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Pocket #1
Pocketful of Blame
The Capaldi twins. Chris and Sketch. As different as night and day. One my best friend.One my lover. Inseparable since childhood, I always assumed that we would grow up, escape our sleepy hometown of Pocketful, and live out a life of adventure together, away from our powerful fathers and the lure of money.But life as I know it changed two years ago when reckless Sketch broke my heart and dependable Chris picked up the pieces. Except now Chris is dead, and I’m the only one with the answers to what happened that night. I’m the only living witness. My connection with Sketch has been severed. He thinks I killed his brother and I’m determined to let him believe it. Because the truth could put us both in the grave. Pocketful of Blame is the first in a four-book series and contains a cliffhanger ending. Because of its explicit sexual content, mature themes, potential triggers, and bad language, it is suitable for readers of 18+.
246 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2019
343 people are currently reading
2309 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Walsh
61 books28.8k followersChloe Walsh is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of The Boys of Tommen series, which exploded in popularity on TikTok, Goodreads, and Amazon. She has been writing and publishing New Adult and Adult contemporary romance for mature audiences for over a decade. Her Tommen series has been translated into multiple languages around the world, finding bestselling success in several countries. Chloe focuses heavily on the mental health dynamics of her characters, shining a light on important, real-life topics that are close to her heart. Heavily influenced by her own real life experiences, she pens tearjerking, and often harrowing narratives, giving another perspective to, often, unspoken everyday issues. Chloe hails from West Cork, Ireland, where she continues to reside with her family.
Represented by Caitlin Mahony of WME - for business queries contact: cma@wmeagency.com
Represented by Caitlin Mahony of WME - for business queries contact: cma@wmeagency.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
June 9, 2024
I loved the Boys of Tommen series, so I had to try one of her other books. I would not call this a romance book more of a thriller with a side of romance.
The relationship between Romi and Sketch is absolutely toxic and abusive. Sketch thinks that Romi is responsible for his brother’s death and he even puts his hands on her at points when he is trying to get information about his brother’s death, so this is definitely not a relationship to romanticize at all.
However, there is definitely extreme chemistry between them at points. Keep in mind though that the sexual scene in this may make some uncomfortable since it is somewhat consensual, somewhat not. It’s hard to explain unless you have read the book.
It ends in a cliffhanger like a lot of her books do.
I thought it was good, but I have trouble seeing where it’s going or if the rest of the series will be good. I wish we had more clues as to what is going on, but everything left off very vague. We still have no idea at all what truly happened to Chris, Sketch’s brother.
The relationship between Romi and Sketch is absolutely toxic and abusive. Sketch thinks that Romi is responsible for his brother’s death and he even puts his hands on her at points when he is trying to get information about his brother’s death, so this is definitely not a relationship to romanticize at all.
However, there is definitely extreme chemistry between them at points. Keep in mind though that the sexual scene in this may make some uncomfortable since it is somewhat consensual, somewhat not. It’s hard to explain unless you have read the book.
It ends in a cliffhanger like a lot of her books do.
I thought it was good, but I have trouble seeing where it’s going or if the rest of the series will be good. I wish we had more clues as to what is going on, but everything left off very vague. We still have no idea at all what truly happened to Chris, Sketch’s brother.
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April 12, 2019Surprise release.
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April 21, 2019
3.5
“I don’t want your sorrys," he strangled out, chest heaving as hard as mine now. "I want your secrets.”
Pocketful of Blame is the first book in a four part new adult suspense. Not sure if that’s actually what the author considers it, but that’s what I just read. There’s this triangle of friends, Chris, Romi, and Sketch. Chris and Sketch are twins, and Romi is their sweet, innocent, and beautiful next door neighbor. They all have known each other for most of their lives.
So Romi falls for Sketch. Sketch breaks her heart, and Chris picks up the pieces. Chris dies. Sketch starts to bully Romi, because Chris died while she was driving, and he has all these teenage man rage feelings, so now he’s a bully.
BUT ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS. Romi knows that. Sketch thinks he knows that, and so we have the goal. What is really going on in Pocketful? In this book we see the dynamic between Romi and Sketch, and now throw in Chris’s bestie Quinton Presley. They are basically the new triangle. Not quite the triangle you’re thinking though. We meet the parents and step-parents. We meet some teachers. Basically Pocketful comes off like a pretty normal place. The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. I’d consider this book an introduction or maybe even an extended prologue. I’m excited to see what happens in the next books, but I hope that the tension between Romi and Sketch feels more heated and authentic. It was a little awkward in this book for me. Felt more told about them and less shown about them. The inner monologues also felt a bit repetitive and drawn out at times.
That being said. The banter was good. Especially when you throw in Quinton, and the plot is good so far. I am on the edge of my seat wanting to solve this mystery. It’s like if the Scooby gang lost the dog and added some sex. That’s the Scooby doo I need in my adult life 😂
https://instagram.com/p/BwfiJtFANGF/
^fan edit on IG!
“I don’t want your sorrys," he strangled out, chest heaving as hard as mine now. "I want your secrets.”
Pocketful of Blame is the first book in a four part new adult suspense. Not sure if that’s actually what the author considers it, but that’s what I just read. There’s this triangle of friends, Chris, Romi, and Sketch. Chris and Sketch are twins, and Romi is their sweet, innocent, and beautiful next door neighbor. They all have known each other for most of their lives.
So Romi falls for Sketch. Sketch breaks her heart, and Chris picks up the pieces. Chris dies. Sketch starts to bully Romi, because Chris died while she was driving, and he has all these teenage man rage feelings, so now he’s a bully.
BUT ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS. Romi knows that. Sketch thinks he knows that, and so we have the goal. What is really going on in Pocketful? In this book we see the dynamic between Romi and Sketch, and now throw in Chris’s bestie Quinton Presley. They are basically the new triangle. Not quite the triangle you’re thinking though. We meet the parents and step-parents. We meet some teachers. Basically Pocketful comes off like a pretty normal place. The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. I’d consider this book an introduction or maybe even an extended prologue. I’m excited to see what happens in the next books, but I hope that the tension between Romi and Sketch feels more heated and authentic. It was a little awkward in this book for me. Felt more told about them and less shown about them. The inner monologues also felt a bit repetitive and drawn out at times.
That being said. The banter was good. Especially when you throw in Quinton, and the plot is good so far. I am on the edge of my seat wanting to solve this mystery. It’s like if the Scooby gang lost the dog and added some sex. That’s the Scooby doo I need in my adult life 😂
https://instagram.com/p/BwfiJtFANGF/
^fan edit on IG!
April 23, 2019
***4,5 "Outside the box!!!" stars***
“I don’t want your sorrys... I want your secrets.”
This surprise release by Chloe Walsh was ... wow!!!! Just wow!!!!
The truth is that i haven't read yet as much books as i desperately want by this author, but I'm trusting her blindly and with a very good reason...
I loved this book very much... It kept me antsy and on edge since the first moment and the ending left me craving for more.... and more... and more!!!!
I'm seriously very intrigued of where this story will lead us... Not only with the heroes, but also with all those dirty secrets that are lying all around the place!!!!
"I would figure it out.
I would avenge my brother.
If it was the last thing I did."
Well, for making you get an idea about the story, i will have to borrow the words from the blurb, because its precision couldn't be more accurate....
....The Capaldi twins.
Chris and Sketch.
As different as night and day.
One my best friend.
One my lover.
Inseparable since childhood, I always assumed that we would grow up, escape our sleepy hometown of Pocketful, and live out a life of adventure together, away from our powerful fathers and the lure of money.
But life as I know it changed two years ago when reckless Sketch broke my heart and dependable Chris picked up the pieces.
Except now Chris is dead, and I’m the only one with the answers to what happened that night. I’m the only living witness.
My connection with Sketch has been severed. He thinks I killed his brother and I’m determined to let him believe it. Because the truth could put us both in the grave.....
"The past was dead and gone. My brother was dead and gone, and she was responsible for that."
Well, do you see what is happening here and how intriguing this blurb sounds??? Imagine reading it too!!!!
Pure fire, I'm telling you!!! Suspenseful, steamy, with many weirdos inside!!!!
Yep, right!!!! The people in Pocketful are seriously fucked up in the head... All of them and i desperately need to learn more...
"Nothing was solid. Nothing was safe. Trust no one, Chris had told me. Nothing in this town is as it seems."
Now, i will focus a little bit to the characters before i'm through this review!!!!
Romi: She is a tragic figure... She lost her boyfriend in a tragic way and she was accused as the blamer... Right or wrong, i can not tell you!!!! But since that moment, she is been targeted in every possible way... And not only that, but she is living under a constant fear and she has been retreated in her shell.... and it was such a pity!!!!
She made a promise to Chris, but will she managed to get through it???
At the same time, she just can't seem to stop loving her tormenter...
"It was a cruel twist of fate that the only person I could trust with my life was the same person who threatened to end it daily."
"For his whole life, Scetch Capaldi saw himself as this unlovable creature, when the truth was, I never loved another human being deeper and more profoundly than I loved him."
Scetch: He was the half of a whole and now his half is missing and the one to be blamed for that is the only girl that he had ever loved and left behind...
His anger is too big for more than one reason and his reaction is to make blamer's life a living hell!!!! And of course, he needs some fucking answers of what it really happened that day...
Honestly, i was feeling so sorry for this beautiful and scarred young man... His life from very early was a constant reminder of that he wasn't good enough for anyone and two years before, he had to step away from the only thing that had been only and always his...
"I was still mad at her. I had no reason to be, but still that didn't change how I felt. It made zero sense but me feelings never usually did. I was still pissed and hurt, still angry and vengeful, I was still wounded. I still had a Romi-shaped hole in my chest."
Chris: Honestly, i can't tell you much about Chris... He was the golden boy, the right and perfect half of the whole... and even though everybody were really assholes to his brother, he was the only one, except Romi, who loved Scetch unconditional... Of course, he was also infatuated with Romi and when the opportunity had rise, he just grab her!!! And that's the reason that i don't understand both Chris and Romi....
"Words couldn't bring Christopher Capaldi Jr. back.
Words couldn't heal the hole in his brother's heart.
Words couldn't absolve me of my sins.
Of my memories...
"Protect him, Romi," Chris choked out, struggling to breathe. "Promise me that you'll keep my brother safe..."
As you can understand the things are really complicated in here, but also sooo intriguing...
Romi and Scetch have serious unresolved matters between them and even though the obvious hatred, the love that they used to share are still there under the surface....
But at the same time, they have serious problems to face, bad parents to avoid and too many secrets to unravel... So, this kind of adventure, will it bring them closer or there is nothing there for those two????
"Answer me this... If you could have anything in the world right now, what would it be?"
"Wh-what?"
"Right now... If you could have anything at this very minute, what would it be?"
"You.... Us.... Like it was before."
Ohhhh, my God!!!! I can not wait for the second book to be released....
And the third...
And the fourth...
Gimme, gimme!!!!!
"We were both hurting.
We had been irrevocably changed by the death of his brother.
And we were both in imminent danger."
“I don’t want your sorrys... I want your secrets.”
This surprise release by Chloe Walsh was ... wow!!!! Just wow!!!!
The truth is that i haven't read yet as much books as i desperately want by this author, but I'm trusting her blindly and with a very good reason...
I loved this book very much... It kept me antsy and on edge since the first moment and the ending left me craving for more.... and more... and more!!!!
I'm seriously very intrigued of where this story will lead us... Not only with the heroes, but also with all those dirty secrets that are lying all around the place!!!!
"I would figure it out.
I would avenge my brother.
If it was the last thing I did."
Well, for making you get an idea about the story, i will have to borrow the words from the blurb, because its precision couldn't be more accurate....
....The Capaldi twins.
Chris and Sketch.
As different as night and day.
One my best friend.
One my lover.
Inseparable since childhood, I always assumed that we would grow up, escape our sleepy hometown of Pocketful, and live out a life of adventure together, away from our powerful fathers and the lure of money.
But life as I know it changed two years ago when reckless Sketch broke my heart and dependable Chris picked up the pieces.
Except now Chris is dead, and I’m the only one with the answers to what happened that night. I’m the only living witness.
My connection with Sketch has been severed. He thinks I killed his brother and I’m determined to let him believe it. Because the truth could put us both in the grave.....
"The past was dead and gone. My brother was dead and gone, and she was responsible for that."
Well, do you see what is happening here and how intriguing this blurb sounds??? Imagine reading it too!!!!
Pure fire, I'm telling you!!! Suspenseful, steamy, with many weirdos inside!!!!
Yep, right!!!! The people in Pocketful are seriously fucked up in the head... All of them and i desperately need to learn more...
"Nothing was solid. Nothing was safe. Trust no one, Chris had told me. Nothing in this town is as it seems."
Now, i will focus a little bit to the characters before i'm through this review!!!!
Romi: She is a tragic figure... She lost her boyfriend in a tragic way and she was accused as the blamer... Right or wrong, i can not tell you!!!! But since that moment, she is been targeted in every possible way... And not only that, but she is living under a constant fear and she has been retreated in her shell.... and it was such a pity!!!!
She made a promise to Chris, but will she managed to get through it???
At the same time, she just can't seem to stop loving her tormenter...
"It was a cruel twist of fate that the only person I could trust with my life was the same person who threatened to end it daily."
"For his whole life, Scetch Capaldi saw himself as this unlovable creature, when the truth was, I never loved another human being deeper and more profoundly than I loved him."
Scetch: He was the half of a whole and now his half is missing and the one to be blamed for that is the only girl that he had ever loved and left behind...
His anger is too big for more than one reason and his reaction is to make blamer's life a living hell!!!! And of course, he needs some fucking answers of what it really happened that day...
Honestly, i was feeling so sorry for this beautiful and scarred young man... His life from very early was a constant reminder of that he wasn't good enough for anyone and two years before, he had to step away from the only thing that had been only and always his...
"I was still mad at her. I had no reason to be, but still that didn't change how I felt. It made zero sense but me feelings never usually did. I was still pissed and hurt, still angry and vengeful, I was still wounded. I still had a Romi-shaped hole in my chest."
Chris: Honestly, i can't tell you much about Chris... He was the golden boy, the right and perfect half of the whole... and even though everybody were really assholes to his brother, he was the only one, except Romi, who loved Scetch unconditional... Of course, he was also infatuated with Romi and when the opportunity had rise, he just grab her!!! And that's the reason that i don't understand both Chris and Romi....
"Words couldn't bring Christopher Capaldi Jr. back.
Words couldn't heal the hole in his brother's heart.
Words couldn't absolve me of my sins.
Of my memories...
"Protect him, Romi," Chris choked out, struggling to breathe. "Promise me that you'll keep my brother safe..."
As you can understand the things are really complicated in here, but also sooo intriguing...
Romi and Scetch have serious unresolved matters between them and even though the obvious hatred, the love that they used to share are still there under the surface....
But at the same time, they have serious problems to face, bad parents to avoid and too many secrets to unravel... So, this kind of adventure, will it bring them closer or there is nothing there for those two????
"Answer me this... If you could have anything in the world right now, what would it be?"
"Wh-what?"
"Right now... If you could have anything at this very minute, what would it be?"
"You.... Us.... Like it was before."
Ohhhh, my God!!!! I can not wait for the second book to be released....
And the third...
And the fourth...
Gimme, gimme!!!!!
"We were both hurting.
We had been irrevocably changed by the death of his brother.
And we were both in imminent danger."
September 7, 2019
oooh i didn’t know this was gonna have a little murder mystery/rich people doing bad things so now we gotta find out who dunnit type of thing!
i just thought this was the typical childhood bffs to enemies to lovers but nooo. this is book 1/4 and thank god there’s 3 books out already.
the MCs were childhood best friends/lovers but of course their relationship is forbidden since the H is the black sheep and h’s dad wants her to be with H’s twin brother because apparently he was the best and he was the heir or something (rich people problems). so when the dad catches them, H gets beaten up by him (without h knowing) and forces him to end it with h so of course H breaks h’s heart. as retaliation, she ends up dating the OTHER twin brother (her other childhood bestie) for a year but then he gets MURDERED because he discovered something. H blames h for his death, makes her life a living hell, bullies her, then he finds out it’s not her who killed him blah blah blah.
^ see why im intrigued as hell? soo onto the next one!
i just thought this was the typical childhood bffs to enemies to lovers but nooo. this is book 1/4 and thank god there’s 3 books out already.
the MCs were childhood best friends/lovers but of course their relationship is forbidden since the H is the black sheep and h’s dad wants her to be with H’s twin brother because apparently he was the best and he was the heir or something (rich people problems). so when the dad catches them, H gets beaten up by him (without h knowing) and forces him to end it with h so of course H breaks h’s heart. as retaliation, she ends up dating the OTHER twin brother (her other childhood bestie) for a year but then he gets MURDERED because he discovered something. H blames h for his death, makes her life a living hell, bullies her, then he finds out it’s not her who killed him blah blah blah.
^ see why im intrigued as hell? soo onto the next one!
March 2, 2023
Reread 03.02.2023 - listened on Scribd…. Welp. This still gets 5-stars just for the treehouse scene 🤷🏼♀️🥵🥵😍
July 1, 2025
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
▹Format: 🎧Audiobook
▹TL;DR Review: First of 4 books. Genuinely nothing happened in this book. It was like being stuck on a merry-go-round. But will I continue the series? You bet. Bring on the spins!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Ramona “Romi” Dillon. Hates her life now that her boyfriend Chris is dead (and she’s taking the blame). Being relentlessly bullied by Sketch—her first love and Chris’s twin brother—but she won’t tell him why she’s innocent.
– MMC: Holden “Sketch” Capaldi. Grieving the sudden death of his twin brother. Wants answers and will do anything for them. Doesn’t trust his dad or Romi’s dad, who are business partners. DGAF about anything/anyone else.
– Location: Pocketful, Louisiana (fictional town)
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: Moderate. At least 1 explicit open-door scene but other mentions of “spicy” things
– Tropes: childhood sweethearts to enemies, bully romance, mystery/suspense, cliffhanger, small town, high schoolers, miscommunication
– Triggers: suicide/self-harm attempt, death (offpage), grief of sibling, grief of boyfriend, car accident, physical violence, dubious consensual sex, nefarious parents, feeling unwanted by a parent, “evil” stepmother, extramarital activities
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rihanna
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Books like Punk 57 and Bully by Penelope Douglas
➼ Southern, teenage angst that could rival the cast of Dawson’s Creek meets the seedy town mystery of Cruel Summer and Pretty Little Liars
➼ Teenage characters that come off as thirtysomethings
➼ Being stuck on a merry-go-round with someone that’s withholding crucial information
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust—————✧——————Slow Burn
Sweet———————✧————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————————✧———Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This is a short book (less than 200 pages) and is part of a 4-book series. I don’t understand why it was split into 4 books but whatever.
Would I recommend this one? To be determined. I don’t feel like I can give a fair assessment since this book was so short and it felt like nothing happened . Yes, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Obviously there was a plot and you are introduced to characters…but not enough to know what the hell is going on.
But color me intrigued. I need to know why Romi was in the car with Chris. I want to see how the arc with her evil stepmother pans out. What role does Quinton play in all of this and should I trust him like Chris told Romi (and Sketch) to? Why is Sketch’s mom a heinous bitch but only to him and why [redacted but it has to do with something that happens in a pool house]?
I need it to be clear: I love Chloe’s Boys of Tommen series whole-heartedly. While I struggled with *this book*, I would still recommend checking out her other works.
▹Format: 🎧Audiobook
▹TL;DR Review: First of 4 books. Genuinely nothing happened in this book. It was like being stuck on a merry-go-round. But will I continue the series? You bet. Bring on the spins!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Ramona “Romi” Dillon. Hates her life now that her boyfriend Chris is dead (and she’s taking the blame). Being relentlessly bullied by Sketch—her first love and Chris’s twin brother—but she won’t tell him why she’s innocent.
– MMC: Holden “Sketch” Capaldi. Grieving the sudden death of his twin brother. Wants answers and will do anything for them. Doesn’t trust his dad or Romi’s dad, who are business partners. DGAF about anything/anyone else.
– Location: Pocketful, Louisiana (fictional town)
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: Moderate. At least 1 explicit open-door scene but other mentions of “spicy” things
– Tropes: childhood sweethearts to enemies, bully romance, mystery/suspense, cliffhanger, small town, high schoolers, miscommunication
– Triggers: suicide/self-harm attempt, death (offpage), grief of sibling, grief of boyfriend, car accident, physical violence, dubious consensual sex, nefarious parents, feeling unwanted by a parent, “evil” stepmother, extramarital activities
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rihanna
╰┈➤ ❝Just gonna stand there and watch me burn; but that’s alright because I like the way it hurts…❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Books like Punk 57 and Bully by Penelope Douglas
➼ Southern, teenage angst that could rival the cast of Dawson’s Creek meets the seedy town mystery of Cruel Summer and Pretty Little Liars
➼ Teenage characters that come off as thirtysomethings
➼ Being stuck on a merry-go-round with someone that’s withholding crucial information
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust—————✧——————Slow Burn
Sweet———————✧————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————————✧———Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This is a short book (less than 200 pages) and is part of a 4-book series. I don’t understand why it was split into 4 books but whatever.
Would I recommend this one? To be determined. I don’t feel like I can give a fair assessment since this book was so short and it felt like nothing happened . Yes, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Obviously there was a plot and you are introduced to characters…but not enough to know what the hell is going on.
But color me intrigued. I need to know why Romi was in the car with Chris. I want to see how the arc with her evil stepmother pans out. What role does Quinton play in all of this and should I trust him like Chris told Romi (and Sketch) to? Why is Sketch’s mom a heinous bitch but only to him and why [redacted but it has to do with something that happens in a pool house]?
I need it to be clear: I love Chloe’s Boys of Tommen series whole-heartedly. While I struggled with *this book*, I would still recommend checking out her other works.
April 28, 2019
WOW, what a fantastic start to a new series. This story was gripping and fast-paced, and although it was a fairly quick read, a lot happened and it has me looking forward to the next book.
April 18, 2019
3.5 stars.
Pocketful of Blame is a quick read that sets up an intense romance housed in a dark mystery. I picked up Pocketful of Blame because Siobhan Davis recommended it. I read the synopsis and picked it up almost immediately. For the most part, I enjoyed the story, but had I few issues.
Pocketful of Blame reminds me so much of The Royals by Erin Watt, but more adult and less high school version despite both featuring high school students. What I ended up disliking the most about The Royals was how juvenile it read. Pocketful of Blame however is very adult in its sexual content, themes, and triggers.
The reason I rated the novel three and half stars instead of four is because the author does a lot of telling rather than showing and the book is almost entirely set up for the next three novels.
There are long stretches of Pocketful of Blame that the author is telling the reader directly what the characters are feeling and where their headspace is at in regards to their feelings for one another and the situation they find themselves in.
Pocketful of Blame also serves as a stepping stone for the next three novels in the series. Readers begin to finally get acquainted with the characters and have a slight grasp on the story when it comes to an almost abrupt end. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel and deciding from there whether or not to continue.
Also, Sketch, the love interest, is an idiot. I’m excited to see how he progress in the next book.
Pocketful of Blame features a lot of flashbacks. I am a huge supporter of flashbacks, especially when the story features the friends to lovers trope. All their history and backstory are important to help establish their chemistry and connection because without it the relationship usually falls flat. Walsh includes multiple flashbacks that are relevant and sexy.
Overall, Pocketful of Blame is the perfect read for those looking for an edgier and sexier version of The Royals by Erin Watt.
Pocketful of Blame is a quick read that sets up an intense romance housed in a dark mystery. I picked up Pocketful of Blame because Siobhan Davis recommended it. I read the synopsis and picked it up almost immediately. For the most part, I enjoyed the story, but had I few issues.
Pocketful of Blame reminds me so much of The Royals by Erin Watt, but more adult and less high school version despite both featuring high school students. What I ended up disliking the most about The Royals was how juvenile it read. Pocketful of Blame however is very adult in its sexual content, themes, and triggers.
The reason I rated the novel three and half stars instead of four is because the author does a lot of telling rather than showing and the book is almost entirely set up for the next three novels.
There are long stretches of Pocketful of Blame that the author is telling the reader directly what the characters are feeling and where their headspace is at in regards to their feelings for one another and the situation they find themselves in.
Pocketful of Blame also serves as a stepping stone for the next three novels in the series. Readers begin to finally get acquainted with the characters and have a slight grasp on the story when it comes to an almost abrupt end. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel and deciding from there whether or not to continue.
Also, Sketch, the love interest, is an idiot. I’m excited to see how he progress in the next book.
Pocketful of Blame features a lot of flashbacks. I am a huge supporter of flashbacks, especially when the story features the friends to lovers trope. All their history and backstory are important to help establish their chemistry and connection because without it the relationship usually falls flat. Walsh includes multiple flashbacks that are relevant and sexy.
Overall, Pocketful of Blame is the perfect read for those looking for an edgier and sexier version of The Royals by Erin Watt.
April 13, 2019
Wowsers!!
Chloe Walsh has thrown this book at us a shouted "suprise"! And what a fantastic suprise it was.
As a huge fan of Chloe's books, I downloaded and started reading this book before even checking out the blurb! It was amazing.
In true Chloe fashion, she has introduced us to a new world and has us instantly addicted to the characters and the story.
Dropping little clues and hints throughout the whole story which make absolutely no sense yet, but you just know that that one thing will be important later! I found myself constantly trying to guess the secret, guess what's going to happen, but then a new little clue is revealed and you are back in the dark! I love it!!
I truly cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
What are you waiting for? Read it now!!!
Chloe Walsh has thrown this book at us a shouted "suprise"! And what a fantastic suprise it was.
As a huge fan of Chloe's books, I downloaded and started reading this book before even checking out the blurb! It was amazing.
In true Chloe fashion, she has introduced us to a new world and has us instantly addicted to the characters and the story.
Dropping little clues and hints throughout the whole story which make absolutely no sense yet, but you just know that that one thing will be important later! I found myself constantly trying to guess the secret, guess what's going to happen, but then a new little clue is revealed and you are back in the dark! I love it!!
I truly cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
What are you waiting for? Read it now!!!
December 6, 2019
Sehr interessante Idee für eine Story!
Am Anfang war ich nicht so ganz überzeugt und skeptisch, aber es wurde definitiv besser und spannender 🤗.
Insgesamt ist nicht so viel im ersten Teil passiert, er hätte auf jeden Fall länger sein können! 👀
Am Anfang war ich nicht so ganz überzeugt und skeptisch, aber es wurde definitiv besser und spannender 🤗.
Insgesamt ist nicht so viel im ersten Teil passiert, er hätte auf jeden Fall länger sein können! 👀
May 21, 2021
This was so goood and what an interesting start to the series! It gripped me from the beginning and you can really feel Romi’s pain and anguish. I cannot wait to find out what is actually happening because I am still on edge and that cliffhanger..
maybe
October 3, 2021Need safety info on this.
April 13, 2019
Excellent
I’ll just start by saying, buy the book. Anytime you see something by Chloe Walsh, buy it. She did not disappoint with this book. She is such an amazing writer and really brought this book to life. You don’t even need your own imagination when reading this book because she puts it all out there. I can read and reread any book by her and not get tired of it. If your reading this and haven’t read anything by Chloe, start. Start with this. Start with anything. You won’t regret it. Then join the clovers because those girls are amazing. Chloe is interactive with you and will answer any question you have about this story or anyone she has written. She is a great and caring person and it shows in her books! The attention to detail is perfect. I also will take a minute to say follow her on Spotify. Her playlists are amazing for her books!
I’ll just start by saying, buy the book. Anytime you see something by Chloe Walsh, buy it. She did not disappoint with this book. She is such an amazing writer and really brought this book to life. You don’t even need your own imagination when reading this book because she puts it all out there. I can read and reread any book by her and not get tired of it. If your reading this and haven’t read anything by Chloe, start. Start with this. Start with anything. You won’t regret it. Then join the clovers because those girls are amazing. Chloe is interactive with you and will answer any question you have about this story or anyone she has written. She is a great and caring person and it shows in her books! The attention to detail is perfect. I also will take a minute to say follow her on Spotify. Her playlists are amazing for her books!
April 14, 2019
Holy bloody moly, this book is amazing.
Hot fricken damn, Chloe has done it again. She’s produced a 5 star book and she has me hooked.
This book blew my mind away. The characters, the storyline and the twists that have been revealed, it all blew my mind.
I have so many questions about what’s to come next and can’t wait for it. Bring on May 31st.
If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for? It’s worth every cent.
Note: Yes this book has a cliffhanger. It’s warned in the blurb. If you can’t handle cliffhangers wait until all four books are published.
Hot fricken damn, Chloe has done it again. She’s produced a 5 star book and she has me hooked.
This book blew my mind away. The characters, the storyline and the twists that have been revealed, it all blew my mind.
I have so many questions about what’s to come next and can’t wait for it. Bring on May 31st.
If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for? It’s worth every cent.
Note: Yes this book has a cliffhanger. It’s warned in the blurb. If you can’t handle cliffhangers wait until all four books are published.
December 9, 2020
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.5 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
okayyy interesting, i’m in. There were a few conversations waaaay too frustrating, but I’m intrigued. Also, the first chapters made me feel a lot of sadness and grief. It felt awesome heh I love feeling things.
As I usually do for sagas, my full review for all the books is going to be on the last book when I finish them all!
okayyy interesting, i’m in. There were a few conversations waaaay too frustrating, but I’m intrigued. Also, the first chapters made me feel a lot of sadness and grief. It felt awesome heh I love feeling things.
As I usually do for sagas, my full review for all the books is going to be on the last book when I finish them all!
April 28, 2019
What have I done? 🤦🏼♀️
I knew going into this that there was a major cliffhanger, but I still went right ahead and started reading it anyway. I’m such a fool!
Having said that, when a book is this good and has so many twists and turns in it, I don’t mind having to wait for the next instalment. I feel like I actually have some time to process what’s just happened.
Side note; This is exactly how my processing went... holy cow, what just happened!?... 🤷🏼♀️
I haven’t processed anything at this point, but I can tell you with absolute certainty, it was one hell of an epic ride. From beginning to end.
Pocketful of Blame starts off as a bully read, but slowly progresses into something much more. There’s a lot less bullying (mostly threats) and a lot more mind f**king 🤯 The way Chloe Walsh writes literally sucks me in. I can honestly say that there isn’t one book that I’ve read of hers that hasn’t left me confused, wanting more, thrilled and thoroughly speechless before.
I have to say, probably like most authors, Chloe’s writing has come along way since her first books. There are still a couple of things in this book that caught my eye - I think at one point it was Romi’s dad who told Sketch that he would prefer it if he addressed him as Mr Capalidi... but that isn’t his surname. It’s Dillon. Anyway, that would literally be me nitpicking to the extreme. Who even cares!? I still devoured this book whole!
I hope that maybe as the series goes along, I’ll understand a little bit more about the meaning behind Sketch’s nickname. There was literally like one line from Romi saying, “he likes to draw,” or something similar. That’s it. I want to know what he draws and what makes him so good that he deserves this particular name. Again, this is just nitpicking on my part.
I picked this book up because, what the hell, Chloe did a sneak release! Of course I’m going to read it! 🤩 I went in completely blind and loved every second of it! As I’ve mentioned, like so many others, there’s a crazy cliffy at the end. There is still so much left to learn and figure out and I can’t wait to know everything!
I knew going into this that there was a major cliffhanger, but I still went right ahead and started reading it anyway. I’m such a fool!
Having said that, when a book is this good and has so many twists and turns in it, I don’t mind having to wait for the next instalment. I feel like I actually have some time to process what’s just happened.
Side note; This is exactly how my processing went... holy cow, what just happened!?... 🤷🏼♀️
I haven’t processed anything at this point, but I can tell you with absolute certainty, it was one hell of an epic ride. From beginning to end.
Pocketful of Blame starts off as a bully read, but slowly progresses into something much more. There’s a lot less bullying (mostly threats) and a lot more mind f**king 🤯 The way Chloe Walsh writes literally sucks me in. I can honestly say that there isn’t one book that I’ve read of hers that hasn’t left me confused, wanting more, thrilled and thoroughly speechless before.
I have to say, probably like most authors, Chloe’s writing has come along way since her first books. There are still a couple of things in this book that caught my eye - I think at one point it was Romi’s dad who told Sketch that he would prefer it if he addressed him as Mr Capalidi... but that isn’t his surname. It’s Dillon. Anyway, that would literally be me nitpicking to the extreme. Who even cares!? I still devoured this book whole!
I hope that maybe as the series goes along, I’ll understand a little bit more about the meaning behind Sketch’s nickname. There was literally like one line from Romi saying, “he likes to draw,” or something similar. That’s it. I want to know what he draws and what makes him so good that he deserves this particular name. Again, this is just nitpicking on my part.
I picked this book up because, what the hell, Chloe did a sneak release! Of course I’m going to read it! 🤩 I went in completely blind and loved every second of it! As I’ve mentioned, like so many others, there’s a crazy cliffy at the end. There is still so much left to learn and figure out and I can’t wait to know everything!
June 8, 2019
Loved this first book in the series.
She feels guilty. He blames her for the death of his twin brother. Bully’s her.
Secrets and blame.
Can’t wait for book 2
She feels guilty. He blames her for the death of his twin brother. Bully’s her.
Secrets and blame.
Can’t wait for book 2
June 3, 2019
Wow this book has me hooked. Love Holden and Ro. Excited to see what happen next.
December 31, 2019
These books are very short. Will tell how I liked the story at the end of this series.
February 19, 2020
I had Been wanting to read a book with murder, suspense and that had a mysterious theme and this one fit the bill. Devoured this quickly.. off to read book 2.
January 20, 2022
Well damn. I really wanted to like this book but it just fell flat, from like page 4. Skimmed the rest as you fast forward a movie and it didn’t get any better. Shame.
March 28, 2024
Read it in three hours. Should have waited after reading one of the first pages that said “this book ends on a cliffhanger” because the rest of the books in this series won’t arrive until Saturday and I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
April 9, 2024
4.5.
ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT
ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT
July 23, 2025
Since I read her Boys of Tommen series, I thought I would check these out. This was a pretty good read. Another one that will break your heart. Walsh is good at breaking hearts and cliffhangers, lol! Romi has a secret, and it's costing her her dignity, lost friends, and being terrorized at school. This poor kid has lost so much, and continues to move forward, until.....
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves young adult books.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves young adult books.
July 9, 2023
I hate myself for not buying all the books at once I’m invested
April 13, 2019
One of my favourite things about this author is how real and honest she is as a person and author and how well she treats her fans. The end of the book attests to this.
I am not a fan of bully romances at all and this book is an exception because the storyline is more than this. It's about uncovering secrets and is full of suspense which I do love.
I hated the scenes where she was . The author doesn't go into too much detail of the bullying but it's mentioned and it's obviously horrid. I do hope the hero goes through some serious grovelling for what he did in the next set of books. I get his reasons but it still gave him no right to do what he did. .
The heroine is portrayed perfectly. She's so broken that she really doesn't care Anyone who went through what she did would feel the same way she did. Poor girl. I do hope she doesn't make excuses for the hero and forgive him for what he's done too easily. She seems to be heading that way. It would kill me if she just lets him get away with what he's done to her despite the circumstances. She tried to It irks me to no end when guys use their anger and hurt to hurt someone else (physically and emotionally) and worse when that someone is the person they claim to love. Then the woman just accepts it all and makes excuses for the guy. No just no!
I do know this author will somehow make up for this in her next books in this series so I am looking forward to that :) As usual, her secondary characters make the book! Pres and Chris are wonderful.
The suspense element is also AMAZING! So many secrets to uncover! The writing is also impeccable - well written and edited. So many self published authors these days put out badly written and badly edited books. This author is so different. She went as far as admitting her first books weren't up to scratch and she's rewriting them. She doesn't take criticism badly either. She asks for the good and bad reviews and she's also adorable AF on social. I'll read anything she writes even if it's not my kind of book.
I am not a fan of bully romances at all and this book is an exception because the storyline is more than this. It's about uncovering secrets and is full of suspense which I do love.
I hated the scenes where she was . The author doesn't go into too much detail of the bullying but it's mentioned and it's obviously horrid. I do hope the hero goes through some serious grovelling for what he did in the next set of books. I get his reasons but it still gave him no right to do what he did. .
The heroine is portrayed perfectly. She's so broken that she really doesn't care Anyone who went through what she did would feel the same way she did. Poor girl. I do hope she doesn't make excuses for the hero and forgive him for what he's done too easily. She seems to be heading that way. It would kill me if she just lets him get away with what he's done to her despite the circumstances. She tried to It irks me to no end when guys use their anger and hurt to hurt someone else (physically and emotionally) and worse when that someone is the person they claim to love. Then the woman just accepts it all and makes excuses for the guy. No just no!
I do know this author will somehow make up for this in her next books in this series so I am looking forward to that :) As usual, her secondary characters make the book! Pres and Chris are wonderful.
The suspense element is also AMAZING! So many secrets to uncover! The writing is also impeccable - well written and edited. So many self published authors these days put out badly written and badly edited books. This author is so different. She went as far as admitting her first books weren't up to scratch and she's rewriting them. She doesn't take criticism badly either. She asks for the good and bad reviews and she's also adorable AF on social. I'll read anything she writes even if it's not my kind of book.
May 10, 2019
One of these days I swear I will learn my lesson, every time I read a Chloe Walsh book, I promise myself never again with out a bottle of wine, some chocolate and a big old box of tissue!!! That woman I swear, she could make a statue cry with her poetic storytelling.
There truly aren't words for the emotion that she infuses into her dialogue and stories and Pocketful of Blame is truly no different. Anger, Rage, Hope, Despair, Depression, Paranoia, you name it and you could feel it.
This book does end on a Cliff Hanger like most of her Series do, so if you don't do them walk away as Book 1 truly is just setting up the cast of characters and what is to come. We have not even begun to tap into the world of Pocketful yet. My theories abound with where the story will lead us, but alas we will have to wait till the next book releases.
Bottom line, this is not a book you will want to miss, but then again a Chloe Walsh original is never a book you want to miss! This is a must have in every readers library.
There truly aren't words for the emotion that she infuses into her dialogue and stories and Pocketful of Blame is truly no different. Anger, Rage, Hope, Despair, Depression, Paranoia, you name it and you could feel it.
This book does end on a Cliff Hanger like most of her Series do, so if you don't do them walk away as Book 1 truly is just setting up the cast of characters and what is to come. We have not even begun to tap into the world of Pocketful yet. My theories abound with where the story will lead us, but alas we will have to wait till the next book releases.
Bottom line, this is not a book you will want to miss, but then again a Chloe Walsh original is never a book you want to miss! This is a must have in every readers library.
June 11, 2019
Pages: 174
My rating (stars): 3.5
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
At the beginning this story is about bullying. But only because of lies, kept secrets and promises. Basically Romi, Chris, Skretch and Preston are the MC’s here. Romi grew up with the twins Chris and Skretch.
The book is a short read and luckily the second came out just when I finished the first one. It ends on a cliffhanger and I would call it a dark romance and not a bully story.
April 16, 2019
Another 5* accomplishment from Chloe Walsh
Well how the he'll did this happen? A secret, sneaky book from Ms Walsh just piped up on Amazon!!!
I'm beyond excited about this new series . Romi & Sketch are fantastic characters with a lot to tell .
As in the usual dedicated way , Chloe has given you a feeling you "know " the main characters , you can see them and feel empathy or anger with them.
I love the slow angsy burn and the million questions your left with at the end , but don't worry, not long to wait for some answers !!
Pocketfull is a place where nothing seems as if should and I know we're gonna have a great time finding out what all the secrets and lies are that lies in the sleepy town of Pocketfull.
I would highly recommend you read a Chloe Walsh book if you haven't already and this series is no different....
Well how the he'll did this happen? A secret, sneaky book from Ms Walsh just piped up on Amazon!!!
I'm beyond excited about this new series . Romi & Sketch are fantastic characters with a lot to tell .
As in the usual dedicated way , Chloe has given you a feeling you "know " the main characters , you can see them and feel empathy or anger with them.
I love the slow angsy burn and the million questions your left with at the end , but don't worry, not long to wait for some answers !!
Pocketfull is a place where nothing seems as if should and I know we're gonna have a great time finding out what all the secrets and lies are that lies in the sleepy town of Pocketfull.
I would highly recommend you read a Chloe Walsh book if you haven't already and this series is no different....
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