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Wicked Brotherhood #1
Bitter
The first problem with Bleakwood Academy for Boys is The Brotherhood. Vicious. Ruthless. Untouchable. They are the gods of these hallways, the rest of us mere mortals.
The second problem is me.
Mostly, because I’m a girl.
It was never my intention to lie my way into an all-boys boarding school, but here I am—and now that I’m here, I intend to stay.
No matter the cost.
Jasper.
Heath.
Beck.
These boys, this Brotherhood, are as impossibly handsome as they are vile. From the day I arrive at Bleakwood they’re determined to break me. To them it’s a game, a right of passage.
But to me, it’s my life.
I thought my biggest challenge at this school was going to be hiding the fact that I’m a girl, but I was wrong. My biggest challenge is finding a way to leave Bleakwood in something other than a body bag.
These boys might call themselves a Brotherhood, but I know what they really are.
And what they are is wicked.
Bitter is a full-length bully romance novel with multiple love interests. It’s the first book in the Wicked Brotherhood trilogy, a contemporary enemies-to-lovers series where the main character has no intent to choose between the men who inevitably end up falling for her...after they’ve paid their penitence, of course.
The second problem is me.
Mostly, because I’m a girl.
It was never my intention to lie my way into an all-boys boarding school, but here I am—and now that I’m here, I intend to stay.
No matter the cost.
Jasper.
Heath.
Beck.
These boys, this Brotherhood, are as impossibly handsome as they are vile. From the day I arrive at Bleakwood they’re determined to break me. To them it’s a game, a right of passage.
But to me, it’s my life.
I thought my biggest challenge at this school was going to be hiding the fact that I’m a girl, but I was wrong. My biggest challenge is finding a way to leave Bleakwood in something other than a body bag.
These boys might call themselves a Brotherhood, but I know what they really are.
And what they are is wicked.
Bitter is a full-length bully romance novel with multiple love interests. It’s the first book in the Wicked Brotherhood trilogy, a contemporary enemies-to-lovers series where the main character has no intent to choose between the men who inevitably end up falling for her...after they’ve paid their penitence, of course.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2020
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1212 people want to read
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November 20, 2020
Y'know what, I kind of liked this one.
I was pretty much over bully academy reverse harem romances, but this one lured me in with what's possibly my all-time favourite premise: a girl who disguises herself as a boy and sneaks into a boys' school. Yes, it required IMMENSE suspension of disbelief. Yes, there are plot holes big enough to ride an elephant through. Still, it was engaging enough to keep me interested for the two hours it took me to read this.
The premise is that heroine Alex applies to a prestigious high school, somehow without ever realising it's for boys. When she gets a place, she's determined to go anyway, just in disguise. (We aren't told when she realises it's for boys). Once she gets there she ends up rooming with a gay boy who basically discovers her secret in the first millisecond, but who helps her learn how to be like a boy. She accidentally ends up on the wrong side of the Brotherhood - composed of Jasper, Beck, and Heath - who basically make her their fag, in the boarding-school sense of the word. They bully her badly, thinking she's a boy, but she slowly grows closer to them. Things are also twisted up by the fact that Jasper's would-be girlfriend Olive develops a crush on Alex.
✔️ The writing is better than I expected, to be perfectly honest. No typos and well-flowing sentences.
✔️ I liked that this is a character-driven book rather than plot-driven. When I think of C.M. Stunich's The Secret Girl, the closest thing to this novel, there's that whole external plotline with a stalker/murderer which I found really naff. In this one the drama is all about keeping Alex's identity a secret, which is good enough for me.
✔️ I thought the bullying was done pretty well. They think she's male, so the level of violence directed at her didn't bother me personally (would've been a HUGE no if they'd known she was female). It lets up at the appropriate time, and basically seemed a lot like frat hazing.
✔️ Kudos to the author for resisting the temptation to go down the most obvious cliched paths. Normally in books like this, the heroine ends up rooming with the hero. I'm glad that didn't happen here. And even when a normal high school cliche showed up (the old assigned-partners-for-school-project one) it didn't feel too egregious.
✔️ This is the FIRST book I've seen of its kind where the possibility is raised that the heroine could be a trans boy. She isn't, but the word trans even being included is something I haven't encountered before, so great job.
✔️ I quite liked the plot line with Olive. This isn't the usual OW thing at all. Jasper is interested in her, at least initially, but it honestly didn't bother me like it normally might have done because she's so obviously interested in Alex.
❌ I have to say, though, that the heroes weren't too well defined in terms of personality, especially at the beginning. Got a bit better late on though.
❌ The question of how people keep discovering the heroine's identity is just a weird one. First her roommate does (forgotten his name already) just by looking at her. Other people seem to ferret out her secret with disquieting ease, too. Yet the heroes never catch on.
❌ The nurse learns Alex's secret and supports her. Yet she doesn't display the level of care I would have expected in terms of making sure she isn't put in positions that might compromise her disguise - like signing her off from lacrosse. The headmistress's justification for helping Alex is also kind of weird.
Overall
Not a bad book at all. Not a great one either, but better than I expected. Would like to read the sequel.
[Blog]
I was pretty much over bully academy reverse harem romances, but this one lured me in with what's possibly my all-time favourite premise: a girl who disguises herself as a boy and sneaks into a boys' school. Yes, it required IMMENSE suspension of disbelief. Yes, there are plot holes big enough to ride an elephant through. Still, it was engaging enough to keep me interested for the two hours it took me to read this.
The premise is that heroine Alex applies to a prestigious high school, somehow without ever realising it's for boys. When she gets a place, she's determined to go anyway, just in disguise. (We aren't told when she realises it's for boys). Once she gets there she ends up rooming with a gay boy who basically discovers her secret in the first millisecond, but who helps her learn how to be like a boy. She accidentally ends up on the wrong side of the Brotherhood - composed of Jasper, Beck, and Heath - who basically make her their fag, in the boarding-school sense of the word. They bully her badly, thinking she's a boy, but she slowly grows closer to them. Things are also twisted up by the fact that Jasper's would-be girlfriend Olive develops a crush on Alex.
✔️ The writing is better than I expected, to be perfectly honest. No typos and well-flowing sentences.
✔️ I liked that this is a character-driven book rather than plot-driven. When I think of C.M. Stunich's The Secret Girl, the closest thing to this novel, there's that whole external plotline with a stalker/murderer which I found really naff. In this one the drama is all about keeping Alex's identity a secret, which is good enough for me.
✔️ I thought the bullying was done pretty well. They think she's male, so the level of violence directed at her didn't bother me personally (would've been a HUGE no if they'd known she was female). It lets up at the appropriate time, and basically seemed a lot like frat hazing.
✔️ Kudos to the author for resisting the temptation to go down the most obvious cliched paths. Normally in books like this, the heroine ends up rooming with the hero. I'm glad that didn't happen here. And even when a normal high school cliche showed up (the old assigned-partners-for-school-project one) it didn't feel too egregious.
✔️ This is the FIRST book I've seen of its kind where the possibility is raised that the heroine could be a trans boy. She isn't, but the word trans even being included is something I haven't encountered before, so great job.
✔️ I quite liked the plot line with Olive. This isn't the usual OW thing at all. Jasper is interested in her, at least initially, but it honestly didn't bother me like it normally might have done because she's so obviously interested in Alex.
❌ I have to say, though, that the heroes weren't too well defined in terms of personality, especially at the beginning. Got a bit better late on though.
❌ The question of how people keep discovering the heroine's identity is just a weird one. First her roommate does (forgotten his name already) just by looking at her. Other people seem to ferret out her secret with disquieting ease, too. Yet the heroes never catch on.
❌ The nurse learns Alex's secret and supports her. Yet she doesn't display the level of care I would have expected in terms of making sure she isn't put in positions that might compromise her disguise - like signing her off from lacrosse. The headmistress's justification for helping Alex is also kind of weird.
Overall
Not a bad book at all. Not a great one either, but better than I expected. Would like to read the sequel.
[Blog]
August 29, 2021
Yes, I enjoyed this book at the time, but after finishing this series and the seeing the foreshadowing of the disgusting ending, I have to drop my rating. As I've said before, I only give books 1 star if I morally object to, and ending up with the guy who tried to rape you? That's a big old no-no. I even say in this review I would drop my rating if she ends up with that guy.
Old, naive, review.
Wait, wait, wait. This-this was a-maze-ing?! I don’t know what I expected from this-but it definitely wasn’t this.
The biggest thing that needs to be recognised is how well done this almost romance is. This is such a tricky way to write a romance. The entire school thinks that Alex is a boy, so when one starts to fall for her/him? It is a really hard balance between becoming super homophobic and also not making the chemistry clear. This did it so well! Raphael put it well; ‘the gay panic’ was done so well! And Jasper’s confession of being jealous of Olive because she was hanging with Alex...So. Well. Done.
Another thing that I love, is Olive. It would have been such an easy writer move to make her a typical mean girl with no personality, but this author went to great lengths to make sure she was a proper character. And she was actually nice! And it is sad how realistic the treatment was of her.
And while also being sensitive about important issues, it was also downright hilarious. The part when Alex decides to seduce Raphael... Or the multiple references to Alex being offended over people making fun of her imaginary peepee. Or just...well all of it. This is my most highlighted book of basically all time.
Now there is one thing I am saying now. I don’t mind if Alex get’s with Heath or with Beck. Bare in mind that one of those guys is a drug addict and the other has spent a year tormenting her. But I will give the this book one start (only ever given ONE book one star. EVER) is she gets with Jasper. The nicest thing he did was JUMP HER! I don’t give a flying duck(yes I typed duck on purpose) if when he found out she was a girl he was horrified in himself. The things he did were not okay. I don’ t even think I would care if he had a redemption arc to end all redemption arcs. I’m not even going to make a joke about me carrying a good grudge. I’m serious AF.
Old, naive, review.
Wait, wait, wait. This-this was a-maze-ing?! I don’t know what I expected from this-but it definitely wasn’t this.
The biggest thing that needs to be recognised is how well done this almost romance is. This is such a tricky way to write a romance. The entire school thinks that Alex is a boy, so when one starts to fall for her/him? It is a really hard balance between becoming super homophobic and also not making the chemistry clear. This did it so well! Raphael put it well; ‘the gay panic’ was done so well! And Jasper’s confession of being jealous of Olive because she was hanging with Alex...So. Well. Done.
Another thing that I love, is Olive. It would have been such an easy writer move to make her a typical mean girl with no personality, but this author went to great lengths to make sure she was a proper character. And she was actually nice! And it is sad how realistic the treatment was of her.
And while also being sensitive about important issues, it was also downright hilarious. The part when Alex decides to seduce Raphael... Or the multiple references to Alex being offended over people making fun of her imaginary peepee. Or just...well all of it. This is my most highlighted book of basically all time.
Now there is one thing I am saying now. I don’t mind if Alex get’s with Heath or with Beck. Bare in mind that one of those guys is a drug addict and the other has spent a year tormenting her. But I will give the this book one start (only ever given ONE book one star. EVER) is she gets with Jasper. The nicest thing he did was JUMP HER! I don’t give a flying duck(yes I typed duck on purpose) if when he found out she was a girl he was horrified in himself. The things he did were not okay. I don’ t even think I would care if he had a redemption arc to end all redemption arcs. I’m not even going to make a joke about me carrying a good grudge. I’m serious AF.
January 27, 2021
Entertaining story
A surprisingly good story, which was character-focused rather an external arc in addition to a blossoming romance, of which the reader only gets bits. It is really a bully story about about a girl, Alex, pretending to be a boy to attend a prestigious all-boys school which would pave her way to an exclusive college. Somehow -- and this is just one element of the humor in the story -- she didn't know the school she was attending was all boys until right before arriving. Lucky for her she has four older brothers with whom she played tom boy and whom she could emulate.
This story explores the day-to-day occurrences in Alex's attending an all-boys catering to the elite trio of Boys of the Brotherhood, Jasper, Heath, and Beck, who decide through "luck of the ash" that she, or *he* is to be bullied. Fortunate for Alex, she has a roommate, Rafael, who knows her secret, is her confidant and teaches her how to behave more naturally male. I liked this story because, despite being clean -- something I never read (and in this case it was unknowingly) -- it was hugely entertaining, engaging, and just fun wrapped in raucous, tongue-in-cheek humor that didn't take itself too seriously: it-girl infatuated with Alex simply because Alex spurred her advances and Jasper's jealousy, the guys' drunken night out, chain cigarette smoking for a more masculine voice. And then there was the budding, warm feelings of first romance and the confusion of sexual identity...well, maybe, and discovery. That cliffhanger! Can't wait to book 2 to find out what happens next.
Why four stars?
The character development among all characters could have been stronger. They were vaguely indistinguishable from the other, especially the heroes. Also, the pace, despite the story being entertaining, was slow, and day to day not much happen. Finally, a YA read is not what I expected. A notification that was YA and a clean romance would have been welcome.
A surprisingly good story, which was character-focused rather an external arc in addition to a blossoming romance, of which the reader only gets bits. It is really a bully story about about a girl, Alex, pretending to be a boy to attend a prestigious all-boys school which would pave her way to an exclusive college. Somehow -- and this is just one element of the humor in the story -- she didn't know the school she was attending was all boys until right before arriving. Lucky for her she has four older brothers with whom she played tom boy and whom she could emulate.
This story explores the day-to-day occurrences in Alex's attending an all-boys catering to the elite trio of Boys of the Brotherhood, Jasper, Heath, and Beck, who decide through "luck of the ash" that she, or *he* is to be bullied. Fortunate for Alex, she has a roommate, Rafael, who knows her secret, is her confidant and teaches her how to behave more naturally male. I liked this story because, despite being clean -- something I never read (and in this case it was unknowingly) -- it was hugely entertaining, engaging, and just fun wrapped in raucous, tongue-in-cheek humor that didn't take itself too seriously: it-girl infatuated with Alex simply because Alex spurred her advances and Jasper's jealousy, the guys' drunken night out, chain cigarette smoking for a more masculine voice. And then there was the budding, warm feelings of first romance and the confusion of sexual identity...well, maybe, and discovery. That cliffhanger! Can't wait to book 2 to find out what happens next.
Why four stars?
The character development among all characters could have been stronger. They were vaguely indistinguishable from the other, especially the heroes. Also, the pace, despite the story being entertaining, was slow, and day to day not much happen. Finally, a YA read is not what I expected. A notification that was YA and a clean romance would have been welcome.
December 7, 2020
Violent bully romance
This is not a book for everyone! I can't even really say I liked it myself. I'm giving it a generous 2 stars because it kept me wanting to know how this will all play out, but this bully romance borders some serious f***ked up lines. I've read a lot of bully romance and this one might actually be a bit to disgusting for me.
The hard facts it that this bully romance is not just a few shoved into lockers moments, or rumor spreading b.s, it's physical violence. Punching, breaking ribs, sexual battery. Not even exaggerating. And with this being said seeing Alex have feelings for these guys while being a punching bag and almost being murdered by them 3 times ( still not exaggerating) ..is twisted in the worse ways. I'm not sure how anyone can build a relationship here, but seeing this is a romance, I guess the author is going for it? I think This type of bullying was done really overboard, and I'm not sure what this all says about getting beat to s***t and still wanting ur abuser's?
This is not a book for everyone! I can't even really say I liked it myself. I'm giving it a generous 2 stars because it kept me wanting to know how this will all play out, but this bully romance borders some serious f***ked up lines. I've read a lot of bully romance and this one might actually be a bit to disgusting for me.
The hard facts it that this bully romance is not just a few shoved into lockers moments, or rumor spreading b.s, it's physical violence. Punching, breaking ribs, sexual battery. Not even exaggerating. And with this being said seeing Alex have feelings for these guys while being a punching bag and almost being murdered by them 3 times ( still not exaggerating) ..is twisted in the worse ways. I'm not sure how anyone can build a relationship here, but seeing this is a romance, I guess the author is going for it? I think This type of bullying was done really overboard, and I'm not sure what this all says about getting beat to s***t and still wanting ur abuser's?
May 5, 2021
The story is really ridiculous, but kind of in a fun way. My main complaint is that the three "love interests" are pretty much the same. They all have anger issues, they are supposed to be hot, and they yet have to reveal any redeeming quality.
2.5 ⭐
2.5 ⭐
November 20, 2020
Not as bully as most!
Alex is a girl pretending to be a boy in a prestigious boarding school. Hoping to open doors to Harvard, she fills out an application and starts her life as a boy. From the first moment she is marked by the Brotherhood who rule the school. Nothing she does is good enough or the right thing until they start to fall for her as a him. Conflicting emotions mostly taken out in the form of bullying and abuse ensue. I'm curious to see how this continues to play out now that some people are in the know.
Alex is a girl pretending to be a boy in a prestigious boarding school. Hoping to open doors to Harvard, she fills out an application and starts her life as a boy. From the first moment she is marked by the Brotherhood who rule the school. Nothing she does is good enough or the right thing until they start to fall for her as a him. Conflicting emotions mostly taken out in the form of bullying and abuse ensue. I'm curious to see how this continues to play out now that some people are in the know.
February 13, 2025
Mm que acabo de leer? Muchas partes del libro son inconexas con otras, hay saltos temporales sin sentido que confunden todo, los personajes todos son molestos, inmaduros, abusivos, e idiotas, no tienen nada rescatable, La protagonista femenina tiene numerosas oportunidades para imponerse, pero en lugar de eso, se deja manipular por los demás, lo que la hace parecer una persona sin criterio.💀💀 Y ESE FINAL??????
January 31, 2021
Happy reader
I have to admit, when I was recommended this book, I was worried it would be a rinse and repeat version of C.M. Stunich's Secret Girl (Which is a great book, too)
I was pleasantly surprised by this unique take on the same trope.
I have to admit, when I was recommended this book, I was worried it would be a rinse and repeat version of C.M. Stunich's Secret Girl (Which is a great book, too)
I was pleasantly surprised by this unique take on the same trope.
May 29, 2021
Like the author's note which states that is doesn't glorify abuse so people can keep fiction from reality.
It was a ride. I thought it would be like a bad wattpad book but it was actually great. Will start the new book right now.
The tension was big. We only got one kiss so I can't wait for more.
It was a ride. I thought it would be like a bad wattpad book but it was actually great. Will start the new book right now.
The tension was big. We only got one kiss so I can't wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2020
One of the best bully romances I've recently read.
I 100% was completely invested in every moment of this new bully romance series. I am stunned at just how good this story was. Alex finds herself in a bit of a predicament when she realises the boarding school overseas that she applied and won a scholarship for is actually an all boy's school. Still she decides that it's an opportunity that she can't pass up. What follows are some hilarious moments of Alex trying not to be found out and some devastating moments as the group if guys who are determined to bully her take things to the extreme and very nearly too far. You seriously need to read this series if you like bully romances. The ending of this one had my heart racing and I was so very shocked. I cannot wait for book 2.
I 100% was completely invested in every moment of this new bully romance series. I am stunned at just how good this story was. Alex finds herself in a bit of a predicament when she realises the boarding school overseas that she applied and won a scholarship for is actually an all boy's school. Still she decides that it's an opportunity that she can't pass up. What follows are some hilarious moments of Alex trying not to be found out and some devastating moments as the group if guys who are determined to bully her take things to the extreme and very nearly too far. You seriously need to read this series if you like bully romances. The ending of this one had my heart racing and I was so very shocked. I cannot wait for book 2.
June 6, 2023
I read this in one day
March 3, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐️ rating
0.25/5 🌶️ rating
Thoughts:
Typical RH bully romance with a gender-swap FMC. This book was heavy on the bully aspect, so I am hoping the next involves so good groveling.
0.25/5 🌶️ rating
Thoughts:
Typical RH bully romance with a gender-swap FMC. This book was heavy on the bully aspect, so I am hoping the next involves so good groveling.
December 12, 2021
Realmente el abuso escolar estuvo fuerte en este libro, ya que todos pensaban que era un chico más en un internado solo para hombres... Pues hubo unas escenas tremendas a la protagonista.
March 18, 2021
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
There's just something so fun about the girl pretending to be a boy trope. If the boys weren't so physically violent, it might have gotten a higher rating but I guess it was a realistic portrayal of bullying. Overall, this was funny and entertaining.
January 17, 2021
Hahahaha this book looks ... interesting I’m in the beginning yet but has potential to be pretty cool , looks like a Chinese drama I watched Arsenal Military Academy , obviously not the part of the future harem ...but whatever hahaha this made sense in my mind and made me really curious to begin this book too .
Uh I already like him hahaha he smokes and is weird enough to try to make her hair more “boyish”? When he doesn’t even know her at all ? Maybe , this is what social butterfly people do ? Idk I’m not of this species .
Damn , she didn’t know there was a girl school? Are you serious? I won’t judge his is one of the things could happen to me too hahahaha you know because all the attention problems and all ...but damn girl hahaha
WTF? Like ....WHAT THE F*CK ? What is this ? A weird cult of naked sexy man ? Where I sign my name ? Hahahaha
Hahaha how funny ? When my young brother caught me smoking too , I made him swear never to start either , well ...I think it is a thing for old siblings not wanting their young ones getting their lungs f*cked .
Ok so ....bully romance isn’t a genre I normally read but...for gods sake they are really hurting her ...ok they don’t know she is a girl but damn !!! You know ,what they are doing to her , if I was her even they being pretty hot and filthy rich ...I don’t think I could let them touch me without flinching... and damn she is really hurt like ...this is medically serious., a normal guys can take a lot of this thing they do , our bodys are biologically different, and she isn’t even trained in how to take these “blasts”
Ok now I know all the boys are f*cked of the head ...let me do my guess ....Jasper is a violent alcoholic , probably daddy issues , Heath is a addict ?, but Beck ? I think he just likes literature and has some little angry issues ... he is so far my fav .
DAMN GURLLLL, hahahaha I’m laughing so hard right now hahahaha.
Omg hahahaha Rafael is absolutely the best. And I just finished the book... I’m a little astonished with what Jasper did ...that was really...uh scary? Damn salary like hell , and I can wait to begin the next one .
“No, no, you’re doing it all wrong. Have you never seen a human boy before?”
He tuts loudly and shoving the cigarette back into the corner of his mouth, hurries over to start fluffing up the bits of hair around my face.”
Uh I already like him hahaha he smokes and is weird enough to try to make her hair more “boyish”? When he doesn’t even know her at all ? Maybe , this is what social butterfly people do ? Idk I’m not of this species .
Damn , she didn’t know there was a girl school? Are you serious? I won’t judge his is one of the things could happen to me too hahahaha you know because all the attention problems and all ...but damn girl hahaha
“And then, when the storming of footsteps nearly out-deafens the slamming doors, three boys appear at the top of the steps. The boy from earlier is among them, but for the first time, I get a good look at the other two. A very thorough look … because all three of them stand before us stark naked.”
WTF? Like ....WHAT THE F*CK ? What is this ? A weird cult of naked sexy man ? Where I sign my name ? Hahahaha
““I begrudgingly continue smoking. I never thought I’d be the smoking type, it’s just never had any draw for me.I caught my brother Caleb smoking out behind the barn once and he made me swear never to start. If he could only see me now.”
Hahaha how funny ? When my young brother caught me smoking too , I made him swear never to start either , well ...I think it is a thing for old siblings not wanting their young ones getting their lungs f*cked .
“Jasper and Beck shoulder-check me from time to time, but Heath hunts me down on the field no matter what position they try to smash me into. I can’t get away from him. I don’t know if I’m ever going to fully heal because of him”
Ok so ....bully romance isn’t a genre I normally read but...for gods sake they are really hurting her ...ok they don’t know she is a girl but damn !!! You know ,what they are doing to her , if I was her even they being pretty hot and filthy rich ...I don’t think I could let them touch me without flinching... and damn she is really hurt like ...this is medically serious., a normal guys can take a lot of this thing they do , our bodys are biologically different, and she isn’t even trained in how to take these “blasts”
“I’m given no more time to contemplate what Jasper was and wasn’t planning to do with me before he delivers a swift punch to my gut.
It’s all it takes to send me sprawling as Heath and Beck do finally let go of my arms.”
Ok now I know all the boys are f*cked of the head ...let me do my guess ....Jasper is a violent alcoholic , probably daddy issues , Heath is a addict ?, but Beck ? I think he just likes literature and has some little angry issues ... he is so far my fav .
“Even when they were avoiding me thanks to Jasper’s temper, they didn’t avoid me quite like this. Not, at the very least, to the extent that Heath scoots his chair ever so slightly to face away from me.
“Look at them,” Rafael says in a whisper that’s almost gleeful as I sit beside him. “I never thought I’d live to see the day that The Brotherhood was struggling with the thought that they might be gay.”
“Stop it,” I say, pushing his arm, but he grins and shakes his head.
“Oh, no. I can see it. That’s what gay panic looks like”
DAMN GURLLLL, hahahaha I’m laughing so hard right now hahahaha.
“Seems complicated,” I reply. “Also, didn’t you say dating Olive was a death sentence?”
“Well, now that Jasper secretly wants to jump on that tiny dick he thinks you have, maybe you’ll be safer.”
“Oh my God.” I feel so, so bad for my imaginary penis. Everyone’s being so mean to it. And my own feelings are a little hurt, surprisingly. I know the intent behind the words “even if I don’t have the particular thing Olive insulted earlier”
Omg hahahaha Rafael is absolutely the best. And I just finished the book... I’m a little astonished with what Jasper did ...that was really...uh scary? Damn salary like hell , and I can wait to begin the next one .
December 5, 2020
This isn't the first reverse harem that I've read where a girl pretends to be a boy in a prestigious school of all males, however, what I really liked about Bitter was that the girl was unaware of the school being male oriented when she applied. She didn't fully set out to attend a school to pretend to be something she wasn't, but instead focused on her main goal of getting a good education to better her future. I think one of the best things about this story was how clueless Alex was attempting to be a boy despite having four older brothers. I liked seeing how she floundered at times and the thought process she had to try to make things work out so no one would find out her true identity. Rafael, her gay roommate, who recognized her as a female the moment he saw her, was such a great addition to the story. You don't get a lot of attention on side characters often in RH books, and I personally loved Rafael and his sarcastic humor and helpful side as he assisted Alex in appearing and acting more masculine. I think the incorporation of a homosexual character along with the hints of questioning sexualities and even the touch on the topic of being transgender really opened this book up to issues that many people go through every day, fighting against what they themselves and what others think about how they feel, act, or love and how they are treated for being how they see themselves. I loved seeing those topics broached. Although this book is labeled as a dark romance, I wouldn't say that this book is all that dark. Bully, yes. And there may be a couple of possibly triggering scenes, but nothing too dark to cause any scarring. There is hazing, bullying, abuse, fighting, and weird cult-like traditions, but I feel like those will probably be tamed down as the series continues and as the relationships of the characters develop. If you were expecting this to be an instant heat book with the main female character pretending to be a male, you will be sorely disappointed. I highly doubt this will be a clean series, but so far it is a slow burn. Think of this as a good thing as we can really focus on the characters and how everything else in the story progresses. Jasper, Heath, and Beck are pretty interesting characters so far even if we didn't get to see many different sides to them this time around, but I'm betting the next book will crack them wide open. The end of this first book was pretty intense and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
December 31, 2020
Alex is a scholarship student in the prestigious Bleakwood Academy for boys. Only one problem, Alex is actually a girl and has been singled out by the Brotherhood: Jasper, Heath and Beck; the three most influential boys at the academy, to be their plaything. She now must balance keeping her true gender secret and dealing with the unwanted attention of the Brotherhood as she navigates her first semester.
First things first this is the kind of book that you know what you're signing up for when you start. Three boys who are oh so bad, yet oh so hot at the same time. If this was any other genre I'd be up in arms at the way they treat Alex and their general attitudes. But again, I knew what I signed up for, so I'll forgive the moments when Alex can't help reminding us how good looking all of the boys are, while they literally attack her.
I actually enjoyed the friendship between Alex and her room-mate Rafael, the most. As we get some pretty good development in the relationship while also dealing with the consequences of being gay in an environment where it is not the done thing.
This is a fast-paced, easy read with a simple premise and it follows through on what it promises. If you've got the time and are not turned off by the toxic relationships and attitudes, Bitter is an entertaining way to pass an evening.
First things first this is the kind of book that you know what you're signing up for when you start. Three boys who are oh so bad, yet oh so hot at the same time. If this was any other genre I'd be up in arms at the way they treat Alex and their general attitudes. But again, I knew what I signed up for, so I'll forgive the moments when Alex can't help reminding us how good looking all of the boys are, while they literally attack her.
I actually enjoyed the friendship between Alex and her room-mate Rafael, the most. As we get some pretty good development in the relationship while also dealing with the consequences of being gay in an environment where it is not the done thing.
This is a fast-paced, easy read with a simple premise and it follows through on what it promises. If you've got the time and are not turned off by the toxic relationships and attitudes, Bitter is an entertaining way to pass an evening.
April 3, 2021
Mixed feelings about this book, i have read so many bully books so i feel like i know what i am jumping into. Still i got bothered by how all outsiders treat Alex, i mean omg are everyone scared for death. And when the headmistress for the all girl school is basically threatening Alex to either tell the truth or to obey what she wants. And no one supports her, they all are just throwing Alex in the mess with nothing. I don´t know how i will feel about Jasper being a part of her harem. His anger issues even if he didn´t know Alex was a girl, straight up just got some anger issues and went on a rampage aka tried. I will still not understand how the girl could be with her own bullies, in some books i can see that the guys get´s redeemed and that the girl get´s them back and even. Our main girls bestie, Rafael was both annoying, running with his legs behind him and also sometimes a great friend. I feel like a friend is not a friend if he or she is running because the friend is getting bullied and being the black sheep in the school. Even if i also had a hard time i would have hanged out with my friend still. When you also know your friend is getting reaaaal brutal bruises on her.
I hope we will get to know the guys more, cuz i have not gotten any grasp on their personality, they are just being the three bullys and maybe Jasper is sticking out just cuz of his anger issues, lmfo.
I will dive into the next book, i got intrigued so i just have to know what happens next
I hope we will get to know the guys more, cuz i have not gotten any grasp on their personality, they are just being the three bullys and maybe Jasper is sticking out just cuz of his anger issues, lmfo.
I will dive into the next book, i got intrigued so i just have to know what happens next
November 23, 2020
Alex gets accepted to a school that will open up amazing opportunities for her future...imagine her shock when she finds out that it is an all-boy school. Instead of losing the opportunity, she decides to disguise herself as a boy. What could possibly go wrong?!?
Before Alex even goes through the gates, she has already become a target for the Wicked Brotherhood. Jasper, Heath, and Beck rule the school and have decided to make Alex their plaything for the year. However, Alex fights back despite "his" scrawny size.
Circumstances come about where Alex's true identity starts to come out. People are willing to keep it a secret...but for a price. However, will the Brotherhood be able to accept Alex if they knew the truth?!?
This book is definitely in the bully genre...but it isn't super dark. I enjoyed Alex and found her character to be funny, witty, and stronger than people give her credit for. The ending leaves with a bit of a cliffhanger...and I am curious to see what happens next now that some of the Brotherhood may have discovered what Alex is hiding. I am definitely look forward to the next book!
Before Alex even goes through the gates, she has already become a target for the Wicked Brotherhood. Jasper, Heath, and Beck rule the school and have decided to make Alex their plaything for the year. However, Alex fights back despite "his" scrawny size.
Circumstances come about where Alex's true identity starts to come out. People are willing to keep it a secret...but for a price. However, will the Brotherhood be able to accept Alex if they knew the truth?!?
This book is definitely in the bully genre...but it isn't super dark. I enjoyed Alex and found her character to be funny, witty, and stronger than people give her credit for. The ending leaves with a bit of a cliffhanger...and I am curious to see what happens next now that some of the Brotherhood may have discovered what Alex is hiding. I am definitely look forward to the next book!
January 4, 2021
Bitter by Eden Beck, is book one in the Wicked Brotherhood series and also the first book I've read by this author. It is somewhat different from the normal high school bully stories normally written and that's what makes this story so great.
In this story, Alex has been accepted into an elite school on a scholarship. The catch? It's an all-boys school. Cutting her hair and changing her voice and appearance in order to blend in, her first day doesn't go according to plan. Her gay roommate notices her gender immediately, but instead of outing her, he helps her navigate the school's way. Alex has also caught the attention of The Brotherhood, a trio of guys who practically run the school. What they call hazing and initiation into the school is actually them constantly tormenting and bullying her, thinking she's a weak guy, but what happens when one of them takes it too far? Will they find out the secret she's been keeping?
This was a great book by Eden Beck, full of drama and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
In this story, Alex has been accepted into an elite school on a scholarship. The catch? It's an all-boys school. Cutting her hair and changing her voice and appearance in order to blend in, her first day doesn't go according to plan. Her gay roommate notices her gender immediately, but instead of outing her, he helps her navigate the school's way. Alex has also caught the attention of The Brotherhood, a trio of guys who practically run the school. What they call hazing and initiation into the school is actually them constantly tormenting and bullying her, thinking she's a weak guy, but what happens when one of them takes it too far? Will they find out the secret she's been keeping?
This was a great book by Eden Beck, full of drama and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
November 28, 2020
I’ve read several books by Eden Beck but this one is my favourite!
If you like Academy, Reverse Harem, secret girl attending a boys school trope books then you will love Bitter by Eden Beck.
It’s well written, angsty, emotional and keeps you hooked until the last page.
Alex is a young teen girl who disguised herself as a boy to attend a privileged all boys school after winning a scholarship. Due to her family’s lack of finances she realises this is a great opportunity for her education and attends. There, she meets three boys, Jasper, Beck and Heath who become her tormentors during the book. She finds a partial ally in Heath who tries to help her while avoiding being bullied himself.
I can’t wait to read book two when it’s released and find out how the boys will react now one of them has found out her secret, and learn how Alex will patch things up with Olive.
Eden Beck, you are an evil genius when it comes to cliffhangers. Bring on December and book two!
If you like Academy, Reverse Harem, secret girl attending a boys school trope books then you will love Bitter by Eden Beck.
It’s well written, angsty, emotional and keeps you hooked until the last page.
Alex is a young teen girl who disguised herself as a boy to attend a privileged all boys school after winning a scholarship. Due to her family’s lack of finances she realises this is a great opportunity for her education and attends. There, she meets three boys, Jasper, Beck and Heath who become her tormentors during the book. She finds a partial ally in Heath who tries to help her while avoiding being bullied himself.
I can’t wait to read book two when it’s released and find out how the boys will react now one of them has found out her secret, and learn how Alex will patch things up with Olive.
Eden Beck, you are an evil genius when it comes to cliffhangers. Bring on December and book two!
November 29, 2020
I’ve been a fan of Eden Beck for a long time, she tells phenomenal stories with impeccable writing. So when I found out she was starting a new series, Wicked Brotherhood, I was salivating to read it. And let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed.
Bitter, is a reverse harem-academy novel filled with dark and bully themes. The FMC, Alex, is a tough, smart, and witty girl, pretending to be a boy. See, she applied and was accepted to one of the most prestigious Academies in the world. Only problem, it’s an all boys school.
From the get go Alex seemed to make it her mission to mess things up. She gets on the bad side of “The Brotherhood” on her first day resulting in her becoming their “bitch”.
Jasper, Heath and Beck are The Brotherhood. Pompous, dangerous, and sexy af. Their relationship with Alex is rocky, but the chemistry is 🔥.
Overall, this was a great book, well written, and with lots of juicy content.
Bitter, is a reverse harem-academy novel filled with dark and bully themes. The FMC, Alex, is a tough, smart, and witty girl, pretending to be a boy. See, she applied and was accepted to one of the most prestigious Academies in the world. Only problem, it’s an all boys school.
From the get go Alex seemed to make it her mission to mess things up. She gets on the bad side of “The Brotherhood” on her first day resulting in her becoming their “bitch”.
Jasper, Heath and Beck are The Brotherhood. Pompous, dangerous, and sexy af. Their relationship with Alex is rocky, but the chemistry is 🔥.
Overall, this was a great book, well written, and with lots of juicy content.
July 14, 2021
Interesting to say the least
So I struggled with finishing this first book. It was frustrating to see even how her supposed friend Rafael treated her. Towards the middle of the book he started treating her better but it was still a little degrading.
The brotherhood though, was just horrible. Especially Jasper. There was no excuse for his temper. Or his possessive ways towards Olive. Beating on Alex pretty much every chance he got. And then towards the end almost raping Alex but stopping only because he discovered he was in fact a girl just showed me exactly what type of person he was. I have no doubts that if Alex was in fact a boy he would have followed through.
The other boys were bad but just not this bad. And they seemed to have boundaries they wouldn’t cross. Which is saying something. The end of the book is what made me keep going. Despite the near rape or the constant degrading of Alex.
But if you choose not read the first book I could understand why.
So I struggled with finishing this first book. It was frustrating to see even how her supposed friend Rafael treated her. Towards the middle of the book he started treating her better but it was still a little degrading.
The brotherhood though, was just horrible. Especially Jasper. There was no excuse for his temper. Or his possessive ways towards Olive. Beating on Alex pretty much every chance he got. And then towards the end almost raping Alex but stopping only because he discovered he was in fact a girl just showed me exactly what type of person he was. I have no doubts that if Alex was in fact a boy he would have followed through.
The other boys were bad but just not this bad. And they seemed to have boundaries they wouldn’t cross. Which is saying something. The end of the book is what made me keep going. Despite the near rape or the constant degrading of Alex.
But if you choose not read the first book I could understand why.
September 29, 2021
Reviewed by @peek_one_book
- Harem
- Dark Bullying Romance
- Young girl pretending to be a boy
- School for the rich
🔸What happens when you apply to an elite school for boys for fun and pass? You cut your hair and try to fit in with the class, the problem is that upon arrival you fall into the clutches of the leaders of that place and your "manly" life turns into a personal hell.
🔸 Our young lady goes through several heavy situations, in the eyes of everyone (except her roommate) she is a boy and you know that boys get heavy on the punching and kicking issue, well...
🔸 The story slowly develops and as the first book it is more like an introduction to this universe of elite and bad boys.
🔸 It has triggers of psychological abuse, physical and explicit violence. Read with caution.
- Harem
- Dark Bullying Romance
- Young girl pretending to be a boy
- School for the rich
🔸What happens when you apply to an elite school for boys for fun and pass? You cut your hair and try to fit in with the class, the problem is that upon arrival you fall into the clutches of the leaders of that place and your "manly" life turns into a personal hell.
🔸 Our young lady goes through several heavy situations, in the eyes of everyone (except her roommate) she is a boy and you know that boys get heavy on the punching and kicking issue, well...
🔸 The story slowly develops and as the first book it is more like an introduction to this universe of elite and bad boys.
🔸 It has triggers of psychological abuse, physical and explicit violence. Read with caution.
January 23, 2022
Alex signed up for an all boys academy and by the time she's won her scholarship it's too late. She decides to go disguised as a boy. She was so inept despite growing up with four brothers that she caught by her gay roommate Rafael on her first day. He takes her under his wing but she keeps getting into trouble and manages to become a bullying target for the Brotherhood. Alex is a bland, not particularly likeable character. She barely stands up for herself and the MMCs are indistinguishable from each other until the end. Didn't much like that there was some violent bullying and the disturbing scene between Alex and Jasper really crossed the line. Despite the editing errors, I'll read the next book hoping the guys really grovel.
December 4, 2024
I’ve read a couple of girl pretends to be boy romance books and this is the worst BUT
I liked the drama, and I love a bit of bi panic for the guys. What was done poorly was the pretending to be a boy part, Alex entered this idea with a baggy hoodie and a bad haircut and thought that was gonna cut it as a boy. She didn’t even think about her boobs, or the way she walked, or the way she talked - she didn’t plan anything and that’s what let it down, it wasn’t a very good secret identity.
ALSO where are these academically gifted students at this super prestigious academy?? It all seems very basic to me, she should of just stayed at home
I liked the drama, and I love a bit of bi panic for the guys. What was done poorly was the pretending to be a boy part, Alex entered this idea with a baggy hoodie and a bad haircut and thought that was gonna cut it as a boy. She didn’t even think about her boobs, or the way she walked, or the way she talked - she didn’t plan anything and that’s what let it down, it wasn’t a very good secret identity.
ALSO where are these academically gifted students at this super prestigious academy?? It all seems very basic to me, she should of just stayed at home
November 21, 2020
Bitter is a fantastic start to the Wicked Brotherhood series. I'm not usually a fan of academy and bully romance books but this book won me. I'm so glad I gave it a read as it was non stop surprises, emotion, intrigue and I could not put it down. Alex is a great MC and I love her room mate and new BF. The Brotherhood is a whirlwind. One minute I hate them and the next its love. This book is so much more than I thought it was going to be and the world building is very well done. I can't wait to read the next book and after the twist at the end it can't get here fast enough!
November 25, 2020
Wow, this whole book grabbed me right from the start. Boys school, bad boys and an undercover girl! Intriguing and exciting and completely mind blowing! I loved this story, the characters and how you got to watch everything play out in ways I didn't expect. This brand new bully story has all the elements of a great RH, with the boys definitely needing to earn their forgiveness and the respect of the girl. I can't wait for book two! That ending had me thinking about the what ifs and what will happen now!
May 22, 2021
I love reverse harems and when I found an author that wrote that genre specifically I immediately picked it up but...this felt not like a reverse harem...although some of the topics in this book are mature I feel comfortable enough to give this to someone under the age of 18. This book felt more like bullying and slow romance than a reverse harem romance. Here's to hoping the next book is a bit spicier, as that is what a lot of reverse harem readers are looking for.
3 out of 5 because the story was interesting to read but not what I thought it was going to be in the spice department.
3 out of 5 because the story was interesting to read but not what I thought it was going to be in the spice department.
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