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Windsor Academy #4

Broken Playboy

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From USA Today bestselling author, Laura Lee, comes the sexy and heart-wrenching new standalone story set in the Windsor Academy world.

They call me a player.
A joker.
The guy always down for a good time.
But if they knew the secrets I’ve been keeping, they’d call me something else entirely.
For the last two years, I’ve been buried in shame, numbing the pain with various vices. Drowning in self-hatred and concealing it with a smile.
I had a system in place, a surety that no one would learn the truth. Then Sydney Carrington came waltzing back into my life.
She’s the new headmaster’s daughter.
The most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.
The one person on Earth who can expose what I’ve worked so tirelessly to hide:
That I'm the fucking villain in this story.

◆ BROKEN PLAYBOY is the fourth book in the Windsor Academy world and can be read as a standalone, as it focuses on a new couple. This book may contain triggers for sensitive readers. Due to mature subject matter, it is recommended for readers 17+ only.

WINDSOR ACADEMY SERIES

1. Wicked Liars

2. Ruthless Kings

3. Fallen Heirs

NOTE: Books 1-3 MUST be read in order to follow the story properly.

4. Broken Playboy (can be read as a standalone)

542 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2021

813 people are currently reading
5756 people want to read

About the author

Laura Lee

29 books1,857 followers

Laura Lee is the USA Today bestselling author of sexy and seductive romance. She's best known for writing the Bedding the Billionaire series and the Windsor Academy series. She won her first writing contest at the ripe old age of nine, earning a trip to the state capital to showcase her manuscript. Thankfully for her, those early works will never see the light of day again! Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her extremely tolerant husband, two beautiful children, and some of the most ridiculously spoiled felines you’ll ever meet.

When she's not chauffeuring the kids around, writing, or watching HGTV, she probably has her nose in a book, with an iced matcha by her side. She's a sucker for spicy romances, always searching for new book boyfriends to add to her collection.. 



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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
Profile Image for Jamanda.
409 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2021
I knew Bentleys story was going to be brutal but Laura lee has blown my mind. The first page, my heart was racing. The emotions I felt straight away were heartbreak, sadness and anger. As the title states Bentley is broken..... so, so broken. I've never felt so much pain for a fictional character in my life.

Even though he broke me, he also made me hate him. He is cruel and unforgiving. Since he can't deal with things he takes it out on those closest to him.

Laura Lee takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride. One that you won't forget in a hurry. The ups and downs are gut churning.

In amongst Bentley's darkness there's a light named Sydney. Bentley vows to stay away from her and does everything he can to push her away. There's so much history between them.

Even though Bentley treats her horribly. Sydney stands up for herself, doesn't take his crap but she also doesn't Give up on him.

Sydney's best friend  Cameron  brings humour to this emotionally charged story, She had me laughing out loud at her one liners. She has absolutely no filter which I absolutely loved.

It's dark, steamy, emotional, gripping, compelling and beautiful. The chemistry between Bentley and Sydney is straight up fire.

I was hooked from the very beginning. Lots of ups and downs Twist as turns.

This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading The Windsor Academy first.
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,314 reviews13.7k followers
October 23, 2021
4 STARS
There’s madness in our kiss. Complete chaos swirled with desperation.

Who read a series backasswards again and started with book 4?

Do I have regrets? Not. A. One.

Well, actually I do have one. And that's the fact that I haven't read this author sooner. Clearly I've been sleeping on Laura Lee, but I plan on changing this immediately.

But let's talk about this book. What do we a have? Well, there's a broody, tortured, and I mean SERIOUSLY tortured bad boy who drowns his demons in drugs, alcohol, and sex. Me? GIDDY. Give me more.

What else we have? A spitfire heroine who is sassy and tough, but not impeccable to our hero's raw sexuality, no matter how much of an ass he's being. Me? Slightly annoyed but really intrigued.

But in all seriousness, I actually really liked the dynamic. Bentley is a king of his high school. He's the bad boy every guy wants to be, and every girl wants to be with. He's also hiding secrets that are slowly eating away at him that not even his best friends know. I really loved the growth his character goes through. There's so many layers to this guy. So many, that I didn't even care that he used words like "dawg". Sydney is the new girl on campus. She's not the cliche poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks, but she's not exactly stupid rich like the rest of the school. When she runs into Bentley, he looks familiar and she doesn't know why. And Bentley? Well he hates her on the spot for reasons unknown to her.

There's definitely some delicious tension and the enemies to lovers vibes are strong here and I gobbled them right up. I liked how Sydney takes no sh*t, even if she does give in too easily when Bentley turns the charm on and lets him get away too easy for his crap. But did I care? Not even a little. I was to invested.

The story has quite a bit of depth, and I loved how the author peels back the layers there as well. She doesn't graze over the addiction element, which I appreciated. There's plenty of background given that I didn't feel lost having read this without the first three books. There's definitely some story arc cross over and I greedily grabbed the first three books to learn more.

If you're looking for a steamy enemies to lovers romance set in high school, this one was a clear winner for me. No cap. Did I use that right? I had to ask my daughter about that phrase. God I'm old.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Fiona Reed.
Author 1 book31 followers
October 13, 2021
After reading the Windsor Academy Trilogy, I couldn't wait for Broken Playboy. Bentley gave me all the feels and I couldn't wait to dive into his story.
Laura Lee is brilliant in her writing. She gives you everything you need to know about the characters, that you become personally invested in their journey. The emotion she invokes is out of this world. One minute your smiling and laughing and the next your bawling your eyes out. 😭
I fell in love with Bentley in book one of the Windsor Academy Trilogy, and that love has grown exponentially as I read through Broken Playboy. His journey is heartbreaking. Filled with guilt and self-loathing. The way Laura Lee takes Bentley's story and weaves it into something that is truly beautiful....pure art. It fills you with hope.

Then there's Sydney, who reminds me so much of Jazz. Her strength and determination. The way she gives Bentley shit when he's being a dick. Her experiences when first arriving at Windsor Academy. It gives me soul-sister vibes.

Then you meet Cameron, Sydney's best friend and lifeline. The two of them together is highly entertaining. The jokes!! 🤣 Those two had me constantly cracking up. It gives a lightness to the story, in times when things get heavy. Gives you a moment to regroup before you get pulled back in again. And those heavy moments, make you want to wrap Sydney in protective armor because you know what's coming is going to break her. 😭 With every chapter you're waiting for the bomb to drop and the further into the story you get, your anxiety levels are rising, and when it finally does, my poor heart is pounding so hard. I had to step away and take a break. Things spiral out of control from there and Bentley hits rock bottom. Just when you think the poor guy has been through enough, life has one more thing to throw at him.

Despite everything else, when Bentley and Sydney are together, their chemistry is off the charts. The connection they have is otherworldly. It's like nothing else exists outside the two of them. From the past to the present, their souls call to each other. It's a beautiful thing to witness.

In the end, there's so much love that I was feeling giddy. I 100% recommend this book but suggest you read the Windsor Academy Trilogy first, so you get everyone else's stories and a good backstory for Bentley.

So excited for what Laura Lee has coming next! ❤️


**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
Profile Image for M.
726 reviews310 followers
October 16, 2021
Oh Bentley, sweet and broken Bentley. I knew that I was going to have my heart broken and demolished by this author. It felt oh so good too. I felt anger, sadness and so much love radiating from the pages. She has a special way with words. They grip you oh so hard.

Bentley has demons that are dragging him under and trying to consume him to his very soul. We learn about Bentley and his past during the first 3 books of Windsor Academy series. He grips you from the start and by the end of book 3 you hurt right alongside him. About the first 40% I didn't know if I wanted to kick him in the junk or hug him tight to help quiet his demons, if only for a short time. His coping skills have been to drown himself in all the bad things. Eventually those weren't working either.

Sydney is a new student and her father is the Headmaster. She has had a run in with the Broken Playboy.. although, she can't remember much of it. She only knows that it wasn't the greatest from Bentley's cruel actions and words towards her since arriving. She thought they had chemistry and felt something real. Could it all have been wrong?

Instead of dealing with all this in a healthy way, Bentley spirals and takes sweet Sydney down with him. He wants her, but he also hates everything that she makes him remember.

Remember the night that rocked his world. A night that sent him into his own personal hell. The night that makes him hate himself and all he stand for.

This story dealt with heavy topics. It will fill you with all the emotions, but hope and love were so strong through out it this read as well.

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
October 12, 2021
I know many people read a book and all see something different but to me this was more than a romance as it was seeing the world of love, loss, coping, addictive behavior and finding inner peace for Bentley.

Sydney was a ray of sunshine on his dark days. It's amazing how actions reap the kind of consequences that evolve in this book.

I love how real it feels. These characters could be your neighbors or even someone close to you.

A 5 star read that was even better the 2nd time I reread. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
October 15, 2021
I have been dying to get our broken boy Bentley’s story since I first began reading this series. I always knew his story was going to reach down and rip my heart and soul out and let me tell you it did that and so much more. Author Laura Lee did not disappoint in the least she came out the gate swinging and knocked it out of the park with this one. Bentley and Sydney are everything. Their story is filled with angst, heartbreak, swoony moments and everything in between. Be prepared to read this entire book in one sitting because once you get started there is no chance that you are putting it down I was completely captivated from beginning to end. The chemistry and spice between Bentley and Sydney is completely explosive and off the charts hot… What a great way to end one of the best series I have ever read. Sidenote: I am really looking forward to Cameron’s story!!
Profile Image for Ashley Hampton.
505 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2021
I have been waiting for what seems like forever to get my hands on Bentleys story, but before we jump into that let me just say that I absolutely fell in love with him throughout the first 3 Windsor Academy books and because of that I had a better understanding of him going into his personal story. I must say there was just something about him that called to my soul throughout the entire series and after reading Broken Playboy I completely understand why.

Laura Lee is just one of those writers that completely sucks you dry. She is one of those writers that tests you in ways that has you questioning your sanity, and these are the reasons I adore her writing, because she makes me see outside of a box. Her writing in general is sensational but for the love of God, the writing in Broken Playboy broke me. The way she wove the tale of Bentley; with fine tuned development, depth that dug my grave, carefully thought out plot, amazing character growth and development and the attention to detail used on sensitive topics says all there is to say about how amazingly talented this author is. I fell face first into this story and did not come up for air. I went through the emotions with each and every character, heck even the side characters. I dealt with the brutal reality along side each of them. This one hurt, but just because this one hurt, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any good. There was actually a lot of good, and I mean that in more ways than one. Speaking of in more ways than one, the chemistry Bentley and Sydney had was out of this world. I could feel it pouring off the pages. The push and pull was fantastic and because of that they produced some of the hottest energy out there and my goodness Bentley has a mouth that would make anyone blush.


I must add in how amazing it was to see support coming from all aspects when the need arised . It was amazing to see real friends being Brutally honest, even though sometimes the truth hurts.

Broken Playboy is a book full of angst that I highly recommend. I look forward to more of this authors work.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,654 reviews179 followers
October 18, 2021
Oh, Bentley! My heart broke so much for him. From the moment he was introduced I fell in love with this character and now to finally get his story, it was so much more than I expected. This story was raw, it was emotional and it was so perfect for Bent.

Bentley is fighting some major demons. Some his close knit group of friends know about and others that he has kept to himself for years. These are eating away at him and taking him on a downward spiral. When Sydney shows up, her presence doesn’t help him. I loved Sydney. She was sweet, caring and a great friend. She easily connected with Jazz and Ainsley and I loved the bond she formed with him, plus her friend Carmen (who I LOVE! This girl is HILARIOUS and a great friend).

There is so much chemistry between Bentley and Sydney in both the present and from the flashbacks that are provided throughout the story. The steam level is off the charts. They are instantly drawn to each other. No matter how much Bentley tries to fight everything and tries to hate Sydney for the night she represents in his past, he can’t stay away from her. He is a moth to a flame. Sydney is exactly the type of woman that Bentley needs in his life. She isn’t afraid to call him out, she isn’t afraid to push his buttons and try to show the real man versus the one he shows the public.

You can read this as a complete standalone, however, to get the full picture, it is best to read the previous three books in the series. This does also deal with sensitive topics, so proceed with caution.

If you’re looking for an emotional, angsty romance this is one to read.
Profile Image for jess.
394 reviews215 followers
October 15, 2021
*ARC provided for an honest review*

I’ve been anticipating Bentley’s book since his character was introduced from the beginning of the series!! He’s always been an intriguing character to me and I’m happy to finally know more about his character on a deeper level.

Bentley and Sydney have insane chemistry and I love reading their moments. They’re both explosive together and bring out the stronger aspects of themselves. I just really liked the way Sydney’s character was written. I connected with her so easily.

Broken Playboy was an interesting read and I loved the crumbs we get from the characters of the previous books. The friendships that are built are one of my favorite things about this series and Laura Lee wrote them so well. This book also introduces characters that I’m looking forward to reading their book!
Profile Image for marshas_world_of_books.
531 reviews12 followers
October 17, 2021
Broken Playboy, I have to say this book surprised me in a lot of ways. It is tragic and beautiful all at once, and not your typical love story. I feel like Laura Lee did an amazing job of writing a cautionary tale of what happens when we let guilt eat at us. I loved Bentley, my heart broke for him through a huge portion of this book. He did have several punch worthy moments. Sydney is his perfect counterpart, she is so straightforward and doesn’t back down. Then you have Cameron, everyone chick needs a friend exactly like Cameron. She is just EVERYTHING! I can not wait to read her story. This book might have inspired me to add GBOAT to my best friends name. I just loved this book, and absolutely recommend it and the entire Windsor Academy series!
Profile Image for Vini Warner.
616 reviews83 followers
October 12, 2021
ARC REVIEW 4.5 Stars

Gah!! When the ARC of this book dropped on my Kindle yesterday , I was so excited to dive into this that I didn't wait for anything and started reading.

Now that I've finished it , gotta say Bentley you are one hell of a dirty fucker.

The steam level of this book 🥵5/5

The chemistry between the MCs 💞5/5

You will catch glimpses of Bentley's dark and fucked up past from time to time and you will want to just hug him and never let go.
Anyways , Hate-to-love romances are not my thing but what can I say? I am a glutton for punishment because the moment I read the first chapter of this book i was hooked and knew that I wouldn't be able to put it down.

The hero and heroine gets off the wrong foot or should I say wrong school? But nevertheless the moment it was resolved was the moment you will see how great Sydney and Bentley are for each other.

I loved the side characters here , although I have not read their stories in the previous books , I am sure I will read it soon.
I loved the best friend of the heroine Cameron so much , god!! She has no filter , I laughed out loud so many times whenever she opens her mouth.

Overall , the ending was satisfactory and the couples were wholesome. How the hero overcomes the trauma of his past and his issues was written and expressed perfectly.

I am looking forward to reading more of Laura Lee's work.

::::
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
::::
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Profile Image for ellie.
184 reviews2,965 followers
August 13, 2022
an easy 5 star read for me

from the minute i finished reading jazz and kingstons story i needed to get my hands on my boy bentleys, i was so excited to get into his head so when this arc landed in my kindle i dropped everything to read and let me tell you, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Bentley and Sydneys story made me feel all the emotions, it was both heart breaking and heart warming and i could not put the book down.

It exactly the title, a broken playboy. i loved Bentley in the first three books and finally found out why he was the way he was, the best ending for him.

Sydney is absolutely perfect girl for bentley, stands up for herself, understands bentley inside and out whilst also being her own person, i loved her so much

this series and book is a must read and everyone needs to read them asap!! they are amazing for getting out of a slump and i know weve all been there before

i recieved an arc in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
773 reviews18 followers
October 22, 2021
Intense, emotional struggles, and an epic HEA. ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!

Bentley, as you have never seen him before is an understatement that's for sure. This guy we got to know in the Windsor Academy series was always playful and naughty to say the least, but this book you get to see the demons come out to play from within his mind. Bentley gives you every emotion he has hidden behind his Playboy carefree facade this time around. When the girl who managed to break Bentley free of his toxic at times friends with benefits relationship he had with Carissa becomes his ultimate cross to bare he chooses to push away what feels can never be or will it be what he needs to finally give him his peace? He's broken, raw, and cruel at times but that's what makes his journey in this book so much more gripping. He gives you the bad with the good and you just want him to find his peace of mind by the end. This is such a satisfying story from start to finish. Buckle up for a very emotional ride with the ultimate Playboy of Windsor Academy.

Sydney, was an amazing sweet but fierce girl who may have met Bentley under the worst situation possible. She never fails to give him back his rude attitude and let's him know she's worth more than he gives at times. She a bit like Jazz in the way she isn't from the high society rich of the rich world that Bentley and his friends come from. She never makes excuses for who she is and what she wants. Yes they both have this crazy instant connection and extremely hot chemistry that you can't help be pulled into from the start. She is ultimately the perfect person for Bentley and her unwavering loyalty and love for him is perfect. She gives him exactly what he's missing that love and peace feeling he's craved from the start. You will be torn between wanting her to smack him at times and rooting for them and their HEA. Yes there is the on point banter and oh so steamy moments these two share but the their heartfelt moments are the best.

This book dives into many of the regrets and blame Bentley puts onto himself from the past. The author did a fantastic job of pulling you into the mindset of Bentley and his unsuccessful coping habits that show him slipping into more and more drug use, and gives you the understanding of someone on the verge of becoming a full blown addict. We watch him struggle to admit his feelings for Sydney and also the guilt and shame he feels for his part in both Carissa and Sydney's past experience from one horrible night. Laura Lee, is hands down one of those one click authors because she brings such intense stories but weaves them with some lighthearted moments to give you a chance to absorb all the emotions of her characters. This book was intense by the storyline and the heighten by the demons that Bentley struggles with every moment of his days for the last two years now.

I signed up voluntarily for an ARC for this book with nothing to gain other than giving my honest opinion/review of this book, that being said; I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a great story, that will give you all the emotions of what someone who struggles with blame and drug abuse goes through, and how he finds the perfect HEA from the painful past he finally makes his peace with. This book was hands down a must read for anyone!
Profile Image for Sarah Barnes.
717 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2021
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: Broken Playboy
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: Laura Lee
TROPE: contemporary romance, high school romance, bully romance
TYPE: Windsor Academy #4
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: 4.5 Stars

Bentley has been dealing with the trauma of losing his first love Carissa for years. With the arrival of the new headmaster’s daughter, everything from the night Carissa was attacked is brought back to the forefront. Sydney barely remembers Bentley from that frap party two years ago. All that she remembers is she enjoyed talking to him and he was an amazing kisser. When the two meet again at her new school, she gets the distinct impression that the Bentley she knew back then isn’t the same one today. No matter the past, the pair are constantly drawn together like moths to a flame. Bentley is determined to hide the secrets that plague him with guilt daily. He wants nothing more than to stay away from Sydney; however, he just can’t seem to do it.

One thing I will say, is even though this book can be read as a standalone, it does help to read the first three books in the series. I did not do that and I was a bit confused at first. Regardless of the fact, the author does a great job catching the reader up with her use of flashback scenes. We get an insight throughout the book at to what really happened at that frat party two years prior. I thought the chemistry between Bentley and Sydney was intense. You could tell that even though Bentley felt guilty for his feelings towards Sydney, that the two were meant for an another. This book deals with an array of traumatic things such as suicide, drug addiction and anxiety disorders. The author handles the difficult subject matter with a good deal of respect. I really enjoyed reading this book even though I haven’t read the books prior. I have already gone ahead and added them to my TBR. The only thing I would have liked to see if the ending drawn out a little bit more. I thought for sure it was going to get split into two different books. I was surprised the author was able to wrap everything up so quickly.

I was provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,837 reviews52 followers
October 14, 2021
Broken Playboy is beyond fabulous. This one has all that you are looking for the heartache, the grit, the angst and heck a whole bunch of punch you in the gut, heart over flowingness going on. This is Bentley's book. If you do not know him then I suggest you read the first few books in the Windsor Academy series just to get to know him better. Bentley is lost and broken. He will make you want to slap him one minute and then just hang onto him next. He is charming and frustrating and oh such a beautiful messy soul. I love his rollercoaster ride he takes us on. Then there is the lovely Sydney that you are going to just love. She does not put up with Bentley's crap and has this calming way about her. I love how she fits in so well with the rest of the Windsor crew. You are going to love Cameron so much. She is that lightness of giggle moments you need when things get heavy. Bentley and Sydney have this past that connection that you feel so strong. The chemistry is off the charts too. I could not get enough of this one. My heart was all over the place and I would not change it for anything. You need to go one click this one and see what happens with Bentley and Sydney.
121 reviews
October 14, 2021
I thought Redemption was my fave book of Laura's. I was wrong.
Bentley's character came to life in Windsor Academy and he was the character that I declared as mine 😂
Broken Playboy ensures that Bentley doesn't lose the charm and wit that he had in the mentioned series.
Laura has wrote this with such sensitivity and dedication. In Windsor Academy Bentley had an on going back story which gets explored massively. The other characters mentioned don't lose their integrity to the story either 😍
Bentley is his own worst enemy at times but there is no doubt that his demeanour is clouded by something deeper.
I enjoyed that it wasn't a wham, bam story where everything is forgiven and HEA straightaway.
If you want a story full of grit, torment, sadness, redemption and hilarity because Laura knocked the humour lines in this story out of the park. Then this is your next read.

Can't wait for Cam's story 😁
Also secretly hoping that Laura writes a novella to see where all the characters end up in the future 🙏
Profile Image for Chloe.
8 reviews
October 15, 2021
Oh Bentley, my sweet, fucked up, broken Bentley… This book takes us back to Windsor academy after the events of Jazz and Kingston’s books! The moment Bentley see’s Sydney again, his life is thrown back into the memories off the past he would rather forget. The misery, heartache and burning pain of losing someone he thought he loved and blaming himself for it. But how is he meant to keep his distance from Sydney when not only have his best friends taken a liking to her, but his own gut has too, neither of them can deny the fiery chemistry burning hot between them. — Laura Lee has managed to do it again, digging into the depths of true heartache and sorrow, mixing the darkest of humanity with the lightest. She reminds me that humans are both capable of tremendous evil or pure agonising love. She shows us that even falling in love sometimes don’t enough and the demons that run deep sometimes are ready to destroy everything. Can love truly conquer all? And is it truly love when you don’t even really know the person?
Profile Image for BikiReads.
205 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2021
Daaaaamm… that was a good one. Talk about angst. Although Broken Playboy can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the previous Windsor Academy book. I didn’t but after reading Bentley’s story I really wish I did. This book touches on friendship, love, grief and others serious issues. It has it all. The chemistry between Bentley and Sydney really felt undeniable. Even years after their first and brief meeting, the sparks are still there and stronger than ever. While Sydney tries to understand Bentley better, he’s dealing with a lot of guilt that he copes with in a very unhealthy manner. The friendship between the gang felt like a family who loves one another unconditionally. One thing that I still can’t figure out whether it’s a pro or a con is the writing style. It’s very modern. Although it seem to fit the setting, some dialogue and expressions took out of the story for a few second but that’s just me.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,324 reviews146 followers
October 18, 2021
What a fantastic way to end a series. I wasn't sure what to expect going in after loving the three previous books and thinking they would be hard to top. But let me say that I'm so glad Bentley got a book as he definitely needed to be heard.
This story is not easy, and will definitely resonate with far too many people. So be prepared to be sent on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar, and it is one ride I didn't want to end because even though it was tough at times, it was definitely worth it.
I'm going to leave my review here as talking more about the characters or plot will start giving things away and this journey needs to be experienced first hand.
I'm excited to see where that ending leads to in the next series.
909 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2021
So excited to have read this book! This storyline grabbed me from the very beginning and the writing let me enjoy it all the way through. The drama, suspense and emotional depth is great, the characters are flawed but endearing. Sydney is wonderful - she's beautiful inside and out but has a strength that sets her apart. Bentley is misguided and has it tough, but he works hard to rise above his issues and his relationship with Syd is heartwarming. Cam is hilarious and I can't wait for her story next! I was sent a complimentary copy and I am choosing to leave my honest review.
Profile Image for Krystal Dawn.
10 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Bentley is so broken. Like the title. He blames himself for his best friends suicide 2 years ago and has been going down a path of destruction. When Sydney comes into his life he tries so hard to stay away from her because she was there the night that his best friend found him hooking up with her. He was in an on again off again relationship with her (his best friend Carissa). So getting close to Sydney would be betraying Carissa. But he’s drawn to her. He can’t fight the connection. But his demons keep coming back. This book is so good! You really feel for Bentley and you just want to hug him and tell him it’s not your fault! I love me a broken man! And Sydney is just the one to try and save him.
Profile Image for Janee'.
97 reviews
October 13, 2021
This book had every feeling you could have. I felt like I was truly living through it. My heart hurt and it was glued back together. The stuff Bentley went through was some hard shit and he showed how strong he was. I truly loved this story. I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,765 followers
October 19, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

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Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Pace of the story : Moderate

Triggers Involved : Light bullying , Past Trauma

Review :
After reading the other books of this series, I have been going crazy for Bentley's book! He was an amazing character and I couldn't wait for him to get his happily ever after.

Bentley and Sydney's story had me bawling my eyes out. They had guilt and pain which was followed by them falling in love. I love the way Laura writes her books. They are simply amazing! This one was a second chance high school bully romance book. It was light dark and more on the contemporary side. The ending and the storyline were amazing, making me fall in love with the characters instantly!

Definitely recommend this one to all the contemporary romance loving people out there!

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Profile Image for Meredith Wilson.
383 reviews44 followers
October 22, 2021
Broken Playboy is the fourth installment in the Windsor Academy series by Laura Lee. Told in dual perspectives, this is Bentley and Sydney's story. It's dark, steamy, emotional and completely unputdownable. Get ready to be hit with all of the feels!

Bentley is broken, oh so broken. For the past two years he's been filled with guilt and shame, turning to drugs and alcohol to numb his pain. All while keeping a smile on his face and hiding the truth. Enter Sydney. She's beautiful and the new headmaster's daughter. She is the light to his darkness. But she is also the one who can expose what he's worked so hard to hide. She just doesn't know it quite yet. But as the memories come flooding back and Bentley hits rock bottom, things take a much needed turn.

This story is one hell of an emotional ride. I could not turn the pages fast enough. I absolutely loved Sydney and Bentley. Their journey was heartbreaking but also beautiful too. If you are in the mood to put your poor heart through the ringer, then definitely give this book a try. I highly recommend it. Five stars and more for Bentley, Sydney and Broken Playboy!

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Profile Image for Brianna.
273 reviews259 followers
December 14, 2022
2.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶

Tropes:
- reformed playboy
- enemies to lovers
- bully(ish) romance
- OW drama (dead ex-situationship)
- private school setting
- new girl at school
- virgin heroine
- past trauma

POV: first person - dual

Type: interconnected stand-alone (book four)

This was all sorts of messy. I don’t know what to even say.

Plus the epilogue was horrible, it only gave insight into the next book, not into the couple’s future which is one of my pet peeves.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,157 reviews72 followers
October 17, 2021
An angsty and emotional new adult romance that will require lots of tissues.

Who would have ever thought Bentley would need a redemption story? He's the guy who brings the party, the guy with the jokes, the one you seek out if you want a good time, but it was a mask for his demons, hidden dark inside. Bentley's story is emotional and full of sensitive subjects, but Laura Lee captured that sensitivity and wrote them down in a way where my heart broke for the boy instead of being thrown off by the subject matter.

I will admit what Bentley goes through are typical triggers for me, but the story continually drew me back in and I wasn't so much pulled out of the fictional world by what Bentley was doing to himself as I was kept there and my heart ached for the path he was walking on.

Bentley and Sydney met two years prior to when this present story takes place. Laura weaves us back and forth through the past and present as both timelines are important to the people they are today. The night they met are both the best and worst nights of their lives and sets the trajectory of what transpires over the next two years.

Bentley isn't the nicest guy to Sydney when she begins attending Windsor Academy, but he's right back to that night two years prior and sitting among his demons, unfortunately Sydney has no real memory of what happened that night and doesn't understand his hostility. At an impasse they need to either talk about what happened, or move forward, can Bentley choose door number three and just ignore, ignore, ignore. Destiny may not let that happen. 

I love the Windsor Academy world and truly looked forward to Bentley's story. It's a heartbreaking story for sure, but also one full of redemption. And don't get me wrong, Bentley uses humor to deflate situations so there is lots of humor scattered throughout, also mixed in with tons of their hot chemistry. This book has it all and exactly what this world needed to keep Windsor Academy on its toes.
Profile Image for Dania.
168 reviews25 followers
October 24, 2021
I was so excited when this baby dropped on my kindle and going back to the 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚 world! And THAT COVER! 🤩

𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚����𝒐𝒚 is Bentley’s story and the title could not be a better fit. He’s supposed to be this playful playboy but appearances can be deceiving. A lot is eating away at him and the guilt was just festering under the surface.

Sydney is the new headmaster’s daughter. I was expecting the forbidden romance trope with this one but it wasn’t the case. Sydney is her own person, she’s pretty strong, independent. She fit in really well with the group, specially with Jazz and Ainsley, even the guys came to accept her despite Bentley acting like a d!ckwash to keep her away but not being able to stay away himself.

Ya know that trope where the guy finds the girl being threatened/ harassed by an ex and he just has to go all protective, yeah well 🙈 not that she really needed him to interfere, her sharp tongue and take no shit fearless attitude kinda had her covered.

I loved how roles seemed to have switched and it was Sydney who took care of him in certain situations. Bentley was self-destructing and he was spiraling, but you couldn’t really see it unless you actually looked.

There’s substance abuse, and other triggering events mentioned. What Sydney lived because of her cousin and how it was dealt with… I wasn’t l ok with that… when Bentley found out the truth, it broke him even more and he dealt with it in the shittiest way.. I was proud of him when he sought help and made amends.

I liked the ending, it felt realistic. They both needed to heal and deal, to establish trust again before jumping back into a relationship, and I was rooting for them the entire damn time.

I usually go on and on about the guy lead when talking about a book but the author was brilliant writing her ladies, first with Jazz who I absolutely adored, I highly recommend hers and Kingston’s trilogy, and now with Sydney.. hell Ainsley and Cameron were epic as well! I really hope they get their own books! I love channeling my inner Cameron 😂
Profile Image for Whispered Secrets.
647 reviews22 followers
October 17, 2021
Broken Playboy is book 4 in the Windsor Academy Series. This particular story is Bentley story. Bentley is everything except serious? Except the things going on in his brain are nothing but serious, seriously messed up remorse, grief and guilt. What happened the night he met Sydney is horrific. Not only to Bentley but to others as well. This story explains everything Bentley. If you remember from Jazz and Kingston’s story Bentley is the easy going, fun loving, maniac who never turns down a good time. But your given a very small look into all things Bentley at one point so you can tell he is wearing a mask and sinking fast. I knew his story would be emotional. I knew it was going to wreck me to my soul…I was right. Laura knows how to dig deep and bury her characters into you so deep you can’t really remember they are not actually real people. They are book friends and their world is not yours. Or…that’s what haters tell me. I refuse to believe it. I’m right there with them all. Crying, laughing, mourning, cringing and get all hot. It’s everything I needed for Bentleys story. Sydney is beautiful inside and out and she had her own obstacles that night as well. She learned her lesson about trusting others. It’s all there. In black and white. The whole shabang! It’s a beautifully broken story of a beautifully broken Playboy and his love. It’s everything and more. It can be read alone I guess but I do not recommend it. Due to spoilers of Kingston, Jazz, Ansley and Reed. So I say read book 1-3 first. You won’t regret it. Now I really wanna know more about this new Hayden guy and Cam…I bet it’s gonna be just as hot as this series. I can not wait!!!! I received a free advanced copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Paulalovesherbooks.
387 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2021
This book... I don't even know what to say to do it justice. It's not a simple love story, it's a life story.
Bentley was a constant in the first three books of the Windsor Academy series, so while this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them.
We have the illusion that if someone has a very good financial situation, they should be happy. Broken Playboy will shater that illusion. This is a book about teenage struggles, addiction and coping mechanism. Bentley bottles up his feelings, he's the jokester of the group, but everything is just a facade, hiding the hurt and self blame he feels.
I love Laura's female characters, so Sidney is no exception. She has a "take no shit" attitude that makes her become fast friends with Jazz. After she transfers to Windsor Academy, in her last semester of senior year, she's pleasently surprised to see the boy she's met a few years back. Her memories about that night are good, even if they're fuzzy at best, so she doesn't understand his animosity.
The truth about the night that changed so many lives, is disclosed little by little in this beautiful story that managed to blend perfectly the past with the present.
I experienced a miriad of emotions while reading this book. I loved how well she blended the heavy situations with the flirty, swoony and sexy. The suport this group of friends offers to each other, is friendship goals,I hope they'll make some apearence in future books .
I received an ARC for an onest review.
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