When she was seventeen, I convinced my cousin to break up with her so I could dry her tears and promise I’d never leave her.
When she was eighteen, a terrible accident scarred my face. I couldn’t sentence her to a life with a hideous monster, so when she left town to chase her dreams, I watched her go.
For three years, I lived as the shell of a man. I hid away from the world, consumed by regret that the life I deserved had slipped through my fingers. Love turned bitter in my veins.
Then I saw her on TV, living her dream. Once more, I had a purpose.
I tracked her down. I found out where she lives. And now I’m going to get her.
You might not guess it when you pick up your first Selena novel, but Selena is a true romantic. She writes gritty, realistic New Adult contemporary novels with characters you'll love to hate and hate to love.
If reading about teens behaving badly upsets you, steer clear because these are full of drama, angst, fighting, drugs, sex, and rock & roll. There will be times you want to throw your Kindle. There will be lying, cheating, bullying, backstabbing, violence, and hard-earned, sweet redemption for those who won't give up on love. Because life's not always picture perfect, but every heart, no matter how broken and damaged, deserves love.
Preston and Dolly's story part 2 of their duet. I've recived this ARC for my honest review. Contains spoilers.
Preston has decided to stop playing with his feelings and works overtime to convince Dolly to return to Faulkner and marry him.
The story depicts Dolly's back and forth trying to convince herself that Preston is the one. She keeps him at arms length for good reason but constantly gives in and justifies his bad behavior.
Preston goes off the deep end and eventually forces Dolly to be his. Although she protests, she constantly makes excuses for him and is eventually won over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I did not want this story to be over! Dolly and Preston have a lot of history and baggage and oh man. Both with insecurities and messed up families, Dolly fled to Hollywood. Preston brought her back home with the intent to never let her leave him again.
This guy. His love is so overwhelming and overpowering. Preston got tired of waiting for Dolly to realize just how much he loves her and how serious he is. He’s done being patient. And oh boy is this book juicy AF. If you have a breeding kink - here ya go.
“You’ve always been mine, Dolly. To take however and whenever I want. I’ve always known it. Now it’s time you knew it.”
"You will bear me a child. As many children as I want. I don't care if you want me or not. I'll fuck you when and where and how I decide to fuck you. You'll love every minute of it, whether you want to or not, just like you did tonight." 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵
It’s angsty. It’s tug and pull. It’s passionate. It’s kinky. Author Selena can write a damn sex scene. Preston loves giving and giving and he loves Dolly’s 🐱. The tension is all there. We get all their emotions out. Why this relationship took this long to happen.
Preston had a very .. unconventional way of getting Dolly back into his grasp but this man would give his last breath to Dolly. All her insecurities, he’s obsessed with. His love is what makes this entire book. It’s an incredible story and I hope we see more of their future. They are truly my favorite!
This duet was my first read by this author, I knew going in that there were other books I should have probably read first but that were not 100% necessary to understand / enjoy the story.
I don't mind the dark side to it, nor the triggers. I think the writing style kept me engaged, BUT I just couldn't understand what Preston saw in Dolly. I know he did messed up things, but IMO there was nothing from her that merited Preston's obsession/devotion. I know it doesn't make sense but I felt bad for Preston, he deserved better.
On another note, this might be due to the fact I did not read the other books first but I am having trouble digesting the fact that the Darlings are willing to have any sort of relationships with the Dolces after what happened. I mean the fact Dolly spent time with them after they almost killed Preston, pretty unforgivable to me. I don't even know what all they did to poor Colt, but I have to say if I do end up reading Devlin's story I'll be going into it pretty much hating him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I hated most of this, dolly kept pissing me off, and Preston even more, he said stupid shit that was just unattractive. Being forced into a relationship and being told there’s no way out isn’t hot. I like possessiveness but this is a whole new level. It went on too long and I wish it would’ve ended sooner. I didn’t really like that Preston was a whore either, and seemed like he still had a thing for Kalmai… I also didn’t like that dolly never ever complimented him or reaffirmed him sbout how he looks that’s a big theme and he’s obvi insecure and thinks he can’t be loved because of it, and I wish dolly would’ve talked to him and made him feel better about himself just like he did to her when she asked about her body after the baby..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I didn’t dislike Darling Doll but this one definitely has the edge over it. I really loved how focused and determined Preston was to have Dolly.
He was manipulative at times. When he’d finally caught her in his web he was determined to keep her, even if it meant holding her captive, literally. He built her the perfect gilded cage. If she’d been all in he’d have given her actual freedom, if she’d wanted to stay.
She was definitely unimpressed with his extreme manwhoring in his high school years. She wouldn’t give agree to stay and marry but she didn’t protest the sex at all. He was super determined to knock her up. He succeeded eventually.
I was going to rate this 4 stars until the mess at the end. She tries to escape. Hits him with the car accidentally. She ends leaving after seeing he’s going to get medical attention. He tells her to go. It was sad. Then she tells her dad and the police raid and he gets shot. She’d come back to tell him.
Of course this is an HEA. She agrees to marry him. They have some awkward encounters with Devlin, Harper, etc.
Book sets us up for Colts story. I’m actually excited. I think it’s probably going to be him & Lo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Feels 3 Storyline 4 Steam 5 Overall Rating 4 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Robin
I have LOVED Preston and wanted his story for a while. His character has evolved for me from Crystal's story to a much more empathetic guy. He and his cousins ruled the school and now he's a damaged but determined man to take care of his family and finally get the woman he was destined to be with. But Dolly...she drove me over the edge. Constantly pushing Preston away and running toward a dream that was never really hers. She confused me as much as she did Preston. And Preston's stalkery obsession...I was ALL OVER THAT. He was the possessive guy that cherishes the woman they love. So happy we got their story and Preston got his happy ending. CANNOT WAIT FOR COLT'S STORY!!!! I'm dying for his. He is probably one of my favorite characters in this series.
I have LOVED Preston and wanted his story for a while. His character has evolved for me from Crystal's story to a much more empathetic guy. He and his cousins ruled the school and now he's a damaged but determined man to take care of his family and finally get the woman he was destined to be with. But Dolly...she drove me over the edge. Constantly pushing Preston away and running toward a dream that was never really hers. She confused me as much as she did Preston. And Preston's stalkery obsession...I was ALL OVER THAT. He was the possessive guy that cherishes the woman they love. So happy we got their story and Preston got his happy ending. CANNOT WAIT FOR COLT'S STORY!!!! I'm dying for his. He is probably one of my favorite characters in this series.
Preston Darling and Dolly Beckett deserve all the stars!
These two were fire and ice, oil and water, but yet add some spice and they mixed perfectly.
I loved the first book of the duet, with the angst and heartache, but the steam in this book was hot! I loved seeing Dolly let herself go even when she didn't want to, letting go of her inhibitions and being her true self with Preston was everything. I loved that he saw her for who she was and made her feel things she otherwise hid.
There is so much going on in this book and there was a point that my heart stopped. I won't give away any spoilers but I loved seeing Harper again and seeing her and Preston together, their relationship may not be conventional but it is them and I love it.
That epilogue though! Ah I can't. I need Colt's book ASAP! I know I know... I'm greedy but seriously I need it!
Deviant Deception by Selena ⭐️5/5 🔥6/5 This is the second part to Preston and Dolly’s story. Thankfully both parts came out same day!! Was so happy to see what finally happened. I know it shows Colt’s story is coming next so that’s exciting. We get to see Preston’s obsession show more but it also starts to bring to light feelings Dolly wasn’t truly aware of I don’t think. Yes he is twisted in the head lol but I like his kind of twisted. I will say the passion he shows while doing the deed in here is way more than when he was xxxx (don’t want to give name to spoil) and I wonder if that’s because she wasn’t Dolly? Anyways happy to see his story end and that it was a HEA.
Another fab book from Selena. Love the darling family saga and it’s so good to read Preston’s story. His love for Dolly is all consuming and the lengths to which he goes to make her his is something else. This is dark steamy read with plenty of triggers but it’s deliciously good. Loved it.
I loved Preston and Dollys story. This world is dark and demented but very entertaining! Felt like Christmas morning to get both of their books out on the same day! Spent my entire day reading both books and it was totally worth it! I can’t wait for colts story and then hopefully the twins story after that.
I had a love hate relationship with Preston after he was introduced in the other books. Yet, there was no denying that there was something magnetic about him. This book really cemented that idea.
I wasn't ready for the book to be over. This world just keeps sucking me in.
Book two, and the final part, of Preston and Dolly's story!
Preston has convinced Dolly to come back to Faulkner. Dolly is still picking everything else over Preston. While I have no doubt she has feelings for Preston, she is having hard time convincing herself. She continues to put Preston last though he has always put her first. This is one of the biggest things that aggravates me about their story! Yes, Preston is tad psycho, obsessive, manipulative (no one's perfect, okay?? lol) but the love that you see Preston shows for her is so obvious and she is just oblivious to it! Needless to say, Preston goes a bit insane with his need to keep her and breed her, and well... let's just say Dolly doesn't take too well to this. While book two dealt with their past, and growing up, this one is all present day.
I have to say, I have grown to love Preston. What he has endured, what he stand back and watch and wait. I can't help it! And while Dolly is not my favorite, I do like her. I like her with Preston.
We also get to see our favorite peeps from the original Willow High Prep series!!! The relationship between Preston and Harper is EVERYTHING! I love this. There were two people missing though... don't think I didn't notice. Barron and Blue... where are you???????
This is the second book in the Preston/Dolly Duet. This is after high school and he is determined to win her over. He is still beyond obsessed. He has to seemingly prove to Dolly that they belong together bc she is hesitant and it seems his ability to be persistent has paid off because she gives in. Preston, if you’re familiar with him in Harpers story, is a little uh not well in the head. While he has some Prince Charming moments he also has some serious cringe moments. I’m happy he (and she) but mainly him finally get a HEA. This was not my favorite character after being introduced and reintroduced to them in Harpers series but I’m glad we got to see a little glimmer into Preston’s life and why he is the way he was. I’m very excited for the characters who are coming next!
I have a limit on how many times I can read about Dolly's insecurity, and I reached it like three books ago.
And I really don't know how to feel about this book. I actually think Dolly loves Preston, but the way he manipulated and abused(!) her from she was 16.... how can she forgive him? Are we suppose to think Preston is a good guy now? How was this an HEA? And the party at the end felt like "all was well"... 🤮
I really liked Preston and was so excited for him to get his HEA. I just wish he could have found it with anyone besides Dolly. She ruined the book for me. She was indecisive and immature. I never disliked a character more than her. I couldn't wait to finish. I really had to push through.
This duet is possibly one of my favorites. I finished both books in two days I couldn’t seem to put them down. When Preston first showed up to Cali and got w dolly i was happy but he was so pushy on going “home” though dolly knew she doesn’t rlly belong there. Preston guilt trips her w her fathers dilemma he has in town yet when they arrive, he locks her in a room. That twist rly got me cuz damn. Preston goes from the obsessed boy who’s loved someone he couldn’t have for decades to the man who’ll stop at nothing to prove he loves her and make her safe even if she doesn’t. I rlly enjoyed dolly in the first book but in the middle of this one she became stubborn and annoying. At the end she was back to her old self but her personality rly changed sm throughout this series. Devlin was so ANNOYING and SELF CENTERED in his five minutes of fame like omg dude get over it your cousin and ur ex are together, you faked ur death to marry ur family’s enemy’s daughter. Someone who I rly just COULD NOT STAND was Preston’s ex gf who he is now bsfs with. I hated this woman bc she was what Dixie said, “one of the boys”, yes she grew up w only brothers but she has no girl friends and prefers guys and only real friend is Preston. She admitted to getting w him if she wasn’t w dolly / obsessed w her. I hated her sm ugh. One thing here I would change so quick is probably how Preston said “I don’t care if you want me or not. I’ll fuck you when and where and how I decide to fuck you. You’ll love every minute of it, whether you want to or not,” like he seemed like the type to S/A someone whenever dolly was mouthy during 😩. Also how he HAD SOMEONE TATTOO HIS NAME ON HER PELVIS BC HE HAD HERS ON HIS DICK AND CHEST LIKE EW BRO U FUCKED OTBER GIRLS W HER NAME UR WILD. but yea I didn’t enjoy that. I did enjoy Magnolia. She was so funny and stayed bullying Preston she was truly a character for the voice of the audience. I loved this book. It’s great for any big girl finding her worth and knowing she’s worthy of love and lust and some dark romance 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Story picked up three years after Dolly left Preston behind to find herself in Hollywood. Preston's come finds Dolly only to realized how much she changed. She's waitressing while pimping herself out to her gross, married manager so he'll get her music career off the ground. The Dolly who used to be confident has been beaten down with drab, slim-fit clothing and diet plans. Preston essentially tricks her into coming back home because of her father's legal troubles and locks her in his mansion. He's decided that his father was right after all. Being a nice guy and letting go doesn't work so he's going to be a monster and get what he wants this time around. Their scenes together were so hawt (non-con, dub-con, breeding kink and exhibition). I was there for Preston's obsession intensity and his never-ending adoration. We got to see how much he suffered, having to deal with his disfigurement and banishment by the Dolces. I really felt for him, going through this while trying to keep his family safe.
Dolly frustrated me so much in this story with her pushing and insecurities. Toward the end after Preston comes to his senses and lets her go, she makes a bonehead move that results in him getting hurt. Loved that Harper was there being the blunt bitch who told her that other women would start circling if she kept playing games. Despite my enjoyment this book is filled with so many broken, toxic people and the suffering got to be too much at time. But I was never tempted to quit, even reading late into the night. A book hasn't grabbed my attention like this in a long time. I'm relieved Preston and Dolly got their HEA in the end. It was touch and go for a while. Colt's book seems to be next but after reading the epilogue and seeing how he treats Dixie, I'm not interested. PS. I got my wish. Preston's piece of shit dad got what he deserved and his wife's living her best life.
I stepped into another universe like there is no way this is the second book….. i am not complaining I liked the second one so much more than I liked the firsttt but where the hell is the continuity The first one was a sweet high school star crossed lovers romance book And this was what it was a dark romance with a bit of light? I mean don’t get me wrong I liked the MMC much more in this book but I just didn’t like the back and forth in his character I would have liked it if he was consistent with his decisions like he said u won’t leave I don’t need a redemption arc of him allowing her to leave and etc if this was supposed to be a dark romance his character should have been more consistent and people would have liked him as an anti-hero instead of an anti-hero that suddenly found a moral compass Also like I really don’t like the fact that the book ( I’ve noticed this in the first and second book) suddenly has life altering or life threatening scenes in the span of a few pages like things could be normal and okay and then suddenly a million tiny subplots exist that just annoy me if anything Like for example him getting run over by her in a car??? Then getting shot?? Then having life threatening surgery and bering in critical stage? There is a reason people say more is less and this is the prime example If the author focused on the main plot and developed it more it would have been better and the sole focus should be the characters and a single set out plot otherwise the story seems unplanned and rushed and very cliche but are things all reads hate
But all in all I actually liked the second one it was sooo much better than the first hence the 3.5 stars ( the first def should have been a short as hell novella instead of the long ass book that it was ) But I mean still would have wanted and expected more
It’s been 3 years since Dolly Beckett left she’s tried to make it as a singer but still finds herself waiting on tables to cover her living expenses . Then when she’s on a date with her sleaze ball manager he turns up, Preston Darling and he’s still as brazen as ever he approaches her table taking on her manager with his pull no punches truth about Dolly and demands she leave with him . He was taught from an early age to take don’t ask permission so he cons Dolly into going home telling her that her Dad needs instead he takes he to his home and locks her in a room . For a month he keeps her locked in one wing of the house telling her she will stay until she’s pregnant and agrees to marry him but Dolly defiant as ever refuses to give in although she lets him use her. As much as I wanted to hate the way Preston dealt with his obsession to Doll I couldn’t as he truly does love her and has done since he was very young they are like a flame to petrol when they are together things combust and tempers flare. However deep down you know Dolly also loves him but she is scared to admit it to herself .Preston comes across as someone a lot older than he is but growing up and having to deal with his attack then looking after his cousins he grew up quicker than most. I really liked this duet and I’m looking forward to Colts book. Selena .Deviant Deception
Selena’s “Deviant Deception” is Book 3 of the Willow Heights Prep Academy Series—a continuation of Preston and Doll’s story. A bit of a Beauty and The Beast feel. The content warning recommends “avoiding this author entirely if you have any triggers.”
I must preface that Preston was not my favorite at the beginning of Book 2. In my “Darling Doll” review, he was creepy AF. But ultimately, my heart went to him, and I understood him more. Book 2 gave me whiplash, though. I started out feeling so bad for Preston that I got so angry with him. I thought Dolly was incredibly weak and then felt terrible for her. It was whiplash.
Now that the Dolces have done their damage to the Darling family, especially to Preston, the residual effect is disfigurement for him, though. Now wearing a mask most of the time, Preston seeks to find Dolly after three years apart and lands in LA, where Dolly tries to become famous. But, unfortunately, she continues to pursue her fame through unscrupulous measures that she has no qualms about doing. However, Preston still loves Dolly regardless of what she has done. And he will do anything to keep her and make her his.
When Preston shares some news from back home, he hopes that might prompt her to return with him. It’s a bit of a feat, but she reluctantly went. From this point on, Preston goes full-on beast mode. The heat turns way up in Book 3. My heart was in my throat, and I was rapidly flipping pages. I’m just so glad Preston and Dolly’s story is now complete.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deviant Deception is the second part of Preston and Dolly' story in The Endgame Duet of Willow Heights Prep Academy Series and must be read after book #1, Darling Doll.
If the first book was a sinuous and turbulent journey for our characters, I found this installment to be a more intimate account, emotionally developed through the couple's behaviors, quests and qualms, fears and insecurities. Don't get me wrong, It is still a roller-coaster of events, backs and forths, advances and resistance, internally conflictual, resolutive and conclusive.
I loved the fact that Dolly, despite some questionable decisions, had a good heart and came to terms with letting go, living by her goals and expectations, rather than others. Preston was as twisted as they come, peculiar with his apporaach to intimacy and the way he committed to people and, IMO, he was the star of the show in a notorious metamorphosis from book #1. The redemption of a, every now and then, deranged creature to a resilient antihero, after epso much, after everything......
All Selena's protagonists are complex and unique, a generation of extremes, with their very personal dose of beastiality and compassion to those that matter, for right or wrong. The process is realistic, felt and superbly inventive, like we're crying with them or cheering for them, living vicariously throug their struggles and conquests and with the certainity everything will fall in its place.
I was not sure if they were meant to be when I first started reading their duet, but I can agree they make totally sense together!
This book was released as a duet, I will be reviewing both at the same time since they came out together. I honestly think separating the books into a duet was much easier for me to read since part 1 is the past and part 2 is present. We have met Dolly and Preston throughout both The Elite series and the Exile series, though we did get more of Preston in the Exile series. First of all, I love Selena's writing, the way she writes actually makes sense in the pov of young people. I really enjoyed that we got part 1 because we actually saw the evolution of both of the characters' feelings from when they were kids to teenagers, it is easier to understand Preston's feelings towards Dolly. This book was necessary for me to be able to prepare to read the present story. Part 2 though, Selena is amazing at writing broken characters, from the Exile series with Harper and now Preston, I was looking actively for a book that would make me cry and read a lot of recommendations for "ugly tears books" but this is the one that drew tears from me. In the Elite series, I didn't really care about Preston, he grew on me in the Exile series but it broke me reading how he views himself in this duet. I highly suggest you read in the order : The Elite, The Exile then this duet because a lot of characters from previous series are mentioned in these books. I loved Harper's appearances in this book, it made sense and drew a bit of jealousy out of Dolly.
Overall, I will always be recommending reading Selena's books.
Author's NOTE: While this book can be read on its own, it is the second half of a duet. I recommend reading it after the first half, Darling Doll, available here: http://books2read.com/darlingdoll
The first book explores the couple’s emotional journey, while the second one is filled with delicious filth. Enjoy!
Content warning: I recommend avoiding this author entirely if you have any triggers.
This book is Part 2 of Preston and Dolly's duet romance. Where the innocence from book 1 has been smothered, from which creates a deliciously dark depravity and compulsive sexual need- hypersexualizing the readers' thoughts. This book in the Duet starts two and a half years after Darling Doll ends, but also continues after book five from the second series included in the Willow Heights Shared Universe, Willow Heights Prep Academy: The exile, book 5: Blood Empire. That dives us straight into the present where Preston's finally lost his patience, possibly his mind and decides to finally make Dolly his.
My opinion: "I loved book 1 and the vibe from it, and book 2 she flipped the script on us! honestly? After reading this, I feel like Im being pinned down by a heavy male body, whispering nasty words in my ear while I'm trying to sleep and I can only scream for more. I want more! I neeeeed more!"
Finally Preston got the perfect ending. I could not set this book down and my mouth would go dry at times after drooling so much. The steam, passion and sexual desires go above and beyond my expectations from what I know of Preston and I am even more so impressed with Selena and her ability to dive deep into a characters psyche and bring their darkness into the forefront of a book's reality. My needs and desires were definitely met in this second book!