The Win

Rebels of Ridgecrest High #4

by Belle Harper

Game on!

Mila:
You think I'll just lay down and give up.
Think again.

We're here to WIN!

Genres: Romance, High School, Why Choose, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers

220 pages, ebook

Published February 28, 2023

About the author

Belle has an addiction to reading, notebooks, coloured pens and mint chocolate. She lives in the beautiful Australian bush, surrounded by wildlife and the smell of eucalyptus trees. She also has a strong love for all 60’s music, believes she was born in the wrong era and should have been at Woodstock.
If you would like to find out more about Belle, please come like and follow her
Facebook Page or join her facebook group "Author Belle Harper Reading Group"

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full rtc

Fuck off life and leave me in peace for a wee bit longer until I finish this!!

I can't wait to see how she manages to get herself out of that sticky situation she found herself in with the previous books cliffy!! And only one knight is off to save the day!!

[chanelmindedx · Rating 1 out of 5]

Y’all are lying liars who lie. This book was an absolute mess.

Why was there suddenly MM? Literally no one showed interest in anyone but the FMC in the first book, so what the hell was that even about? It felt completely out of nowhere, like the author just threw it in for drama.

Also, why am I hearing more from side characters than the actual main ones? I know they’re getting spin-offs or whatever, but seriously, I do not care. Stop hijacking the story and go promote their book somewhere else.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this series ended up. My 5 stars is for the series overall. Although several of the plot twists I could see coming, I still enjoyed how they played out on the page. The LGBTQ+ positivity of the writing was great.

I was happy with how the boys brought Asher into the fold and he wasn't just an instant fit.

I really liked the scenes with Hunter, Asher, and Mila. I'm kind of sad there wasn't more time with Jace and Mila, or that there wasn't a scene with Mila and all of the guys. I don't like having one part of the RH left out from the others.

Overall I enjoyed the writing and would definitely recommend this author.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really thought i was going to enjoy this series…. And i did u til this last book. There has been no talk of any of the guys being remotely interested in other guys and all of a sudden hunter and Asher are into eachother and start to have feelings for one another…. Yeah no thanks. Personally not into that and wish it was stated in the books summary! I did love Roman and jace was finally apart of their relationship
Sorry but no

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this series. I liked the characters and the made family. The good parents and the relationships there. But the final book felt so rushed especially at the end. And some things were just added like they were thrown in…like the airport pick up at the end. And where did Alessandro go? He got Mila her life back and she never even thanked him 😂
It also ended up with some MM which came from nowhere it was so randum! The guys were obsessed with Mila then all of a sudden 2 of the guys get together without even a hint in the previous 3 books. The relationships between Mila and the guys could have been developed more. There was slightly too much drama added in over the series when it could have been better spent on adding in more to the relationships. There was also a number of spelling errors in book 4 as if the author was in a rush.

[Kristin Susnik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. Why did I even push through to finish this series. Look. I have no problems with Harems. Truly- if they are done well, they can be great reads. However, this is not one of them.

For starters, they are so young and the fact that the author just skips over so much time and everything is still rainbows and butterflies is just bleck. I don’t want to give away spoilers, so it’s hard to explain- but for real. Just bleck.

Speaking of bleck. The extra romance that happens in here. I actually like them together- but the how? Why? What? Piss poor explanations and just bam! Again. Just bleck.

The grammar. The choppy sentences. The time hops. It’s all just bad.

I hate giving one stars. So I’m giving it two just because regardless of my feelings, this author worked hard on it- and for that alone, she gets a star.

But Bleck. That’s the best word I have to describe this mess.

[Nathalie *in it for the angst* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say: I loved how there were parents in this series that weren’t abusive or neglectful. So refreshing.

My main criticism is this whole murder theme at the beginning. Seems over-the-top in the otherwise down-to-earth series. Also, to me it was obvious how it would resolve from the start, and usually I’d deduct a star for being predictable and exaggerated. However I loved the series so much that I can’t bring myself to give only 4 stars, so 5 it is.

Wondering if Grady, Emerson, Walker and Alessandro will get their own series. Let’s see.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

they should’ve been in college for this series, it would’ve made so much more sense

i laughed so much reading these books even tho they aren’t rlly supposed to be funny but idk maybe RH isn’t my thing bc i just could not deal with this girl adding boyfriends left and right it was so funny

anyways asher is my fave and personally id choose him & only him but go off queen ig

just read the bonus chapters on her website and let’s goooooooo my man asher being the first dad💀 & with TWINS okay slay king!

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I really wanted to like this book since it was the last one, but it felt super rushed after Mika was found not guilty of killing Malcolm. It seems as if the author had not other plot to write about and just a bunch of things in there and sped right through. I think the last chapter should have been the epilogue.
The spice was there, but still it all felt rushed.

[Kaylen Trejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this series. I probably wouldn't read it again though. RH isn't really my trope, ESPECIALLY when the main characters are still in high school. 🥴 I like YA, but this was too spicy for that age. I have no doubt that there are fans out there, but it's not my own personal jam.
I enjoyed that the series had a HEA and that all of the characters were finally able to get along. The grammar and punctuation in book 3 and the beginning of book 4 drove me nuts. The use of "jealously" in place of "jealousy" SO many times also drove me nuts. But once I got involved in the story, it was easier to look past it.
This was my first time reading this author and I'll definitely look into her other work :)

[Lisbeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

No lo recomiendo.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this series. Good finish.

[amberebooksandmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

rushed

I love these characters. However this book felt rushed and pushed together with things that did not match. So many scenes felt not planned out and the ones that were hinted at throughout the whole book were rushed and short when all I wanted was more. The longer this series was the more I didn’t want to continue but again I loved these guys so much! I wish we were able to see more of them becoming a couple than the extras that were added in around them.

[Megan Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You!

I’m going to start with- YES. This book tied up all the loose ends, filled in the details from the cliffhanger we were left on at the end of book 3, and gave more spicy time!

Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with contemporary reverse harem because sometimes the outside noise/ mean commentary from other characters can take me out of the world, but I think Belle did a great job of navigating that for us throughout the series.

Only thing I struggled with was that the characters were all in high school, but if we age them up to being in college, like I did, no problem 😅

This was a great conclusion for a fantastic series. Really excited for the bonus scenes to come out because I already need more of Mila and her guys.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed most of the plot, etc, but had to age the main characters up by min 2 years... the spice felt wrong for 16-year-olds, and written for older characters, but the rest of the book for 16yr olds so hard to keep them aged up. Also, (SPOLIER) the rushed ending was weird, and then the end *insert my least fav trope* with them at 22 was so unnecessary imo 😑

[Books A-Brewin']

Mila is being framed for murder and the boys are in an uproar not knowing what to do. That is about the amount of the story I got through before I DNF-ed the series. Here are the reasons I chose to DNF finally after already having to struggle a little bit through the series:

First, the grammatical/spelling errors became so frustrating that my immersion in the story was non-existent. I've had words interchanged. I've had words misspelled. I've had grammar misused and punctuation thrown around. I have had random words replacing others so that the entire sentence makes absolutely no sense. The books just recently underwent a cover facelift but really I feel like what should have been done was have an editor go through it with a fine-toothed comb. There are freelance copyeditors that cost pennies and it would make the books at least better in that regard.

Second, the major issues that seem to be life-altering in one chapter are glossed over and forgotten the next. For example: the fact that Brittany and her dad are investigating Mila for murdering Roman's father (spoilers, but if you are reading a review on the 4th book I'd assume you've read the rest). One minute they are sick over the worry of covering it up and the next it's just... poof forgotten because they moved on to a new murder mystery to play out. The same could be said about the Amato rats that blackmailed Roman. Sure, Alessandro "took care of it" but there was nothing more on that? No? Okay. Sure.

Third, the sudden change in sexuality for two of the main characters. I am not a fan of there being relationships within the harems between the guys. If it happens before the harem is in place, that is one thing, but it's another if it happens during the course of the harem's relationship. ESPECIALLY if it is formed without the main female being involved and/or having it be kept a secret. But that isn't even the reason I was so put off by the two guys getting warm and fuzzies for each other. They have never had any close interactions to cause the sudden interest. They have never had any curiosities about other men in their entire lives. This just felt like the author ran out of taboo(esk) ways to keep the sex scenes hot and just completely obliterated two characters. Hell, there was even an interaction with one of the guys and one of the others in the harem and the guy who seemed a little interested in it even said, "nah, not into guys just think the group stuff seems fun". It really feels like that little testing the waters scene was put in there and other readers maybe requested exploration of that so the author complied. But it just felt so artificial that it was the end of my reading journey for me.

I gave this series 4 chances. The first two were very low 3 star ratings, the third was a very low 2 star rating and this one doesn't have a rating at all because I just couldn't continue on. I stopped reading at 37%.

No shade to the author, and I truly did give the series a fair shake, it just was not for me.

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: The Win
Read By: Ebook
Author: Belle Harper
Genre: Reverse Harem, Dark Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:


I got introduced to this author after I attended Babe. And let me tell you I love her writing style. This is the 3rd series I have read by her now, and I loved them all.

I didn’t know that was something I’d be into, but I sure as hell unlocked a new kink. Fuck, yes. I want more.

Book 4 was fantastic! I got he MMFMM chapters I was desperate for, and we got to reintroduce Jace back to the group. I still was happy to vote him off the Island, but hay he was part of the group I suppose. I wouldn't have minded swapping him out for Mr Amato!

A little ant walks over Mila’s finger, and she giggles, holding it up to me. “Look, I found your dick.”

I loved the ending, was very well done.

I’m longer than Hunter. I’m thicker than Asher . . . but, fuck. Roman. His cock’s a monster.

Now the only question I have is can I get a series on the Amato Family?? Cause that guy had me hot and bothered!

“I wanna fuck you. When I say we need to work up to it, that’s what I mean. I’m not gonna take your virgin ass tonight. We will work up to it.”

I highly recommend it.

[theswooncollector · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

The MM thing just came out of nowhere and I hate that. If I knew there was going to be MM in this series, I never would've picked it up.

I'm actually okay with some MM action if it's all while in the heat of things and no feelings between the two guys. I find that hot, just like exploring kinks and whatnot. But if there are feelings between them and they start having a relationship outside of the FMC, it bothers me. I guess I'm just totally greedy like that. But I read RH mainly for the reason that the FMC gets all the attention from multiple men. There have been some exceptions like The Sainthood series but that's because I loved the characters so much.

Anyway, with the way there was small mafia involvement and then murder frame up in the series, I am glad it didn't end up too dark.

Another thing that honestly bothered me is how young they are - most of the things happened within a year after Mila came back and they were high school juniors so I had to really suspend disbelief to get through everything.

Anyway, overall I would say the series is okay. The drama and antics entertained me but I'm taking off a star because of the out-of-nowhere MM development.

[Cynthia Cuellar-Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop. Before reading this book, make sure you have read books 1-3: The Pact, The Lie, and The Game. The Win is book 4 in the series of Rebels of Ridgecrest High and the finale. This series has completely stolen my heart. Breathtaking! Every single character is extraordinary with complex personalities, good traits and bad habits. You will fall in love with all the guys, even the secondary ones. I know I have. The female lead, Milla is someone I would love to be best friends with. She's funny and full of so much heart and love. Her guys? HOT! Roman, the broody silent teddy bear. Jace, the hot headed boy-next-door with aggressive jealousy and caveman possession. Asher, the golden boy step-brother. And last but not least, Hunter, the hot and funny jock with family issues. God i loved them all. I hate that this series is over. They've taken a piece of my soul with them when I turned that last page, but man was this the perfect ending. I laughed. I cried, and felt their pain and love with them. 5 stars all around! Such a loving bunch that will steal your heart too. Had some MM so keep that in mind if that bothers you. Dive in and enjoy. I KNOW you will.

[Just_Read_Instead · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're in New York and Mila is fighting for her freedom after waking up covered in blood over the body of her stepdad....

meanwhile, the boys are going stir-crazy back home.

That is, until Roman steals Jace's car and drives across the country to find her!

There are some investigative things going on and some sneaky shiz but eventually she gets home and into the arms of her boys.

But, two of her boys are hiding a secret ... the way they want each other is just as intense as they way they want Mila...

Jace is freaked out about the idea of group activities so runs away, but Hunter, Asher and Roman are all about keeping their girl happy... but will there be something that breaks the happy quintet apart?

This is the last book and I like the way it is all wrapped up.

This book adds bi-awakening to the mix along with false accusations and wrongly accused / framed for murder

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend recommended I read this series, and omg, I was not disappointed. There are 4 books in the series, and this is book 4.

Mila, jace, Roman, and Hunter have been through so much together and they are not giving up on what they want for their future. Asher has been fighting his feelings for Mila, and he can't do it anymore he wants to be with her no matter what their parents may think about it. Roman, hunter, and even jace want Mila to be happy, so they welcome Asher with open arms well kinda lol. Poor Mila goes to visit her spoiled and selfish mother and ends up in a world of trouble and has a whole new fight she needs to win if she wants to be with the loves of her life.

Belle Harper was a new author for me, but after reading this series, I will be reading everything she writes. She is an incredible author, and I can't wait to read what comes next.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a series comes across your FYP and you have to drop everything and read it. This was that for me!!! @authorbelleharper wrote a series that is both heartbreaking and beautiful, sweet and spicy, and a sign that when you know you know.

Mila is forced to leave her best friends when she is 12. She moves to New York with her mom who doesn’t really care for her. Mila is then shipped back to her dad when she is 16. She can’t wait to see Jace, her neighbor since birth, Hunter, her friend since kindergarten and Roman, her friend since 1st grade when he pushed Jace and Hunter down. She thinks they will welcome her back only they are hurt by her leaving and her not contacting them. Will they listen to her? Will they welcome her back? Also what will happen when she starts to have butterflies for her soon to be step brother Asher!

This was amazing!

[Daniele Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe the story has come to an end. It was an amazing series and I absolutely enjoyed reading it with this book just making their HEA perfect. With this final book we see Mila really building in her relationships with all four guys, Roman, Hunter, Asher and Jace. Thankfully the cliffhanger from the last book is solved fairly quickly in this last book and not drug out too long. I really thought it was going to take longer and take up most of the book so it was a pleasant surprise. I was also surprised and excited for the extra relationship in the book. I do t want to give much away but it was a fun extra. I also can’t wait to see the extended epilogue to see how things are for them all in the future.

[Demon ☾ (DemonsDarkFaerietales) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me , tbh i loved the MM that was introduced in this book but tbh i just wish it would have been a thing sooner ! i wish it would have been more built up and for there to have been signs of this earlier then for it to be sorta dropped on us this book . as well as this book kinda feels really rushed and a little messy plot wise , it feels like this book couldve had some more sustenance behind it and been made into 2 books with more plot building , i think so much more couldve been done with Mila being framed for murder and it actually being her Mom and i think that there were alot of things that just felt a little too rushed this book that i would have loved to have gotten some more depth into . but overall i enjoyed the book .

[bookedbysmut Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not take back what I said about Jace. Nope. I don’t.
However, I did enjoy the picnic and I cackled at some of the dialogue there.

“A little ant walks over Mila’s finger, and she giggles, holding it up to me.
“Look, I found your dick.””
— The Win: Rebels of Ridgecrest High (Book 4) by Belle Harper

In a twist I’m sure we all saw coming, Mila’s first stepbrother is a douchecanoe. Her mother is a cuntasaurus.
But it was somewhat entertaining.
I think the New York stuff was pretty glazed over, and I would’ve enjoyed it more if we saw more interactions with her mother and all the drama that went down.

I enjoyed the series overall and kept reading, but it does need another round of editing.

[Savannah-Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

This is my least favorite book in the tetralogy. I was mainly interested in this one because the previous installment hinted to a more intimate relationship between Hunter and Roman, but I guess the author forgot all about that. Instead, she included one scene where she started developing Hunter and Archer's relationship, and then that practically fell off the face of the earth. To say I was disappointed is an understatement, but I suppose I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up since nowhere in the book description mentioned mm. Additionally, this book had a lot of grammar errors, the plot had no substance, and coming down to the end, there was just a whole heap of filler content and a rushed ending.

Although I really liked the first 3 books, this 4th one has really let me down.

[Elisa Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

treehouse

The Win is book four in the series Rebels of Ridgecrest High by author Belle Harper. So this is the end of this series and I’m not going to lie these characters have become special- I hate that this is the end. Well that just means I get to reread the series again.
The Win, is a truly incredible read- only wish there was more of it. The characters are so special- as the chapters and books have developed so have the characters- it’s like watching them grow up. And yes I needed to keep reminding myself these were high schoolers- crazy!
Anywho, in the end all get their HEA- with some surprises- good ones I promise. Life is good and a treehouse is in their future.
Enjoy!!

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book two stars, even though the grammar and writing was atrocious.
I liked not for the most part... Even with the missing punctuation, words, wrong words and grammar errors...
I wish we found out what was in the two smaller gifts from Malcolm. I wonder if anybody he else noticed that she only opened the larger not the three packages. Again, details are key. Especially since the gifts were mentioned further in the book. Maybe it's just me who likes a little follow through...
I do like we got a bonus scene, so try for that. THAT'S why I gave an extra star.
I MAY like to see Mr Amato's story.
Maybe...

[Linz · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh

Still no groveling from Jace, the best you get is a rose petal bed

He also isn’t really okay with sharing. One of the others said he would work up to it but.. he never does. So it feels a little… I don’t know? He has to leave the room when all of the others are together because it bothers him. So that was uncomfortable for me.

I never got over despising Jace for what he did, to be honest. And he never actually made up for it.

I will say I adore all the other guys though, especially Asher. And the hot scenes were HOT.

Stiiiiill feels very icky to think of their ages through most of the books though. They are 16 until the 4 year jump at the last 5% of this book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I have really enjoyed this series, and watching how the characters got to the point they're at by the end. This book resolved everything I wanted it to and had all of the characters reach the end goal I wanted them to reach, so I'm really happy with the ending. I adore Mila as a main character and what each of the guys brings to the dynamic. This was a fun series to read, and I'm so glad that I did. I did feel like certain things in this book were resolved much easier/faster than I would have expected, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.