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In desperate need of a release from the pressure from her parents to reign at the top of her senior class, Imani Abara finds herself touching herself to a cute stranger online. When she accidentally shows her face on camera one day, things take a turn for the worst and the cute stranger on the other ends recognizes her from Redwood Academy.
Little does she know that one of those strangers is one-third of Poison. Corrupt, cruel, and callous, Poison was everything wrong with Redwood Academy. And blackmailing the wealthy good girl is right up their alley.
Little does she know that one of those strangers is one-third of Poison. Corrupt, cruel, and callous, Poison was everything wrong with Redwood Academy. And blackmailing the wealthy good girl is right up their alley.
744 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2022
About the author
Emilia Rose
54 books1,333 followersWith over seventy million online story views, Emilia Rose is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves writing about dirty-talking bad boys and alpha-holes. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut USA with her husband, two cats, and cute little yellow ducklings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 4, 2022
This was my first book by Emilia Rose so I was excited to jump into this when I read the blurb. I will say this book is filled with lots of smut and action which is good because it’s not a quick read! Typically I get bored with longer books but there was so much going on in this book that I stayed intrigued the entire time.
I absolutely loved Imani! She is not the innocent nerd that everyone thinks she is which drew me in. She is insatiable and loves the bad boys! I liked Landon and Kai right from the start. Joao grew on me throughout the book but I think Landon was my favorite.
This book made me laugh, had lots of steam, but was also a bit heartbreaking. There was so much build up that I was shocked at how quick the ending was but it made me love Imani even more. I wish there was an epilogue though to see them in the future.
I absolutely loved Imani! She is not the innocent nerd that everyone thinks she is which drew me in. She is insatiable and loves the bad boys! I liked Landon and Kai right from the start. Joao grew on me throughout the book but I think Landon was my favorite.
This book made me laugh, had lots of steam, but was also a bit heartbreaking. There was so much build up that I was shocked at how quick the ending was but it made me love Imani even more. I wish there was an epilogue though to see them in the future.
June 20, 2022
I read this one her Patreon was excited about it after reading Stepbrother. The problem is it felt like the sex scenes are copy-paste just changed the names. I actually got bored and I love me some smut
July 8, 2022
If you love a CHUNKY (187 chapters) book full of spice, plot that doesn’t get lost in the size of the book and a alpha guys that have you DROOLING. This is for you!🥵🥵
Imagine when you’re casually having fun online with what is to be a stranger till he figures out who you are and starts blackmailing you..🫣😨🥵
Imani is the good girl. Good daughter until the bad boys of redwood blackmail her. Landon, Joao and Kai are said guys also knows as ‘Poison’.
I knew I was going to love this book from the get go 🥵
Basically redwood is corrupt AS FUCK. Poison plan to bring redwood elite to their knees for the corrupt town and how the poor are treat.
The relationships are so fast paced in this and wow the steamy spice of this, this author knows how to have you sweating.
Fully enjoyed this book and won’t be the last I read of this author!
Imagine when you’re casually having fun online with what is to be a stranger till he figures out who you are and starts blackmailing you..🫣😨🥵
Imani is the good girl. Good daughter until the bad boys of redwood blackmail her. Landon, Joao and Kai are said guys also knows as ‘Poison’.
I knew I was going to love this book from the get go 🥵
Basically redwood is corrupt AS FUCK. Poison plan to bring redwood elite to their knees for the corrupt town and how the poor are treat.
The relationships are so fast paced in this and wow the steamy spice of this, this author knows how to have you sweating.
Fully enjoyed this book and won’t be the last I read of this author!
July 15, 2022
3 stars of... "we almost nailed it"
the very idea and plot of this book was just genius but we lost the plot at some point.
1. character development:
- the LL is supposed to be a geek and knowledgeable.. but in this book she has more guts than i will ever master.. she literally engages the guys first for sex. that sounds like a strong women who is confident in her sexuality- not a 17year old virgin who always has her head in a book.
- other issues were glaring to me. like the fact that this girl just opens up to the guys without a second thought.
- this girl lets these guys F her without protection. she is supposed to be kinda intelligent and she couldnt think to protect herself from disease, nevermind unwanted pregnancies... nah, she sounds dumb.
i made it to about 75% and peaced out afterwards..
the very idea and plot of this book was just genius but we lost the plot at some point.
1. character development:
- the LL is supposed to be a geek and knowledgeable.. but in this book she has more guts than i will ever master.. she literally engages the guys first for sex. that sounds like a strong women who is confident in her sexuality- not a 17year old virgin who always has her head in a book.
- other issues were glaring to me. like the fact that this girl just opens up to the guys without a second thought.
- this girl lets these guys F her without protection. she is supposed to be kinda intelligent and she couldnt think to protect herself from disease, nevermind unwanted pregnancies... nah, she sounds dumb.
i made it to about 75% and peaced out afterwards..
July 11, 2022
Pick this Poison! 4 stars
The first book in this series, Stepbrother, felt like a fast paced plot, and this one felt more like a slow build. Once it all started coming together, I enjoyed this book even more. At different times throughout the book, I felt for all four main characters: Imani, Landon, Kai and João. They were fire together too! Since the three guys were the Poison g@ng for life, would Imani make them stronger or break them apart? I appreciated Imani’s character journey the most, but the guys had their own separate journeys as well. I was pleased that Imani had distinct relationships with each guy. I cried, smiled and gasped in shock during this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one! I’m so glad I picked this Poison!
The first book in this series, Stepbrother, felt like a fast paced plot, and this one felt more like a slow build. Once it all started coming together, I enjoyed this book even more. At different times throughout the book, I felt for all four main characters: Imani, Landon, Kai and João. They were fire together too! Since the three guys were the Poison g@ng for life, would Imani make them stronger or break them apart? I appreciated Imani’s character journey the most, but the guys had their own separate journeys as well. I was pleased that Imani had distinct relationships with each guy. I cried, smiled and gasped in shock during this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one! I’m so glad I picked this Poison!
September 22, 2023
I loved it, probably more to do with those 3 yummy naughty Poison Boys 😈😈😈 and yesss it’s looong, but I enjoyed the book, and the series. 💚🖤💚🖤💚 There’s real issues in here, drama, hurt, love, sex, violence, friendship, loyalty, etc. I enjoy this writers style, and seems she when switching POV it’s a new chapter, no matter how short😉 (I’m very much “To Each Their Own” but I just don’t understand why the B*tching about length when you know ahead how many pages) Oh, and I enjoyed ALL the sex parts💋💋💋 Lucky Girl😈
January 11, 2023
Dnf at 62 percent. Couldn't get into it at all.
March 9, 2024
Read The Bad Boy a few months ago, & loved it! Saw a lot about the Poison Gang in that book, so HAD TO read this book. The spice was here 😌. & there was plenty! The only thing I have to say about this book is that this book could have been atleast 100 or more pages shorter 😂. Still a five star read tho ♥️.
May 16, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Narrating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
This is the 2nd book in the, "Bad Boys Of Redwood Academy." A Why Choose dark high school Romance between 3 Bad Boys that is a gang called Poison and a nerdy good girl that has a freaky s3x side who secretly cams at night.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark High School Romance (18yr olds)
💚 Why Choose (MFMM)
🖤 Gang & Nerdy Girl
💚 Rich Girl/Poor Boys
🖤 Bad Boys/Good Girl Turned Bad
💚 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Broken Boys/Broken Girl
💚 Blackmail
🖤 Diverse Romance (Multicultural)
💚 Secret Identity Cam Girl
🖤 Virgn FMC
Narrators Audrey Obeyn, Hector Carrillo, Zach Bostrom and Vels Library did a good job in this dual audiobook. I've listened to none of these narrators before. I'm not sure who narrated who in the male POV. I can guess that maybe Hecto Carrillo narrated Joel's part since he was Brazilian, but I'm not 100% positive.
There were some chapters that the narrators repeated lines over or some lines/words over again and not erase the original ones prior. So In certain chapters you hear a sentence repeated twice but spoken differently. Like, you hear them say a sentence normal then it's like they realized it should have more emotion in the words, and you hear them repeat it. It wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't happen multiple times throughout.
This book is very emotional yet very spicy. Get ready to go on an emotional roller-coaster. This book gets into some real world problems and dives deep into it. It gets really graphic and you will cry, get angry and then get all hot and bothered in other parts.
Imani, Landon, Kai and João are the main characters in this book. Three Boys from the poor section of Redwood that formed a gang and rule the bad parts of Redwood and in their private academy. They want to take down the rich people on the good side of town because they hated them, and for good reasons.
Imani cams on discord in her free time. That is the one place she can be herself and let her freaky kinks go. She mainly talks to this guy Chris on their for the past year. Neither shows their identity, only from the mouth down. Not only do her and Chris do dirty things online together, but they actually have private and deep conversations.
One day Imani want paying attention while videoing with Chris while doing her makeup. Her camera was showing her whole face and Chris knew who she was and said her real name. He wouldn't reveal his real self yet, but was going to use going to use this against Imani for him and his friends to sleep with her.
In the parking lot after school one day, Imani was waiting to meet with Chris when she was tied up with a bag over her head and thrown in a car. Once they uncovered Imani's face she freaked out because she was in the car with Poison. She thought they wanted to hurt her because earlier that day she had slapped Landon across the face for bullying her friend. But turns out that Landon also happens to be Chris.
João is the leader of Poison and lives at home with his single mother and little sister, Anna. His life is hard and he had the most anger and hatred towards the rich side. His father was one of those rich people, but he didn't have anything to do with his children after horrible thing happened to his sister. Now his mom sells herself just to make end meet, and that job isn't safe for her and bad things do happen. João does everything for his family and that includes the members of Poison.
Kai is the brains in the group. He's very computer savvy and can hack into anything. He also had a dark side and a big secret he is hiding. If you read the first book in this series, "Stepbrother," then you know his secret. He doesn't have any parents anymore. The rich killed his parents and paid off the police to cover it up. And the family that killed his family is the parents of one of Imani's friend that her parents and how are trying to hookup.
Landon is the muscle in Poison. His parents are abusive towards him. He doesn't like to go home unless it's too his basement where he and Poison chill at. His dad is an abusive drunk to Landon, but mainly to his wife. Accusing her of cheating and hitting her. They yell and it's just a horrible house to be in. That is until his parents shoot Landon and skip town leaving him alone and almost dying.
Imani is a nerdy rich girl that loves in a strict household. Her mother is a neurosurgeon and her father runs a huge bio engineering company. Her mom runs the house and comes down on Imani a lot. She feels like she is never good enough and not loved because her mother expects to much out of her.
Honestly, I found Imani to be a spoiled girl that wanted to yell abuse towards her mom who really only wanted the best for her daughter. She pushes for her daughter to get good grades and be to of her class. If Imani failed a test, she was grounded and made to study from the time she came home till she went to bed. If she was out late her mother waited up and wanted to know where she was. Yes, her mother scolded her a lot, but her and her father both group up on the poor side and didn't want their daughter to have that life.
I honestly didn't like Imani's character at all. She was all over Poison when alone, being her freaky self, and went out to do this with them or for them to help. Yet, when she is around her friends or family with them she turns into a snob like a rich woman would do. Saying, "Don't touch anything," or, "My mom doesn't like yall so don't say anything or do anything." She was 2 faced and not nice to get boyfriends around other and often ignored them to hand with others. She knew how Kai felt about her being around Oakeo and she still did anyway, multiple times and tried to lie about it and not caressing how it made Kai feel. She always assumed Poison was doing wrong and tried to save the people from them not asking why it what they done. She flipped out when she figured more and more stuff about them out. She was so judgemental towards them when something happened and she knew they did it. It's like she defended the bad people they unalived that were really awful and honestly deserved to be unalived (in my opinion). She knew they guys family situation and how they didn't really talk emotions or love because they were never really shown it or had it or lost people they loved. Yet, she flipped out would cry and run away when they couldn't admit it tell her their feelings. Minus Landon because he actually went to therapy right away, but he had been talking to her for a year on cam video and was serious right away. When they wanted to talk serious with her, Imani wouldn't be patient or would run off. Or she would bring other people around them with her to avoid being alone with them to talk. So irritating.
One of the biggest things is that Imani knew how Poison operated their business, but she then started to use them to help her friends out for free. Even when João would say no, that her rich friend would have to pay to delete things that poison didn't even post, she beg until Kai agreed and told her only this once. Then she would smirk at João like haha they listen to me and not you. Then not even 5 minutes she told the same girl that once she figured out who posted that stuff to let her know and she would sick poison on them to hurt them. Again, using their love for Imani to tell others they would do something for them for free. Even after what Kai even told her. Plus, she knew the biggest problem João had was that his little sister Ana was in the room and he didn't do business around his sister. Imani being the girl that wouldn't even sleep with 1 one of them in the house while Anna was in another room sleeping, but would plot mayhem with her in the room?
To get my full review please check out my goodread, book bub or my Amazon review. https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Please check out the trigger warnings to this book because there are a lot. I will list part of them below:
• Drug Use
• Addiction
• Child Abuse
• R@pe
• SA
• Gun Violence
• Unaliving
• Suicide
• Blood
• Prostitution
• Gang Violence
• Rope Play
• Bandage
• Blackmail
• Child Infected w/HIV
• Depression
• Chold Neglect
• Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholic
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Narrating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧
This is the 2nd book in the, "Bad Boys Of Redwood Academy." A Why Choose dark high school Romance between 3 Bad Boys that is a gang called Poison and a nerdy good girl that has a freaky s3x side who secretly cams at night.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark High School Romance (18yr olds)
💚 Why Choose (MFMM)
🖤 Gang & Nerdy Girl
💚 Rich Girl/Poor Boys
🖤 Bad Boys/Good Girl Turned Bad
💚 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Broken Boys/Broken Girl
💚 Blackmail
🖤 Diverse Romance (Multicultural)
💚 Secret Identity Cam Girl
🖤 Virgn FMC
Narrators Audrey Obeyn, Hector Carrillo, Zach Bostrom and Vels Library did a good job in this dual audiobook. I've listened to none of these narrators before. I'm not sure who narrated who in the male POV. I can guess that maybe Hecto Carrillo narrated Joel's part since he was Brazilian, but I'm not 100% positive.
There were some chapters that the narrators repeated lines over or some lines/words over again and not erase the original ones prior. So In certain chapters you hear a sentence repeated twice but spoken differently. Like, you hear them say a sentence normal then it's like they realized it should have more emotion in the words, and you hear them repeat it. It wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't happen multiple times throughout.
This book is very emotional yet very spicy. Get ready to go on an emotional roller-coaster. This book gets into some real world problems and dives deep into it. It gets really graphic and you will cry, get angry and then get all hot and bothered in other parts.
Imani, Landon, Kai and João are the main characters in this book. Three Boys from the poor section of Redwood that formed a gang and rule the bad parts of Redwood and in their private academy. They want to take down the rich people on the good side of town because they hated them, and for good reasons.
Imani cams on discord in her free time. That is the one place she can be herself and let her freaky kinks go. She mainly talks to this guy Chris on their for the past year. Neither shows their identity, only from the mouth down. Not only do her and Chris do dirty things online together, but they actually have private and deep conversations.
One day Imani want paying attention while videoing with Chris while doing her makeup. Her camera was showing her whole face and Chris knew who she was and said her real name. He wouldn't reveal his real self yet, but was going to use going to use this against Imani for him and his friends to sleep with her.
In the parking lot after school one day, Imani was waiting to meet with Chris when she was tied up with a bag over her head and thrown in a car. Once they uncovered Imani's face she freaked out because she was in the car with Poison. She thought they wanted to hurt her because earlier that day she had slapped Landon across the face for bullying her friend. But turns out that Landon also happens to be Chris.
João is the leader of Poison and lives at home with his single mother and little sister, Anna. His life is hard and he had the most anger and hatred towards the rich side. His father was one of those rich people, but he didn't have anything to do with his children after horrible thing happened to his sister. Now his mom sells herself just to make end meet, and that job isn't safe for her and bad things do happen. João does everything for his family and that includes the members of Poison.
Kai is the brains in the group. He's very computer savvy and can hack into anything. He also had a dark side and a big secret he is hiding. If you read the first book in this series, "Stepbrother," then you know his secret. He doesn't have any parents anymore. The rich killed his parents and paid off the police to cover it up. And the family that killed his family is the parents of one of Imani's friend that her parents and how are trying to hookup.
Landon is the muscle in Poison. His parents are abusive towards him. He doesn't like to go home unless it's too his basement where he and Poison chill at. His dad is an abusive drunk to Landon, but mainly to his wife. Accusing her of cheating and hitting her. They yell and it's just a horrible house to be in. That is until his parents shoot Landon and skip town leaving him alone and almost dying.
Imani is a nerdy rich girl that loves in a strict household. Her mother is a neurosurgeon and her father runs a huge bio engineering company. Her mom runs the house and comes down on Imani a lot. She feels like she is never good enough and not loved because her mother expects to much out of her.
Honestly, I found Imani to be a spoiled girl that wanted to yell abuse towards her mom who really only wanted the best for her daughter. She pushes for her daughter to get good grades and be to of her class. If Imani failed a test, she was grounded and made to study from the time she came home till she went to bed. If she was out late her mother waited up and wanted to know where she was. Yes, her mother scolded her a lot, but her and her father both group up on the poor side and didn't want their daughter to have that life.
I honestly didn't like Imani's character at all. She was all over Poison when alone, being her freaky self, and went out to do this with them or for them to help. Yet, when she is around her friends or family with them she turns into a snob like a rich woman would do. Saying, "Don't touch anything," or, "My mom doesn't like yall so don't say anything or do anything." She was 2 faced and not nice to get boyfriends around other and often ignored them to hand with others. She knew how Kai felt about her being around Oakeo and she still did anyway, multiple times and tried to lie about it and not caressing how it made Kai feel. She always assumed Poison was doing wrong and tried to save the people from them not asking why it what they done. She flipped out when she figured more and more stuff about them out. She was so judgemental towards them when something happened and she knew they did it. It's like she defended the bad people they unalived that were really awful and honestly deserved to be unalived (in my opinion). She knew they guys family situation and how they didn't really talk emotions or love because they were never really shown it or had it or lost people they loved. Yet, she flipped out would cry and run away when they couldn't admit it tell her their feelings. Minus Landon because he actually went to therapy right away, but he had been talking to her for a year on cam video and was serious right away. When they wanted to talk serious with her, Imani wouldn't be patient or would run off. Or she would bring other people around them with her to avoid being alone with them to talk. So irritating.
One of the biggest things is that Imani knew how Poison operated their business, but she then started to use them to help her friends out for free. Even when João would say no, that her rich friend would have to pay to delete things that poison didn't even post, she beg until Kai agreed and told her only this once. Then she would smirk at João like haha they listen to me and not you. Then not even 5 minutes she told the same girl that once she figured out who posted that stuff to let her know and she would sick poison on them to hurt them. Again, using their love for Imani to tell others they would do something for them for free. Even after what Kai even told her. Plus, she knew the biggest problem João had was that his little sister Ana was in the room and he didn't do business around his sister. Imani being the girl that wouldn't even sleep with 1 one of them in the house while Anna was in another room sleeping, but would plot mayhem with her in the room?
To get my full review please check out my goodread, book bub or my Amazon review. https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Please check out the trigger warnings to this book because there are a lot. I will list part of them below:
• Drug Use
• Addiction
• Child Abuse
• R@pe
• SA
• Gun Violence
• Unaliving
• Suicide
• Blood
• Prostitution
• Gang Violence
• Rope Play
• Bandage
• Blackmail
• Child Infected w/HIV
• Depression
• Chold Neglect
• Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholic
August 30, 2022
2.5stars.
I wanted to give more stars for the guys, but Imani just pissed me off so much. She's one of the most stupid, selfish, greedy, hypocritical, spoiled, self-righteous, smart-assed bitch that I've ever read. Too bad that the author made the h character that way. While I understand that the guys were so tight that ending up sharing one girl isn't so surprising, but throughout reading the book, I kept wondering, what did they see in Imani, really?! Other than (somehow) being so obsessed with having sex with her, I couldn't figure out how she could attract any of them. She's just annoying, most of the time. Care for the people she loved? Well...I don't know how true that was when the moment she saw her parents being threatened to be killed by The Family, what she thought was that she wasn't gonna let The Family know the guys' location no matter what, in so implying that she would let her parents be killed. I know she's supposed to be a "f*cked up" character to want to be with the guys, but it's not entertaining if she's a huge hypocrite. At least if you're f*cked up, you better own that sh*t!!! And why these books are so loong???
I wanted to give more stars for the guys, but Imani just pissed me off so much. She's one of the most stupid, selfish, greedy, hypocritical, spoiled, self-righteous, smart-assed bitch that I've ever read. Too bad that the author made the h character that way. While I understand that the guys were so tight that ending up sharing one girl isn't so surprising, but throughout reading the book, I kept wondering, what did they see in Imani, really?! Other than (somehow) being so obsessed with having sex with her, I couldn't figure out how she could attract any of them. She's just annoying, most of the time. Care for the people she loved? Well...I don't know how true that was when the moment she saw her parents being threatened to be killed by The Family, what she thought was that she wasn't gonna let The Family know the guys' location no matter what, in so implying that she would let her parents be killed. I know she's supposed to be a "f*cked up" character to want to be with the guys, but it's not entertaining if she's a huge hypocrite. At least if you're f*cked up, you better own that sh*t!!! And why these books are so loong???
July 3, 2022
Oh my gosh I devoured this book! This was actually the first book of Emilia Rose that I’ve read and i am loving this series! Im going to go back and read the first one while I wait for the next one to come out.
I loved how long this book was! Honestly it was the perfect read because it had plenty of kinky/smutty scenes with a great plot. Landon is my favorite! I loved seeing all of the characters grow and change throughout the book.
Overall this was a wonderful read that had me waiting on the edge of my seat multiple times. (:
I loved how long this book was! Honestly it was the perfect read because it had plenty of kinky/smutty scenes with a great plot. Landon is my favorite! I loved seeing all of the characters grow and change throughout the book.
Overall this was a wonderful read that had me waiting on the edge of my seat multiple times. (:
June 10, 2026
TL;DR, a deeply unsatisfying book and poorly written. Very confused about its purpose, plot, characters, and narrative.
**I listened to the audiobook**
GIRL. 1.5 STARS. THIS IS SOME BULLSHIT.
The one full star is for the voice performances. The narrators for Kai (tbf I am a disgustingly massive Vel's Library fan, sue me) and Imani ate this up. João gave us some solid character decisions but the editing was....... Strange? And Landon gave us nothing. Hell yeah, diva.
Also, the choice to not have this book be multicast is WILD. I would've been so much more invested if I could actually hear the different narrators in scenes with each other.
ONTO THE ACTUAL BOOK.
Emilia Rose, dearest, did you first learn about swearing two days before writing this book bc the idea of profanity is at the same level as me in highschool and I'M MORMON. I can't get over a supposedly hardened, take no shit gang member would threaten someone with "Don't forget the damn shit." WHAT IS THAT? DAMN SHIT?????? HUH??? And I haven't heard people *earnestly used fricking/frigging since I was at BYU-IDAHO.
The language and syntax in this book, in general, is wild. This whole book reads like CW, shock porn, fan fiction. Do you need a beta reader or a copy editor? And, realistically, how many times do you hear people say 'slum' outside of an historical context? By all accounts, the Redwood 'slums' aren't actually that bad. It's just a poor part of the city and those areas are never called 'slums.' At least, I've never heard anyone refer to those areas as slums.
The way the social disparity is described, it sounds like someone trying to fetishize the "hood rat" stereotype. Someone who doesn't have a great deal of knowledge nor has done research on the archetype. Everything is told and not shown. It feels very juvenile.
Speaking of research, how much research was done about Brazilian food? There is SO much more than just brigadeiros. I YEARNED to learn something more about Anna than that she liked chocolate. AND THE TEMPORARY TATTOO???! BE SO FOR REAL. You know what would've been more thematically effective? A HEART. BECAUSE THEY LOVE HER.
Let's talk characters. Going into the book, it felt like Imani and Landon were going to be the main characters. However, it felt *more* like the main characters were João and Imani because so much of the plot centered around his family and their dynamics.
Landon felt like a boring character with no growth and no real attributes I could give him other than 'therapy.'
Kai was an interesting character. I would've LOVED to learn more about how he coped by himself after the death of his mother, *why* he had chosen violence, or how long he'd been taking care of Allie. He seemed like a character with layers but we got almost nothing.
João was fleshed out!!! HURRAH!!!!!! I cared about João! I was sad when his mother died! I felt feelings when he had to bury her! I felt like I could connect João to the violence around him!
Imani. IMANI. Talk about a spoiled, ignorant teenager. The fact that she spent SO MUCH of this book telling everyone around her "you don't get me!" and "I'm not like other girls!" Made her so bland and unlikeable. She is hugely ungrateful and petulant. She's the kind of character that thinks the whole world revolves around her. She's the kind of tropey YA protagonist that makes the genre cringe.
MIND YOU! THESE ARE ALL T E E N A G E R S . I won't lie, it feels soooooo inauthentic to have this book based in/around highschool. (Also, a supposedly prestigious high school but also not? Because there is open corruption and anyone can get it? Make it make sense.) It also made me feel *icky*! The whole "tear down the town" plot would've been just as effective with adults. Possibly even more effective. (Esp bc your narrators all sound like adults)
The plot drags in such a way that I had only heard about in myth. Why does your action START over 50% of the way through the book? That is ludicrous. The first half of this novel was entirely unnecessary and only served to shoot the narrative in the foot. I almost DNF'd at around the 30% mark because it felt like clawing my way through the trash compactor in A New Hope. I didn't care *more* about the characters in that time. You need conflict to give purpose.
And the last three (3) chapters of this book were stunningly awful. You have Imani arrive home and SOMEHOW have the skills and knowledge needed to kill this town's organized crime boss and ALL of their PROFESSIONAL goons?????? After hitting a bullseye ONCE?? We have no evidence that she has done any hand-to-hand combat training or stealth training or that she's athletic AT ALL. She did ALL THAT and SOMEHOW didn't get shot in the crossfire???? I say NAY!
And the final chapter. O... The final chapter. "The deadliest member of Poison" MY FUCKING ASS. I had to start the chapter over again because WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S A TWO WEEK TIME JUMP. Are you saying that that MOST EVENTFUL thing that happened after a TEENAGE GIRL killed the WHOLE mob was her getting a TATTOO?
Also the sex was written poorly. A lot of reviews talk about the first bathroom DP but it really never gets better. I never even found it hot! For a book that markets itself as spicy, this was mild. There was no depth, no intimacy, no *substance.* The sex scenes felt very "wham, bam, thank you ma'am."
I really only finished this book because I committed to the bit. And, hey, parts of it had me scream laughing because of how ridiculous the whole thing was.
**I listened to the audiobook**
GIRL. 1.5 STARS. THIS IS SOME BULLSHIT.
The one full star is for the voice performances. The narrators for Kai (tbf I am a disgustingly massive Vel's Library fan, sue me) and Imani ate this up. João gave us some solid character decisions but the editing was....... Strange? And Landon gave us nothing. Hell yeah, diva.
Also, the choice to not have this book be multicast is WILD. I would've been so much more invested if I could actually hear the different narrators in scenes with each other.
ONTO THE ACTUAL BOOK.
Emilia Rose, dearest, did you first learn about swearing two days before writing this book bc the idea of profanity is at the same level as me in highschool and I'M MORMON. I can't get over a supposedly hardened, take no shit gang member would threaten someone with "Don't forget the damn shit." WHAT IS THAT? DAMN SHIT?????? HUH??? And I haven't heard people *earnestly used fricking/frigging since I was at BYU-IDAHO.
The language and syntax in this book, in general, is wild. This whole book reads like CW, shock porn, fan fiction. Do you need a beta reader or a copy editor? And, realistically, how many times do you hear people say 'slum' outside of an historical context? By all accounts, the Redwood 'slums' aren't actually that bad. It's just a poor part of the city and those areas are never called 'slums.' At least, I've never heard anyone refer to those areas as slums.
The way the social disparity is described, it sounds like someone trying to fetishize the "hood rat" stereotype. Someone who doesn't have a great deal of knowledge nor has done research on the archetype. Everything is told and not shown. It feels very juvenile.
Speaking of research, how much research was done about Brazilian food? There is SO much more than just brigadeiros. I YEARNED to learn something more about Anna than that she liked chocolate. AND THE TEMPORARY TATTOO???! BE SO FOR REAL. You know what would've been more thematically effective? A HEART. BECAUSE THEY LOVE HER.
Let's talk characters. Going into the book, it felt like Imani and Landon were going to be the main characters. However, it felt *more* like the main characters were João and Imani because so much of the plot centered around his family and their dynamics.
Landon felt like a boring character with no growth and no real attributes I could give him other than 'therapy.'
Kai was an interesting character. I would've LOVED to learn more about how he coped by himself after the death of his mother, *why* he had chosen violence, or how long he'd been taking care of Allie. He seemed like a character with layers but we got almost nothing.
João was fleshed out!!! HURRAH!!!!!! I cared about João! I was sad when his mother died! I felt feelings when he had to bury her! I felt like I could connect João to the violence around him!
Imani. IMANI. Talk about a spoiled, ignorant teenager. The fact that she spent SO MUCH of this book telling everyone around her "you don't get me!" and "I'm not like other girls!" Made her so bland and unlikeable. She is hugely ungrateful and petulant. She's the kind of character that thinks the whole world revolves around her. She's the kind of tropey YA protagonist that makes the genre cringe.
MIND YOU! THESE ARE ALL T E E N A G E R S . I won't lie, it feels soooooo inauthentic to have this book based in/around highschool. (Also, a supposedly prestigious high school but also not? Because there is open corruption and anyone can get it? Make it make sense.) It also made me feel *icky*! The whole "tear down the town" plot would've been just as effective with adults. Possibly even more effective. (Esp bc your narrators all sound like adults)
The plot drags in such a way that I had only heard about in myth. Why does your action START over 50% of the way through the book? That is ludicrous. The first half of this novel was entirely unnecessary and only served to shoot the narrative in the foot. I almost DNF'd at around the 30% mark because it felt like clawing my way through the trash compactor in A New Hope. I didn't care *more* about the characters in that time. You need conflict to give purpose.
And the last three (3) chapters of this book were stunningly awful. You have Imani arrive home and SOMEHOW have the skills and knowledge needed to kill this town's organized crime boss and ALL of their PROFESSIONAL goons?????? After hitting a bullseye ONCE?? We have no evidence that she has done any hand-to-hand combat training or stealth training or that she's athletic AT ALL. She did ALL THAT and SOMEHOW didn't get shot in the crossfire???? I say NAY!
And the final chapter. O... The final chapter. "The deadliest member of Poison" MY FUCKING ASS. I had to start the chapter over again because WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S A TWO WEEK TIME JUMP. Are you saying that that MOST EVENTFUL thing that happened after a TEENAGE GIRL killed the WHOLE mob was her getting a TATTOO?
Also the sex was written poorly. A lot of reviews talk about the first bathroom DP but it really never gets better. I never even found it hot! For a book that markets itself as spicy, this was mild. There was no depth, no intimacy, no *substance.* The sex scenes felt very "wham, bam, thank you ma'am."
I really only finished this book because I committed to the bit. And, hey, parts of it had me scream laughing because of how ridiculous the whole thing was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
☆☆☆☆☆
Imani, has a secret that she doesnt want anybody to uncover. Her secret is uncovered and she catches the eye of some of the most dangerous boys in Redwood, Poison.
This books is a rollercoaster of emotions and exceptional characters that suck you in and the steam is off the charts
If you haven’t already, read the first book in this series, Stepbrother. The timelines between the books blend perfectly.
Imani, has a secret that she doesnt want anybody to uncover. Her secret is uncovered and she catches the eye of some of the most dangerous boys in Redwood, Poison.
This books is a rollercoaster of emotions and exceptional characters that suck you in and the steam is off the charts
If you haven’t already, read the first book in this series, Stepbrother. The timelines between the books blend perfectly.
October 9, 2022
I think this is the longest book with a chapter count over a hundred [187]. Did it really need to be that long? Also how old are these characters, if their in high school, that would so mean that she is 18 and the guys are the same age well. Wow with sex scenes that are detail. Each sex scenes was hot.
I like the characters. Imani is a so-so virgin....I don't think so, if she was using toys or her fingers inside her pussy, she could have broke or stretch her virgin barrier, but that stretch that to me. She is a nerd with a secret having a discord [sex] account that she talks to a one of the male leads, that leads her to touching herself, playing with sexy language and throat working with her fake cock, taking that fake cock into her pussy and but there is no way, she was done anal before, unless it was off scene or before the book starts. Classified as a good girl, she wants to break or step out of that image, home life isn't great with her parents at the beginning either.
The next characters is Landon, A.K.A. Chris, he has been the one that talks with Imani for a few months and he finds out what her name is and what she looks like... well He already knew what she look and her name was, as they go to the same school but he didn't think missy richie bitch would possible do such a thing. He blackmails her with it. He saying if she doesn't listen to him or his two best friends, he could show the town/city what she does and she would be ruined. While the next day at school, he sexually assults her in a dark corridor and then he sneaks into her house and room and....boardlines rapes her. He will become much more for her later, Landon falls in love with her.
The second male lead, João so-so leader of the group. Nothing I read suggest this at all. He has a very soft side to himself. His little sister whom he would kill for and takes care of most of the time, and his mother who is a red light type of worker. I feel very sad for his little sister, whom was HIV and needs expensive drugs to help her survice. He also the hardest to crack at first but he warms up to Imani qucikly as well.
The last male lead, Kai, the quite one and mostly the killer of the group. yes, he kills the most. He hides the most from Imani. It is sad to see him hiding himself from Imani, we know that he loves her as well. His father was murder and no one did anything to place the killer in jail or even killed the person. His mother was so heartbroken that she either died or killed herself to be with her love.
Now the sex scences, Lots of sex in this book as well, seventeen scenes to be exact. While she is on BC, doesn't she think about STD/STI at all. You would think that she would. At the beginning it was force sex as they were blackmailing her. Not good in my mind at all. The are a few times, that it was forced, Imani purposely first time scene with Landon in her room, the bathroom scene, the gangrape scene... and yes it was a gangrape scene.
They didn't ask her they are blackmailing her into it. I think that scene was the hardest for me to read, Imani was new to the whole sexually world, i mean yes she played with herself and then had sex but with the two in one manhoods she would have scream in lots of pain if it was anal and it would have been two manhoods in her pussy, she would have screamed as well. So to me that scene was unrealtic. The other scenes were very hot to read for me.
Then let's talk about the blackmailling...not much was done with it. Soon the guys fell in love with Imani and she with them as well. I would have mind if Landon, Kai or even João has asked/forced her into something that didn't agree with her and she didn't do it and one or all of them would have slightly punished her.
Plotline is good as well, only I truly didn't like the lead males as killers or torturers
I will not been readig book 1 at all. It hasn't interest me at all. Book 3, I might go onto.
Okay, updated with more thoughts.
Where is more of the blackmail? I mean, we know that Poison is blackmailing Imani but nothing else is said or done? That sounds odd to me.
Next is When Joao says, this João released his death grip on the door, lips curling into a devilish smile. “Have fun tonight, Imani. It’s your last night of freedom. We have plans for you tomorrow, plans that only we’ll enjoy.” [Rose, Emilia. Poison (Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Book 2) (pp. 41-42). Emilia Rose. Kindle Edition.] Okay, so most of the time, when the poison is having sex with Imani, she loves it. That truly sounds different than what Joao said, we have a plans for you tomorrow, plans that only we'll enjoy. I would have thought, that they would rape her with her saying stop or no.
Next thing I noticed it this mistake,
“Oh my God, it’s you.” I shook my head and placed a hand over my mouth in disbelief. [Rose, Emilia. Poison (Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Book 2) (p. 32). Emilia Rose. Kindle Edition.] How she untied her hands that were behind her back to cover her mouth and then got them behind her again? She must be magic.
I like the characters. Imani is a so-so virgin....I don't think so, if she was using toys or her fingers inside her pussy, she could have broke or stretch her virgin barrier, but that stretch that to me. She is a nerd with a secret having a discord [sex] account that she talks to a one of the male leads, that leads her to touching herself, playing with sexy language and throat working with her fake cock, taking that fake cock into her pussy and but there is no way, she was done anal before, unless it was off scene or before the book starts. Classified as a good girl, she wants to break or step out of that image, home life isn't great with her parents at the beginning either.
The next characters is Landon, A.K.A. Chris, he has been the one that talks with Imani for a few months and he finds out what her name is and what she looks like... well He already knew what she look and her name was, as they go to the same school but he didn't think missy richie bitch would possible do such a thing. He blackmails her with it. He saying if she doesn't listen to him or his two best friends, he could show the town/city what she does and she would be ruined. While the next day at school, he sexually assults her in a dark corridor and then he sneaks into her house and room and....boardlines rapes her. He will become much more for her later, Landon falls in love with her.
The second male lead, João so-so leader of the group. Nothing I read suggest this at all. He has a very soft side to himself. His little sister whom he would kill for and takes care of most of the time, and his mother who is a red light type of worker. I feel very sad for his little sister, whom was HIV and needs expensive drugs to help her survice. He also the hardest to crack at first but he warms up to Imani qucikly as well.
The last male lead, Kai, the quite one and mostly the killer of the group. yes, he kills the most. He hides the most from Imani. It is sad to see him hiding himself from Imani, we know that he loves her as well. His father was murder and no one did anything to place the killer in jail or even killed the person. His mother was so heartbroken that she either died or killed herself to be with her love.
Now the sex scences, Lots of sex in this book as well, seventeen scenes to be exact. While she is on BC, doesn't she think about STD/STI at all. You would think that she would. At the beginning it was force sex as they were blackmailing her. Not good in my mind at all. The are a few times, that it was forced, Imani purposely first time scene with Landon in her room, the bathroom scene, the gangrape scene... and yes it was a gangrape scene.
They didn't ask her they are blackmailing her into it. I think that scene was the hardest for me to read, Imani was new to the whole sexually world, i mean yes she played with herself and then had sex but with the two in one manhoods she would have scream in lots of pain if it was anal and it would have been two manhoods in her pussy, she would have screamed as well. So to me that scene was unrealtic. The other scenes were very hot to read for me.
Then let's talk about the blackmailling...not much was done with it. Soon the guys fell in love with Imani and she with them as well. I would have mind if Landon, Kai or even João has asked/forced her into something that didn't agree with her and she didn't do it and one or all of them would have slightly punished her.
Plotline is good as well, only I truly didn't like the lead males as killers or torturers
I will not been readig book 1 at all. It hasn't interest me at all. Book 3, I might go onto.
Okay, updated with more thoughts.
Where is more of the blackmail? I mean, we know that Poison is blackmailing Imani but nothing else is said or done? That sounds odd to me.
Next is When Joao says, this João released his death grip on the door, lips curling into a devilish smile. “Have fun tonight, Imani. It’s your last night of freedom. We have plans for you tomorrow, plans that only we’ll enjoy.” [Rose, Emilia. Poison (Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Book 2) (pp. 41-42). Emilia Rose. Kindle Edition.] Okay, so most of the time, when the poison is having sex with Imani, she loves it. That truly sounds different than what Joao said, we have a plans for you tomorrow, plans that only we'll enjoy. I would have thought, that they would rape her with her saying stop or no.
Next thing I noticed it this mistake,
“Oh my God, it’s you.” I shook my head and placed a hand over my mouth in disbelief. [Rose, Emilia. Poison (Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Book 2) (p. 32). Emilia Rose. Kindle Edition.] How she untied her hands that were behind her back to cover her mouth and then got them behind her again? She must be magic.
June 11, 2024
I was SUUPPERRR excited to finally dive into the infamous Poison gang, especially after reading small snippets of them in Stepbrother and My Brother’s Best Friend. I COULD NOT wait for this. And seeing this book was as big as it is, *tucks hair behind ear* I could not have been TREATED ANY BETTER. Before diving into the boys, all I gotta say is Imani is a BAD. ASS. Girl, the envy I have over this fictional woman is BEYOND ME. Having three tattooed, muscular hotties frothing over you, and wanting you, while wanting to fuck the living daylights out of you together, and by themselves is just another damn ballpark. Not to mention, the fact that if anyone else slapped and talked back to them as much as she does, they would all probably be dead by now. And I cannot do this review without going into detail about each of the boys, because, come on, they all deserve some praise whether they would like it or not.
Landon, Landon, Landon. I absolutely ADORE this man. He may not be the most violent, or the quietest but he is the most tender, gentle and loving out of the three. Even though he was the original baby daddy, and the one who found Imani, he is still so fucking cute. I would be more than satisfied if I was loved by him. The way he takes care of Imani, especially with how he feels that he can be himself without putting up a façade around her, just warms my heart. But damn. I want to kill those assholes who hurt him too. And with how he is trying to better himself for Imani, I want to fucking cry. I love him. So much.
He can try all he likes, but João knows that Imani is getting under his skin. He tries not to feel the way he does about her, especially acting like he hates her, but secretly cares and loves the fuck out of her. I want to hold onto him tightly and reassure him that it’s okay, with what he has been through, including Ana, and I would 100% step up and be that love and support that he needs. He definitely isn’t the most caring, but he’s growing on me to say the least. And I fell for him the moment he was nervous about going on a date with Imani, and when he realized he wanted her to love him; especially with him being the most ruthless and the leader of Poison. The more I learn about him, the more my love for him grows.
Now… when the first two get Imani alone for themselves, pretty much straight away, and we’re still hanging on for when Kai gets her alone, you know it is going to be fucking amazing. He is of course, the quiet one, but turning out to be the most dangerous, and it definitely shows with how he likes to take pleasure. And girl, I did NOT expect that but I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT. I was all over him. I love this man, and no matter how much I love Landon & João, Kai is secretly my favourite. Sealing the deal when he cuddled and took care of with Imani after he just eradicated her soul to the heavens above. I would GLADLY do anything that man says, and I am 100% wrapped around his finger, and I love it.
All the Poison boys I would gladly wrap in blanket burritos, hold and love them until they were okay. They all grew up in some fucked up situations and it breaks my damn heart. But the way that they came together, to help one another and not to mention the affect that Imani has had on them, just warms my damn heart. They might be the most dysfunctional four people on the planet, but they all suit one another so well. I love them all so fucking much. But GOOD FUCKING LORD. That PLOT TWIST. Jesus, I could not comprehend what I was reading, and thank the lord that Imani had practice, as she was slayyinngg those assholes. Kai should be proud. Not to mention, the fucked-up shit that happened with João and his family. I’m fucking glad those assholes are dead cause that was fucked. Overall, WE. LOVED. IT. *heart eyes*
Landon, Landon, Landon. I absolutely ADORE this man. He may not be the most violent, or the quietest but he is the most tender, gentle and loving out of the three. Even though he was the original baby daddy, and the one who found Imani, he is still so fucking cute. I would be more than satisfied if I was loved by him. The way he takes care of Imani, especially with how he feels that he can be himself without putting up a façade around her, just warms my heart. But damn. I want to kill those assholes who hurt him too. And with how he is trying to better himself for Imani, I want to fucking cry. I love him. So much.
He can try all he likes, but João knows that Imani is getting under his skin. He tries not to feel the way he does about her, especially acting like he hates her, but secretly cares and loves the fuck out of her. I want to hold onto him tightly and reassure him that it’s okay, with what he has been through, including Ana, and I would 100% step up and be that love and support that he needs. He definitely isn’t the most caring, but he’s growing on me to say the least. And I fell for him the moment he was nervous about going on a date with Imani, and when he realized he wanted her to love him; especially with him being the most ruthless and the leader of Poison. The more I learn about him, the more my love for him grows.
Now… when the first two get Imani alone for themselves, pretty much straight away, and we’re still hanging on for when Kai gets her alone, you know it is going to be fucking amazing. He is of course, the quiet one, but turning out to be the most dangerous, and it definitely shows with how he likes to take pleasure. And girl, I did NOT expect that but I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT. I was all over him. I love this man, and no matter how much I love Landon & João, Kai is secretly my favourite. Sealing the deal when he cuddled and took care of with Imani after he just eradicated her soul to the heavens above. I would GLADLY do anything that man says, and I am 100% wrapped around his finger, and I love it.
All the Poison boys I would gladly wrap in blanket burritos, hold and love them until they were okay. They all grew up in some fucked up situations and it breaks my damn heart. But the way that they came together, to help one another and not to mention the affect that Imani has had on them, just warms my damn heart. They might be the most dysfunctional four people on the planet, but they all suit one another so well. I love them all so fucking much. But GOOD FUCKING LORD. That PLOT TWIST. Jesus, I could not comprehend what I was reading, and thank the lord that Imani had practice, as she was slayyinngg those assholes. Kai should be proud. Not to mention, the fucked-up shit that happened with João and his family. I’m fucking glad those assholes are dead cause that was fucked. Overall, WE. LOVED. IT. *heart eyes*
December 27, 2022
Readers need to be aware of Emilia’s - Trigger Warnings note. If you have read previous books in series, you will be aware of the storyline. To new readers, a quick rundown-
“Mention of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, slapping, name calling, degradation, death etc”
Love the dedication
“To everyone who wishes they could bang three hot assholes on top of the principal’s desk”
This is the second book in the series. Further storyline of Jace & Allie presented here. Tidbits to keep you informed. In-depth of how Imani got herself into the blackmail list of Poison.
?? Do Poison show a facade of toughness to others to be feared? Each on e of them have internal struggles, their tough exterior is cracking in front of Imani. Landon, Joao & Kai each have their own burdens/struggles. Is Imani their saving grace? One word comes to mind whilst reading ‘Insecurities”
Overall - action packed. A conclusion from book 1. Imani - the Poison Boys - Redwood’s destruction. So much and more. Further elaborated from book 1.
Power/Domination/Seduction/Abuse/Death/Sorrow - Stability/Reassurance.
It was all here. Best to read book 1 to understand -Bad Boys of Redwood Academy. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read in order.
What the Poison Boys have suffered through is criminal in a strange sense. With their tough exterior and also a survival mechanism, each one seemed Love. Imani is their fourth, will she be enough?
Poison and Imani - Jace and Allie, have all told their stories. Who is next? Assume the characters will be present in next instalment. Only downfall here was reiterating of book 1. There was a lot of it and this is why i rate @ 4 1/2 stars.
“Mention of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, slapping, name calling, degradation, death etc”
Love the dedication
“To everyone who wishes they could bang three hot assholes on top of the principal’s desk”
This is the second book in the series. Further storyline of Jace & Allie presented here. Tidbits to keep you informed. In-depth of how Imani got herself into the blackmail list of Poison.
?? Do Poison show a facade of toughness to others to be feared? Each on e of them have internal struggles, their tough exterior is cracking in front of Imani. Landon, Joao & Kai each have their own burdens/struggles. Is Imani their saving grace? One word comes to mind whilst reading ‘Insecurities”
Overall - action packed. A conclusion from book 1. Imani - the Poison Boys - Redwood’s destruction. So much and more. Further elaborated from book 1.
Power/Domination/Seduction/Abuse/Death/Sorrow - Stability/Reassurance.
It was all here. Best to read book 1 to understand -Bad Boys of Redwood Academy. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read in order.
What the Poison Boys have suffered through is criminal in a strange sense. With their tough exterior and also a survival mechanism, each one seemed Love. Imani is their fourth, will she be enough?
Poison and Imani - Jace and Allie, have all told their stories. Who is next? Assume the characters will be present in next instalment. Only downfall here was reiterating of book 1. There was a lot of it and this is why i rate @ 4 1/2 stars.
January 19, 2023
Buckle up-Wildest Ride yet in this series
Book 2 can be read as a stand-alone but I would start at Book 1: Stepbrother because then you’ll fully understand the dynamics and get glimpses into Poison before you fully get to meet these amazing men, Landon, João, & Kai the amazingly handsome, brutal, faithful, and down right dangerous men who have stolen the heart of Imani the rich girl who loved science and her family.
This book is an intense RH that is lined with secrets, lies, betrayal, death, destruction but most of all the love and commitment people who choose to be family have for each other. Rosewood is a messed up place and everyone has secrets that could destroy everyone and Imani is no different. She has a secret life she leads behind closed doors but when the boys of Poison discover her kinks and her desires they only have one thought in mind to make her theirs.
This book is intense and action packed. It is also so sexy and dark in all the good ways. Enjoy the ride because we haven’t seen the last of these amazing characters and I know the next book is going to be just as entertaining and powerful as this one.Happy Reading!
Book 2 can be read as a stand-alone but I would start at Book 1: Stepbrother because then you’ll fully understand the dynamics and get glimpses into Poison before you fully get to meet these amazing men, Landon, João, & Kai the amazingly handsome, brutal, faithful, and down right dangerous men who have stolen the heart of Imani the rich girl who loved science and her family.
This book is an intense RH that is lined with secrets, lies, betrayal, death, destruction but most of all the love and commitment people who choose to be family have for each other. Rosewood is a messed up place and everyone has secrets that could destroy everyone and Imani is no different. She has a secret life she leads behind closed doors but when the boys of Poison discover her kinks and her desires they only have one thought in mind to make her theirs.
This book is intense and action packed. It is also so sexy and dark in all the good ways. Enjoy the ride because we haven’t seen the last of these amazing characters and I know the next book is going to be just as entertaining and powerful as this one.Happy Reading!
July 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this second instalment in the Redwood series. In the beginning Imani is blackmailed by Poison the Redwood gang. Soon things start to change and develop between them; feelings coming into the mix.
There is definitely sexual chemistry between them all right from the start and the spice is really good!
The story arc is great, there is always something going on. Whether that be an intimate moment or an action scene you won’t want to put it down. You can feel the emotions coming off of the page, I cried so many times especially for João and Anna. omg I could literally feel their pain.
The development throughout the book is also a noticeable mention as the characters definitely grow into their own! With Poison fighting the injustice that they face and also making sure that they get their own happily ever after to Imani transforming from a shy nerdy girl to a badass powerful woman at the end of the book. That was definitely a delight to read about.
Also, there are trigger warning!! Be warned that there is talk of suicide and drug misuse.
There is definitely sexual chemistry between them all right from the start and the spice is really good!
The story arc is great, there is always something going on. Whether that be an intimate moment or an action scene you won’t want to put it down. You can feel the emotions coming off of the page, I cried so many times especially for João and Anna. omg I could literally feel their pain.
The development throughout the book is also a noticeable mention as the characters definitely grow into their own! With Poison fighting the injustice that they face and also making sure that they get their own happily ever after to Imani transforming from a shy nerdy girl to a badass powerful woman at the end of the book. That was definitely a delight to read about.
Also, there are trigger warning!! Be warned that there is talk of suicide and drug misuse.
January 25, 2023
This book was 99p on Amazon, 99p!
Finally, a smutty gangs and bad boys book where the FMC isn’t straight up into killing and maiming!
This was a pretty long read, as far as these types of books go, with lots going on regarding the plot. It’s fast paced though so there’s not a lot of time for mooning around and internal monologues. Ugh ‘feelings’.
Not particularly a love at first sight, because for once the FMC has known them for a while and doesn’t go all doe-eyed and mushy upon first glance.
Lots of violence, but not to the usual level of 18YOs being mega mafia bad-asses who can dodge bullets and punch through chests. They run the town but also kinda don’t, yano.
I think Emilia also hates parents 🤣
July 10, 2023
loved it!
This was such a full and dynamic story with all interesting and wonderful characters. If Stepbrother was dark, Poison was pitch black. Emilia Rose’s books are always engaging and satisfying, but this definitely takes the cake. There was so much happening, and we got to revisit several events from Jace and Allie’s story but from different perspectives. It was quite refreshing. I really didn’t want it to ever end, but this is such a great story that even though it didn’t end with everyone living happily ever after, the end felt genuine and true to the characters. I’m excited to read the rest of this series and hope we might get to see what happens next for this crew. Well done!
This was such a full and dynamic story with all interesting and wonderful characters. If Stepbrother was dark, Poison was pitch black. Emilia Rose’s books are always engaging and satisfying, but this definitely takes the cake. There was so much happening, and we got to revisit several events from Jace and Allie’s story but from different perspectives. It was quite refreshing. I really didn’t want it to ever end, but this is such a great story that even though it didn’t end with everyone living happily ever after, the end felt genuine and true to the characters. I’m excited to read the rest of this series and hope we might get to see what happens next for this crew. Well done!
July 4, 2022
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
If you love bad boys (think anti-heroes), a strong female lead, and plenty of action you'll love this book!
Landon, Kai and Joao otherwise known as Poison. Redwood High's very own gang. But they are also something more, they are determined to clean up their town and a smart sheltered high school girl is about to discover a whole new world thanks to them.
Imani has no idea what she's in for but she's about to get a crash course in reality.
Of course the story isn't that easy at all. That's why you need to read this book.
It is long but the action is steady so I never felt a lull.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Please be mindful of the trigger warnings.
If you love bad boys (think anti-heroes), a strong female lead, and plenty of action you'll love this book!
Landon, Kai and Joao otherwise known as Poison. Redwood High's very own gang. But they are also something more, they are determined to clean up their town and a smart sheltered high school girl is about to discover a whole new world thanks to them.
Imani has no idea what she's in for but she's about to get a crash course in reality.
Of course the story isn't that easy at all. That's why you need to read this book.
It is long but the action is steady so I never felt a lull.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Please be mindful of the trigger warnings.
August 6, 2022
Best I've read so far!
Honestly I was intrigued by the Poison boys from book 1 and excited to read about their story with Imani and what a wild ride! I loved all the different POV s and the different information covered and I also loved learning more about Maddie and Alec! Hopefully more info in the next book which I have pre-ordered.
IMANI is the text book definition of good girl but all the pressure and stress other's place on her , she gets relieved when she connects with Landon, Kai and Joao. Each one overcoming and supporting each other and hot 🔥 interactions making each better and stronger together ! Highly recommend!!!
Honestly I was intrigued by the Poison boys from book 1 and excited to read about their story with Imani and what a wild ride! I loved all the different POV s and the different information covered and I also loved learning more about Maddie and Alec! Hopefully more info in the next book which I have pre-ordered.
IMANI is the text book definition of good girl but all the pressure and stress other's place on her , she gets relieved when she connects with Landon, Kai and Joao. Each one overcoming and supporting each other and hot 🔥 interactions making each better and stronger together ! Highly recommend!!!
August 5, 2022
3,75/5
Was it better at handling the smut/action ratio? No.
Was it the sexiest things I’ve read? Maybe.
What was slightly uncomfortable is that the Poison Boys and Imani are in high school…even though we’re talking about fictional characters, Imani getting gang b**ded in a restroom at dinner with her parents was weird…hot but weird
Also the book was so freakishly long and the story was set during the first book timeline and sometimes, the repeat is not ideal. Especially when you read the first then read the second book.
Was it better at handling the smut/action ratio? No.
Was it the sexiest things I’ve read? Maybe.
What was slightly uncomfortable is that the Poison Boys and Imani are in high school…even though we’re talking about fictional characters, Imani getting gang b**ded in a restroom at dinner with her parents was weird…hot but weird
Also the book was so freakishly long and the story was set during the first book timeline and sometimes, the repeat is not ideal. Especially when you read the first then read the second book.
February 21, 2025
Unfortunately, this book was at least 300 pages too long
Half of it could be cut because we've already read it in the first book! I'm quite mad actually, because I thought we would get to read about the after match, but nooooo, We got a bad sorta ending instead.
Well. Imani was fire🔥 the smut was 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 and the MMCs were 🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼♀️
Ana, the baby sister of one of the MMC was adorable 🥹🥹🥹
The writing wasn't anything special and I found a couple of continuity errors.
3/5⭐️
3/5📝
4/5🌶
Half of it could be cut because we've already read it in the first book! I'm quite mad actually, because I thought we would get to read about the after match, but nooooo, We got a bad sorta ending instead.
Well. Imani was fire🔥 the smut was 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 and the MMCs were 🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼♀️
Ana, the baby sister of one of the MMC was adorable 🥹🥹🥹
The writing wasn't anything special and I found a couple of continuity errors.
3/5⭐️
3/5📝
4/5🌶
June 18, 2022
Ummmm let’s just say that I devoured this book! I loved how long this book is because I did not want it to end! This next part omg this 😍😍
“He pulled me closer again and slipped his hand from my chin to my throat, his mouth against my ear. “You do as I say, Imani. Do you understand me? You might have João and Landon wrapped around your finger, but”—he wrapped his finger around one of my curls and gently tugged on it—“you’re wrapped around mine, and you know it. You fucking love it.”
“He pulled me closer again and slipped his hand from my chin to my throat, his mouth against my ear. “You do as I say, Imani. Do you understand me? You might have João and Landon wrapped around your finger, but”—he wrapped his finger around one of my curls and gently tugged on it—“you’re wrapped around mine, and you know it. You fucking love it.”
June 28, 2022
Poison may be their name but I would totally take a large drink of what they are serving. Landon, Kai, and Joao are the sexiest bad boys in Redwood and they have good girl Imani right where they want her. The connection between the characters is amazing. The storyline keeps you guessing and makes you feel like a part of Redwood. If you like great characters, love-hate relationships, and lots of steam, you need to purchase this book!
July 5, 2022
I literally love anything that ER writes, she is such a great author. I loved the first book in this character series, where you first meet the Poison Boys. This is a High School, Bully Reverse Harem, with a hint of mafia/secret society that you learn about piece by piece in this corrupt town. Lots of action and the spice is TOP NOTCH, as it always is by this author. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
September 1, 2024
I haven't read the first book in this series yet but after reading this book I think I'll have to get my hands on that book now.
Imani's (FMC) life gets complicated when she unfortunately reveals her identity to the guy that she's been web camming herself too. He's part of the Poison gang and people you don't want to be on their radar. It also brought out Imani's sassy side towards the guys which was funny in places. An enjoyable read with some steam and an FMC I really liked. A good read.
Imani's (FMC) life gets complicated when she unfortunately reveals her identity to the guy that she's been web camming herself too. He's part of the Poison gang and people you don't want to be on their radar. It also brought out Imani's sassy side towards the guys which was funny in places. An enjoyable read with some steam and an FMC I really liked. A good read.
June 24, 2022
I want my own Poison boys!!!
Poison is book #2 in the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series. It's a dark reverse harem.
The smut, the characters, the story, I freaking LOVED it all!!!
The Poison Boys, Landon, Joao, and Kai are HOT!!! I love Imani. They are all seriously perfect together.
You guys need to read this book!! I don't wanna give anything away, just go read this!!!
Poison is book #2 in the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series. It's a dark reverse harem.
The smut, the characters, the story, I freaking LOVED it all!!!
The Poison Boys, Landon, Joao, and Kai are HOT!!! I love Imani. They are all seriously perfect together.
You guys need to read this book!! I don't wanna give anything away, just go read this!!!
July 13, 2022
I love RH books. And the darker and more graphically violent the plot, and the more descriptive the smut scenes are, the better. This story has it all and I was impressed. It’s a rather lengthy book, but it’s so good that you don’t want to put it down. This has been one of my favorite reads this year!
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