Hateful

Wicked Brotherhood #2

by Eden Beck

I thought I was finished with The Wicked Brotherhood.

But it seems The Wicked Brotherhood isn’t finished with me.

And they aren’t the only ones.



I survived my first semester at Bleakwood. Barely.

Now I just have to do it again.

From the moment I step back into these hallowed halls, it’s clear that it’s not going to be any easier the second time around. Not when it isn’t just The Brotherhood who suddenly has it out for me.

Ever since I arrived at Bleakwood Academy for Boys, someone has been trying to use me, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when Dean Robin—or Headmistress Robin, depending on who you’re talking to—is the next to jump in line.

What she’s asking me to do will put me and quite possibly the whole future of Bleakwood in jeopardy, but I have no choice but to help her or she’ll expose me for what I really am.

If Jasper and The Brotherhood don’t do it first.

Hateful is a full-length bully romance novel with multiple love interests. It’s the second 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.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark, High School, Enemies To Lovers, Young Adult, Why Choose

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2020

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤅ I had high hopes for this book after quite enjoying the first instalment, but they were dashed fairly quickly.

❌ The plot just... makes no. Sense. At. All. The whole thing with the girls' school dean needing to smuggle in a disguised female student so she can take down the boys' school is ridiculous. And why the hell would she pick Alex, of all people, to be her agent?

❌ The romance makes no sense either. Suddenly, one of the heroes starts treating Alex like sh*t for ABSOLUTELY NO REASON - just, I assume, to maintain the 'bully romance' line. But there's no need to do that. They were actually getting along pretty well in the last book, so having this sudden U-turn is just random and weird.

❌ Don't even get me started on the other two heroes, who come across as selfish, slightly brainless cowards. There isn't really a lick of romance in the whole series to date.

❌ The ending is weird too. Without wanting to give any spoilers away, the stakes that the whole premise hinges on just don't seem high enough to warrant the existence of an entire series on them.

[Blog]

[GG_Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.
I said in the last review that if Alex got together with Jasper I would give this book one star. So when they kissed near the start of the book, I wanted to just slam it down, but I persisted. And, while it disgusting that she kissed him at the start, at the end she does go on a rant about how what he did wasn’t okay. Don’t get me wrong, it is great that she stood up for herself, but maybe a little earlier?!

Honestly two stars went to Heath. I love him. Is he still on drugs though? He is still the best... Though I believe Alex owed him an explanation waaaaay earlier on.

I actually enjoyed the general story of this more than the first one. But the thing with the Headmistress? Meh. I did really want to slap her though... and books should always illicit strong emotions? I think I will read the last one...we gonna see.

[Tania J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars⭐⭐⭐

This was ok. It moved allot slower than I would have liked and the plot was really lacking. I am looking forward to the next book though because this one ended just when things got interesting!

[Jane Who Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️ rating
0.25/5 🌶️ rating

Thoughts:

Was hoping this book had more groveling, it was just more bullying. At least from 1/3 of the MMCs, if not a little more since the other 2/3 of the MMCs stood by while most of it happened.

The relationship was starting to build between the FMC and one of the MMCs, unsure how this is going to translate into the next book. This could have been better, could have been worse. Not sure if I would reread this series again.

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this series since it had so much potential but I had a bad time reading this. I both loathe and love bully romances but this was poorly done. A huge part of what I love is that after the torture the heroine usually suffers in the first book, she gets furious and the second book is filled with glorious grovelling by the MCs. That's what makes these series worth reading. The grovel. This didn't have that. It had MCs whining about why they couldn't treat Alex with respect in public.

After the unforgivable shit Jasper pulled in book 1, I wanted him to grovel and get therapy. Something! Instead we got Alex kissing him while he's refusing to protect her from Beck's violent abuse. He literally kicked her. It's not okay because he thought she was a he. You don't do that to someone you have feelings for. Heath refused to be seen with her in public and she accepted it. I spent too much time cringing and being embarrassed for Alex. Girl needed to get some self-esteem and self respect but instead I got to read about her body betrayal. Ick. The grammatical errors didn't bother me but I can't bring myself to finished the series. I'm disappointed and just done. Sucky way to start the new year.

[Diana_thebooknerd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

I don't know what to think. It's boring but not. And I love the characters but hate them at the same time. I want to know what happens next. But at the same time I'm regretting reading this already.

[Tate ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Con este libro completo mi reto del año 🌈

El primer libro estuvo bien. Pero este fue un poquito irritante.
Aun así la historia aún no acaba, así que me veran leyendo el tercero también 😂👌

[amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like the story, I couldn’t connect with the characters.

[BloodyKelpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn the things are getting even better In this book , and finally Alex has conscience that what happened was really f*cked , aaaaand I’m really curious to know about this new spy thing , I hope she makes they pay for what they did to her . All her Stockholm Syndrome is ....weird but a little , the key word is LITTLE understandable ... ok , maybe not but whatever.

“I, on the other hand, got chased into an abandoned classroom and almost beaten to death … and more. I still wonder what would have happened if Jasper hadn’t discovered I was a girl.
He’d gone into a frenzy, the details of which still seem blurry in my head. I know what he was thinking of doing. I know he wanted to hurt me, to humiliate me … but he didn’t.
Not entirely, anyway.
Not before he was startled out of his rage and the shame of what he was trying to do overwhelmed him”

Yeah asshole , like rapping a boy is something better than rapping a girl ... hypocrite. But I’m really thinking, why Jasper looks so obsessed with Olive ? Ok she’s hot but someone like Jasper can get a hot chic whenever, so I think this has something to do with his family.

“Did I stop,” he asks himself finally, staring at his hands, “just because you’re a girl?” He looks up at me, and his face looks … strange, foreign. I can’t put my finger on it, but I’ve never seen him like this before. “How fucked up is that?” he asks quietly. “How fucked up am I?”

Well, well ,well look like one of our boys grow up a conscience...

“Heath lags behind. His eyes scan the crowd before he finds me in it. He lifts the note up and grins before turning to rush after the other two.
“Look, Alex,” Rafael says sagely, still yanking me by the handle on my backpack, “I know gay shit when I see it. And that was some seriously gay shit.”

Aaawwwnnnn ☺️☺️☺️, I’m smiling like a fool right now and blushing too , because this sh*t was cute hahaha .

“Heath waits for me just outside the door. He breaks into a huge grin when he sees me and bounds toward me just like a golden retriever that caught sight of a stick.”

Damn I’m really developing a crush ? Hahahaha obviously...he doesn’t even look like the guy he was before ... and Beck ? Ok he has serious gay panic problems if this is why he’s acting like the way he is again . Jasper is weird too , well I think shame do this to people, I just finished the book and well ....Alex really f*cked everything but isn’t her fault , I blame the boys , and I’m curious to know what will happen ...but I don’t think I’m going to read the next one right now...primarily because , I’m a little bored hahaha and can please have sex in the next ? For gods sake !!

[Kitty Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual Rating 2.5 stars

The second in the Wicked Brotherhood series, Hateful follows on from Bitter as Alex navigates her second semester in Bleakwood Academy. Dealing with the Brotherhood, and her developing relationships with the three boys while continuing to hide her true gender as more and more people learn her secret, Alex's life isn't getting any easier any time soon.

Ok, so I was a little disappointed, I enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to more developments in the story, but nothing fell quite right for me. The characters go both forward and back from where we left them, but the main plot with the Headmistress felt a little out of place, and her motivations for what happens left me a little confused.

At the end of the first book (spoilers for Bitter), Jasper discovered Alex's true gender, after trying to rape her in revenge for embarrassing him. He spends most of this book feeling guilty about what he did but desperate to not let anyone know. I honestly like how we get to see his thoughts on his actions, the mixture of his apologies but also cowardice to face responsibility felt genuine. What I wasn't mad about, was his and Alex's 'romance'. It just did nothing for me, but that could just be a personal preference.

Heath actually became my favourite of the three, despite not really caring for him in the first. His puppy dog attitude and just general enjoyment of Alex's company was very entertaining, and I found myself looking forward to when he would appear. Of course, there is drama to be found, but the final scenes of him and Alex were very good.

Now Beck......poor, poor Beck. He was my favourite in the first book but falls very far from grace. His extremely, and I mean extremely, aggressive attitude towards Alex for the entire book was such a turn-off. There were no even small redeeming moments, such as with Jasper in Bitter, Beck is just plain and simply an asshole in this book. I hope he gets a bit of redemption in the final book, but honestly, I don't know if even that could save him at this point.

We see a little of Rafael in this book, but he is very much sidelined for more page time with the Brotherhood. But I still love him, and when he turned up, I enjoyed his presence.

Overall, Hateful continues on an entertaining story and is worth it if you were interested in seeing a little more from the Brotherhood. While not as well constructed plot-wise as the first, it delivers on character moments and relationships and is worth the few hours it takes to read.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this continuation of the Wicked Brotherhood series. Based on the treatment Alex got in the first book by the Brotherhood, I wasn't sure how this second book was going to go. It seems like the guys who I was for in the first book I'm not so thrilled with in this one and vice versa. Some have shown sides that I don't like while others have traits that I adore, or even both on and off. There were plenty of times while I was reading that I could both hate and love the characters at the same time. I feel that there was a lot of cowardice with the guys in this book as opposed to the previous one, but at the same time there was a bravery of sorts as well. Cowardice to stand up to their fellow brother and go against their actions, but also a bravery in accepting and acknowledging certain feelings they were experiencing. I think a lot of readers need to remember that these characters are still teenagers and although they may be well off with both money and power, that money and power really doesn't belong to them. They get it from their parents' and with the Brotherhood being a family type of thing, going against that could cause some serious consequences with their family and possibly their inheritance and future. So what I'm now wondering is if the Brotherhood could be made to be a positive statement instead of a negative one? Can traditions be changed by these three men for a better school and a better future? After the ending of this book, I'm hoping so. I'm excited to possibly see the whole group on the same page and have the same goal to work towards. Will hurt feelings get in the way or will the secrets actually bring them closer?

[Ashley Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden Beck isn’t a new Author for me, but she is one that I will 1-click every single time! Her writing style, storylines and characters are supreme. I was super excited to dive into her new book, and I wasn’t disappointed!

Hateful, the 2nd book in the Wicked Brotherhood series, is deliciously good, with twists and turns that you just don’t see coming.

Alex, the FMC, struggles with who she is and where she fits in. Not feeling totally “at-home” in her own house, nor at her boarding school. This has less to do with her disguising herself as a boy, and more to do with her self doubt and lack of self worth. Even with all of that, she is amazingly brave and strong.

The members of the Wicked Brotherhood are crumbling in this 2nd book. There are moments, more and more, where you see their demise on the horizon. They are all still hot as sin, but you learn more about who they are and motivates them, this time around.

I won’t give out any spoilers, but MAJOR things transpire in this novel. Things that will leave you slack jaw or melting, and sometimes both! 🔥I cannot wait for the final installment in this trilogy!!

5 ✨’s!!!

[Breanna Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic follow up to the first book, Bitter. After being bullied harshly and almost raped by the Brotherhood last semester Alex faces the question of whether she truly wants to return to this school. After much thought and deliberation Alex decided to go back so that all of her efforts were not wasted.

Jasper knows the truth. When Alex first arrives back on campus the Brotherhood leaves her alone which makes her question whether Jasper spilled her secret. For weeks they left her alone and she started to get comfortable, but of course the peace couldn't last. Beck seems even more harsh this semester while Jasper stays silent and doesn't stop him and Heath gets close to Alex on the running trails.

After Alex gets Dean Robin the files needed to expose the bullying at the school the Dean exposes her secret to the entire campus. Little did Alex know that Dean Robin was using her for the sole intention of bringing down the entire school. Alex decides to work with the Brotherhood to put a stop to Dean Robins plans.

I cannot wait to find out what happens next!

[Ann Mihailovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hateful follows Bitter in the Wicked Brotherhood series. The story talks about Alex returning back to school after a brief break and after everything that happened in book one, she wasn't sure how things would be with The Brotherhood on returning to school. At the start of the story, things are normal where the boys leave her alone. Jasper now knows she's a female but the other two still think she's a guy. Jasper and Heath, when alone with Alex, treat her normal, but in public, Beck still bullies her while the other two do nothing as they need to keep The Brotherhood's reputation in tact. Alex is tired of being treated so meanly and when the headmistress of the girls school threatens to expose her secret, she agrees to help her with a small task. Only that task ends up exposing her as a female in front of the whole school. With the headmistress determined to shut the school down, will Alex and the guys band together to stop her?

[Leonie.reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just as ridiculous as the first, but sadly not in a fun way. The plot was very far-fetched and there is still no romance in sight.

I also couldn't get over how stupid the setting was. For some reason the author chose to have an American high school be in Switzerland. None of it made ANY sense. In Switzerland there are no Lacrosse school teams, sports are not played seasonally anyways or even at school at all, there are no multiple choice tests ever, no one drinks beer from red plastic cups, there are also no wolves in the Alps, and certainly no coyotes (this one made me laugh a lot actually). I could go on forever.

The premise itself already required a lot of generosity in accepting (her posing as a boy), so the fact that everything around that was just as dumb, was just too much.

[Melissa Howse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic quick read! I seriously could not put this down. Hateful starts off right where Bitter ends and has a great flow. I love Alex as the MC and she has great character development in this book. She navigates this all boys school and the Brotherhood and everything that’s thrown at her. She has so many things coming at her at once and handles it all and claws her way out. There is so many twists in this book that it will keep your interest and the end will leave you begging for the final book! Great job once again Eden Beck!!

[Michelle’s · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and picks up where book one ended. It’s well written, easy to read and not overly long. Absolutely worth reading!

In my opinion, it’s got a fair amount of bullying in it, and doesn’t seem to have those few lighter scenes as book one had.

I kept holding my breath to see if the boys would find out Alex was a girl. No spoilers here, so you’ll have to read to find out.

I can’t wait for book three to see how Alex and the Brotherhood deal with the twist from the ending in book two.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I enjoyed the first book, but the second has been okay. There has not been much romance. Only a brushed off, skipped over version of sex. And I’m not sure how the rest of the story is going to play out. I don’t see a real romance dynamic to the FMC’s relationship with the two boys she’s supposedly dating. It’s leaving me scratching my head.
Also, the grammatical errors in this book are too much. A couple of times the author has written the wrong character’s name, which is pet peeve of mine. We’ll see what Book 3 brings, I guess.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am unsure if this series is even a romance series due to the way that it is written. The "romance" is scarcely talked about and is more focused on Alex keeping her identity a secret in an all-boys school than anything else. The bullying is less intense in this novel and it's still an interesting read but I'm getting next to nothing romance. I'm not loving it and there is NO SPICE! This is completely fine but I went in thinking that there would at least be a little as this series is marketed as a reverse harem romance series.

3 out of 5 again for amazing writing but no spice or romance.

[Samantha Brauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, grammar and writing errors

The plot to this book is great, but I couldn't help but notice more than a few errors within the writing. This is definitely a pet peeve for me, but I'm usually pretty lenient. This book had some pretty bad errors that I just couldn't overlook which is what dropped this from a 5 star review for me to 3.

I was intrigued by some of the developments with this book from the first. I really appreciated some of the intriguing character developments within this story. I can't wait to start the third book in the series!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more groveling!

We've got another villian! I'm a tad bit upset with Alex because sometimes she can be super dense when it comes to people or situations in general. Now me, I seen this villain a mile away but she continued to bounce back and forth. The situation with the hiking trials was also her stubborn way of ignoring all the signs of danger. The guys r all still on mg shit list. Its because of the Brotherhood...its tradition...ugh bastards lol lets see where this next one takes us!

[Rebecca ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, yes.

Alright, so book 2...
I have some issues with Jasper. I just need more accountability for the stuff that went down at the end of book 1. But I am holding off until I read book 3.
Now Beck. Beck, Beck, Beck....he dropped it in this one. I can see where he's coming from but I miss the Beck from book 1.
And last but not least, my boy Heath 🥰 He is my number 1 now and I love him to pieces. I honestly can't wait for book 3.

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book. After the the events of the first book, I was on edge and excited to see where this book takes me. I found the characters had more depth and emotion in this second book. The storyline keeps flowing and we get to watch everything come together in a shocking enlightenment at the end. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book brings. With Alex and the guys, how will the dynamic shift again? Very fun and exciting read!

[LaSarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the story, I don't feel like this can be considered a reverse harem romance. I'm 2 books in and I haven't really seen any steamy bits or hooking up. There was a bit of kissing, but not enough for this genre.

That said, I'm very interested in this story. What I want to know is - how old are these kids? I think it could be a good Netflix series about teen drama. I like the characters, and it's been fun to see them develop/grow along the way. I want to find out what happens in book 3 sooner than later.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how far this bullying goes

This series is definitely an amazing bully romance. Alex has to go back to school pretending to be a male and deal with the fallout of what happened in the first book of this series. These guys may not all know what she is hiding but they are attracted and addicted to her anyway. I can't wait to read the final book of this series to see how they work together to save their school.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Beck’s books, but this book didnt seem to grow the romance between Alex and her guys like I would have liked. It was as if every likeable character turned into an ass in book two while the love-to-hate ones are likeable! Overall a great read, and I love learning more about their lives behind the scenes. I can’t wait to get my hands on book three.

I was given an ARC, so I am writing my honest voluntary review.

[Elizabeth Willsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I was gasping and crying through the whole thing. It’s one of those books I feel like I shouldn’t like, but I do... very much. I think it is close to idolizing the double standard between men and women when it comes to certain triggering topics. And one scene seemed highly inaccurate to me. But I still give it a 5star because the characters are so well done and the overall plot is amazing. (Also, I read it in 6 hours, so surely that says something about how gripping the book is.) I can’t wait to read book 3.

[stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up

After the cliffhanger in book one we see the character development between Alex and the guys. It had a lot of funny moments between Alex and Rafael as well that made the book not feel so heavy.

One thing i wish there was a little more ✨smutty ✨scenes but this was still a good read!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who to trust?

Alex needs to get her head on right but what teenager is smart when it comes to crushes. Not that it would have helped but she should have told The Brotherhood and taken her punishments with them knowing her secret. Now she's stuck in this predicament because she's trusting the wrong people. Whats up with Raf and Neville?

[Ashley Shvetsova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first of all that ending!?!?! Skndqkejcjebwksidnsna... ugh! Secondly what a fantastic turn of events. So many surprises! I have never been so enticed in a book! At least not for a long time! I was on the edge of my seat with this one! The story line, the action, the train of events, the secrets, the ending!! Dude this was so perfect and so much more was added to the story in this book. I really, really, really cannot wait for the next book to come out!!!