What do you think?
Rate this book
The Huntsmen #1
Scorn
Like a good daughter, I'll wear my scar proudly on my mom's wedding day.
Hell, it's not like I can hide it. The red line runs from an inch under my left eye down my cheek to the corner of my mouth. It's a reminder of where I've been, how far I've come, and who I killed to get here.
My mom is marrying Robert Huntsman—rich, elitist, and handsome, if you close one eye. And soon I'll have two arrogant, attractive stepbrothers to avoid-Royce and Dalzell, and their sullen, mysterious cousin, Layne. Jock kings of Addington University. Perfect sons. Handsome devils who can do no wrong. That's what my mom says anyway.
The plan was to come for the ceremony and fly back home the following day. But that's before I stumbled across something sinister in the forest on the morning of the happiest day of my mom's life.
I saw what those boys did.
And now that I'm a witness to their crime, they won't let me leave.
The Huntsmen is a dark, gritty, enemies to lovers, reverse harem romance series, meaning the FMC will have more than one love interest. The Main Characters are in their early 20's. Single POV. Three book series set at Addington University.
Author's note: This series contains bullying, fighting, cussing, violence, murder, explicit sex scenes, and drug use. Ends on a cliffy.
Hell, it's not like I can hide it. The red line runs from an inch under my left eye down my cheek to the corner of my mouth. It's a reminder of where I've been, how far I've come, and who I killed to get here.
My mom is marrying Robert Huntsman—rich, elitist, and handsome, if you close one eye. And soon I'll have two arrogant, attractive stepbrothers to avoid-Royce and Dalzell, and their sullen, mysterious cousin, Layne. Jock kings of Addington University. Perfect sons. Handsome devils who can do no wrong. That's what my mom says anyway.
The plan was to come for the ceremony and fly back home the following day. But that's before I stumbled across something sinister in the forest on the morning of the happiest day of my mom's life.
I saw what those boys did.
And now that I'm a witness to their crime, they won't let me leave.
The Huntsmen is a dark, gritty, enemies to lovers, reverse harem romance series, meaning the FMC will have more than one love interest. The Main Characters are in their early 20's. Single POV. Three book series set at Addington University.
Author's note: This series contains bullying, fighting, cussing, violence, murder, explicit sex scenes, and drug use. Ends on a cliffy.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2023
533 people are currently reading
1950 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 27, 2024
Scorn is one of the worst books I have ever read. I only highlighted intermittently, but still recorded over a hundred run on sentences, missing words, misused homonyms, words that do not mean what the author seems to think they do, misconjugated verbs and the like. The most prevalent issue was punctuation. This author does not understand commas or apostrophes at all.
And, as if that wasn't bad enough, the story itself is terrible too. I was in the mood for a trashy thriller. I was perfectly ready to accept some crazy, smutty shenanigans. What I wasn't ready for was:
1) The utter tedium of New Adult/college "romance". What could be more boring than drunken overgrown children attending classes, playing disgusting pranks, and being weirdly territorial over sport?
2) The not terribly veiled misogyny and slut shaming. The heroine is idolised and desired, despite all her faux modesty. She slut shames her sort-of-friend Nadia in the guise of some friendly advice. All the other women are scorned as mindless groupies, desperate to "drop their panties" for our man-child anti-heroes. While we're on the subject of panty dropping, I feel I must say that every time the heroine says she "filled her panties", I get visions of her shitting herself and that is one of the least sexy things ever. Anyway...
3) How incredibly fucking stupid the heroine is. How fucking hard is it to remember that these guys chased you through the forest with a gun? Is this some kind of bratty Stockholm syndrome? It's a car crash. Where is her self respect? Or her survival instinct for that matter? Where does she get off in judging other women for flirting, when she is gagging to have sex with guys who actually threatened her life and her mother's?
I could probably have put up with one of these things, but not all of them.
And, as if that wasn't bad enough, the story itself is terrible too. I was in the mood for a trashy thriller. I was perfectly ready to accept some crazy, smutty shenanigans. What I wasn't ready for was:
1) The utter tedium of New Adult/college "romance". What could be more boring than drunken overgrown children attending classes, playing disgusting pranks, and being weirdly territorial over sport?
2) The not terribly veiled misogyny and slut shaming. The heroine is idolised and desired, despite all her faux modesty. She slut shames her sort-of-friend Nadia in the guise of some friendly advice. All the other women are scorned as mindless groupies, desperate to "drop their panties" for our man-child anti-heroes. While we're on the subject of panty dropping, I feel I must say that every time the heroine says she "filled her panties", I get visions of her shitting herself and that is one of the least sexy things ever. Anyway...
3) How incredibly fucking stupid the heroine is. How fucking hard is it to remember that these guys chased you through the forest with a gun? Is this some kind of bratty Stockholm syndrome? It's a car crash. Where is her self respect? Or her survival instinct for that matter? Where does she get off in judging other women for flirting, when she is gagging to have sex with guys who actually threatened her life and her mother's?
I could probably have put up with one of these things, but not all of them.
July 9, 2025
I loved the heroine at the beginning. She came in as a total badass. But then, barely a week into the school year, two of the guys showed her a tiny bit of kindness, and suddenly, she lost all her fire. And by “kindness,” I mean the bare minimum: they defended her in private, flirted a little, and gave back money they stole from her in the first place.
She completely forgot about the murder and didn’t make a single genuine attempt to escape. Not one.
The boys didn’t apologize, didn’t change, and there was no major turning point in their behavior. And yet… the heroine just folded. Lust took over, and she turned pliable. She even let two of the guys sleep with her - one after the other - and then acted like they were a married couple immediately after. I was screaming: Girl, get a grip and remember who they are! But no. She just… didn’t.
Yes, there were several subplots that kept me mildly interested - the mystery man in the tree, what really happened with her stepdad and father, who gave Layne those scars, the photo guy, and whether her mom is being abused. And I did enjoy the jealousy and possessiveness from the guys. But let’s be real: there was no real main plot besides her supposed escape - and she didn’t even try.
This book gave us zero answers. All we know is that her stepfamily is shady as hell, her mom is terrified of something, and the book ends with masked intruders knocking the FMC out (cliffhanger).
I need the heroine to bring back her badass, bitchy energy, because this watered-down version is not it.
⸻
Theory:
I’m calling it now - Nate, the frat guy trying to date Charlotte, is either Alan Longmire’s (her supposedly dead stepfather’s) son or the guy-in-the-tree’s kid. It’s way too obvious. And can we talk about how she didn’t even question how Nate’s dad was murdered?? Like… that’s not a small detail. People being murdered should raise more red flags.
She completely forgot about the murder and didn’t make a single genuine attempt to escape. Not one.
The boys didn’t apologize, didn’t change, and there was no major turning point in their behavior. And yet… the heroine just folded. Lust took over, and she turned pliable. She even let two of the guys sleep with her - one after the other - and then acted like they were a married couple immediately after. I was screaming: Girl, get a grip and remember who they are! But no. She just… didn’t.
Yes, there were several subplots that kept me mildly interested - the mystery man in the tree, what really happened with her stepdad and father, who gave Layne those scars, the photo guy, and whether her mom is being abused. And I did enjoy the jealousy and possessiveness from the guys. But let’s be real: there was no real main plot besides her supposed escape - and she didn’t even try.
This book gave us zero answers. All we know is that her stepfamily is shady as hell, her mom is terrified of something, and the book ends with masked intruders knocking the FMC out (cliffhanger).
I need the heroine to bring back her badass, bitchy energy, because this watered-down version is not it.
⸻
Theory:
I’m calling it now - Nate, the frat guy trying to date Charlotte, is either Alan Longmire’s (her supposedly dead stepfather’s) son or the guy-in-the-tree’s kid. It’s way too obvious. And can we talk about how she didn’t even question how Nate’s dad was murdered?? Like… that’s not a small detail. People being murdered should raise more red flags.
May 2, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a good step sibling taboo romance and the fact that it was reverse harem made it even better. I love the banter between the characters and found myself giggling at their interactions.
I also love the mystery behind this plot, but with that said, I’m hoping for some answers in book 2. Who was the man in the woods? Why did Alan give her the scar and what exactly happened with her dad? Who attacked her? What is going on with her mother?
I have a lot of unanswered questions and I’m really keeping my fingers crossed that I won’t be disappointed in book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a good step sibling taboo romance and the fact that it was reverse harem made it even better. I love the banter between the characters and found myself giggling at their interactions.
I also love the mystery behind this plot, but with that said, I’m hoping for some answers in book 2. Who was the man in the woods? Why did Alan give her the scar and what exactly happened with her dad? Who attacked her? What is going on with her mother?
I have a lot of unanswered questions and I’m really keeping my fingers crossed that I won’t be disappointed in book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
3.75
Honestly this book was not good, but I was entertained. The writing is pretty bad as well as the dialogue. I liked our main character well enough. The plot is fine, this also wasn’t as spicy as I thought it was going to be which is fine. I feel like we don’t really get to know the love interests. That being said though I was entertained and the cliffhanger was crazy.
Honestly this book was not good, but I was entertained. The writing is pretty bad as well as the dialogue. I liked our main character well enough. The plot is fine, this also wasn’t as spicy as I thought it was going to be which is fine. I feel like we don’t really get to know the love interests. That being said though I was entertained and the cliffhanger was crazy.
January 23, 2023
4/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️
What's better than 1 step brother? How about 2 and a cousin? I really enjoyed this why choose novel by P Mulholland. I didn't remember the blurb when I went to start it, only that it was step-brother and I kept trying to figure out which one, even though she seemed closest to the cousin... re-read the blurb and got super excited that I don't have to choose and that Charlie is getting them all.
I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense plotlines in this one. I still have hardly any clue what's going on, but I'm so excited to continue the series. I can't wait to find out how she really got her scar, what's up with her current and former step-dads, and what the LaRoux and Huntsmen rival is really about. It's been fun trying to think of theories throughout the story.
I love Charlotte. She is so strong and can handle herself so well. She's obviously had some past trauma to get her to this point, but I love that it made her rise above instead of cower. She doesn't ever put up with stuff with the guys or anyone else, it's awesome. I also love her friendships that she makes, especially a certain someone we never expect.
This one ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, so I'll be desperately waiting for more.
2/5 🌶️
What's better than 1 step brother? How about 2 and a cousin? I really enjoyed this why choose novel by P Mulholland. I didn't remember the blurb when I went to start it, only that it was step-brother and I kept trying to figure out which one, even though she seemed closest to the cousin... re-read the blurb and got super excited that I don't have to choose and that Charlie is getting them all.
I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense plotlines in this one. I still have hardly any clue what's going on, but I'm so excited to continue the series. I can't wait to find out how she really got her scar, what's up with her current and former step-dads, and what the LaRoux and Huntsmen rival is really about. It's been fun trying to think of theories throughout the story.
I love Charlotte. She is so strong and can handle herself so well. She's obviously had some past trauma to get her to this point, but I love that it made her rise above instead of cower. She doesn't ever put up with stuff with the guys or anyone else, it's awesome. I also love her friendships that she makes, especially a certain someone we never expect.
This one ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, so I'll be desperately waiting for more.
June 9, 2024
Wow, that ending! Talk about roping me into book 2.
Not bad for a non-paranormal book, lol. I would say this book is prob 3.5 to 4 stars would have been more if it was multiple POVs. But book 2 is multiple POVs so I’m excited there.
Pros:
-rh
-plot
-slight to none sexy time for the main characters, so slow burn but it works.
-cliffy 😳
Cons:
-not multiple POVs
-not paranormal hahaha, I had to do it
-FMC worrying about ladies in abuse/bad situations a lot. I get it
Not bad for a non-paranormal book, lol. I would say this book is prob 3.5 to 4 stars would have been more if it was multiple POVs. But book 2 is multiple POVs so I’m excited there.
Pros:
-rh
-plot
-slight to none sexy time for the main characters, so slow burn but it works.
-cliffy 😳
Cons:
-not multiple POVs
-not paranormal hahaha, I had to do it
-FMC worrying about ladies in abuse/bad situations a lot. I get it
March 11, 2024
No me gusta cuando la protagonista solo es fuerte para hacer que los hombres digan : o woah ella es algo diferente y tampoco creo que tengamos que seguir leyendo libros donde debemos detestar a otras mujeres porque les gusta el mismo chico que a la protagonista…. Eso es una historia del 2013… lo pick me se debe dejar ahí.
July 7, 2023
That random cliffhanger? A crime! But luckily book 2 is already out 😆
I have to say this was actually way more entertaining than I thought it would be. It honestly would’ve been four stars if not for the editing. There were just more typos and errors than I could fully ignore.
I have to say this was actually way more entertaining than I thought it would be. It honestly would’ve been four stars if not for the editing. There were just more typos and errors than I could fully ignore.
July 17, 2023
Rating: ⭐
My first problem with this book: the severe lack of editing. There were whole words missing from sentences - this is a first for me. Usually it's bad grammar but this book is riddled with missing words and incorrect use of wording in sentences.
What I thought we were getting:
✅ New Adult
✅ University setting
✅ Bully romance
✅ Past trauma
✅ Mystery and murder
What I got was:
❌ Immature characters
❌ An FMC who was nosy AF
❌ MMCs who were complete idiots
❌ Unrealistic world
I was optimistic about this book going into it. We have Lottie, our FMC who is back in the states for her mother's dream wedding to her dream guy. Lottie clearly left on uneasy terms with her mother after a traumatic event that caused scarring to Lottie's face. Her dad died and her step-father was murdered by said dad. So, she has a lot on her plate. She decides to go for a run and witnesses a murder and unbeknownst to her it was committed by her new step-brothers. This is just what Lottie needs.
This intrigued me and I wanted to know more. Lottie appears to have a good head on her shoulders at the start of this book; but that is where her maturity starts and ends.
What follows is an unrealistic plot where, in order to keep the FMC quiet about the murder, her step-brothers and step-cousin tell her that she must go to uni with them where they can ensure she doesn't tell anyone or they will do something to her mother. She cannot do anything or go anywhere without teachers, TAs, and students on campus informing the Huntsmen men.
Considering this is the basis for keeping Lottie in the family, and was the main pillar of the plot, it was too weak and simply unbelievable for me to digest.
The constant angry insecurity that Lottie not only excludes but literally shouts at people in this book was baffling. Just because you go through something horrific does not give you a pass to be an asshole to people.
Everything in this book is surface level, there is no depth at all. The characters are extremely shallow and the "friendship" with Nadia is not a friendship. Who brings their friend (who is sad and needs cheering up) to a bar and then abandons them to go and hook up with a guy?
Also the weird scene where Lottie spies her mother getting roughly face f*cked by her step-father was crazy and then she proceeds to ask her mother about her sex life.
When I go into an NA book, I expect a degree of maturity from the characters and a sprinkling of credibility for the world it is set in. Unfortunately, I got none of these from Scorn.
Verdict: This book and its characters are about as deep as a puddle. If you're looking for substance or coherence, look elsewhere.
My first problem with this book: the severe lack of editing. There were whole words missing from sentences - this is a first for me. Usually it's bad grammar but this book is riddled with missing words and incorrect use of wording in sentences.
What I thought we were getting:
✅ New Adult
✅ University setting
✅ Bully romance
✅ Past trauma
✅ Mystery and murder
What I got was:
❌ Immature characters
❌ An FMC who was nosy AF
❌ MMCs who were complete idiots
❌ Unrealistic world
I was optimistic about this book going into it. We have Lottie, our FMC who is back in the states for her mother's dream wedding to her dream guy. Lottie clearly left on uneasy terms with her mother after a traumatic event that caused scarring to Lottie's face. Her dad died and her step-father was murdered by said dad. So, she has a lot on her plate. She decides to go for a run and witnesses a murder and unbeknownst to her it was committed by her new step-brothers. This is just what Lottie needs.
This intrigued me and I wanted to know more. Lottie appears to have a good head on her shoulders at the start of this book; but that is where her maturity starts and ends.
What follows is an unrealistic plot where, in order to keep the FMC quiet about the murder, her step-brothers and step-cousin tell her that she must go to uni with them where they can ensure she doesn't tell anyone or they will do something to her mother. She cannot do anything or go anywhere without teachers, TAs, and students on campus informing the Huntsmen men.
Considering this is the basis for keeping Lottie in the family, and was the main pillar of the plot, it was too weak and simply unbelievable for me to digest.
The constant angry insecurity that Lottie not only excludes but literally shouts at people in this book was baffling. Just because you go through something horrific does not give you a pass to be an asshole to people.
Everything in this book is surface level, there is no depth at all. The characters are extremely shallow and the "friendship" with Nadia is not a friendship. Who brings their friend (who is sad and needs cheering up) to a bar and then abandons them to go and hook up with a guy?
Also the weird scene where Lottie spies her mother getting roughly face f*cked by her step-father was crazy and then she proceeds to ask her mother about her sex life.
When I go into an NA book, I expect a degree of maturity from the characters and a sprinkling of credibility for the world it is set in. Unfortunately, I got none of these from Scorn.
Verdict: This book and its characters are about as deep as a puddle. If you're looking for substance or coherence, look elsewhere.
March 28, 2023
I really needed this book. A strong FMC, check. Hot harem, check. Well written, check. Mystery, check.
The book starts off with the FMC, Charlie, coming home from NZ for her mom’s wedding. She’s been gone for over 3 years after fleeing from some trauma with her now dead stepfather and father. The details aren’t entirely known but little snippets are woven throughout the story. We know it’s bad bc the FMC doesn’t go anywhere without a knife, knowing her exits and checking for cameras. She’s also been left with a large scar on her face.
While at her mother’s wedding, Charlie whitenesses a murder in the woods. She comes to find out her new stepbrothers (Daz, and Royce) and step cousin (Layne) are involved. Her stepbrothers use their wealth and power to make her stay in the states and attend their university so they can keep an eye on her.
But university isn’t the fun experimental place it avoids be. Charlie’s steps are the kings of campus with bitter enemies, girls throwing themselves at them and also super possessive. Making friends is hard. Spies are everywhere always reporting back to her steps.
Despite Charlie’s steps being major controlling alpha holes, they are hot. And she is a women with needs so naturally she starts to catch feels.
The book ends with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next one!
The book starts off with the FMC, Charlie, coming home from NZ for her mom’s wedding. She’s been gone for over 3 years after fleeing from some trauma with her now dead stepfather and father. The details aren’t entirely known but little snippets are woven throughout the story. We know it’s bad bc the FMC doesn’t go anywhere without a knife, knowing her exits and checking for cameras. She’s also been left with a large scar on her face.
While at her mother’s wedding, Charlie whitenesses a murder in the woods. She comes to find out her new stepbrothers (Daz, and Royce) and step cousin (Layne) are involved. Her stepbrothers use their wealth and power to make her stay in the states and attend their university so they can keep an eye on her.
But university isn’t the fun experimental place it avoids be. Charlie’s steps are the kings of campus with bitter enemies, girls throwing themselves at them and also super possessive. Making friends is hard. Spies are everywhere always reporting back to her steps.
Despite Charlie’s steps being major controlling alpha holes, they are hot. And she is a women with needs so naturally she starts to catch feels.
The book ends with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
Scorn by P. Mulholland is the First book in The Huntsmen Trilogy. This starts the story of Charlotte 'Charlie', Daz, Royce and Layne. Charlotte has a traumatic past that has left a physical scar on her face. Charlotte had been going to college in New Zealand but had to return to her mother to attend her mother's wedding. There she meets her new step-brothers Royce and Daz along with their cousin Layne. Charlotte doesn't plan on staying there long but inadvertently sees something she shouldn't and the guys aren't letting her out of their site. So, they make her go to the Addington college where they go and are treated like gods. This book does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for more in their story.
September 22, 2023
Why did you read this book?
I wanted to read some reverse harem romances, and this one had good reviews.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an eBook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Philosophy, Psychology, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
What was your favorite part of the book?
My favorite part of the book was the scene with the pink dildo.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes taboo romance, mystery, violence, erotica, and bad boys.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
I liked this book. The female lead has a scar running down her face, and in this book, we never find out how or why it happened. There are hints of possible sexual assault from her ex-stepfather. Her ex-stepfather seemed to have been her stalker and is somehow connected with the suicide of her biological father. Whether or not her biological father murdered her ex-stepfather is hinted at but not confirmed. The three love interests our little psychos. Once the female lead witnesses them murdering someone, they decide to trap her and keep her with them. It isn't revealed what kind of dark and dangerous things this family is into, but it hints at them being part of a mob, especially with a rival family wanting to go to war with them. This is an enemies-to-lovers romance. I really like how the romance between the love interests unfolds. There is a taboo nature because two of her love interests are her new stepbrothers. This book leaves us on a cliffhanger where the female lead is knocked out because of an intruder. Overall, this is a very fresh take on a dark romance, and I'm looking forward to more.
How intense are the intimacy scenes?
The intimacy scenes are intense and vividly detailed. MF, MFM, voyeurism.
At what “burn” level is the romance?
Super HOT!
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender?
There are three love interests, and all of them males.
Dalezz (Daz)- one of her new stepbrothers. He's described as Clark Kent disguised as the Devil. (Yandere)
Royce- the grumpy, popular quarterback. He is also one of her new stepbrothers.
Layne- He's Daz and Royce’ cousin. He looks like a bad boy with all his tattoos and scars, but he seems like a sweetheart and is an incredible artist. (He's my favorite.)
Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Suicide, Scars, Trivializing Mental Illness, Romanticized Mental Illness, PTSD, Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Alcoholism, Trauma, Nightmares about Traumatic Events, Non-consent behavior
Disabilities: Lifechanging injury
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Pedophilia?, Sexual Predator, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault?, Dubious Consent, Violent Sex
Violence and Death: Death, Death of a Loved One?, Graphic Deaths, Murder, Execution, Hangings (Not by suicide), Suffocation, Gore, Violence against Children?, Child Abuse?, Physical Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence
Other: Slut Shaming, Body Shaming, Female Oppression, Bullying, Profanity, Classism, Sexism
I wanted to read some reverse harem romances, and this one had good reviews.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an eBook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Philosophy, Psychology, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
What was your favorite part of the book?
My favorite part of the book was the scene with the pink dildo.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes taboo romance, mystery, violence, erotica, and bad boys.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
I liked this book. The female lead has a scar running down her face, and in this book, we never find out how or why it happened. There are hints of possible sexual assault from her ex-stepfather. Her ex-stepfather seemed to have been her stalker and is somehow connected with the suicide of her biological father. Whether or not her biological father murdered her ex-stepfather is hinted at but not confirmed. The three love interests our little psychos. Once the female lead witnesses them murdering someone, they decide to trap her and keep her with them. It isn't revealed what kind of dark and dangerous things this family is into, but it hints at them being part of a mob, especially with a rival family wanting to go to war with them. This is an enemies-to-lovers romance. I really like how the romance between the love interests unfolds. There is a taboo nature because two of her love interests are her new stepbrothers. This book leaves us on a cliffhanger where the female lead is knocked out because of an intruder. Overall, this is a very fresh take on a dark romance, and I'm looking forward to more.
How intense are the intimacy scenes?
The intimacy scenes are intense and vividly detailed. MF, MFM, voyeurism.
At what “burn” level is the romance?
Super HOT!
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender?
There are three love interests, and all of them males.
Dalezz (Daz)- one of her new stepbrothers. He's described as Clark Kent disguised as the Devil. (Yandere)
Royce- the grumpy, popular quarterback. He is also one of her new stepbrothers.
Layne- He's Daz and Royce’ cousin. He looks like a bad boy with all his tattoos and scars, but he seems like a sweetheart and is an incredible artist. (He's my favorite.)
Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Suicide, Scars, Trivializing Mental Illness, Romanticized Mental Illness, PTSD, Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Alcoholism, Trauma, Nightmares about Traumatic Events, Non-consent behavior
Disabilities: Lifechanging injury
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Pedophilia?, Sexual Predator, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault?, Dubious Consent, Violent Sex
Violence and Death: Death, Death of a Loved One?, Graphic Deaths, Murder, Execution, Hangings (Not by suicide), Suffocation, Gore, Violence against Children?, Child Abuse?, Physical Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence
Other: Slut Shaming, Body Shaming, Female Oppression, Bullying, Profanity, Classism, Sexism
July 24, 2024
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶
The cover is what drew me in, but the story was kind of meh.....
Tropes
✅️Dark College Romance
✅️Stepbrother Romance
✅️Why Choose
✅️Enemies to Lovers
Triggers
☑️Mention of Child Abuse/Assault
☑️Bullying
Char is in town for her mother's wedding to her new stepfather, Robert Huntsman. While on a run to blow off some anxiety before the ceremony, Char stumbles across a man hanging from a tree. Initially, she thinks this is a suicide attempt, so she tries to save the stranger. Before she can cut him down, she notices two masked males with guns watching her. Char refuses to be a victim again because of her past trauma, so she fights them off as best as she can and manages to make it back the estate. She pulls herself together enough to get through this wedding for her mom. However, when the ceremony starts and she sees her new stepbrothers and their cousin for the first time, she immediately recognizes them as the masked attackers.
Before Char can high tail it out of there and jump on a plane, she realizes that her wallet, ID, and phone battery are gone. Turns out her new stepbrothers, Daz, Royce, and their cousin Layne plan on keeping a close eye on her.
Essentially, they blackmail Char into staying with them and transfer her to the same College so they can make sure she doesn't narc to the police. Char is then forced to navigate her new life full of fake friends, family enemies, and her hotter than sin stepbrothers.
🔸️Char continually mentions flashbacks of her childhood trauma. Her previous stepfather was a total perv. She mentions him secretly recording her, so she is constantly paranoid about cameras in new places, especially bathrooms. She has tried her best to move on and better herself. She has learned kickboxing so she can never let herself be weak like she was in her past. There are scars on the outside she can't hide though. During her attack, her stepfather put a huge scar from below one of her eyes all the way down to her chin.
Scorn was ok, and the writing could use a bit of work and another run-through with editing.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but it is so abrupt that I had a "That's it?" kind of moment. I don't see the need for this to have been made into 2 books.
3 🌶🌶🌶
The cover is what drew me in, but the story was kind of meh.....
Tropes
✅️Dark College Romance
✅️Stepbrother Romance
✅️Why Choose
✅️Enemies to Lovers
Triggers
☑️Mention of Child Abuse/Assault
☑️Bullying
Char is in town for her mother's wedding to her new stepfather, Robert Huntsman. While on a run to blow off some anxiety before the ceremony, Char stumbles across a man hanging from a tree. Initially, she thinks this is a suicide attempt, so she tries to save the stranger. Before she can cut him down, she notices two masked males with guns watching her. Char refuses to be a victim again because of her past trauma, so she fights them off as best as she can and manages to make it back the estate. She pulls herself together enough to get through this wedding for her mom. However, when the ceremony starts and she sees her new stepbrothers and their cousin for the first time, she immediately recognizes them as the masked attackers.
Before Char can high tail it out of there and jump on a plane, she realizes that her wallet, ID, and phone battery are gone. Turns out her new stepbrothers, Daz, Royce, and their cousin Layne plan on keeping a close eye on her.
Essentially, they blackmail Char into staying with them and transfer her to the same College so they can make sure she doesn't narc to the police. Char is then forced to navigate her new life full of fake friends, family enemies, and her hotter than sin stepbrothers.
🔸️Char continually mentions flashbacks of her childhood trauma. Her previous stepfather was a total perv. She mentions him secretly recording her, so she is constantly paranoid about cameras in new places, especially bathrooms. She has tried her best to move on and better herself. She has learned kickboxing so she can never let herself be weak like she was in her past. There are scars on the outside she can't hide though. During her attack, her stepfather put a huge scar from below one of her eyes all the way down to her chin.
Scorn was ok, and the writing could use a bit of work and another run-through with editing.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but it is so abrupt that I had a "That's it?" kind of moment. I don't see the need for this to have been made into 2 books.
November 25, 2023
Just ok so far
This book has a good storyline. Charlotte comes back to the U.S. from living in New Zealand for the last 3ish years to attend her mother's wedding to a rich guy she's never met. While on a run before the wedding, she sees 2 guys killing someone in the forest. Turns out they are her new stepbrother and stepcousin. In order to make sure she doesn't say anything about the crime, they make her stay and attend their university in order to keep an eye on her.
What is interesting is Charlotte's history. She has a scar on her face that she is self-conscious about, and we do find out who gave it to her, but not the whole story. So far, Charlotte only seems to be attracted to the cousin, but one stepbrother (she has 2), also expressed interest in her, so I'm intrigued to find out how Charlotte gets involved with all 3. The story ends on a cliffhanger as well, and I'm interested enough to continue on with the series to see how that plays out.
What I didn't like about this book was that it was so slow paced. At times, I found myself skipping over paragraphs. Also, this author has done what is one of my all-time pet peeves in books. It drives me crazy when someone writes a book about American characters but are obviously not from america. It is always obvious in the words and phrases they use. I wish they would pass the books off to be proofread/edited by an American sothe characters would sound American!!! Or better yet, just write what you know! If you are from New Zealand, write a book about New Zealanders!!
This book has a good storyline. Charlotte comes back to the U.S. from living in New Zealand for the last 3ish years to attend her mother's wedding to a rich guy she's never met. While on a run before the wedding, she sees 2 guys killing someone in the forest. Turns out they are her new stepbrother and stepcousin. In order to make sure she doesn't say anything about the crime, they make her stay and attend their university in order to keep an eye on her.
What is interesting is Charlotte's history. She has a scar on her face that she is self-conscious about, and we do find out who gave it to her, but not the whole story. So far, Charlotte only seems to be attracted to the cousin, but one stepbrother (she has 2), also expressed interest in her, so I'm intrigued to find out how Charlotte gets involved with all 3. The story ends on a cliffhanger as well, and I'm interested enough to continue on with the series to see how that plays out.
What I didn't like about this book was that it was so slow paced. At times, I found myself skipping over paragraphs. Also, this author has done what is one of my all-time pet peeves in books. It drives me crazy when someone writes a book about American characters but are obviously not from america. It is always obvious in the words and phrases they use. I wish they would pass the books off to be proofread/edited by an American sothe characters would sound American!!! Or better yet, just write what you know! If you are from New Zealand, write a book about New Zealanders!!
January 28, 2023
This is book 1 in a planned trilogy. It ends on a cliffhanger!
Charlie is a young woman going to college in New Zealand. She comes back to the US for her mother's wedding, but plans on going right back to NZ. The day of the wedding, she witnesses something in the woods that make her 2 new stepbrothers, Royce and Daz, and their cousin, Layne, forbid her from going home. Instead, she will go to their university. She gets to know more about them, and soon, lines are blurred...
I just absolutely loooooved this book! I haven't been this invested in a story in forever!!! The cliffhanger killed me, and I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3! I already pre-ordered them both, so I know I'll only have peace of mind in July... Charlie is very different from me, but I could identify to her anyway, and her relationships with the 3 MMCs are interesting, to say the least. I enjoyed her making new friends, though difficult it was, and how she always seems to wnd up seeing the positive side of things. My favorite is Daz, closely followed by Layne. Royse still has to prove to me that he deserves Charlie! Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves RH! It's a lovely RH, and the stepbrother aspect is just the cherry on top!
Charlie is a young woman going to college in New Zealand. She comes back to the US for her mother's wedding, but plans on going right back to NZ. The day of the wedding, she witnesses something in the woods that make her 2 new stepbrothers, Royce and Daz, and their cousin, Layne, forbid her from going home. Instead, she will go to their university. She gets to know more about them, and soon, lines are blurred...
I just absolutely loooooved this book! I haven't been this invested in a story in forever!!! The cliffhanger killed me, and I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3! I already pre-ordered them both, so I know I'll only have peace of mind in July... Charlie is very different from me, but I could identify to her anyway, and her relationships with the 3 MMCs are interesting, to say the least. I enjoyed her making new friends, though difficult it was, and how she always seems to wnd up seeing the positive side of things. My favorite is Daz, closely followed by Layne. Royse still has to prove to me that he deserves Charlie! Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves RH! It's a lovely RH, and the stepbrother aspect is just the cherry on top!
March 13, 2023
Dark, reverse harem stepbrother (and cousin) college romance by a new to me author. Overall I did like the book and am excited to continue the series. First in series books are always hard for me because it’s a lot of slow burn and build up, but this book did have enough drama, suspense and action to keep the reader engaged. The book centered around two brothers (Royce and Daz) and their cousin Layne who more or less force their new stepsister/cousin Charlotte into attending their university after she witnessed them committing a crime. All four main characters come with a lot of baggage and the book barely scratches the surface before ending on a cliffhanger. At times the writing was a bit odd for me, but I think it was more due to the author likely writing in a more European style of English while I’m in the US. The ebook formatting also gave me a headache but I’m guessing that is getting resolved before going to final publishing. Those issues aside, a solid dark/bully romance for fans of those genres!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
DESCRIPTION:
Charlotte (Charlie or Lottie) moved to New Zealand when she was 16 with her aunt. She had a tragic/nightmare of unfortunate events happen to her. She lost her stepdad and her dad one night. No one really knows what happens besides Charlie and she is not ready to tell that secret. She came back to the States for her mom’s wedding. She could not wait to get back to New Zealand until she witnessed something in the woods behind her “new” stepdad’s house….
Royce, Daz, and Layne are brothers. Their dad is marrying Charlie’s mom, however, they are not sure why. The first time they met Charlie was in the woods when she witnessed something that she should have not. They ended up taking her passport and plane ticket and keeping her there and transferring her schools to theirs so they could watch her and make sure she does not tell their secret.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book was cute and slightly funny. There is darkness to the characters and I had a lot of questions, hopefully, I will find out those questions in either book 1 or book 2. There are some grammar errors, but nothing horrible.
Charlotte (Charlie or Lottie) moved to New Zealand when she was 16 with her aunt. She had a tragic/nightmare of unfortunate events happen to her. She lost her stepdad and her dad one night. No one really knows what happens besides Charlie and she is not ready to tell that secret. She came back to the States for her mom’s wedding. She could not wait to get back to New Zealand until she witnessed something in the woods behind her “new” stepdad’s house….
Royce, Daz, and Layne are brothers. Their dad is marrying Charlie’s mom, however, they are not sure why. The first time they met Charlie was in the woods when she witnessed something that she should have not. They ended up taking her passport and plane ticket and keeping her there and transferring her schools to theirs so they could watch her and make sure she does not tell their secret.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book was cute and slightly funny. There is darkness to the characters and I had a lot of questions, hopefully, I will find out those questions in either book 1 or book 2. There are some grammar errors, but nothing horrible.
January 24, 2023
The biggest tropes in this book are stepsiblings, reverse harem, dark romance, and bullying. The FMC has a huge scar on her face. Her name is Charlotte. Charlotte was living in New Zealand until her mother remarried then she returns to the US. Charlotte sees something she shouldn't have and her stepbrothers and stepcousin Royce, Dazell, and Layne won't let her return home. All of them start attending college together at Addington. The boys are basically worshipped. Charlotte doesn't have the easiest time due to her scar on her face hence the bullying. The book does end on a major cliff hanger. Charlotte figures out some family secrets too that her mom married into. Charlotte has secrets of her own that she hasn't shared with anyone. Charlotte starts to develop relationships with the boys. I'm looking forward to see where the next 2 books go. I did enjoy this book. I hope Charlotte gets stronger like I know she is.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2023
After a couple of years of avoiding her mother Charlotte is in town for her mother’s wedding. Her life is upended when she witnesses something she shouldn’t have. With that comes a dubious step family. The brothers and cousin make her life miserable yet she has an underlying attraction to all of them. It’s a slow burn romance with crazy. The sexual tension gradually makes it way to a crescendo that none of them can deny. While most of the story Charlotte avoids the step siblings and deals with being under constant surveillance. It picks up after Charlotte makes an attempt at dating. This sparks the tensions and heat drastically. Just as the story picks up it ends with an ominous cliffhanger. I’m not really sure where to go with this, but it leads to a lot of questions yet to be answered. I’m excited for the second book as I’m sure the drama, action, taboo r.h. romance will be kicked up a notch or two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2023
This is the book one of the series. Bullying, fighting, swearing, violence, murder, explicit sex scenes, and drug usage are all depicted in this series. Ends on a cliffhanger.
After being gone for three years Charlotte returns home to attend her mothers wedding to a millionaire named Robert. Robert has 2 sons and a nephew and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They force her to stay home and attend Arlington University with them because she witnessed something she shouldn’t have.
Charlotte is a strong woman who does not back down lightly. She has survived some awful things. She must navigate her new surroundings while digging up dirt on her new family in order to bury them. Her mother is no assistance, and her attraction to the boys doesn't help either. They draw closer to her heart as she gets closer to uncovering more of their secrets.
I read this book so fast! It easily kept my attention. I love how bad ass Charlotte is. I can’t wait to read book two to find out what happens and what other secrets are going to be revealed!
After being gone for three years Charlotte returns home to attend her mothers wedding to a millionaire named Robert. Robert has 2 sons and a nephew and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They force her to stay home and attend Arlington University with them because she witnessed something she shouldn’t have.
Charlotte is a strong woman who does not back down lightly. She has survived some awful things. She must navigate her new surroundings while digging up dirt on her new family in order to bury them. Her mother is no assistance, and her attraction to the boys doesn't help either. They draw closer to her heart as she gets closer to uncovering more of their secrets.
I read this book so fast! It easily kept my attention. I love how bad ass Charlotte is. I can’t wait to read book two to find out what happens and what other secrets are going to be revealed!
July 9, 2023
Rated: 3 Stars.
This book began when Charlotte was visiting her mom to attend her wedding to Robert. An unexpected run found her in unexpected situations where she encountered three men and a murder. After that moment it was a whirlwind leading to her return to New Zealand shot dead in the water.
As her two Step-brothers and cousin flip up her life, Charlotte is forced to attend the same school with them. Adamant to escape and return home, she plots ways to disappear to do just that. Until she just literally rarely thinks of it after a few nice words from the brothers and cousin.
The book is slow, painfully slow. But I kept reading as I waited for something to happen to Charlotte because I could see something would, sadly, it took til basically the last few pages of the book. I'm not overly enjoying this book but I have questions and need answers so I will read book 2. I'm hoping the story telling improves. For new readers, its not an awful read, if you're not accustomed to darker reads with heavy TW then you may thoroughly enjoy this book.
This book began when Charlotte was visiting her mom to attend her wedding to Robert. An unexpected run found her in unexpected situations where she encountered three men and a murder. After that moment it was a whirlwind leading to her return to New Zealand shot dead in the water.
As her two Step-brothers and cousin flip up her life, Charlotte is forced to attend the same school with them. Adamant to escape and return home, she plots ways to disappear to do just that. Until she just literally rarely thinks of it after a few nice words from the brothers and cousin.
The book is slow, painfully slow. But I kept reading as I waited for something to happen to Charlotte because I could see something would, sadly, it took til basically the last few pages of the book. I'm not overly enjoying this book but I have questions and need answers so I will read book 2. I'm hoping the story telling improves. For new readers, its not an awful read, if you're not accustomed to darker reads with heavy TW then you may thoroughly enjoy this book.
February 6, 2023
This is the first book in a trilogy. Charlie attends college in New Zealand, and she returns to the US when her mother is getting married to a wealthy and handsome man, then she plans to return to college straight after the wedding. Charlie meets her new stepbrothers Royce, and Dalzell, and their cousin Layne. On the day of the wedding Charlie witnesses something in the woods that she should not have, and now the boys are forbidding her from returning to New Zealand, and she must attend the same university as them. This story ends in a cliffy and I cannot wait to read the second book. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, intense, and intriguing, with secrets, bullying, danger, suspense, mystery, emotions, and twists, which leads to a riveting page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2023
Layne, Royce and Dazell are the Huntsmen. These men are her stepbrothers and step cousin. Charlie has returned to participate in her mom’s wedding to Robert Huntman. Charlie has had a very difficult life and has a large scar on her face. She is very shrewd and adept in defending herself and using weapons. The day of the wedding Charlie goes out for a run and witnesses something she shouldn’t see regarding her new step brothers/cousin. The guys are able to maneuver to prevent her from going back to New Zealand and to attend the same college as them so they can watch her. This reverse harem relationship is a slow burn. There are many unanswered questions in this first book, things that are teased or hinted at. This book ends on a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to book 2 to hopefully have some questions answered. Great book a little slow moving hoping things pick up in books 2 and 3.
January 2, 2026
Contains spoilers
(This review is for me to remember the book)
I liked the start of the book when she first met her step brothers in the forest and they tried to hunt her down but she got away.
They blackmailed her into staying and not going back home to New Zealand and told her they would frame her for killing the guy in the forest.
Layne was my favourite, and we didn’t get to see much or Royce but we did get to see a little bit of Daz too.
I was so glad when Layne and Lottie finally fucked 😂 then tension was so much, when they fucked in the pool and the brothers were watching and then that night Daz came into her room and fixed her while Layne was there.
I’ve just finished the book and the ending what a cliff hanger!
Who tried to shoot her and who knocked Charlotte out, also is Robert abusing her Mum
(This review is for me to remember the book)
I liked the start of the book when she first met her step brothers in the forest and they tried to hunt her down but she got away.
They blackmailed her into staying and not going back home to New Zealand and told her they would frame her for killing the guy in the forest.
Layne was my favourite, and we didn’t get to see much or Royce but we did get to see a little bit of Daz too.
I was so glad when Layne and Lottie finally fucked 😂 then tension was so much, when they fucked in the pool and the brothers were watching and then that night Daz came into her room and fixed her while Layne was there.
I’ve just finished the book and the ending what a cliff hanger!
Who tried to shoot her and who knocked Charlotte out, also is Robert abusing her Mum
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2023
Charlotte reluctantly comes home after 3 years to attend her mom's wedding to a millionaire. She meets his two sons and nephew who appear to be shrouded in secrecy and danger. After witnessing something she shouldn't she is forced to move home permanently and attend the university where the boys rule until they decide she can be trusted not to spill the secret. She has a rough time at the university with people making fun of her scarred face but the boys unexpectedly come to her defence, despite having her followed and banning her from dating. While she wants to take the boys down things predictably get steamy between them. Warning this ends on a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next release.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2023
Charlotte (FMC) is back in her hometown after years of living in New Zealand attending her mothers wedding. Now she has to contend with a mother that she doesnt have much affinity with, a new stepfather, 2 stepbrothers - Royce & Daz and their cousin - Layne. When her first meeting with the 3 Huntsmen boys ends up being more traumatic than she'd hoped for when Charlotte gets dragged into their game of keeping her under their control so she doesnt say anything that shes seen. By playing a seductive game with Charlotte and using students to keep track of all of her movements. I loved her sassy attitude, wit and funny one-liners throughout this book and that cliffhanger ending was epic!! Bring on the next book because this one was a great start. Knockout!
April 20, 2025
it’s interesting
The boys are kinda icky and the FMC annoys me. She’s been training for years now but somehow her only useful fighting skill is a kick to the nads. She’s incredibly wishy washy with her feelings and thoughts so it’s kind of grating on my nerves. Being the first book I’m hoping she grows a more solid backbone. A whole star for not being a v card holder cause nothing is worse than a RH with a virginal FMC. Another star for the interesting plot even though my brain knew what was gonna happen I still had fun watching it unfold so yay. And a whole star for the spice so far. As a Maori it’s always a pleasure seeing us mentioned in books 🥰 if we get more of her ex please at least don’t make him too bad 😭 NZ is watching 👀👀
The boys are kinda icky and the FMC annoys me. She’s been training for years now but somehow her only useful fighting skill is a kick to the nads. She’s incredibly wishy washy with her feelings and thoughts so it’s kind of grating on my nerves. Being the first book I’m hoping she grows a more solid backbone. A whole star for not being a v card holder cause nothing is worse than a RH with a virginal FMC. Another star for the interesting plot even though my brain knew what was gonna happen I still had fun watching it unfold so yay. And a whole star for the spice so far. As a Maori it’s always a pleasure seeing us mentioned in books 🥰 if we get more of her ex please at least don’t make him too bad 😭 NZ is watching 👀👀
January 13, 2023
Started strong and intense, the lull in the plot line waa taking too long for me, i felt bored in the middle.
But the character, specially Charlotte as main female was the one who keep me going. She's feisty, smart and strong with her background abused and scar she have to take in her face, literally.
The boys are tempting, but nothing dirty there until after 50%ish. And even then its slow burn on the steamy scenes. I regret why the first kinda menage done in the daek and done so fast, i barelly feel it happened.
Intensity at the end leading me to anxiety for the sexond book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But the character, specially Charlotte as main female was the one who keep me going. She's feisty, smart and strong with her background abused and scar she have to take in her face, literally.
The boys are tempting, but nothing dirty there until after 50%ish. And even then its slow burn on the steamy scenes. I regret why the first kinda menage done in the daek and done so fast, i barelly feel it happened.
Intensity at the end leading me to anxiety for the sexond book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2023
I loved this book about Charlotte and the 3 Huntsman boys. Charlottes mom marries Robert Huntsman and she all of a sudden gets 2 handsome stepbrothers and a handsome cousin. Char hopes to attend the wedding and fly back home to New Zealand until she witnesses something in the woods that can’t be unseen and now her strep brother’s will not let her return home. They transfer her to their university so they can keep an eye on her. Such a good book that ends on a cliffhanger and can’t wait until the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2023
This book started out slow, but the twist and turns of it was really good. I couldn't put it down after half way through. The premise regarding the two rivals was really neat, and the whole mystery about the guy in the beginning drove me crazy because I wanted to know who he was!!
The only complaint I have about the book is that I felt it moved a little too slow in the beginning. I understand there was some development that needed to be done, but still thought it dragged just a bit.
Overall, I loved it and already pre-ordered book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The only complaint I have about the book is that I felt it moved a little too slow in the beginning. I understand there was some development that needed to be done, but still thought it dragged just a bit.
Overall, I loved it and already pre-ordered book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews