, and so hot.
Triggers: kidnapping, physical abuse, stalking.
Want to read
March 3, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2022)! 🎁
October 30, 2020
Great start to what I expect will be an amazing series, it’s very well written with such detail.
In this book it starts off with the tragedy of Kiley’s mother’s death which then causes a riff in her family, late one night after Kiley escapes her house and comes across Ryder and his 2 older brothers. From that night on those 3 boys support and protect her, they become their own family - with Ryder being her best friend.
After a horrible incident with her father, her older brother takes custody of her. As Kiley hasn’t seen her brother in years, she learns a lot about what he is now doing and how he will be able to protect her from their father. After moving in with her brother Kiley starts at a new posh school and makes a new girl friend, Andy. Ryder and his brothers are still keeping an eye on her and then Kiley meets the Knights - Xander, Dante and Dameon.
Kiley is completely surrounded in smoking hot boys/men. Let’s just say there are some well written steamy scenes between all of them.
Kiley is a pizza loving, kick ass chick. I love her inner monologue and her chats with Andy.
Kiley’s father is still trying everything to get to her, including hiring the worst thugs out there.
Cliff hanger endings always suck.... but I know book series need them, so I’m just going to have to count down until book 2 is released.
In this book it starts off with the tragedy of Kiley’s mother’s death which then causes a riff in her family, late one night after Kiley escapes her house and comes across Ryder and his 2 older brothers. From that night on those 3 boys support and protect her, they become their own family - with Ryder being her best friend.
After a horrible incident with her father, her older brother takes custody of her. As Kiley hasn’t seen her brother in years, she learns a lot about what he is now doing and how he will be able to protect her from their father. After moving in with her brother Kiley starts at a new posh school and makes a new girl friend, Andy. Ryder and his brothers are still keeping an eye on her and then Kiley meets the Knights - Xander, Dante and Dameon.
Kiley is completely surrounded in smoking hot boys/men. Let’s just say there are some well written steamy scenes between all of them.
Kiley is a pizza loving, kick ass chick. I love her inner monologue and her chats with Andy.
Kiley’s father is still trying everything to get to her, including hiring the worst thugs out there.
Cliff hanger endings always suck.... but I know book series need them, so I’m just going to have to count down until book 2 is released.
November 29, 2021
Not a bad start to a series, but I wasn't completely crazy about it either. I loved how protective Kiley's guys were of her and I loved them all. Kiley, while I liked her to an extent, was a bit immature. The boys are only trying to keep her safe but she defies them every step of the way.
Not to mention, she has no sense of self preservation. A girl that has been mean to her from the start invites her to a party and she doesn't question it at all. They went from being enemies to being all buddy buddy out of nowhere.
The writing was a bit, how to put it. Baby-ish? Maybe a bit too baby-ish for my liking. But suppose that is why the book is so easy to get through. If feels like I read the book in no time at all.
The sexy scenes were quite scorching 🔥
I love the chemistry between Kiley and her boys, it runs super hot!
The plot is quite interesting and it makes you want to keep going. It definitely heightened my interest in the series as I want to see where the plot will go.
Not to mention, she has no sense of self preservation. A girl that has been mean to her from the start invites her to a party and she doesn't question it at all. They went from being enemies to being all buddy buddy out of nowhere.
The writing was a bit, how to put it. Baby-ish? Maybe a bit too baby-ish for my liking. But suppose that is why the book is so easy to get through. If feels like I read the book in no time at all.
The sexy scenes were quite scorching 🔥
I love the chemistry between Kiley and her boys, it runs super hot!
The plot is quite interesting and it makes you want to keep going. It definitely heightened my interest in the series as I want to see where the plot will go.
May 3, 2023
Loving the Knights!
This book was recommended in one of my book groups, and I'm so glad I decided to read it. It is great. The plot line is intriguing and interesting, and you get so lost in the story that you don't realize how quickly it's going by. Not at one point did it drag. The guys are great, and each brings something different to the table. I was worried about how I would feel since it started out with just Kiley and Ryder so strong, but it was a smooth transition to the RH. I love that this book didn't have all the guys fighting or bullying her. (Not that I don't like a good bully romance) This book is just refreshing. I really can't say enough good things about it. I can't wait to start book 2 and see what happens with Kiley and her knights. The side characters are interesting as well, and I would love to see the author do a book for them. Connor, Alex, Jessie, and our girl Andy would make for great reading, too!
This book was recommended in one of my book groups, and I'm so glad I decided to read it. It is great. The plot line is intriguing and interesting, and you get so lost in the story that you don't realize how quickly it's going by. Not at one point did it drag. The guys are great, and each brings something different to the table. I was worried about how I would feel since it started out with just Kiley and Ryder so strong, but it was a smooth transition to the RH. I love that this book didn't have all the guys fighting or bullying her. (Not that I don't like a good bully romance) This book is just refreshing. I really can't say enough good things about it. I can't wait to start book 2 and see what happens with Kiley and her knights. The side characters are interesting as well, and I would love to see the author do a book for them. Connor, Alex, Jessie, and our girl Andy would make for great reading, too!
August 23, 2021
I'm not sure🧐
I don't know what to think about this book🤨 I liked the beginning and was very enthusiastic but the more I read and the more I've had problem connecting with Kiley, the FMC. I mean, of course she's only 17 years old and was abused by her father who tried to kill her at the end but 🙄🙄 it doesn't mean that you have to be a whining immature brat.
There were other things that disturbed me. For example the instalove with the Knights🤨 I don't buy it at all. Then, she had sex with her guys without even speaking about birth control or STI🤦🏻♀️That's stupid.
It was like a lot of details were missing in this book🤔 Too much skimming? Lack of precision? I don't know🤷🏻♀️ I was ready stopping before the end but because of the cliffhanger (not a big one but it hooked me) I decided to continue the serie.
Let's hope it gets better!
I don't know what to think about this book🤨 I liked the beginning and was very enthusiastic but the more I read and the more I've had problem connecting with Kiley, the FMC. I mean, of course she's only 17 years old and was abused by her father who tried to kill her at the end but 🙄🙄 it doesn't mean that you have to be a whining immature brat.
There were other things that disturbed me. For example the instalove with the Knights🤨 I don't buy it at all. Then, she had sex with her guys without even speaking about birth control or STI🤦🏻♀️That's stupid.
It was like a lot of details were missing in this book🤔 Too much skimming? Lack of precision? I don't know🤷🏻♀️ I was ready stopping before the end but because of the cliffhanger (not a big one but it hooked me) I decided to continue the serie.
Let's hope it gets better!
January 5, 2022
Started good
The story started good. The Knights came into the story late enough that I forgot they were main characters. I really enjoyed the way the story came together. However, Kiley’s relationship with Knights is weird. It feels forced and unnatural unlike her relationship with Ryder. And then the whole thing falls apart just as you are getting attached to the characters. There are adults in this book who specialize in security and they are not asking basic questions. It’s annoying. At this point I’m attached enough that I will skip to the end of the series and see how it ends for the characters but I’m done with this series beyond that.
The story started good. The Knights came into the story late enough that I forgot they were main characters. I really enjoyed the way the story came together. However, Kiley’s relationship with Knights is weird. It feels forced and unnatural unlike her relationship with Ryder. And then the whole thing falls apart just as you are getting attached to the characters. There are adults in this book who specialize in security and they are not asking basic questions. It’s annoying. At this point I’m attached enough that I will skip to the end of the series and see how it ends for the characters but I’m done with this series beyond that.
November 10, 2020
First book I've read by this author and I want more for sure! This book takes directions I didn't expect. Kiley and Ryder are best friends for life. He has always loved her from the day he met her. She needs his help and his brothers but then things take a turn for the worse. Luckily her brother is there to help her even though she doesn't want it. Now to a different school and she is warned to stay away from the knights, the guys who rule the school. She tries but can't and quickly becomes friendly with them.
May 24, 2021
28%dnf
This was hard to read. The writing style isn’t my favorite a lot of tell and no show. It just made it seem baby-ish.
I don’t know what it was but the female lead just wasn’t it for me. She just seemed odd. After dealing with years of her father’s abuse you’d think she’d be a little more timid and not as attitude-ish. I feel like she relied on her first three friends. The constant coddling and such. I just couldn’t even get to the point where she goes to school.
With all due respect to this author this writing style just doesn’t do anyone any favors.
This was hard to read. The writing style isn’t my favorite a lot of tell and no show. It just made it seem baby-ish.
I don’t know what it was but the female lead just wasn’t it for me. She just seemed odd. After dealing with years of her father’s abuse you’d think she’d be a little more timid and not as attitude-ish. I feel like she relied on her first three friends. The constant coddling and such. I just couldn’t even get to the point where she goes to school.
With all due respect to this author this writing style just doesn’t do anyone any favors.
May 29, 2022
Good Start.
I enjoyed this book but I think it could have been a little bit more. I love that it was multiple POV. I love the guys. Ryder and the Knight were amazing. I loved Conner and Ryder's brothers too. I'm hoping Kiley shows a little more growth in the rest of the series. It really frustrates me when the FMC is in danger but she doesn't listen or tell about something that happens because she is trying to be 'strong' and show she ' can take care of herself'. That being said. I will continue with the series
I enjoyed this book but I think it could have been a little bit more. I love that it was multiple POV. I love the guys. Ryder and the Knight were amazing. I loved Conner and Ryder's brothers too. I'm hoping Kiley shows a little more growth in the rest of the series. It really frustrates me when the FMC is in danger but she doesn't listen or tell about something that happens because she is trying to be 'strong' and show she ' can take care of herself'. That being said. I will continue with the series
March 7, 2023
skimmed most of it
Ok, I really, really hate leaving back reviews. So instead of going on a long diatribe, I’ll just say this:
This book had lots of potential. The plot was intriguing, but the FMC is not likeable and the relationships were not well-developed. Kiley and Ryders relationship was sweet and believable. They’d known each other forever and it was natural moving into a relationship. The “Knights” were just thrown in to make this RH with little to no build up. IMO, this would have been much better as an MF romance
Ok, I really, really hate leaving back reviews. So instead of going on a long diatribe, I’ll just say this:
This book had lots of potential. The plot was intriguing, but the FMC is not likeable and the relationships were not well-developed. Kiley and Ryders relationship was sweet and believable. They’d known each other forever and it was natural moving into a relationship. The “Knights” were just thrown in to make this RH with little to no build up. IMO, this would have been much better as an MF romance
September 24, 2024
DNF … not my cup of tea
have to be honest I was disappointed ..as the reviews were good enough to peak my interest … but for me the book didn’t start off great … FMC has been badly abused by her father for years … she obviously knows enough to try and avoid him and yet manages to fall asleep the one time she has snuck back into the house 🙄…. zero self preservation is a character flaw i have no patience with …
still i am sure others will love it … because there are quite a few 5 * reviews … just not from me
have to be honest I was disappointed ..as the reviews were good enough to peak my interest … but for me the book didn’t start off great … FMC has been badly abused by her father for years … she obviously knows enough to try and avoid him and yet manages to fall asleep the one time she has snuck back into the house 🙄…. zero self preservation is a character flaw i have no patience with …
still i am sure others will love it … because there are quite a few 5 * reviews … just not from me
November 9, 2020
This is an amazing read that had me hooked once I started reading. It moved along at a really great pace which made for an enjoyable read. The characters are so real that you feel like you know them. You want to be there for them no matter what they need to do in order to overcome whatever may be in their way. The story will keep you reading from beginning to end. This is a must read. no doubt about it.
November 22, 2020
Holy moly what a book!! I LOVED this!! So sassy and steamy and packs one hell of a punch! I got to the end of this book and couldn’t believe what I’d just read. Kiley was a fab character and I really enjoyed her dialogue and the guys.... dannnngggg but those boys are hot! Sign me up for the academy!! The only thing wit this book was that it ended all too soon! I need the next one now! So good! I definitely recommend!
November 24, 2020
This is my first Tami Payton novel and it definitely won’t be my last. I love me a good RH story and Tami delivered. Each character had its own distinct personality which I find to be important reading a RH. And I really enjoyed our main gal and sometimes I struggle to like the main girl so it was definitely nice. I don’t want to give too much away, but I definitely recommend this read. Can’t wait for more.
December 4, 2020
💜💜
OMMFG I'm in love with this book and I am so glad it will be a series!!!!! That ending was heartbreaking. Our girl has been through so much bad crap that I hope her guy's get to her before more thing's happen. Idk but for how powerful, bad, and smart the people that surround our MC are how come multiple attacks occur? That's like the only issue I have with this book. Please hurry with the next book because I need to know what happens next.
OMMFG I'm in love with this book and I am so glad it will be a series!!!!! That ending was heartbreaking. Our girl has been through so much bad crap that I hope her guy's get to her before more thing's happen. Idk but for how powerful, bad, and smart the people that surround our MC are how come multiple attacks occur? That's like the only issue I have with this book. Please hurry with the next book because I need to know what happens next.
June 20, 2021
Dang
This was great. I’ve been sitting on this book for a bit. Finally took the plunge and read it, man am I happy I did. Kiley is such a strong FMC. She’s been through so much. And my god, Ryder I love so much. The other guys I mean they are hot but I honestly thought Alex or Jessie might be a part of the harem. But now I see why they are better suited as big brothers. Can’t wait for book two.
This was great. I’ve been sitting on this book for a bit. Finally took the plunge and read it, man am I happy I did. Kiley is such a strong FMC. She’s been through so much. And my god, Ryder I love so much. The other guys I mean they are hot but I honestly thought Alex or Jessie might be a part of the harem. But now I see why they are better suited as big brothers. Can’t wait for book two.
July 21, 2021
Cute, easy read
Overall, I really enjoyed the first book of this series. The relationship between Kiley, her best friend Ryder, and the Knights is adorable and one you want to root for. The family dynamic between Kylie, Ryder, and his brothers was definitely needed in this book too. Kiley is a strong MC and I’m excited to see where her battle against her father and his allies goes.
Overall, I really enjoyed the first book of this series. The relationship between Kiley, her best friend Ryder, and the Knights is adorable and one you want to root for. The family dynamic between Kylie, Ryder, and his brothers was definitely needed in this book too. Kiley is a strong MC and I’m excited to see where her battle against her father and his allies goes.
March 26, 2024
Engaging story
I really enjoyed the premise of the story. The characters have great chemistry and the story sucks you in. The only thing that annoyed me was how Kiley made stupid decisions that put herself in danger constantly. She also reacted horribly to people telling her what to do even though she constantly tried to tell the guys what to do. I am excited to see where the next book takes us after that cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story. The characters have great chemistry and the story sucks you in. The only thing that annoyed me was how Kiley made stupid decisions that put herself in danger constantly. She also reacted horribly to people telling her what to do even though she constantly tried to tell the guys what to do. I am excited to see where the next book takes us after that cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews