ErikaWasReading’s Reviews > Filthy Elites > Status Update

Ruined by Charlene Raquel
⭐⭐⭐

The writing wasn’t my favorite, but I wondered if it was because this was a post-series novel. Adrian (MMC) was part of the event of her Secret Societies trilogy, and this story takes place immediately after those events. Honestly, my favorite part of this book was actually Riley and Xander, so I hope they get a series.

Toxic Hearts by May Sage as Emm Darcy
⭐⭐⭐

For as many of the bully romances that have a similar set-up, I was a bit surprised by the twist that cleared the path for them to move forward. It was a little cliche in places but served as an excellent intro to the world, so I’ll definitely grab Camden’s book.

Obsession by Gemma Weir
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have previously read and loved Gemma’s Mountain Men books. And while those brothers are possessive and all-in, they are all kind of cinnamon rolls. It was fun to see Gemma go in the opposite direction with a hero who was dark and toxic.

Broken Brutal Heart by Eva Chance
⭐⭐⭐1/2

A fun RH mafia romance. I liked Athena was strong and capable, though she was a bit too like a CSI character with her ability to walk in a read a scene in less than 30 seconds. I’m definitely curious to pick up the series.

Even if it Hurts by Sam Marino
⭐⭐⭐⭐

You have to love it when the warning is “if you meet a Dare [hero], in the real world, you should run like the wind.” All the trigger warnings for this one, but it was also everything we love about dark, bully romance.

Blacklisted by Angel Lawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All the dark, dirty things you love about an Angel Lawson novel. My only complaint is that I wanted more!

Forbidden Deviant Games by Lucy Smoke
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Every time I read something from Lucy Smoke in an anthology, I wonder, why don’t I read more of her books? This was a perfect little short story; the characters' attraction was stated from the beginning, and then there was a conflict that brought them together. Plus Viks was hot AF.

Falling for Catastrophe by Michelle Hercules
⭐⭐1/2


This just reads like a generic teen drama, complete with mean girls, scholarship kids, and “intrigue.” Everything feels a bit rushed, which is part of why it just feels so flat and repetitive, which is a bummer because so many folks I follow have given this series high ratings.