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Save Me
A dark and twisty romantic thriller that will pull you into its ‘Mayfield’ clutches!
Beth
They say you can't outrun your past. But what if it’s a past you never even knew you had?
A new school. A new town. It should have been a fresh start for my senior year—until everything I thought I knew about my life was shattered.
Before, my biggest worries were fitting in, college applications, and figuring out what comes next. But then I had to make a choice—one that would change my world completely.
To save my family, I gave up everything—my freedom, my future, and my life. Now I am bound to Oliver Lawrence, the heir to ‘Mayfield’, a shadowy organization I never knew existed. In being so, I must live by a set of archaic rules or risk the consequences.
But there’s one rule my heart refuses to obey: don’t fall in love. Because in the middle of this nightmare, I found Xander Fenton—a boy whose touch makes me forget the cage I’m in. The chemistry between us is undeniable, and now I can’t ignore it. But if Oliver finds out, I’m as good as lost.
Trapped between my family’s safety, my heart, and Mayfield’s power, I’m running out of time. Soon, I’ll have to choose: fight for love, or surrender to a fate that will strip me of everything.
I recommend you read the 'Author's Notes' for possible trigger warnings.
Beth
They say you can't outrun your past. But what if it’s a past you never even knew you had?
A new school. A new town. It should have been a fresh start for my senior year—until everything I thought I knew about my life was shattered.
Before, my biggest worries were fitting in, college applications, and figuring out what comes next. But then I had to make a choice—one that would change my world completely.
To save my family, I gave up everything—my freedom, my future, and my life. Now I am bound to Oliver Lawrence, the heir to ‘Mayfield’, a shadowy organization I never knew existed. In being so, I must live by a set of archaic rules or risk the consequences.
But there’s one rule my heart refuses to obey: don’t fall in love. Because in the middle of this nightmare, I found Xander Fenton—a boy whose touch makes me forget the cage I’m in. The chemistry between us is undeniable, and now I can’t ignore it. But if Oliver finds out, I’m as good as lost.
Trapped between my family’s safety, my heart, and Mayfield’s power, I’m running out of time. Soon, I’ll have to choose: fight for love, or surrender to a fate that will strip me of everything.
I recommend you read the 'Author's Notes' for possible trigger warnings.
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2022
41 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Taylor K. Scott
23 books69 followersYou'd think being a writer, I would find this an easy feat, but talking about myself always leaves me a little stumped. So, I beg for your forgiveness when I attempt to give you a little bit of waffle about me. I'm a mother, wife and primary school teacher, who has found a passion for reading and writing. It's become so addictive I no longer watch TV, instead I get lost in alternative realities and frequently lie awake in the middle of the night with random ideas for what to put my characters through next. Music is often my muse but I also love to include real life experiences in my books. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and to know that they're not the only ones to go through certain difficulties, anxieties or embarrassing situations. I like to think my stories are different from one another, some being romantic comedies whilst others are full of suspense. Hopefully you agree and will enjoy getting lost inside of my head for a while. My serving suggestion is to indulge with a side dish of something sweet, something comfy and where possible, a golden retriever to curl up next to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 9, 2022
Save Me is only the second book that I've read by this author but I can say with certainty, she can write some dark & twisty goodness that's for sure. There are triggers in this book, and while I don't have triggers, there are who do so please check them out beforehand otherwise, it's so much better going in blind. Since I'm a firm believer that going into Save Me blindly is the way to go, there will be little information that I'll give in this review, instead you'll get my emotions about it, and there are many. I'm never more happy than I am with a suspenseful mystery with villians, and this one has them in spades as there's a forced marriage at play with a despicable man & a shady as hell organization for a girl who doesn't deserve it. It made for a lot of twists coming in hot that have left me with a ton of questions & dying inside for more since it is a trilogy I believe. The heartbreak is real & really did mine in as our heroine is going through the fire in life, so I just wanted to jump through the pages to hug her so much, and it's just the beginning. Obviously you can see that I'm all in, and I believe you'll feel the same way after you experience it for yourselves, so now the impatient wait begins! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 11, 2022
I honestly don’t know where to start with this one!
It’s took me a while to read this but that isn’t a bad reflection on the book.
The storyline is a lot to wrap your head around and a word of warning there are some major triggers. They are not just in there for the sake of it, they are vital to the storyline (but a hard read which I think is the reason it’s taken me a bit of time to finish it)
Save Me is the first in The Mayfield Trilogy, it’s a dark romance book that focuses on Beth, who has no idea of her past that is so intertwined with her future. Throughout the book my heart breaks for her and for everything she has to go through.
I’m hoping that there will be a happy ever after for her and Xander and that the Villain of the story, Oliver, gets his just desserts. (There’s a few more who deserve a harsh ending it too!)
I was very lucky to receive a copy from Taylor K Scott, who asked me if I’d be interested in reading the dark romance.
I’d highly recommend the book if you love the darker side of the romance genre.
It’s took me a while to read this but that isn’t a bad reflection on the book.
The storyline is a lot to wrap your head around and a word of warning there are some major triggers. They are not just in there for the sake of it, they are vital to the storyline (but a hard read which I think is the reason it’s taken me a bit of time to finish it)
Save Me is the first in The Mayfield Trilogy, it’s a dark romance book that focuses on Beth, who has no idea of her past that is so intertwined with her future. Throughout the book my heart breaks for her and for everything she has to go through.
I’m hoping that there will be a happy ever after for her and Xander and that the Villain of the story, Oliver, gets his just desserts. (There’s a few more who deserve a harsh ending it too!)
I was very lucky to receive a copy from Taylor K Scott, who asked me if I’d be interested in reading the dark romance.
I’d highly recommend the book if you love the darker side of the romance genre.
May 6, 2022
I love Taylor’s books and when I saw she had written a dark mystery romance, I knew I had to read it.
This book was fantastic, I enjoyed the main character Beth, her emotions were portrayed perfectly.
Beth and her family have moved because of Beth’s dad’s job. She doesn't know anyone and has to start a new school for her final year in education. She met some cool people down at the beach and made friends with them during the summer.
Her mum set up for her to go to a party which is being held by Casey Fenton, the popular mean girl at her new school. However, Beth doesn't want to be there and just wants to be by herself.
Xander Fenton is Casey’s twin brother, he sees beth whilst he's waiting for his dealer to arrive, he likes how she handles herself.
Beth’s life changed when her dad messed up and now she is set to marry Oliver Lawrence, someone who is in the Mayfield organisation and wants to be the head of Mayfield. He thinks by marrying Beth he will be able to do that.
Oliver is the epitome of an anti-hero, he is cold, possessive, and dangerous, but there are parts of him where I think he could redeem himself. Only time will tell.
I'm looking forward to book two.
This book was fantastic, I enjoyed the main character Beth, her emotions were portrayed perfectly.
Beth and her family have moved because of Beth’s dad’s job. She doesn't know anyone and has to start a new school for her final year in education. She met some cool people down at the beach and made friends with them during the summer.
Her mum set up for her to go to a party which is being held by Casey Fenton, the popular mean girl at her new school. However, Beth doesn't want to be there and just wants to be by herself.
Xander Fenton is Casey’s twin brother, he sees beth whilst he's waiting for his dealer to arrive, he likes how she handles herself.
Beth’s life changed when her dad messed up and now she is set to marry Oliver Lawrence, someone who is in the Mayfield organisation and wants to be the head of Mayfield. He thinks by marrying Beth he will be able to do that.
Oliver is the epitome of an anti-hero, he is cold, possessive, and dangerous, but there are parts of him where I think he could redeem himself. Only time will tell.
I'm looking forward to book two.
May 11, 2022
First time reader of Talyor Scott - IMPRESSED! What a way to begin a series and also for me to have discovered such a talented writer! Not new to dark romance themes but even with the many edgy topics she covers in here, it flows, it seeps into your soul and you end up thinking about it for a few days later. I'm behind on my other books simply because this one stuck around in my head so long I didn't want to let the characters go yet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2022
So emotional but so, so good.
This is a world full of vile, evil, misogynistic men, their Mayfield akin to a mafia organisation. Beth unknowingly has Mayfield blood and is forced into a marriage against her will. All while this is happening, she's starting her senior year at a new school, making new friends, and falling in love. Her relationship with Xander is so sweet and loving (& hot) and such a contrast to the one she has with Oliver, her betrothed. Betrayals and support both come from unexpected quarters adding to the rich tapestry of the story Ms. Taylor has beautifully crafted.
I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to reach into the story and hit people, I was invested early on and readily devoured every word.
Waiting with bated breath for the next instalment.
This is a world full of vile, evil, misogynistic men, their Mayfield akin to a mafia organisation. Beth unknowingly has Mayfield blood and is forced into a marriage against her will. All while this is happening, she's starting her senior year at a new school, making new friends, and falling in love. Her relationship with Xander is so sweet and loving (& hot) and such a contrast to the one she has with Oliver, her betrothed. Betrayals and support both come from unexpected quarters adding to the rich tapestry of the story Ms. Taylor has beautifully crafted.
I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to reach into the story and hit people, I was invested early on and readily devoured every word.
Waiting with bated breath for the next instalment.
May 1, 2022
Quite a page turner. Different from the author's previous work. All the story revolves around this mysterious organisation called 'Mayfield' that has a few founding families involved in it. One of these is the Lawrences whose son , Oliver would like to become the next president of Mayfield. He needs a wife, a 'Mayfield' descendent. Enter Beth , a young British girl , who recently moved to the US and seems to fit the bill. Things are going to get ugly as the organisation has some pretty unorthodox methods when it comes to making people cooperate.
All Beth wants is to be a normal teenager and to be free to experience her first real romance with classmate , Xander. The characters really come to life and you will find yourself rooting for the couple. Hoping they can win against Oliver who is a true villian, a real nasty piece of work!
This is the first book in a trilogy. Can't wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All Beth wants is to be a normal teenager and to be free to experience her first real romance with classmate , Xander. The characters really come to life and you will find yourself rooting for the couple. Hoping they can win against Oliver who is a true villian, a real nasty piece of work!
This is the first book in a trilogy. Can't wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2022
Where the hell do I start with this one?
I’ve read all of Taylor’s other books and she approached me to read this new series and I’m so glad she did, I’m desperate for the next book it has put me in a bit of a slump because I just NEED to know how this all pans out! If you have read Taylor’s other books be warned this is a completely different direction for her although the writing style is the same she has created a new world and has flexed her artist creativity. She has called this a dark romance and I would stress you check the trigger warnings before you pick this up, they include sexual, physical and emotional abuse and a young woman being forced into marriage, I must stress this isn’t an arranged marriage but a forced marriage. It is a book wrapped up in so must mystery that I wasn’t sure which way to turn.
Beth is a 17yr old British girl who has lived in America with her family for a while, they move to a new town for her to finish her final year at school, that summer the path her life is to follow changes forever as a past she didn’t know she was linked to finds her and she is to marry Oliver and become a Mayfield wife.
Xander sees her at a party at his house and is instantly intrigued by the British beauty. Beth is unable to entertain any kind of relationship with Xander for fear of what Oliver would do, and he is capable of many things and can easily make people disappear. However in her final act of rebellion they fall in love but that love is tarnished by the secrets they have to keep and the future she is tied too.
Seriously Taylor I loved this book and can’t wait for the next book, which from how this one ends I can tell is only going to get darker and more intense. Thank you so much for letting me read this early I’m truly blown away by it!
I’ve read all of Taylor’s other books and she approached me to read this new series and I’m so glad she did, I’m desperate for the next book it has put me in a bit of a slump because I just NEED to know how this all pans out! If you have read Taylor’s other books be warned this is a completely different direction for her although the writing style is the same she has created a new world and has flexed her artist creativity. She has called this a dark romance and I would stress you check the trigger warnings before you pick this up, they include sexual, physical and emotional abuse and a young woman being forced into marriage, I must stress this isn’t an arranged marriage but a forced marriage. It is a book wrapped up in so must mystery that I wasn’t sure which way to turn.
Beth is a 17yr old British girl who has lived in America with her family for a while, they move to a new town for her to finish her final year at school, that summer the path her life is to follow changes forever as a past she didn’t know she was linked to finds her and she is to marry Oliver and become a Mayfield wife.
Xander sees her at a party at his house and is instantly intrigued by the British beauty. Beth is unable to entertain any kind of relationship with Xander for fear of what Oliver would do, and he is capable of many things and can easily make people disappear. However in her final act of rebellion they fall in love but that love is tarnished by the secrets they have to keep and the future she is tied too.
Seriously Taylor I loved this book and can’t wait for the next book, which from how this one ends I can tell is only going to get darker and more intense. Thank you so much for letting me read this early I’m truly blown away by it!
April 11, 2022
I was asked to ARC read in exchange for an honest review.
It's taken me a while to write this review as this book is very different from what I've read before. I kind of became obsessed with it. The back story and mystery have been executed really well and have left me wanting more. The characters are three dimensional and have me interested in all of their stories. I'm also hoping to hear more about the characters who are only hinted at during this first book (hoping we hear more about them in the next or third book). I like the fact that the villain is sold as wealthy and attractive, but still definitely a villain. I loved Kai's character and hope to see more of him. Just lots of emotion and intense moments. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
It's taken me a while to write this review as this book is very different from what I've read before. I kind of became obsessed with it. The back story and mystery have been executed really well and have left me wanting more. The characters are three dimensional and have me interested in all of their stories. I'm also hoping to hear more about the characters who are only hinted at during this first book (hoping we hear more about them in the next or third book). I like the fact that the villain is sold as wealthy and attractive, but still definitely a villain. I loved Kai's character and hope to see more of him. Just lots of emotion and intense moments. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
April 13, 2022
This book was so much more than I could have imagined. From start to finish you are pulled into this story. The characters and their personalities come across in such a natural way. The little details bring this story to life. The plot thickens with every new detail. Great read and I can’t wait for the next book!
November 18, 2022
What an awesome book! The love between Beth and Xander is amazing. The struggles they face between peers, school and her "drama crisis". Poor Beth has so much to process with Oliver's demands and his behavior. A great read and you will struggle some with the dark themes...but the writer also balances out with love, support and comfort throughout the book. I love how this is portrayed as a forced marriage and NOT an arranged marriage. I can't wait to read the second book!!
July 28, 2022
Mayfield is a secret organization to which Oliver belongs, who at the moment is the bad guy in the story.
Beth is the poor young woman who is trapped in a nightmare because of her father, who plays his company in a card game, and loses it. That's when Oliver meets Beth and hatches his grand plan to force her to marry him when she turns 18.
To top it off, Beth falls in love with Xander, a boy who is willing to do anything not to lose the girl he loves, but Oliver and Mayfield are too strong rivals.
Will Beth survive her fate? And change it? Will she be able to get the HEA from her?
❤️Xander and Beth and ❤️ Kai and Bodhi.
Very hooked on the story and the characters. I can't wait to read how his story continues.
Beth is the poor young woman who is trapped in a nightmare because of her father, who plays his company in a card game, and loses it. That's when Oliver meets Beth and hatches his grand plan to force her to marry him when she turns 18.
To top it off, Beth falls in love with Xander, a boy who is willing to do anything not to lose the girl he loves, but Oliver and Mayfield are too strong rivals.
Will Beth survive her fate? And change it? Will she be able to get the HEA from her?
❤️Xander and Beth and ❤️ Kai and Bodhi.
Very hooked on the story and the characters. I can't wait to read how his story continues.
May 8, 2022
WARNING: This book has some triggers. They are pertinent to the storyline though. Also, this is the first book of a trilogy. There is so much going on in this book.
Beth is one of the main characters. To pay off her father’s debt, Beth is betrothed to Oliver. Around this time, Beth meets Xander. Xander immediately wants Beth and wants to help her out of her situation. Oliver is a man who is determined to get what he wants no matter the cost.
This is a dark romance and the first dark romance that I have read by this author. She does a great job with this book! Anxiously awaiting the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beth is one of the main characters. To pay off her father’s debt, Beth is betrothed to Oliver. Around this time, Beth meets Xander. Xander immediately wants Beth and wants to help her out of her situation. Oliver is a man who is determined to get what he wants no matter the cost.
This is a dark romance and the first dark romance that I have read by this author. She does a great job with this book! Anxiously awaiting the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
This was a really gripping read with lots of twists and turns. I loved the back story and hope to read more about this in the next two books. I enjoyed the relationships between not only the main characters but also the side characters (particularly Bodhi). I think Oliver is a really interesting villain and want to read more about him. I'm glad I don't have long to wait until book 2 is out!
May 9, 2022
This was a captivating great read. It has twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s well written with wonderful characters and I loved Xander and Beth. They had plenty of chemistry and were a beautiful couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
Review to come!
May 7, 2022
Great start Beth and Xander are great characters, she is dealing with her past and Xander is so drawn to her even she withdraws from him. There are twists and turns but worth reading. Well written and look forward to more. This was my first book by this author.
I received this copy via booksprout and review is voluntary
I received this copy via booksprout and review is voluntary
May 8, 2022
So this is a intriguing family saga dark romance, I sometimes get bored with the "family saga" stories I have to admit but this one held my attention and I look forward to book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2022
The storyline had me from the start it’s well written and developed. The characters are engaging and have plenty of chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
Another, great and gripping read!
May 8, 2022
Ooh, the mystery, and with so many questions left unanswered! Thank goodness the next one is going to be released next month!
May 8, 2022
Taylor K. Scott is a new author to me. I enjoy dark romance, so Beth and Xander's story intrigued me from the get-go. I am looking forward to the sequel.
April 21, 2022
This was A captivating story with an intriguing storyline, the struggles the characters are going through as they try to solve a solution to there future is incredible. This was dramatic, suspenseful and romantic swell as being fruity and dark. A great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2022
I discovered Taylor with ‘The Darkness Within’ one of my must read of 2021. So when she approached me to read her new book I was so excited.
Small warning, this book is a dark romance and may have sensitive topics. Although this book is very different from his others, it is nonetheless very great.
This book is so much more than I had imagined, we are pulled into this story from start to finish. What about the characters, they are simply amazing.
The love between Beth and Xander is amazing. But my heart hurt for Beth, I want to jump in the book to go and help her.
I'm a little nervous to read the sequel, I know it's gonna be great, but I know it's gonna be dark. I hope for a happy sequel for Beth and Xander, can’t wait to read it.
** ARC was provided in exchange for my honest review **
Small warning, this book is a dark romance and may have sensitive topics. Although this book is very different from his others, it is nonetheless very great.
This book is so much more than I had imagined, we are pulled into this story from start to finish. What about the characters, they are simply amazing.
The love between Beth and Xander is amazing. But my heart hurt for Beth, I want to jump in the book to go and help her.
I'm a little nervous to read the sequel, I know it's gonna be great, but I know it's gonna be dark. I hope for a happy sequel for Beth and Xander, can’t wait to read it.
** ARC was provided in exchange for my honest review **
April 12, 2022
Wow..... what a ride!!! The suspense was insane. I'm so excited to read more in this series.
My heart hurt for Beth. And Xander. What a beautiful couple..... if they ever get a hea.
I hated her dad and Oliver. What a vile mam he is.
Loved this book. It kept me hooked!!
Can't wait for book 2!!
My heart hurt for Beth. And Xander. What a beautiful couple..... if they ever get a hea.
I hated her dad and Oliver. What a vile mam he is.
Loved this book. It kept me hooked!!
Can't wait for book 2!!
June 10, 2022
Oh my gooooooddddnnnesssss this book! I was really into the story, the plot, and the characters. Right of the bat, reading about that bedtime story about the origins of Mayfield, it got me hooked. Then the story gave me so much more: a villain I love to hate - someone who was charming and handsome and lovable, but does hideous, depraved, and unspeakable things. A beautiful man who do bad things.
Then there's the innocent, brave young girl who grew up far too early and sacrificed her life to save her father; a child taking care of her parent. Such a beautiful, bright soul dimmed and tainted by the sins of the fathers. Lastly, we have the sweet, carefree young man who fell in love for the first time and gave his whole self to protect the girl he loves.
Secret societies have always been my jam lmfao elite societies and hidden groups sort of like cults. I'd scarf them all. The one in this book was not fully elaborated on, but it has piqued my interest anyway. The little sneak peeks of its ways and dealings, the ways its members were like. It all stole my focus.
So much mystery surrounds Mayfield and our girl Beth found herself falling deeper and deeper into its claws. She pawned herself after her father found trouble at the risk of losing everything their family has. Xander was there, a curious shadow who didn't give the best first impression on her. A lady's man who catch every girl fawning over him with very little to no care as to the consequences. One night witnessing a rather disturbing interaction between Beth and dark man who oozes danger, Xander then lost his will to stay away from the girl who has invaded his mind at every turn since the moment she brazenly told him to stay tf out of her path.
This was more than a love story of two star-crossed lovers doomed to not be together. It's a story about how love, even as devotional and worshipful, can turn destructive. Abuse is abuse, and Beth has experience both physical and emotional ones. This book has scenes that were hard to read, but I wasn't able to stop for the life of me. I just know that I had to get through it to get to the end of it, very much like what Beth has to go through because I just knew when I was reading this first book that her and Xander's pain was only just beginning.
Then there's the innocent, brave young girl who grew up far too early and sacrificed her life to save her father; a child taking care of her parent. Such a beautiful, bright soul dimmed and tainted by the sins of the fathers. Lastly, we have the sweet, carefree young man who fell in love for the first time and gave his whole self to protect the girl he loves.
Secret societies have always been my jam lmfao elite societies and hidden groups sort of like cults. I'd scarf them all. The one in this book was not fully elaborated on, but it has piqued my interest anyway. The little sneak peeks of its ways and dealings, the ways its members were like. It all stole my focus.
So much mystery surrounds Mayfield and our girl Beth found herself falling deeper and deeper into its claws. She pawned herself after her father found trouble at the risk of losing everything their family has. Xander was there, a curious shadow who didn't give the best first impression on her. A lady's man who catch every girl fawning over him with very little to no care as to the consequences. One night witnessing a rather disturbing interaction between Beth and dark man who oozes danger, Xander then lost his will to stay away from the girl who has invaded his mind at every turn since the moment she brazenly told him to stay tf out of her path.
This was more than a love story of two star-crossed lovers doomed to not be together. It's a story about how love, even as devotional and worshipful, can turn destructive. Abuse is abuse, and Beth has experience both physical and emotional ones. This book has scenes that were hard to read, but I wasn't able to stop for the life of me. I just know that I had to get through it to get to the end of it, very much like what Beth has to go through because I just knew when I was reading this first book that her and Xander's pain was only just beginning.
May 12, 2022
Thank you to Taylor K. Scott for an ARC of this romance. All opinions are my own. Please read trigger warnings before reading.
I've read a few different books by Taylor K. Scott and am always excited to read more from her, so the fact that this book is darker than her normal and has an air of mystery automatically caught my attention.
I loved the beginning of the story where we get just a glimpse of the idea behing Mayfield. By no means does our glimpse tell us what it is truly or what the group does completely. It only leads us to believe that while it was founded to prevent innocent people from being harmed, it's true dealings are more nefarious than what's being let on.
Our main love story is between Beth and Xander, two seniors in high school that happened across each other and went from complete dislike to loving one another in that bone deep way. I liked their relationship, but honestly I wanted to know more about Mayfield. It's possible it's because it's set in high school, which isn't always my favorite, but the idea of a secret society just has me super intrigued.
Oliver is the villain of our story, well at least one of them and he needs some serious meds! This man is all over the place with his affection and anger when it comes to Beth, who's to become his bride after her 18th birthday. I hated him through most of it, but still kept coming back to the idea that he was the little boy in the beginning who ached for friendship and found the attention he didn't get from him parents, from his nanny. I want to know more about his childhood and if that night was the turning point that made him become the despicable, deranged man he is now.
Overall, I think Ms. Scott did a great job branching out in this darker side of her writing. It's a great start to her series and I hope to learn more about the inner workings of Mayfield. The ending is a cliffhanger and will provide for a dark, dangerous, and heartwrenching second book.
I've read a few different books by Taylor K. Scott and am always excited to read more from her, so the fact that this book is darker than her normal and has an air of mystery automatically caught my attention.
I loved the beginning of the story where we get just a glimpse of the idea behing Mayfield. By no means does our glimpse tell us what it is truly or what the group does completely. It only leads us to believe that while it was founded to prevent innocent people from being harmed, it's true dealings are more nefarious than what's being let on.
Our main love story is between Beth and Xander, two seniors in high school that happened across each other and went from complete dislike to loving one another in that bone deep way. I liked their relationship, but honestly I wanted to know more about Mayfield. It's possible it's because it's set in high school, which isn't always my favorite, but the idea of a secret society just has me super intrigued.
Oliver is the villain of our story, well at least one of them and he needs some serious meds! This man is all over the place with his affection and anger when it comes to Beth, who's to become his bride after her 18th birthday. I hated him through most of it, but still kept coming back to the idea that he was the little boy in the beginning who ached for friendship and found the attention he didn't get from him parents, from his nanny. I want to know more about his childhood and if that night was the turning point that made him become the despicable, deranged man he is now.
Overall, I think Ms. Scott did a great job branching out in this darker side of her writing. It's a great start to her series and I hope to learn more about the inner workings of Mayfield. The ending is a cliffhanger and will provide for a dark, dangerous, and heartwrenching second book.
May 13, 2022
What a good, palpable, heartbreaking, melancholy story this was!
Everything that happens to Beth is horrific when Oliver is around. Your own heartbeat goes sky-high when you read what her so-called fiancé is doing to her.
Oliver, a man from the Mayfields, an organization once set up to do good but now it's all about controlling everyone around them. The blood of Mayfield's founders rushes through the veins of Beth that she knew nothing about. Oliver has surreptitiously won her father's company in a poker game, but he wants her instead of the business. Strict conditions coupled with a written agreement see Beth go through her senior year before turning 18 in suspense and anxiety. Until she meets Xander and falls in love. Together they have beautiful moments of happiness and love. But every time Oliver is in the picture, she undergoes degrading, sexual humiliation, assault and is subjected to intimate physical examinations that she does not ask for. She can't stop time and her 18th birthday is getting closer, the day she will become Oliver's wife and will suffer the life of a Mayfield woman in which she must be submissive to Oliver or there will be reprisals.
Really, you feel the menace from the writer's words when Oliver is in the picture. The aggression, the manipulation. You can see his grin on a face when he gets his way.
And oh, my heart is bleeding for Beth and Xander. That hopeful love that is so fitting to a 1st love, the defeat that both feel. 'Cause no matter what they try, they won't stop fate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everything that happens to Beth is horrific when Oliver is around. Your own heartbeat goes sky-high when you read what her so-called fiancé is doing to her.
Oliver, a man from the Mayfields, an organization once set up to do good but now it's all about controlling everyone around them. The blood of Mayfield's founders rushes through the veins of Beth that she knew nothing about. Oliver has surreptitiously won her father's company in a poker game, but he wants her instead of the business. Strict conditions coupled with a written agreement see Beth go through her senior year before turning 18 in suspense and anxiety. Until she meets Xander and falls in love. Together they have beautiful moments of happiness and love. But every time Oliver is in the picture, she undergoes degrading, sexual humiliation, assault and is subjected to intimate physical examinations that she does not ask for. She can't stop time and her 18th birthday is getting closer, the day she will become Oliver's wife and will suffer the life of a Mayfield woman in which she must be submissive to Oliver or there will be reprisals.
Really, you feel the menace from the writer's words when Oliver is in the picture. The aggression, the manipulation. You can see his grin on a face when he gets his way.
And oh, my heart is bleeding for Beth and Xander. That hopeful love that is so fitting to a 1st love, the defeat that both feel. 'Cause no matter what they try, they won't stop fate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2022
3.5 Stars-Lots Going On With These Young People
As my first read of Taylor K. Scott, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a kind of dark twisty read to kick off the Mayfield Series.
We are introduced to Mayfield first, then the pieces of the puzzle are put together with Beth and Xander, two high school students that are in way over thier head with this situation. It's an insta-love thing with them, something I'm not a huge fan of. That said, Xander was all in to protect Beth from whatever it is that she's got going on in her life, however it was nothing he could have ever imagined.
I wasn't instantly hooked on this book and really hoped it would grow on me...sadly it didn't. Beth and Xander have zero chemistry and the one liners she threw at him in the beginning made her sound like she was in elementary, not high school. I realize she was British, however it seemed like every character was written with the same British affect to thier personality and they all seemed to constantly be yelling, as most dialogue ended with an exclamation point even if it was sighed sadly.
"He sure did!" she sighs sadly
Not sure how that fits and the book was full of exclamations that tripped me up as I read. While I liked the premise of the storyline, it felt too mature for these characters and they had a hard time pulling it off. Along with Beth and Xander, there are friends and family to help move the story along. As the first in the series, we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger ending.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
As my first read of Taylor K. Scott, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a kind of dark twisty read to kick off the Mayfield Series.
We are introduced to Mayfield first, then the pieces of the puzzle are put together with Beth and Xander, two high school students that are in way over thier head with this situation. It's an insta-love thing with them, something I'm not a huge fan of. That said, Xander was all in to protect Beth from whatever it is that she's got going on in her life, however it was nothing he could have ever imagined.
I wasn't instantly hooked on this book and really hoped it would grow on me...sadly it didn't. Beth and Xander have zero chemistry and the one liners she threw at him in the beginning made her sound like she was in elementary, not high school. I realize she was British, however it seemed like every character was written with the same British affect to thier personality and they all seemed to constantly be yelling, as most dialogue ended with an exclamation point even if it was sighed sadly.
"He sure did!" she sighs sadly
Not sure how that fits and the book was full of exclamations that tripped me up as I read. While I liked the premise of the storyline, it felt too mature for these characters and they had a hard time pulling it off. Along with Beth and Xander, there are friends and family to help move the story along. As the first in the series, we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger ending.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
April 10, 2022
Beth is caught in an unsavory betrothal in order to save her family. She despises her betrothed and the organization he is a part of, and he treats her no better. While Beth attempts to defy him, she still powerless amid threats to her family and those she cares about. Along the way she befriends Xander, who tries to figure out how to get her out of this bind. This book was fraught with emotion as Beth and company struggle to find a way to free her and to discover more secrets about this organization. I am hoping things turn for the better as the series continues!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2022
I don't know where to start on this one, I love all of this authors books and this one did not disappoint either!
Please heed the trigger warnings though if you have a sensitive nature as some scenes are quite graphic.
The main characters Beth and Xander are really cute together but sometimes a little too sickeningly in love for me, but that's just my twisted heart.
My favourite character has to be the bad guy Oliver Lawrence, he's downright nasty and cruel but there's just something about him I can't quite put my finger on!
I don't like to say too much for spoilers sake but do read, you will not be disappointed.
Please heed the trigger warnings though if you have a sensitive nature as some scenes are quite graphic.
The main characters Beth and Xander are really cute together but sometimes a little too sickeningly in love for me, but that's just my twisted heart.
My favourite character has to be the bad guy Oliver Lawrence, he's downright nasty and cruel but there's just something about him I can't quite put my finger on!
I don't like to say too much for spoilers sake but do read, you will not be disappointed.
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