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My name is Harper Apple, and people say I’m rotten to the core.
“Girls like you get one shot.”
When my shot comes in the form of a scholarship to Willow Heights Prep, you can bet your ass I take it. If getting out of this hellhole town means spending my last two years of high school at an elite academy full of rich, entitled pricks, then bring it on.
“Girls like you don’t belong.”
The arrogant and infuriatingly gorgeous Dolce brothers reign supreme in the hallowed halls of Willow Heights, and they don’t welcome my kind. Especially when I get in their way, don’t play by the rules in their twisted games, and refuse to bow to the cruel tyrants who run the place.
“Girls like you are bad news.”
Royal, Baron, and Duke Dolce set their sights on me. They think a poor girl will be an easy target, that they can break me and bring me to my knees like the girls who came before me. But the Dolce boys underestimate me. In this town, even girls from the trailer park hide deadly secrets. Secrets that could destroy them.
After all, it’s those from the wicked world of wealth and privilege with the most to lose.
This book is not RH--the main character ends up with ONE love interest.
This is the start of a brand new, dark high school bully romance/enemies to lovers story featuring a damaged anti-hero and a heroine who fights her own battles. It is not for the faint of heart. It is in *no way* safe. I don't want to list specifics bc they are spoilers IMO, so I'll just say this. If you have triggers or hard lines, avoid this book. 18+ readers only.
“Girls like you get one shot.”
When my shot comes in the form of a scholarship to Willow Heights Prep, you can bet your ass I take it. If getting out of this hellhole town means spending my last two years of high school at an elite academy full of rich, entitled pricks, then bring it on.
“Girls like you don’t belong.”
The arrogant and infuriatingly gorgeous Dolce brothers reign supreme in the hallowed halls of Willow Heights, and they don’t welcome my kind. Especially when I get in their way, don’t play by the rules in their twisted games, and refuse to bow to the cruel tyrants who run the place.
“Girls like you are bad news.”
Royal, Baron, and Duke Dolce set their sights on me. They think a poor girl will be an easy target, that they can break me and bring me to my knees like the girls who came before me. But the Dolce boys underestimate me. In this town, even girls from the trailer park hide deadly secrets. Secrets that could destroy them.
After all, it’s those from the wicked world of wealth and privilege with the most to lose.
This book is not RH--the main character ends up with ONE love interest.
This is the start of a brand new, dark high school bully romance/enemies to lovers story featuring a damaged anti-hero and a heroine who fights her own battles. It is not for the faint of heart. It is in *no way* safe. I don't want to list specifics bc they are spoilers IMO, so I'll just say this. If you have triggers or hard lines, avoid this book. 18+ readers only.
450 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2021
2439 people are currently reading
7957 people want to read
About the author
Selena .
37 books1,308 followersYou might not guess it when you pick up your first Selena novel, but Selena is a true romantic. She writes gritty, realistic New Adult contemporary novels with characters you'll love to hate and hate to love.
If reading about teens behaving badly upsets you, steer clear because these are full of drama, angst, fighting, drugs, sex, and rock & roll. There will be times you want to throw your Kindle. There will be lying, cheating, bullying, backstabbing, violence, and hard-earned, sweet redemption for those who won't give up on love. Because life's not always picture perfect, but every heart, no matter how broken and damaged, deserves love.
If reading about teens behaving badly upsets you, steer clear because these are full of drama, angst, fighting, drugs, sex, and rock & roll. There will be times you want to throw your Kindle. There will be lying, cheating, bullying, backstabbing, violence, and hard-earned, sweet redemption for those who won't give up on love. Because life's not always picture perfect, but every heart, no matter how broken and damaged, deserves love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
January 25, 2024
🌟ZERO Stars🌟🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻
Not sure where to start. I can’t even begin to explain everything that wrong with this mind fuck of a series.
For safety, this is absolutely NOT safe. But you’re not reading it if you didn’t already know that.
-🖕🏻I like dark reads non-con & dub-con even BUT there is a line that this author has crossed and should NOT be glorified. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
So ….. why am I saying this is NOT safe even for dark romance readers?
-🖕🏻Tons of OW & OM sex even after the couple has been together as a couple. Throughout the whole series!!!!!
-🖕🏻Degradation to an extreme as well as a father prostituting his SON-the H.
✨But all that can be ignored if you want a twisted mafia type story. Not romance cause this is NOT romance.
🖕🏻In book 3 H finds out that h has been collecting info on him and his family.
-🖕🏻She’s not anymore and nothing came of it.
-🖕🏻H and his 2 twin brothers pick up h at her house after he finds this out.
-🖕🏻H takes h to a swamp and tells her to run.
-🖕🏻H and his 2 twin brothers chase her.
-🖕🏻H catches h and breaks her wrist and chokes her to the point of death. He believes she is dead.
-🖕🏻She isn’t dead so H gives h over to his twin brothers to Brutally Rape the h.
-🖕🏻The twins tie her up to a tree and violently RAPE the h while the H watches and adds his commentary to further humiliate her. I mean this is brutal. She’s bleeding and begging.
-🖕🏻H leaves her to his twin brothers to kill her!
-🖕🏻Twin brother get friends to come back and Gang Rape h for 8 hrs leaving her for DEAD after.
-🖕🏻So to the H she is dead! Literally!
-🖕🏻She is rescued by a man that takes her home nurtures her back to health but also rapes her / takes advantage of her broken state for months!
-🖕🏻h returns to her life and H finds out and wants her back since…. Ya know🤷🏼♀️…she lived and paid her penance.
-🖕🏻h eventually makes friends with the twin brothers that repeatedly RAPED her and excepts H back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cause ya know.. they just have this twisted kinda love only they can understand 😳.
🖕🏻H still hooks up w an ex even after all this while trying to get her back!? Really! Way to fix things🙄 way to grovel… NOT. Not that any grovel can fix what he’s done.
🖕🏻Had I known this was were things would lead I would have NEVER started this series. 3 books in a the author pulls this crap🤯.
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
This should NOT be glorified and then romanticized on any level. There is dark and there is SICK-you need to be in Jail dark. Our young teens (or adults) should not be led to think this is love, twisted or not on any level. This is disgusting
Oh and if you thinks that’s it… it’s only the tip of the iceberg for how fucked up this series is!
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION. I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Not sure where to start. I can’t even begin to explain everything that wrong with this mind fuck of a series.
For safety, this is absolutely NOT safe. But you’re not reading it if you didn’t already know that.
-🖕🏻I like dark reads non-con & dub-con even BUT there is a line that this author has crossed and should NOT be glorified. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
So ….. why am I saying this is NOT safe even for dark romance readers?
-🖕🏻Tons of OW & OM sex even after the couple has been together as a couple. Throughout the whole series!!!!!
-🖕🏻Degradation to an extreme as well as a father prostituting his SON-the H.
✨But all that can be ignored if you want a twisted mafia type story. Not romance cause this is NOT romance.
🖕🏻In book 3 H finds out that h has been collecting info on him and his family.
-🖕🏻She’s not anymore and nothing came of it.
-🖕🏻H and his 2 twin brothers pick up h at her house after he finds this out.
-🖕🏻H takes h to a swamp and tells her to run.
-🖕🏻H and his 2 twin brothers chase her.
-🖕🏻H catches h and breaks her wrist and chokes her to the point of death. He believes she is dead.
-🖕🏻She isn’t dead so H gives h over to his twin brothers to Brutally Rape the h.
-🖕🏻The twins tie her up to a tree and violently RAPE the h while the H watches and adds his commentary to further humiliate her. I mean this is brutal. She’s bleeding and begging.
-🖕🏻H leaves her to his twin brothers to kill her!
-🖕🏻Twin brother get friends to come back and Gang Rape h for 8 hrs leaving her for DEAD after.
-🖕🏻So to the H she is dead! Literally!
-🖕🏻She is rescued by a man that takes her home nurtures her back to health but also rapes her / takes advantage of her broken state for months!
-🖕🏻h returns to her life and H finds out and wants her back since…. Ya know🤷🏼♀️…she lived and paid her penance.
-🖕🏻h eventually makes friends with the twin brothers that repeatedly RAPED her and excepts H back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cause ya know.. they just have this twisted kinda love only they can understand 😳.
🖕🏻H still hooks up w an ex even after all this while trying to get her back!? Really! Way to fix things🙄 way to grovel… NOT. Not that any grovel can fix what he’s done.
🖕🏻Had I known this was were things would lead I would have NEVER started this series. 3 books in a the author pulls this crap🤯.
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
This should NOT be glorified and then romanticized on any level. There is dark and there is SICK-you need to be in Jail dark. Our young teens (or adults) should not be led to think this is love, twisted or not on any level. This is disgusting
Oh and if you thinks that’s it… it’s only the tip of the iceberg for how fucked up this series is!
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION. I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
This is not a romance!!! I repeat! This is not a bully romance! Zero romance in this book! This is a bully to bully book. Got it?
“The darkness I can see hidden behind those eyes calls to mine, invites me to come and play his sick, twisted games, invites me to turn away from the light and dance in the darkness with him.”
Royal Dolce has no soul left. But to understand him, I highly recommend reading the Willow Heights Preparatory Academy series that goes into the Dolces family (and the Darlings) and how they became so powerful.
You’ll understand Royal better and you get why Royal is a dark ass fucking human.
“Just know that whatever you can imagine in your worst nightmare, it wouldn’t even phase them. They’ve seen it and done it—and laughed while they did.”
Harper Apple comes from the bad side of the tracks. Poor and struggling. She’s a fucking hustler and let me tell you, I love her character so much. She does what she needs to do to survive and is doing what she can to continue her education so she can get the fuck out of town.
When a secret “admirer” keeps contacting her through the computer, he offers her a scholarship to a better school in exchange to gather some information for him on the Dolces. (We assume it’s a him* since it’s still a mystery who’s behind the keyboard).
That’s where Harper Apple really meets the Dolces. As the story continues I don’t know if I would say they have a connection as Royal tells her to stay the fuck out of his way but she keeps pushing his buttons because she is trying to secretly get information surrounding his family. There is a spark. A tiny flickering spark between these two. But let me tell you something, THIS guy is more than just a bully. He takes shit extremely far in this book. He doesn’t give a fuck. Take the warnings in the beginning of his book seriously. He won’t apologize for shit. And his brothers are just as bad.
I absolutely love Selena’s writing. She could make you truly feel what a character is going through. There were moments in this book that literally brought me back to my own childhood. With being poor and not having food in the house. I was able to empathize with the main character Harper all throughout this book.
Bad Apple somewhat leaves off on a cliffhanger but it’s not one that will get you angry if you read the book right now. Clearly there is more to the story between the characters and it will be told in book two.
Do not expect romance. This is a dark but realistic story about a very rich family who has way too much power on their hands and being bullies and it even goes beyond that. This is a story about a girl name Harper Apple who comes from absolutely nothing and is trying to make something of herself.
This book was freaking amazing. As is her entire back list. I cannot wait for book 2 of Harper and Royal.
Spoiler possibly:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
And for all the other people who have read the rest of her books, did you all cry over the Darlings? 😫 I did. I am so freaking sad I hate even thinking about it.
“The darkness I can see hidden behind those eyes calls to mine, invites me to come and play his sick, twisted games, invites me to turn away from the light and dance in the darkness with him.”
Royal Dolce has no soul left. But to understand him, I highly recommend reading the Willow Heights Preparatory Academy series that goes into the Dolces family (and the Darlings) and how they became so powerful.
You’ll understand Royal better and you get why Royal is a dark ass fucking human.
“Just know that whatever you can imagine in your worst nightmare, it wouldn’t even phase them. They’ve seen it and done it—and laughed while they did.”
Harper Apple comes from the bad side of the tracks. Poor and struggling. She’s a fucking hustler and let me tell you, I love her character so much. She does what she needs to do to survive and is doing what she can to continue her education so she can get the fuck out of town.
When a secret “admirer” keeps contacting her through the computer, he offers her a scholarship to a better school in exchange to gather some information for him on the Dolces. (We assume it’s a him* since it’s still a mystery who’s behind the keyboard).
That’s where Harper Apple really meets the Dolces. As the story continues I don’t know if I would say they have a connection as Royal tells her to stay the fuck out of his way but she keeps pushing his buttons because she is trying to secretly get information surrounding his family. There is a spark. A tiny flickering spark between these two. But let me tell you something, THIS guy is more than just a bully. He takes shit extremely far in this book. He doesn’t give a fuck. Take the warnings in the beginning of his book seriously. He won’t apologize for shit. And his brothers are just as bad.
I absolutely love Selena’s writing. She could make you truly feel what a character is going through. There were moments in this book that literally brought me back to my own childhood. With being poor and not having food in the house. I was able to empathize with the main character Harper all throughout this book.
Bad Apple somewhat leaves off on a cliffhanger but it’s not one that will get you angry if you read the book right now. Clearly there is more to the story between the characters and it will be told in book two.
Do not expect romance. This is a dark but realistic story about a very rich family who has way too much power on their hands and being bullies and it even goes beyond that. This is a story about a girl name Harper Apple who comes from absolutely nothing and is trying to make something of herself.
This book was freaking amazing. As is her entire back list. I cannot wait for book 2 of Harper and Royal.
Spoiler possibly:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
And for all the other people who have read the rest of her books, did you all cry over the Darlings? 😫 I did. I am so freaking sad I hate even thinking about it.
Read
October 5, 2023Note for myself about this book.
This is a me thing. I hate ow/om drama and cheating. Also from other reviews I can't forgive the H for making his twin brothers rape the h
Then be friends. And forgive in later books
This is a me thing. I hate ow/om drama and cheating. Also from other reviews I can't forgive the H for making his twin brothers rape the h
Then be friends. And forgive in later books
avoid
March 27, 2023Self note avoid
Spoilers
The H makes his brothers and friends gang rape the h in book 3.
Mickey Safety Review has full spoilers for all the books in the series.
Spoilers
The H makes his brothers and friends gang rape the h in book 3.
Mickey Safety Review has full spoilers for all the books in the series.
February 3, 2022
1.75⭐
Did i like it?
Eh.
Will I read the next one?
Yep.
Why?
Why not.
Did i like it?
Eh.
Will I read the next one?
Yep.
Why?
Why not.
December 21, 2020
Style: Dark Bully Romance (High School)
Story: 4/5
Sexual:
Enjoyment: 3/5
Male: Quite, Stoic, Alpha Bully
Series: Book 1 (SC/Cliffhanger)
Pages : kindle location 4157
Kindle Unlimited:
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
So, this for me was like a slow burn on another level. The author is giving you detailed and in-depth character build up. The storyline, it’s a slow build up for me and that’s based on my personal taste, might be different for another reader, but I still liked it. The things I like the least did not out weigh the things I like the most.
Harper is not your typical wholesome character. She is known as trailer trash, and she has been around, all the way around. She is a loner and very much spicy; said spiciness seems to get her in trouble a lot with the Dolce brothers, in particular, Royal Dolce. Reading Harper’s story, there never seems to be a dull moment. One thing I will say, the pull and tug between Royal and Harper became annoying at times. These 2 gets so close, but they are so far away. Also, my anticipation for them are so high that I really get crushed when deflates.
Secondary characters. There were so many ingredients in this pot, meaning, there are so many things going on and so many characters. However, I feel like this is all laying the foundation, and it is a build up for what’s to come in book 2.
Overall, very dark, it is not sweet, and it’s not your Cinderella/Snow White story. This has triggers not just physical but also language content. If you are a lover of Dark Romance, Bully Romance and Cliffhangers then this is for you. With my personal taste, slow start, but still caught my interest throughout the story and my curiosity wants me to see how book 2 will play out.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story: 4/5
Sexual:
Enjoyment: 3/5
Male: Quite, Stoic, Alpha Bully
Series: Book 1 (SC/Cliffhanger)
Pages : kindle location 4157
Kindle Unlimited:
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
So, this for me was like a slow burn on another level. The author is giving you detailed and in-depth character build up. The storyline, it’s a slow build up for me and that’s based on my personal taste, might be different for another reader, but I still liked it. The things I like the least did not out weigh the things I like the most.
Harper is not your typical wholesome character. She is known as trailer trash, and she has been around, all the way around. She is a loner and very much spicy; said spiciness seems to get her in trouble a lot with the Dolce brothers, in particular, Royal Dolce. Reading Harper’s story, there never seems to be a dull moment. One thing I will say, the pull and tug between Royal and Harper became annoying at times. These 2 gets so close, but they are so far away. Also, my anticipation for them are so high that I really get crushed when deflates.
Secondary characters. There were so many ingredients in this pot, meaning, there are so many things going on and so many characters. However, I feel like this is all laying the foundation, and it is a build up for what’s to come in book 2.
Overall, very dark, it is not sweet, and it’s not your Cinderella/Snow White story. This has triggers not just physical but also language content. If you are a lover of Dark Romance, Bully Romance and Cliffhangers then this is for you. With my personal taste, slow start, but still caught my interest throughout the story and my curiosity wants me to see how book 2 will play out.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2023
I will not read the rest of this series because I just know that I’ll be pissed. Spoiler alert: there’s no romance in this book. Just bullying. And, after that ending, just thinking that Harper may end the story with Royal makes my blood boil. I don’t know if there’s anything the author can come up with to fix this mess and honestly I don’t wanna find out.
January 20, 2024
How do you like this, Apple?
Meet Harper "Bad" Apple and antihero Royal Dolce along with his brothers Baron and Duke in this gritty, sinister, seductive enemies to lovers / bully romance. Told from Harper's point of view intermingled with a series of poetic rumination --Royal? Maybe. -- is her struggle to find footing among a group of privileged at the high school on the right side of the tracks. (Harper) Apple is a feisty, strong heroine who, despite her apparent confidence and autonomous upbringing (through parental neglect), is vulnerable and seeks togetherness. Having transferred to the school through the workings of an unknown, suspicious source whose orders she must follow, Apple aspires to leave the town and her misbegotten circumstances. She meets the elite Dolces along the way.
Delving quite a bit into her inner thoughts and feelings, the story contained intrigue, immense feeling, and elements of foreboding as limited answers come to light in this decidedly slow burn. Apple often displayed more (misguided?) forgiveness in search of togetherness and affection. And you never knew what to expect from the broody, darkly cruel, and seemingly indifferent Royal. Tangible chemistry and sexual tension, there was smoldering attraction that drew you in, push and pull coupled with the bullying. Hints of jealous mixed with steam brewing under the surface, I expect headier times ahead in the next books in the series, after this build up.
Excellent character development, great interplay of personalities from supporting characters whose backstories I was intrigued to know more about. Though there are mentions of characters and events from the earlier Elite series, this Exile series is a standalone but definitely enriched having familiarity with the earlier story. A slow burn romance and by my standards mildly dark, this book created the foundation of setting, character and mystery, and installed tiny reveals as it culminated to a gripping cliffhanger. I was not prepared!
If you know how to handle a stick, hop in and let's ride, baby.
I can't wait for book 2!
4.5 stars
Audibook Review
Such a great story of a star-crossed couple who despite their backgrounds had so much in common - family drama, painful history, underground fighting. There was an edginess to this story that played out well. Serious bullying, but this heroine is fierce, overcoming what’s thrown at her with a bring-it style and at the same time having a hidden vulnerability few realized. I liked broody Royal’s poetic passages with glimpses into his thoughts and his history as a Dolce. The Manhattan Dolces have become the power family. Not only do they rule the former Darlings, they rule the school and the town.
Wrong side of the tracks Harper Apple comes to the high school backed by an unknown (benevolent?) benefactor to pursue a superior education, and is bullied from day one, derided as having no social standing. But there is more to this story than hatred for the new girl, or is it? The chemistry between Harper and Royal is magnetic, building and simmering the entire book as their story plays out.
Narration was very good. For the voice actress, intonation was good as well as the distinction between characters. Reading text messages was one of the few times voice switch over, from female to male and vice versa, was indistinct and rather flat. Accents - southern and Jersey - were recited passably, some measure of authenticity, not consistently in character, but still acceptable. Male actor narration was excellent for his passages. Most of the story was told, and therefore performed, from the heroine's point of view. Overall, I liked the tones to both actors' voices as they fit well to how I envisioned the characters — strong, self-reliant, confident. Their performance also made me perceive the book with nuances that I had not realized when I’d read it. Overall, the audio version enriches the written text for an excellent listening experience.
Meet Harper "Bad" Apple and antihero Royal Dolce along with his brothers Baron and Duke in this gritty, sinister, seductive enemies to lovers / bully romance. Told from Harper's point of view intermingled with a series of poetic rumination --Royal? Maybe. -- is her struggle to find footing among a group of privileged at the high school on the right side of the tracks. (Harper) Apple is a feisty, strong heroine who, despite her apparent confidence and autonomous upbringing (through parental neglect), is vulnerable and seeks togetherness. Having transferred to the school through the workings of an unknown, suspicious source whose orders she must follow, Apple aspires to leave the town and her misbegotten circumstances. She meets the elite Dolces along the way.
Delving quite a bit into her inner thoughts and feelings, the story contained intrigue, immense feeling, and elements of foreboding as limited answers come to light in this decidedly slow burn. Apple often displayed more (misguided?) forgiveness in search of togetherness and affection. And you never knew what to expect from the broody, darkly cruel, and seemingly indifferent Royal. Tangible chemistry and sexual tension, there was smoldering attraction that drew you in, push and pull coupled with the bullying. Hints of jealous mixed with steam brewing under the surface, I expect headier times ahead in the next books in the series, after this build up.
Excellent character development, great interplay of personalities from supporting characters whose backstories I was intrigued to know more about. Though there are mentions of characters and events from the earlier Elite series, this Exile series is a standalone but definitely enriched having familiarity with the earlier story. A slow burn romance and by my standards mildly dark, this book created the foundation of setting, character and mystery, and installed tiny reveals as it culminated to a gripping cliffhanger. I was not prepared!
If you know how to handle a stick, hop in and let's ride, baby.
I can't wait for book 2!
4.5 stars
Audibook Review
Such a great story of a star-crossed couple who despite their backgrounds had so much in common - family drama, painful history, underground fighting. There was an edginess to this story that played out well. Serious bullying, but this heroine is fierce, overcoming what’s thrown at her with a bring-it style and at the same time having a hidden vulnerability few realized. I liked broody Royal’s poetic passages with glimpses into his thoughts and his history as a Dolce. The Manhattan Dolces have become the power family. Not only do they rule the former Darlings, they rule the school and the town.
Wrong side of the tracks Harper Apple comes to the high school backed by an unknown (benevolent?) benefactor to pursue a superior education, and is bullied from day one, derided as having no social standing. But there is more to this story than hatred for the new girl, or is it? The chemistry between Harper and Royal is magnetic, building and simmering the entire book as their story plays out.
Narration was very good. For the voice actress, intonation was good as well as the distinction between characters. Reading text messages was one of the few times voice switch over, from female to male and vice versa, was indistinct and rather flat. Accents - southern and Jersey - were recited passably, some measure of authenticity, not consistently in character, but still acceptable. Male actor narration was excellent for his passages. Most of the story was told, and therefore performed, from the heroine's point of view. Overall, I liked the tones to both actors' voices as they fit well to how I envisioned the characters — strong, self-reliant, confident. Their performance also made me perceive the book with nuances that I had not realized when I’d read it. Overall, the audio version enriches the written text for an excellent listening experience.
September 25, 2022
Do I have to give this series stars? Can I give it negative stars?
This review is for the entire “The Exile” series and it has spoilers so beware. I wish I’d had a full review of the whole series before I started and wasted my time because it’s a pretty awful series.
I’m no stranger to bully romances or dark romance. I’ve read and enjoyed Anna Zaires’ books, Charmaine Pauls’ books, Rina Kent books, Pepper Winters, Dreth Anis books, etc. I’ve read kidnap, mafia, BDSM, dubcon, noncon, etc. That being said, this series was pretty awful, in my opinion.
There’s no romance in this series. There’s no love story. And I feel like dark romance should still be romance - there should still be a love story. Otherwise, call it something else. I didn’t see how any of the awful characters in this story were even capable of loving themselves, let alone someone else. This story was really sad and depressing. It was a story about abuse and toxicity. Royal just continually brutalizes Harper and she thinks she deserves it.
The first 3 books are lots of dark toxicity and beyond bullying behavior. Royal basically verbally, mentally and physically abusing Harper - lots of noncon and abuse. Then at the end of book 3 he has his brothers and their buddy gang r#p3 her. It’s a really gross and disturbing scene and not at all smexy. Kinda turned my stomach a bit.
Then in book 4 she barely survives the gang r@p3 and another character comes in an “saves” her but not really. The new guy also uses and abuses her - he just uses her as a smex doll and she thinks nothing of it because she’s so messed up. It’s really sad. And I think at one point she tries to off herself and then Royal, who’s been stalking her, stops her from doing it. Not sure why since he doesn’t actually care about her. And then at one point he tries to make this lame attempt at making it up to her (like you can in any way make it up to someone after you’ve had them gang r@p3d) by saying she can hurt his brothers. She doesn’t and she forgives them and I think she even kinda blames herself for what happened to her. It’s just awful and super depressing.
I read the 4th book because I was hoping Harper would go all avenging angel and take revenge on all the monsters who hurt her but it was the complete opposite of that. It was basically the abused woman blaming herself and letting her abusers subjugate her again.
I could not bear to read the fifth and final book. I couldn’t stand to see Harper and Royal have a HEA. The thought of it made me sick because I kept hoping Harper would slice off Royal and his brother’s favorite appendages and leave them to bl33d out and di3. That would have been a HEA - if Harper had gone all Sansa Stark on Royal and his brothers. I would have enjoyed that!
Anyway, this series was HORRIBLE unless you want to read an incredibly sad and depressing story with completely unlikeable characters. Oh and one that went on WAAAAAY too long. The author stretches it out to five books and it gets really repetitive.
This review is for the entire “The Exile” series and it has spoilers so beware. I wish I’d had a full review of the whole series before I started and wasted my time because it’s a pretty awful series.
I’m no stranger to bully romances or dark romance. I’ve read and enjoyed Anna Zaires’ books, Charmaine Pauls’ books, Rina Kent books, Pepper Winters, Dreth Anis books, etc. I’ve read kidnap, mafia, BDSM, dubcon, noncon, etc. That being said, this series was pretty awful, in my opinion.
There’s no romance in this series. There’s no love story. And I feel like dark romance should still be romance - there should still be a love story. Otherwise, call it something else. I didn’t see how any of the awful characters in this story were even capable of loving themselves, let alone someone else. This story was really sad and depressing. It was a story about abuse and toxicity. Royal just continually brutalizes Harper and she thinks she deserves it.
The first 3 books are lots of dark toxicity and beyond bullying behavior. Royal basically verbally, mentally and physically abusing Harper - lots of noncon and abuse. Then at the end of book 3 he has his brothers and their buddy gang r#p3 her. It’s a really gross and disturbing scene and not at all smexy. Kinda turned my stomach a bit.
Then in book 4 she barely survives the gang r@p3 and another character comes in an “saves” her but not really. The new guy also uses and abuses her - he just uses her as a smex doll and she thinks nothing of it because she’s so messed up. It’s really sad. And I think at one point she tries to off herself and then Royal, who’s been stalking her, stops her from doing it. Not sure why since he doesn’t actually care about her. And then at one point he tries to make this lame attempt at making it up to her (like you can in any way make it up to someone after you’ve had them gang r@p3d) by saying she can hurt his brothers. She doesn’t and she forgives them and I think she even kinda blames herself for what happened to her. It’s just awful and super depressing.
I read the 4th book because I was hoping Harper would go all avenging angel and take revenge on all the monsters who hurt her but it was the complete opposite of that. It was basically the abused woman blaming herself and letting her abusers subjugate her again.
I could not bear to read the fifth and final book. I couldn’t stand to see Harper and Royal have a HEA. The thought of it made me sick because I kept hoping Harper would slice off Royal and his brother’s favorite appendages and leave them to bl33d out and di3. That would have been a HEA - if Harper had gone all Sansa Stark on Royal and his brothers. I would have enjoyed that!
Anyway, this series was HORRIBLE unless you want to read an incredibly sad and depressing story with completely unlikeable characters. Oh and one that went on WAAAAAY too long. The author stretches it out to five books and it gets really repetitive.
February 17, 2023
Ms. Selena, your mind is a sick, twisted place. That's all I have to say. Sometimes, you don't let your intrusive thoughts win. That's what you should have done.
I hope you check into rehab just to make sure some screws in your head aren't loose. How do you go to sleep at night knowing you wrote and published this monstrosity, hm🙂
All jokes aside, someone needs to check on the author and her state of mind.
Also, dnf because this book is disgusting.
Oh, we can't forget to check everyone who gives this book a 4 or 5 star rating into rehab along with Ms. Selena. They desperately need help, because no part of this shit enjoyable.
I hope you check into rehab just to make sure some screws in your head aren't loose. How do you go to sleep at night knowing you wrote and published this monstrosity, hm🙂
All jokes aside, someone needs to check on the author and her state of mind.
Also, dnf because this book is disgusting.
Oh, we can't forget to check everyone who gives this book a 4 or 5 star rating into rehab along with Ms. Selena. They desperately need help, because no part of this shit enjoyable.
July 28, 2022
3.5 stars
3 key words to sum this baby up - VENDETTA. DOLCE. DARLING
I needed answers like yesterday... 😉 I'm not a patient person, and I know this series is 4-5 books long. Oh the anticipation and angst. 🥴This is really going to test me...but if it keeps my interest for the 1st 2 books, then its definitely worth the wait.
Note: I've since read book 2. Its good 😊 👍
3 key words to sum this baby up - VENDETTA. DOLCE. DARLING
I needed answers like yesterday... 😉 I'm not a patient person, and I know this series is 4-5 books long. Oh the anticipation and angst. 🥴This is really going to test me...but if it keeps my interest for the 1st 2 books, then its definitely worth the wait.
Note: I've since read book 2. Its good 😊 👍
January 10, 2022
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Bully/ YA romance. Yes another bully book series to keep me busy. This first book is so good, can’t wait to get to book 2. I love series and even better when they are complete.
May 2, 2023
Oh. My. God.
My heart is bleeding uncontrollably.
This was—just so good!
“Monsters create monsters create monsters. And here I am. Your demon, here to collect his pound of flesh.”
The perfect start to a dark bully romance series! ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS and beyond. How they didn’t kill each other yet? I got no clue.
This story takes place in the same universe as the Bully Me series by Selena. But let me tell you, this one? Is 10/10 a must read. I am completely sucked in, I can’t wait to finish writing this review so I can start the second book.
Oooh and Harper, the FMC, I LOVE HER TO DEATH. She is such a badass but utterly human inside that I couldn’t help but break down crying for her at times.
“I don’t need him,” I whisper, closing my eyes. “I don’t need anyone.” A tear creeps out the corner of my eye. I don’t even believe my own lies anymore. He said nothing will change, but he’s wrong. It’s already changed.
- - - different quote
“So, I use a language his primitive brain can understand. I kick him in the nuts.”
^^please she’s my GIRL!
And Royal… there’s so much behind his thick skin, I can’t wait to find more about it. But until then I’ll take him as he is. There’s just something about this man. **(keep in mind this is a bully romance, therefore some actions are to be rewarded with a kick in the nuts—like my love Harper does.)
—————————
Relationship: ❤️ (we are still on the enemy side of things)
Spice: 🌶.5 (feels weird to add more after the last chapt.)
Plot development: 📚📚
Mystery: 🔎
TW: ⚠️⚠️
Crying: 💧
Dark romance: 🖤🖤
Action: ⚔️(just because my girl can KICK ASS👊🏼)
Bully romance: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
My heart is bleeding uncontrollably.
This was—just so good!
“Monsters create monsters create monsters. And here I am. Your demon, here to collect his pound of flesh.”
The perfect start to a dark bully romance series! ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS and beyond. How they didn’t kill each other yet? I got no clue.
This story takes place in the same universe as the Bully Me series by Selena. But let me tell you, this one? Is 10/10 a must read. I am completely sucked in, I can’t wait to finish writing this review so I can start the second book.
Oooh and Harper, the FMC, I LOVE HER TO DEATH. She is such a badass but utterly human inside that I couldn’t help but break down crying for her at times.
“I don’t need him,” I whisper, closing my eyes. “I don’t need anyone.” A tear creeps out the corner of my eye. I don’t even believe my own lies anymore. He said nothing will change, but he’s wrong. It’s already changed.
- - - different quote
“So, I use a language his primitive brain can understand. I kick him in the nuts.”
^^please she’s my GIRL!
And Royal… there’s so much behind his thick skin, I can’t wait to find more about it. But until then I’ll take him as he is. There’s just something about this man. **(keep in mind this is a bully romance, therefore some actions are to be rewarded with a kick in the nuts—like my love Harper does.)
—————————
Relationship: ❤️ (we are still on the enemy side of things)
Spice: 🌶.5 (feels weird to add more after the last chapt.)
Plot development: 📚📚
Mystery: 🔎
TW: ⚠️⚠️
Crying: 💧
Dark romance: 🖤🖤
Action: ⚔️(just because my girl can KICK ASS👊🏼)
Bully romance: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
September 26, 2022
Redeem me please!!! Ahh nope
So I read warnings ...I like dark books ...writer needs to look up definition of dub con cause this wasn't it . and I can be expected to read this same kind of abused in all 5 books? Who takes 5 books to bully ,cough ,sorry threaten rape ,physically hurt a girl,emotional abuse ..well i consider what happened in basement rape so......with absolutely no redeemable qualities? And as I get it this is a spin off from another series?? Their brother???
I basically roll my eyes at the stupid girls they write about ..she's strong..because she is stupid enough to accept a Mr d expensive school and do as I say ,become a verbal punching bag for rich Bs and criminal boys ( thugs are thugs no matter the bank amount )
Feminist? WHERE!?
All I got out of this supposed plot driven book ..not ,no plot a tease of what might be a plot but no ..nothing to keep you wanting to read about thugs tormenting people because they supposed to have a tragic past ...so what??? I get tired of reading excuses for people being evil ,yes I thought these boys were evil ,sorry ,not sorry, just because they might have had trauma... Lots of people have bad things happen but don't use as a excuse to do what you do .Evil is as evil does so there you have it. I didn't like Harper ,the boys or any body else in this .the boys were straight up criminal ,rapist and abusers ,she was a weak girl allowing and putting herself in the position to be abused but calmed she was strong cause she took it and continued to come back for more....that doesn't make you strong just stupid.
So glad I missed the first series and I'm gonna pass on the next rappey book in this one ..wait no I'm not I'm gonna read it and see if it is exactly like the first ..dare writer to redeem these rapist , no means no no mater how you say it ...this goes along with slap bad boy on wrist and say bad boy,bad boy 😈
Second book actually has a rape warning so ,you were warned if rape offends you this might not be the book for you .......need I say more? Shame that's what's going for Dark Romance for some people today . 💀
So I read warnings ...I like dark books ...writer needs to look up definition of dub con cause this wasn't it . and I can be expected to read this same kind of abused in all 5 books? Who takes 5 books to bully ,cough ,sorry threaten rape ,physically hurt a girl,emotional abuse ..well i consider what happened in basement rape so......with absolutely no redeemable qualities? And as I get it this is a spin off from another series?? Their brother???
I basically roll my eyes at the stupid girls they write about ..she's strong..because she is stupid enough to accept a Mr d expensive school and do as I say ,become a verbal punching bag for rich Bs and criminal boys ( thugs are thugs no matter the bank amount )
Feminist? WHERE!?
All I got out of this supposed plot driven book ..not ,no plot a tease of what might be a plot but no ..nothing to keep you wanting to read about thugs tormenting people because they supposed to have a tragic past ...so what??? I get tired of reading excuses for people being evil ,yes I thought these boys were evil ,sorry ,not sorry, just because they might have had trauma... Lots of people have bad things happen but don't use as a excuse to do what you do .Evil is as evil does so there you have it. I didn't like Harper ,the boys or any body else in this .the boys were straight up criminal ,rapist and abusers ,she was a weak girl allowing and putting herself in the position to be abused but calmed she was strong cause she took it and continued to come back for more....that doesn't make you strong just stupid.
So glad I missed the first series and I'm gonna pass on the next rappey book in this one ..wait no I'm not I'm gonna read it and see if it is exactly like the first ..dare writer to redeem these rapist , no means no no mater how you say it ...this goes along with slap bad boy on wrist and say bad boy,bad boy 😈
Second book actually has a rape warning so ,you were warned if rape offends you this might not be the book for you .......need I say more? Shame that's what's going for Dark Romance for some people today . 💀
January 2, 2021
So, this is my first Selena written novel. I’ve been wanting to read her because I’ve heard nothing but how dark and twisted her books are. I finally made the jump with bad apple. And I fell hard. This was just the book I needed to read. The content in the book is not for all, if you are squeamish or get triggered easily, I don’t recommend it. The first two pages HAD ME HOOKED. Oh this book was a slow burn, twisted AF, dark bully book. I was behind it all the way. I absolutely look forward to the rest of these books in the series.
Harper is our lead lady, she is a pretty tough heroine. Terrible upbringing, absentee dad, barely there mom. Trying to get out of her small town in Arkansas. She is more of a loaner. Not a lot of close friends. She’s at the local public school. Without giving away too much, she gets the opportunity to Go to the private school where all the rich kids go. To say she sticks out like a sore thumb there is an understatement. Royal, Baron, and Duke Dolce are anyways worst nightmare. Their family owns their city. Royal, is as bad and hot as they come. Like I said, I haven’t read Selena’s previous books, they do tie in a bit but you can absolutely read this as a stand alone. I didn’t quite get the whole background of the Dolce’s but you get the gist of it. I can not recommend this book and now Selena enough. She did not leave me disappointed. But I need more.
Harper is our lead lady, she is a pretty tough heroine. Terrible upbringing, absentee dad, barely there mom. Trying to get out of her small town in Arkansas. She is more of a loaner. Not a lot of close friends. She’s at the local public school. Without giving away too much, she gets the opportunity to Go to the private school where all the rich kids go. To say she sticks out like a sore thumb there is an understatement. Royal, Baron, and Duke Dolce are anyways worst nightmare. Their family owns their city. Royal, is as bad and hot as they come. Like I said, I haven’t read Selena’s previous books, they do tie in a bit but you can absolutely read this as a stand alone. I didn’t quite get the whole background of the Dolce’s but you get the gist of it. I can not recommend this book and now Selena enough. She did not leave me disappointed. But I need more.
January 12, 2023
Do not read if you do not like bullying. This is extreme and dark and not a romance.
This isn’t really a review, more of just thoughts I had while reading.
I’m from Arkansas so I loved the fact that it’s the setting of the book. I hope Harper can get a little meaner in book 2, but I do love her character regardless. Royal is awful, and I thoroughly enjoy his darkness. Gloria is one of my favorite characters from the book. Dixie is a wuss and probably a snake. I really like Colt but I figure that will change. Baron and Duke are entertaining. I read this book in one day, so I highly recommend if you’re into extreme bullying and darker reads.
On to book two, I am so sad the series isn’t finished and I’ll have to wait for the last two books. Also excited there will be two more books though.
This isn’t really a review, more of just thoughts I had while reading.
I’m from Arkansas so I loved the fact that it’s the setting of the book. I hope Harper can get a little meaner in book 2, but I do love her character regardless. Royal is awful, and I thoroughly enjoy his darkness. Gloria is one of my favorite characters from the book. Dixie is a wuss and probably a snake. I really like Colt but I figure that will change. Baron and Duke are entertaining. I read this book in one day, so I highly recommend if you’re into extreme bullying and darker reads.
On to book two, I am so sad the series isn’t finished and I’ll have to wait for the last two books. Also excited there will be two more books though.
dnf
March 29, 2025I Dnfd after about 120 pages. What I got from what I read is a Harper will do anything to get out of her town. ANYTHING! She doesn't really seem to care what she has to do to get out. I felt like this story was a story of checking boxes.
✅ Bad Mom
✅ Absent Dad
✅ Mom sells her body for money and gets jealous when her "boyfriends" look at her teenage daughter
✅ Girl fights in underground fights to make money
✅ Girl gambles to make money
✅ Bullies
That is all in the first 100 pages. Another thing I did not like was the fact that Harper was messing around with a teacher to avoid getting a failing grade in math. Not because she wasn't doing the work but because he would give her a bad grade. I don't know how I am supposed to see this being any kind of romance because based on the way we are introduced to the three MCs, they are entirely unlikeable. But I also know bully romances are kind of hit or miss for me. I also really do not like the degradation aspects that I saw so far in this book and based on other reviews, I think it just gets worse.
I think the writing is a little simple as well and I just didn't vibe with it.
Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
✅ Bad Mom
✅ Absent Dad
✅ Mom sells her body for money and gets jealous when her "boyfriends" look at her teenage daughter
✅ Girl fights in underground fights to make money
✅ Girl gambles to make money
✅ Bullies
That is all in the first 100 pages. Another thing I did not like was the fact that Harper was messing around with a teacher to avoid getting a failing grade in math. Not because she wasn't doing the work but because he would give her a bad grade. I don't know how I am supposed to see this being any kind of romance because based on the way we are introduced to the three MCs, they are entirely unlikeable. But I also know bully romances are kind of hit or miss for me. I also really do not like the degradation aspects that I saw so far in this book and based on other reviews, I think it just gets worse.
I think the writing is a little simple as well and I just didn't vibe with it.
Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
February 7, 2022
I don’t even know where to begin with these books. I stumbled across Bully Me by sheer luck.
At the time, I was in a proper reading slump. Everything I picked up bored me, and I struggled to reach the finish line.
Selena is a new author for me. I’d never heard of her, nor her books. My expectations were pretty low when I downloaded Crystal’s and Devlin’s stories. I never expected to be sucked into the dark, twisted world of Darling and Dolce drama. It is very rare that an entire series can hold my attention long enough to binge read every book, but Willow Heights absolutely drained the life out of me. Literally. I have lost so much sleep.
I will try really hard to avoid spoilers because I think readers should go into this series blind.
I want to start by saying that these books will not be everyone’s cup of tea. The author didn’t lie. The triggers warned you. The characters are dark, borderline psychotic, mentally unhinged and almost irredeemable. They challenge your forbearance levels and take you down some very uncomfortable roads. I often found myself rooting for them in one breath, then hating them in the next breath.
It started with the Darlings. Devlin, Preston and Colt. They were awful to Crystal Dolce. In fact, they treated everyone who never carried the Darling name like inferiors. Everything was one sickening game of cruel dominance and submissiveness. You never knew if they were lying or genuine or what they had up their sleeve.
Devlin Darling took a liking to his new neighbour, Crystal Dolce. She was the new girl in town with crazy arse brothers, King, Royal, Duke and Baron.
The Dolce family had Mafia ties, but we see very little of that in Bully Me, Betray me and Bury Me because the storyline mostly revolves around the Darlings.
The Dolce boys are here to stake their claim on every segment of the town and its people—Darling hierarchy be-damned. They’ll do anything—and I mean anything—to get to the top (there is a reason for this, thanks to Daddy Dolce). They want every politician and their brother in their pockets to take down the Darling empire, and they won’t stop, even if it kills them.
The Darling family are just as evil, just as stubborn and just as vindictive as the Dolce family. They, too, will do whatever it takes to protect their family name and legacy.
It’s a gritty retelling of Romeo and Juliet, I suppose. Two enemies-to-lovers amidst warring families.
Bury Me ends on a huge, shocking cliffhanger that tips the scales between Dolces and Darlings. All I will say is Devlin and Crystal, with or without their families blessing, found more than love in each other and had to take drastic measures to be happy.
Where do we go after three books of constant chaos? Back to the Darlings, right? Nope. Not even close.
When I started Bad Apple, the sister series of Willow Heights, I did not expect to see the Dolce boys on the throne and the Darlings squashed under their thumbs. I mean, they completely changed the town's dynamics and had every minion in high school marching to their drum. Everyone is terrified of them and rightfully so. These boys take bullying to an entirely new level of what-the-f*ck?!
Royal is the ultimate bully. His brothers, Duke and Baron, are probably the cruellest twins I have ever read in any dark bully romance. The brothers did what was expected of them. They understood the assignment. They tore down the Darling empire and became everyone’s worst nightmare.
I am still reeling from this! I went from absolutely hating Preston and Colt Darling for their sickening behaviour towards the Dolces to rooting for them. I wanted sweet revenge for Crystal, but I was not prepared for the shocking turn of events or the unforgivable Dolce behaviour. All I can say is Colt did not deserve it! Preston did not deserve it!
Insert Harper Apple, the trailer park girl from the wrong side of town with a huge chip on her shoulder, and deservingly so, who lands a scholarship at Willow Heights because Mr D, the philanthropist who she does not know, or has never met, landed in her DM one morning and offered to be her fairy godmother. This man is an opportunist, though. He will help Harper just as long as she checks in on messenger every Friday to give him information on the Dolces. I mean, all the way through, I figured Mr D was Preston Darling, who is finally going to come out of hiding to take down the Dolces and regain control of his hometown. No spoiler. But I never expected Mr D to be the ultimate reveal at the end, like, what even?
Anyway, Harper is a badass heroine. Yeah, she is weak where Royal Dolce is concerned, but she always comes back fighting and gives just as good as she gets. I loved her character and everything she stood for. I loved how, layer by layer, she peeled away Royal’s dark armour until we got to see snippets of the boy we fell in love with in Bully Me—and she did all this while living her worst life, too. I never lost hope. I knew Royal was still in there somewhere. I knew if anyone could reach him and bring him back, it would be Harper. And that girl went through so much to be with Royal. He never deserved her love nor forgiveness, but still, I was rooting for them. These were just two young kids sucked into Daddy Dolces’ gruesome world of revenge and violence.
I could pinpoint everything I loved and hated about these books, but I stand by what I said earlier. If you love dark, bully romance books, Selena is the author for you.
I am gutted the series is over. I never wanted it to end. Even though Selena tied up loose ends, I still want more (yes, I’m a greedy book whore; sue me). I want Colt’s story, Preston’s story, Duke’s story and even Baron, who is beyond redemption. And mostly, I want more of Harper and Royal.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Willow Heights or the Darlings, or the Dolces.
At the time, I was in a proper reading slump. Everything I picked up bored me, and I struggled to reach the finish line.
Selena is a new author for me. I’d never heard of her, nor her books. My expectations were pretty low when I downloaded Crystal’s and Devlin’s stories. I never expected to be sucked into the dark, twisted world of Darling and Dolce drama. It is very rare that an entire series can hold my attention long enough to binge read every book, but Willow Heights absolutely drained the life out of me. Literally. I have lost so much sleep.
I will try really hard to avoid spoilers because I think readers should go into this series blind.
I want to start by saying that these books will not be everyone’s cup of tea. The author didn’t lie. The triggers warned you. The characters are dark, borderline psychotic, mentally unhinged and almost irredeemable. They challenge your forbearance levels and take you down some very uncomfortable roads. I often found myself rooting for them in one breath, then hating them in the next breath.
It started with the Darlings. Devlin, Preston and Colt. They were awful to Crystal Dolce. In fact, they treated everyone who never carried the Darling name like inferiors. Everything was one sickening game of cruel dominance and submissiveness. You never knew if they were lying or genuine or what they had up their sleeve.
Devlin Darling took a liking to his new neighbour, Crystal Dolce. She was the new girl in town with crazy arse brothers, King, Royal, Duke and Baron.
The Dolce family had Mafia ties, but we see very little of that in Bully Me, Betray me and Bury Me because the storyline mostly revolves around the Darlings.
The Dolce boys are here to stake their claim on every segment of the town and its people—Darling hierarchy be-damned. They’ll do anything—and I mean anything—to get to the top (there is a reason for this, thanks to Daddy Dolce). They want every politician and their brother in their pockets to take down the Darling empire, and they won’t stop, even if it kills them.
The Darling family are just as evil, just as stubborn and just as vindictive as the Dolce family. They, too, will do whatever it takes to protect their family name and legacy.
It’s a gritty retelling of Romeo and Juliet, I suppose. Two enemies-to-lovers amidst warring families.
Bury Me ends on a huge, shocking cliffhanger that tips the scales between Dolces and Darlings. All I will say is Devlin and Crystal, with or without their families blessing, found more than love in each other and had to take drastic measures to be happy.
Where do we go after three books of constant chaos? Back to the Darlings, right? Nope. Not even close.
When I started Bad Apple, the sister series of Willow Heights, I did not expect to see the Dolce boys on the throne and the Darlings squashed under their thumbs. I mean, they completely changed the town's dynamics and had every minion in high school marching to their drum. Everyone is terrified of them and rightfully so. These boys take bullying to an entirely new level of what-the-f*ck?!
Royal is the ultimate bully. His brothers, Duke and Baron, are probably the cruellest twins I have ever read in any dark bully romance. The brothers did what was expected of them. They understood the assignment. They tore down the Darling empire and became everyone’s worst nightmare.
I am still reeling from this! I went from absolutely hating Preston and Colt Darling for their sickening behaviour towards the Dolces to rooting for them. I wanted sweet revenge for Crystal, but I was not prepared for the shocking turn of events or the unforgivable Dolce behaviour. All I can say is Colt did not deserve it! Preston did not deserve it!
Insert Harper Apple, the trailer park girl from the wrong side of town with a huge chip on her shoulder, and deservingly so, who lands a scholarship at Willow Heights because Mr D, the philanthropist who she does not know, or has never met, landed in her DM one morning and offered to be her fairy godmother. This man is an opportunist, though. He will help Harper just as long as she checks in on messenger every Friday to give him information on the Dolces. I mean, all the way through, I figured Mr D was Preston Darling, who is finally going to come out of hiding to take down the Dolces and regain control of his hometown. No spoiler. But I never expected Mr D to be the ultimate reveal at the end, like, what even?
Anyway, Harper is a badass heroine. Yeah, she is weak where Royal Dolce is concerned, but she always comes back fighting and gives just as good as she gets. I loved her character and everything she stood for. I loved how, layer by layer, she peeled away Royal’s dark armour until we got to see snippets of the boy we fell in love with in Bully Me—and she did all this while living her worst life, too. I never lost hope. I knew Royal was still in there somewhere. I knew if anyone could reach him and bring him back, it would be Harper. And that girl went through so much to be with Royal. He never deserved her love nor forgiveness, but still, I was rooting for them. These were just two young kids sucked into Daddy Dolces’ gruesome world of revenge and violence.
I could pinpoint everything I loved and hated about these books, but I stand by what I said earlier. If you love dark, bully romance books, Selena is the author for you.
I am gutted the series is over. I never wanted it to end. Even though Selena tied up loose ends, I still want more (yes, I’m a greedy book whore; sue me). I want Colt’s story, Preston’s story, Duke’s story and even Baron, who is beyond redemption. And mostly, I want more of Harper and Royal.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Willow Heights or the Darlings, or the Dolces.
January 13, 2025
This one is very similar to the Brayshaw series and not as good but I still had fun with it. There are some fun high school scenes. I’m liking the characters so far and enjoying the mystery of who MrD is.
It’s a fairly long book but I honestly felt like we really didn’t have many scenes with the h and the H and his brothers even though the book is literally all about them. I guess the book itself is just wordy. There’s a lot of repetitive conversation and just a lot of conversations in general.
I wish I had more of a connection to the characters emotions. There are a lot of scenes here that should have been more impactful than they were.
It’s a fairly long book but I honestly felt like we really didn’t have many scenes with the h and the H and his brothers even though the book is literally all about them. I guess the book itself is just wordy. There’s a lot of repetitive conversation and just a lot of conversations in general.
I wish I had more of a connection to the characters emotions. There are a lot of scenes here that should have been more impactful than they were.
March 17, 2025
This is not a romance. Poor storytelling execution...
Didn't hold my interest. I doubt I'll continue the series.
Online audiobook 🎶
Didn't hold my interest. I doubt I'll continue the series.
Online audiobook 🎶
February 20, 2022
*ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ*
𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀 (𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏-𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰.𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀.)
Okay, so before you dive into this beauty, you MUST read the 'Willow Heights Prep Academy Series' by Selena-it's freaking AMAAAZINGGG(one of my top 20 of 2020), and it also explains Royal's behaviour in this book. Also, this is not a romance, there is ZERO romance in this book! This is a bully to bully book. Got it? But thennn, this's only book one so im sure there'll be a lotta romance later.
This is Royal & Harper 'bad' Apple's story-the boy who was broken beyond repair and the girl who fought during every part of her life.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”
Harper Apple comes from the bad side of the tracks. Poor and struggling. She’s a fucking hustler and let me tell you, I love her character so much. She does what she needs to do to survive and is doing what she can to continue her education so she can get the fuck out of town.
When a secret “admirer” keeps contacting her through the computer, he offers her a scholarship to a better school in exchange to gather some information for him on the Dolces.
That’s where Harper really meets the Dolces. Sure, they had a few not-so pleasant interactions before this which actually led to their mutual hatred, but the main bullying actually starts AFTER she enrolls in WHPA. Royal tells her to stay the fuck out of his way but she keeps pushing his buttons because she is trying to secretly get information surrounding his family. There is a spark. A tiny flickering spark between these two. But let me tell you something, THIS guy is more than just a bully. He takes shit extremely far in this book. He doesn’t give a fuck. Take the warnings in the beginning of his book seriously. He won’t apologize for shit. And his brothers are just as bad.
I'm not really a fan of bully romances that contain TOOOO much bullying, but there's just something about Selena's writing that sucks you into her characters' world and makes you feel like never leaving it. She could make you truly feel what a character is going through. Bad Apple somewhat leaves off on a cliffhanger but it’s not one that will get you angry if you read the book right now. Clearly there is more to the story between the characters and it will be told in book two.
A last thing- like I said before, DO NOT expect romance. This is a dark but realistic story about a very rich family who has way too much power on their hands and being bullies and it even goes beyond that. This is a story about a girl name Harper Apple who comes from absolutely nothing and is trying to make something of herself.
“𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘵—𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥.”
.
**SPOILER ALERTTTT**
.
.
I can't wait for Royal to find out that Crystal is still alive. And for him to find out that he has a neice. I literally have the whole scene mapped out in my head<3
𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀 (𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏-𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰.𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀.)
Okay, so before you dive into this beauty, you MUST read the 'Willow Heights Prep Academy Series' by Selena-it's freaking AMAAAZINGGG(one of my top 20 of 2020), and it also explains Royal's behaviour in this book. Also, this is not a romance, there is ZERO romance in this book! This is a bully to bully book. Got it? But thennn, this's only book one so im sure there'll be a lotta romance later.
This is Royal & Harper 'bad' Apple's story-the boy who was broken beyond repair and the girl who fought during every part of her life.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”
Harper Apple comes from the bad side of the tracks. Poor and struggling. She’s a fucking hustler and let me tell you, I love her character so much. She does what she needs to do to survive and is doing what she can to continue her education so she can get the fuck out of town.
When a secret “admirer” keeps contacting her through the computer, he offers her a scholarship to a better school in exchange to gather some information for him on the Dolces.
That’s where Harper really meets the Dolces. Sure, they had a few not-so pleasant interactions before this which actually led to their mutual hatred, but the main bullying actually starts AFTER she enrolls in WHPA. Royal tells her to stay the fuck out of his way but she keeps pushing his buttons because she is trying to secretly get information surrounding his family. There is a spark. A tiny flickering spark between these two. But let me tell you something, THIS guy is more than just a bully. He takes shit extremely far in this book. He doesn’t give a fuck. Take the warnings in the beginning of his book seriously. He won’t apologize for shit. And his brothers are just as bad.
I'm not really a fan of bully romances that contain TOOOO much bullying, but there's just something about Selena's writing that sucks you into her characters' world and makes you feel like never leaving it. She could make you truly feel what a character is going through. Bad Apple somewhat leaves off on a cliffhanger but it’s not one that will get you angry if you read the book right now. Clearly there is more to the story between the characters and it will be told in book two.
A last thing- like I said before, DO NOT expect romance. This is a dark but realistic story about a very rich family who has way too much power on their hands and being bullies and it even goes beyond that. This is a story about a girl name Harper Apple who comes from absolutely nothing and is trying to make something of herself.
“𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘵—𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥.”
.
**SPOILER ALERTTTT**
.
.
I can't wait for Royal to find out that Crystal is still alive. And for him to find out that he has a neice. I literally have the whole scene mapped out in my head<3
March 28, 2024
STOP RIGHT HERE!!
Did you read Bully Me, Betray Me, and Bury Me?? If not, turn back and go read them now. In my opinion it is imperative to fully understand why certain characters are the way they are in this book. The character development is going to be so much more impactful if you read the previous series first. Seriously, do it.
Bad Apple centers around Harper and Royal, taking place a few years after Crystal and Devlin's story. Don't know who they are? THEN YOU DIDN'T LISTEN! Go back and read their books!
Now Harper has taken an opportunity to attend an elite school under orders to collect certain information. Royal is the king of the school and he doesn't take kindly to change. Harper barrels in intent on keeping her end of a very sketchy bargain and to do so means getting closer to Royal. Royal is damaged. He is living with half of a soul and he is NOT making it easy for her.
Bad Apple is a slow burn, romantically almost no burn tbh but, we're focusing on some serious character struggle and development here. This is not going to be some frilly fairytale story, just like the previous series this is going to be painful, transcendent, and if the next book's title is any indicator; brutal.
I am so so ready for my heart to take the beating. Royal was a character I attached to from go, I just KNEW there was so much more to him. Be prepared.
Did you read Bully Me, Betray Me, and Bury Me?? If not, turn back and go read them now. In my opinion it is imperative to fully understand why certain characters are the way they are in this book. The character development is going to be so much more impactful if you read the previous series first. Seriously, do it.
Bad Apple centers around Harper and Royal, taking place a few years after Crystal and Devlin's story. Don't know who they are? THEN YOU DIDN'T LISTEN! Go back and read their books!
Now Harper has taken an opportunity to attend an elite school under orders to collect certain information. Royal is the king of the school and he doesn't take kindly to change. Harper barrels in intent on keeping her end of a very sketchy bargain and to do so means getting closer to Royal. Royal is damaged. He is living with half of a soul and he is NOT making it easy for her.
Bad Apple is a slow burn, romantically almost no burn tbh but, we're focusing on some serious character struggle and development here. This is not going to be some frilly fairytale story, just like the previous series this is going to be painful, transcendent, and if the next book's title is any indicator; brutal.
I am so so ready for my heart to take the beating. Royal was a character I attached to from go, I just KNEW there was so much more to him. Be prepared.
Read
October 18, 2021I feel like I started with book 5 instead of book 1. Should I have started a different book instead of this one??? It appears all the characters have already been introduced, etc.
December 26, 2020
Beware, this book contains content that may be offensive. Bad Apple certainly doesn't shy away from any bad behavior. Harper Apple is struggling thru life and has to do a few dirty deeds to get by. All she wants is to get good grades so she can get out of her miserable town. She gets the opportunity to move on to a better school that guarantees her a better future but the Dolce brothers don't make it easy on her.
Despite the crude and shocking behavior of the characters, I really appreciated that no bad deed was filtered and stayed true to the characters. It was a bit of a roller coaster with the relationship between certain characters (mainly with Royal and Harper) but it kept me flipping the page to see what was next. There are certain plot lines that feel like they don't really have an answer to them or much of an explanation but I'm hoping it will all come together in the 2nd book. I wasn't too sure what the goal was for certain character relationships since it felt very wishy washy. Regardless of certain things being left up in the air, I'm looking forward to seeing where the story continues in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Despite the crude and shocking behavior of the characters, I really appreciated that no bad deed was filtered and stayed true to the characters. It was a bit of a roller coaster with the relationship between certain characters (mainly with Royal and Harper) but it kept me flipping the page to see what was next. There are certain plot lines that feel like they don't really have an answer to them or much of an explanation but I'm hoping it will all come together in the 2nd book. I wasn't too sure what the goal was for certain character relationships since it felt very wishy washy. Regardless of certain things being left up in the air, I'm looking forward to seeing where the story continues in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2022
Definitely liked this a whole lot better than Crystal and Devlin’s story, even though I do love Crystal. Maybe it’s because I’m already introduced to this world, and the fact that the people in power always do bad things, but yes, I liked this book marginally more than I thought I would, considering it is Royal’s story.
Harper Apple is definitely the female MC I wanted in this series. She’s got a spine of steel, is very determined and can keep the Dolce brothers on their toes, especially Royal. Special mention to Lo, because even though this might be a tiny, tiny spoiler, she came and stole the show at the perfect moment. I love it when I can appreciate the female characters a lot more and not give a damn about the male ones. The author has done well to introduce such characters to this world.
The rest of this review contains spoilers and quotes from ‘Bad Apple’.
I have been going through Selena’s books for the past day without a break. With the end of ‘The Elite’ series about Crystal and Devlin, we’re now in the aftermath where the Dolce clan now rules the school and the town, in place of the Darlings. As Harper is introduced, I immediately grow to like her. She has the fire to even beat someone in a physical confrontation and has just been through so much all her life, that no doubt she is strong. I wish she didn’t have to go through such tough times, with her mother always expressing her displeasure, with the way Mr. Behr was acting, and then with a mysterious Mr. D just randomly showing up and acting all creepy.
When the book started off, Royal is definitely taking his revenge on the Darlings. I can imagine the best way to make this series more interesting is if Harper was the daughter of some Darling and Royal figures that out later on in the story, when he's already fallen for her.
It was nice to have Dixie back in the story, I guess, though she is still not someone who is ready to stand up against the reigning clan. Since all the drama seems to have happened three years ago, it seems a long time has passed since the events of the last book. Clearly, Harper has some connection with Royal, of all the three Dolce brothers. I was looking forward to see what had happened to the Darlings, and now Colt shows up, with his alias ‘Dynamo’ and clearly, Royal and the others have messed with his hand and his family.
Coming to the reason Royal uses to justify putting those cockroaches in Harper’s locker, she already knows where she comes from and has never pretended to be anything else. I don’t get why he even uses this as an excuse.
Mr. D is probably Colt…since I don’t see Preston anywhere and the way Mr. D has chatted so far could be the flirty way in which Colt does. He is also the only one who knew Harper before anything happened with the Dolces.
“Sorry, not interested.”
“What?” he asks, looking annoyed. “I’m not interested.”
“If that’s what you need to tell yourself.”
“I’m not,” he grits out.
“You’re the one trying to convince me to come to your house.”
“If you’re going to toy with me, you better up your game. I play with the big boys.”
This is probably the only time in this book that Royal doesn’t have the ‘dead’ or smug smile kind of a look. It’s nice to see some mild frustration on him. Savage comebacks from Harper’s end. I love it.
How the hell is Royal so aware of Harper? He found her when she was scrolling through pictures of his house. He found her when she tried her hand at spying on the Dolces.
“Is that clear?” he asks, watching me expectantly.
“Crystal,” I grit out.
He stares at me a long moment, something funny flickering across his face, and then he turns and walks away. I remember, too late, that his dead sister was named Crystal.
I told her she was dead to me
And then she was.
As if she believed I could bear
The pain of hearing it
As if she didn’t see me
As a fragile thing
Who might shatter
Or shatter the world
If she spoke one word.
It’s possible that Royal honestly believes that Crystal is dead or maybe a part of him suspects that she ran away. Whatever the case may be, I want things to be resolved between Crystal and Royal. Maybe Tony has to die for that to happen…whatever the case may be, I want them to be siblings again.
Dixie sending Harper only Royal’s contact is so transparent. When she actually sent him a message, my stomach felt like it was dropping to the floor. The entire scene with Harper and the other three at the railcard felt so normal. There were still a few comments thrown around, but it’s tamer than what I expected it to end up as. And Harper actually got herself arrested because she could see how tensed Royal was about protecting his brothers.
“Never thought I’d see Royal Dolce chasing a girl. Guess he finally found one worth chasing.”
Bye Week is a completely new concept, wow. It seems too good to be true that in this week, boundaries will melt away. It’s not hard to imagine that that’s why Royal might have gifted Harper her new bike.
He’s watching Royal with cautious fascination, like he’s watching a rattlesnake approach.
This is probably the first time Baron is looking at Royal and thinking of him as someone new. Again, the Dolces have begun their despicable behaviour. It seemed less horrible for a while there, but I guess I shouldn’t have been expecting it all throughout. I have complete new admiration for Gloria Walton. She’s, for lack of a better word, glorious. I hope Gloria and Harper end up actual friends.
Is that last line supposed to mean that Baron killed their mom? What?
Harper Apple is definitely the female MC I wanted in this series. She’s got a spine of steel, is very determined and can keep the Dolce brothers on their toes, especially Royal. Special mention to Lo, because even though this might be a tiny, tiny spoiler, she came and stole the show at the perfect moment. I love it when I can appreciate the female characters a lot more and not give a damn about the male ones. The author has done well to introduce such characters to this world.
The rest of this review contains spoilers and quotes from ‘Bad Apple’.
I have been going through Selena’s books for the past day without a break. With the end of ‘The Elite’ series about Crystal and Devlin, we’re now in the aftermath where the Dolce clan now rules the school and the town, in place of the Darlings. As Harper is introduced, I immediately grow to like her. She has the fire to even beat someone in a physical confrontation and has just been through so much all her life, that no doubt she is strong. I wish she didn’t have to go through such tough times, with her mother always expressing her displeasure, with the way Mr. Behr was acting, and then with a mysterious Mr. D just randomly showing up and acting all creepy.
When the book started off, Royal is definitely taking his revenge on the Darlings. I can imagine the best way to make this series more interesting is if Harper was the daughter of some Darling and Royal figures that out later on in the story, when he's already fallen for her.
It was nice to have Dixie back in the story, I guess, though she is still not someone who is ready to stand up against the reigning clan. Since all the drama seems to have happened three years ago, it seems a long time has passed since the events of the last book. Clearly, Harper has some connection with Royal, of all the three Dolce brothers. I was looking forward to see what had happened to the Darlings, and now Colt shows up, with his alias ‘Dynamo’ and clearly, Royal and the others have messed with his hand and his family.
Coming to the reason Royal uses to justify putting those cockroaches in Harper’s locker, she already knows where she comes from and has never pretended to be anything else. I don’t get why he even uses this as an excuse.
Mr. D is probably Colt…since I don’t see Preston anywhere and the way Mr. D has chatted so far could be the flirty way in which Colt does. He is also the only one who knew Harper before anything happened with the Dolces.
“Sorry, not interested.”
“What?” he asks, looking annoyed. “I’m not interested.”
“If that’s what you need to tell yourself.”
“I’m not,” he grits out.
“You’re the one trying to convince me to come to your house.”
“If you’re going to toy with me, you better up your game. I play with the big boys.”
This is probably the only time in this book that Royal doesn’t have the ‘dead’ or smug smile kind of a look. It’s nice to see some mild frustration on him. Savage comebacks from Harper’s end. I love it.
How the hell is Royal so aware of Harper? He found her when she was scrolling through pictures of his house. He found her when she tried her hand at spying on the Dolces.
“Is that clear?” he asks, watching me expectantly.
“Crystal,” I grit out.
He stares at me a long moment, something funny flickering across his face, and then he turns and walks away. I remember, too late, that his dead sister was named Crystal.
I told her she was dead to me
And then she was.
As if she believed I could bear
The pain of hearing it
As if she didn’t see me
As a fragile thing
Who might shatter
Or shatter the world
If she spoke one word.
It’s possible that Royal honestly believes that Crystal is dead or maybe a part of him suspects that she ran away. Whatever the case may be, I want things to be resolved between Crystal and Royal. Maybe Tony has to die for that to happen…whatever the case may be, I want them to be siblings again.
Dixie sending Harper only Royal’s contact is so transparent. When she actually sent him a message, my stomach felt like it was dropping to the floor. The entire scene with Harper and the other three at the railcard felt so normal. There were still a few comments thrown around, but it’s tamer than what I expected it to end up as. And Harper actually got herself arrested because she could see how tensed Royal was about protecting his brothers.
“Never thought I’d see Royal Dolce chasing a girl. Guess he finally found one worth chasing.”
Bye Week is a completely new concept, wow. It seems too good to be true that in this week, boundaries will melt away. It’s not hard to imagine that that’s why Royal might have gifted Harper her new bike.
He’s watching Royal with cautious fascination, like he’s watching a rattlesnake approach.
This is probably the first time Baron is looking at Royal and thinking of him as someone new. Again, the Dolces have begun their despicable behaviour. It seemed less horrible for a while there, but I guess I shouldn’t have been expecting it all throughout. I have complete new admiration for Gloria Walton. She’s, for lack of a better word, glorious. I hope Gloria and Harper end up actual friends.
Is that last line supposed to mean that Baron killed their mom? What?
January 29, 2022
Absolutely freaking amazing! This book was so good from beginning to end! It's midnight and I HAVE TO JUMP INTO BOOK 2! IM HOOKED! SELENA did an amazing job! I can't wait to have these books on my bookshelf! I will read anything else Selena puts out. These characters had me feeling everything wow! It's gonna stick with me I just know it! If you were looking for a reason to start it this is it! START HERE!
January 2, 2021
OMG 😱😱
I can’t explain how good these book/series are, especially royal & harpers story! I wish the book was longer and I didn’t have to wait for the next one 😩🙌🏼
The story is amazing and everything I need in a high school bully book. Loveeee the characters. So excited to see where the story takes us in the next book!
I can’t explain how good these book/series are, especially royal & harpers story! I wish the book was longer and I didn’t have to wait for the next one 😩🙌🏼
The story is amazing and everything I need in a high school bully book. Loveeee the characters. So excited to see where the story takes us in the next book!
January 11, 2022
So freaking good! I’m loving this series!
November 25, 2024
He lets his twin brothers rape the FMC.
IM FUCKING WILLING TO PAY FOR THE THERAPY THAT THE AUTHOR DESERVES PLUS THE ONES WHO GAVE THIS BOOK ANYTHING MORE THAN A ONE STAR.
IM FUCKING WILLING TO PAY FOR THE THERAPY THAT THE AUTHOR DESERVES PLUS THE ONES WHO GAVE THIS BOOK ANYTHING MORE THAN A ONE STAR.
September 24, 2024
Bad Apple
Let me start off by saying this book has 443 pages and I binged thru it in one sitting. From the very first page this book had me hooked and utterly consumed. I couldn't put it down.
The writing is impressive and she doesn't do the extra unnecessary descriptions or nonsense. The pace of this book was also flawless, it wasn't too fast but it also wasn't slow.
"The darkness I can see hidden behind those eyes calls to mine, invites me to come and play his sick, twisted games, invites me to turn away from the light and dance in the darkness with him"
"Just know that whatever you can imagine in your worst nightmare, it wouldn't even phase them. they've seen it and done it-and laughed while they did it"
Harper Apple is one of my favorite FMC's she comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Poor and struggling, shit mother, absent father. she's a fucking hustler and I love her character so much.
she's doing everything she needs to in order to survive, get an education so she can get out of town and far away from everyone it it- including blowing one of her teachers in exchange for an A.
When a mysterious admirer keeps contacting her thru her schools computer. He ends up offering her a scholarship to a better school in exchange for information on the Dolces.
(not fully sure if it's actually a him considering it's still a mystery we don't find out in this book)
That's where harper meets the Dolce's. The connection is certainly not instantaneous, royal tells her to stay the fuck out of his way pretty much right away, but she continues to push him and try to get the information she needs on him and his family in order to keep her scholarship. There is a spark between them but Royal is way more than just a bully. he takes things way too far and doesn't give a single fuck about anything. his brothers are just as bad.
This book does end on a cliffhanger but not one that makes you wanna throw the book at the wall. and all of the books in this series are already available. Do not expect romance. at least not in this first installment of the series.
however, this book was absolutely amazing. I can't wait to dive into book two of Harper and Royal.
I definitely would recommend this book to anyone that likes the darker stuff and has no trigger warnings much like myself because this book was made for us.
Royal Dolce is a misunderstood character, this is only book one but i'm definitely looking forward to his redemption arc. I mean the man lost his twin sister in a brutal way. There's a lot of reasons he's become the dark ass, emotionless human he's become.
Let me start off by saying this book has 443 pages and I binged thru it in one sitting. From the very first page this book had me hooked and utterly consumed. I couldn't put it down.
The writing is impressive and she doesn't do the extra unnecessary descriptions or nonsense. The pace of this book was also flawless, it wasn't too fast but it also wasn't slow.
"The darkness I can see hidden behind those eyes calls to mine, invites me to come and play his sick, twisted games, invites me to turn away from the light and dance in the darkness with him"
"Just know that whatever you can imagine in your worst nightmare, it wouldn't even phase them. they've seen it and done it-and laughed while they did it"
Harper Apple is one of my favorite FMC's she comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Poor and struggling, shit mother, absent father. she's a fucking hustler and I love her character so much.
she's doing everything she needs to in order to survive, get an education so she can get out of town and far away from everyone it it- including blowing one of her teachers in exchange for an A.
When a mysterious admirer keeps contacting her thru her schools computer. He ends up offering her a scholarship to a better school in exchange for information on the Dolces.
(not fully sure if it's actually a him considering it's still a mystery we don't find out in this book)
That's where harper meets the Dolce's. The connection is certainly not instantaneous, royal tells her to stay the fuck out of his way pretty much right away, but she continues to push him and try to get the information she needs on him and his family in order to keep her scholarship. There is a spark between them but Royal is way more than just a bully. he takes things way too far and doesn't give a single fuck about anything. his brothers are just as bad.
This book does end on a cliffhanger but not one that makes you wanna throw the book at the wall. and all of the books in this series are already available. Do not expect romance. at least not in this first installment of the series.
however, this book was absolutely amazing. I can't wait to dive into book two of Harper and Royal.
I definitely would recommend this book to anyone that likes the darker stuff and has no trigger warnings much like myself because this book was made for us.
Royal Dolce is a misunderstood character, this is only book one but i'm definitely looking forward to his redemption arc. I mean the man lost his twin sister in a brutal way. There's a lot of reasons he's become the dark ass, emotionless human he's become.
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