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One way or another, we’ll fight and find our way back to each other.

Willow
Did I lose him for good? I saw what Logan did to him, there’s no way he could’ve survived that.


Could things really get any worse? I never should’ve asked that question. Of course, they will, they always do…


At least many of the puzzle pieces are finally coming together.

He may be the King of Stoneridge Academy,
but I don’t even know if he’s alive.

Silas
He, was able to get her away from me twice. Enough!! It’s time to put an end to Logan once and for all.

I plan to annihilate everything in the path between her and him.

I will do whatever I can to protect her from that Monster!
No matter what, or who gets hurt in the process.

This is not a sweet love story, this is a DARK ROMANCE. If you don't like dark romance this book is not for you. Please note this book contains certain TRIGGER warnings.


This book is a revised edition of the original volume. I’ve rearranged the older Ridgeside series to make the experience more enjoyable for the reader. Content has been added and deleted enhancing the characters and the flow of the story.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2019

148 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

K.J. Thomas

10 books83 followers
K.J. loves creating dark, and forever twisted, characters. A Mom to four freaking awesome kids, she currently lives in New England with her Husband, three teenage boys, and a small herd of fluffy animals.

Find K.J. on:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorkjthomas/
Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/68354ef568e8/landing

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5 stars
106 (50%)
4 stars
63 (30%)
3 stars
25 (11%)
2 stars
9 (4%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,509 followers
January 8, 2022
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Mafia Romance (High School)
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: and 3.5/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: OK-GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy
Series: Book 3 of 4
Pages: loc. 1986
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
What I liked:
Part 3 was more action packed and we saw this tug of war between Silas and Logan. I have to say, Logan is delusional as hell and one flew over the coo coo nest crazy. I still think it’s good that the author also gives Logan’s POV in the story as I do find him interesting, sometimes. Silas is stepping up as a leader and that’s good to see. Part 3, we saw Willow taking a lot to where even I felt bruised and in pain.




What was so so:
The high school aspect is not prominent anymore as the main focus of this story is the mafia aspect. This isn’t so bad but this was a big part of why I loved this series. I am a fan of the plot and the action, because I really do find myself becoming engrossed in what’s happening. However, the moments between Silas and Willow are becoming less and less and that includes the sex scenes as well. I find myself missing there interactions.


SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
The sex scenes are dwindling. The action and the storytelling are good but I need and crave the intimacy between the characters. I need more of it.




SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I guess my dreams and hopes are kilt for an extension of this series with the best friends and I’ll just leave it at that. I love Lee. he is who we are mainly seeing in part 3.



OVERALL: Was I entertained? Yes. Did I like the story? Yes, but I miss seeing that connection and interaction between Silas and Willow. A lot is happening that is keeping them apart, but there interactions are becoming less. Would I read the other books in the series? Yes. After getting this far, I want to see how this ends.




TRIGGERS: violence and assault on a female.



****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Profile Image for Art of Reading.
506 reviews61 followers
September 17, 2019
This is the third book in the ridgeside high series!
Obviously I’m in love with Hudson
And since the beginning i really Really wanted to kill Levi like gahh my dislike for him in high!

I definitely couldn’t put this down once i started it. Levi is batshit crazy!
This series is sort of dark (not that much for me) but it does keep getting better and better with each book! There is also suspense which keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Hudson is part (well now the head) of the mafia which is one of my fave things ever!

Gahh this book does end in a cliffhanger 😩 but I can’t wait for book 4!!

You guys i have been invested since book 1! And I definitely recommend this!
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2019
This series has kept us on toes and this book definitely doesn’t change that. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end then leave us on a cliffhanger that will have you wondering how this story will end! I’m not gonna give any teasers but this book will make you tear up for sure. It’s full of live and lose and might break your heart a bit. I’m not so patiently waiting for book 4!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LaToya (Readingbythebayou).
894 reviews45 followers
September 18, 2019
This book was a real page turner. I was on pins and needles wondering what would happen next. Hudson and Morgan's lives are getting more complicated. Levi is a psychopath. I definitely wasn't expecting some of the things that happened. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,058 reviews45 followers
September 24, 2019
Another installment that will have you on the edge of your seat. Twists and turns and lots of danger for our two young lovers. This story continues with Hudson and Morgan both recovering from injuries. We really see how sick Levi is and the games get out of control. Shocking heartbreak and intense danger make this book hard to put down
5,944 reviews30 followers
April 2, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough with twists and turns and a lot of action.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karla.
550 reviews16 followers
November 22, 2019
Enjoying this series

Enjoying this mafia based series, plenty of action and curveballs. A bit of a rollercoaster ride. The hits just keep on coming.
Profile Image for Soscha.
416 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2019
Third installment of Ridgside High Saga and I'm starting to think academics are taking a backseat in Hudson and Morgan's lives. Though they do end up making it to *some* classes here.

I'm joking, of course. "Cruel Games" is as bat guano crazy and improbable as the previous volumes, but I can't stop reading. This series is, obviously, not for the YA crowd but I would have been just as, nay, more so, addicted to them as a teen as I am now. They hit the perfect mix of young love, requisite angst, and escapist bombast I longed for in my life.

The Ridgeside High books are not standalones, and as yet, no HEA but they're a pleasure to indulge in and I cant' wait for the next bucknutty volume. Please not however, the author does do a general content warning here but this volume in particular has CW/trigger warnings for graphic non-sexualized physical violence against the female protagonist.
Profile Image for Katrina.
376 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2022
1-star (only because it wouldn’t allow me to give 0)

Ok, so, this starts off and the timeline couldn’t be more messed up. It’s supposedly been a week since the events in the cliffhanger in Book 2, but Wyatt and Aaron are totally ok (one of them was shot in the leg and the other either broke or twisted his leg). Silas is getting in fights a weeks after a shot to the stomach. Completely unbelievable. Then in the very same chapter it says that Willow has been gone for two weeks, even though she went missing the same day Silas is shot.

In the following chapter, Willow’s POV, her inner monologue says “I just don’t see my father and Lucien…” Lucien IS HER FATHER!

Then, Willow gets jumped. Her wrist is broken, and all of sudden, she’s having s*x and doing it on all fours?

Then, you have one of Silas’s main guards who literally just disappears from the story. Like poof, and he’s gone!

Seriously? At this point, I’m just reading so I can laugh!

922 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2019
I absolutely hate cliffhangers, however this book series is so addicting that I feel I have no choice. Morgan and Hudson's story continues in this book. Levi is still at it and he is really starting to lose his marbles in this book. Levi wants to be with Morgan so badly that he will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal. During Levi's plan I get a feeling that he is discovering his human feelings. Levi does not understand what his feeling mean because he believes that he does not have any feelings. I hope in the next book that everything will be resolved. This series so far has been action packed, suspenseful, and sexy. I really hope in the next book I get my happily ever after for Morgan and Hudson because they have been through so much already.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews35 followers
September 13, 2019
Let the Cruel Games begin.

This is book three in this series and we're not finished yet. This book does end on a cliffhanger and must be read after reading book one, Not Giving Up and book two, Pushed Away. This series is dark, but just keeps getting better with each book.

Morgan once again finds a way to out smart Levi, but in doing so puts herself in more danger. Now Levi's sole focus is on the Cruel Games he has devised and he plans on coming out on top and being the most feared mob boss around. Hudson is trying to figure things out before he loses everyone he loves, including his mom and Morgan. This series is fantastic, suspenseful, dark, steamy and all kinds of messed up. I'm loving every word of it, I look forward to the next book and I highly recommend this series as a must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
41 reviews
September 22, 2019
????

Although these books are captivating and well written at what stage is the author going to give us a finale, at what stage do we find out how many more books to come? I feel cheated as I thought this would be the final book, I feel cheated that I have to wait again for another book I didn’t know was coming, how many more books, how much longer?. To be honest, I would never had started the series if I had this information. Not sure I’ll finish as I have no idea how much longer the author can drag this out or how long I have to wait for story to be finished. Sorry but the author at some stage should have provided this information as opposed to just dragging readers along 😳
Profile Image for Deb.
7,573 reviews37 followers
September 15, 2019
A suspenseful, fascinating read that I was unable to put down. The story continues with Morgan being the target of a delusional young man who will stop at nothing to get to her. Hudson and her father work well together in trying to keep her safe. Unfortunately for our group, his devious mind is many steps ahead and heartbreak is plentiful in this book, the third in the series. Will they ever be safe? I'm all for justice which I hope the author will give us before more heartbreak is felt. The ending was shocking but perfectly set up the next book. Great story, great series and fabulous author.
Profile Image for Uhleeseeuh.
475 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2019
This story is getting CRAZY

I thought the second book was nuts but this one out that one to shame. I still absolutely love Hudson. He has definitely redeemed himself from his B2 shenanigans. Harper is still getting on my nerves, but the rest of the story has kept my focus away from her. My heart broke with this one. The end of this book says B4 is available, and I hope it is. Still the best mafia story I have read, and the twist that ties into this title is original af. I haven't ever read that storyline in a book before. Definitely check out this book. It's an amazing continuation of the series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
756 reviews16 followers
November 5, 2019
Intense!

Wow, these books just keep getting more intense with each one. This one is night and day different from book one as the story progresses and everyone’s lives are turned upside down because of Levi. Book one sucks you in as a hot bully romance and then from book two and onward it’s a terrifying ride through the psychotic mind of Levi and the horrific disaster he wreaks on everyone, everywhere he goes and to everything he touches. I sincerely hope there’s some sort of bright spot at the end of the next book; Hudson and Morgan and their friends and family deserve it! These characters, the storyline, and the scene setting are excellent!
Profile Image for Ruth Vitale.
496 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2019
This is a really good series... plenty of angst and suspense as well as sexy stuff... it’s a must read series!!!
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,171 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2022
Break Me is not a standalone but I read this anyway because I loved the cover and because I am a fan of bully romance !

I am a new fan of this author and intend to go back and read Book 1 Hate Me and Book 2 Fear Me

Willow and Silas are amazing characters and this story had me engaged from the first page.

Lots of great plot twists now I can’t wait to see how things play out in the final book of the series Release Me !

Highly recommend this author and series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
June 21, 2022
Wow!

Willow is in the hands of Lucas, who after having shot her takes care of her.
Willow spends her days recovering and thinking about how to escape and return to the arms of Silas and her father.
With the help of a double agent, she succeeds but Lucas then starts his "games" in which he puts a target on the lives of Willow and Silas' friends.
Exciting, you won't be able to stop reading.
We will have to read the next book to see if Lucas achieves his goals or, on the contrary, Silas and Willow manage to defeat him once and for all.

Profile Image for Haz.
1,016 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2019
What can I say , when i started reading these series I never thought u would be that invested in a book and now just finish book 3 in the series I can't wait for the final book ,but for now be prepare for more kidnapping , heartbreak and non stop action and the tissues at the ready because this one will take you on a non stop action pack ride where you don't want stop reading til the end

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for K..
208 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2019
Dark, and Suspenseful.

This is the third book in the Ridge High series, and the continuation of Hudson, and Morgan's twisted story. Morgan continues to fight for Hudson, but she is being pursued by Levi, who is stepping us his games to get her no matter what. This book is action-packed, intense, suspenseful, twisted, dramatic, and emotional. A must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Adalle.
1,618 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2022
On your mark, get set, BREAK…

This is totally a roller coaster ride. Willow and Silas definitely have my brain on overload.
I’m pulling my weave out trying not to scream. This series is going to have me buying and lace front by the time Release Me comes out.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.
Profile Image for Linda Frigault.
272 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2019
A must read!! Like the first two books in the series "Cruel Games" pulled me right in and I could not put it down. This series is just so incredible!! A page turner, edge of your seat, action-packed, heartbreaking read awaits you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am volontarily leaving a review.
2,847 reviews14 followers
September 17, 2019
Oh my!! The ending is a killer. I loved it and I can't wait for more. The tangled webs of deceit and sheer craziness of Levi makes you catch your breath. You don't know where he will be and what the next diabolical thing he will do. He is ruthless in his desire to dominate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,573 reviews37 followers
January 15, 2022
A suspenseful story with palpable tension and emotion. The action is intense. The action is riveting. This was a well written story that was impossible to put down and I am so glad I was able to find this author and her amazing talent for storytelling. I cannot wait to read the next book. I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.
4,571 reviews19 followers
January 16, 2022
I loved the first person point of view this is always a deal breaker for me. Of course you need to read Fear me before starting this one. The author delivered once again and I cannot wait for the last book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,594 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2019
A real page turner. A thrilling storyline with great characters. Can not wait to read more about Morgan, Hudson and Levi.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,571 reviews19 followers
September 14, 2019
This is book three and it continues right where Pushed away finished. You need to read book 1 and 2 before reading this one. I don't want to spoil anything. Read this story it's awesome. 10 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
October 10, 2019
Hudson & Morgan's story continues. Of course, this ends on a cliffhanger so waiting on the next book to see how this one will end. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,641 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2019
Seriously I am completely hooked on this series and loving everything about it so far. This is the third book and its still just as intense with so many twists and I was on edge the whole time. Truly can not wait for the next book as I need more of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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