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Dreamhaven Duet #1
The Stable Boy
**Amazon top 10 International bestseller in Teen&YA Fiction about Bullying**
Paige
We called him the stable boy. Dad took him out of foster care and brought him to our farm because it meant free labor. I didn't know his name. Didn't want to.
You know what else I didn't want?
I didn't want to notice him as he eventually grew out of that lanky frame and got...hot. I didn't want thoughts of him invading my brain when I was on dates with my boyfriend. I didn't want to care when he looked like he needed to say something so badly but couldn't.
Because he was mute. He couldn't speak even if his life depended on it. And after making that same life a living hell for him all these years, I didn't want to face the fact that he might never forgive me.
Oliver
Why didn't they ever say it? Why didn't they ever say my name? I ached to hear it sometimes instead of the usual phrases like 'stable boy' and 'dumb kid'. In their eyes, that was all I was. Because of what? My disability?
And her...
My tormentor. My foster father's daughter who never got off her high horse. What did I ever do to her? Why did she hate me so much?
Even when I treated her with kindness.
Even when I helped her out with things.
Even when tears gathered in my eyes and I wanted to tell her to stop because I didn't deserve to be bullied but words wouldn't come out of my mouth.
The world was my hell and she ruled it like the devil. And the worst part of it all was that...I let her.
TW: This book contains themes and situations pertaining to slavery, abuse, bullying, sexual assault, trauma and disability discrimination. Reader discretion is advised.
..
(Note: The Dreamhaven duet is a loose retelling of the classics 'Oliver Twist' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo' consisting of reverse bully romance and rich girl/poor boy trope in Book 1 followed by a vengeance plot and HEA in Book 2. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger and features a hero suffering from mutism and 17 y.o MCs but with 18+ content.)
Paige
We called him the stable boy. Dad took him out of foster care and brought him to our farm because it meant free labor. I didn't know his name. Didn't want to.
You know what else I didn't want?
I didn't want to notice him as he eventually grew out of that lanky frame and got...hot. I didn't want thoughts of him invading my brain when I was on dates with my boyfriend. I didn't want to care when he looked like he needed to say something so badly but couldn't.
Because he was mute. He couldn't speak even if his life depended on it. And after making that same life a living hell for him all these years, I didn't want to face the fact that he might never forgive me.
Oliver
Why didn't they ever say it? Why didn't they ever say my name? I ached to hear it sometimes instead of the usual phrases like 'stable boy' and 'dumb kid'. In their eyes, that was all I was. Because of what? My disability?
And her...
My tormentor. My foster father's daughter who never got off her high horse. What did I ever do to her? Why did she hate me so much?
Even when I treated her with kindness.
Even when I helped her out with things.
Even when tears gathered in my eyes and I wanted to tell her to stop because I didn't deserve to be bullied but words wouldn't come out of my mouth.
The world was my hell and she ruled it like the devil. And the worst part of it all was that...I let her.
TW: This book contains themes and situations pertaining to slavery, abuse, bullying, sexual assault, trauma and disability discrimination. Reader discretion is advised.
..
(Note: The Dreamhaven duet is a loose retelling of the classics 'Oliver Twist' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo' consisting of reverse bully romance and rich girl/poor boy trope in Book 1 followed by a vengeance plot and HEA in Book 2. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger and features a hero suffering from mutism and 17 y.o MCs but with 18+ content.)
ebook
First published June 30, 2021
62 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Z.S. Storm
24 books235 followersZ. S. STORM writes romances mostly of the dark and disturbed variety and resides on a beautiful island in the Pacific where he spends his days and nights enjoying life and whipping up intriguing plotlines. His passions include singing, dancing, traveling, staying fit and healthy, making love and creating art. He likes hearing from fans and readers, so you can always contact him through email: z.s.storm.author@gmail.com
Check out his website for more info. Or connect with him on Instagram: @mr_zsstorm (Zayn Storm)
Check out his website for more info. Or connect with him on Instagram: @mr_zsstorm (Zayn Storm)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 11, 2021
"The world was my hell and she ruled it like the devil. And the worst part of it all was...that I let her."
The Stable Boy was my first read of a new-to-me author, Zee Shine Storm and it was quite a confronting one to start with 🖤.
This is the story of a mute foster kid Oliver, the stable boy, and his relationship with his foster family, and in particular with Paige, his foster sister and the girl of his dreams (and his nightmares).
It's about coming of age, first times, survival, love, hate and bullying. So much bullying it will make your heart bleed for Oliver.
This isn't a tale of redemption and it doesn't have a HEA - far from it. But we live in hope that book 2 of the duet will remedy that and that Oliver will get the happiness he so deserves.
The MCs are 17 year olds, so the writing is quite simplistic and 'unsophisticated' in keeping with the thoughts of teenagers written in first person POV. That said, there is 18+ content and steamy times 🔥.
There are so many triggers in The Stable Boy so be warned, it contains themes and references to abuse, bullying, sexual assault, trauma and disability discrimination.
Recommended.
4 ✨✨✨✨
The Stable Boy was my first read of a new-to-me author, Zee Shine Storm and it was quite a confronting one to start with 🖤.
This is the story of a mute foster kid Oliver, the stable boy, and his relationship with his foster family, and in particular with Paige, his foster sister and the girl of his dreams (and his nightmares).
It's about coming of age, first times, survival, love, hate and bullying. So much bullying it will make your heart bleed for Oliver.
This isn't a tale of redemption and it doesn't have a HEA - far from it. But we live in hope that book 2 of the duet will remedy that and that Oliver will get the happiness he so deserves.
The MCs are 17 year olds, so the writing is quite simplistic and 'unsophisticated' in keeping with the thoughts of teenagers written in first person POV. That said, there is 18+ content and steamy times 🔥.
There are so many triggers in The Stable Boy so be warned, it contains themes and references to abuse, bullying, sexual assault, trauma and disability discrimination.
Recommended.
4 ✨✨✨✨
March 2, 2024
The Stable Boy by Z.S. Storm
5/5 stars
Deviant was my first book by Z.S. Storm. And I enjoyed that one so much. But The Stable Boy completely blew me away. This book is just bloody perfect. Right from the first sentence I was hooked and I couldn't stop reading. It consumed my body and soul and I went through so many emotions. And the ending just f**king destroyed me! I absolutely cannot wait to read the second one and see where it'll go!
But first things first! My review of this masterpiece.
The book starts off with Scott and Rachel Hamilton adopting a 12 year old boy. But they don't adopt him out of love. They adopt him because they need help on their farm and plan to use him.
Scott and Rachel have a daughter Paige. And at first she is hopeful that she gained a brother. Even asks him if he is her brother. But Oliver, the boy, suffers from mutism and keeps his distance from her.
Also right from day 1 her parents indoctrinate her to hate Oliver and to abuse him mentally. So very quickly Paige turns into a monster towards Oliver and even lets her friends and boyfriend harass and abuse him. Though there is a longing Paige has towards him.
After five years things start to change slowly. Paige's friend Rayne has always been kind to Oliver and she mentions that she would like to date him. Paige assures him he smells like shit and is not fit to date anyone. It also urges Paige to claim her stake on him. He is hers and no one else's.
Oliver has always been drawn towards Paige and has stayed all these years for her.
Like I said, things change a bit. Paige has started to feel guilty about her behaviour towards him. And tries to make amends. When he rejects her kindness, because he doesn't know how to deal with it, she turns into a nasty beast again.
And that is the tendency of their relationship. They have a huge push and pull.
I don't want to spoil too much about it. You truly have to read it for yourself. It is such a brilliant and beautiful and heartbreaking story.
Even though I loathed Paige at times for her cruelty. I also understood her. How her parents treat her is just horrible. They leave her alone a lot. And from day 1 they taught her how to hate Oliver. Reminding her time and time again that he is less than they are. He isn't a human being. Just a tool they use. And because they saved him from the foster system. They have the right to abuse him. They are moments she thinks for herself. And there you can see her true heart. But she is also a very insecure and lonely girl. And she lets her emotions override her rational thoughts time and time again. She doesn't think before she acts. The cruelty lashes out to hide her own pain and suffering.
But that last act she does. That is so f**king wrong. I am really, really curious to see where the story goes next. And if it is possible for her to redeem herself.
Though like I said before. I understand where all that pain is coming from.
And Oliver. God my heart broke for him time and time again. His past is just horrendous. The pain he carries with him. The guilt of what he did before he came to the Hamilton's weighs down on him heavily. And what happens to him on the farm by Simon and the Hamilton family is enough to break anyone.
I completely understood how careful and distrusting he is. But what happens to him, and how they punish him for being himself and having mutism is just wrong and on so many levels.
His pain really became my pain and I suffered right alongside him. And what happens to him in the end. And the hatred that it invokes in him. I felt that burn right through my bones and right through my soul. That sentence he thinks or mutters. I am backing my boy completely.
And that makes this story so powerful and so wonderful. I hated Paige but also loved her. She isn't a character you can only hate or despise. There is more to her and just her cruelty.
And what happened to Ollie. I would kill Mr. Hamilton myself if I could! But also the part Paige has in that. I am wondering if Oliver ever learns her part in it. And what that will do to their eventual future relationship.
Really brilliant story that stole my complete heart. 5 humongous stars for this masterpiece!!!
5/5 stars
Deviant was my first book by Z.S. Storm. And I enjoyed that one so much. But The Stable Boy completely blew me away. This book is just bloody perfect. Right from the first sentence I was hooked and I couldn't stop reading. It consumed my body and soul and I went through so many emotions. And the ending just f**king destroyed me! I absolutely cannot wait to read the second one and see where it'll go!
But first things first! My review of this masterpiece.
The book starts off with Scott and Rachel Hamilton adopting a 12 year old boy. But they don't adopt him out of love. They adopt him because they need help on their farm and plan to use him.
Scott and Rachel have a daughter Paige. And at first she is hopeful that she gained a brother. Even asks him if he is her brother. But Oliver, the boy, suffers from mutism and keeps his distance from her.
Also right from day 1 her parents indoctrinate her to hate Oliver and to abuse him mentally. So very quickly Paige turns into a monster towards Oliver and even lets her friends and boyfriend harass and abuse him. Though there is a longing Paige has towards him.
After five years things start to change slowly. Paige's friend Rayne has always been kind to Oliver and she mentions that she would like to date him. Paige assures him he smells like shit and is not fit to date anyone. It also urges Paige to claim her stake on him. He is hers and no one else's.
Oliver has always been drawn towards Paige and has stayed all these years for her.
Like I said, things change a bit. Paige has started to feel guilty about her behaviour towards him. And tries to make amends. When he rejects her kindness, because he doesn't know how to deal with it, she turns into a nasty beast again.
And that is the tendency of their relationship. They have a huge push and pull.
I don't want to spoil too much about it. You truly have to read it for yourself. It is such a brilliant and beautiful and heartbreaking story.
Even though I loathed Paige at times for her cruelty. I also understood her. How her parents treat her is just horrible. They leave her alone a lot. And from day 1 they taught her how to hate Oliver. Reminding her time and time again that he is less than they are. He isn't a human being. Just a tool they use. And because they saved him from the foster system. They have the right to abuse him. They are moments she thinks for herself. And there you can see her true heart. But she is also a very insecure and lonely girl. And she lets her emotions override her rational thoughts time and time again. She doesn't think before she acts. The cruelty lashes out to hide her own pain and suffering.
But that last act she does. That is so f**king wrong. I am really, really curious to see where the story goes next. And if it is possible for her to redeem herself.
Though like I said before. I understand where all that pain is coming from.
And Oliver. God my heart broke for him time and time again. His past is just horrendous. The pain he carries with him. The guilt of what he did before he came to the Hamilton's weighs down on him heavily. And what happens to him on the farm by Simon and the Hamilton family is enough to break anyone.
I completely understood how careful and distrusting he is. But what happens to him, and how they punish him for being himself and having mutism is just wrong and on so many levels.
His pain really became my pain and I suffered right alongside him. And what happens to him in the end. And the hatred that it invokes in him. I felt that burn right through my bones and right through my soul. That sentence he thinks or mutters. I am backing my boy completely.
And that makes this story so powerful and so wonderful. I hated Paige but also loved her. She isn't a character you can only hate or despise. There is more to her and just her cruelty.
And what happened to Ollie. I would kill Mr. Hamilton myself if I could! But also the part Paige has in that. I am wondering if Oliver ever learns her part in it. And what that will do to their eventual future relationship.
Really brilliant story that stole my complete heart. 5 humongous stars for this masterpiece!!!
ashes-of-dnf
September 14, 2021Chapter 13
DNF for now
I picked this up as i thought this would be one of those "clichés" with fluffy yellow cotton candies.
but is instead, slapping with me hurtburn from right to left and thereof.
Can't belive I am saying this, but I dont think, I am not up for another angst.
Have you ever felt like you want to but DON'T at the same time, . Like, i would love to know the ending but without draining any of my emotions or energy on crying, that is.
Anyways, from the staring itself, i had this hunch, that this book would be treading on themes that I am not really comfortable with. And I certainly don't want to regret my decision of taking risk and feeding my curiosity. Cos let me tell you, I am curious af.
I dont want to get attached to characters and hurt for them and end up hating one of em and seriously the reviews are scaring the TEETH out of me !!
What actually happens that makes you guys so emotional??
only if someone had spoilers hahaha..can't blame me for choosing the simplest options here ladies
Don't know if I will continue ¡¡
I think, I have to wait and see the next book's ending to see if I may or maynot like it.
So till then
Ciao
DNF for now
I picked this up as i thought this would be one of those "clichés" with fluffy yellow cotton candies.
but is instead, slapping with me hurtburn from right to left and thereof.
Can't belive I am saying this, but I dont think, I am not up for another angst.
Have you ever felt like you want to but DON'T at the same time, . Like, i would love to know the ending but without draining any of my emotions or energy on crying, that is.
Anyways, from the staring itself, i had this hunch, that this book would be treading on themes that I am not really comfortable with. And I certainly don't want to regret my decision of taking risk and feeding my curiosity. Cos let me tell you, I am curious af.
I dont want to get attached to characters and hurt for them and end up hating one of em and seriously the reviews are scaring the TEETH out of me !!
What actually happens that makes you guys so emotional??
only if someone had spoilers hahaha..can't blame me for choosing the simplest options here ladies
Don't know if I will continue ¡¡
I think, I have to wait and see the next book's ending to see if I may or maynot like it.
So till then
Ciao
October 10, 2021
An author that puts a safety blurb in the beginning synopsis? Consider me a fan! Very dark read that ends on a cliffhanger.
January 17, 2023
Ugh. I knew it was a retelling. I knew it was designed to hurt. What I did not know was how much I loved and hurt for Oliver and how much I absolutely fucking HATED everyone else!!! Except Rayne, the only sweet girl who deserves Oliver. Oliver is taken from foster care by a corrupt rancher who wants to make him a slave. Due to his muteness, he’s the perfect victim. He can’t tell a soul. Everyone thinks he’s simple, including the bitchy and hateful Paige, the rancher’s spoiled daughter, but he’s not. All his life on the farm, Paige and her rich friends make Oliver’s life hell, Paige most of all. But then all of a sudden she realizes that Oliver is extremely good looking, and starts being nice to him, and buying him things. All shit he doesn’t want because she’s horrible.
He knows she’s not good enough for him and she realizes that he knows that and hates him for it. Her nasty streak comes out again and again and again, to the point that I have to wonder what is redeeming about her other than the fact that she’s a willing sex doll? Seriously, I’ve never read a bully romance where the girl is the bully and tormentor and I hated that viewpoint. I hated Paige and her shallowness, her selfishness, her vanity, her lack or morals or decency. Nothing about her calls to me, and I hope Oliver makes her life hell in book two. I’m not vindictive at ALL, but I absolutely hated being in Paige’s head and I feel like I need to scrub my brain with Dawn dish soap to get Paige’s oily residue off. UGH!!!
He knows she’s not good enough for him and she realizes that he knows that and hates him for it. Her nasty streak comes out again and again and again, to the point that I have to wonder what is redeeming about her other than the fact that she’s a willing sex doll? Seriously, I’ve never read a bully romance where the girl is the bully and tormentor and I hated that viewpoint. I hated Paige and her shallowness, her selfishness, her vanity, her lack or morals or decency. Nothing about her calls to me, and I hope Oliver makes her life hell in book two. I’m not vindictive at ALL, but I absolutely hated being in Paige’s head and I feel like I need to scrub my brain with Dawn dish soap to get Paige’s oily residue off. UGH!!!
June 21, 2021
I was literally crying reading this story, this book totally wrecked me.
It has taken me a few hours to allow my emotions to settle, to come to grips with what I just read, to digest and find the words to describe The Stable Boy. My heart was pounding loudly, like it was happening right in front of me, and I could not stop what was going on.
Oliver's existence has been bleak and filled with sadness and chaos since he was a little boy. For years this young man has been bullied, broken down, used and abused, and still he keeps going when men half his age would have given up by now. His bullies are his foster family, especially Paige, the daughter of the man who "fostered" him, and her wealthy friends. My heart is broken beyond repair for his atrocities and neglect he has experienced. But oh my, that ending, I cannot fathom what is going to happen.
Again, this story destroyed me. My heart was pounding loudly, like it was happening right in front of me.
Zee Shine Storm, please, I beg of you, let Oliver find his HEA. I am excited, hesitant and leery to read the next book.
5 very emotionally draining stars!
It has taken me a few hours to allow my emotions to settle, to come to grips with what I just read, to digest and find the words to describe The Stable Boy. My heart was pounding loudly, like it was happening right in front of me, and I could not stop what was going on.
Oliver's existence has been bleak and filled with sadness and chaos since he was a little boy. For years this young man has been bullied, broken down, used and abused, and still he keeps going when men half his age would have given up by now. His bullies are his foster family, especially Paige, the daughter of the man who "fostered" him, and her wealthy friends. My heart is broken beyond repair for his atrocities and neglect he has experienced. But oh my, that ending, I cannot fathom what is going to happen.
Again, this story destroyed me. My heart was pounding loudly, like it was happening right in front of me.
Zee Shine Storm, please, I beg of you, let Oliver find his HEA. I am excited, hesitant and leery to read the next book.
5 very emotionally draining stars!
January 17, 2023
this book makes my blood boil. i’m sorry to anyone who liked it but the heroine was a horrible person.
so rich girl gets a foster brother (more like a slave) her dad makes him work in the stables every day and in turn the heroine and her friends bully him. the heroine steals his clothes when he bathed in the river so he had to wait until nighttime to go back to the stables and by that time he already had a fever. the heroine lets her boyfriend and his friends destroy where he lives and she spreads remounts about him saying he doesn’t shower. the list goes on and on and on.
i don’t like bully romances in general but i know in bully romances there has to be good grovel scenes. well this book had zero. the heroine doesn’t grovel at all. when she has sex with the hero the first time her boyfriend is in the closet listening. the boyfriend encouraged her to do it to prove she didn’t have feelings for the hero. what a horrible way to lose your virginity. the hero is a virgin and the heroine made fun of him (in her head) days after they had sex.
the fact the heroine stood by for 7 whole years while the hero was treated like a slave, beaten and even assaulted just rubs me the wrong way. she doesn’t once speak up to her dad.
when the hero ignores her text message or does something she doesn’t approve of (ex: hang out with her best friend because she treats him right) the heroine goes back to being a bully and makes him cry and feel ashamed of himself. not once does she comfort him or help him.
btw the heroines father drowns the hero’s cat because he can🙄 the heroine doesn’t know but does nothing about it
the worst part? the heroines dad forces the hero to come with him on the night of prom when he was going to go with the heroine. the hero is being framed for murder and while this is happening the heroine is livid the hero didn’t answer her texts and decides to go with her ex boyfriend to prom. skip forward to when she and the hero are alone at home. she keeps trying to kiss him but he moves his head and starts to have sex with her. the heroine is pissed off because he won’t kiss her. (the hero was just sexually assaulted by someone when they put their dick in his mouth.) she tells him to stop because he won’t kiss her but he’s mute so he can’t say anything. he tries to explain to her by writing stuff down but the heroine refuses to read it. her dad walks in and sees the heroine crying and guess what the heroine says… HE RAPED ME DADDY.
are you fucking kidding? she just lied to her dad about being raped by the hero and now the hero is going to prison. we see her say that she had said that in a moment of anger and now she feels guilty. bitch where is your common sense you knew he would go to jail and be beaten for that.
im not going to read the second book but here’s what you need to know. in the second book the heroine marries someone else i believe it is a marriage of convenience. the heroine had made a promise to the hero she would never marry someone else. the hero is raped in prison and im not sure if the heroine grovels.
it’s a no for me. i felt like the heroine took advantage of the hero in this situation. she didn’t even try to communicate with him like i’ve seen in other mute hero books. the best friend communicated with him better than she did.
safety:
hero is a virgin
heroine is not a virgin and has a boyfriend/fuck buddy
OM/OW drama (the heroine has a boyfriend not really drama ish but yeah past fuck buddy still in the picture situation. no real OW drama, the heroines best friend likes the hero and he likes the way she treats him because the heroines best friend is not a bully to him)
the hero has been groped by someone (not consensual)
so rich girl gets a foster brother (more like a slave) her dad makes him work in the stables every day and in turn the heroine and her friends bully him. the heroine steals his clothes when he bathed in the river so he had to wait until nighttime to go back to the stables and by that time he already had a fever. the heroine lets her boyfriend and his friends destroy where he lives and she spreads remounts about him saying he doesn’t shower. the list goes on and on and on.
i don’t like bully romances in general but i know in bully romances there has to be good grovel scenes. well this book had zero. the heroine doesn’t grovel at all. when she has sex with the hero the first time her boyfriend is in the closet listening. the boyfriend encouraged her to do it to prove she didn’t have feelings for the hero. what a horrible way to lose your virginity. the hero is a virgin and the heroine made fun of him (in her head) days after they had sex.
the fact the heroine stood by for 7 whole years while the hero was treated like a slave, beaten and even assaulted just rubs me the wrong way. she doesn’t once speak up to her dad.
when the hero ignores her text message or does something she doesn’t approve of (ex: hang out with her best friend because she treats him right) the heroine goes back to being a bully and makes him cry and feel ashamed of himself. not once does she comfort him or help him.
btw the heroines father drowns the hero’s cat because he can🙄 the heroine doesn’t know but does nothing about it
the worst part? the heroines dad forces the hero to come with him on the night of prom when he was going to go with the heroine. the hero is being framed for murder and while this is happening the heroine is livid the hero didn’t answer her texts and decides to go with her ex boyfriend to prom. skip forward to when she and the hero are alone at home. she keeps trying to kiss him but he moves his head and starts to have sex with her. the heroine is pissed off because he won’t kiss her. (the hero was just sexually assaulted by someone when they put their dick in his mouth.) she tells him to stop because he won’t kiss her but he’s mute so he can’t say anything. he tries to explain to her by writing stuff down but the heroine refuses to read it. her dad walks in and sees the heroine crying and guess what the heroine says… HE RAPED ME DADDY.
are you fucking kidding? she just lied to her dad about being raped by the hero and now the hero is going to prison. we see her say that she had said that in a moment of anger and now she feels guilty. bitch where is your common sense you knew he would go to jail and be beaten for that.
im not going to read the second book but here’s what you need to know. in the second book the heroine marries someone else i believe it is a marriage of convenience. the heroine had made a promise to the hero she would never marry someone else. the hero is raped in prison and im not sure if the heroine grovels.
it’s a no for me. i felt like the heroine took advantage of the hero in this situation. she didn’t even try to communicate with him like i’ve seen in other mute hero books. the best friend communicated with him better than she did.
safety:
hero is a virgin
heroine is not a virgin and has a boyfriend/fuck buddy
OM/OW drama (the heroine has a boyfriend not really drama ish but yeah past fuck buddy still in the picture situation. no real OW drama, the heroines best friend likes the hero and he likes the way she treats him because the heroines best friend is not a bully to him)
the hero has been groped by someone (not consensual)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
After reading the blurb I honestly had very high hopes for that book. The story was duper appealing, the start of the book wasn’t bad but then it went downhill really fast for me.
Mainly because as much as a character can be mercurial, Paige is just unstable.
That girl has issues. She’s plain mean, she’s plain stupid too, she’s very childish … there’s nothing likable about her. Nothing entertaining either. She killed this book for me. Every time there was tension building she did something that broke the spell. Every time you get sucked in the story unfolding she does something that seems out of nowhere and going nowhere either.
I liked Oliver despite the fact that he’s letting himself be a victim over an over again because the way he’s lived since he was 4 made him like that. He’s never had the freedom to develop a backbone. He’s never had the possibility to grow. Oliver given time could become a really interesting character. He’s been consistent through the whole book even as he slowly changes.
Paige ? You can take the book at any page you want she’s the same. This characters has zero development
I don’t like writing poor reviews because I don’t want people to think I’m bashing anyone’s work. I’m really not, I just want to be honest about MY reading experience. This book has had some really good reviews and I’m glad some people found it amazing. I just really didn’t click with it.
Mainly because as much as a character can be mercurial, Paige is just unstable.
That girl has issues. She’s plain mean, she’s plain stupid too, she’s very childish … there’s nothing likable about her. Nothing entertaining either. She killed this book for me. Every time there was tension building she did something that broke the spell. Every time you get sucked in the story unfolding she does something that seems out of nowhere and going nowhere either.
I liked Oliver despite the fact that he’s letting himself be a victim over an over again because the way he’s lived since he was 4 made him like that. He’s never had the freedom to develop a backbone. He’s never had the possibility to grow. Oliver given time could become a really interesting character. He’s been consistent through the whole book even as he slowly changes.
Paige ? You can take the book at any page you want she’s the same. This characters has zero development
I don’t like writing poor reviews because I don’t want people to think I’m bashing anyone’s work. I’m really not, I just want to be honest about MY reading experience. This book has had some really good reviews and I’m glad some people found it amazing. I just really didn’t click with it.
November 30, 2021
I refused to rate this book. I had no idea how I should rate it and I still don’t. I mean I did, but it was difficult.
That was a roller coaster of events. I‘m completely speechless right after finishing this book. My mind is blank.
The writing was really good and the story was interesting from the first page to the last.
I do know that Paige is annoying. She is probably one of the most annoying and worst mcs I‘ve read. There was barely another female lead I liked less. She is overly jealous of simple things and is completely driven by her emotions. The things she does were just… idek absolutely unnecessary and stupid.
The bullying thing showed that she doesn’t really have empathie what you see over the whole book. She is treating all the people around her like they‘re dirt.
I hated her for the things she did. Especially the action at the end. There aren’t
even words for that. She deserves how bad she feels in this moment for what she did to Oliver.
(But I think she was supposed to be like that)
Oliver is just a sweet and genuinely nice guy. I love him. He deserves the whole world.
After what she did to him all the years he still loves her and wants the best for her. How can someone be that kind?
That was a roller coaster of events. I‘m completely speechless right after finishing this book. My mind is blank.
The writing was really good and the story was interesting from the first page to the last.
I do know that Paige is annoying. She is probably one of the most annoying and worst mcs I‘ve read. There was barely another female lead I liked less. She is overly jealous of simple things and is completely driven by her emotions. The things she does were just… idek absolutely unnecessary and stupid.
The bullying thing showed that she doesn’t really have empathie what you see over the whole book. She is treating all the people around her like they‘re dirt.
I hated her for the things she did. Especially the action at the end. There aren’t
even words for that. She deserves how bad she feels in this moment for what she did to Oliver.
(But I think she was supposed to be like that)
Oliver is just a sweet and genuinely nice guy. I love him. He deserves the whole world.
After what she did to him all the years he still loves her and wants the best for her. How can someone be that kind?
July 19, 2021
Really don't like these kinds of books which promote lack of communication as a major twist in the plot. Also heroine is a class A b**ch if you ever met one which made it even more unpleasant to read.
February 26, 2023
PAIGE YOU FUCKING BITCH! 🤬🤬🤬
The way my anger is fuming and my heart is breaking for Oliver is too much to handle. This sweet man can’t catch a break and I hope the 2nd book is him coming back for vengeance and torturing every single one of those fuckers.
The way my anger is fuming and my heart is breaking for Oliver is too much to handle. This sweet man can’t catch a break and I hope the 2nd book is him coming back for vengeance and torturing every single one of those fuckers.
October 3, 2021
God, Paige is an utter BITCH. I don’t know how she’s going to redeem herself but I hate her guts.
Oliver though is such a sweetheart and the Hamilton’s should just go rot in the pits of hell for treating him badly. 😭
Oliver though is such a sweetheart and the Hamilton’s should just go rot in the pits of hell for treating him badly. 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
Part 1 of the Dreamhaven duet.
Oh this book. This book slayed me. Slayed me good and dead! The book hangover is REAL!!!
The story follows Oliver who, as a young boy of 12, is fostered by the Hamilton's. Oliver is mute therefore easy slave labour for his foster dad who sends him to live in the loft above the stable.
Paige, who is technically Oliver's foster sister, has it ingrained in her from the start that Oliver is lower than dirt and she should always take the opportunity to remind him of this. So for the last five years she has endlessly taunted, bullied and harassed Oliver mercilessly. Honestly it BROKE. MY. HEART. How much could one person take?!
I don't want to give much away. After all, I went in fairly blind. Zee was very clever in sharing her teasers so we don't know much other than the fact it's a bully romance but I'm reverse to the usual spin. In reality it's SO MUCH MORE. I adored Oliver from the start, Paige...not so much. Actually a few times I pondered HOW could Zee make me want to actually ship these two as a couple. Paiges bestie Rayne is the way more obvious ship.
BUT in true Zee style (if you've read Dirty Secrets you'll know just how she's able to play with your emotions and make you question right and wrong!!) she did it. And in spades baby!!!!
I ship these two so hard. I can.NOT deal with that ending. I mean, from about 90% on I was in a constant state of WTF!!!! I just wanted to shake Paige so hard. I wanted to grab Oliver and run far and fast. But I get it. I do, I get the fact she's emotionally immature and has warned Oliver she's not a good person. I can see she is growing throughout the book and I LOVE the character development, it's beautiful to witness how these two bring out the best of each other. To see Paige struggle with who she is and who Oliver makes her want to be ❤️ Two beautifully broken people in an ugly broken society. Ugh, my heart 💔💔💔
I know my review doesn't give away a whole lot but seriously, if there's one book you go into blind this year, let it be The Stable Boy.
Part 1 of the Dreamhaven duet.
Oh this book. This book slayed me. Slayed me good and dead! The book hangover is REAL!!!
The story follows Oliver who, as a young boy of 12, is fostered by the Hamilton's. Oliver is mute therefore easy slave labour for his foster dad who sends him to live in the loft above the stable.
Paige, who is technically Oliver's foster sister, has it ingrained in her from the start that Oliver is lower than dirt and she should always take the opportunity to remind him of this. So for the last five years she has endlessly taunted, bullied and harassed Oliver mercilessly. Honestly it BROKE. MY. HEART. How much could one person take?!
I don't want to give much away. After all, I went in fairly blind. Zee was very clever in sharing her teasers so we don't know much other than the fact it's a bully romance but I'm reverse to the usual spin. In reality it's SO MUCH MORE. I adored Oliver from the start, Paige...not so much. Actually a few times I pondered HOW could Zee make me want to actually ship these two as a couple. Paiges bestie Rayne is the way more obvious ship.
BUT in true Zee style (if you've read Dirty Secrets you'll know just how she's able to play with your emotions and make you question right and wrong!!) she did it. And in spades baby!!!!
I ship these two so hard. I can.NOT deal with that ending. I mean, from about 90% on I was in a constant state of WTF!!!! I just wanted to shake Paige so hard. I wanted to grab Oliver and run far and fast. But I get it. I do, I get the fact she's emotionally immature and has warned Oliver she's not a good person. I can see she is growing throughout the book and I LOVE the character development, it's beautiful to witness how these two bring out the best of each other. To see Paige struggle with who she is and who Oliver makes her want to be ❤️ Two beautifully broken people in an ugly broken society. Ugh, my heart 💔💔💔
I know my review doesn't give away a whole lot but seriously, if there's one book you go into blind this year, let it be The Stable Boy.
July 3, 2021
This was my first read by this author when I read the blurb I knew I had to read this story. This was such a unique storyline and one I’ve never read before and wow I wasn’t prepared not even a little for the havoc that this author created on my emotions. This book was brutal ugly painful it was so heartbreaking I’m absolutely gutted after that ending I can only hope that Zee puts my heart back together again I need Oliver to get his HEA !
September 4, 2021
Whew. What a rollercoaster of brilliance.
Team Oliver all the way. His inner world is rich and lyrical and heartrending, and I wanted to howl for the way he was treated by all and sundry. I don't think I've ever wanted to hug a character so hard.
I truly cannot wait for the next installment - normally I avoid cliffhanger books until the next book is released, but it's a Zee Shine Storm, so I couldn't resist.
Bully romances are not normally my forte, and once again, I am rooting for the bully to get their just desserts. I absolutely LOVED that this time the FMC was the bully. A wonderful role flip that really works. I want her to get her comeuppance.
Dark and multilayered. I couldn't put it down.
Team Oliver all the way. His inner world is rich and lyrical and heartrending, and I wanted to howl for the way he was treated by all and sundry. I don't think I've ever wanted to hug a character so hard.
I truly cannot wait for the next installment - normally I avoid cliffhanger books until the next book is released, but it's a Zee Shine Storm, so I couldn't resist.
Bully romances are not normally my forte, and once again, I am rooting for the bully to get their just desserts. I absolutely LOVED that this time the FMC was the bully. A wonderful role flip that really works. I want her to get her comeuppance.
Dark and multilayered. I couldn't put it down.
November 1, 2021
DNF
the first chapters were really bad this heroine it's a vile person..
i hated her guts and Oliver is such a sweet heart, i felt so bad for him.
When i saw a comment about the disgusting ending i had to skip and go there, and well i'm glad i didn't lose my time to read all the sh*t happened in between because what she did? heck i could never ever forgive her, if what she did before, i could whatever understand due to her age and people around her, that last thing she did was unforgettable , she can't EVER ever be better under my eyes.
Now after all that, i think this book was evil enough with this poor hero, but adding rape in it? well it wasn't needed, he didn't deserve any of that shit!
the first chapters were really bad this heroine it's a vile person..
i hated her guts and Oliver is such a sweet heart, i felt so bad for him.
When i saw a comment about the disgusting ending i had to skip and go there, and well i'm glad i didn't lose my time to read all the sh*t happened in between because what she did? heck i could never ever forgive her, if what she did before, i could whatever understand due to her age and people around her, that last thing she did was unforgettable , she can't EVER ever be better under my eyes.
Now after all that, i think this book was evil enough with this poor hero, but adding rape in it? well it wasn't needed, he didn't deserve any of that shit!
October 27, 2021
Oh
My gosh. What the actual f? I'm not sure what I expected with this but holy hell. I hate the chick so freaking much, what a horrible person. I just can't even find words right now.
My gosh. What the actual f? I'm not sure what I expected with this but holy hell. I hate the chick so freaking much, what a horrible person. I just can't even find words right now.
August 30, 2022
~Combined review for both books (the complete duet) ~
The idea of this story was so unique that I was almost spellbound by the blurb to just read it.
And I loved the first book. Oliver was just so goddamn precious that you want to hug him and not let go. His situation made me emotional but also brought this justified rage into my heart. He was a character that you can't help but root for.... but also know that he's going to suffer and you can't help him.
Paige was a fickle, bitchy, rich brat and a bully and she was so off the rails with her manipulation that I kind of loved it. It was what I expected from this book and from Paige.
But....I also expected a strong redemption arc in the next book to make up for all of Paige's horrible BS.
I didn't get that. Or maybe I did get it but not enough. I wasn't satisfied with what little she suffered while my baby Oliver was suffering even more than someone ever should.
But it wasn't just that the redemption didn't satisfy me. It was the fact the she didn't seem to really change at all. I could see glimpses of the same fickle, bullying Paige underneath all the guilt she had buried herself under to become a victim. And that just pissed me off.
Her self righteous attitude about Oliver's vengeance quest made me absolutely want to strangle her. She was all...he's destroying himself by getting his hands bloody and I will lose my sweet Oliver.
I wanted to tell her "Honey, sit you sorry ass down and for once realize that something is not about YOU". 😪
Still loved Oliver in book 2 but Paige really didn't deserve him.
I will just pretend that Oliver got together with Leo instead of Paige and they live happily ever after.
The idea of this story was so unique that I was almost spellbound by the blurb to just read it.
And I loved the first book. Oliver was just so goddamn precious that you want to hug him and not let go. His situation made me emotional but also brought this justified rage into my heart. He was a character that you can't help but root for.... but also know that he's going to suffer and you can't help him.
Paige was a fickle, bitchy, rich brat and a bully and she was so off the rails with her manipulation that I kind of loved it. It was what I expected from this book and from Paige.
But....I also expected a strong redemption arc in the next book to make up for all of Paige's horrible BS.
I didn't get that. Or maybe I did get it but not enough. I wasn't satisfied with what little she suffered while my baby Oliver was suffering even more than someone ever should.
But it wasn't just that the redemption didn't satisfy me. It was the fact the she didn't seem to really change at all. I could see glimpses of the same fickle, bullying Paige underneath all the guilt she had buried herself under to become a victim. And that just pissed me off.
Her self righteous attitude about Oliver's vengeance quest made me absolutely want to strangle her. She was all...he's destroying himself by getting his hands bloody and I will lose my sweet Oliver.
I wanted to tell her "Honey, sit you sorry ass down and for once realize that something is not about YOU". 😪
Still loved Oliver in book 2 but Paige really didn't deserve him.
I will just pretend that Oliver got together with Leo instead of Paige and they live happily ever after.
September 5, 2021
Gut-wrenching heartache!
WOW! This is the first story I have read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. The way that this story was written had me all riled up and ready to punch something. The angst and intense hate written on every page had my stomach in knots and my head spinning out of control. I have never felt so much hatred for characters in a story as I did with this one. I was seething with rage and hate. I may have punched my pillow a few times and screamed out loud over it.
The intensity of the emotions the characters go through was tortuous and gut-wrenching to read. Oliver had stolen my heart right from the start and I was gutted with everything he has gone through and all of the unnecessary bullying he deals with on a daily basis. There is so much depth to him but his demons are a brutal reminder that he is not like everyone else and will always be an outsider.
The side characters in Oliver’s life are unscrupulous, depraved and evil. They will have you aching to see them all burn. Their vileness had me gripping my kindle tightly needing to know what they would do next. It made the story heartbreaking but utterly captivating because you never knew what their depraved minds would think up next.
This story was fascinating, well written and thrilling from start to finish. I spent my time crying and being angry right to the very end. And that ending OMG! I was not expecting it to end that way! How much can one person endure!
I need the rest of this story NOW!
”Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” - Alexandre Dumas (The Count of Monte Cristo)
WOW! This is the first story I have read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. The way that this story was written had me all riled up and ready to punch something. The angst and intense hate written on every page had my stomach in knots and my head spinning out of control. I have never felt so much hatred for characters in a story as I did with this one. I was seething with rage and hate. I may have punched my pillow a few times and screamed out loud over it.
The intensity of the emotions the characters go through was tortuous and gut-wrenching to read. Oliver had stolen my heart right from the start and I was gutted with everything he has gone through and all of the unnecessary bullying he deals with on a daily basis. There is so much depth to him but his demons are a brutal reminder that he is not like everyone else and will always be an outsider.
The side characters in Oliver’s life are unscrupulous, depraved and evil. They will have you aching to see them all burn. Their vileness had me gripping my kindle tightly needing to know what they would do next. It made the story heartbreaking but utterly captivating because you never knew what their depraved minds would think up next.
This story was fascinating, well written and thrilling from start to finish. I spent my time crying and being angry right to the very end. And that ending OMG! I was not expecting it to end that way! How much can one person endure!
I need the rest of this story NOW!
”Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” - Alexandre Dumas (The Count of Monte Cristo)
October 3, 2021
4.5 🌟
Oh man! What a ride! My heart is aching right now! Let me regroup my feelings and thoughts to be able to write something understandable!!
UPDATE:
Ok, here we go! This was my first read by the author and I must say that I really enjoyed her writing style. The story was fluid and fast paced, we don’t have time to get bored at all.
This is also my first reverse bully romance, and it’s really good for a change!
Now to the characters. We can’t help but fall in love with Oliver! The poor guy went through a lot since a little kid, and life hasn’t been kind to him at all! At times I really wanted to shake him and wanted him to get angry and just react!! But I get that he’s only known that kind of treatment, and as he said, gotten addicted to it in a sick way! But in the end of book 1, he just had enough! And I can’t wait to start the second book of this duet. The last few chapters were pretty hard and painful! (Check the TW).
However, Paige!! Ughhh… this girl is something! I felt like she isn’t a bad person deep down, she just has been conditioned since a young age to treat “insignificant” people like trash! But man… what a bish! At some point, I really believed she changed and I started to actually like her, but then she had to ruin it all with that awful ending!!! I don’t know how she’s gonna redeem herself after all the wrong she has caused! That’s unforgivable!!!
I’m looking forward to see how the author is gonna wrap up the story in “The Tyrant Prince”❤️
Oh man! What a ride! My heart is aching right now! Let me regroup my feelings and thoughts to be able to write something understandable!!
UPDATE:
Ok, here we go! This was my first read by the author and I must say that I really enjoyed her writing style. The story was fluid and fast paced, we don’t have time to get bored at all.
This is also my first reverse bully romance, and it’s really good for a change!
Now to the characters. We can’t help but fall in love with Oliver! The poor guy went through a lot since a little kid, and life hasn’t been kind to him at all! At times I really wanted to shake him and wanted him to get angry and just react!! But I get that he’s only known that kind of treatment, and as he said, gotten addicted to it in a sick way! But in the end of book 1, he just had enough! And I can’t wait to start the second book of this duet. The last few chapters were pretty hard and painful! (Check the TW).
However, Paige!! Ughhh… this girl is something! I felt like she isn’t a bad person deep down, she just has been conditioned since a young age to treat “insignificant” people like trash! But man… what a bish! At some point, I really believed she changed and I started to actually like her, but then she had to ruin it all with that awful ending!!! I don’t know how she’s gonna redeem herself after all the wrong she has caused! That’s unforgivable!!!
I’m looking forward to see how the author is gonna wrap up the story in “The Tyrant Prince”❤️
June 30, 2021
There are so many things that I want to say about The Stable Boy, but no words can describe how much in love I am with this story. It was everything that I never knew I needed. Like seriously, this book brings out many different emotions inside of me. Sadness, happiness, frustration, anger, giddiness, sorrow, empathy, and so many more. Let's just say that this book captivated me and got me hooked from the beginning till the end. I was able to finish everything in one seating because I couldn't get enough.
Talking about the characters, Oliver is pretty soft yet strong and independent. He's been hurt so many times and yet it didn't break him. I seriously adore him for that. Whereas for Paige, she's very sassy, mean, strong headed, egoistic, but she's not entirely bad. In fact, she has her own kind nature where she truly cares for Oliver and regretted with the way she mistreated him. When you read the book, you will finally understand why she ended up becoming that way.
Also, I just loved the relationship between Oliver and Paige. Yes, they didn't have a good start but that didn't mean that the connection isn't there. In one way or another, they have always been attracted to each other and when they decided to pursue it into something more, that is when everything started to change. The forbidden romance that these two served will make you root for them until the very end.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and I highly recommend to everyone to try out this book. If you want to read a book that brings you into an angsty emotional roller-coaster ride, then this book is definitely for you. Believe me, the angst in this book is no joke. I ended up crying in the last few chapters because it was so heartbreaking. Therefore, this proves that Zee Shine Storm has greatly delivered the story of Oliver and Paige. It was very well written and I just loved the development of the entire story.
Now, I'm anxiously waiting for the sequel because the cliffhanger in this book kills me, and I know that it would be more painful than The Stable Boy. Even so, I really excited to read about future events between Oliver and Paige.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review ~
Talking about the characters, Oliver is pretty soft yet strong and independent. He's been hurt so many times and yet it didn't break him. I seriously adore him for that. Whereas for Paige, she's very sassy, mean, strong headed, egoistic, but she's not entirely bad. In fact, she has her own kind nature where she truly cares for Oliver and regretted with the way she mistreated him. When you read the book, you will finally understand why she ended up becoming that way.
Also, I just loved the relationship between Oliver and Paige. Yes, they didn't have a good start but that didn't mean that the connection isn't there. In one way or another, they have always been attracted to each other and when they decided to pursue it into something more, that is when everything started to change. The forbidden romance that these two served will make you root for them until the very end.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and I highly recommend to everyone to try out this book. If you want to read a book that brings you into an angsty emotional roller-coaster ride, then this book is definitely for you. Believe me, the angst in this book is no joke. I ended up crying in the last few chapters because it was so heartbreaking. Therefore, this proves that Zee Shine Storm has greatly delivered the story of Oliver and Paige. It was very well written and I just loved the development of the entire story.
Now, I'm anxiously waiting for the sequel because the cliffhanger in this book kills me, and I know that it would be more painful than The Stable Boy. Even so, I really excited to read about future events between Oliver and Paige.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review ~
Read
June 30, 2021 ARC for honest review
Can you sue an author for creating absolute havoc of your feelings? Please let me know because this author owes me big time.
I vaguely knew it was a reverse bully story but hell, I thought it would be one of those books that have more romance than bullying. You know the ones where the bullying is tame and the bully is redeemable and as soon as the romance starts, you forget all bout the bullying? Yeah, no. This is definitely not one of those.
Lord, nothing could prepare me for what this book actually contained.
The chaotic combination of angst, depression, vulnerability, joy & heart touching moments in this story was everything I'd been yearning for in a book but couldn't find. Or rather, I did find but it didn't punch me in the gut like this one did. Hard. Several times.
The characters Oliver and Paige managed to evoke so many emotions out of me, I felt like a different person in every single chapter. One moment I was sad. The next I was in awe. Then I was livid. I feel like a wet cloth that's been wrung out one too many times.
Yet the most frustrating thing has to be how confused I felt about the main couple. I loved them together and I hated them together.
This story is not pretty. It's not sunshine and rainbows and it's not a typical teenage bully love story gone right.
It's raw. It's ugly and it's more heart break than joy.
This story opened my eyes to an issue that's bigger than just a plot in a book. Abuse to those vulnerable/disabled is a real issue in the world that we need to tackle and continue spreading awareness.
I'm glad this was the book that broke my Zee Shine Storm virginity since I hadn't discovered this author before. Now onto stalking her backlist....
To sum it up: A 5 star read. One of the best books of 2021. Fuck you, Paige Hamilton. Go get them, Oliver.
Can you sue an author for creating absolute havoc of your feelings? Please let me know because this author owes me big time.
I vaguely knew it was a reverse bully story but hell, I thought it would be one of those books that have more romance than bullying. You know the ones where the bullying is tame and the bully is redeemable and as soon as the romance starts, you forget all bout the bullying? Yeah, no. This is definitely not one of those.
Lord, nothing could prepare me for what this book actually contained.
The chaotic combination of angst, depression, vulnerability, joy & heart touching moments in this story was everything I'd been yearning for in a book but couldn't find. Or rather, I did find but it didn't punch me in the gut like this one did. Hard. Several times.
The characters Oliver and Paige managed to evoke so many emotions out of me, I felt like a different person in every single chapter. One moment I was sad. The next I was in awe. Then I was livid. I feel like a wet cloth that's been wrung out one too many times.
Yet the most frustrating thing has to be how confused I felt about the main couple. I loved them together and I hated them together.
This story is not pretty. It's not sunshine and rainbows and it's not a typical teenage bully love story gone right.
It's raw. It's ugly and it's more heart break than joy.
This story opened my eyes to an issue that's bigger than just a plot in a book. Abuse to those vulnerable/disabled is a real issue in the world that we need to tackle and continue spreading awareness.
I'm glad this was the book that broke my Zee Shine Storm virginity since I hadn't discovered this author before. Now onto stalking her backlist....
To sum it up: A 5 star read. One of the best books of 2021. Fuck you, Paige Hamilton. Go get them, Oliver.
June 30, 2021
Oh wow.. this book was so interesting and different to anything I’ve read before! It was super sad and really made you think and feel alllll the feels.
Oliver.. sweet, sweet Oliver 🥺 he just broke my heart. He’s mute and has spent his whole teenage years being bullied by his ‘foster sister’. He was just such a complex character, he had been through so much trauma in his short life and he didn’t deserve any of the abuse he got, I just wanted to cuddle him 😭
And Paige.. she’s a tough one to dissect! She is AWFUL to Oliver, like horrifically awful! But she’s been bought up with those values and beliefs by her dad who is an evil man. You can never justify her behaviour but it’s what she’s been taught and you want better for her too!
God, this was a tough read. I’m lucky enough to never has experienced bullying myself but this just really hit me hard. People can be awful! I’d definitely recommend this book and I seriously can’t wait for the second as the ending destroyed me. Amazing work yet again by this author!
Oliver.. sweet, sweet Oliver 🥺 he just broke my heart. He’s mute and has spent his whole teenage years being bullied by his ‘foster sister’. He was just such a complex character, he had been through so much trauma in his short life and he didn’t deserve any of the abuse he got, I just wanted to cuddle him 😭
And Paige.. she’s a tough one to dissect! She is AWFUL to Oliver, like horrifically awful! But she’s been bought up with those values and beliefs by her dad who is an evil man. You can never justify her behaviour but it’s what she’s been taught and you want better for her too!
God, this was a tough read. I’m lucky enough to never has experienced bullying myself but this just really hit me hard. People can be awful! I’d definitely recommend this book and I seriously can’t wait for the second as the ending destroyed me. Amazing work yet again by this author!
September 6, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
*Please take the author’s Trigger Warning very seriously 🖤*
OMG 🤭 This book absolutely ripped my heart right out 😭😭😭 What Oliver has been through in his short life is just horrible!! He is exposed to vile and evil people 💔 This story is about two people, who are so broken inside, but deal with it in two totally different ways.
Oliver is mute. He just wants somebody to love him. He is pulled out of foster care to go work on a farm, as “free labor.” Nothing is free though. Paige’s family are mean bullies!! Even though Paige is also hurting inside, her coping mechanism is to treat Oliver horribly!! She mercilessly bullies him!! These two desperately want to show each other kindness, but unfortunately due to their life circumstances, that just can’t happen.
I would really love to see Oliver have an HEA ♥️ He so desperately deserves it!! I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story in Book 2!!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK (BRING TISSUES 😭🤧) 💙
*Please take the author’s Trigger Warning very seriously 🖤*
OMG 🤭 This book absolutely ripped my heart right out 😭😭😭 What Oliver has been through in his short life is just horrible!! He is exposed to vile and evil people 💔 This story is about two people, who are so broken inside, but deal with it in two totally different ways.
Oliver is mute. He just wants somebody to love him. He is pulled out of foster care to go work on a farm, as “free labor.” Nothing is free though. Paige’s family are mean bullies!! Even though Paige is also hurting inside, her coping mechanism is to treat Oliver horribly!! She mercilessly bullies him!! These two desperately want to show each other kindness, but unfortunately due to their life circumstances, that just can’t happen.
I would really love to see Oliver have an HEA ♥️ He so desperately deserves it!! I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story in Book 2!!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK (BRING TISSUES 😭🤧) 💙
July 20, 2021
Reverse bully
The plot is original , is like a mix between Oliver Twist and the Conde of Monte Cristo.
It can be disturbing to read how Oliver was treated since a very early age. With nothing but cruelty and being a slave. The h was a bully , but she was a mirror of her environment. Once she begging to understand better things she started to change her behavior.
Oliver can to this family to be fostered (at 12 years old) but was treated as a slave. Not even went to school. He was muted. h was a princess , and in the beginning did try to be is friend but with time just started to behave as the adults she saw. Oliver grows up, and at 17, she starts to try to make things better. Eventually they fall in love . Not nothings is easy . Years of abuse, a society that is prone to that.
Also lots of pretty steamy scenes…
The book end in a hug cliffhanger….
Written in dual POV ( h and H) in the 1st person.
Can’t wait to read book 2.
The plot is original , is like a mix between Oliver Twist and the Conde of Monte Cristo.
It can be disturbing to read how Oliver was treated since a very early age. With nothing but cruelty and being a slave. The h was a bully , but she was a mirror of her environment. Once she begging to understand better things she started to change her behavior.
Oliver can to this family to be fostered (at 12 years old) but was treated as a slave. Not even went to school. He was muted. h was a princess , and in the beginning did try to be is friend but with time just started to behave as the adults she saw. Oliver grows up, and at 17, she starts to try to make things better. Eventually they fall in love . Not nothings is easy . Years of abuse, a society that is prone to that.
Also lots of pretty steamy scenes…
The book end in a hug cliffhanger….
Written in dual POV ( h and H) in the 1st person.
Can’t wait to read book 2.
October 5, 2021
Having picked up Ms.Storm's work for the first time recently I've been wanting to pick up more of her books! As soon as i found out about the Dreamhaven Duet I knew i had to read these two books next! I picked this one up as soon as i could and got into this world.
From beginning to end I felt so many things! This first book in Oliver and Paige's journey isn't an easy one and I really liked the way it brought out my emotions throughout. I wanted to hug Oliver through my kindle.
With The Stable Boy, Ms.Storm has created a good read that will pull you in! It's dark and there are triggers that you can find out more about in the synopsis. I am looking forward to picking up book two, The Tyrant Prince next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
From beginning to end I felt so many things! This first book in Oliver and Paige's journey isn't an easy one and I really liked the way it brought out my emotions throughout. I wanted to hug Oliver through my kindle.
With The Stable Boy, Ms.Storm has created a good read that will pull you in! It's dark and there are triggers that you can find out more about in the synopsis. I am looking forward to picking up book two, The Tyrant Prince next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
June 23, 2021
ARC Review by The Dragon Den
* * * * *
Wow! What a read! The torture and brutality that Oliver has to go through, and the way Paige was raised and still acts throughout the book. The bullying and the blossoming romance, the conspiracies and the lies, the love and the hate. It was one whole bomb of beautiful trauma and tragedy and impending revenge. So many people I want to see in pain and dead right now! And there is one certain girl I want to punch in the face, I mean, HOW COULD SHE DO THAT?
Plus...THAT ENDING! OH I SO CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK. I mean, damn!
* * * * *
Wow! What a read! The torture and brutality that Oliver has to go through, and the way Paige was raised and still acts throughout the book. The bullying and the blossoming romance, the conspiracies and the lies, the love and the hate. It was one whole bomb of beautiful trauma and tragedy and impending revenge. So many people I want to see in pain and dead right now! And there is one certain girl I want to punch in the face, I mean, HOW COULD SHE DO THAT?
Plus...THAT ENDING! OH I SO CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK. I mean, damn!
August 24, 2021
The rich girl and the stable boy
I'll just start off with the fact that I devoured this book..my heart is bleeding for Oliver, the treatment, the bullying and I have probably never hated an FMC more than Paige. I really hope she gets what she deserves in the next book. I can't wait to see Oliver get his retribution on them all.
This does end on a cliffhanger but it leaves you wanting more.
4.5 stars
I'll just start off with the fact that I devoured this book..my heart is bleeding for Oliver, the treatment, the bullying and I have probably never hated an FMC more than Paige. I really hope she gets what she deserves in the next book. I can't wait to see Oliver get his retribution on them all.
This does end on a cliffhanger but it leaves you wanting more.
4.5 stars
October 6, 2024
despicable despicable heroine!!!!! need her to suffer immensely in the next book
in fact need everyone apart from the hero and maybe rayne (though she’s still a little complicit) to suffer immensely!!!!!
also this is such a dark book that the whiplash i got from reading the last page to the playlist and seeing love story by taylor swift there was insane. didn’t even get that vibe from them at all!! seriously fuck the heroine she was no julietesque character here.
read it in one go so now im writing this at 6am. fuck my sleeping schedule tbh because im immediately starting the next book after this.
in fact need everyone apart from the hero and maybe rayne (though she’s still a little complicit) to suffer immensely!!!!!
also this is such a dark book that the whiplash i got from reading the last page to the playlist and seeing love story by taylor swift there was insane. didn’t even get that vibe from them at all!! seriously fuck the heroine she was no julietesque character here.
read it in one go so now im writing this at 6am. fuck my sleeping schedule tbh because im immediately starting the next book after this.
October 25, 2023
5 stars
This book devastated me.. it hasn’t let me breathe since i started it 😭 the mean girl trope? TOP TIER 🤌🏼 oliver has my heart
Probably my top 5 fav book of the year aahhhh
This book devastated me.. it hasn’t let me breathe since i started it 😭 the mean girl trope? TOP TIER 🤌🏼 oliver has my heart
Probably my top 5 fav book of the year aahhhh
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