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Clearwater University #1
Who Breaks First
They were my bullies once.
Three boys I hated more than anything.
They made my life hell for a year--until I escaped their cruelty when my dad's job moved us away.
I've never forgotten them though. Never forgotten what they did. And I know they haven't forgotten me.
But when I'm offered a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious Clearwater University, I refuse to let old fears stop me from accepting.
Because I'm not the girl I used to be.
I'm stronger. Tougher.
Angrier.
And if West, Reese, and Trent think they can fuck with me again... well.
We'll just see who breaks first.
This is book one of the Clearwater University duet, a new adult reverse harem bully romance. Due to language and sexual situations, it is recommended for readers 18+.
Three boys I hated more than anything.
They made my life hell for a year--until I escaped their cruelty when my dad's job moved us away.
I've never forgotten them though. Never forgotten what they did. And I know they haven't forgotten me.
But when I'm offered a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious Clearwater University, I refuse to let old fears stop me from accepting.
Because I'm not the girl I used to be.
I'm stronger. Tougher.
Angrier.
And if West, Reese, and Trent think they can fuck with me again... well.
We'll just see who breaks first.
This is book one of the Clearwater University duet, a new adult reverse harem bully romance. Due to language and sexual situations, it is recommended for readers 18+.
282 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2022
2638 people are currently reading
4845 people want to read
About the author
Eva Ashwood
49 books6,250 followersEva Ashwood has been a reader her whole life and a writer for several years. She loves telling stories of alpha males and the fierce women who bring them to their knees.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
She's a sucker for reverse harem, bully romance, enemies to lovers, heroes who redeem themselves, and all the drama and passion of new adult love.
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October 1, 2019
This could have been awesome, but poor characterisation and relationship-building really let it down.
I requested a beta copy because I enjoyed Ashwood's debut A LOT, and there's no doubt that she is technically a good writer. But she made one huge mistake: she skipped describing most of the initial interactions between the heroine and heroes. Essentially, the heroine was once the best friend of the heroes, but (through a huge and frankly stupid misunderstanding) they start bullying her, thinking she's evil. She then moves away and returns for her first year of university, which is when she runs into them once more.
❌ We see their very first interaction, but after that there's a sudden time jump of 'A few weeks later... in which they kept teasing me and making mocking comments about me...' HOW were they teasing you? WHAT mocking comments were they making about you? It's okay for an author to be less specific later on in the book, but getting slammed with it so early on meant that I felt like we'd missed out on major parts of the relationship development. My interest in the romance never quite recovered.
❌ To be honest, bully romances are never the most unique things in the world anyway, but this book was also cliched as hell - I mean, we even got the old 'the teacher is making us be project partners' trope!!! Authors, please, that trope honestly belongs on Wattpad and in fanfiction. If you really must, it can belong to some YA high-school novels too, but not ones like this. It again felt like poor relationship development, because it was the author-as-God shoving the characters together, so it didn't feel organic. There was even suggestions of the stepbrother trope thrown in - basically, everything old and tired and worn out.
❌ The misunderstanding... seriously, it all hinged on the fact that despite the heroine being best friends with the guys, they immediately thought the worst of her, assumed it was her, and commenced bullying. I would never turn on my best friend without at least questioning her about it, and I don't think anyone else reading my review would either. Otherwise, that person is not your best friend.
❌ One hero (the main instigator of the bullying) is the dumb one; another, who vacillates between feeling sorry for the heroine and supporting 'his boys', comes off as weak; and the third one, whom we don't really learn much about all, appears to have very limited personality. Perfect trifecta.
I think that's all I have to say on this book... I mean, I'm reading Ashwood's other stuff in the hopes that something replicates the way her debut hooked me, but I'm not holding my breath.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
I requested a beta copy because I enjoyed Ashwood's debut A LOT, and there's no doubt that she is technically a good writer. But she made one huge mistake: she skipped describing most of the initial interactions between the heroine and heroes. Essentially, the heroine was once the best friend of the heroes, but (through a huge and frankly stupid misunderstanding) they start bullying her, thinking she's evil. She then moves away and returns for her first year of university, which is when she runs into them once more.
❌ We see their very first interaction, but after that there's a sudden time jump of 'A few weeks later... in which they kept teasing me and making mocking comments about me...' HOW were they teasing you? WHAT mocking comments were they making about you? It's okay for an author to be less specific later on in the book, but getting slammed with it so early on meant that I felt like we'd missed out on major parts of the relationship development. My interest in the romance never quite recovered.
❌ To be honest, bully romances are never the most unique things in the world anyway, but this book was also cliched as hell - I mean, we even got the old 'the teacher is making us be project partners' trope!!! Authors, please, that trope honestly belongs on Wattpad and in fanfiction. If you really must, it can belong to some YA high-school novels too, but not ones like this. It again felt like poor relationship development, because it was the author-as-God shoving the characters together, so it didn't feel organic. There was even suggestions of the stepbrother trope thrown in - basically, everything old and tired and worn out.
❌ The misunderstanding... seriously, it all hinged on the fact that despite the heroine being best friends with the guys, they immediately thought the worst of her, assumed it was her, and commenced bullying. I would never turn on my best friend without at least questioning her about it, and I don't think anyone else reading my review would either. Otherwise, that person is not your best friend.
❌ One hero (the main instigator of the bullying) is the dumb one; another, who vacillates between feeling sorry for the heroine and supporting 'his boys', comes off as weak; and the third one, whom we don't really learn much about all, appears to have very limited personality. Perfect trifecta.
I think that's all I have to say on this book... I mean, I'm reading Ashwood's other stuff in the hopes that something replicates the way her debut hooked me, but I'm not holding my breath.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
October 20, 2019
I'm still a little confused by this whole push and pull between Emma and the guys.
Who Breaks First is definitely a college bully to lover romance. It doesn't hurt that it was a reverse harem.. but I don't know. Something was definitely off with this one. I liked Emma and the guys but it's like the whole revenge thing was just pointless in my eyes. Maybe it's because I think its' really dumb that people just don't talk to one another. Plus the whole - I know you're lying even though they weren't thing was just annoying.
Just talk to each other people. Everyone has a past but it's like Trent's head was so far up his ass he couldn't see anything. He's a very destructive person so I don't feel bad about what happened to him at the end. Yet, I don't think all these wrongs will ever make a right.
The romance and sparks were there but this whole thing was just messed up from the beginning. Plus the whole deal with Emma's dad and Trent's mom was just weird. Why did their little two year secret just come out at the end - it made zero sense.
No idea what the next book will bring me but I guess I will dive into it whenever I see it pass my way on KU.
Who Breaks First is definitely a college bully to lover romance. It doesn't hurt that it was a reverse harem.. but I don't know. Something was definitely off with this one. I liked Emma and the guys but it's like the whole revenge thing was just pointless in my eyes. Maybe it's because I think its' really dumb that people just don't talk to one another. Plus the whole - I know you're lying even though they weren't thing was just annoying.
Just talk to each other people. Everyone has a past but it's like Trent's head was so far up his ass he couldn't see anything. He's a very destructive person so I don't feel bad about what happened to him at the end. Yet, I don't think all these wrongs will ever make a right.
The romance and sparks were there but this whole thing was just messed up from the beginning. Plus the whole deal with Emma's dad and Trent's mom was just weird. Why did their little two year secret just come out at the end - it made zero sense.
No idea what the next book will bring me but I guess I will dive into it whenever I see it pass my way on KU.
February 7, 2021
Predictable plot, stupid reason for revenge and an weak heroine. I tried to read it but after 20% I just skip-read because I think this one doesn't deserve my time. It ot probably for young teenagers or something, but definitely not for me.
August 11, 2021
I'm totally reading the next book, even though this 1st book was a massive disappointment. Massive. Huge.
I luuuuuuurved Eva's Slateview High series... and after researching, I realized THAT series was actually her first (I think) ... and this one came later?? This Clearwater series feels much more like a debut.
What I liked:
- the guys seemed dominant and kinda into intimidating her like effing cavemen. I love that ish. Yaaaass... use your muscle-y muscles and her small size against her to make her feel all hot and bothered. 😈🖤😈🖤😈🖤
- I liked that she lost her v-card to one of them. 🤷🏼♀️
What I didn't like:
- errything else
- 👀 no, really. 😐
- the relationship and character development was extremely lacking - she kept saying "weeks passed and the guys were so sweet" or "a few weeks went by and they continued to torment me" or whathaveyou... but she never gives any dang descriptions.... and frankly, a "bully" situation in college is pretty ridiculous to begin with, so Imma need some details. 😬 Otherwise these guys just sound like a bunch of immature pansies. Grown men terrorizing a woman under very flimsy reasoning. Ridiculous. And not very hot. So, in order to keep me from feeling that way, I need some details, otherwise I'll fill in with my own, and my details aren't flattering. 🤨
- Trent is a straight up moron. She calls him that too. {right on, sister!} His reasoning behind his extreme bullying is so stupid it makes my brain hurt. She's supposed to be his best friend, and he completely turns on her at the drop of a hat. And this lasts for 2 years... and then CONTINUES when they end up at the same college... except he now adds on additional nonsense reasons. He effing DOUBLES DOWN on the stupid. NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY DAMN SENSE. But Trent is really the only character that is fleshed out. 😐Fantastic.
- Reese and West? We don't really get much from them. I know nothing about their lives or motivations, other than they are blind "blood brother" sycophants to Trent. Just doing his bidding even though they supposedly "love" the h as well. Suresuresuresuresure. #alltheeffingsideeye 😒😒😒
- Emma? I don't know what the hell is going on with her. West takes her v-card in an angry f*ck when they are juniors in high school... and when she shows up at this college 2-years later, she acts all timid and scared and like she's been celibate while she's been away, because these guys traumatized her... but then some of her thoughts, later in the book, indicated that maybe she DID have a sex life with other dudes over the past 2 years?? I dunno... it's not adding up... and she attacks these guys like she's a trained hooker... but then plays all dumb and innocent the next. You know what I dislike ALMOST as much as a promiscuous h? 👀 Well, I'll tell you... A slutty virgin is the next worst thing in my book. 🤷🏼♀️ PICK. A. LANE.
- all the back and forth with the revenge plans between the h and the H's... good gawd. Y'all are ridiculous.
- also none of these college kids think of protection of any kind. Ever. She doesn’t have any concerns about where they’ve been sticking their dicks? 😵💫 She knows absolutely nothing about their sex lives, and has ZERO questions? Not even a thought, AT ALL, as to whether she wants to have a baby with these asshats? We don’t even get a passing mention that she’s on birth control??? 👀 allrightythen. 🤡
Bottom Line? I really wasn't impressed with this mess at all... however, the smexx scenes are good, and my love for the other series had me downloading the next book on the HOPE that this one improves. Surely it can't get worse. Right? Riiiight??? For the love all things holy, I better be right. 😅
I luuuuuuurved Eva's Slateview High series... and after researching, I realized THAT series was actually her first (I think) ... and this one came later?? This Clearwater series feels much more like a debut.
What I liked:
- the guys seemed dominant and kinda into intimidating her like effing cavemen. I love that ish. Yaaaass... use your muscle-y muscles and her small size against her to make her feel all hot and bothered. 😈🖤😈🖤😈🖤
- I liked that she lost her v-card to one of them. 🤷🏼♀️
What I didn't like:
- errything else
- 👀 no, really. 😐
- the relationship and character development was extremely lacking - she kept saying "weeks passed and the guys were so sweet" or "a few weeks went by and they continued to torment me" or whathaveyou... but she never gives any dang descriptions.... and frankly, a "bully" situation in college is pretty ridiculous to begin with, so Imma need some details. 😬 Otherwise these guys just sound like a bunch of immature pansies. Grown men terrorizing a woman under very flimsy reasoning. Ridiculous. And not very hot. So, in order to keep me from feeling that way, I need some details, otherwise I'll fill in with my own, and my details aren't flattering. 🤨
- Trent is a straight up moron. She calls him that too. {right on, sister!} His reasoning behind his extreme bullying is so stupid it makes my brain hurt. She's supposed to be his best friend, and he completely turns on her at the drop of a hat. And this lasts for 2 years... and then CONTINUES when they end up at the same college... except he now adds on additional nonsense reasons. He effing DOUBLES DOWN on the stupid. NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY DAMN SENSE. But Trent is really the only character that is fleshed out. 😐Fantastic.
- Reese and West? We don't really get much from them. I know nothing about their lives or motivations, other than they are blind "blood brother" sycophants to Trent. Just doing his bidding even though they supposedly "love" the h as well. Suresuresuresuresure. #alltheeffingsideeye 😒😒😒
- Emma? I don't know what the hell is going on with her. West takes her v-card in an angry f*ck when they are juniors in high school... and when she shows up at this college 2-years later, she acts all timid and scared and like she's been celibate while she's been away, because these guys traumatized her... but then some of her thoughts, later in the book, indicated that maybe she DID have a sex life with other dudes over the past 2 years?? I dunno... it's not adding up... and she attacks these guys like she's a trained hooker... but then plays all dumb and innocent the next. You know what I dislike ALMOST as much as a promiscuous h? 👀 Well, I'll tell you... A slutty virgin is the next worst thing in my book. 🤷🏼♀️ PICK. A. LANE.
- all the back and forth with the revenge plans between the h and the H's... good gawd. Y'all are ridiculous.
- also none of these college kids think of protection of any kind. Ever. She doesn’t have any concerns about where they’ve been sticking their dicks? 😵💫 She knows absolutely nothing about their sex lives, and has ZERO questions? Not even a thought, AT ALL, as to whether she wants to have a baby with these asshats? We don’t even get a passing mention that she’s on birth control??? 👀 allrightythen. 🤡
Bottom Line? I really wasn't impressed with this mess at all... however, the smexx scenes are good, and my love for the other series had me downloading the next book on the HOPE that this one improves. Surely it can't get worse. Right? Riiiight??? For the love all things holy, I better be right. 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2019
Juvenile
I have no idea why this is set at a university. The characters behavior is that of 15 or 16 year olds.
I have no idea why this is set at a university. The characters behavior is that of 15 or 16 year olds.
October 19, 2019
This was a great start to a new series from Eva Ashwood. My first introduction to this author was The Lost Boys and I was glad that this was just as good. By the end of this book, our heroine had found her backbone which I was extremely grateful of because if she spent the rest of the book hiding behind bushes I was going to scream. I would have liked a little more of their history before meeting up again two years later but I am sure that this will come out over the series. I'm holding judgement on the boys for now, it seems none of them can communicate and this is the brunt of all their problems. I'm sure they won't learn from their mistakes but maybe, just maybe their ego's will let them at some point. Loved the ending and cannot wait for more.
September 26, 2020
3 stars ★★★
I wanted to really like this story. But I couldn’t follow the plot. It dragged and the whole reason behind Trent creating this hatred ploy to abuse Emma made no f%ckin sense! He hated her because she introduced his mom to her dad. Ultimately trent’s mom cheated on his dad with Emma’s dad. But somehow EMMA is to blame?!?! What?!?
And then.... this warped from a enemies to lovers romance to enemies to step-sibling hate romance?! But with 3 brothers... really?! Talk about combining story tropes.
The story seemed a little pushed. And forced in areas where a story should have been told. Everybody (the brothers) hates Emma on assumption that Emma is a liar. On no basis of proof.
The ONLY reason I gave it as many stars as I did, was the sex scenes. I wish there were more. If the whole book was just the sex scenes, it would have been given 500 stars! Drool worthy! Jaw-dropping! Lip-biting goodness!!!!
I wanted to really like this story. But I couldn’t follow the plot. It dragged and the whole reason behind Trent creating this hatred ploy to abuse Emma made no f%ckin sense! He hated her because she introduced his mom to her dad. Ultimately trent’s mom cheated on his dad with Emma’s dad. But somehow EMMA is to blame?!?! What?!?
And then.... this warped from a enemies to lovers romance to enemies to step-sibling hate romance?! But with 3 brothers... really?! Talk about combining story tropes.
The story seemed a little pushed. And forced in areas where a story should have been told. Everybody (the brothers) hates Emma on assumption that Emma is a liar. On no basis of proof.
The ONLY reason I gave it as many stars as I did, was the sex scenes. I wish there were more. If the whole book was just the sex scenes, it would have been given 500 stars! Drool worthy! Jaw-dropping! Lip-biting goodness!!!!
March 1, 2021
ohhhhhhh, necesitaba esto en mi vidaaaa, me encantan los dramas que están incluidos en los harem reversos. Puede que sean obvios, y a veces repetitivos, peeeero, no dejan de ser aburridos. Es mi placer culpable, ¿qué puedo hacer yo ahí?
Siempre es más interesante cuando hay 3 chicos. Con 4, siento que las cosas salen más forzadas, pero si hay un buen desarrollo, el cuarto personaje funciona. En este caso son sólo 3, por ende es mi equilibrio perfecto... y porqué perfecto, porque cada uno representa una cualidad distinta. Tenemos a Trent, quien sería el líder del trío, quien sólo actúa cuando está enojado, a Reese, que sería el pacifista, el que le gusta bromear para romper el silencio y por último West, quien es el peso pesado, el callado, que observa todo... ¿ven? equilibrio perfecto.
La protagonista no es alguien que me haya impactado por algo, pero le tengo fe al desarrollo de los otros dos libros. Aún quedan cosas pendientes, así que, se vienen más cosas por delante...
Siempre es más interesante cuando hay 3 chicos. Con 4, siento que las cosas salen más forzadas, pero si hay un buen desarrollo, el cuarto personaje funciona. En este caso son sólo 3, por ende es mi equilibrio perfecto... y porqué perfecto, porque cada uno representa una cualidad distinta. Tenemos a Trent, quien sería el líder del trío, quien sólo actúa cuando está enojado, a Reese, que sería el pacifista, el que le gusta bromear para romper el silencio y por último West, quien es el peso pesado, el callado, que observa todo... ¿ven? equilibrio perfecto.
La protagonista no es alguien que me haya impactado por algo, pero le tengo fe al desarrollo de los otros dos libros. Aún quedan cosas pendientes, así que, se vienen más cosas por delante...
October 18, 2022
Trent is so immature jesus fuck😐 But I still think that this series has some potential...so imma read it heheh🙃
December 7, 2020
I hate this book so much. There’s so much i hated, so much i despised. 0/10 i hated it so much. nothing was good. the heroine is annoying asf. the guys are so stupid and their vendetta against her is the stupidest thing i’ve ever come across. nothing about this was good. i hate myself reading it and i couldn’t wait to finish it. but i’m stupid asf and started the second one. why? i don’t freaking know. i hate myself that’s why. i can’t deal with that emma girl. she’s the most annoying main character i’ve ever come across. the guys are so dumb. it was trying to act funny and cute. nothing was happening. trents reason for hating her was unnecessary and dumb. she kept saying how she has feelings for all of them but can never share? what? shut up you’re so annoying. the dialogue was the worst. i likes west the most cause he seemed like he couldn’t care less. anyways i don’t know if i’m gonna keep reading the second one i kind of just want to read it because i want to know what she’s gonna do for revenge. okay another thing. AHHHHH. they ruined her life and she’s like yeah i’m still in love. she’s so gullible. she doesn’t know how to take action. she does the stupidest things and all the sudden her life falling apart. but what does she do she goes back to one of the.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
I am super into the bully romance right now, I have read a ton, and I freaking enjoyed Who Breaks First so freaking much. The characters, the storyline itself, the word play, and the angst. All were on point with Eva Ashwood's writing.
In Who Breaks First we have Emma. She used to be friends with three boys, Reese, Trent and West. Until one day, they turn on her. Forced to move, she gets a break from them. Then she has to move back and there is more on the line for her. She must keep her grades up for a scholarship that she wants. But the bullying just picks up where it left off. But she will not let them get to her this time. She will fight back, and they will not run her off again.
Wow, guys, just wow. I was invested from page one. My interest was caught, and never let go. I kept needing to read the next interactions with Emma and the guys. There is tons of tension, chemistry and lots of heat. You will fall in love with Emma and be rooting for her just like I was. So overall, this is a another great addition to the bully romance, and I have to say will be moved to my top fave list.
In Who Breaks First we have Emma. She used to be friends with three boys, Reese, Trent and West. Until one day, they turn on her. Forced to move, she gets a break from them. Then she has to move back and there is more on the line for her. She must keep her grades up for a scholarship that she wants. But the bullying just picks up where it left off. But she will not let them get to her this time. She will fight back, and they will not run her off again.
Wow, guys, just wow. I was invested from page one. My interest was caught, and never let go. I kept needing to read the next interactions with Emma and the guys. There is tons of tension, chemistry and lots of heat. You will fall in love with Emma and be rooting for her just like I was. So overall, this is a another great addition to the bully romance, and I have to say will be moved to my top fave list.
September 30, 2019
Emma (MFC) is back in Clearwater after 2 years away & shes just started at Clearwater University. Her new start there doesnt go to plan when she finds out The Icons - Reece, Trent and West are also going there too. Former friends who took great pleasure in bullying her because of a misunderstanding. They are determined to oust her from Clearwater too. What they dont expect is Emma is not the same girl as she was back when they knew her. Shes a stronger person now and she wont back down from a fight. I just wanted to shake Reece, Trent and West. Tell them to grow the hell up! I cannot wait for the next book because im hoping with fingers crossed that Emma gets them back for everything they put her through. If the ending of this book is anything to go by its gonna be good! Dying to read that. Such a great book!!!
March 31, 2020
First off, the writing was decent, good grammar and no typos. The story though: The reason why they went from best friends to enemies was ridiculous and juvenile, also what kind of good friend wouldn’t even ask you about it and jump right to “you’re an evil betrayer”?? Plus the sidekicks who don’t really like the way she’s being treated but aid and abet nonetheless, sycophants much? And then near the end, the renewed reason she becomes an enemy again, the mc guy has the mentality of an angst ridden preteen for getting upset over that. Ugh, enough said.
September 22, 2020
This was such a painful read. The scenes were sexy, but the plot is difficult to deal with. They constantly refer to the guys as “a nice guy but-“ or a “good person but-“, but they are seriously horrible people. Especially Trent. With the vast amount of damage done by the men, there is no way that Emma should ever have anything to do with any of them again. It’s hard to stomach reading about her constantly going back to her abusers. Which is what they are- abusers.
September 21, 2020
Pages: 234
My rating: 3.5
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Emma, Trent, Reese, West
SC: Leslie, Paul, Clair
Emma and her father Paul move back to Clearwater, because Paul got a good job at his old company with the offer to get Emma on a scholarship to Clearwater University. She has to pass all her classes and maintain good marks.
Some year back when Emma and Paul moved to Clearwater she was in high school and became quickly friends with Trent, Reese and West. She only knows that all of them asked here out but she turned everybody down. After some time the guys turned on her and became her worst enemy.
So when she starts Clearwater University she sees the three guys who are also called the Icons. Still angry they want to ruin Emmas life. But things turn out differently at the beginning. But the ending is really bad.
I liked this book a lot. It was captivating and I enjoyed reading it so much that I bought the rest of the series.
April 29, 2025
I enjoyed this even though why the guys hate her seems petty. I wish the Peter storyline was leant into more to make them jealous and their back story was expanded on but the chemistry with the guys is there enough to continue the series and I'm intrigued to see what happens to keep her in clearwater
October 3, 2021
not that interesting i guess
September 27, 2023
what a fun ride! did it require more character depth and communication? definitely but yk what idc this was such a quick read
November 28, 2020
Spoilers ahead.
This book was really difficult to deal with from the start, I almost gave up at 9% into it because all Emma can do is boohoo about it that her body is betraying her and she’s so attracted to these bullies. Excuse me while I vomit. Have some self respect. If someone was my best friend, then turned on me, turned the entire school against me, bullies me horribly, all because I turned them down for a date, there would be zero attraction. The hell?
I’ve enjoyed West and Reese’s POV. Emma is steadily becoming an unlikeable female lead that is boy obsessed because she can’t stop lusting or whatever. Gross.
The overly jealous bullshit when they saw her at the party is also stupid. They’ve done nothing but treat her like crap.
Trent is the worst. He was supposed to be her best friend. Yet, he automatically assumed she did something without any proof, then turned everyone against her. West and Reese just blindly believed him, which only further shows that none of them could have possibly truly cared for her.
She’s obviously going to be with them in the end which is pathetic, given everything they’ve done.
The lack of condoms thing is weird. They are all so casual about it. Zero discussion of STDs or birth control. The hell?
As the story went on, I lost more and more respect for Emma’s character. How can you just Willy nilly sleep with people that horribly bullied you?
Then to make matters worse, Trent got her kicked out of school, which ended up ruining her relationship with her father too, and she’s still lusting after him? That’s not even the slightest bit realistic.
He’s also an “adult” yet he’s pissed off that a 16 year old introduced her best friend’s mom to her dad? What the hell? How does that make it her fault that they couldn’t keep it in their pants? This book was filled with all kinds of unrealistic drama that didn’t make sense.
This book was really difficult to deal with from the start, I almost gave up at 9% into it because all Emma can do is boohoo about it that her body is betraying her and she’s so attracted to these bullies. Excuse me while I vomit. Have some self respect. If someone was my best friend, then turned on me, turned the entire school against me, bullies me horribly, all because I turned them down for a date, there would be zero attraction. The hell?
I’ve enjoyed West and Reese’s POV. Emma is steadily becoming an unlikeable female lead that is boy obsessed because she can’t stop lusting or whatever. Gross.
The overly jealous bullshit when they saw her at the party is also stupid. They’ve done nothing but treat her like crap.
Trent is the worst. He was supposed to be her best friend. Yet, he automatically assumed she did something without any proof, then turned everyone against her. West and Reese just blindly believed him, which only further shows that none of them could have possibly truly cared for her.
She’s obviously going to be with them in the end which is pathetic, given everything they’ve done.
The lack of condoms thing is weird. They are all so casual about it. Zero discussion of STDs or birth control. The hell?
As the story went on, I lost more and more respect for Emma’s character. How can you just Willy nilly sleep with people that horribly bullied you?
Then to make matters worse, Trent got her kicked out of school, which ended up ruining her relationship with her father too, and she’s still lusting after him? That’s not even the slightest bit realistic.
He’s also an “adult” yet he’s pissed off that a 16 year old introduced her best friend’s mom to her dad? What the hell? How does that make it her fault that they couldn’t keep it in their pants? This book was filled with all kinds of unrealistic drama that didn’t make sense.
April 25, 2020
I Give this book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
Audio Wise it’s a 5/5!!!
I received a Copy of the Audio of this book to review, I already own this entire series in kindle format ☺️
The voices are Great:
The Female Voice reminds me of Mila Kunis, and it fits her perfectly!
And the Male voice reminds me of Spike from Cowboy Bebop, and his voice is simply gorgeous!
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!
Heat: 3.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Romance: Not Sure if I Should Rate This One Yet Lol
Bully Scale: 3.5/5, other readers may rate it higher.
Relationship Type: Reverse Harem
This is a fast paced bully RH and it’s really engaging, I Love listening to it in audio!
No Spoilers, but what a great read! Iook forward to listening to Book 2!
Audio Wise it’s a 5/5!!!
I received a Copy of the Audio of this book to review, I already own this entire series in kindle format ☺️
The voices are Great:
The Female Voice reminds me of Mila Kunis, and it fits her perfectly!
And the Male voice reminds me of Spike from Cowboy Bebop, and his voice is simply gorgeous!
Cliffhanger(?): Yes!
Heat: 3.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Romance: Not Sure if I Should Rate This One Yet Lol
Bully Scale: 3.5/5, other readers may rate it higher.
Relationship Type: Reverse Harem
This is a fast paced bully RH and it’s really engaging, I Love listening to it in audio!
No Spoilers, but what a great read! Iook forward to listening to Book 2!
September 22, 2019
I had the chance to beta read for this book and I am hooked already! Emma is returning to her childhood hometown to start college determined to make a fresh start for herself and grow from her past. Her positivity is quickly ruined when three boys from her past turn up at the same school. From then on it’s a constant battle for Emma between the feelings in her heart and the pain from the past, but Emma isn’t the same girl and she’s not going down without a fight this time. The conflicting feelings the characters have and the blazing chemistry keeps the reader on their toes. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this storyline progresses and now I’m a super fan of Eva’s!
Want to read
April 16, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/9/2020)! 🎁
April 28, 2021
Weak heroine, story dragged. Reverse harem.
October 8, 2021
Whenever I read a rh I’m promised with a lot of steam and that’s exactly what i got from this book. While reading the characters interaction, I wished that the heroine would act differently in some scenes, it’s not that she doesn’t have self respect or dignity but she does tho act like they don’t exist when any of the guys get near her. She just jumps on them whithout a second thought even after every thing they put her through. And you know what’s the most silly thing in the whole plot , is the reason why they torment her the way they do. I was actually glad that she got her revenge from them, and that she fought them with her fists. Yeah I very much admire a heroine with fists. Anyways the book isn’t bad but like I said there are too many thing that I wished would go differently.
March 8, 2021
This is what I consider to be a light bully romance. The plot is simple but engaging, the characters are interesting and the writing is entertaining.
We of course have our three hot alphaholes, bullying both past (definitely) and present (kind of). Though past bullying is alluded to and not really described. There is much misunderstanding, miscommunication, and misplaced anger, but that all adds to the angsty feel of the story.
This will sound weird, but after all the heavier stories I’ve read recently, this book is light and airy and hits you in the feels in just the right way. Then a few lines later you want to smack someone. 😂
I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
We of course have our three hot alphaholes, bullying both past (definitely) and present (kind of). Though past bullying is alluded to and not really described. There is much misunderstanding, miscommunication, and misplaced anger, but that all adds to the angsty feel of the story.
This will sound weird, but after all the heavier stories I’ve read recently, this book is light and airy and hits you in the feels in just the right way. Then a few lines later you want to smack someone. 😂
I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
March 25, 2025
I want to begin by saying how much I absolutely love Eva Ashwood's books. That being said, it’s clear this one was written earlier in her career. While it was still an enjoyable read, I think she’s grown as an author with each new book. I enjoy the intense romance, but some things were a bit too predictable, like the teacher pairing them together or having them sit next to each other. The chemistry between the four characters was fantastic, though—I really felt the mix of emotions they all experienced. I’ll definitely be continuing with the next book in the series!
April 19, 2021
super fast read
I loved that this book was super fast paced, there was no beating around the bush it was straight to the point!!! only downside is i found it a little juvenile at times, the reasoning behind Trents actions where frustrating, almost like dealing with a child instead of a 20 year old.
I loved that this book was super fast paced, there was no beating around the bush it was straight to the point!!! only downside is i found it a little juvenile at times, the reasoning behind Trents actions where frustrating, almost like dealing with a child instead of a 20 year old.
August 26, 2024
2.5 Stars
Very juvenile & cliché and not at all believable that any of them were adults at University since they all still behaved like teenagers at high school... But it was entertaining enough for me to want to read the next one as it’s an easy read. *shrugs*
Very juvenile & cliché and not at all believable that any of them were adults at University since they all still behaved like teenagers at high school... But it was entertaining enough for me to want to read the next one as it’s an easy read. *shrugs*
September 14, 2024
Wow, for my first Eva Ashwood book it did not disappoint. I truly enjoyed this story so much. And that ending was spectacular. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Emma, Trent, Reese and West. Let’s just say the chemistry was off the charts. 🔥
April 3, 2021
I...I have no words. That ending, I never saw it coming. Holy shiznuts I feel like there’s a crap ton of adrenaline pumping through my body right now! Pick up this book... just do it. Now I’m off to read Who Laughs Last because I’m addicted and can’t wait another minute.
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