I thought talking to a sexy stranger online would be harmless—until I find out he goes to my high school. Now, he and his crew won’t stop blackmailing me. Between studying for exams, obeying strict curfews, and dealing with overprotective parents who expect me to reign at the top of Redwood Academy’s senior class, I just want to have some fun. But getting messed up with the Poison boys isn’t what I expect to happen when I log in to an online chat room. Corrupt. Cruel. Callous. Poison is everything wrong with Redwood Academy. They have no problem with burning Redwood Academy to ashes, exposing the wealthy for the snakes they truly are, and blackmailing an innocent girl they met online. If anyone finds out what I have done, my good-girl reputation will be tarnished. Will I be able to keep these bad boys at bay? Or will they suck me into their bloodstained, havoc-filled world? Poison is a new-adult reverse harem romance and the second book in the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series of stand-alones. This series does not have to be read in order. Fans of Havoc at Prescott High by C.M. Stunich and The Lies We Tell by Becca Steele will fall in love with this steamy reverse-harem contemporary romance! One-click to preorder today
With over seventy million online story views, Emilia Rose is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves writing about dirty-talking bad boys and alpha-holes. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut USA with her husband, two cats, and cute little yellow ducklings.
This was my first book by Emilia Rose so I was excited to jump into this when I read the blurb. I will say this book is filled with lots of smut and action which is good because it’s not a quick read! Typically I get bored with longer books but there was so much going on in this book that I stayed intrigued the entire time.
I absolutely loved Imani! She is not the innocent nerd that everyone thinks she is which drew me in. She is insatiable and loves the bad boys! I liked Landon and Kai right from the start. Joao grew on me throughout the book but I think Landon was my favorite.
This book made me laugh, had lots of steam, but was also a bit heartbreaking. There was so much build up that I was shocked at how quick the ending was but it made me love Imani even more. I wish there was an epilogue though to see them in the future.
I read this one her Patreon was excited about it after reading Stepbrother. The problem is it felt like the sex scenes are copy-paste just changed the names. I actually got bored and I love me some smut
If you love a CHUNKY (187 chapters) book full of spice, plot that doesn’t get lost in the size of the book and a alpha guys that have you DROOLING. This is for you!🥵🥵
Imagine when you’re casually having fun online with what is to be a stranger till he figures out who you are and starts blackmailing you..🫣😨🥵
Imani is the good girl. Good daughter until the bad boys of redwood blackmail her. Landon, Joao and Kai are said guys also knows as ‘Poison’.
I knew I was going to love this book from the get go 🥵
Basically redwood is corrupt AS FUCK. Poison plan to bring redwood elite to their knees for the corrupt town and how the poor are treat.
The relationships are so fast paced in this and wow the steamy spice of this, this author knows how to have you sweating.
Fully enjoyed this book and won’t be the last I read of this author!
the very idea and plot of this book was just genius but we lost the plot at some point.
1. character development: - the LL is supposed to be a geek and knowledgeable.. but in this book she has more guts than i will ever master.. she literally engages the guys first for sex. that sounds like a strong women who is confident in her sexuality- not a 17year old virgin who always has her head in a book. - other issues were glaring to me. like the fact that this girl just opens up to the guys without a second thought. - this girl lets these guys F her without protection. she is supposed to be kinda intelligent and she couldnt think to protect herself from disease, nevermind unwanted pregnancies... nah, she sounds dumb.
i made it to about 75% and peaced out afterwards..
The first book in this series, Stepbrother, felt like a fast paced plot, and this one felt more like a slow build. Once it all started coming together, I enjoyed this book even more. At different times throughout the book, I felt for all four main characters: Imani, Landon, Kai and João. They were fire together too! Since the three guys were the Poison g@ng for life, would Imani make them stronger or break them apart? I appreciated Imani’s character journey the most, but the guys had their own separate journeys as well. I was pleased that Imani had distinct relationships with each guy. I cried, smiled and gasped in shock during this book, and I can’t wait to read the next one! I’m so glad I picked this Poison!
I loved it, probably more to do with those 3 yummy naughty Poison Boys 😈😈😈 and yesss it’s looong, but I enjoyed the book, and the series. 💚🖤💚🖤💚 There’s real issues in here, drama, hurt, love, sex, violence, friendship, loyalty, etc. I enjoy this writers style, and seems she when switching POV it’s a new chapter, no matter how short😉 (I’m very much “To Each Their Own” but I just don’t understand why the B*tching about length when you know ahead how many pages) Oh, and I enjoyed ALL the sex parts💋💋💋 Lucky Girl😈
Read The Bad Boy a few months ago, & loved it! Saw a lot about the Poison Gang in that book, so HAD TO read this book. The spice was here 😌. & there was plenty! The only thing I have to say about this book is that this book could have been atleast 100 or more pages shorter 😂. Still a five star read tho ♥️.
I wanted to give more stars for the guys, but Imani just pissed me off so much. She's one of the most stupid, selfish, greedy, hypocritical, spoiled, self-righteous, smart-assed bitch that I've ever read. Too bad that the author made the h character that way. While I understand that the guys were so tight that ending up sharing one girl isn't so surprising, but throughout reading the book, I kept wondering, what did they see in Imani, really?! Other than (somehow) being so obsessed with having sex with her, I couldn't figure out how she could attract any of them. She's just annoying, most of the time. Care for the people she loved? Well...I don't know how true that was when the moment she saw her parents being threatened to be killed by The Family, what she thought was that she wasn't gonna let The Family know the guys' location no matter what, in so implying that she would let her parents be killed. I know she's supposed to be a "f*cked up" character to want to be with the guys, but it's not entertaining if she's a huge hypocrite. At least if you're f*cked up, you better own that sh*t!!! And why these books are so loong???
Oh my gosh I devoured this book! This was actually the first book of Emilia Rose that I’ve read and i am loving this series! Im going to go back and read the first one while I wait for the next one to come out.
I loved how long this book was! Honestly it was the perfect read because it had plenty of kinky/smutty scenes with a great plot. Landon is my favorite! I loved seeing all of the characters grow and change throughout the book.
Overall this was a wonderful read that had me waiting on the edge of my seat multiple times. (:
Imani, has a secret that she doesnt want anybody to uncover. Her secret is uncovered and she catches the eye of some of the most dangerous boys in Redwood, Poison.
This books is a rollercoaster of emotions and exceptional characters that suck you in and the steam is off the charts
If you haven’t already, read the first book in this series, Stepbrother. The timelines between the books blend perfectly.
I think this is the longest book with a chapter count over a hundred [187]. Did it really need to be that long? Also how old are these characters, if their in high school, that would so mean that she is 18 and the guys are the same age well. Wow with sex scenes that are detail. Each sex scenes was hot.
I like the characters. Imani is a so-so virgin....I don't think so, if she was using toys or her fingers inside her pussy, she could have broke or stretch her virgin barrier, but that stretch that to me. She is a nerd with a secret having a discord [sex] account that she talks to a one of the male leads, that leads her to touching herself, playing with sexy language and throat working with her fake cock, taking that fake cock into her pussy and but there is no way, she was done anal before, unless it was off scene or before the book starts. Classified as a good girl, she wants to break or step out of that image, home life isn't great with her parents at the beginning either.
The next characters is Landon, A.K.A. Chris, he has been the one that talks with Imani for a few months and he finds out what her name is and what she looks like... well He already knew what she look and her name was, as they go to the same school but he didn't think missy richie bitch would possible do such a thing. He blackmails her with it. He saying if she doesn't listen to him or his two best friends, he could show the town/city what she does and she would be ruined. While the next day at school, he sexually assults her in a dark corridor and then he sneaks into her house and room and....boardlines rapes her. He will become much more for her later, Landon falls in love with her.
The second male lead, João so-so leader of the group. Nothing I read suggest this at all. He has a very soft side to himself. His little sister whom he would kill for and takes care of most of the time, and his mother who is a red light type of worker. I feel very sad for his little sister, whom was HIV and needs expensive drugs to help her survice. He also the hardest to crack at first but he warms up to Imani qucikly as well.
The last male lead, Kai, the quite one and mostly the killer of the group. yes, he kills the most. He hides the most from Imani. It is sad to see him hiding himself from Imani, we know that he loves her as well. His father was murder and no one did anything to place the killer in jail or even killed the person. His mother was so heartbroken that she either died or killed herself to be with her love.
Now the sex scences, Lots of sex in this book as well, seventeen scenes to be exact. While she is on BC, doesn't she think about STD/STI at all. You would think that she would. At the beginning it was force sex as they were blackmailing her. Not good in my mind at all. The are a few times, that it was forced, Imani purposely first time scene with Landon in her room, the bathroom scene, the gangrape scene... and yes it was a gangrape scene.
They didn't ask her they are blackmailing her into it. I think that scene was the hardest for me to read, Imani was new to the whole sexually world, i mean yes she played with herself and then had sex but with the two in one manhoods she would have scream in lots of pain if it was anal and it would have been two manhoods in her pussy, she would have screamed as well. So to me that scene was unrealtic. The other scenes were very hot to read for me.
Then let's talk about the blackmailling...not much was done with it. Soon the guys fell in love with Imani and she with them as well. I would have mind if Landon, Kai or even João has asked/forced her into something that didn't agree with her and she didn't do it and one or all of them would have slightly punished her.
Plotline is good as well, only I truly didn't like the lead males as killers or torturers
I will not been readig book 1 at all. It hasn't interest me at all. Book 3, I might go onto.
Okay, updated with more thoughts.
Where is more of the blackmail? I mean, we know that Poison is blackmailing Imani but nothing else is said or done? That sounds odd to me.
Next is When Joao says, this João released his death grip on the door, lips curling into a devilish smile. “Have fun tonight, Imani. It’s your last night of freedom. We have plans for you tomorrow, plans that only we’ll enjoy.” [Rose, Emilia. Poison (Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Book 2) (pp. 41-42). Emilia Rose. Kindle Edition.] Okay, so most of the time, when the poison is having sex with Imani, she loves it. That truly sounds different than what Joao said, we have a plans for you tomorrow, plans that only we'll enjoy. I would have thought, that they would rape her with her saying stop or no.
Next thing I noticed it this mistake, “Oh my God, it’s you.” I shook my head and placed a hand over my mouth in disbelief. [Rose, Emilia. Poison (Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Book 2) (p. 32). Emilia Rose. Kindle Edition.] How she untied her hands that were behind her back to cover her mouth and then got them behind her again? She must be magic.
I was SUUPPERRR excited to finally dive into the infamous Poison gang, especially after reading small snippets of them in Stepbrother and My Brother’s Best Friend. I COULD NOT wait for this. And seeing this book was as big as it is, *tucks hair behind ear* I could not have been TREATED ANY BETTER. Before diving into the boys, all I gotta say is Imani is a BAD. ASS. Girl, the envy I have over this fictional woman is BEYOND ME. Having three tattooed, muscular hotties frothing over you, and wanting you, while wanting to fuck the living daylights out of you together, and by themselves is just another damn ballpark. Not to mention, the fact that if anyone else slapped and talked back to them as much as she does, they would all probably be dead by now. And I cannot do this review without going into detail about each of the boys, because, come on, they all deserve some praise whether they would like it or not.
Landon, Landon, Landon. I absolutely ADORE this man. He may not be the most violent, or the quietest but he is the most tender, gentle and loving out of the three. Even though he was the original baby daddy, and the one who found Imani, he is still so fucking cute. I would be more than satisfied if I was loved by him. The way he takes care of Imani, especially with how he feels that he can be himself without putting up a façade around her, just warms my heart. But damn. I want to kill those assholes who hurt him too. And with how he is trying to better himself for Imani, I want to fucking cry. I love him. So much.
He can try all he likes, but João knows that Imani is getting under his skin. He tries not to feel the way he does about her, especially acting like he hates her, but secretly cares and loves the fuck out of her. I want to hold onto him tightly and reassure him that it’s okay, with what he has been through, including Ana, and I would 100% step up and be that love and support that he needs. He definitely isn’t the most caring, but he’s growing on me to say the least. And I fell for him the moment he was nervous about going on a date with Imani, and when he realized he wanted her to love him; especially with him being the most ruthless and the leader of Poison. The more I learn about him, the more my love for him grows.
Now… when the first two get Imani alone for themselves, pretty much straight away, and we’re still hanging on for when Kai gets her alone, you know it is going to be fucking amazing. He is of course, the quiet one, but turning out to be the most dangerous, and it definitely shows with how he likes to take pleasure. And girl, I did NOT expect that but I. FUCKING. LOVED. IT. I was all over him. I love this man, and no matter how much I love Landon & João, Kai is secretly my favourite. Sealing the deal when he cuddled and took care of with Imani after he just eradicated her soul to the heavens above. I would GLADLY do anything that man says, and I am 100% wrapped around his finger, and I love it.
All the Poison boys I would gladly wrap in blanket burritos, hold and love them until they were okay. They all grew up in some fucked up situations and it breaks my damn heart. But the way that they came together, to help one another and not to mention the affect that Imani has had on them, just warms my damn heart. They might be the most dysfunctional four people on the planet, but they all suit one another so well. I love them all so fucking much. But GOOD FUCKING LORD. That PLOT TWIST. Jesus, I could not comprehend what I was reading, and thank the lord that Imani had practice, as she was slayyinngg those assholes. Kai should be proud. Not to mention, the fucked-up shit that happened with João and his family. I’m fucking glad those assholes are dead cause that was fucked. Overall, WE. LOVED. IT. *heart eyes*
Readers need to be aware of Emilia’s - Trigger Warnings note. If you have read previous books in series, you will be aware of the storyline. To new readers, a quick rundown- “Mention of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, slapping, name calling, degradation, death etc”
Love the dedication “To everyone who wishes they could bang three hot assholes on top of the principal’s desk”
This is the second book in the series. Further storyline of Jace & Allie presented here. Tidbits to keep you informed. In-depth of how Imani got herself into the blackmail list of Poison.
?? Do Poison show a facade of toughness to others to be feared? Each on e of them have internal struggles, their tough exterior is cracking in front of Imani. Landon, Joao & Kai each have their own burdens/struggles. Is Imani their saving grace? One word comes to mind whilst reading ‘Insecurities”
Overall - action packed. A conclusion from book 1. Imani - the Poison Boys - Redwood’s destruction. So much and more. Further elaborated from book 1. Power/Domination/Seduction/Abuse/Death/Sorrow - Stability/Reassurance. It was all here. Best to read book 1 to understand -Bad Boys of Redwood Academy. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend to read in order.
What the Poison Boys have suffered through is criminal in a strange sense. With their tough exterior and also a survival mechanism, each one seemed Love. Imani is their fourth, will she be enough?
Poison and Imani - Jace and Allie, have all told their stories. Who is next? Assume the characters will be present in next instalment. Only downfall here was reiterating of book 1. There was a lot of it and this is why i rate @ 4 1/2 stars.
Book 2 can be read as a stand-alone but I would start at Book 1: Stepbrother because then you’ll fully understand the dynamics and get glimpses into Poison before you fully get to meet these amazing men, Landon, João, & Kai the amazingly handsome, brutal, faithful, and down right dangerous men who have stolen the heart of Imani the rich girl who loved science and her family.
This book is an intense RH that is lined with secrets, lies, betrayal, death, destruction but most of all the love and commitment people who choose to be family have for each other. Rosewood is a messed up place and everyone has secrets that could destroy everyone and Imani is no different. She has a secret life she leads behind closed doors but when the boys of Poison discover her kinks and her desires they only have one thought in mind to make her theirs.
This book is intense and action packed. It is also so sexy and dark in all the good ways. Enjoy the ride because we haven’t seen the last of these amazing characters and I know the next book is going to be just as entertaining and powerful as this one.Happy Reading!
I really enjoyed this second instalment in the Redwood series. In the beginning Imani is blackmailed by Poison the Redwood gang. Soon things start to change and develop between them; feelings coming into the mix.
There is definitely sexual chemistry between them all right from the start and the spice is really good!
The story arc is great, there is always something going on. Whether that be an intimate moment or an action scene you won’t want to put it down. You can feel the emotions coming off of the page, I cried so many times especially for João and Anna. omg I could literally feel their pain.
The development throughout the book is also a noticeable mention as the characters definitely grow into their own! With Poison fighting the injustice that they face and also making sure that they get their own happily ever after to Imani transforming from a shy nerdy girl to a badass powerful woman at the end of the book. That was definitely a delight to read about.
Also, there are trigger warning!! Be warned that there is talk of suicide and drug misuse.
Finally, a smutty gangs and bad boys book where the FMC isn’t straight up into killing and maiming!
This was a pretty long read, as far as these types of books go, with lots going on regarding the plot. It’s fast paced though so there’s not a lot of time for mooning around and internal monologues. Ugh ‘feelings’.
Not particularly a love at first sight, because for once the FMC has known them for a while and doesn’t go all doe-eyed and mushy upon first glance.
Lots of violence, but not to the usual level of 18YOs being mega mafia bad-asses who can dodge bullets and punch through chests. They run the town but also kinda don’t, yano.
This was such a full and dynamic story with all interesting and wonderful characters. If Stepbrother was dark, Poison was pitch black. Emilia Rose’s books are always engaging and satisfying, but this definitely takes the cake. There was so much happening, and we got to revisit several events from Jace and Allie’s story but from different perspectives. It was quite refreshing. I really didn’t want it to ever end, but this is such a great story that even though it didn’t end with everyone living happily ever after, the end felt genuine and true to the characters. I’m excited to read the rest of this series and hope we might get to see what happens next for this crew. Well done!
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ If you love bad boys (think anti-heroes), a strong female lead, and plenty of action you'll love this book! Landon, Kai and Joao otherwise known as Poison. Redwood High's very own gang. But they are also something more, they are determined to clean up their town and a smart sheltered high school girl is about to discover a whole new world thanks to them. Imani has no idea what she's in for but she's about to get a crash course in reality. Of course the story isn't that easy at all. That's why you need to read this book. It is long but the action is steady so I never felt a lull. I have voluntarily left this review.
Honestly I was intrigued by the Poison boys from book 1 and excited to read about their story with Imani and what a wild ride! I loved all the different POV s and the different information covered and I also loved learning more about Maddie and Alec! Hopefully more info in the next book which I have pre-ordered. IMANI is the text book definition of good girl but all the pressure and stress other's place on her , she gets relieved when she connects with Landon, Kai and Joao. Each one overcoming and supporting each other and hot 🔥 interactions making each better and stronger together ! Highly recommend!!!
3,75/5 Was it better at handling the smut/action ratio? No. Was it the sexiest things I’ve read? Maybe. What was slightly uncomfortable is that the Poison Boys and Imani are in high school…even though we’re talking about fictional characters, Imani getting gang b**ded in a restroom at dinner with her parents was weird…hot but weird Also the book was so freakishly long and the story was set during the first book timeline and sometimes, the repeat is not ideal. Especially when you read the first then read the second book.
Unfortunately, this book was at least 300 pages too long
Half of it could be cut because we've already read it in the first book! I'm quite mad actually, because I thought we would get to read about the after match, but nooooo, We got a bad sorta ending instead.
Well. Imani was fire🔥 the smut was 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 and the MMCs were 🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼♀️🧎🏼♀️
Ana, the baby sister of one of the MMC was adorable 🥹🥹🥹
The writing wasn't anything special and I found a couple of continuity errors.
Ummmm let’s just say that I devoured this book! I loved how long this book is because I did not want it to end! This next part omg this 😍😍
“He pulled me closer again and slipped his hand from my chin to my throat, his mouth against my ear. “You do as I say, Imani. Do you understand me? You might have João and Landon wrapped around your finger, but”—he wrapped his finger around one of my curls and gently tugged on it—“you’re wrapped around mine, and you know it. You fucking love it.”
Poison may be their name but I would totally take a large drink of what they are serving. Landon, Kai, and Joao are the sexiest bad boys in Redwood and they have good girl Imani right where they want her. The connection between the characters is amazing. The storyline keeps you guessing and makes you feel like a part of Redwood. If you like great characters, love-hate relationships, and lots of steam, you need to purchase this book!
I literally love anything that ER writes, she is such a great author. I loved the first book in this character series, where you first meet the Poison Boys. This is a High School, Bully Reverse Harem, with a hint of mafia/secret society that you learn about piece by piece in this corrupt town. Lots of action and the spice is TOP NOTCH, as it always is by this author. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I haven't read the first book in this series yet but after reading this book I think I'll have to get my hands on that book now.
Imani's (FMC) life gets complicated when she unfortunately reveals her identity to the guy that she's been web camming herself too. He's part of the Poison gang and people you don't want to be on their radar. It also brought out Imani's sassy side towards the guys which was funny in places. An enjoyable read with some steam and an FMC I really liked. A good read.
I love RH books. And the darker and more graphically violent the plot, and the more descriptive the smut scenes are, the better. This story has it all and I was impressed. It’s a rather lengthy book, but it’s so good that you don’t want to put it down. This has been one of my favorite reads this year!
This book is one of my absolute favorites of the Redwood series. Full of so much spice, passion and love. The way the boys are love Imani. And each in their own ways. Landon is my favorite of the 3 guys. His backstory was heartbreaking but the way he overcame it with the help of the guys and Imani was so nice to read. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Poison was a wild rode of all the emotions, crazy twists and steam. And did I mention steam?!
Imani and the Poison Boys seem like an unlikely start, but I really liked seeing her come out of her good girl reputation and stand up for issues that she saw happening. I would love to see more of her and the Poison boys in the future!