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Shadow River Elite #1
Beautiful Nightmare
The beautiful boy I once loved has become my darkest nightmare.
I’ve spent the last two years healing.
And yet, I can’t escape him.
He’s here; I can’t fathom how.
He’s in my thoughts and in my dreams.
He’s everywhere.
And he insists I pay for what I’ve done.
The Royals of Shadow River University are elite members of society. Debauchery, secrets, and plot twists abound. This is book 1 of a 3 book series—each book focuses on a different couple.
Shadow River Elite is a bully romance series set in the same world as Rosehaven Academy.
I’ve spent the last two years healing.
And yet, I can’t escape him.
He’s here; I can’t fathom how.
He’s in my thoughts and in my dreams.
He’s everywhere.
And he insists I pay for what I’ve done.
The Royals of Shadow River University are elite members of society. Debauchery, secrets, and plot twists abound. This is book 1 of a 3 book series—each book focuses on a different couple.
Shadow River Elite is a bully romance series set in the same world as Rosehaven Academy.
312 pages, ebook
First published March 3, 2020
404 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 21, 2022
That was incredible! Leila James is the Queen of twists & turns! 😱 She is the Queen of gotcha! You think the story is going one way, nope goes in a totally different direction you didn’t see coming. I am shook, mouth wide open, shocked!
Lux and Hawk (coolest names ever, by the way) are taken for a wild ride in this story! A blast from each others pasts. They are literally shocked to see each other, never mind being at the same college at the same time. Lux has been through the wringer in her life. She needs something to make her feel alive and safe! She is strong, empowering and will have you routing for her greatness from the first chapter. But don’t be fooled, because Hawk’s plan for Lux will have you on the edge of your seat! Hawk 🥵🥵 decides to have some fun with Lux and never have I wanted to hug or nicely caress (because I mean he is hot) and throat punch someone at the same time. Yup he is one of those and boy is he sooooooo good and entertaining. Hot jock, with a dark past, that rocks the alphahole role so incredibly well! 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵
Leila James has done it again. She is pure gold! Her writing is detailed, precise, entertaining and soooo steamy! I literally couldn’t read fast enough. I didn’t want to put this book down, nor did I want it to end. This book truly is amazing. It deserves all the stars for the twisty storyline, how entertaining it is and for how incredible Hawk will make you feel! Eeeekkk, soooo good!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lux and Hawk (coolest names ever, by the way) are taken for a wild ride in this story! A blast from each others pasts. They are literally shocked to see each other, never mind being at the same college at the same time. Lux has been through the wringer in her life. She needs something to make her feel alive and safe! She is strong, empowering and will have you routing for her greatness from the first chapter. But don’t be fooled, because Hawk’s plan for Lux will have you on the edge of your seat! Hawk 🥵🥵 decides to have some fun with Lux and never have I wanted to hug or nicely caress (because I mean he is hot) and throat punch someone at the same time. Yup he is one of those and boy is he sooooooo good and entertaining. Hot jock, with a dark past, that rocks the alphahole role so incredibly well! 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵
Leila James has done it again. She is pure gold! Her writing is detailed, precise, entertaining and soooo steamy! I literally couldn’t read fast enough. I didn’t want to put this book down, nor did I want it to end. This book truly is amazing. It deserves all the stars for the twisty storyline, how entertaining it is and for how incredible Hawk will make you feel! Eeeekkk, soooo good!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 8, 2022
This enemies to lovers, college romance was so good. It's not very dark, but it does have some situations that could be triggering to some.
Lux is trying to start over and find herself after a traumatic experience in high school. She's at a new college and wants to put her past behind her. Unfortunately, she can't believe her eyes. She didn't just see who she thought... not right across the hall from her, in the coed dorms. Her mind must be playing tricks on her.
Hawk's life is going great. Sports, friends, parties and girls. What more could you ask for.
Now he sees that he has a new toy to play with and to try to break. She ruined everything and now he plans to ruin her. How could his luck be this good. She was almost literally just dropped into his lap.
This story was so much more than revenge, enemies and heartbreak. Parts of the story tugged at my heart and I wanted nothing but all the good in life for Lux. She deserved it. She was so brave and strong despite her life being in a constant state of chaos. So many twists and turns in this read! Many I didn't even see coming, but they totally brought the story to life.
Lux is trying to start over and find herself after a traumatic experience in high school. She's at a new college and wants to put her past behind her. Unfortunately, she can't believe her eyes. She didn't just see who she thought... not right across the hall from her, in the coed dorms. Her mind must be playing tricks on her.
Hawk's life is going great. Sports, friends, parties and girls. What more could you ask for.
Now he sees that he has a new toy to play with and to try to break. She ruined everything and now he plans to ruin her. How could his luck be this good. She was almost literally just dropped into his lap.
This story was so much more than revenge, enemies and heartbreak. Parts of the story tugged at my heart and I wanted nothing but all the good in life for Lux. She deserved it. She was so brave and strong despite her life being in a constant state of chaos. So many twists and turns in this read! Many I didn't even see coming, but they totally brought the story to life.
February 28, 2022
I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! With its delicious drama, antagonizing angst, and smoking HOT sexy tension....this was one Beautiful Nightmare I never wanted to wake up from!
Lux is a girl who just wants a normal life. Her past trauma left her living an unending nightmare that she just can't seem to escape. She thought she could begin that new life at Shadow River University, that is until she sees Hawk again. The beautiful boy she once loved who now has become her biggest tormentor. Hawk's mere existence forces Lux to remember things that happened between them and things that need to stay in the past. He’s reappeared and opening old wounds. Her worst nightmare come back to haunt her, and now that Hawk has found her again...he's not going to let her go.....
Hawk wants to make Lux pay for tearing his life apart, and now, at Shadow River, he has the perfect opportunity to twist her up...tempt, and toy with her. He has a plan to set her world on fire and break the beautiful girl who has caused him so much pain. Despite his anger and hatred toward Lux, there's something about her that keeps drawing him in. She’s not the same girl he thought he knew and when the dust settles after certain truths and secrets are revealed... Can he ever earn her forgiveness and trust again...
HOLY AMAZEBALLS!! This book had me glued to my kindle and hanging on every word. It kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat until the very end. The
storyline's build-up and EPIC bombshell were that freaking PHENOMENAL! Hawk and Lux have an undeniable connection and chemistry that just pulls you in and makes you want more. I simply couldn't get enough. Although at times, I wanted to punch Hawk and poor Lux...I wanted to comfort and protect her....
Now, I was sad to leave my beloved Rosehaven Academy, but HELLO, and what a welcome to the SHADOW RIVER ELITE! Leila definitely started this series off with a bang, and I can’t wait to enjoy more from my newest series addiction!
If you've never read Leila James....WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? Her books are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE and so DAMN GOOD! Seriously, this author ALWAYS has me looking for her next book like a junkie looking for their next fix! Bring on Maddox and Raven because this gal needs MORE!
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review *
Lux is a girl who just wants a normal life. Her past trauma left her living an unending nightmare that she just can't seem to escape. She thought she could begin that new life at Shadow River University, that is until she sees Hawk again. The beautiful boy she once loved who now has become her biggest tormentor. Hawk's mere existence forces Lux to remember things that happened between them and things that need to stay in the past. He’s reappeared and opening old wounds. Her worst nightmare come back to haunt her, and now that Hawk has found her again...he's not going to let her go.....
Hawk wants to make Lux pay for tearing his life apart, and now, at Shadow River, he has the perfect opportunity to twist her up...tempt, and toy with her. He has a plan to set her world on fire and break the beautiful girl who has caused him so much pain. Despite his anger and hatred toward Lux, there's something about her that keeps drawing him in. She’s not the same girl he thought he knew and when the dust settles after certain truths and secrets are revealed... Can he ever earn her forgiveness and trust again...
HOLY AMAZEBALLS!! This book had me glued to my kindle and hanging on every word. It kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat until the very end. The
storyline's build-up and EPIC bombshell were that freaking PHENOMENAL! Hawk and Lux have an undeniable connection and chemistry that just pulls you in and makes you want more. I simply couldn't get enough. Although at times, I wanted to punch Hawk and poor Lux...I wanted to comfort and protect her....
Now, I was sad to leave my beloved Rosehaven Academy, but HELLO, and what a welcome to the SHADOW RIVER ELITE! Leila definitely started this series off with a bang, and I can’t wait to enjoy more from my newest series addiction!
If you've never read Leila James....WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? Her books are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE and so DAMN GOOD! Seriously, this author ALWAYS has me looking for her next book like a junkie looking for their next fix! Bring on Maddox and Raven because this gal needs MORE!
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review *
February 20, 2022
Oh, wow.... I am at a loss for words. You will love and hate their story that's for sure
If you are a fan of college romances, bully romances, romances with plots and twists then this book is IT for you. It has all the feels in it that it needs and more.
Lux with her whole being and past just makes you want to hug her and not let go. Her whole story is just tragic and sad and you notice as the book goes on how she becomes more and more sure of herself. And her roomies became really dear caring friends.Hawk is a young man who is just caught between two emotions. Caught between past and present. Whos story is being rewritten. Despite everything, you kind of like him from the beginning, even if you don't want to. I had a theory at the beginning that I was convinced was right. only to get a twist that I never expected, and man, it had it in spades. a really good story with events, twists and endings that surprised and left me wanting more. can't wait for the next part. And old acquaintances we meet again by the way. Highly recommended.
Recieved as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you are a fan of college romances, bully romances, romances with plots and twists then this book is IT for you. It has all the feels in it that it needs and more.
Lux with her whole being and past just makes you want to hug her and not let go. Her whole story is just tragic and sad and you notice as the book goes on how she becomes more and more sure of herself. And her roomies became really dear caring friends.Hawk is a young man who is just caught between two emotions. Caught between past and present. Whos story is being rewritten. Despite everything, you kind of like him from the beginning, even if you don't want to. I had a theory at the beginning that I was convinced was right. only to get a twist that I never expected, and man, it had it in spades. a really good story with events, twists and endings that surprised and left me wanting more. can't wait for the next part. And old acquaintances we meet again by the way. Highly recommended.
Recieved as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2022
Leila James you did it to me again. Your writing skills just bring me right into the middle of the story and keep me there till I finish. Lux is one amazing girl, I fell in love instantly ❤❤❤ I agree YOU are the master of cliffhangers and twists on a stories plot. I must say the characters in this story jumped right out at me instantly and I felt like I had known them all my life. The struggle thus story revolves around us real and gut wrenching, and yet you were able to get your message out. I am SOOOO looking forward to the next book and hopefully maybe some updates about Lux. She stole my heart.❤❤❤
February 18, 2022
Just Wow! This book had me feeling every emotion possible. I absolutely love Lux and Hawk and their journey is one emotional roller-coaster. I knew there would be a twist but I did not see this one coming and it blew me away. The characters are relatable and with each change of pov you can understand why they do what they do. I could read more about this couple and glad that Ry and Matty are in this book and future books.
February 19, 2022
When I saw Leila James was starting a new series, I wasn’t sure how she was going to top Rosehaven Academy. Wow might be the best word I can find. Lux and Hawk are so much together and the chemistry is off the charts.
Hawk – “But I’d been caught off guard by my own reaction when I pinned her to the tree, when I’d silenced her with what turned out to be the most devastating kiss I’ve ever experienced. It was like someone doused us in gasoline and lit a match. We’d gone up in flames.”
Hawk – “But I’d been caught off guard by my own reaction when I pinned her to the tree, when I’d silenced her with what turned out to be the most devastating kiss I’ve ever experienced. It was like someone doused us in gasoline and lit a match. We’d gone up in flames.”
February 19, 2022
I’m sitting here trying to figure out how to write this review without giving anything away. Because trust me, you do not want to have the plot twist for this book spoiled for you.
Oh man, these characters gave me such mixed emotions! I loved Lux from the beginning and really felt for her when she had an anxiety attack right at the beginning of the book, because been there, done that, and they are not fun. I also love, love, love her roommates Raven and Star. Raven is really sweet and totally there for Lux, and I love Star’s bluntness, probably because it reminds me of myself. It was so awesome that these girls just automatically stepped up and were there for Lux when she really needed friends even though they had all just met.
Now on to the guys…Kellan and Maddox have left me intrigued and I like how loyal they are to Hawk, even when he’s being an idiot. I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the future books. But Hawk…Hawk had to grow on me. He was giving me whiplash with the way he was acting and things that he was doing. I was seriously confused by some of his actions. Then there was a point in the book where I was really wondering if he was going to be able to make up for everything that he had put Lux through. Between what happened when they were in high school and what he puts her through in the present, I was really worried that I was going to absolutely hate him. But if Leila can make Aria from the Rosehaven series go from a character that I hated to probably one of my favorite characters of that series, then I knew that she could make me love Hawk.
I seriously loved this book. I had planned to read it over a few days but I ended up getting sucked into the story and I sat down and devoured the book in one afternoon. What I’m saying is grab some water, coffee, tea, wine, whatever your drink of choice is, and be prepared to hunker down and not stop reading until you’re finished. Then come back here and let me know what you thought about that plot twist!
*I received an arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Oh man, these characters gave me such mixed emotions! I loved Lux from the beginning and really felt for her when she had an anxiety attack right at the beginning of the book, because been there, done that, and they are not fun. I also love, love, love her roommates Raven and Star. Raven is really sweet and totally there for Lux, and I love Star’s bluntness, probably because it reminds me of myself. It was so awesome that these girls just automatically stepped up and were there for Lux when she really needed friends even though they had all just met.
Now on to the guys…Kellan and Maddox have left me intrigued and I like how loyal they are to Hawk, even when he’s being an idiot. I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the future books. But Hawk…Hawk had to grow on me. He was giving me whiplash with the way he was acting and things that he was doing. I was seriously confused by some of his actions. Then there was a point in the book where I was really wondering if he was going to be able to make up for everything that he had put Lux through. Between what happened when they were in high school and what he puts her through in the present, I was really worried that I was going to absolutely hate him. But if Leila can make Aria from the Rosehaven series go from a character that I hated to probably one of my favorite characters of that series, then I knew that she could make me love Hawk.
I seriously loved this book. I had planned to read it over a few days but I ended up getting sucked into the story and I sat down and devoured the book in one afternoon. What I’m saying is grab some water, coffee, tea, wine, whatever your drink of choice is, and be prepared to hunker down and not stop reading until you’re finished. Then come back here and let me know what you thought about that plot twist!
*I received an arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
February 19, 2022
Leila James is the Queen of the chapter cliffhangers.
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!
Once again, Leila James brings it. From page 1 you are submerged and taken on an emotional ride. If you’re expecting to read a few chapters here and there you are sadly mistaken. So do yourself a favor and start and end this in 1 day. This book is addicting.
It’s not easy to talk about this book without giving anything away. Hawk and Lux have a past. It’s a past that almost destroyed their lives. Neither was expecting to live across the hall from each other at college and now they have to face their past. Lux is getting her life back on track but Hawk is seeking revenge and has Lux in his crosshairs. And be prepared for a humdinger of a plot twist.
And for those of you who are fans of the Rosehaven Academy series those characters make brief appearances. But this book is a stand alone
This book is the first of the Shadow River Elite series of a new adult bully romance and is everything I could ask for in a college new adult romance.
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!
“I swear to God. All you want to do is keep stabbing at me, Keep inflicting all these wounds that will eventually leave me so scarred I won’t be able to function.”
Once again, Leila James brings it. From page 1 you are submerged and taken on an emotional ride. If you’re expecting to read a few chapters here and there you are sadly mistaken. So do yourself a favor and start and end this in 1 day. This book is addicting.
It’s not easy to talk about this book without giving anything away. Hawk and Lux have a past. It’s a past that almost destroyed their lives. Neither was expecting to live across the hall from each other at college and now they have to face their past. Lux is getting her life back on track but Hawk is seeking revenge and has Lux in his crosshairs. And be prepared for a humdinger of a plot twist.
“The only thing you should worry about protecting from me is your heart. Because I’m gonna fucking steal it. Even if you don’t realize it yet, you’re gonna be mine. Every piece of you.”
And for those of you who are fans of the Rosehaven Academy series those characters make brief appearances. But this book is a stand alone
This book is the first of the Shadow River Elite series of a new adult bully romance and is everything I could ask for in a college new adult romance.
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
March 29, 2022
Beautiful nightmare indeed!
Holy shit! Ok so wow…this was a great bully romance! It had the perfect amount of bullying to make it enjoyable and not feel like it was dragging on. The book moved at the perfect pace, never getting boring. I read it in one sitting I couldn’t put it down.
I’m blown away by the twist that happened that I honestly didn’t see coming. But after I read it, it made perfect sense. Just WOW! This book has duel POV and Hawks pov is the main one. I absolutely love book that are driven my the males pov. There’s is a decent amount of smut in this book, I’d give it a 3/5 on the spice level. It was really good just not a whole lot of it which really the book didn’t need.
The love development between Lux and Hawk is outstanding! It’s just so genuine, especially from Hawks side. It was really nice getting the guys perspective on what Lux was going through and how he felt about her having to deal with everything that had happened. How he had to realize there was so much more to the story then he thought. It was just very pure of him; which I wasn’t fully expecting since it is a bully romance. I do wish the ending gave us a little more of Lux and Hakes especially in regards to his parents (I’m super curious how that would go) but it lead to book two which I’m now dying to read!
Holy shit! Ok so wow…this was a great bully romance! It had the perfect amount of bullying to make it enjoyable and not feel like it was dragging on. The book moved at the perfect pace, never getting boring. I read it in one sitting I couldn’t put it down.
I’m blown away by the twist that happened that I honestly didn’t see coming. But after I read it, it made perfect sense. Just WOW! This book has duel POV and Hawks pov is the main one. I absolutely love book that are driven my the males pov. There’s is a decent amount of smut in this book, I’d give it a 3/5 on the spice level. It was really good just not a whole lot of it which really the book didn’t need.
The love development between Lux and Hawk is outstanding! It’s just so genuine, especially from Hawks side. It was really nice getting the guys perspective on what Lux was going through and how he felt about her having to deal with everything that had happened. How he had to realize there was so much more to the story then he thought. It was just very pure of him; which I wasn’t fully expecting since it is a bully romance. I do wish the ending gave us a little more of Lux and Hakes especially in regards to his parents (I’m super curious how that would go) but it lead to book two which I’m now dying to read!
February 19, 2022
Holy. Wow. Y'all. Just wow! When I heard Leila was starting a brand new series, college level at that, I was SO ridiculously excited! I have read all 11 Rosehaven Academy books and cherished them, I am a proud owner of a ridiculous amount of Rosehaven swag and merch! 😂 I was prepared to enjoy these new characters, and I hoped I would fall for them, but I was NOT prepared to love these two so much! Lux and Hawk are such strong characters I see them in my mind, I feel like I know them, you know? And I love them. LOVE them! And oh my goodness, Raven and Star and Kellan and Maddox, I am DYING to get more insight into who they are and where they come from! This series is going to steal my heart! And our little glimpses into blasts from the past is SOO fun! I can't say much more without spoiling anything, but I hope you love these two as much as I do! The bullying, the darkness, the suspense, the thrills, the mystery, and the blazing hot chemistry... y'all! Prepare yourselves! This couple is going to eat you alive and have you enjoying every single moment of it. This may just be her best work yet. See y'all on another page!
November 22, 2023
Holy Cow. This book was amazing. Talk about Plot twists everyone. This book had you guessing the entire time and you didn't want to put the book down until you figured it out. I was so excited to see my favorites from the Rosehaven Academy popping up in this new series. Let me start off by saying this book pulls at your heart strings for Lux and makes you want to strangle Hawk at times, but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way with these two. I cannot wait until the next book and learn more about Raven, Star, Kellan and Maddox. I think this is going to be my next favorite series from Leila. I highly recommend reading this book!!!!
April 9, 2022
e-book 📱: 5 🌟
FIVE UNEXPECTED STARS for Lux and Hawk 💜🖤💜🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Is there anything better than discovering a new author and her book quite by accident?
For me, there is nothing better than that because it happened to me countless times while scrolling through Instagram I came across an interesting cover and I immediately wanted to know something more about the book and that would lead to reading it.
A similar thing happened with this book and I’m really glad about it because I loved this book so much.
Leila James is a new author to me so I didn’t know what to expect from her book and whether it would fulfill my reading taste.
But what I knew was that she is writing a genre that I love to read and that was the main reason why I decided to read this book.
"Beautiful Nightmare" is a college bully romance with enemies to lovers trope that will simply attract you with constant new reversals and you won't be able to stop reading until you discover all the secrets of the main characters.
Lux is a female character who, after the accident, continued her education at home.
But her life changes when she goes to college where she meets her dead boyfriend and realizes that everything she knew becomes one big lie.
Hawk is a male character who hides many secrets and after seeing a girl from the past in his college, his only goal is to ruin her life.
Although the story seems very simple at first glance, it completely surprised me with a twist that finally gave meaning to the whole book which is why I gave this book a high rating.
If you like a college bully romance, then this is the book for you!!!
Highly recommended!!!
P.S. I can’t wait to read Raven and Maddox's book "Perfect Chaos"!!!
FIVE UNEXPECTED STARS for Lux and Hawk 💜🖤💜🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Is there anything better than discovering a new author and her book quite by accident?
For me, there is nothing better than that because it happened to me countless times while scrolling through Instagram I came across an interesting cover and I immediately wanted to know something more about the book and that would lead to reading it.
A similar thing happened with this book and I’m really glad about it because I loved this book so much.
Leila James is a new author to me so I didn’t know what to expect from her book and whether it would fulfill my reading taste.
But what I knew was that she is writing a genre that I love to read and that was the main reason why I decided to read this book.
"Beautiful Nightmare" is a college bully romance with enemies to lovers trope that will simply attract you with constant new reversals and you won't be able to stop reading until you discover all the secrets of the main characters.
Lux is a female character who, after the accident, continued her education at home.
But her life changes when she goes to college where she meets her dead boyfriend and realizes that everything she knew becomes one big lie.
Hawk is a male character who hides many secrets and after seeing a girl from the past in his college, his only goal is to ruin her life.
Although the story seems very simple at first glance, it completely surprised me with a twist that finally gave meaning to the whole book which is why I gave this book a high rating.
If you like a college bully romance, then this is the book for you!!!
Highly recommended!!!
P.S. I can’t wait to read Raven and Maddox's book "Perfect Chaos"!!!
March 27, 2022
How do I even find the right words to express what a phenomenal book this is . Beautiful Nightmare is the first installment in Layla James ( Shadow River Elite Series ) I absolutely loved Lux and Hawke from the moment I met both characters I could feel myself falling more and more in love .. both so multi layered , so unique , so intriguing and just wonderfully written . Their journey is truly a emotional rollercoaster, it’s steamy, heartbreaking, angsty , emotional, powerful , mysterious full of many twists and turns and just simply perfection. I cannot wait to read the next book In the series . It’s not often I come across a story that has the ability to make me feel as many different emotions as this amazing story did . It’s unforgettable and unputdownable. Be prepared because Lux and Hawkes journey will grab onto all your emotions, pull at your heartstrings and leave you craving more
March 31, 2022
What an intense mid thrilling read. I couldn’t put this book down. Within the first chapter I had to know what the hell was going on. Leila drop a huge bomb. I have so many different theories going in my head but wow. Mind. Blown.
I am not usually a huge bully romance person but I felt this book was done right, where I didn’t question the heroines choices, I can’t say much more about without spilling anything. Really looking forward to book 2!
I am not usually a huge bully romance person but I felt this book was done right, where I didn’t question the heroines choices, I can’t say much more about without spilling anything. Really looking forward to book 2!
May 12, 2024
One of the worst books I have read in my life.
Awful writing and juvenile characters. It feels like it’s written by a 13 year old. The ML hardly feels dark when he goes to his friends and goes like oh I wanna torture this heroine, do you wanna help me? Let’s fist bump on it. LOL
Both are childish characters that need to sit down and not play at being something serious.
DNF
Awful writing and juvenile characters. It feels like it’s written by a 13 year old. The ML hardly feels dark when he goes to his friends and goes like oh I wanna torture this heroine, do you wanna help me? Let’s fist bump on it. LOL
Both are childish characters that need to sit down and not play at being something serious.
DNF
March 5, 2022
Leila crafts 3 dimensional worlds with riveting characters that keep you carving more. Dive into her Shadow Elite Series now and fall in love with her delicious book boyfriends and the women that bring them to their knees.
March 16, 2022
Beautiful Nightmare is the first book in the Shadow River Elite series by Leila James. It is also the first book I have read by her, and definitely not my last since I will signing up for book two after I finish this review. I am so happy I took a chance on this new-to-me author, I crave bully romance and her DM came at the perfect moment.
Lux was excited, scared, and nervous about starting somewhere new. The last few years were spent healing and remote learning and now she was in college. She is away from everyone she knows and excited for the fresh start. That was until she saw him. Hawk. A man she never thought she would see again. He was once the boy she was falling for and then he was a man of her nightmares. He can’t be here, across the hall from her suite. She was not going to let him break her. She will not give in. She will not let him win even if he was her nightmare…
Hawk was furious. Why the fuck would she be here? Didn’t she ruin his life enough? Did she follow him to Shadow River? He needed answers. He also needed a plan. Everything was her fault and he would not just let things go. She ruined him and it was time to ruin her for good. He will break her.
That is really all I can say about the storyline. I can say that If life didn’t get in the way I would have read this book in one sitting. I needed to know what was going to happen next. The twists of this roller coaster ride got me in my feels. Anger. Shock. Hate. Lust. Connection. These two have some serious issues. One thing they totally have: loyal friends and I can’t wait for their stories.
Quotes:
“She deserves every last drop of misery, and when she leaves this school, she’ll carry the scars from the wounds I’ll inflict.”
It’s okay, I want her to run. I’ll enjoy the chase.
“I wanted to give you a physical reminder that I drew first blood. Don’t forget it.”
Lux was excited, scared, and nervous about starting somewhere new. The last few years were spent healing and remote learning and now she was in college. She is away from everyone she knows and excited for the fresh start. That was until she saw him. Hawk. A man she never thought she would see again. He was once the boy she was falling for and then he was a man of her nightmares. He can’t be here, across the hall from her suite. She was not going to let him break her. She will not give in. She will not let him win even if he was her nightmare…
Hawk was furious. Why the fuck would she be here? Didn’t she ruin his life enough? Did she follow him to Shadow River? He needed answers. He also needed a plan. Everything was her fault and he would not just let things go. She ruined him and it was time to ruin her for good. He will break her.
That is really all I can say about the storyline. I can say that If life didn’t get in the way I would have read this book in one sitting. I needed to know what was going to happen next. The twists of this roller coaster ride got me in my feels. Anger. Shock. Hate. Lust. Connection. These two have some serious issues. One thing they totally have: loyal friends and I can’t wait for their stories.
Quotes:
“She deserves every last drop of misery, and when she leaves this school, she’ll carry the scars from the wounds I’ll inflict.”
It’s okay, I want her to run. I’ll enjoy the chase.
“I wanted to give you a physical reminder that I drew first blood. Don’t forget it.”
March 28, 2022
Where to begin with this book. The twist and turns from start to finish, kept you on the edge of your seat.The push and pull from Lux and Hawk was everything you want in a book. Even the steamy scenes were off the charts! My heart was pulled in so many different directions between both characters. I wanted to hate Hawk at times but you feel for him as the book goes on. Lux had me from the start she just felt so lost and didn’t know where to go or what to do. But in the end it all came together, as all of Leslie books do. So, stop what you are doing and read this book, you will not be disappointed!!
March 28, 2022
What an amazing read! Way to kick the Shadow Ridge series off with a bang! I read it on KU and had to buy it I loved it so much.
Lux & Hawk’s story is not for the weak, there is definitely trauma, but Leila wrote it beautifully. The character growth is amazing!
I was not at all prepared for that twist! I’m still finding Easter eggs days later. I won’t give any spoilers, but love that the story wasn’t predictable. I was not prepared, but dang, it was phenomenal!
I love Lux’s strength after all she’s been through and Hawk’s protective nature with her, even when they “hate” each other. And I am totally here for these friendships. Look forward to more of them in Maddox & Raven’s story.
Lux & Hawk’s story is not for the weak, there is definitely trauma, but Leila wrote it beautifully. The character growth is amazing!
I was not at all prepared for that twist! I’m still finding Easter eggs days later. I won’t give any spoilers, but love that the story wasn’t predictable. I was not prepared, but dang, it was phenomenal!
I love Lux’s strength after all she’s been through and Hawk’s protective nature with her, even when they “hate” each other. And I am totally here for these friendships. Look forward to more of them in Maddox & Raven’s story.
March 31, 2022
Fantastic
This is my first Leila James read and man am I glad I did!!! This story is so captivating, so much misunderstanding and hate and love and chaos all culminating into one explosive love story. I love both of the main characters, Hawk and Lux go round and round until they finally admit how they feel and get all the ugly truth out. Can't wait to read more by Ms. James!!!!
This is my first Leila James read and man am I glad I did!!! This story is so captivating, so much misunderstanding and hate and love and chaos all culminating into one explosive love story. I love both of the main characters, Hawk and Lux go round and round until they finally admit how they feel and get all the ugly truth out. Can't wait to read more by Ms. James!!!!
March 28, 2022
Not your typical enemies-to-lovers
Tragic back stories for both Lux and Hawk. Just when you think you understand what happened you get thrown for a loop. Nothing is as it seems. Lies are all over both sides as they try to figure out the truth. Cute love story with a healing effect.
Emotional damage!!
Fave quote: "The only thing you should worry about protecting from me is your heart. Because I'm gonna f!@#$%& steal it. Even if you don't realize it yet, you're gonna be mine. Every piece of you." -Hawk
Tragic back stories for both Lux and Hawk. Just when you think you understand what happened you get thrown for a loop. Nothing is as it seems. Lies are all over both sides as they try to figure out the truth. Cute love story with a healing effect.
Emotional damage!!
Fave quote: "The only thing you should worry about protecting from me is your heart. Because I'm gonna f!@#$%& steal it. Even if you don't realize it yet, you're gonna be mine. Every piece of you." -Hawk
March 30, 2022
Lux is off to college, after a major trauma sidelined her for 2 years. She’s happy to be starting a new chapter in her life but is thrown for a loop when she notices a familiar face across the hall of her dorm suite. Hawk hates Lux, and Lux loathes Hawk, each has their reasons, but are all of the details that fuel that hate correct? Only one way to find out check this book out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
OMG! I wasn’t sure what to expect by the book but I’ll read anything once. It started off a little slow or maybe I was just impatient for the story to unfold. By the middle of the book I could. not. put. it down. The characters really started to develop and become real, while the story took a turn I did not see coming.
March 28, 2022
Omfg. I was not expecting the way this went but I loved it. I couldn't put it down. At 1st I was unclear of what was happening. Then I was wow
April 1, 2022
I loved this book !
I won’t drop any spoilers, but I love the storyline as well as the growth both MCs had ! Spicy AND a HEA, yes please !
I won’t drop any spoilers, but I love the storyline as well as the growth both MCs had ! Spicy AND a HEA, yes please !
March 24, 2022
Wow!
I absolutely loved reading Beautifu Nightmare. This book was so powerful Beautiful and amazing! I was not expecting so many twist and turns. So freaking good!
I absolutely loved reading Beautifu Nightmare. This book was so powerful Beautiful and amazing! I was not expecting so many twist and turns. So freaking good!
March 5, 2022
Lux has been living on autopilot ever since the accident - alive, but not truly living. She’s hoping for a fresh start at Shadow River University, but fate has other plans. Now Lux is faced with her nightmare, and she doesn’t know how to handle it. Constantly on edge, Lux wishes she could ignore the boy who broke her heart. But there is a pull between them even she doesn’t understand.
Hawk is floored when he sees her move in across the hall, but more than that, he’s angry. Determined to make her pay for the pain she’s caused him, Hawk sets out to make Lux’s life a living hell. But something about the beautifully infuriating girl doesn’t add up, and Hawk is more determined than ever to find the answers he seeks.
Holy freaking hell, this book was everything I didn’t even know I needed. Leila James is the queen of bully romances, and this one is absolutely no exception. It had so much drama and angst, love and lust. I though Hawk and Lux’s story was incredibly epic, and I loved all the twists and turns.
Hawk. This boy has been through so much, and he is a dark knight that wasn’t expecting to fall in love. He definitely gives off “touch her and I’ll kill you” vibes, which I loved!!! Lux. My heart breaks for her. She’s been through so much at such a young age. But she is so strong and kind and sweet, which I really admired. Go read this right now!!!
Hawk is floored when he sees her move in across the hall, but more than that, he’s angry. Determined to make her pay for the pain she’s caused him, Hawk sets out to make Lux’s life a living hell. But something about the beautifully infuriating girl doesn’t add up, and Hawk is more determined than ever to find the answers he seeks.
Holy freaking hell, this book was everything I didn’t even know I needed. Leila James is the queen of bully romances, and this one is absolutely no exception. It had so much drama and angst, love and lust. I though Hawk and Lux’s story was incredibly epic, and I loved all the twists and turns.
Hawk. This boy has been through so much, and he is a dark knight that wasn’t expecting to fall in love. He definitely gives off “touch her and I’ll kill you” vibes, which I loved!!! Lux. My heart breaks for her. She’s been through so much at such a young age. But she is so strong and kind and sweet, which I really admired. Go read this right now!!!
February 25, 2022
O.M.G…I absolutely love Beautiful Nightmare. If you hate cliffhangers then don’t worry Beautiful Nightmare does not end in a cliffhanger but it does allude to the next couple, Maddox and Raven, in Prefect Chaos, book 2 of Shadow River Elite. Beautiful Nightmare is all about Hawk and Lux. When Lux and Hawk met they both were operating under the wrong impression of each other. They both suffered and an accident that happened had catastrophic consequences for them both just in different ways. I have to say that I did not see the ending coming at all. Beautiful Nightmare was so full of drama, angst, secrets, revelations, twists, turns, things going sideways, emotions, and sooo much heat. I laughed and cried and just got so lost in Beautiful Nightmare that I spent most of the night reading. I could not stop. That would be one warning ⛔️ don’t start this book in the evening as if you are like me you won’t be able to put it down and will spend all night reading. If you love bully, new adult, college, and sports romances then you will love Beautiful Nightmare and I feel it is a MUST read. I cannot express the sentiment that I feel readers will love Beautiful Nightmare as much as I do. If you love books with surprise endings that you don’t see coming then you will absolutely love Beautiful Nightmare. Leila James, author, is one of my favorite authors and I have read all of her books and I recommend any of her books and Rosehaven Academy characters were briefly mentioned in Beautiful Nightmare as the (college) freshman and the second string of the football team. As I am sure you guessed by now I completely and sincerely recommend Beautiful Nightmare, Shadow River Elite series, and Leila James as an author. I totally recommend Rosehaven Academy series while waiting for Perfect Chaos, book 2 of the Shadow River Elite series. I, for one, can’t wait for Perfect Chaos, to be released and will be anxiously awaiting its release. Happy Reading!!
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