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My name is Harper Apple, and people say I’m rotten to the core.
And they’re right.
I got what I wanted. I bowed to the tyrants, gambled all I had, and won. I’ve finally earned a coveted spot as a Dolce girl at the table of the most powerful boys in school.
Now I’m going to destroy them.
Navigating the halls of Willow Heights as a Dolce girls is no easy task, and doing with ulterior motives only makes it more difficult. With the Dolce boys always watching and the Bitch Pack eager to see me fall, nothing is guaranteed. I can’t forget for even a moment that this is all a game, that Royal is still intent on breaking me.
Not if I can break him first.
Though my heart and body belong to Royal Dolce, I can’t let his twisted games break my mind, too. I have to stay sharp and gain the one thing I haven’t gotten yet—his trust.
But when I find out his secrets, will I be strong to reveal them to his enemy? Or have my own loyalties shifted along with my heart?
And they’re right.
I got what I wanted. I bowed to the tyrants, gambled all I had, and won. I’ve finally earned a coveted spot as a Dolce girl at the table of the most powerful boys in school.
Now I’m going to destroy them.
Navigating the halls of Willow Heights as a Dolce girls is no easy task, and doing with ulterior motives only makes it more difficult. With the Dolce boys always watching and the Bitch Pack eager to see me fall, nothing is guaranteed. I can’t forget for even a moment that this is all a game, that Royal is still intent on breaking me.
Not if I can break him first.
Though my heart and body belong to Royal Dolce, I can’t let his twisted games break my mind, too. I have to stay sharp and gain the one thing I haven’t gotten yet—his trust.
But when I find out his secrets, will I be strong to reveal them to his enemy? Or have my own loyalties shifted along with my heart?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2021
719 people are currently reading
1644 people want to read
About the author
Selena .
37 books1,309 followersYou might not guess it when you pick up your first Selena novel, but Selena is a true romantic. She writes gritty, realistic New Adult contemporary novels with characters you'll love to hate and hate to love.
If reading about teens behaving badly upsets you, steer clear because these are full of drama, angst, fighting, drugs, sex, and rock & roll. There will be times you want to throw your Kindle. There will be lying, cheating, bullying, backstabbing, violence, and hard-earned, sweet redemption for those who won't give up on love. Because life's not always picture perfect, but every heart, no matter how broken and damaged, deserves love.
If reading about teens behaving badly upsets you, steer clear because these are full of drama, angst, fighting, drugs, sex, and rock & roll. There will be times you want to throw your Kindle. There will be lying, cheating, bullying, backstabbing, violence, and hard-earned, sweet redemption for those who won't give up on love. Because life's not always picture perfect, but every heart, no matter how broken and damaged, deserves love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
July 3, 2021
Holy f*ing heart palpitations!
“Scream and I’ll cum so deep inside you that it changes your fucking DNA,” he growls.
This series keeps getting better and better. From the hot and cold turbulence of Harper and Royal's relationship to the discoveries revealed, I could barely breath as my eyes ravaged the pages of this book. Harper continues to be her fiery personality with perceptible vulnerability -- a good girl who does bad things -- while Royal remains the broody, brawny dominant leader who challenges your feelings. Book 3 continues the evolution of their relationship and a gradual, angst-filled, peeling away of the mysteries in Faulkner, rivalries, and power struggles enriched with character development, a boys club, and unleashed passion. Oh, and let's not forget the pivotal Mr. D.
If I didn't love Royal in previous books (and I did), I'm crazy for him now as more of his points of view are showcased intermixed with his cathartic poetry, and despite the cold, dark, and detached exterior, he remains one of the most emotionally complex and compelling character I've come across. Royal Dolce, fiercely possessive, conflicted, and troubled -- a monster?, claims Harper as his own while simultaneously holding back.
One side of him is passionate and possessive and protective, and I can love and understand that side. The other side...is none of those things. The other side is cruel, cold, and vindictive.
And harder still as their emotions begin to unravel. Harper, resilient, resourceful but empathetic adapts, sometimes uncomfortably, to challenges thrown her way; and Royal is always at the forefront. Despite being on different sides to the economic tracks, Harper and Royal are perfectly suited, characteristically matched, in spirit and in personality -- flawed, jaded, complex, and inventive. They do what it takes, at all costs.
The dark side of him is another half of my soul, the reflection in my own mirror.
Always an undercurrent of tension and grittiness, their sexual chemistry is magnetic, a gravitational pull that draws Royal and Harper together, and it is simply explosive. This book is steamy, no holds barred, demanding, ripe in power exchanges enacted by Royal to which Harper with a mental reluctance but emotional wantonness accedes. Their relationship represents not so much darkness shrouding lightness, rather emptiness enveloping shards of darkness until consumed. Theirs is a feral, combustible passion, and the steam is noteworthy, high, shattering. This story soothed my desire for dark themes, but sensitive readers may find pause. Do consider the warnings. (I.e. Delicate flowers, heed the warnings.)
A medium pace tinged with trepidation, the action really picks up in this book. Having paved the groundwork in books 1 and 2, this story is full throttle. Revisits to the infamous bridge, camaraderie at school lunches, football games and parties, underground fights, and general mayhem, there is never a dull moment, never a moment to ponder. Shocks to my system allowed only thoughts of "what is going to happen next"? Along with the intense unfolding, integral contributions from key side characters added to the angst including Dolce brothers Baron and Duke; Dolce family members, friends, and allies -- their father, first Dolce girl Gloria, blogger Dixie, and football team members; as well as the unseen influences of the most absent Darlings and an underground society (mobster?) influence. The plot line abounds in retribution, intrigue, and disquiet all steeped in a gritty, tenebrous undercurrent of distrust and feeling.
The story is like watching a train headed for collision and being unable to stop it because the exhilaration is worth all the risk.
So no matter what Harper does, no matter how she feels or how I feel, it doesn't change the ending.
The writing style is riveting, sufficiently descriptive to visualize events, character interactions, and feel emotions. Great balance of prose and dialogue as well as excellent showing technique. The author also beneficially and strategically included backstory, crucial historical events of the first series Willow Heights Prep Academy: The Elite that provided insight into the motivations, misdeeds, and current situation of the characters. Simply stellar job of infusing past with present further inspiring attachment and emotional response to the storyline and outcome.
Thawed but still flaming, this couple's tumultuous love is a riveting, soul-searing experience. And who can't love a bad, broken boy and survivor girl? More mind-blowing secrets are revealed while the mystery grows. That ending was one of the best I've experienced, and the most gutting. I can't wait for the next book. I so love this series.
“Scream and I’ll cum so deep inside you that it changes your fucking DNA,” he growls.
This series keeps getting better and better. From the hot and cold turbulence of Harper and Royal's relationship to the discoveries revealed, I could barely breath as my eyes ravaged the pages of this book. Harper continues to be her fiery personality with perceptible vulnerability -- a good girl who does bad things -- while Royal remains the broody, brawny dominant leader who challenges your feelings. Book 3 continues the evolution of their relationship and a gradual, angst-filled, peeling away of the mysteries in Faulkner, rivalries, and power struggles enriched with character development, a boys club, and unleashed passion. Oh, and let's not forget the pivotal Mr. D.
If I didn't love Royal in previous books (and I did), I'm crazy for him now as more of his points of view are showcased intermixed with his cathartic poetry, and despite the cold, dark, and detached exterior, he remains one of the most emotionally complex and compelling character I've come across. Royal Dolce, fiercely possessive, conflicted, and troubled -- a monster?, claims Harper as his own while simultaneously holding back.
One side of him is passionate and possessive and protective, and I can love and understand that side. The other side...is none of those things. The other side is cruel, cold, and vindictive.
And harder still as their emotions begin to unravel. Harper, resilient, resourceful but empathetic adapts, sometimes uncomfortably, to challenges thrown her way; and Royal is always at the forefront. Despite being on different sides to the economic tracks, Harper and Royal are perfectly suited, characteristically matched, in spirit and in personality -- flawed, jaded, complex, and inventive. They do what it takes, at all costs.
The dark side of him is another half of my soul, the reflection in my own mirror.
Always an undercurrent of tension and grittiness, their sexual chemistry is magnetic, a gravitational pull that draws Royal and Harper together, and it is simply explosive. This book is steamy, no holds barred, demanding, ripe in power exchanges enacted by Royal to which Harper with a mental reluctance but emotional wantonness accedes. Their relationship represents not so much darkness shrouding lightness, rather emptiness enveloping shards of darkness until consumed. Theirs is a feral, combustible passion, and the steam is noteworthy, high, shattering. This story soothed my desire for dark themes, but sensitive readers may find pause. Do consider the warnings. (I.e. Delicate flowers, heed the warnings.)
A medium pace tinged with trepidation, the action really picks up in this book. Having paved the groundwork in books 1 and 2, this story is full throttle. Revisits to the infamous bridge, camaraderie at school lunches, football games and parties, underground fights, and general mayhem, there is never a dull moment, never a moment to ponder. Shocks to my system allowed only thoughts of "what is going to happen next"? Along with the intense unfolding, integral contributions from key side characters added to the angst including Dolce brothers Baron and Duke; Dolce family members, friends, and allies -- their father, first Dolce girl Gloria, blogger Dixie, and football team members; as well as the unseen influences of the most absent Darlings and an underground society (mobster?) influence. The plot line abounds in retribution, intrigue, and disquiet all steeped in a gritty, tenebrous undercurrent of distrust and feeling.
The story is like watching a train headed for collision and being unable to stop it because the exhilaration is worth all the risk.
So no matter what Harper does, no matter how she feels or how I feel, it doesn't change the ending.
The writing style is riveting, sufficiently descriptive to visualize events, character interactions, and feel emotions. Great balance of prose and dialogue as well as excellent showing technique. The author also beneficially and strategically included backstory, crucial historical events of the first series Willow Heights Prep Academy: The Elite that provided insight into the motivations, misdeeds, and current situation of the characters. Simply stellar job of infusing past with present further inspiring attachment and emotional response to the storyline and outcome.
Thawed but still flaming, this couple's tumultuous love is a riveting, soul-searing experience. And who can't love a bad, broken boy and survivor girl? More mind-blowing secrets are revealed while the mystery grows. That ending was one of the best I've experienced, and the most gutting. I can't wait for the next book. I so love this series.
July 3, 2021
The hero let his brothers rape her, unless she kills them all in the next book, this series worth nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
Whew! This was definitely a heavy book to read. Definitely the most fucked up book of the series so far.
There is dubcon AND noncon.
This is not a romance.
This is about a family destroying anyone that has an ounce of blood of their enemy running through their veins.
Selena takes these characters to the opposite direction of were you think they are going. I think the majority of readers are vying for a romance. But you get the complete opposite. And I think this is why I genuinely am obsessed with this author because she does not write anything that is predictable. I’m still at loss for words over the ending. It was so damn hard to read and brutal. It was nothing how I expected this story to go but it completely fits the characters. The boys in this book have no redeeming qualities about them. They absolutely love to destroy, pillage, rape. They do not care. They do not care about others feelings or consequences. They are kings in their world. In the fictional world I’m totally OK with reading about them. In the real world these are the monsters that would absolutely terrifying you if you were stuck in a school with them.
**********
Actual Review:
Willow Heights: Preparatory Academy: The Exile
Book Three: Boys Club
Harper Apple is falling. She’s desperately falling for the one guy that she should not be falling for. And that is Royal Dolce.
When I tell you that this is a really really dark character, I’m not exaggerating. He has very little, if none, redeeming qualities about him. Royal was kidnapped and tortured in another series of books that was his sister Crystal’s love story. We still don’t know the details of what happened to him, although we can guess through some hints here and there but whatever happened to him made him extremely unresponsive to any type of emotion or care for anybody. And that includes himself.
The Dolce Family took over this town and are the kings their own world. The brothers that are still in high school rule the school. They get away with everything. These brothers have been raised without suffering any type of consequences. So it is a little bit unnerving to hear them talk about fucking and raping and torturing and beating people up like it’s a casual affair.
Harper Apple has always had a secret agenda. She’s on a scholarship that is being funded by a mystery person through the Internet on the condition that she finds out information on the Dolce family and a secret club/cult that’s literally right under the high school.
Her emotions get blurred when she becomes entranced in Royals darkness.
“Though I always felt that darkness in him calling to me, I didn’t realize how truly I had answered, let my own darkness join him. “
* I want to let people know that there is quite a bit of dub/con and non/con that is in graphic detail between Royal and Harper.
While this book is under the dark romance category, this is not a romance at all. This is about two people who are complete enemies but also taking bits and pieces from each other for the benefit of themselves.
Royal at times shows vulnerability when he’s alone with Harper but he knows the blood that runs through her veins and never allows her to get too close.
“I hate the very blood that runs in her veins like a disease. I hate that she fucks with my head, my heart, even my body.”
Now Harper on the other hand, doesn’t know the blood that runs through her veins but she did come across some secrets about Royal that made her more empathetic to what happened to him and his past.
She knows what Royal and his brothers do is wrong. The fact that they can talk about raping girls all in the name of revenge, Harper makes one of the biggest decisions and outs secrets to the mysterious Internet guy. And it’s possibly one of her biggest mistakes because she lands herself in a horrific position that leaves her life on the fence. And the book absolutely leaves off on a devastating cliffhanger.
*Despite the dark content of this series, if I had to choose one author to highlight for the rest of the year to gain more exposure, I would choose Selena. This has to be one of the best series I have truly ever read. We have two people coming from the opposite side of the tracks. Both fighters in their own worlds. Both with extreme trauma. Both hold devastating secrets. And while Harper gets put through some horrific stuff from the Dolce brothers, you can’t help but continue reading because of Selena’s amazing depraved writing style. The way this book ended, I’m telling you it’s extremely dark and honestly I was really sad. I was rooting so hard for the characters to go the complete opposite direction. And this author took it to a whole other dimension. Irredeemable actions. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for the next book honestly. I don’t know how the author is going to play this series out where there is an HEA for someone. Anyone.
This series is anything but predictable. And that’s what I love. This author it’s not afraid to put loved characters in shitty situations with no HEA (yet)
Take Colt Darling for example. 😭
if you want your emotions played with, I highly suggest looking this author up!
There is dubcon AND noncon.
This is not a romance.
This is about a family destroying anyone that has an ounce of blood of their enemy running through their veins.
Selena takes these characters to the opposite direction of were you think they are going. I think the majority of readers are vying for a romance. But you get the complete opposite. And I think this is why I genuinely am obsessed with this author because she does not write anything that is predictable. I’m still at loss for words over the ending. It was so damn hard to read and brutal. It was nothing how I expected this story to go but it completely fits the characters. The boys in this book have no redeeming qualities about them. They absolutely love to destroy, pillage, rape. They do not care. They do not care about others feelings or consequences. They are kings in their world. In the fictional world I’m totally OK with reading about them. In the real world these are the monsters that would absolutely terrifying you if you were stuck in a school with them.
**********
Actual Review:
Willow Heights: Preparatory Academy: The Exile
Book Three: Boys Club
Harper Apple is falling. She’s desperately falling for the one guy that she should not be falling for. And that is Royal Dolce.
When I tell you that this is a really really dark character, I’m not exaggerating. He has very little, if none, redeeming qualities about him. Royal was kidnapped and tortured in another series of books that was his sister Crystal’s love story. We still don’t know the details of what happened to him, although we can guess through some hints here and there but whatever happened to him made him extremely unresponsive to any type of emotion or care for anybody. And that includes himself.
The Dolce Family took over this town and are the kings their own world. The brothers that are still in high school rule the school. They get away with everything. These brothers have been raised without suffering any type of consequences. So it is a little bit unnerving to hear them talk about fucking and raping and torturing and beating people up like it’s a casual affair.
Harper Apple has always had a secret agenda. She’s on a scholarship that is being funded by a mystery person through the Internet on the condition that she finds out information on the Dolce family and a secret club/cult that’s literally right under the high school.
Her emotions get blurred when she becomes entranced in Royals darkness.
“Though I always felt that darkness in him calling to me, I didn’t realize how truly I had answered, let my own darkness join him. “
* I want to let people know that there is quite a bit of dub/con and non/con that is in graphic detail between Royal and Harper.
While this book is under the dark romance category, this is not a romance at all. This is about two people who are complete enemies but also taking bits and pieces from each other for the benefit of themselves.
Royal at times shows vulnerability when he’s alone with Harper but he knows the blood that runs through her veins and never allows her to get too close.
“I hate the very blood that runs in her veins like a disease. I hate that she fucks with my head, my heart, even my body.”
Now Harper on the other hand, doesn’t know the blood that runs through her veins but she did come across some secrets about Royal that made her more empathetic to what happened to him and his past.
She knows what Royal and his brothers do is wrong. The fact that they can talk about raping girls all in the name of revenge, Harper makes one of the biggest decisions and outs secrets to the mysterious Internet guy. And it’s possibly one of her biggest mistakes because she lands herself in a horrific position that leaves her life on the fence. And the book absolutely leaves off on a devastating cliffhanger.
*Despite the dark content of this series, if I had to choose one author to highlight for the rest of the year to gain more exposure, I would choose Selena. This has to be one of the best series I have truly ever read. We have two people coming from the opposite side of the tracks. Both fighters in their own worlds. Both with extreme trauma. Both hold devastating secrets. And while Harper gets put through some horrific stuff from the Dolce brothers, you can’t help but continue reading because of Selena’s amazing depraved writing style. The way this book ended, I’m telling you it’s extremely dark and honestly I was really sad. I was rooting so hard for the characters to go the complete opposite direction. And this author took it to a whole other dimension. Irredeemable actions. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for the next book honestly. I don’t know how the author is going to play this series out where there is an HEA for someone. Anyone.
This series is anything but predictable. And that’s what I love. This author it’s not afraid to put loved characters in shitty situations with no HEA (yet)
Take Colt Darling for example. 😭
if you want your emotions played with, I highly suggest looking this author up!
Read
July 4, 2021Sick. Disturbing. Glorifying rape. Horrifying content. Avoid reading at all costs. It makes me physically ill to think that someone could write such content, never mind go on to write sequels to excuse rape. This is setting a dangerous precedent to any impressionable reader. I do hope the author realises the damage this book could cause, potentially misleading someone to excuse abusive behaviour. Clear violation of Amazon content laws (with regards to rape). It baffles me how this even got published. I will definitely not read anything ever again by Selena. Disturbing scenes aside, I could barely hold interest in any of the book and flicked through quickly.
July 4, 2021
dnf @ 17%
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*editing to add: that yes, there was a trigger warning at the beginning of the book, and yes I ignored it because it takes A LOT to trigger me, but the constant use of sexual assault as a noncon/dubcon plot line just seems unnecessary and overdone at this point. The toxicity between Royal and Harper could still be portrayed without it. But if you like rape, go for it lol
*
*
*
*
*
*editing to add: that yes, there was a trigger warning at the beginning of the book, and yes I ignored it because it takes A LOT to trigger me, but the constant use of sexual assault as a noncon/dubcon plot line just seems unnecessary and overdone at this point. The toxicity between Royal and Harper could still be portrayed without it. But if you like rape, go for it lol
March 17, 2023
Don’t recommend. I’m too morbidly curious to see how the series ends so there will be updates on my page. Still, I just feel the need to reiterate that this was too much for me and bully romances are my favorite. Take that as you may.
July 31, 2022
Please check the trigger warnings.
All the characters frustrated me in this book. 😱 At this stage I think all the Dolces need to be admitted. 🤯 King seems to to be the only sane Dolce.😱 I need to know who Mr D is now!! 🤔
The Hockington Hotel drama....I wasn't a big fan of 😖....
*** Big 👍👍 to the author for providing the optional endings***
The author has given the reader the option to opt out at end of Chapt 24, or proceed to Chapt 25.
Chapt 24 - Royals POV (without the graphic scene)
Authors Note
"The last chapter is the same scene from Harper’s POV, told in more graphic detail. Please go on to Book 4 if you’re feeling triggered. Your safety comes first."
Chapter 25 - Harpers POV (with the graphic non con scene)
All the characters frustrated me in this book. 😱 At this stage I think all the Dolces need to be admitted. 🤯 King seems to to be the only sane Dolce.😱 I need to know who Mr D is now!! 🤔
The Hockington Hotel drama....I wasn't a big fan of 😖....
*** Big 👍👍 to the author for providing the optional endings***
The author has given the reader the option to opt out at end of Chapt 24, or proceed to Chapt 25.
Chapt 24 - Royals POV (without the graphic scene)
Authors Note
"The last chapter is the same scene from Harper’s POV, told in more graphic detail. Please go on to Book 4 if you’re feeling triggered. Your safety comes first."
Chapter 25 - Harpers POV (with the graphic non con scene)
July 8, 2021
Oh my god!! I am speechless!
I absolutely lovee this series. And I cannot wait to read the 4th book😭♥️
6 stars ⭐️
I absolutely lovee this series. And I cannot wait to read the 4th book😭♥️
6 stars ⭐️
January 28, 2022
❗️❗️❗️❌❌❌DO NOT READ THIS SERIES IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT, NON CON, DUB CON, FORCED ORGASMS❌❌❌❗️❗️❗️
This book was the worst for me in the series. The sexual assault scene was on another level than I have ever read before. I literally had to stop reading. & here’s the thing that truly gets me…we have this male character who apparently loves this heroine. He doesn’t admit it or truly understand it but he watches as his brothers assault this woman & then he tries to “apologize” & she actually ends up with him?!?! How?!?! Why?!?! This man left you there & you thought you were gang raped & you still forgive him & get back with him? Apple became a complete doormat & I can’t understand the reviews stating she is strong as hell. In terms of the assault, surviving, doing what she needed to do? Yes. In terms of standing up to this man & not letting him back in her life, no.
Then to make matters worse, the brothers have no remorse even later. & then she actually feels sorry for them. No. Just no.
& before anyone comes for me, again, I have read dark romance, bully romance, I have read mafia, captive & other books that push boundaries & I understood those books. Never have I ever read a heroine who does what Apple did or what the MMC did.
For the longest time, I wouldn’t review books if they had less than 3 stars but I can’t do that with this. People need trigger warnings for this book. The apparent “warning” this series gets, is not at all what should have been given.
This book was the worst for me in the series. The sexual assault scene was on another level than I have ever read before. I literally had to stop reading. & here’s the thing that truly gets me…we have this male character who apparently loves this heroine. He doesn’t admit it or truly understand it but he watches as his brothers assault this woman & then he tries to “apologize” & she actually ends up with him?!?! How?!?! Why?!?! This man left you there & you thought you were gang raped & you still forgive him & get back with him? Apple became a complete doormat & I can’t understand the reviews stating she is strong as hell. In terms of the assault, surviving, doing what she needed to do? Yes. In terms of standing up to this man & not letting him back in her life, no.
Then to make matters worse, the brothers have no remorse even later. & then she actually feels sorry for them. No. Just no.
& before anyone comes for me, again, I have read dark romance, bully romance, I have read mafia, captive & other books that push boundaries & I understood those books. Never have I ever read a heroine who does what Apple did or what the MMC did.
For the longest time, I wouldn’t review books if they had less than 3 stars but I can’t do that with this. People need trigger warnings for this book. The apparent “warning” this series gets, is not at all what should have been given.
July 5, 2021
What the fuck did I just read, I am still trying to process how the fuck I am going to last till November for the finale.
This book follows Harper and Royals extremely messed up relationship. I don't think I was prepared for the darkness that is in this book. This book completely surprised me because I just knew when things were going well, I was mentally telling myself that this is too good to be true. Unsurprisingly it was true and I was so right. The amount of grovelling Royal will have to do is tremendous. I have no idea how he is going to be forgiven. But I can't wait for the next book, I have no idea how I am waiting for November.
Read the triggers before reading this. I beg you to read them.
This book follows Harper and Royals extremely messed up relationship. I don't think I was prepared for the darkness that is in this book. This book completely surprised me because I just knew when things were going well, I was mentally telling myself that this is too good to be true. Unsurprisingly it was true and I was so right. The amount of grovelling Royal will have to do is tremendous. I have no idea how he is going to be forgiven. But I can't wait for the next book, I have no idea how I am waiting for November.
Read the triggers before reading this. I beg you to read them.
April 15, 2022
Not even sure I can put my thoughts logically into words. Seriously. *chefs kiss* for this twisted book!!
*Some generic spoilers below!!!*
.
.
.
.
.
First, Royal. What the fuck, dude. Is he truly so lost that he is that completely evil and heartless? I want to root for him, I really do but fuck he’s making it hard.
Second, Harper. Until the very last of the book where she was completely assaulted, I wasn’t feeling sorry for her. She was trying to take them down. She had her own agenda. She was spilling secrets. All willingly. And then with Colt, she just basically forgets about him. Like doesn’t really give him a second thought? Because of Royal or what but I was like wth??
The Twins. I can’t even discuss them right now. The last scene was utterly devastating. I currently hate them.
Gloria. I can’t figure her out.
I have no idea how Harper gets past this. How is this even forgivable??? Why would she WANT to forgive them. She gonna be hella mad is what I’m thinking.
God why do I have to wait until October for the next book!!!
*Some generic spoilers below!!!*
.
.
.
.
.
First, Royal. What the fuck, dude. Is he truly so lost that he is that completely evil and heartless? I want to root for him, I really do but fuck he’s making it hard.
Second, Harper. Until the very last of the book where she was completely assaulted, I wasn’t feeling sorry for her. She was trying to take them down. She had her own agenda. She was spilling secrets. All willingly. And then with Colt, she just basically forgets about him. Like doesn’t really give him a second thought? Because of Royal or what but I was like wth??
The Twins. I can’t even discuss them right now. The last scene was utterly devastating. I currently hate them.
Gloria. I can’t figure her out.
I have no idea how Harper gets past this. How is this even forgivable??? Why would she WANT to forgive them. She gonna be hella mad is what I’m thinking.
God why do I have to wait until October for the next book!!!
January 12, 2022
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Bully romance series. Each book gets better and better.
September 3, 2021
Revenge Dolce Style. Secrets are Finally Spilled. Vengeance is Delivered
Book three down in the Willow Heights Prep, series, and Royal and Harpers twisted, dark relationship becomes more intense.
As the two get closer, secrets are revealed.
Secrets that Harper has been desperate to find out about before the mysterious
”Mr D” withdraws her scholarship funding from WHPS,.
He’s been paying for her education and now he wants the dirt on the Dolce’s.
So, as Harper finds herself in more precarious situation as a “ Dolce Girl” and as Royals “play thing” her creepy benefactor “Mr D” demands more and more intel, on the nefarious family and their dirty dealings.
This leaves Harper battling her own demons re: her S*** upbringing
AND!
Her ever growing conflicted feelings regarding Royal.
Just as things look like they are peachy between these two, and that they have excepted their head butting ways.
An incident happens in the school car park that sparks the Dolce’s into action.
Thus, forcing Harper to see them for who they truly may be.
She KNEW they were bad.
She KNEW they were twisted and broken
YET!
She always thought she could get through to them because, Like recognises like.
She could look into Royals eyes and see he was just as broken as she was.
She had witnessed little bit of humanity in Duke, and even Baron had his moments.
However, nothing, NOTHING could prepare her for the kind of vengeance they would bring down on her once her secret was out.
This book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
The underlying plot re: The Midnight Swans” was interesting, and kept me intrigued.
The behaviour of the Dolce Boys was just the right amount of depravity that I was down for.
They were deliciously EVIL, and I LOVED it.
Once again Harper was the one character that I found the most frustrating.
She gets too “into” her own head to much.
She over thinks the smallest thing! …For pages and pages.
Plus, sometimes I just wished that she DIDN’T have smart a** answer for everything.
And, can I just say….
This girl deserves a gold medal for making rash decisions and ending up in S***!
She NEVER, EVER, learns.
But!
I guess it fills out the pages with Harper drama.
Followed by pages, and pages of self analysis.
Overall, though I am enjoying this series.
I read this book in one day.
Also is it mean of me to hope that these two DON’T get their HEA?
Because, quite frankly it would suspend belief for that to happen at this point.
Especially since we already had a similar scenario in the story of Crystal and Devlin.
Surely this author would not do it again.
****
Book three down in the Willow Heights Prep, series, and Royal and Harpers twisted, dark relationship becomes more intense.
As the two get closer, secrets are revealed.
Secrets that Harper has been desperate to find out about before the mysterious
”Mr D” withdraws her scholarship funding from WHPS,.
He’s been paying for her education and now he wants the dirt on the Dolce’s.
So, as Harper finds herself in more precarious situation as a “ Dolce Girl” and as Royals “play thing” her creepy benefactor “Mr D” demands more and more intel, on the nefarious family and their dirty dealings.
This leaves Harper battling her own demons re: her S*** upbringing
AND!
Her ever growing conflicted feelings regarding Royal.
Just as things look like they are peachy between these two, and that they have excepted their head butting ways.
An incident happens in the school car park that sparks the Dolce’s into action.
Thus, forcing Harper to see them for who they truly may be.
She KNEW they were bad.
She KNEW they were twisted and broken
YET!
She always thought she could get through to them because, Like recognises like.
She could look into Royals eyes and see he was just as broken as she was.
She had witnessed little bit of humanity in Duke, and even Baron had his moments.
However, nothing, NOTHING could prepare her for the kind of vengeance they would bring down on her once her secret was out.
This book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
The underlying plot re: The Midnight Swans” was interesting, and kept me intrigued.
The behaviour of the Dolce Boys was just the right amount of depravity that I was down for.
They were deliciously EVIL, and I LOVED it.
Once again Harper was the one character that I found the most frustrating.
She gets too “into” her own head to much.
She over thinks the smallest thing! …For pages and pages.
Plus, sometimes I just wished that she DIDN’T have smart a** answer for everything.
And, can I just say….
This girl deserves a gold medal for making rash decisions and ending up in S***!
She NEVER, EVER, learns.
But!
I guess it fills out the pages with Harper drama.
Followed by pages, and pages of self analysis.
Overall, though I am enjoying this series.
I read this book in one day.
Also is it mean of me to hope that these two DON’T get their HEA?
Because, quite frankly it would suspend belief for that to happen at this point.
Especially since we already had a similar scenario in the story of Crystal and Devlin.
Surely this author would not do it again.
****
July 4, 2021
For me this is book of two halves. Yes i knew that it was a dark read from book 1 and i do enjoy a dark read myself but some elements in this one just didnt sit right with me. I appreciate thats theres a warning in this book to let you know that that part of the book (a brutal rape) will upset some people. For me if you dont read it full and you miss that part of this book out then your not really understanding the book fully. Ill be honest it was hard reading that part for me.
Ive liked Harper with all her wit and sass from book 1. I get that she was caught in other peoples differing agendas, revenge......etc. As well as her own. Im going mad trying to find out who the flaming hell Mr D and SilverSwan are? She gets so caught up in Royal and his families so called psychotic revenge on all the Darlings. However misguided that might seem or what innocents get caught up in the crossfire. It felt like she lost her way because of it. I dont see what she did as a betrayal because in her mind she was protecting someone as well as herself. I was enjoying the ups and downs of Harper's and Royal dysfunctional on and off relationship though up until the final chapter
Reading that last chapter i was shocked by Royal and his brothers. They pretty much dont have any empathy or compassion in their heartless bodies. Which theyve shown in parts through this series. I was starting to come around Royal & his brothers and liking them a bit but now i find no redeeming qualities in any of them. To be honest im not sure what they could do in the next book to redeem themselves?? My only lasting feeling from this book is i want Harper to make them pay dearly. You know what they say about payback? Im hoping she gives all of them what they deserve
Ive liked Harper with all her wit and sass from book 1. I get that she was caught in other peoples differing agendas, revenge......etc. As well as her own. Im going mad trying to find out who the flaming hell Mr D and SilverSwan are? She gets so caught up in Royal and his families so called psychotic revenge on all the Darlings. However misguided that might seem or what innocents get caught up in the crossfire. It felt like she lost her way because of it. I dont see what she did as a betrayal because in her mind she was protecting someone as well as herself. I was enjoying the ups and downs of Harper's and Royal dysfunctional on and off relationship though up until the final chapter
Reading that last chapter i was shocked by Royal and his brothers. They pretty much dont have any empathy or compassion in their heartless bodies. Which theyve shown in parts through this series. I was starting to come around Royal & his brothers and liking them a bit but now i find no redeeming qualities in any of them. To be honest im not sure what they could do in the next book to redeem themselves?? My only lasting feeling from this book is i want Harper to make them pay dearly. You know what they say about payback? Im hoping she gives all of them what they deserve
July 2, 2021
4.5 stars! Because a girl wants Harper to have a damn positive thing happen to her!
Okay, first, this trigger warning is pretty intense. When I read the warning before the book started I thought ‘eh it takes a lot to trigger me’ but seriously, it was graphic, if you are not okay with dubcon/noncom this is seriously not the book for you.
So, Selena has given us book 3 of the Willow Heights Prep Academy. This one is pretty crazy. It does pick up where we left off in book 2. Selena did a great job describing the situations in the book and you never not knew what going on in the characters head or in the scene. I love that. I also really enjoyed having 2 POV’s. I think this really helps build the characters and gives you a more diverse awareness of what is going on in the story. This is a page turner and when I say she gives you a little bit of everything she does. There are moments you feel awkward for the characters, sadness, happiness (limited), and all around concern for what is happening.
Harper is a survivor. She has been to hell and back. What royal does to her is sometimes, in my opinion, pretty awful. I would not stand for it. But she doesn’t give up. I admire her persistence. She has a job to do. I will say what bummed me out is each ending of the book Harper hasn’t shined or had any glory. She is always on the opposite end of that. It’s like she keeps getting kicked while she’s down.
Royal has a whole slew of issues and man he needs a therapist or several to get his attitude and demeanor in check. You see glimmers of this great guy but they’re washed away by everything else. I held out so much hope but he really needs to look in the mirror and figure out what is going on.
I’m curious what will happen in the fourth book. The ending was pretty intense so I warn you to tread cautiously. Please please please can Harper have something good happen?
Okay, first, this trigger warning is pretty intense. When I read the warning before the book started I thought ‘eh it takes a lot to trigger me’ but seriously, it was graphic, if you are not okay with dubcon/noncom this is seriously not the book for you.
So, Selena has given us book 3 of the Willow Heights Prep Academy. This one is pretty crazy. It does pick up where we left off in book 2. Selena did a great job describing the situations in the book and you never not knew what going on in the characters head or in the scene. I love that. I also really enjoyed having 2 POV’s. I think this really helps build the characters and gives you a more diverse awareness of what is going on in the story. This is a page turner and when I say she gives you a little bit of everything she does. There are moments you feel awkward for the characters, sadness, happiness (limited), and all around concern for what is happening.
Harper is a survivor. She has been to hell and back. What royal does to her is sometimes, in my opinion, pretty awful. I would not stand for it. But she doesn’t give up. I admire her persistence. She has a job to do. I will say what bummed me out is each ending of the book Harper hasn’t shined or had any glory. She is always on the opposite end of that. It’s like she keeps getting kicked while she’s down.
Royal has a whole slew of issues and man he needs a therapist or several to get his attitude and demeanor in check. You see glimmers of this great guy but they’re washed away by everything else. I held out so much hope but he really needs to look in the mirror and figure out what is going on.
I’m curious what will happen in the fourth book. The ending was pretty intense so I warn you to tread cautiously. Please please please can Harper have something good happen?
July 3, 2021
Unbelievably shocking ending!
WTF! I am shaking, breathless and utterly shocked after finishing this part of Harper’s story. Dark and twisted doesn’t even come close to describe what is happening here. This story thrusts us readers into a pitch black hole of bloody depravity, sickening acts of hatred and twisted desires of passion and pain.
The Dolce boys are violently angry, utterly depraved and sickeningly wicked. There is nothing that they won’t do and no one that can stop them when they are out for blood and revenge. Their hate towards those that betray them never runs dry.
Harper and Royal’s toxic relationship is rife with emotional turmoil and angst. These two have no limit to what they will go through and endure for each other, even if it becomes their downfall. There are way too many secrets and demons in their closets that when they start to trickle out their destruction as a couple is inevitable. Harper and Royal will have your blood boiling and head spinning throughout. Be ready to scream and cry at their explosive moments.
This is not a story for those with any kinds of triggers as there is nothing held back. This story will break you into pieces and leave you a broken mess! I was caught in its claws and the only way to get away was to leave my heart behind.
I don’t think I will be able to forget what has happened in this story. I am a complete wreck and my heart hurts. I need to know what the hell is going to happen next. My only hope is that Harper is ready to seek her vengeance!
WTF! I am shaking, breathless and utterly shocked after finishing this part of Harper’s story. Dark and twisted doesn’t even come close to describe what is happening here. This story thrusts us readers into a pitch black hole of bloody depravity, sickening acts of hatred and twisted desires of passion and pain.
The Dolce boys are violently angry, utterly depraved and sickeningly wicked. There is nothing that they won’t do and no one that can stop them when they are out for blood and revenge. Their hate towards those that betray them never runs dry.
Harper and Royal’s toxic relationship is rife with emotional turmoil and angst. These two have no limit to what they will go through and endure for each other, even if it becomes their downfall. There are way too many secrets and demons in their closets that when they start to trickle out their destruction as a couple is inevitable. Harper and Royal will have your blood boiling and head spinning throughout. Be ready to scream and cry at their explosive moments.
This is not a story for those with any kinds of triggers as there is nothing held back. This story will break you into pieces and leave you a broken mess! I was caught in its claws and the only way to get away was to leave my heart behind.
I don’t think I will be able to forget what has happened in this story. I am a complete wreck and my heart hurts. I need to know what the hell is going to happen next. My only hope is that Harper is ready to seek her vengeance!
October 23, 2022
This ending was horrible! I don’t think I can read the next books because a don’t believe that what they did can be forgiven and for Royal to just stand by, is horrific on so many levels.
August 27, 2021
I'm honestly left stunned, speechless, baffled, astounded, shocked and any other words you can think of along those lines.
At this point I can't even do my normal review format. This whole review is literally only about how this book ended....like forget the rest of the book and just what the freak. I can say with 100% certainty I wasn't expecting that ending in a thousand lifetimes. I'm not even sure how one would continue this series in the slightest but at this point I'm invested and I HAVE to see how this continues. I will say though that if Harper doesn't get the revenge I will be beyond livid.
This series is probably the best I've read this year so far only because I never seem to know what happens next. I've been stalking the next book release and I can't wait to see what the author brings us next.
At this point I can't even do my normal review format. This whole review is literally only about how this book ended....like forget the rest of the book and just what the freak. I can say with 100% certainty I wasn't expecting that ending in a thousand lifetimes. I'm not even sure how one would continue this series in the slightest but at this point I'm invested and I HAVE to see how this continues. I will say though that if Harper doesn't get the revenge I will be beyond livid.
This series is probably the best I've read this year so far only because I never seem to know what happens next. I've been stalking the next book release and I can't wait to see what the author brings us next.
July 2, 2021
Feels 4
Storyline 5
Steam 4
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Lindsey
Are you fucking kidding me?!!!? Gahhhh! I am absolutely floored right now. This book…y’all! Killed me. So damn good! I can’t say much because I don’t want to give anything away but my goodness just when I think all will kinda work out in some way it goes the opposite! Selena is brilliant with her words and this series is a must read. MUST READ!!!
The characters suck you in to where you fall for the damaged pieces and then spit you out like trash. It’s craziness. And I am here for all of it!!
AND
This bully romance is heavy on the bully and insanely twisted on the romance. At times I felt like Royal would wise up to the ways of the heart...but NOOOOOOOOOOO! Some scenes were intensely uncomfortable for Harper and me. But I am a stone cold addict for this story. Lots of twists where Harper is thrown in situations that I would have ran for her old public school and said screw this! But not Harper. That girl is made with a backbone of steel. But even steel can bend when it's thrown into some fire. That ending...oh, that ending. Jaw dropping. I do not know if the Dolce brothers can redeem themselves at all in my heart. What the everloving crap, boys? You're killing me!
Storyline 5
Steam 4
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Lindsey
Are you fucking kidding me?!!!? Gahhhh! I am absolutely floored right now. This book…y’all! Killed me. So damn good! I can’t say much because I don’t want to give anything away but my goodness just when I think all will kinda work out in some way it goes the opposite! Selena is brilliant with her words and this series is a must read. MUST READ!!!
The characters suck you in to where you fall for the damaged pieces and then spit you out like trash. It’s craziness. And I am here for all of it!!
AND
This bully romance is heavy on the bully and insanely twisted on the romance. At times I felt like Royal would wise up to the ways of the heart...but NOOOOOOOOOOO! Some scenes were intensely uncomfortable for Harper and me. But I am a stone cold addict for this story. Lots of twists where Harper is thrown in situations that I would have ran for her old public school and said screw this! But not Harper. That girl is made with a backbone of steel. But even steel can bend when it's thrown into some fire. That ending...oh, that ending. Jaw dropping. I do not know if the Dolce brothers can redeem themselves at all in my heart. What the everloving crap, boys? You're killing me!
August 2, 2021
What an exciting and extremely disturbed addition to the Willow Heights Prep Academy! There was so much new knowledge learned with many questions answered. Though this book continues to grow in darkness, many discoveries were revealed. And, of course, Harper and Royal continue with their hot and cold relationship of mistrust and desire. But, before I continue with this review, I want to warn any potential readers to pay attention to the trigger warnings because there is a lot of sensitive issues going on in this book.
If we’re fighting for Royal, I will win.” -Harper
Harper is such a strong character and continues to adapt and overcome her unwillingness to comply with Royal’s demands. She is consistently resourceful resilient, constantly challenging Royal, causing their relationship to strengthen and overcome many challenges. Royal’s disturbed nature constantly challenges her persona, but she adapts and overcomes.
“Let them watch,” Royal says, easing my zipper down. “They’ve never seen their king on his”
Royal continues to be his asshole self, taking whatever he wants and fails to ask questions later. But, we learned a tremendous amount about his past that allowed understanding of how he became the cold hearted person he portrays. Between his traumatic experiences and his fathers scandalous actions, Royal has sustained through the storm and survived.
I love this confusing, terrible, broken, vulnerable, monstrous boy. -Harper
“I want to be the only one who knows what you feel like and look like and taste like.” -Royal
Throughput all the bickering and explosive chemistry, Harper and Royal are made for one another. How she is able to reach his innermost secrets and calm him, speaks volumes for his character. They’re both troubled, disturbed souls that compliment one another, regardless of how he treats her in the end. And, the writing style continued to impress me with exceptional scenes of passion and intimacy. Excited to see what happens next, especially with that ending! How Royal acted, his redemption is less than likely but we all know, love is blind.
If we’re fighting for Royal, I will win.” -Harper
Harper is such a strong character and continues to adapt and overcome her unwillingness to comply with Royal’s demands. She is consistently resourceful resilient, constantly challenging Royal, causing their relationship to strengthen and overcome many challenges. Royal’s disturbed nature constantly challenges her persona, but she adapts and overcomes.
“Let them watch,” Royal says, easing my zipper down. “They’ve never seen their king on his”
Royal continues to be his asshole self, taking whatever he wants and fails to ask questions later. But, we learned a tremendous amount about his past that allowed understanding of how he became the cold hearted person he portrays. Between his traumatic experiences and his fathers scandalous actions, Royal has sustained through the storm and survived.
I love this confusing, terrible, broken, vulnerable, monstrous boy. -Harper
“I want to be the only one who knows what you feel like and look like and taste like.” -Royal
Throughput all the bickering and explosive chemistry, Harper and Royal are made for one another. How she is able to reach his innermost secrets and calm him, speaks volumes for his character. They’re both troubled, disturbed souls that compliment one another, regardless of how he treats her in the end. And, the writing style continued to impress me with exceptional scenes of passion and intimacy. Excited to see what happens next, especially with that ending! How Royal acted, his redemption is less than likely but we all know, love is blind.
March 28, 2024
I...uh...I'll be honest, I'm struggling. I am in a bit of a spiral right now. This review may get spoily so proceed with caution. Caution advised no matter, because this was DARK. We've surpassed dark romance and curb stomped our way straight into sinister romance. My. Freaking. Heart.
Where the heck did I get the idea this pain was enjoyable?? I suppose it was for a time. And then it went from pain to open heart slaughter, no anesthesia. I mean Jesus, chugging salt while drowning, ammirite?! Holy satanic frick.
You may be back pedaling. Stop. I'm not saying this is a terrible book. I'm saying it will make you feel terribly, incredibly, deeply. It has been no exception to the rule of Royal (With terrible beauty, there is terrible pain). Crystal and Devlin were Romeo and Juliet, but Harper and Royal are like Legends of the Fall. Just pain and strife and breathtaking tragedy. You can't look away and no matter how much you scream the forces keep colliding.
Sides may have already been taken, they will certainly be questioned this time around. I honestly have been so absorbed by Royal I was sure nothing would turn me. My loyalty has been brought forth and poked at aggressively. Previous mention of Royal's half a soul has been discarded. He had nothing left at the end this. I'm sorry if you expected different or didn't want to know, spoilers were indicated. I said I didn't think I could hate him...I'm not so sure now. I mentioned the actions that brought hope for redemption...I don't know if I can see it now. I really want to. So so bad, because god have I loved Royal.
The Darlings were perhaps confused and confusing but the Dolces...I said they were a labyrinth. I'm leaning more towards a funhouse on fault line at this point. A sickness that is self aware. These boys have been made ill by sins of the father and the wrath they carry is decaying them as they mete out punishment. Their own rage fueled boys club is leaving them broken.
Broken little dolls.
Where the heck did I get the idea this pain was enjoyable?? I suppose it was for a time. And then it went from pain to open heart slaughter, no anesthesia. I mean Jesus, chugging salt while drowning, ammirite?! Holy satanic frick.
You may be back pedaling. Stop. I'm not saying this is a terrible book. I'm saying it will make you feel terribly, incredibly, deeply. It has been no exception to the rule of Royal (With terrible beauty, there is terrible pain). Crystal and Devlin were Romeo and Juliet, but Harper and Royal are like Legends of the Fall. Just pain and strife and breathtaking tragedy. You can't look away and no matter how much you scream the forces keep colliding.
Sides may have already been taken, they will certainly be questioned this time around. I honestly have been so absorbed by Royal I was sure nothing would turn me. My loyalty has been brought forth and poked at aggressively. Previous mention of Royal's half a soul has been discarded. He had nothing left at the end this. I'm sorry if you expected different or didn't want to know, spoilers were indicated. I said I didn't think I could hate him...I'm not so sure now. I mentioned the actions that brought hope for redemption...I don't know if I can see it now. I really want to. So so bad, because god have I loved Royal.
The Darlings were perhaps confused and confusing but the Dolces...I said they were a labyrinth. I'm leaning more towards a funhouse on fault line at this point. A sickness that is self aware. These boys have been made ill by sins of the father and the wrath they carry is decaying them as they mete out punishment. Their own rage fueled boys club is leaving them broken.
Broken little dolls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2021
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series, I liked Harper as a character and her strength and sass made her someone I rooted for. Book two and three have been harder for me to like, it seems like they are drawn out to make up the books in the series and there is so much internal dialect. The frustrating part for me is that Harper seemed so smart and resourceful at the start but she keeps putting herself in these positions that she surely knows could go unbelievable south for her and she then seems surprised when they do. I have been sucked in and I want to know how it ends but at this point it all seems so unredeemable and although I want to see Harper kick their asses the love story aspect for me is unrepairable. I will be absolutely disappointed and horrified if she ends up with Royal when all is said and done.
July 26, 2021
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!!!
Do you love revenge
Strong and manipulative heroine
Anti _villainous hero's
Dark themes like gang rape, murder,framing of normal people even teenagers to forever stay in a mental clinic, prostitution's, mind games, gory stuffs,twist and mind blowing turns , nobody is trusted everyone have their own agenda , age isn't resistricted.
You think this book is a normal bully dark bully romance think again.
Five words the hero says to our heroine before he turns his back to her and leaves her to die 😭
*You are dead to me*
Two powerful mafia families do everything in their power to make sure the other family is wiped completely from existence not even 1 year olds kids are pitied.
Do you love revenge
Strong and manipulative heroine
Anti _villainous hero's
Dark themes like gang rape, murder,framing of normal people even teenagers to forever stay in a mental clinic, prostitution's, mind games, gory stuffs,twist and mind blowing turns , nobody is trusted everyone have their own agenda , age isn't resistricted.
You think this book is a normal bully dark bully romance think again.
Five words the hero says to our heroine before he turns his back to her and leaves her to die 😭
*You are dead to me*
Two powerful mafia families do everything in their power to make sure the other family is wiped completely from existence not even 1 year olds kids are pitied.
July 2, 2021
This bully romance is heavy on the bully and insanely twisted on the romance. At times I felt like Royal would wise up to the ways of the heart...but NOOOOOOOOOOO! Some scenes were intensely uncomfortable for Harper and me. But I am a stone cold addict for this story. Lots of twists where Harper is thrown in situations that I would have ran for her old public school and said screw this! But not Harper. That girl is made with a backbone of steel. But even steel can bend when it's thrown into some fire. That ending...oh, that ending. Jaw dropping. I do not know if the Dolce brothers can redeem themselves at all in my heart. What the everloving crap, boys? You're killing me!
July 4, 2021
Upsetting
July 4, 2021
I just wish Harper gets her revenge on Dolce brothers and gets the fuck out of the town.
February 7, 2022
I don’t even know where to begin with these books. I stumbled across Bully Me by sheer luck.
At the time, I was in a proper reading slump. Everything I picked up bored me, and I struggled to reach the finish line.
Selena is a new author for me. I’d never heard of her, nor her books. My expectations were pretty low when I downloaded Crystal’s and Devlin’s stories. I never expected to be sucked into the dark, twisted world of Darling and Dolce drama. It is very rare that an entire series can hold my attention long enough to binge read every book, but Willow Heights absolutely drained the life out of me. Literally. I have lost so much sleep.
I will try really hard to avoid spoilers because I think readers should go into this series blind.
I want to start by saying that these books will not be everyone’s cup of tea. The author didn’t lie. The triggers warned you. The characters are dark, borderline psychotic, mentally unhinged and almost irredeemable. They challenge your forbearance levels and take you down some very uncomfortable roads. I often found myself rooting for them in one breath, then hating them in the next breath.
It started with the Darlings. Devlin, Preston and Colt. They were awful to Crystal Dolce. In fact, they treated everyone who never carried the Darling name like inferiors. Everything was one sickening game of cruel dominance and submissiveness. You never knew if they were lying or genuine or what they had up their sleeve.
Devlin Darling took a liking to his new neighbour, Crystal Dolce. She was the new girl in town with crazy arse brothers, King, Royal, Duke and Baron.
The Dolce family had Mafia ties, but we see very little of that in Bully Me, Betray me and Bury Me because the storyline mostly revolves around the Darlings.
The Dolce boys are here to stake their claim on every segment of the town and its people—Darling hierarchy be-damned. They’ll do anything—and I mean anything—to get to the top (there is a reason for this, thanks to Daddy Dolce). They want every politician and their brother in their pockets to take down the Darling empire, and they won’t stop, even if it kills them.
The Darling family are just as evil, just as stubborn and just as vindictive as the Dolce family. They, too, will do whatever it takes to protect their family name and legacy.
It’s a gritty retelling of Romeo and Juliet, I suppose. Two enemies-to-lovers amidst warring families.
Bury Me ends on a huge, shocking cliffhanger that tips the scales between Dolces and Darlings. All I will say is Devlin and Crystal, with or without their families blessing, found more than love in each other and had to take drastic measures to be happy.
Where do we go after three books of constant chaos? Back to the Darlings, right? Nope. Not even close.
When I started Bad Apple, the sister series of Willow Heights, I did not expect to see the Dolce boys on the throne and the Darlings squashed under their thumbs. I mean, they completely changed the town's dynamics and had every minion in high school marching to their drum. Everyone is terrified of them and rightfully so. These boys take bullying to an entirely new level of what-the-f*ck?!
Royal is the ultimate bully. His brothers, Duke and Baron, are probably the cruellest twins I have ever read in any dark bully romance. The brothers did what was expected of them. They understood the assignment. They tore down the Darling empire and became everyone’s worst nightmare.
I am still reeling from this! I went from absolutely hating Preston and Colt Darling for their sickening behaviour towards the Dolces to rooting for them. I wanted sweet revenge for Crystal, but I was not prepared for the shocking turn of events or the unforgivable Dolce behaviour. All I can say is Colt did not deserve it! Preston did not deserve it!
Insert Harper Apple, the trailer park girl from the wrong side of town with a huge chip on her shoulder, and deservingly so, who lands a scholarship at Willow Heights because Mr D, the philanthropist who she does not know, or has never met, landed in her DM one morning and offered to be her fairy godmother. This man is an opportunist, though. He will help Harper just as long as she checks in on messenger every Friday to give him information on the Dolces. I mean, all the way through, I figured Mr D was Preston Darling, who is finally going to come out of hiding to take down the Dolces and regain control of his hometown. No spoiler. But I never expected Mr D to be the ultimate reveal at the end, like, what even?
Anyway, Harper is a badass heroine. Yeah, she is weak where Royal Dolce is concerned, but she always comes back fighting and gives just as good as she gets. I loved her character and everything she stood for. I loved how, layer by layer, she peeled away Royal’s dark armour until we got to see snippets of the boy we fell in love with in Bully Me—and she did all this while living her worst life, too. I never lost hope. I knew Royal was still in there somewhere. I knew if anyone could reach him and bring him back, it would be Harper. And that girl went through so much to be with Royal. He never deserved her love nor forgiveness, but still, I was rooting for them. These were just two young kids sucked into Daddy Dolces’ gruesome world of revenge and violence.
I could pinpoint everything I loved and hated about these books, but I stand by what I said earlier. If you love dark, bully romance books, Selena is the author for you.
I am gutted the series is over. I never wanted it to end. Even though Selena tied up loose ends, I still want more (yes, I’m a greedy book whore; sue me). I want Colt’s story, Preston’s story, Duke’s story and even Baron, who is beyond redemption. And mostly, I want more of Harper and Royal.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Willow Heights or the Darlings, or the Dolces.
At the time, I was in a proper reading slump. Everything I picked up bored me, and I struggled to reach the finish line.
Selena is a new author for me. I’d never heard of her, nor her books. My expectations were pretty low when I downloaded Crystal’s and Devlin’s stories. I never expected to be sucked into the dark, twisted world of Darling and Dolce drama. It is very rare that an entire series can hold my attention long enough to binge read every book, but Willow Heights absolutely drained the life out of me. Literally. I have lost so much sleep.
I will try really hard to avoid spoilers because I think readers should go into this series blind.
I want to start by saying that these books will not be everyone’s cup of tea. The author didn’t lie. The triggers warned you. The characters are dark, borderline psychotic, mentally unhinged and almost irredeemable. They challenge your forbearance levels and take you down some very uncomfortable roads. I often found myself rooting for them in one breath, then hating them in the next breath.
It started with the Darlings. Devlin, Preston and Colt. They were awful to Crystal Dolce. In fact, they treated everyone who never carried the Darling name like inferiors. Everything was one sickening game of cruel dominance and submissiveness. You never knew if they were lying or genuine or what they had up their sleeve.
Devlin Darling took a liking to his new neighbour, Crystal Dolce. She was the new girl in town with crazy arse brothers, King, Royal, Duke and Baron.
The Dolce family had Mafia ties, but we see very little of that in Bully Me, Betray me and Bury Me because the storyline mostly revolves around the Darlings.
The Dolce boys are here to stake their claim on every segment of the town and its people—Darling hierarchy be-damned. They’ll do anything—and I mean anything—to get to the top (there is a reason for this, thanks to Daddy Dolce). They want every politician and their brother in their pockets to take down the Darling empire, and they won’t stop, even if it kills them.
The Darling family are just as evil, just as stubborn and just as vindictive as the Dolce family. They, too, will do whatever it takes to protect their family name and legacy.
It’s a gritty retelling of Romeo and Juliet, I suppose. Two enemies-to-lovers amidst warring families.
Bury Me ends on a huge, shocking cliffhanger that tips the scales between Dolces and Darlings. All I will say is Devlin and Crystal, with or without their families blessing, found more than love in each other and had to take drastic measures to be happy.
Where do we go after three books of constant chaos? Back to the Darlings, right? Nope. Not even close.
When I started Bad Apple, the sister series of Willow Heights, I did not expect to see the Dolce boys on the throne and the Darlings squashed under their thumbs. I mean, they completely changed the town's dynamics and had every minion in high school marching to their drum. Everyone is terrified of them and rightfully so. These boys take bullying to an entirely new level of what-the-f*ck?!
Royal is the ultimate bully. His brothers, Duke and Baron, are probably the cruellest twins I have ever read in any dark bully romance. The brothers did what was expected of them. They understood the assignment. They tore down the Darling empire and became everyone’s worst nightmare.
I am still reeling from this! I went from absolutely hating Preston and Colt Darling for their sickening behaviour towards the Dolces to rooting for them. I wanted sweet revenge for Crystal, but I was not prepared for the shocking turn of events or the unforgivable Dolce behaviour. All I can say is Colt did not deserve it! Preston did not deserve it!
Insert Harper Apple, the trailer park girl from the wrong side of town with a huge chip on her shoulder, and deservingly so, who lands a scholarship at Willow Heights because Mr D, the philanthropist who she does not know, or has never met, landed in her DM one morning and offered to be her fairy godmother. This man is an opportunist, though. He will help Harper just as long as she checks in on messenger every Friday to give him information on the Dolces. I mean, all the way through, I figured Mr D was Preston Darling, who is finally going to come out of hiding to take down the Dolces and regain control of his hometown. No spoiler. But I never expected Mr D to be the ultimate reveal at the end, like, what even?
Anyway, Harper is a badass heroine. Yeah, she is weak where Royal Dolce is concerned, but she always comes back fighting and gives just as good as she gets. I loved her character and everything she stood for. I loved how, layer by layer, she peeled away Royal’s dark armour until we got to see snippets of the boy we fell in love with in Bully Me—and she did all this while living her worst life, too. I never lost hope. I knew Royal was still in there somewhere. I knew if anyone could reach him and bring him back, it would be Harper. And that girl went through so much to be with Royal. He never deserved her love nor forgiveness, but still, I was rooting for them. These were just two young kids sucked into Daddy Dolces’ gruesome world of revenge and violence.
I could pinpoint everything I loved and hated about these books, but I stand by what I said earlier. If you love dark, bully romance books, Selena is the author for you.
I am gutted the series is over. I never wanted it to end. Even though Selena tied up loose ends, I still want more (yes, I’m a greedy book whore; sue me). I want Colt’s story, Preston’s story, Duke’s story and even Baron, who is beyond redemption. And mostly, I want more of Harper and Royal.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Willow Heights or the Darlings, or the Dolces.
March 15, 2023
0/5 guys for ur sanity I beg u not to read this series there’s dark romance then there’s this!!
I cried reading this book it was so bad I’ve never hated a book or author more in my life!!!! 😭😭😭😭
I cried reading this book it was so bad I’ve never hated a book or author more in my life!!!! 😭😭😭😭
June 6, 2022
⚠️Please read safely and responsibly. Read all trigger warnings before diving into this series. The triggers are there for your safety but inly you the reader know your breaking points!⚠️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5/5
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Review:
Well what i can say.... At this stage of the story I'm totally speechless.
This book has 100% broke my soul 💔 and at this rate I'm literally not even sure what way its going to go from here!! The suspence in this one is a whole lot higher to the point on some things I was literally gripping with butterfly's screaming like no please no!!
That said it has left me with so many more questions some left unanswered from the previous books, but there is also some new ones added in!! Im left Like when will this torture end?!? It is a high suspence and slow burn but is totally worth it once the drama Unfolds!
Harper is a girl from the rougher poorer side of faulkner. She is a strong independent young women who believes she needs no one but her self to survive. She knows her worth and she knows how to take care of her self. I love her fire and love that she refuses to falter at the will of her tormentors.
Before starting this series I read the willow heights bully me series about crystals and devlin story. I didn't massively like royal in those series and I'm not even 100% sure why.... but the start of this series I absolutely loved him! The dark tormented soul who is ruled by his dad though he hates it! Hell ive even felt sorry for him in parts of this book and now with out spoiling anything I'm a little like what the hell are you doing Royal wake up please 😭 save your self before its to late boy!!
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5/5
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
Review:
Well what i can say.... At this stage of the story I'm totally speechless.
This book has 100% broke my soul 💔 and at this rate I'm literally not even sure what way its going to go from here!! The suspence in this one is a whole lot higher to the point on some things I was literally gripping with butterfly's screaming like no please no!!
That said it has left me with so many more questions some left unanswered from the previous books, but there is also some new ones added in!! Im left Like when will this torture end?!? It is a high suspence and slow burn but is totally worth it once the drama Unfolds!
Harper is a girl from the rougher poorer side of faulkner. She is a strong independent young women who believes she needs no one but her self to survive. She knows her worth and she knows how to take care of her self. I love her fire and love that she refuses to falter at the will of her tormentors.
Before starting this series I read the willow heights bully me series about crystals and devlin story. I didn't massively like royal in those series and I'm not even 100% sure why.... but the start of this series I absolutely loved him! The dark tormented soul who is ruled by his dad though he hates it! Hell ive even felt sorry for him in parts of this book and now with out spoiling anything I'm a little like what the hell are you doing Royal wake up please 😭 save your self before its to late boy!!
December 15, 2021
I sat on this series for a while before diving in, mostly because I knew that the heroine would be a hard sell for me. And I'm about to eat my words. Because yes, Harper isn't a typical heroine I perfer, but, somehow, I wound up really liking her, all the stupid choices she made notwithstanding. Is this a romance? Not really. Or, at least, not yet. But Selena is an extremely talented writer who managed to rope me in. The suspense in this story is on point and it certainly managed to wring an emotional response. While the first two books weren't all that dark for me, this one definitely delivered in spades. If you have any triggers whatsoever, this might not be the series for you. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Royal overall, but, after the ending of book three, I'm hard pressed to see a future for Harper and him. However, I'm sure this author is going to attempt to make us buy into a happy ending for these two and I'm here to see it go down. I'm going to need to see a huge grovel in order to buy into the HEA and, from what I heard, that might not happen. Having said that, I'm still eager to jump into the next book. As to the romance, the jury is still out. Once again, if you have triggers, you should skip this one!
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