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Worse Than Enemies
The first time we met, it was an accident.
The second was the night my mother told me she was marrying his father.
I didn’t know his name then, but I do now.
Hayes Ambrose.
Captain of the swim team.
Popular, gorgeous, the guy every girl wants, with a smile that's hiding a million secrets.
In the beginning I was certain we would become fast friends, until the day I heard a conversation that I was never supposed to hear.
Overnight he became my worst nightmare, my bully.
He’ll do anything to keep me quiet, and I’ll do anything to discover the truth.
Until the truth is revealed and I realize it’s far more terrifying than I ever expected.
This is a full length stand-alone dark romance novel, containing scenes that are not suitable for all readers.
The second was the night my mother told me she was marrying his father.
I didn’t know his name then, but I do now.
Hayes Ambrose.
Captain of the swim team.
Popular, gorgeous, the guy every girl wants, with a smile that's hiding a million secrets.
In the beginning I was certain we would become fast friends, until the day I heard a conversation that I was never supposed to hear.
Overnight he became my worst nightmare, my bully.
He’ll do anything to keep me quiet, and I’ll do anything to discover the truth.
Until the truth is revealed and I realize it’s far more terrifying than I ever expected.
This is a full length stand-alone dark romance novel, containing scenes that are not suitable for all readers.
282 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2022
1295 people are currently reading
3541 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
237 books7,152 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews
May 30, 2022
Big Messy Secrets!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌎
Character development: 🫢😤😡😊🥰
The heroine: Morgan - she is 17 years old and grew up with a neglectful mother and no father. She has a 4 year old half sister that she basically has brought up. After being evicted from their apartment they move into a hotel for months while her mother works on scamming another man. Their lives change when Morgan’s mother gets engaged to the wealthy man.
The Hero: Hayes - He is the most popular guy in school, rich, the captain of the swim team, wanted by all the girls and even some of the guys. He seems to have it all but he has a secret and which is tearing him up inside.
The Story: Morgan and Hayes first meet on a rickety old bridge where she likes to sit and watch the river. She sees he is troubled and tries to help him out by talking to him. The next time she sees him is on her first day of school. He is not happy to see her.
This book was compelling, intriguing, dark and mysterious. Morgan knows that Hayes has secrets and is suffering and she has always been the one to take care of everyone around her so she tries to do that with Hayes, though he doesn’t want it. He has a huge attitude problem and anger management issues. This was one book that really kept me guessing until the end. I kept thinking I knew what Hayes’ secret was and then I would think it was something else, and I really liked that because too often in books, it is too easy to figure things out.
Triggers: rape, abuse, assault, thoughts of suicide.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌎
Character development: 🫢😤😡😊🥰
The heroine: Morgan - she is 17 years old and grew up with a neglectful mother and no father. She has a 4 year old half sister that she basically has brought up. After being evicted from their apartment they move into a hotel for months while her mother works on scamming another man. Their lives change when Morgan’s mother gets engaged to the wealthy man.
The Hero: Hayes - He is the most popular guy in school, rich, the captain of the swim team, wanted by all the girls and even some of the guys. He seems to have it all but he has a secret and which is tearing him up inside.
The Story: Morgan and Hayes first meet on a rickety old bridge where she likes to sit and watch the river. She sees he is troubled and tries to help him out by talking to him. The next time she sees him is on her first day of school. He is not happy to see her.
This book was compelling, intriguing, dark and mysterious. Morgan knows that Hayes has secrets and is suffering and she has always been the one to take care of everyone around her so she tries to do that with Hayes, though he doesn’t want it. He has a huge attitude problem and anger management issues. This was one book that really kept me guessing until the end. I kept thinking I knew what Hayes’ secret was and then I would think it was something else, and I really liked that because too often in books, it is too easy to figure things out.
Triggers: rape, abuse, assault, thoughts of suicide.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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May 23, 2022I went into this one with high hopes due to loving this authors previous books but this one fell flat for me, the heroine just grated on my nerves, I love a strong, sassy heroine, and sadly this one fell flat for me, the wanting to help, to the constant wanting to become the heroes friend became like a broken record until it broke me and I just couldn't read any more.
May 28, 2022
What a sad story...to be honest.
There is no romance in it, no chemistry.
This h it's the most annoying character EVER, she was so pathetic .
The H...is way to much...yes, after finding out the whole truth he did make sense but still..i can't forget him for her first time scene, he was...he was way to much and careless..
I needed to have double POV's, it was so frustrating not knowing his side of the story, i couldn't connect with them.
This h drove me crazy with her neediness , her begging almost everyone to be friends with her...then her wanting Salem as her friend...even tho she in the past hoked up with Hayes...rubbed me the wrong way. She was way to pathetic and naive for my liking...
No idea why i bothered reading it all. Maybe i just thought something will save this book at the end but nope. They made it worse, most of all that twist at 85%? hell no. That surprised me indeed but i couldn't not remove 1 star for that alone.
Over all??? i would've liked it more if there was some spark, if this h wasn't so pushy and annoying, and of course if it wasn't for that twist. I can't accept it. NOPE. Anyone but not HER. Hate family shit like that. Ruined the whole thing, or the saving grace of the whole thing, that was ruined anyway by the h. I ended up reading a cringe sad story. Most of all, i felt bad for Hayes.
A little romance in it wouldn't hurt. Also the ending was to rushed, we needed more of that thing wrapped up. We needed Hayes side of everything, also a lot of the chapters ended and felt incomplete for me, like we jump from a situation to another.
There is no romance in it, no chemistry.
This h it's the most annoying character EVER, she was so pathetic .
The H...is way to much...yes, after finding out the whole truth he did make sense but still..i can't forget him for her first time scene, he was...he was way to much and careless..
I needed to have double POV's, it was so frustrating not knowing his side of the story, i couldn't connect with them.
This h drove me crazy with her neediness , her begging almost everyone to be friends with her...then her wanting Salem as her friend...even tho she in the past hoked up with Hayes...rubbed me the wrong way. She was way to pathetic and naive for my liking...
No idea why i bothered reading it all. Maybe i just thought something will save this book at the end but nope. They made it worse, most of all that twist at 85%? hell no. That surprised me indeed but i couldn't not remove 1 star for that alone.
Over all??? i would've liked it more if there was some spark, if this h wasn't so pushy and annoying, and of course if it wasn't for that twist. I can't accept it. NOPE. Anyone but not HER. Hate family shit like that. Ruined the whole thing, or the saving grace of the whole thing, that was ruined anyway by the h. I ended up reading a cringe sad story. Most of all, i felt bad for Hayes.
A little romance in it wouldn't hurt. Also the ending was to rushed, we needed more of that thing wrapped up. We needed Hayes side of everything, also a lot of the chapters ended and felt incomplete for me, like we jump from a situation to another.
July 26, 2022
DNF - 40%
I tried but I can’t anymore 🥴
The heroine is a f*cking doormat and the hero is absolutely disgusting.
There’s also a big difference between dubious consent and point blank rape.
I tried but I can’t anymore 🥴
The heroine is a f*cking doormat and the hero is absolutely disgusting.
There’s also a big difference between dubious consent and point blank rape.
July 11, 2022
No, I didn't like this book. I felt there was NO chemistry between the MCs. For eg: If the H felt anything for the h then he wouldn't have dumped her in the middle of the road at night, all alone. The H rapes h and feels NO remorse at all and even calls her a slut after ripping away her virginity but he feels hurt and angry when he finds his close friend getting raped and beats up the rapist. The H sets up a date between his best friend and the h (I kinda like when my Heroes are super possessive of their heroines). So, as I mentioned, definitely NO chemistry between them.
I also hated the h for being an intrusive bitch. Gosh! I just wanted to wring her neck for being so nosey even after multiple people telling her to back off their personal space.
And yeah, I hated the h's manipulative, rapey, bitch mom!!! I felt sick knowing that he did both mother and daughter 🤮 🤮!
I also hated the h for being an intrusive bitch. Gosh! I just wanted to wring her neck for being so nosey even after multiple people telling her to back off their personal space.
And yeah, I hated the h's manipulative, rapey, bitch mom!!! I felt sick knowing that he did both mother and daughter 🤮 🤮!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
This read was nothing like I expected it to be. It was heartache on steroids.
It's not for everyone so please check the trigger warnings!
Hayes and Morgan were both a bit broken - both in different ways. Their emotions bled off the pages and engulfed you in all the feels. Your heart will break for them.
Hayes is the main guy in school. On the swim team, popular with the other guys at the school and was easy on the eyes so the girls flocked to him. Despite all that good on the outside, he was broody and hurting. He hid his pain and secrets well.
Morgan has had to grow up much faster than a normal teenager. Her mother is around, but not in the sense that she needs her to be. She had to step up and take care of her little sister, Lucy when her mom checked out. Hasn't had much stability in her life, unfortunately.
When their worlds collide it's a bit unnerving. It's raw and soul crushing. Hayes tries to hide and deflect his pain by lashing out at the one person who actually sees him - sees all the pain, his broken pieces and all his shame. He can only hurt someone so much before they start pushing back.
I loved so many parts of the book and then there were parts I hated and just couldn't get behind. The bully aspect of the read was spot on. Made me cringe in parts, but overall Hayes pretty much won me over in the end. Is he a book boyfriend? Not even close. Will I remember this read? Oh yeah.
Can they be what the other one so desperately needs? Or will they burn the bridge that could very well be their saving grace?
It's not for everyone so please check the trigger warnings!
Hayes and Morgan were both a bit broken - both in different ways. Their emotions bled off the pages and engulfed you in all the feels. Your heart will break for them.
Hayes is the main guy in school. On the swim team, popular with the other guys at the school and was easy on the eyes so the girls flocked to him. Despite all that good on the outside, he was broody and hurting. He hid his pain and secrets well.
Morgan has had to grow up much faster than a normal teenager. Her mother is around, but not in the sense that she needs her to be. She had to step up and take care of her little sister, Lucy when her mom checked out. Hasn't had much stability in her life, unfortunately.
When their worlds collide it's a bit unnerving. It's raw and soul crushing. Hayes tries to hide and deflect his pain by lashing out at the one person who actually sees him - sees all the pain, his broken pieces and all his shame. He can only hurt someone so much before they start pushing back.
I loved so many parts of the book and then there were parts I hated and just couldn't get behind. The bully aspect of the read was spot on. Made me cringe in parts, but overall Hayes pretty much won me over in the end. Is he a book boyfriend? Not even close. Will I remember this read? Oh yeah.
Can they be what the other one so desperately needs? Or will they burn the bridge that could very well be their saving grace?
June 4, 2024
Nope. Just no. Big no no
There is no coming back from some of that.
Morgan is so annoying. Hayes is a rapist, and the trauma is way too huge to build a healthy relationship.
Just yuck
There is no coming back from some of that.
Morgan is so annoying. Hayes is a rapist, and the trauma is way too huge to build a healthy relationship.
Just yuck
May 24, 2022
Worse Than Enemies is a stepbrother bully romance featuring good girl with a heart of gold, Morgan, and her broken and broody tormentor, Hayes. Morgan witnesses Hayes at his lowest moment and, therefore, incurs his wrath, which is magnified when it turns out that Morgan's nightmare of a mother is set to marry Hayes' dad. The set-up is certainly great and I had high hopes. However, I really couldn't get behind the story once it got going. Morgan's character bugged me too much to be able to enjoy the story. She was just too thirsty for Hayes, constantly chasing him, trying to be his friend and begging for scraps of his attention. And then there's the trauma that Hayes had to go through. Without spoiling anything, this one just wasn't for me. It depressed me rather than entertained me and that's not what I look for in my romance, no matter how dark. The writing itself was great and flowed well and I gave this one additional stars for Morgan's sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2022
4.5 stars
One of my favorites set in the Northwoods and featuring an empathetic, generous, given to prying Morgan who meets and is immediately drawn to Hayes Ambrose, the guy that seems to have it all. But she sees the real Hayes while he is seemingly prone to outburst, aggressiveness, yet for his friends, genuine affection. Not to Morgan though. No, Morgan experiences his distain mixed with sexual attraction daily -- especially as his new stepsister. Speaking of twists, this book surprised me. Be careful of your assumptions.
Morgan finds herself the soon-to-be stepdaughter in a new family now that her spiteful mother is marrying up. While obvious advantages to this more prosperous life for Morgan and sister Lucy, Hayes is absolutely scornful, a beautiful jerk to whom Morgan can't deny her interest, attraction, and desire to help. Morgan is altruistic to the point of martyrdom. But what happens when her help isn't welcomed? She keeps pushing, inserting herself, and even eavesdropping. This unsolicited would have gone a long way instead to energy directed to putting her egotistical mother in her place. Still, the heart-wrenching torment and character development, sexual tension, side characters and personalities, dark elements, twists, and spice captured my interest. I could have used a
Men can suffer too. A great story and a different take on a non-traditional theme with my favorites: soft heroine and broken hero. A bit of an abrupt ending, but still very original, very good.
One of my favorites set in the Northwoods and featuring an empathetic, generous, given to prying Morgan who meets and is immediately drawn to Hayes Ambrose, the guy that seems to have it all. But she sees the real Hayes while he is seemingly prone to outburst, aggressiveness, yet for his friends, genuine affection. Not to Morgan though. No, Morgan experiences his distain mixed with sexual attraction daily -- especially as his new stepsister. Speaking of twists, this book surprised me. Be careful of your assumptions.
Morgan finds herself the soon-to-be stepdaughter in a new family now that her spiteful mother is marrying up. While obvious advantages to this more prosperous life for Morgan and sister Lucy, Hayes is absolutely scornful, a beautiful jerk to whom Morgan can't deny her interest, attraction, and desire to help. Morgan is altruistic to the point of martyrdom. But what happens when her help isn't welcomed? She keeps pushing, inserting herself, and even eavesdropping. This unsolicited would have gone a long way instead to energy directed to putting her egotistical mother in her place. Still, the heart-wrenching torment and character development, sexual tension, side characters and personalities, dark elements, twists, and spice captured my interest. I could have used a
Men can suffer too. A great story and a different take on a non-traditional theme with my favorites: soft heroine and broken hero. A bit of an abrupt ending, but still very original, very good.
September 13, 2022
Not going to lie had a lot expectation after corium university but it falls flat.
The first 15 chapters are so bland i was asking myself why am i reading this. I got sick of the heroine saying i want to help you, i want to be your friend when the hero everytime tells her to stay away. She keeps on chasing him, running after him when he says he doesnt want her.
The hero taking the girls virginity without any care not preparing her, tending to her, no kisses and after taking her virginity just leaves without a second glance just makes it very sad and cruel.
There is absolutely no spark between the main characters and for the 80 percent of the book it is a toxic relationship.
The book comes together in the last 5 chapters
This book deals with a very sensitive realistic issue which could have been handled and stopped early on, just after the first episode, in so many ways it could have been stopped, he had great friends who wanted to help him but he never let them. the main character lacks strength, reasonable judgement and decision making power.
The writing is very poor. People all over the world suffer with this issue but they speak up, breaking the bonds of the abuser, fighting for their dignity, refusing to be victims anymore this book is a insult to their struggle.
The first 15 chapters are so bland i was asking myself why am i reading this. I got sick of the heroine saying i want to help you, i want to be your friend when the hero everytime tells her to stay away. She keeps on chasing him, running after him when he says he doesnt want her.
The hero taking the girls virginity without any care not preparing her, tending to her, no kisses and after taking her virginity just leaves without a second glance just makes it very sad and cruel.
There is absolutely no spark between the main characters and for the 80 percent of the book it is a toxic relationship.
The book comes together in the last 5 chapters
This book deals with a very sensitive realistic issue which could have been handled and stopped early on, just after the first episode, in so many ways it could have been stopped, he had great friends who wanted to help him but he never let them. the main character lacks strength, reasonable judgement and decision making power.
The writing is very poor. People all over the world suffer with this issue but they speak up, breaking the bonds of the abuser, fighting for their dignity, refusing to be victims anymore this book is a insult to their struggle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
Trigger warnings: r**e, underaged s**, cougars galore, violence, a doormat heroine, a seriously f-Ed hero, noncon, dubious consent, violence against child, infidelity, drug use, substance abuse, alcohol abuse.
Good god I deserved so much better than this book gave.
For one thing I got a doormat heroine - who couldn’t stop playing Mary Poppins - despite everyone telling her to knock it off. And being so naive to her surroundings and situations and never leaving shit alone. So involved - sheesh no one wonder she got pelted with abuse and has a dysfunctional family.
As for the hero - elite rich and an a grade douchebag - who has his own tragic secrets - but never learns anything from them - instead harms everyone else by them. And doesn’t even try any option to defend himself. No In my eyes he just degraded himself further with his actions even with his plot twist reveal of his tragic secrets.
Only saving grace: the friends Theo and Franky and I’m not mentioning Salem since she was so involved in herself.
Everything else: non existent romance + friendship between any of the characters, no peace always chaos, so much s** (noncon), doormatness, douchebags and always wanting to help doormat heroines - the villains made more sense than the main characters.
Plus there are no actual trigger warnings mentioned. Like what the hell? Do you know people could be traumatised if you don’t mention something so damn crucial? God the irresponsibility. I mean shit us readers have to put them in so other people at least have an idea of what they’re dealing with.
But I shouldn’t be surprised since this connects with the other north prep books and they also have these fun fun elements of r*** too. Sigh. I thought it would stop in those books but I guess I’m wrong. Again. I mean dubious consent is so much different to noncon - but who’s gonna tell these two women? No one I guess.
God I seriously need me some therapy right about now. Or some sanity pills if god has any.
I need me some desperately.
But for now goodbye till the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good god I deserved so much better than this book gave.
For one thing I got a doormat heroine - who couldn’t stop playing Mary Poppins - despite everyone telling her to knock it off. And being so naive to her surroundings and situations and never leaving shit alone. So involved - sheesh no one wonder she got pelted with abuse and has a dysfunctional family.
As for the hero - elite rich and an a grade douchebag - who has his own tragic secrets - but never learns anything from them - instead harms everyone else by them. And doesn’t even try any option to defend himself. No In my eyes he just degraded himself further with his actions even with his plot twist reveal of his tragic secrets.
Only saving grace: the friends Theo and Franky and I’m not mentioning Salem since she was so involved in herself.
Everything else: non existent romance + friendship between any of the characters, no peace always chaos, so much s** (noncon), doormatness, douchebags and always wanting to help doormat heroines - the villains made more sense than the main characters.
Plus there are no actual trigger warnings mentioned. Like what the hell? Do you know people could be traumatised if you don’t mention something so damn crucial? God the irresponsibility. I mean shit us readers have to put them in so other people at least have an idea of what they’re dealing with.
But I shouldn’t be surprised since this connects with the other north prep books and they also have these fun fun elements of r*** too. Sigh. I thought it would stop in those books but I guess I’m wrong. Again. I mean dubious consent is so much different to noncon - but who’s gonna tell these two women? No one I guess.
God I seriously need me some therapy right about now. Or some sanity pills if god has any.
I need me some desperately.
But for now goodbye till the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2022
Total Trash Don't Bother
The main female character and male character were just so annoying. Let's start with the fact that she has no spine no backbone at all And just completely let everybody around her bulldoze over her and Then apologizes for it and act like some weak simpering fool. I love dark romances I Like a lot of taboo subjects. With that said, this was not Dub con or reluctance The male character rapes her while she screaming no there is no mixed messages and She was a virgin! He never acknowledges it Never apologized or tries to redeem himself, she doesn't even call It rape even though she said no and stop and cried the entire time. The very next night They will save 1 of their friends While being raped and he cuddles the girl and whisper sweet nothing's and she talks about how horrific it is and how she feels so bad for her!? I honestly suffered through the rest of the book He never redeemed some self they never acknowledge the rape and that's exactly what it was I've had other books where similar situation happens but they acknowledge it they work through it. This was in no Way Romantic or redeemable and both characters Are annoying. I have read plenty of books by this author but usually it's when Paired with C Hallman Most recently the king of Corrium series. There is a way to write this kind of thing but this book fell so so Short. I hate leaving bad reviews but I really couldn't let this 1 go do not waste your time.
The main female character and male character were just so annoying. Let's start with the fact that she has no spine no backbone at all And just completely let everybody around her bulldoze over her and Then apologizes for it and act like some weak simpering fool. I love dark romances I Like a lot of taboo subjects. With that said, this was not Dub con or reluctance The male character rapes her while she screaming no there is no mixed messages and She was a virgin! He never acknowledges it Never apologized or tries to redeem himself, she doesn't even call It rape even though she said no and stop and cried the entire time. The very next night They will save 1 of their friends While being raped and he cuddles the girl and whisper sweet nothing's and she talks about how horrific it is and how she feels so bad for her!? I honestly suffered through the rest of the book He never redeemed some self they never acknowledge the rape and that's exactly what it was I've had other books where similar situation happens but they acknowledge it they work through it. This was in no Way Romantic or redeemable and both characters Are annoying. I have read plenty of books by this author but usually it's when Paired with C Hallman Most recently the king of Corrium series. There is a way to write this kind of thing but this book fell so so Short. I hate leaving bad reviews but I really couldn't let this 1 go do not waste your time.
November 2, 2024
This was a rollercoaster 🎢. I was so angry with the MMC for most of the book and very frustrated with the FMC for her stupidity, but I couldn’t put it down! It was so intriguing and twisted. A great read! 👌
Somewhere around 4.5-4.75 ⭐️’s
Somewhere around 4.5-4.75 ⭐️’s
May 29, 2022
2 ⭐️⭐️ Stars! Stepbrother/ enemies to lover/ bully romance. I didn’t really care for the 2 mc in this book. Trigger warnings need to be posted before reading.
May 18, 2022
Love this series
Love North woods
Loved Morgan and Hayes
Broken twisted intense emotional heartstopping love story
Cant wait for more
Ready for more
Love North woods
Loved Morgan and Hayes
Broken twisted intense emotional heartstopping love story
Cant wait for more
Ready for more
June 23, 2024
Nah because it’s crazy how this got me out of a book slump. It was so bad I had to kepe reading. Both the girl and the boy pissed me off. WHY DID I FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED 80% THROUGH R U SERIOUS!! AND EVERY SECOND THE GIRLS CRYING BRO COULD LITERALLY SOBER UP FROM DRINKING UP HER TEARS. AMD WHY IS THERE SO MUCH 🍇 IN THIS BOOK… LIKE CHILL A BIT PUT IT BACK IN UR PANTS!!!
July 4, 2022
DNF @ 15%
God, not only was the book and characters very poorly written, but the characters acted like these kids pretending to be grown ups.
The scene in the closest gave me very rapey vibes and I could not carry on
God, not only was the book and characters very poorly written, but the characters acted like these kids pretending to be grown ups.
The scene in the closest gave me very rapey vibes and I could not carry on
December 28, 2023
dnf at 52% and i’m suing this book for glorifying rape. i’ve never met a person more disgusting than hayes.
May 26, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Hayes
Heroine : Morgan
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Triggers Involved : Non Con, Dub Con , Bully
Plot Summary :
Morgan knew her mother was unhinged but she never expected her to make this move. Her mother was getting married. To a new man. And now they had to move to his house. Morgan's only interest was to take care of her younger sister since her mother akk but forgot that she had kids as well. What she didn't expect was getting a new step brother.
Hayes had the life everyone dreamed of having. If only they knew the truth. His life was so dark that it was traumatizing for him. Until he got a new family member. His step sister. The one who reminded him of the very monster haunting him. And now she will pay. In every way possible. He might not be able to defeat his monsters, but he will break her by the time he is done with her.
Overall Opinion :
This was an amazing stand alone romance! It is dark with triggers and I liked the storyline specially that plot twist about the villain because damn I never saw that coming!!!!
Morgan and Hayes have a take which you might love as a one time read. I found Morgan a bit irritating with her too clingy personality but it wa okk lmao because Hayes was pretty hot 🤣
Definitely recommending this book to all the dark romance, enemies to romance loving people out there. This book Is a good one time read for you all so definitely do try it.
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June 22, 2024
0 stars.
What in the Frickity frick of fricks was this?!? I mean what the actual fruck did I just read???
Firstly this man actually raped her. Like fully raped her, then proceeded to have a go at another dude when he raped his friend… and all the while this boy was being raped by the girl who he raped mother… I mean wtaf. This guy had firstly no redeeming qualities, and he may very well be my most hated Mmc second only to the freaking fugly men in Lancaster prep series, which don’t even get me started on how much this book reminded me of that series, like ew.
Then we have the most naive character I’ve read about, probably ever, her name escapes me because I have no brain cells as it’s 1am and I just sat here for three hours reading this garbage, for why, I really don’t know, anyway this girl was actually stupid, she said she loved this dude after he was a disgusting bullying rapist, he actually was such a cruel person to her like there was nothing about him to love. And then the author tried to redeem him by making him laugh with out mfcs sister, who by the way was so irrelevant, like truely why tf did she even exist???
Now the weird ass side characters. First they had no personality and I was confused by our mfcs friend, like why did she randomly get high??? And then why did our mfc go on a date with, I also forgot his name, like that was so odd to me and it added nothing at all to the story.
Can I just say this book was only 351 pages long but I still think it could’ve and should’ve been 351 pages shorter because this book added nothing to the literary realms. Like if it didn’t exist it wouldn’t impact literature in anyway. I actually loathe this book so much, I didn’t think anything could beat my hatred for secrets we keep by Monica Murphy but lo and behold this may tie second place.
I just don’t understand why in the world we had the rape scenes so detailed, it’s like the author wanted us to hate our mmc so much, and then in the last I’d say 20 pages he had an entire change of personality, like he suddenly became a sweet golden retriever after being a fugly loser for 330 pages, again, W.T.F.
One positive thing I can say about this book is that I’m glad it didn’t surpass 350 pages because hell nah.
I beg someone to bleach my eyes and my ears and my mouth and my nose and any other senses or whatever, because I want this book ridded from my system, I want to forget this book exists and want to never think about it again, no one mention this to me or even say anything that reminds me of this book again, because I will start a freaking riot ang frankly I don’t want to hear anything about this book again because the rage I feel for this book is incomparisonable.
I beg everyone to excuse my grammar and my words because I haven’t slept for 2 nights and my brain is quite fumble jumbled especially after reading this.
JAYANNA…. I WILL NEVER FORgive U FOR PUTTING ME THROUGH THIS TRAUMA U LITTLE SHIT.
Anyways I beg you from the top I of my heart or soul or whatever do not read this book, like EVERRR.
What in the Frickity frick of fricks was this?!? I mean what the actual fruck did I just read???
Firstly this man actually raped her. Like fully raped her, then proceeded to have a go at another dude when he raped his friend… and all the while this boy was being raped by the girl who he raped mother… I mean wtaf. This guy had firstly no redeeming qualities, and he may very well be my most hated Mmc second only to the freaking fugly men in Lancaster prep series, which don’t even get me started on how much this book reminded me of that series, like ew.
Then we have the most naive character I’ve read about, probably ever, her name escapes me because I have no brain cells as it’s 1am and I just sat here for three hours reading this garbage, for why, I really don’t know, anyway this girl was actually stupid, she said she loved this dude after he was a disgusting bullying rapist, he actually was such a cruel person to her like there was nothing about him to love. And then the author tried to redeem him by making him laugh with out mfcs sister, who by the way was so irrelevant, like truely why tf did she even exist???
Now the weird ass side characters. First they had no personality and I was confused by our mfcs friend, like why did she randomly get high??? And then why did our mfc go on a date with, I also forgot his name, like that was so odd to me and it added nothing at all to the story.
Can I just say this book was only 351 pages long but I still think it could’ve and should’ve been 351 pages shorter because this book added nothing to the literary realms. Like if it didn’t exist it wouldn’t impact literature in anyway. I actually loathe this book so much, I didn’t think anything could beat my hatred for secrets we keep by Monica Murphy but lo and behold this may tie second place.
I just don’t understand why in the world we had the rape scenes so detailed, it’s like the author wanted us to hate our mmc so much, and then in the last I’d say 20 pages he had an entire change of personality, like he suddenly became a sweet golden retriever after being a fugly loser for 330 pages, again, W.T.F.
One positive thing I can say about this book is that I’m glad it didn’t surpass 350 pages because hell nah.
I beg someone to bleach my eyes and my ears and my mouth and my nose and any other senses or whatever, because I want this book ridded from my system, I want to forget this book exists and want to never think about it again, no one mention this to me or even say anything that reminds me of this book again, because I will start a freaking riot ang frankly I don’t want to hear anything about this book again because the rage I feel for this book is incomparisonable.
I beg everyone to excuse my grammar and my words because I haven’t slept for 2 nights and my brain is quite fumble jumbled especially after reading this.
JAYANNA…. I WILL NEVER FORgive U FOR PUTTING ME THROUGH THIS TRAUMA U LITTLE SHIT.
Anyways I beg you from the top I of my heart or soul or whatever do not read this book, like EVERRR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
I’ve officially realised that this authors books are not my genre
May 25, 2022
I received an Arc for this but unfortunately could not finish it. There was not any trigger warnings in the book. If I know about things in advance then I don’t mind reading about them. But going into it blind and having the MMC SA the FMC is enough for me. I don’t get how we’re supposed to like and root for him/them as a couple when that happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I actually rather enjoyed this one.
Listened on audible, and despite it being singularly narrated by FMC, I found it done quite well.
This is a bully romance, heavy emphasis on bully.
Morgan stumbles upon Hayes on a bridge. She is concerned given his demeanor and approaches him to strike up conversation. All is seemingly well when the part ways.
Morgan’s mom is a con artist, scamming men out of money and is gone for days at a time while MORGAN takes care of her younger sister. (Morgan is 17, sister is 4). Mom stumbles in after being gone for 2 days and announces that she is getting engaged.
When meeting her further stepfather for the first time, Hayes walks through the door and she immediately recognizes him. They start school together.
Hayes has a secret no one knows except for a friend. When Morgan is caught eves dropping, Hayes makes her life a living hell.
What is Hayes secret? Why does he hate Morgan so much?
The plot twist will shock you bc I did NOT see that coming.
I actually rather enjoyed this one.
Listened on audible, and despite it being singularly narrated by FMC, I found it done quite well.
This is a bully romance, heavy emphasis on bully.
Morgan stumbles upon Hayes on a bridge. She is concerned given his demeanor and approaches him to strike up conversation. All is seemingly well when the part ways.
Morgan’s mom is a con artist, scamming men out of money and is gone for days at a time while MORGAN takes care of her younger sister. (Morgan is 17, sister is 4). Mom stumbles in after being gone for 2 days and announces that she is getting engaged.
When meeting her further stepfather for the first time, Hayes walks through the door and she immediately recognizes him. They start school together.
Hayes has a secret no one knows except for a friend. When Morgan is caught eves dropping, Hayes makes her life a living hell.
What is Hayes secret? Why does he hate Morgan so much?
The plot twist will shock you bc I did NOT see that coming.
May 21, 2024
okay wow. there was definitely a lot of…drama in this book to the point that i felt like i was watching a teen drama show.
the FMC’s mom was sick and so messed up that it’s understandable why the MMC hated the FMC for the longest time. the things that happened to the MMC due to the FMC’s mom is sick and so depraved that i felt so bad for him once the truth/mini-plot twist was revealed.
with that being said, i felt as though the execution was a bit…underwhelming and i don’t feel the “connection” or “chemistry” between the MMC and FMC either, especially at the end. on top of that, the FMC was so exhausting.
i’ve read countless of books where the FMC is seen as a “weak gazelle” with no back bone and no sense of standing up for herself, yeah well the FMC in this book takes the cake. she was beyond weak, had no back bone, no sense of awareness, and always wanted to help the MMC even after the shit he put her through (understandably so as i found out in the end). she always wanted to help him and insisted on being friends and being close with him and in my head i was like “Are you dense?,” because she never stood up for herself and let the MMC and a couple others treat her like absolute shit. who the FMC was as a whole just wasn’t for my liking and i found the MMC quite boring honestly.
overall, this story wasn’t anything too exciting. it felt similar to other step-sibling romances in the sense of the enemies-to-lovers trope played a big role in it. the characters were nothing interesting and the book was just meh for me.
the FMC’s mom was sick and so messed up that it’s understandable why the MMC hated the FMC for the longest time. the things that happened to the MMC due to the FMC’s mom is sick and so depraved that i felt so bad for him once the truth/mini-plot twist was revealed.
with that being said, i felt as though the execution was a bit…underwhelming and i don’t feel the “connection” or “chemistry” between the MMC and FMC either, especially at the end. on top of that, the FMC was so exhausting.
i’ve read countless of books where the FMC is seen as a “weak gazelle” with no back bone and no sense of standing up for herself, yeah well the FMC in this book takes the cake. she was beyond weak, had no back bone, no sense of awareness, and always wanted to help the MMC even after the shit he put her through (understandably so as i found out in the end). she always wanted to help him and insisted on being friends and being close with him and in my head i was like “Are you dense?,” because she never stood up for herself and let the MMC and a couple others treat her like absolute shit. who the FMC was as a whole just wasn’t for my liking and i found the MMC quite boring honestly.
overall, this story wasn’t anything too exciting. it felt similar to other step-sibling romances in the sense of the enemies-to-lovers trope played a big role in it. the characters were nothing interesting and the book was just meh for me.
May 27, 2022
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
*dark
*stepbrother/stepsister
*triggers
*Virgin
*Rich/poor
*secrets
Hayes & Morgan meet at a bridge when he is thinking of killing himself. She talks him down and he tells her to stay away from him. To stay out of his business.
After starting at a new school, she sees Hayes and interferes in his life yet again. He then starts bullying her.
I honestly did not like Hayes at all. He was an a$$hole to Morgan most of the book. When he wasn't bullying her, he was doing something else to make her life miserable.
Morgan is the caretaker type. She has been taking care of her sister for the last 4 years while their mom went out and partied. Now that her sister has a nanny, she's not used to all the free time.
*Steam
*Single 1st person POV
*Standalone
*KU:Yes
Style: Dark bully
Story: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Sexual Level: 🔥 🔥🔥
Violence: yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
*dark
*stepbrother/stepsister
*triggers
*Virgin
*Rich/poor
*secrets
Hayes & Morgan meet at a bridge when he is thinking of killing himself. She talks him down and he tells her to stay away from him. To stay out of his business.
After starting at a new school, she sees Hayes and interferes in his life yet again. He then starts bullying her.
I honestly did not like Hayes at all. He was an a$$hole to Morgan most of the book. When he wasn't bullying her, he was doing something else to make her life miserable.
Morgan is the caretaker type. She has been taking care of her sister for the last 4 years while their mom went out and partied. Now that her sister has a nanny, she's not used to all the free time.
*Steam
*Single 1st person POV
*Standalone
*KU:Yes
Style: Dark bully
Story: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Sexual Level: 🔥 🔥🔥
Violence: yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
May 20, 2022
***RECEIVED FREE ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW***
This was a dark book! Please read the trigger warnings.
I did not know what to expect from this book, but I could not stop.
Hayes and Morgan are complex characters and have some much emotions. The pain and trauma both characters felt and the incidents in their life, have scarred them both.
Hayes is Mr Popular but behind his mask is someone who is hurt and angry.
Morgan is no stranger to disappointment and is now forced to be part of a new world.
This book is engaging, and nothing like what you expect. The twist and turns will keep you at the edge of your seats and you will never know what will happen next.
This was a dark book! Please read the trigger warnings.
I did not know what to expect from this book, but I could not stop.
Hayes and Morgan are complex characters and have some much emotions. The pain and trauma both characters felt and the incidents in their life, have scarred them both.
Hayes is Mr Popular but behind his mask is someone who is hurt and angry.
Morgan is no stranger to disappointment and is now forced to be part of a new world.
This book is engaging, and nothing like what you expect. The twist and turns will keep you at the edge of your seats and you will never know what will happen next.
June 25, 2025
This was SO much better than I expected! Some really difficult topics and an emotional read, but amazing story. I can’t believe I’ve had this sitting on my bookshelf for over a year. I normally don’t like a step sibling trope, but that was NOT the focus of the book (they became step siblings at 17/18). I thought this was just going to be a typical step sibling romance (probably why it sat on my shelf for so long) but it was much deeper than that, especially toward the end. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a dark romance that will probably make you cry.
September 3, 2024
I have to say that I ALWAYS love a good Bully Romance and this one doesn’t disappoint it.
The only reason this book doesn’t rate higher is because first it is a single POV and second because besides the ending that is a GREAT plot twist, the whole book it self wasn’t very original. But I enjoyed and liked a lot nonetheless.
The only reason this book doesn’t rate higher is because first it is a single POV and second because besides the ending that is a GREAT plot twist, the whole book it self wasn’t very original. But I enjoyed and liked a lot nonetheless.
May 25, 2022
⚠️🛑Check Triggers Warnings⚠️🛑
Morgan hasn't had an easy life never knowing her father and being raised by a cruel, neglectful and absentee mother who only thinks of herself yet through it all she is compassionate, kind and giving.
Now she is left to take care of her four year old sister Lucy in a hotel after they were evicted from their apartment while their mother disapears days at a time. After needing air after her mother finally makes an appearance she heads for her favorite spot an abandoned bridge where she has a chance encounter with a guy who was having a seriously bad day. She saves his life even if she doesn't know it. While they never expected to see each other again fate and their parents had something to do with it when they get engaged and move in together. Hayes is beyond angry and lashes out by taking revenge against Morgan by bullying and tormenting her every chance he gets. He's the captain of the swim team and "Mr. Popular" and comes from one of the richest families. On the outside he appears to have everything but he's tormented and hiding a dark secret which causes him to lash out at those closest to him.
This book is captivating, intense, emotional with very sensitive topics so heed the trigger warnings.
I received a free ARC from the author through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
Five ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Morgan hasn't had an easy life never knowing her father and being raised by a cruel, neglectful and absentee mother who only thinks of herself yet through it all she is compassionate, kind and giving.
Now she is left to take care of her four year old sister Lucy in a hotel after they were evicted from their apartment while their mother disapears days at a time. After needing air after her mother finally makes an appearance she heads for her favorite spot an abandoned bridge where she has a chance encounter with a guy who was having a seriously bad day. She saves his life even if she doesn't know it. While they never expected to see each other again fate and their parents had something to do with it when they get engaged and move in together. Hayes is beyond angry and lashes out by taking revenge against Morgan by bullying and tormenting her every chance he gets. He's the captain of the swim team and "Mr. Popular" and comes from one of the richest families. On the outside he appears to have everything but he's tormented and hiding a dark secret which causes him to lash out at those closest to him.
This book is captivating, intense, emotional with very sensitive topics so heed the trigger warnings.
I received a free ARC from the author through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
Five ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
April 1, 2024
Check the tw's
I can't say I connected with the characters or story. To be honest Morgan annoyed me half the time. I know she means well though. Then we have Hayes, he has secrets no one knew about. Just when you thought you had it figured out, the twist at the end shocks you completely. Which I think is one reason I couldn't rate it lower because I just had to know what was happening to Hayes.
So much trauma happens in this story. Not just to the mc's.
The ending did feel very rushed after the huge reveal of the huge secret Hayes has been hiding.
.
Anyways...can't say I hated it and can't say I completely enjoyed it.
But it was a quick read.
I can't say I connected with the characters or story. To be honest Morgan annoyed me half the time. I know she means well though. Then we have Hayes, he has secrets no one knew about. Just when you thought you had it figured out, the twist at the end shocks you completely. Which I think is one reason I couldn't rate it lower because I just had to know what was happening to Hayes.
So much trauma happens in this story. Not just to the mc's.
The ending did feel very rushed after the huge reveal of the huge secret Hayes has been hiding.
.
Anyways...can't say I hated it and can't say I completely enjoyed it.
But it was a quick read.
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